World-class research and a spirit of collaboration have earned the University of Bath a place in a prestigious global ranking of ‘tech challenger’ universities.
The university, which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary, is one of only two UK universities listed by Times Higher Education (THE) in its table. 
The THE describes tech challenger universities as leading the way on industry links and its analysis ‘shines a light on institutions that have thought outside the box on research collaboration and funding’.
The University of Bath ranks 37th in the international list of 55 universities, topped by Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University. It is the highest-placed UK contender – the University of Surrey is five places below.
The THE analysis shows that these 55 technology challengers often have innovation at the core of their strategy, strong industry links, research that excels in technological areas such as engineering and research solutions that impact society.
Dr Jon Hunt, director of the University of Bath’s Research & Innovation Services, said: “The University of Bath is proud of a culture which encourages effective engagement with stakeholders to tackle the challenges of the wider world. Featuring in this list is a clear indication of the importance our academic colleagues place on engaging with business to deliver impact.
“The university’s Research & Innovation Services will continue to support the development of effective relationships, in combination with the university’s research strengths, which would not have been realised otherwise.
“We facilitate collaborations through a wide range of mechanisms including publicly funded grants, using our intellectual property to generate research grants, and through membership of our globally recognised business incubator, part of the SETsquared partnership.”
The scale of the university’s research expertise and industry links is epitomised by plans to build a unique £50m global automotive research facility based at the Bristol & Bath Science Park.
The new Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems will help deliver future generations of clean and efficient vehicles. Industry-led and competing on a global scale, it will help to enhance the UK automotive industry and provide a significant boost to the regional and national economy.
