Dear Students, 

As we head into the Christmas break, I want to say a huge thank you for everything you’ve brought to the University this year.  

This academic year marks the start of our 60th Anniversary celebrations, running through to July 2026. It’s been a great chance to reflect on how far we’ve come and how you continue to shape our future. Keep an eye on our 60th website for events and ways to get involved. 

We continue to focus on making education open and welcoming to everyone. This year we were awarded University of Sanctuary status, recognising our commitment to supporting all members of our community, and we received national recognition for our work widening participation in higher education. 

Our fantastic graduation ceremonies are an opportunity to celebrate with you all and we are so proud of you. This summer, the first cohort of students from Kent and Medway Medical School (KMMS) graduated. KMMS was established to open access to medical education for students regardless of their background, and to help address the shortage of GPs and hospital clinicians in region. We are pleased to say many will be staying in the region as new doctors. 

We also began our new education modernisation programme, designed to make learning more student-centred. This includes a more student-friendly timetable, refreshed courses, varied assessment, inclusive learning practices and a stronger focus on employability and future skills. 

We’ve also seen powerful research and innovation impact, from breakthroughs in breast cancer diagnostic imaging, and exploring new applications for hop extracts in healthcare, to understanding Generation FOMO, to innovative work supporting more sustainable travel through the Port of Dover, and so much more.   

It’s also been a big year in Medway, with exciting progress on the Docking Station project, including new facilities, community work and investment to help young people access digital creative careers. 

Looking ahead, our collaboration with the University of Greenwich is an exciting next step, helping strengthen the student experience and employability while supporting both universities’ long-term future. 

I hope you get a well-earned rest over the holidays, and I look forward to 2026. 

Season’s Greetings,
George