Brunel University of London
{{Short description|University in Uxbridge, London}}
{{Redirect-distinguish|University of Brunel|University of Brunei}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}{{Use British English|date=October 2017}}
{{Infobox university
| name = Brunel University of London (BUL)
| image_name = Brunel Univ CoA.svg
| image_size = 180px
| caption = Coat of arms
| latin_name =
| motto =
| established = 1966 – gained university status by royal charter
| free_label = Precursor institutions
| free = Borough Road College (est 1798)
Maria Grey College (1878)
Shoreditch College of Education (1902)
Acton Technical College (1928)
Brunel College of Advanced Technology (1962)
| type = Public
| endowment = £1.57 million (2022){{cite web |url = https://www.brunel.ac.uk/about/information/pdf/Brunel-University-Financial-Statements-2021-22-Signed-by-Council-23rd-November-2022-KPMG-signed-nosigs.pdf| title = Financial Statements for the Year to 31 July 2022 | access-date = 21 February 2023| publisher = Brunel University| page=46}}
| budget = £271.3 million (2021–22)
| chancellor = Richard Sykes
| vice_chancellor = Andrew Jones
| students = {{HESA student population|INSTID=10000961}} ({{HESA year}}){{HESA citation}}
| undergrad = {{HESA undergraduate population|INSTID=10000961}} ({{HESA year}})
| postgrad = {{HESA postgraduate population|INSTID=10000961}} ({{HESA year}})
| doctoral = 974
| other =
| address = Kingston Lane, Uxbridge UB8 3PH
| city =
| country = England, United Kingdom
| coor = {{Coord|51|31|58|N|0|28|22|W|display=inline,title}}
| campus = Suburban
| colours = Blue and gold
{{color box|#333399}} {{color box|#DAA520}}
| mascot =
| website = {{official URL}}
| logo = Brunel-logo.png
| logo_alt =
| logo_size = 200px
| administrative_staff =
| parent = University of London (Joined the federation in 2024)
| affiliations = Association of Commonwealth Universities
European University Association
}}
Brunel University of London (BUL) is a public research university located in the Uxbridge area of London, England. It is named after Isambard Kingdom Brunel, a Victorian engineer and pioneer of the Industrial Revolution. It became a university in June 1966, when Brunel College of Advanced Technology was awarded a royal charter and became Brunel University; it is sometimes considered a plate glass university.
In 2014 the university formally adopted the name Brunel University London, and in 2024 became the University of London's 17th member, adopting the trading name Brunel University of London. Since 2014 the university has been organised into three colleges: the College of Business, Arts and Social Sciences; the College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences; and the College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences.
Brunel has over 16,000 students and 2,200 staff,{{cite web |title=Facts and Figures: Brunel University London (2023-24) |url=https://www.brunel.ac.uk/about/information/pdf/BUL-facts-figures-2023-24.pdf |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=13 September 2024 |website=www.brunel.ac.uk |publisher=Brunel University London}} and an annual income of £271.3 million (2021–22), of which £22.4 million was from research grants and contracts, with an expenditure of £311.9 million. The university won the Queen's Anniversary Prize in 2011. BUL is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, the European University Association, and Universities UK.
History
=Origins=
Brunel University of London is one of a number of British universities which were established in the 1960s following the Robbins Report on higher education. It is sometimes described as a "plate glass university". The university's origins lie in Acton Technical College, which was split into two in 1957: Acton Technical College continued to cater for technicians and craftsmen, and the new Brunel College of Technology (named after Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the British engineer) was dedicated to the education of chartered engineers.
The campus buildings, including the lecture centre, were designed in the Brutalist style of architecture by Richard Sheppard, Robson & Partners, Architects.
In 1960 Brunel College of Technology was awarded the status of College of Advanced Technology, and it was decided that it should expand at another site in order to accommodate the extra buildings that would be needed. Uxbridge was chosen to house the new buildings. Before construction work began the college was officially renamed Brunel College of Advanced Technology in 1962 – the tenth Advanced Technology College in the country, and the last to be awarded this title.
