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Welcome from the Vice-Chancellor
I have recently celebrated my third anniversary as Vice-Chancellor of Bangor University. It remains both an honour and a privilege to serve in this role and to lead such a remarkable institution.
It is wonderful to see the University bustling again as the new academic year starts with the return of both new and returning students, bringing a renewed sense of purpose and energy to our community and the campus feels alive once more after the quieter summer period. As I’m sure that you’re aware, the last few months have undoubtedly been difficult for Bangor University.
We have had to make some very challenging decisions to safeguard the financial stability of the University, which has not been easy for anyone. I want to express my sincere thanks for the professionalism, resilience and dedication that our staff have all shown during this challenging time. It is because of these efforts that we continue to make progress and, as you’ll read below, our latest league table results reflect this.
As part of our preparations for the start of the academic year, we have invested in student support. The newly established Student Hub, available both online and in the library, has been designed to make it easier for students to access advice, find information quickly, and connect with specialist services. This is an important development in ensuring that our students feel welcomed, supported and empowered throughout their time here.
Looking ahead, there are further reasons for optimism. This new academic year marks the successful launch of our Pharmacy programme within the North Wales Medical School, alongside welcoming the latest cohort of medical students to their first year. These milestones represent significant steps in Bangor’s ongoing contribution to healthcare education in Wales.
At the same time, we must acknowledge the wider context in which we are working. Universities must look to their own resources and creativity to secure their futures. While challenges remain, I am confident that we can continue to strengthen our academic foundations, support our students and ensure that Bangor thrives as a leading Welsh university.
I thank you all for your ongoing interest in your alma mater. Your support is central to our success and together we will continue to build a vibrant and sustainable future for the University.
Yours sincerely,
Professor Edmund Burke
Vice-Chancellor
BANGOR UNIVERSITY NEWS
Alumni Reunion in Shanghai
We were pleased to welcome over 40 alumni to the Green Bund Center in the Huangpu District of Shanghai for a reunion on 19 Sept 2025.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Edwards hosted the event and briefed the audience on recent news from the University, including the 10th anniversary of Bangor College China, the ongoing successful working relationship with Zhejiang University of Finance and Economics and the new Albert Gubay Business School building. Prof. Edwards went on to encourage the establishment of a Shanghai Bangor University Alumni Network to share ideas, stories and work together as ambassadors for Bangor University.
The audience also heard from two alumni representatives who shared their stories of Bangor University and their career development. They were Mr. Tony Cui, Vice President of the leading enterprise Contemporary Amperex Technology, and Ms. Hu Jin (MSc Exercise Rehabilitation, 2022) who now works as a physiotherapist.
Guests then enjoyed an evening of networking with new and old friends and were presented with a bag of gifts to remember the event. Thank you to everyone who attended!
Bangor University rises in league tables
Bangor University has risen 11 places in the Guardian University Guide 2026, securing 62nd position out of 123 institutions. Within Wales, the University has also improved its standing, moving up one place to joint 4th alongside Aberystwyth University.
The University has also risen five places in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026, securing 59th position out of 130 institutions. Bangor performed well in the people and planet indicator (which assess the environmental and ethical standard of each UK university) reaching 19th place and a position in the top 15% of all institutions.
Alumnus donates commemorative bench to Treborth Playing Fields
Last month, Bangor University was delighted to receive the delivery of a bench donated by alumnus Lynn James (Arts, 1967) for the Treborth Sports Fields site.
Lynn donated the bench to commemorate the Bangor University Soccer Old Stars – former players of the Bangor University student soccer team. As a student, Lynn was Vice-Captain of the soccer club 1966-67 and served as Captain in 1967-68, noted by a plaque on the bench.
Lynn has been a great supporter of the Development and Alumni Relations Office’s work over the years, maintaining a connection with the University through attending events and donating to the Bangor Fund. Lynn, John Young and a number of other soccer Old Stars return to Bangor every year for the Old Stars weekend in early May and it’s been great to welcome the group for an additional reunion in September in recent years.
Thank you very much Lynn!
Treborth Botanic Garden recognised as the national collection holder of Welsh native ferns
Bangor University’s Treborth Botanic Garden has been officially recognised by Plant Heritage as the National Plant Collection® holder of Welsh native ferns. This is the first national collection to recognise Welsh native plants and reflects Treborth’s ongoing commitment to conserving the country’s botanical heritage.
Reminder: Nominations open for 2026 Honorary Degrees
A reminder that as alumni of Bangor University, you are invited to submit nominations for exceptional individuals to receive an Honorary Degree from Bangor University in 2026. Honorary Degrees are the University’s highest awards, recognising people who have made outstanding contributions to society, who embody our values and who merit special recognition for eminence in their field.
