University news
Announcing the Institute for Medical Innovation: A £100m landmark for health research in Southampton
We are proud to unveil plans for a groundbreaking new medical institute in Southampton which will bring the greatest minds in medicine, computer science and engineering together in one brand new building.
The pioneering Institute for Medical Innovation (IMI) is a joint initiative between the University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust.
Based at Southampton General Hospital, the £100m facility will bring researchers and medics together in the fight against devastating diseases such as cancer, dementia, sight loss, infectious diseases, and respiratory and allergic conditions.
In the coming months, we’ll be revealing much more as we launch our biggest ever fundraising campaign to make this new institute possible – and there will be plenty of opportunities for you to get involved and make a real impact. In the meantime, discover more about what’s ahead.
Awards for our researchers at the British Society for Immunology Awards
Congratulations to our researchers who scooped two prestigious awards at the British Society for Immunology Awards 2025, recognising their pioneering work on cancer and dementia research.
The Southampton Antibody and Vaccine Group (AVG) won ‘Outstanding Team’ for their leading role in advancing cancer immunotherapy, and Professor Jessica Teeling picked up the Public Engagement Award for her giant snakes and ladders game that teaches lifestyle choices to cut the risk of dementia.
The AVG, which is based at the University’s Centre for Cancer Immunology at University Hospital Southampton, plays a leading role in advancing cancer immunotherapy. The group’s work has directly contributed to the development of pioneering drugs for the treatment of leukaemia, lymphoma and solid cancers.
Southampton alumni recognised in King’s Birthday Honours
In June, the King’s Birthday Honours saw a number of Southampton alumni recognised for their outstanding contributions to diverse fields, from education to arts and maritime. Our congratulations go to:
Professor Adam Fox OBE for services to paediatric allergy
Mrs Angela Rook MBE for services to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution
Dame Anna Lisbet Rausing DBE for services to the arts
Mr Anthony Vlasto MBE for services to maritime law, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, and maritime charities
Mrs Christina Jones OBE for services to education
Mr Damon De Laszlo CBE for services to the manufacturing industry and to scientific and charitable causes
Ms Gerida Montague-Munson MBE for services to education
Ms Janet Parker MBE for services to young people
His Excellency Vice-Admiral Sir Jeremy Kyd KBE for services to the Bailiwick of Jersey and the Royal Navy
Mr John Whitaker OBE for services to defence
Mrs Julie Dawes MBE for services to nursing and the NHS
Ms Kirsty Smith OBE for services to people living with disabilities overseas
Dr Martin Milton OBE for services to measurement science
Mr Richard Jackson MBE for services to children’s hospices
Well done to all recipients of these prestigious honours.
Southampton secures £4.35m to attract world-leading research talent
Southampton has secured £4.35m to bring in top researchers from around the world to help support the UK government’s industrial strategy.
It’s part of a £54m initiative by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) called the Global Talent Fund, which aims to bolster the UK’s world-renowned research base and position it at the forefront of international collaboration and innovation.
The University will use the funding to attract international researchers in clean energy industries, digital technologies, life sciences, defence, and advanced manufacturing.
AI could transform our public services, say Southampton experts
Artificial intelligence could significantly improve UK public services by enhancing efficiency, quality and access, according to a new report from the universities of Southampton and Cambridge. Already transforming healthcare, justice, and local government, AI tools like GP appointment systems and hospital triage platforms are streamlining delivery. The report highlights AI’s potential to reduce delays in legal decisions, improve transport and planning, and predict health trends using data. Led by Southampton’s Dame Wendy Hall, the new AI @ Southampton initiative will advance research in this area.
Read the report in full:
www.southampton.ac.uk/wsi/news
For more about AI @ Southampton: www.southampton.ac.uk/ai
Our rankings success
Southampton is celebrating improved student satisfaction, with student-led changes placing us among the top 10 Russell Group universities in this year’s National Student Survey (NSS).
Key gains were seen in assessment, feedback, and student voice – with scores rising across the board and exceeding benchmarks in all categories. This reflects the real impact of student feedback in shaping positive change.
Our progress is also recognised in the most recent Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, Southampton is ranked 17th in the UK – second in the South East, behind only Oxford. We also hold 17th place in the Complete University Guide, with 12 subjects ranked in the UK top 10.
In global rankings, we are placed 87th in the world, 14th in the UK.