The Uxbridge (Vine Street) railway branch line was closed in 1964, and the college purchased the land adjacent to its site where the railway had run for £65,000 from the local council.{{cite web |url=http://www.brunel.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/26547/Annual_Report_2005.pdf |title=Annual Report 2005 |year=2005 |publisher=Brunel University |access-date=5 May 2011 |archive-date=20 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920005340/https://www.brunel.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/26547/Annual_Report_2005.pdf |url-status=dead }}
=1966 to present=
{{more citations needed section|date=October 2017}}
File:Statue of Brunel at Brunel University.jpg at the university, erected in 2006]]
A royal charter granting university status and the power to award degrees was awarded on 9 June 1966, and the institution became Brunel University.{{Cite web |date=15 February 2017 |title=Amendments to the Charter of Brunel University London |url=https://www.brunel.ac.uk/about/information/pdf/charter.pdf |access-date=December 28, 2022 |website=Brunel University}}{{cite book|author=Mukerji, Siran|title=Cases on Transnational Learning and Technologically Enabled Environments|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vB24k7LvYPUC&pg=PA360|date=31 March 2010|publisher=IGI Global|isbn=978-1-61520-750-3|page=360}}
The university continued to use both campuses until 1971, when it left the Acton site. In 1980, the university merged with Shoreditch College of Education (Shoreditch Training College),{{cite web |title=A brief history of Coopers Hill |url=https://eghammuseum.org/a-brief-history-of-coopers-hill/ |website=Egham Museum |access-date=6 December 2021 |quote=The Egham Museum tells the story of Egham, Egham Hythe, Englefield Green, Thorpe and Virginia Water from pre-history to the present day.}}{{cite web |last1=Foweraker |first1=Ann |title=The Way We Were … |url=https://annfoweraker.com/2016/the-way-we-were/ |website=Ann Foweraker |date=15 October 2016 |access-date=6 December 2021}}{{cite web |title=Shoreditch Training College, Egham |url=https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/c/F197273 |website=The Discovery Service |publisher=The National Archives (United Kingdom) |access-date=6 December 2021}}{{cite web |title=Shoreditch College Archives |url=https://www.brunel.ac.uk/about/Archives/Shoreditch-College-Archives |website=Brunel University London |access-date=6 December 2021}} located at Cooper's Hill, Runnymede, which became Brunel's second campus.
In 1995, the university expanded again, integrating the West London Institute of Higher Education, and adding campuses in Osterley and Twickenham, and increasing the number of courses that the university was able to offer. Traditionally the university's strengths were in engineering, science, and technology, but with the addition of the West London Institute, new departments such as arts, humanities, geography and earth science, health and sports science were added, and the size of the student body increased to over 12,000.
Brunel has been the subject of controversy as its approach to higher education has been both market-driven and politically conservative.{{citation needed|date=October 2017}} The decision to award an honorary degree to Margaret Thatcher in 1996, following the University of Oxford's refusal to do so, provoked an outcry by staff and students and, as a result, the ceremony had to be held in the House of Lords instead of on campus. In the late 1990s, the departments of physics, chemistry and materials engineering were all closed and, in 2004, the then vice-chancellor, Steven Schwartz, initiated the reorganisation of the university's faculties and departments into schools, and closed the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences. The succeeding vice-chancellor, the sociologist Christopher Jenks, took office in 2006.{{cite web |url=http://www.brunel.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/news-items/press/news-24811 |title=Brunel University Appoints Professor Chris Jenks Vice-Chancellor |date=15 February 2006 |publisher=Brunel University |access-date=5 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716054756/http://www.brunel.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/news-items/press/news-24811 |archive-date=16 July 2011}} He was followed by Julia Buckingham, previously at Imperial College London, who took up the position of vice-chancellor at Brunel in 2012.{{Cite web|url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/julia-buckingham-be-next-universities-uk-president|title=Julia Buckingham to be next Universities UK president|date=2019-03-15|website=Times Higher Education (THE)|language=en|access-date=2020-03-02}}
In 2014, the university underwent an internal reorganisation and its name was changed to Brunel University London (BUL) by a supplemental charter dated 16 July 2014. In 2016 Brunel celebrated its 50th anniversary since being awarded its royal charter, and staged a 14-month programme of more than 40 celebratory events.{{Cite web|title=Celebrate|url=https://www.brunel.ac.uk/about/our-history/Celebrate|access-date=2022-01-13|website=www.brunel.ac.uk|language=en-GB}}
In December 2020, the university's chancellor, Sir Richard Sykes, lead an independent review of the UK's Vaccine Taskforce strategy and goals, and in June 2021 he was subsequently appointed as the taskforce's new chair, leading work to find, procure and deliver vaccines and oversee preparations for vaccine booster programmes as part of UK's COVID-19 vaccination programme.{{Cite web|title=Sir Richard Sykes appointed chair of Vaccine Taskforce|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/sir-richard-sykes-appointed-chair-of-vaccine-taskforce|access-date=2022-01-14|website=GOV.UK|language=en}}
In April 2021, it was announced that Julia Buckingham would be stepping down as vice-chancellor and president after nearly 10 years in the role. She was succeeded by Andrew Jones, who took up the position in January 2022.{{Cite web|title=Professor Andrew Jones appointed as Brunel's next Vice-Chancellor and President|url=https://www.brunel.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/articles/Professor-Andrew-Jones-appointed-as-Brunels-next-Vice-Chancellor-and-President|access-date=2022-01-13|website=www.brunel.ac.uk|language=en-GB}}
Brunel became part of the University of London in October 2024, and began using the name Brunel University of London (BUL) as a trading name.{{cite web|url=https://www.brunel.ac.uk/about/information|title=Facts, figures and key university information|website=Brunel|access-date=1 October 2024}}{{cite news |title=Brunel University to join University of London |url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/brunel-university-join-university-london |access-date=25 July 2024 |work=Times Higher Education |date=25 July 2024}}
Campus
File:HSBC at Brunel University - geograph.org.uk - 1518865.jpg
In the late 1990s Brunel devised a 10-year, £250 million masterplan for the campus. This involved selling off campus sites at Runnymede, Osterley and Twickenham and using the revenue from the sales to renovate and update the buildings and facilities on the Uxbridge campus. Works carried out included a library extension, a state-of-the-art sports complex, renovated students' union facilities, a new Health Sciences teaching centre, and the construction of more halls of residence.