In the past, nominees have been drawn from science and technology, public service, industry, broadcasting, the academic world, the arts, industry, and sport. Our 2025 Honorary Degree recipients were a remarkable group of individuals who represented achievement and influence across Wales and beyond.
Nominations can be made by using this form. The deadline for submissions is 17:00, Friday 15th November 2025.
Gwyn Thomas Memorial Fund
For over half a century Gwyn Thomas was one of the leading scholars of his generation and one of Wales’s most prolific, significant and popular poets. He influenced generations of students as a lecturer, professor and head of Welsh at Bangor University.
To ensure that Gwyn’s legacy remains alive, The Gwyn Thomas Memorial Fund supports and rewards students from Bangor University’s School of Welsh.
All donations are gratefully received in memory of a man who left a lasting impression. If you wish to donate, further details of the Gwyn Thomas Memorial Fund can be found here.
North Wales Medical School marks one year since launch of medical programme
It is one year since the launch of the Medicine programme at the North Wales Medical School at Bangor University, marking an important milestone in expanding healthcare training and provision across the region. In its first year, the School welcomed its inaugural cohort of medical students, who are the first to undertake their full medical training in North Wales.
This academic year, a further 99 students have joined the North Wales Medical School to start their medical training. In addition, the School has expanded its healthcare provision with the arrival of its first cohort of Pharmacy students.
Call for contributions to The Bridge
The School of Ocean Sciences are working on the next edition of their newsletter, The Bridge.
If you’re an SOS alumnus and have any career updates, reports of your achievements or a short profile of your company that you'd like to share, please email your contributions, with print quality photos if possible, to alumni@bangor.ac.uk by Friday, 31 October.
You're invited! Brambell Natural History Museum Open Day
Bangor University’s Brambell Natural History Museum is proud to take part in this year’s Welsh Museums Festival, celebrating Wales' rich history and Halloween traditions, which offers free, family friendly events.
As part of this year’s festival, the museum will be open on Saturday, 25 October 11am to 3pm. This will be an opportunity to visit the University’s Natural History Museum, which is not usually accessible to the public, to learn more about the specimens on display.
You're invited! Annual Archives and Special Collections Lecture
“Challenging time(s): Exploring how we shape the past and future of Eryri through the exchange of material culture”
12th November, 5.30-6.30pm, Bangor University
This year’s Annual Archives and Special Collections Lecture will be led by Bangor University PhD student Alex Ioannou.
Alex will share how his research seeks to ‘disturb’ dominant understandings of Eryri. His close-reading of historical evidence and archival material, as well as collaborative work with local communities in Dyffryn Ogwen reveals rich and varied understandings of Welsh landscapes. His ongoing project Reframing Eryri shines a light on the ways Eryri has already undergone change, from the hidden processes intrinsic to shaping perceptions of its landscape, to the more evident physical transformations undertaken by the significant historic Penrhyn Estate.
Click here for further information and to book your place
You're invited! Kyffin in Bangor
19th November, 6.00 - 7.30pm
Join us for a captivating evening as Andrew Green—renowned cultural historian and broadcaster—delves into the evocative world of Kyffin Williams, one of Wales’s most celebrated artists.
Using the ten paintings held in Bangor University's esteemed collection as a springboard, Green will explore the recurring themes, emotional depth, and artistic preoccupations that shaped Williams’s iconic style.
Special Feature: Guided Tour of the Kyffin Williams Collection
As part of this event, guests will be treated to a rare guided tour of the University’s Kyffin Williams paintings—an intimate opportunity to experience these powerful works up close, accompanied by expert commentary that brings their stories to life.
The event is free, but please register in advance here.
Lecturer receives award for promoting excellence in teaching practice
Dr Fariba Darabi, Senior Lecturer in Management at the Albert Gubay Business School, has been awarded the British Academy of Management (BAM) Medal for Knowledge Development for supporting and promoting excellence in teaching practice. This medal is awarded for sustained, outstanding contribution to the development and dissemination of management knowledge and learning by a member of the academy.
Professor shows support for Ukraine in community event
Bangor University’s partner university in Ukraine has praised the growing relationship between the two institutions.
Professor Christian Dunn, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Sustainability, recently represented the University at an event in Church Stretton, Shropshire, where residents gathered for ‘Support Ukraine – Sign the Flag of Hope’. Participants were invited to write messages of solidarity for the people of Okhtyrka, in Ukraine’s Sumy region, on a flag with a remarkable history.
