Royal Holloway University: Fostering innovation and inspiring change

“In all areas of our research we aim to advance knowledge and its application to improve the quality of life.” – Professor Paul Hogg, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Royal Holloway University of London

With every passing year, the global realm of higher education becomes increasingly competitive. The modern student is forever in search of that little something extra, be it through extra-curricular activities or professional practice in authentic environments, willing to try anything to get a step above their peers and embark on a worthwhile career within their dream profession.

The pursuit of ground-breaking research opportunities will always be a sure-fire way to set you apart from the crowd. On top of academic impact, which drives a shift in understanding and advances scientific method, theory and application across multiple disciplines, research also forms the bedrock of societal and economic progression, benefitting individuals, organisations and nations at large.

Students who embrace research through higher education and beyond make an immeasurable contribution to society. On top of supporting a global knowledge culture that encourages innovation and ignites fresh ideas, these students come equipped with the goods to tackle some of the most complex challenges of today, not only safeguarding but also improving quality of life now and long into the future.

Throughout the Royal Holloway University’s notable 150-year history, research-informed teaching paired with hands-on experience has taken centre stage. Here, students are urged to pursue research at every possible opportunity, with its long-held thirst for knowledge maintaining the university’s position in the world’s top 200.

“Royal Holloway is one of the major colleges in which the University of London has chosen to concentrate its science teaching and research,” says Professor Paul Hogg, Dean of Royal Holloway’s Faculty of Science. “This is reflected by the Science Faculty’s excellent results in the Government’s teaching and research assessment exercises and in the calibre of our students, staff and cutting-edge research activities.”

The faculty is acutely aware that Electronic Engineering is a core element of most systems we use in our everyday lives – encompassing everything from mobile communications, computers and transport systems to television, radio and music devices. Understanding the fundamental importance of the discipline, staff here take measures to ensure they are producing forward-thinking graduates, confident in their ability to pioneer the field.

In terms of research, the Department of Electronic Engineering elevates a university-wide reputation for excellence. Equipped with a diverse and comprehensive research catalogue that covers unique areas of interest – including power systems, communications, nanotechnology, music and media technology, human factors, novel computing and signal processing – the department’s students and staff form part of an insightful, informed and above all universal community which helps educate and advance the global population.

Dr Wenqing Liu of Royal Holloway’s Department of Electronic Engineering is a testament to the school’s success in promoting a world-class research culture. Recognised for her outstanding contribution to the field of two-dimensional spintronic systems, not only enriching the world of condensed matter physics, but also forging a platform for ground-breaking technical innovations, Dr Liu was recently awarded the Young Scientist Medal for 2018 by the International Association of Advanced Materials (IAAM) – a premier institution in the realm of advanced materials.

Earlier this year, the institution gained permission to build a new science building, due to open its doors at the end of this academic year. This cutting-edge construction will particularly benefit the Department of Electronic Engineering, offering a high-quality, technology-led space designed with the students in mind, complete with contemporary lecture theatres, seminar rooms and flexible study labs that will considerably boost strengths in this field, and other related disciplines.

“From this exciting and modern building, we will deliver new courses and ways of working that will enable us to increase student numbers, specifically supporting women, so we can move toward a genuine gender balance in a subject where the national average for female students is only 10 per cent of the cohort,” says Professor Paul Layzell, Principal of Royal Holloway.

“The new Science building is part of our vision for the long-term future of the university. If we are to grow our reputation as one of the UK’s leading universities and so continue to make a valued contribution economically, socially and culturally, we need to invest in developing a 21st century campus that meets the modern needs of people studying, working and living here today.”

This pristine building will directly support movements within the Department of Electronic Engineering – especially the first-floor lab spaces which fall in line with the university’s philosophy of creative, project-led engineering. The Enquiry Led Learning space is dedicated to the conception of new ideas, offering a safe, informal, student-focused area complete with interactive whiteboards and screens where students can collaborate and perfect trailblazing concepts.

The Projects Lab is where students can develop their own designs, construct and test complex electronic circuits and work either individually or as part of team, mimicking industry practice. Then there is the Fab Lab, a state-of-the-art space where students fabricate real working devices using printed circuit boards, soldering and 3D printing to create prototype devices ready to market to real-world industry figures.

When completed, this hub of innovation will be the focal point of your Electronic Engineering experience at Royal Holloway University. Here, you will refine sought-after expertise such as co-operation, critical thinking and practical problem-solving, on top of gaining a wealth of invaluable independent research skills which allow you to enter the working world with confidence and poise.

“We believe that a dynamic research environment is essential in maintaining academic excellence at all levels and this provides a very strong base for further research growth,” Professor Hogg concludes.

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