The original Brunel campus was designed by Richard Sheppard, Robson and Partners, with many buildings retaining the 1960s 'Brutalist' architectural style. It has appeared in several films, most famously in Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange, large parts of which were filmed on campus, particularly in the John Crank Building (demolished July 2019) and the Grade II listed Lecture Centre.{{cite web |title=The Lecture Centre |url=https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1400162 |website=Historic England |access-date=15 February 2021}} It has also featured in several UK television series including Spooks, Silent Witness, The Sweeney and Inspector Morse.{{cite web|url=http://londonist.com/2012/05/londons-top-brutalist-buildings|title=London's Top Brutalist Buildings|date=24 May 2012}}
Organisation and governance
=Colleges=
Brunel has three constituent Academic Colleges:
;College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences {{cite web |title=College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences {{!}} Brunel University London |url=https://www.brunel.ac.uk/about/cedps |website=www.brunel.ac.uk}}
{{columns-list|colwidth=18em|
- Brunel Design School
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electronic and Electrical Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
}}
;College of Business, Arts and Social Sciences {{cite web |title=College of Business, Arts and Social Sciences {{!}} Brunel University London |url=https://www.brunel.ac.uk/about/cbass |website=www.brunel.ac.uk}}
{{columns-list|colwidth=18em|
- Arts and Humanities
- Brunel Business School
- Brunel Law School
- Economics and Finance
- Education
- Social and Political Sciences
}}
;College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences {{cite web |title=College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences {{!}} Brunel University London |url=https://www.brunel.ac.uk/about/chmls |website=www.brunel.ac.uk}}
{{columns-list|colwidth=18em|
- Brunel Medical School
- Health Sciences
- Life Sciences
}}
=Research institutes=
Research at Brunel has been organised into five institutes {{Cite web|title=Research Institutes, Centres and Groups|url=https://www.brunel.ac.uk/research/Research-directory|access-date=2022-01-13|website=www.brunel.ac.uk|language=en-GB}}
- Institute of Communities and Society
- Institute of Digital Futures
- Institute of Energy Futures
- Institute of Health, Medicine and Environments
- Institute of Materials and Manufacturing
=Governance=
Brunel exists by virtue of a royal charter first granted in 1966 and it has the status of an exempt charity as defined by the Charities Act 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.brunel.ac.uk/about/information|title=Brunel University: A Registered Charity|access-date=23 January 2012|publisher=Brunel University}}
The governing body of Brunel is the council, which comprises university staff and students and independent members. The Council appoints the Vice-Chancellor and other senior officers. The council has established a number of Committees which support its work.
The current Chancellor of the university is Sir Richard Sykes, a biochemist and former Rector of Imperial College London. The Vice-Chancellor since 2022 is Professor Andrew Jones, formerly Deputy President at City, University of London.{{Cite web|title=Professor Andrew Jones|url=https://www.brunel.ac.uk/about/people/Professor-Andrew-Jones|access-date=2022-01-14|website=www.brunel.ac.uk|language=en-GB}}
Brunel's academic governing body is the Senate, which is chaired by the Vice-Chancellor. The Senate's powers, duties and functions are set out in its Ordinances, and it has a number of Committees which support its work.{{Cite web|title=Governance & University Committees|url=https://www.brunel.ac.uk/about/administration/governance-and-university-committees/home|access-date=2022-01-14|website=www.brunel.ac.uk|language=en-GB}}
=Finances=
In the financial year ended 31 July 2020, Brunel had a total income (including share of joint ventures) of £237.1 million (2018–19 – £229.8 million) and total expenditure of £235.7 million (2018–19 – £224.7 million).
