Spring 2026
Welcome to the latest issue of Hartley News, the quarterly magazine for alumni and supporters of the University of Southampton.
In this edition, Dame Susan Langley, Lady Mayor of the City of London, reflects on social mobility, opening up the Square Mile to new voices and opportunities, and the transformative impact of her time at Southampton. We also unveil ambitious plans for the Institute for Medical Innovation, celebrate alumni innovation and sporting traditions, and share inspiring research and student stories that are making a difference around the world.
Dame Susan Langley on accidental careers, authentic leadership and opening doors
Dame Susan Langley (BSc Geography, 1985) is the Lady Mayor of the City of London, one of the world’s oldest civic offices.
Powering the next generation of medical discovery: Launching our historic fundraising campaign
We are delighted to launch the largest fundraising campaign in the University’s history: to build the Institute for Medical Innovation (IMI).
Igniting brighter futures: Alexandra’s Ignite journey
Our Ignite student columnist, Alexandra, shares reflections on how the Ignite Programme is shaping her experience.
Pulling together
Proudly sporting over 120 years’ rowing history, Southampton University Boat Club (SUBC) is the oldest club at the University – and one of its most successful and enduring communities.
The four-minute test that could transform winter care
A new bedside test could speed up diagnosis and treatment for flu, COVID-19, and RSV while reducing winter pressure on hospitals.
Driving change
For millions of commuters, losing hours to traffic is a daily frustration. For Tamara Ivancovic (BEng Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, 2023), it became a provocation.
Meet our Graduate Ambassadors in China
The Graduate Ambassador programme matches recent University of Southampton graduates with volunteering opportunities across our community.
Also in this edition
University news
The latest institutional news from your university.
Class Notes
Updates and memories from your Southampton classmates.