Below is a joint statement from Royal Holloway and St George’s, which we are sharing with our respective communities as an update to the merger discussions.
Royal Holloway, University of London, and St George’s, University of London, today announce that discussions between the two institutions have come to an end.
During the autumn, discussions have enabled both universities to identify potential new collaboration opportunities. Work will continue to develop these areas of joint interest, which will complement existing successful partnerships.
The Chairs of Council for each of St George’s and Royal Holloway would like to thank colleagues across both institutions for their positive and constructive contributions, and look forward to seeing the outcomes of future joint working.
Royal Holloway has a robust strategic plan which will cement our dual-excellence, helping us to seize the opportunities of our modern times for students in London and internationally and in terms of challenge-led research. While merger would have accelerated our ambitions in health, our new Department of Health takes us into new exciting new areas.
Professor Jenny Higham, Principal of St George’s, and I would like to thank all colleagues across both institutions who have worked hard over the autumn to support the discussions. We have seen positive and constructive engagement to date, and I am confident that new collaborations will emerge in the future, adding to the already successful collaborative arrangements that are already in place. I hope that everyone involved can enjoy a well-earned break over the holiday period.
I am conscious that this update comes at the end of a busy term and a full programme of graduations and so we will hold staff meetings in the new year to take any questions you may have regarding this announcement.
Professor Paul Layzell
Principal