Total income for 2019–20 was £237.1 million, £7.3 million (3.2%) higher than in 2018–19. Tuition fees overall increased by £10.1 million, reflecting the increase in the number of students enrolled, while funding body grants were flat at £30.6 million. Research grant income for 2019/ 20 was £3.1 million higher than in 2018–19 on a recognised income basis. Research income reflects the timing of work undertaken on research grants, as income is recognised in the financial statements over a period typically averaging three years. Other income reduced by £6.0 million, or 12.4%. This consists of student residences income, conference, hotel, retail and also income from summer school activity for foreign language students on the campus. All categories were significantly impacted by the pandemic, including the decision by the university not to charge rent for accommodation for the final term.{{Cite web|title=Financial statements|url=https://www.brunel.ac.uk/about/information/financial-statements|access-date=2022-01-14|website=www.brunel.ac.uk|language=en-GB}}
Excluding the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) pension revaluation, expenditure was £9.8 million (4.3%) higher than in 2018–19. Excluding pension adjustments, staff costs of £135.0 million were £15.5 million (13.0%) higher than in 2018–19. The university invested resources in its academic provision as its tuition fee income and student numbers have increased and has also targeted staff cost investment in its information technology provision and other support services. Other operating expenses of £76.9 million were £5.6 million lower than in 2018–19.
=Coat of arms=
File:Shield_of_Brunel_University.svg
The Brunel coat of arms was granted to the university in 1966, and incorporates various images representative of the university's heritage and principles. The masonry arch symbolises Isambard Kingdom Brunel, after whom the university is named; the compass and cogwheel symbolise technology, on which the university initially focussed on and the institution's former status as a College of Advanced Technology; the ermine lozenge is an allusion to the arms of Lord Halsbury, the first Chancellor of the university; and the swan symbolises Uxbridge, where the main campus is located.{{cite web |url=http://www.brunel.ac.uk/services/publications/house-style/coat-of-arms |title=Coat of Arms |date=6 April 2011 |publisher=Brunel University |access-date=5 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110410052225/http://www.brunel.ac.uk/services/publications/house-style/coat-of-arms |archive-date=10 April 2011}}
Academic profile
File:Brunel university01.jpg]]
Brunel students have access to specialist laboratories for electronic imaging, bioprocessing and experimental techniques; flight, driving and train simulators; a 3-D body scanner; an MRI scanner; motion-capture equipment; an occupational therapy suite; sports and performing arts facilities; and academic archives in cult film and contemporary writing.
Depending on the degree course followed, many undergraduate students may choose to undertake practical placements and projects as an integral part of their courses (a founding principle of the sandwich degree structure).
=Research=
In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), 90% of Brunel research submitted was rated as being of international quality.{{cite web |url=http://www.brunel.ac.uk/law/news-and-events/news/2008-09/rae |title=Research Assessment Exercise 2008 |date=15 March 2011 |publisher=Brunel University |access-date=4 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716054817/http://www.brunel.ac.uk/law/news-and-events/news/2008-09/rae |archive-date=16 July 2011}} In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) in 2014 Brunel was ranked 33rd for Research Power.{{cite web|url=http://www.brunel.ac.uk/research/ref-2014 |title=Research Excellence Framework 2014 | Brunel University London |publisher=Brunel.ac.uk |date=2015-09-17 |access-date=2015-10-16}}
A comparison of the data submitted to REF2021 compared to the submission for REF2014 demonstrates a 9.6% increase of staff Full-time equivalent (FTE) submitted, a 5.9% increase in Early Career Researchers, 22% increase in PhD graduation per staff (FTE) per year and a 55% increase in spend per staff (FTE) per year.
