Looking through the contents of this year's Annual Review I hope that you, like me, will be impressed by how we are making an impact.

I am pleased to report our 'world-leading' research is making a difference to peoples' everyday lives, both nationally and globally. You will read of our new Global Sustainability Institute's success and the recent launch of the Childhood and Youth Research Institute.

You will also read how we are helping regional, national and global businesses innovate, develop and grow through staff training and development, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, business and technical consultancy and contract research.

None of us could make an impact without the outstanding colleagues who have provided the inspiration and the perspiration behind all this excellent work, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone here who has made the stunning achievements reported in this document possible.

Professor Michael Thorne
Vice Chancellor