°×С½ãÂÛ̳

Addressing a reception for °×С½ãÂÛ̳ alumni in the region, Professor Arthur spoke of the growing links between °×С½ãÂÛ̳ and the UAE, highlighting a number of key projects °×С½ãÂÛ̳, one of the world's leading universities, is taking forward in the areas of health and urban planning relevance to the UAE and wider Arab world.

Projects highlighted by Professor Arthur included:

• The planned establishment of a world class treatment centre to develop stem cell and other treatments for diabetic retinopathy, a condition of major concern in the UAE, where it occurs in high levels among diabetics.
• Development of the °×С½ãÂÛ̳ Institute of Immunity and Transplantation (IIT) at the Royal Free Hospital London to bring together world-leading scientists investigating the role of immunity in disease, and clinicians implementing innovative treatments for patients. Several of the infectious and genetic diseases that will be investigated at the centre, such as diabetes and haemophilia, are more prevalent than average in the region;
• The work of °×С½ãÂÛ̳ Space Syntax - a °×С½ãÂÛ̳ spin-out company - in Dubai to help model urban development and improve future urban planning decisions by predicting the likely effect of urban change on transport, infrastructure, land use, density and value. Ìý

"All of the projects described demonstrate how °×С½ãÂÛ̳ delivers world-leading research and solutions to global challenges and how the institution is a force for good and enriching the local communities, in London and overseas," said Professor Arthur.

Professor Arthur also spoke of °×С½ãÂÛ̳'s growing popularity in the UAE with students: "The total number of enrolled students from the UAE increased by 45% this year and applications from the UAE for entry this September are up 30% as compared to last year. This reflects both our growing profile, which is attractive to students worldwide, as well as the links we have built locally, with an active alumni network of more than 260 former students in the UAE. We were though one of the first UK universities active in the UAE and have visited every year since 1999, since when total enrolments have grown from just seven to 70 today."

"°×С½ãÂÛ̳ will only continue to be successful in these and other exciting endeavours with the support of our alumni community around the world. To that end, we will shortly be launching an ambitious fundraising campaign, and we would naturally welcome support from as many of our alumni as possible, whether in the UK, the UAE or around the world."

Links