Courses at Brunel draw on staff's research in areas including Law, Cancer Genetics, Environmental Science, Human-Centred Design, Materials Processing, Contemporary Music and Digital Performance, Children's Education and Sports Medicine.{{cite web|url=http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/single.htm?ipg=6497|title=Brunel University London|access-date=16 July 2015}}
='Made in Brunel' (annual design exhibition)=
Brunel's Design School holds an annual design exhibition called Made In Brunel, to promote and showcase the work of final year students to the design industry.{{cite web |url=http://madeinbrunel.com/history/ |title=History |publisher=Made in Brunel |access-date=5 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110820110139/http://madeinbrunel.com/history/ |archive-date=20 August 2011}}{{cite web |url=http://madeinbrunel.com/about/ |title=Shows and Events |publisher=Made in Brunel |access-date=5 May 2011}} In past years it has been held at the Business Design Centre in Islington, and the Oxo Tower Wharf.{{citation needed|date=September 2014}} From 2011 onwards the exhibition has been held at the Bargehouse, on the Southbank, London.{{citation needed|date=September 2014}}
=Reputation and rankings=
{{Infobox UK university rankings
| ARWU_W = 701–800
| QS_W = 342=
| THE_W = 351–400
| LINE_1 = 0
| Complete = 79=
| The_Guardian = 120
| Times/Sunday_Times = 107=
| LINE_2 = 0
| TEF = Silver
}}
The university won the Queen's Anniversary Prize in 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.royalanniversarytrust.org.uk/news/winners-announced|title=Winners of the Queen's Anniversary Prizes announced|access-date=16 July 2015}}
BUL was ranked as one of the top 350 universities in the world by the QS World University Rankings 2025{{cite web|url=https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/brunel-university-london#p2-rankings|title=About Brunel University of London|website=Top Universities|access-date=28 October 2024}} and among the top 400 by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025.{{cite web|url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/brunel-university-london|title=Brunel University London|work=Times Higher Education|date=23 March 2023 |access-date=28 October 2024}} In the Complete University Guide 2025 it features among the 50 best UK universities in subjects like civil engineering,{{Cite web|url=https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/league-tables/rankings/civil-engineering|title=Civil Engineering Subject League Table 2025|website=www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk}} computer science{{Cite web|url=https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/league-tables/rankings/computer-science|title=Computer Science Subject League Table 2025|website=www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk}} and law.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/league-tables/rankings/law|title=Law Subject League Table 2025|website=www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk}}
Student life
=Student recreational and general facilities=
Brunel has a gym, spa, and running track with professional training and medical facilities. On campus there is also a pharmacy, a shop, one bar called Locos, a nightclub called Venue, and a café named "1966" after the year of the university's founding. Historically Brunel Student Hall and The Sports Barn were key venues for band tours in the 1970-90's with some of the biggest names in rock music including, Fairport Convention, Fleetwood Mac, The Who, Deep Purple, Genesis, ELO, The Kinks, Thin Lizzy, Joy Division, The Pretenders, The Specials, The Stone Roses. The Sex Pistols played the first gig of their 'Never Mind the Bans Tour'{{Cite web|title=Sex Pistols – Live Brunel University 16.12.77|url=https://www.discogs.com/Sex-Pistols-Live-Brunel-University-161277-/master/1606955|access-date=3 October 2018|website=discogs}} at Brunel on 16 December 1977.{{Cite web|title=MORE MEMORIES OF THE SEX PISTOLS AT BRUNEL UNIVERSITY|url=https://recordcollectormag.com/letters/more-memories-of-the-sex-pistols-at-brunel-university|access-date=18 December 2018|website=record collector}}{{citation needed|date=April 2019}}
The Bannerman Centre at the heart of the campus contains a 4 floor library (opened in 1973 by Heinrich Böll) with c.400,000 books and 1,500 study spaces, usually open 24/7 during term-time.{{cite web|url=https://www.brunel.ac.uk/life/library|title=Brunel University Library|publisher=Brunel University London|access-date=18 May 2021}} The Bannerman Annexe contains the Professional Development (Careers) Centre, PC labs, large teaching rooms with collaborative technology and various student service functions such as the Assistive Technology Centre.
=Union of Brunel Students=
The Union of Brunel Students is the students' union of Brunel University.{{cite web |url=http://brunelstudents.com/about |title=About the Union |access-date=21 January 2012 |publisher=Union of Brunel Students}} The Union is based within the Hamilton Centre on the Uxbridge campus.
Among other services, the Union runs two venues on the Brunel campus: the Venue nightclub, Loco's bar.{{cite web|url=https://brunelstudents.com/social/|title=Social|publisher=Union of Brunel Students|access-date=19 July 2018}}
The Union is led by fourteen democratically elected staff from the student body – six Student Officers, four Standing Committee Chairs and six Working Group Chairs – supported by over thirty professional staff.
=''The Brunel Times & Hillingdon Herald''=
The Brunel Times is Brunel University's official student newspaper. Before 2019, it was called Le Nurb,{{cite web |title=Brunel University student to launch newspaper in memory of uncle and journalist David May {{!}} Media news |url=https://www.journalism.co.uk/news/brunel-university-student-launch-newspaper-memory-of-journalist-family-relative-david-may/s2/a748672/ |website=www.journalism.co.uk |date=13 December 2019}} which has Brunel spelt backwards. Before that, it was a magazine called Route 66, named after the different campus locations Runneymede, Osterley, Uxbridge and Twickenham, not after a bus route which supposedly ran through Brunel's campus along Cleveland Road. The newspaper editorial team is made up of volunteer students and is funded by the Union of Brunel Students. Traditionally, the newspaper has held a left-wing bias and has published interviews with prominent political figures including Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell, a Brunel alum and MP for Hayes and Harlington.
