At the University of Lincoln, our pioneering research, industry engagement, and civic activity is always at the heart of our mission to positively shape the world we live in – we are a university of and for the 21st Century.
As one of the leading institutions in the East Midlands, our university plays a crucial role in supporting vital sectors for the UK which align to our strategic focus – the food and farming sector, and the creative industries as engines for economic growth.
The University has made a meaningful impact to these areas by creating designated spaces for these industries, which are outlined below.
Growing Food Industry Innovation
Recently, work to create a new research and development facility has started, situated at our Riseholme Park Campus. This pioneering research and development facility is a geothermal ‘glasshouse’, which will support innovation in food and farming, enabling new industry collaboration and research opportunities for the UK’s food and farming sector.
Lincolnshire is referred to as the UK’s ‘food valley’ and is a sector which is growing rapidly – from its seafood industry in Grimsby, Agri-tech capabilities in Lincoln, to its fresh produce sector in southern Lincolnshire. The new, purpose-built centre will house multiple R&D projects to take place simultaneously in independently controlled compartments.
Eligible businesses will also have access to the knowledge of the University’s academic experts and this ongoing support will enable the adoption of innovative technology and processes, the acquisition of skills and the development of new food products.
The glasshouse will use geothermal ground source heating technology to provide heating from renewable energy, therefore operating with a considerably lower carbon footprint than traditional facilities of its kind. It will demonstrate a sector-leading pathway towards a net zero transition for this segment of the agriculture and horticulture industries.
Supporting the Creative Sector
In 2023, we were one of only 12 universities included in Arts Council England’s National Portfolio of Organisations (NPO). This recognition by the UK’s leading agency for creativity and culture positions the University as a premier venue in the UK for arts and cultural provision, delivered through the Lincoln Arts Centre and soon to open Barbican Creative Hub.
Our Centre for Culture and Creativity has reaffirmed our NPO status for a second year, recognising the University’s efforts to champion creativity, empower artists, and foster innovation.
The opening of the Barbican Creative Hub this year will bring plenty of opportunities for our students across a wide range of disciplines and courses to be involved in collaborative projects, talks, internships, and fostering industry connections. The Hub will also support graduate retention by fostering entrepreneurship and career opportunities in the region’s creative and cultural sector.
The building itself is Grade II listed and has undergone a refurbishment programme, with thanks to funding from the Be Lincoln Town Deal Programme, Historic England High Street Heritage Action Zone, the Lincolnshire Co-op. Securing this cultural asset has been a vital facet in ensuring the building will be loved and used by future generations to come.
Contributing to Parliamentary Initiatives
Earlier this year, we shared the news of our contribution to the growth of the UK’s creative industries in a parliament initiative, the ‘CreaTech’ report, the result of the Coronation Challenge.
As part of the Challenge, an inter-disciplinary team of experts from across our Lincoln Arts Centre (LAC) and School of Engineering and Physical Sciences made a significant contribution to the report, published by the Royal Anniversary Trust.
Findings from the report emphasise that CreaTech would thrive in an environment which supporting the fusion of creativity and technology which would not only aid the growth of the UK’s creative sector but would also provide an opportunity for the country to become a global leader in CreaTech, developing a multi-disciplinary workforce, skilled in a range of creative and technical disciplines.
CreaTech is described as the intersection of creativity, arts, culture, and technology – utilising all facets to enhance creative processes, create new forms of artistic expression, and accelerate the economic growth and social benefits of the creative industries.
We were invited to contribute to this year-long Challenge after receiving the Queen’s Anniversary Prize in 2023 – the highest national honour in education – for our work to support the success and sustainability of the UK’s food and farming industries through innovations in research, education and technology.
The Challenge is a research initiative commissioned by the UK Parliament Culture, Media and Sport Commons Select Committee as part of the 2023 Sector Vision initiative, an investment which aims to drive growth in the creative industries using technology.
These stories all highlight the University’s dedication to innovation, student success, and community impact – we look forward to sharing more on these areas soon.
Signed
Professor Neal Juster
Vice Chancellor, University of Lincoln
