Professor Hai-Sui Yu

It is an honour to be writing to you in my new role. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to guide our institution and continue to build a university known for its global outlook, world-changing research and innovation.

Leeds has nurtured Nobel laureates, world leaders, opinion formers and prize-winning authors. This would not be possible without the collective talent, dedication and creativity of our staff and students – and the ongoing support of our community of 320,000 alumni, spanning 190 countries.

Earlier this year I was humbled to be involved in our first set of digital graduations, which celebrated graduates from 33 countries. Seeing hundreds of you collectively celebrating your successes reminded me how we truly are an international community.

Since joining the University in 2016 I have led on the University’s international strategy – driving our plans to attract the brightest and best to come and study with us, and forging international partnerships that help find solutions to the world’s most challenging problems. I was delighted that the University has this year climbed 11 places to 75th in the QS World University Rankings – our highest ever position.

Our world-leading climate research continues to shine a light on the need to act swiftly on reducing carbon emissions, whilst the University continues to move forward with its own ambitions to reach net zero on campus by 2030.

Research and ideas are nothing without real-world applications, and Leeds continues to support its academics and students to bring world-changing ideas to fruition. One example is a series of new innovations in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. These innovations are only possible thanks to collaborations with engineers, scientists and clinicians at the University.

You are also playing your own part in the Leeds story. I continue to be inspired by the incredible successes of our alumni and I hope you remain connected with Leeds, and its community of global citizens.