Hillingdon Herald is a monthly newspaper, written and produced by students from Brunel University London, with a focus on the London Borough of Hillingdon and wider London. Launched in October 2021, the first issue included columns from Prime Minister Boris Johnson, MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip; former Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell; and David Simmonds, MP for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner.{{Cite web|title=Hillingdon Herald launches with columns from Prime Minister and former Shadow Chancellor|url=https://www.brunel.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/articles/Hillingdon-Herald-launches-with-columns-from-Prime-Minister-and-former-Shadow-Chancellor|access-date=2022-01-17|website=www.brunel.ac.uk|language=en-GB}}
=Formula Student=
Brunel was one of the first UK universities to enter the Formula Student engineering competition, an annual event in which universities from around the world compete in static and dynamic events using formula style racing cars designed and manufactured by students.{{cite web |url=http://www.formulastudent.com/ |title=Formula Student |publisher=Institute of Mechanical Engineers |access-date=5 May 2011}} Brunel's Formula Student teams have won prizes in the annual competition every year since they first entered in 1999.{{Citation needed|date=October 2017}}
The Brunel Racing team is composed of undergraduate and postgraduate students, each being allocated an area of the car to develop.{{cite web |url=http://www.brunelracing.co.uk/ |title=Brunel Racing |publisher=Brunel Racing |access-date=5 May 2011}} Students on MEng Mechanical Engineering courses act as team leaders and manage BEng students throughout the year to ensure a successful completion of a new car each year. Brunel Racing were UK Class 1 Formula Student Champions in 2002, and were the leading UK team at Formula ATA 2005, the Italian Formula Student event. In 2006 Formula Student Event, Brunel Racing were also the highest finishing UK competitor using E85 (fuel composed of 85% ethanol and 15% petrol.){{cite web|url=https://www.brunel.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/1088/Link2007.pdf|title=Brunnel Link Newsletter 2007|year=2007|editor-last=Bevis|editor-first=Marianne|website=www.brunel.ac.uk|access-date=23 November 2017|archive-date=1 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201034007/https://www.brunel.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/1088/Link2007.pdf|url-status=dead}}
=Student housing=
Brunel's £250 million campus redevelopment programme, completed in 2008, refurbished existing halls and the built the new Isambard Complex. There are 34 self-catering halls of residence on-campus, with a total of 4,549 rooms, including studio flats for co-habiting couples. Rooms are available for undergraduates, postgraduates, students with disabilities and co habiting couples. All rooms have network access.
Many of the halls of residence around the Uxbridge campus are named after bridges that Isambard Kingdom Brunel either built or helped to design; other halls are named after him or other notable engineers or scientists. For example:
- Clifton Hall (after the Clifton Suspension Bridge)
- Saltash Hall (after the Royal Albert Bridge that crosses the River Tamar at Saltash)
- Chepstow Hall (after the bridge across the River Wye at Chepstow)
- Fleming Hall (after Sir Alexander Fleming)
- Faraday Hall (after Sir Michael Faraday)
- Galbraith Hall (after W R Galbraith, who designed the Kew Railway Bridge)
- Mill Hall (after John Stuart Mill)
There are also three accommodation complexes: the Bishop Complex (Bishop, Kilmorey, Lacy and St Margaret's Halls); the Lancaster Complex (Lancaster, Stockwell, Southwark, Borough Road, Maria Grey and Gordon Halls); and the Isambard Complex (North, Meadow, Michael Bevis, Concourse, Stephen Bragg, West, Maurice Kogan, David Neave, Central, East, Runnymede, George Shipp, Trevor Slater, Shoreditch, Syd Urry, South and Brian Winstanley Halls).
Notable academics
- Bernardine Evaristo: Professor of Creative Writing, joint winner of the Booker Prize 2019{{cite web |url=https://bevaristo.com/ |title=Bernardine Evaristo Bernardine Evaristo|website=bevaristo.com |access-date=14 August 2020}}
- Will Self: Professor of Modern Thought
- Heinz Wolff: former Emeritus professor at Brunel University London founded the Brunel Institute for Bioengineering in 1983
- Fiona Templeton: Senior Lecturer in Drama
- Benjamin Zephaniah: former Professor of Creative Writing
- Hannah Lowe: Professor of Creative Writing, poet and winner of the Costa Book Award 2021{{cite news |last1=Flood |first1=Alison |title='Uplifting' book of sonnets by Hannah Lowe wins Costa book of the year |url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2022/feb/01/uplifting-book-of-sonnets-by-hannah-lowe-wins-costa-book-of-the-year |access-date=19 December 2024 |work=The Guardian |date=1 February 2022}}
- Daljit Nagra: Professor of Creative Writing, poet and presenter of BBC Radio 4 Extra's 'Poetry Extra'{{cite web |title=Poetry Extra |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001trhx |website=BBC Radio 4 Extra |access-date=19 December 2024}}
- Fay Weldon: former Professor of Creative Writing
- Celia Brackenridge: former Professor and Director for Youth Sport and Athlete Welfare, and campaigner against abuse and harassment in sport{{cite news |last1=Hencke |first1=David |title=Celia Brackenridge obituary |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/may/24/celia-brackenridge-obituary |access-date=19 December 2024 |date=24 May 2018}}
- Javaid Rehman: Professor of International Law, former UN Rapporteur on Iran {{Cite web|url=https://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/sr-iran|title=Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran | OHCHR}}
- Alexandra Xanthaki: Professor of International Law, UN Rapporteur on Cultural Rights {{Cite web|url=https://www.ohchr.org/fr/alexandra-xanthaki|title=Alexandra Xanthaki | OHCHR}}
- Solon Solomon: Associate Professor of International Law, director of the 'Migrating Fears' film and host of the award-winning BUL Emerging Law Voices YouTube interview series
- Brian Cantor: Professor of Materials and BCAST Strategic Advisor, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bradford and the University of York
- Hussam Jouhara: Professor of Thermal Engineering
File:The Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor of Brunel stand ready with some graduates (7637454146) (cropped).jpg) and Vice-Chancellor (Christopher Jenks) of Brunel in 2012 ]]
=Vice-Chancellors=
- 1966 to 1971: James Topping
- 1971 to 1981: Stephen Bragg
- 1981 to 1989: Richard Evelyn Donohue Bishop
- 1990 to 2001: Michael Sterling
- 2002 to 2006: Steven Schwartz
- 2006 to 2012: Christopher Jenks
- 2012 to 2021: Julia Buckingham
- 2021 to present: Andrew Jones
=Chancellors =
- 1966 to 1997: Tony Giffard, 3rd Earl of Halsbury
- 1998 to 2012: John Wakeham, Baron Wakeham
- 2013 to present: Sir Richard Sykes
Notable alumni
{{See also|Category:Alumni of Brunel University London}}
=Media, entertainment and the arts=
- Nick Abbot, (Psychology), radio presenter
- Shohreh Aghdashloo, (International Relations), actress
- Rotimi Alakija, DJ, record producer and recording artist
- Hajaz Akram, actor
- Mark Bagley, comic book artist
- Carl Barât, (Drama, did not graduate), musician, The Libertines and Dirty Pretty Things
- Adam Benzine, (Multimedia Technology & Design), Oscar-nominated filmmaker and journalist
- Jo Brand, (Social Sciences and Nursing), comedian
- Dave Brown, photographer, graphic designer The Mighty Boosh
- Hopewell Chin'ono, filmmaker and journalist
- Marko Ciciliani, composer and audiovisual artist
- Mike Collins, Comic book artist, Writer (Politics, Modern History and Government)
- Michael Dapaah (Drama), actor, writer and comedian
- Greg Davies, (English and Drama), actor and comedian
- Ray BLK, stage name for Rita Ekwere, (English), singer-songwriter
- Francis French, space historian
- Alizeh Imtiaz, (English and Film and TV Studies BA 2008), director and actor
- Tony James, (Mathematics & Computer Science 1974), musician
- Bryony Kimmings, performance artist
- John Watts, musician, Fischer-Z
- Lee Mack, comedian
- Sophie McShera, (Drama), actress
- Oreke Mosheshe, (Management and Law), actor, television presenter and model
- Archie Panjabi, (Management Studies 1996), actor
- Nathaniel Peat, (Mechanical Engineering, Advanced Manufacturing Systems), social entrepreneur, winner of the reality TV show The Last Millionaire
- Claire Phillips, (Mechanical Engineering 1986), portrait artist
- Amber Rose Revah (Contemporary Performance), actress, House of Saddam and The Punisher
- Laurence Rickard, actor, screenwriter and comedian
- Bindya Solanki, (Drama), actor
- Beverly Naya, Nigerian actress, stars in Tinsel
- Lucy Verasamy, (Geography), weather forecaster
- Kaan Yıldırım, (Marketing), Turkish Actor
- Damson Idris, (Actor), British Actor
=Politics, nobility, and royalty=
File:Guillaume de Luxembourg.jpg]]
- Joyce Anne Anelay, Baroness Anelay of St John's, politician, Minister of State of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office
- Guillaume, Hereditary Grand Duke of Luxembourg, member of the Luxembourg royal family
- Prince Abdul Fattaah of Brunei, member of the Brunei royal family
- Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah, Crown Prince of Kedah
- Sayyida Meyyan bin Shihab Al Said (MA in Design Strategy and Innovation),{{cite web |last1=Kothaneth |first1=Lakshmi |title=A building is not just a structure, but a space that fulfills a purpose |url=https://www.omanobserver.om/article/1132815/features/arts/a-building-is-not-just-a-structure-but-a-space-that-fulfills-a-purpose |website=Oman Daily Observer |access-date=11 April 2024 |date=15 February 2023}} member of the Omani royal family
- John Leech (History and Politics), politician, MP for Manchester Withington
- John McDonnell, politician, former Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer
- Ralph Miliband, political theorist
- James Colthurst, radiologist, son of the 10th Colthurst baronet, friend of Diana, Princess of Wales
- Ville Skinnari, (LLM), Finnish politician, Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade
- Reza Moridi, (MTech and PhD in physics), Canadian politician
- Hamdullah Mohib, (PhD Computer Systems Engineering), Afghan politician and diplomat, Ambassador of Afghanistan to the United States
- Anastasios Papaligouras (Master's in Comparative European Law), Greek politician, former Minister of Justice
- Pekka Sauri (PhD 1990), Finnish psychologist, politician, writer and cartoonist
- Majid Al Suwaidi (BA in Geology in 2001), UAE Ambassador to Spain, Andorra, and Vatican City. Director-General of COP28
- Seng Han Thong (MBA 1993), Singaporean politician{{cite web|publisher=Parliament of Singapore |title=Seng Han Thong |year=2011 |url=http://www.parliament.gov.sg/mp/seng-han-thong?viewcv=Seng%20Han%20Thong |url-status=dead |access-date=14 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120713170857/http://www.parliament.gov.sg/mp/seng-han-thong?viewcv=Seng%20Han%20Thong |archive-date=13 July 2012}}
- Sarah Dines (Law), Conservative Party politician, MP For Derbyshire Dales
- Rosena Allin-Khan (Medical Biochemistry ), Labour Party politician, MP For Tooting
- Diana Johnson (Law), Labour Party politician, MP For Kingston upon Hull North
- Jenny Chapman (Psychology), Labour Party politician, MP For Darlington
- Rudi Vis (PhD Economics), Labour Party politician, MP For Finchley and Golders Green
- Alec Shelbrooke (Mechanical Engineering), Conservative Party politician, MP For Elmet and Rothwell
- John Tomlinson (Health Services Management), Labour politician and life peer
- Shailesh Vara (Law), Conservative Party politician, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, MP for North West Cambridgeshire
- Claire Ward (MA Britain and the European Union), Labour politician, former MP for Watford
- Marina Yannakoudakis (BSc Government, Politics and Modern History), Conservative Party politician, MEP for London
- Abang Johari Openg, 6th Chief Minister of the State of Sarawak, Malaysia
- Gagan Sikand, Member of Parliament for Mississauga—Streetsville Constituency in Canada
- Chen Jining, (Biochemistry), Communist Party Secretary of Shanghai
=Sports=
- Tony Adams (Sports Science), footballer, former Arsenal and England captain and Portsmouth F.C. manager
- Eniola Aluko (Law), England Ladies footballer
- Ross Brawn, team principal for Mercedes Formula One team
- Mike Coughlan (Mechanical Engineering 1981), former Chief Designer for McLaren Formula One team
- James Cracknell (MSc Sport Science 1999), rower, Olympic gold medallist
- Abi Ekoku, former GB Lions rugby league manager, British discus champion and Bradford Bulls, London Broncos and Halifax winger
- Heather Fell, (Physiotherapy), Olympic Modern Pentathlete and Triathlete
- Ben Gollings, rugby player, Captain of England Sevens, IRB Sevens Series all-time top scorer
- Chad Gould, (Sports Science), footballer
- Elizabeth Hall (Physiotherapy), athlete
- Roger Hammond (Materials Science), cyclist
- Audley Harrison (Sport Sciences 1999), boxer, Olympic gold medallist
- Richard Hill (Geography and Sports Science), rugby player, 2003 Rugby World Cup winner
- Ali Ibrahim, Egyptian rower
- Catherine Murphy, athlete
- Beth Rodford (Sport Science), rower
- Michael Olowokandi, former NBA player, No.1 overall pick of the 1998 NBA draft
- Abiodun Oyepitan (Politics and Sociology), athlete
- Perri Shakes-Drayton (Sport Sciences 2011), athlete
- Tom Shanklin, rugby player, Lions tourist and Wales rugby union international
- Iwan Thomas, (Geography and Sports Science), athlete
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- {{Official website}}
{{Brunel University of London}}
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