Universities in the Policy Arena: Loughborough Leads Sector Engagement at Labour Conference

From Clean Energy to Creative Tech: Loughborough Showcases Research Impact on National Priorities

The Party Conference season creates a moment in the political calendar for organisations' entry into national discussions and to put a foothold on future policies. By being very visible during this year's Party Conference season, interacting with politicians face-to-face, sharing research, and figuring out how it can impact national objectives, Loughborough University capitalised on this opportunity. These gatherings of ministers, members of parliament, advisors, business executives, and specialists from various fields provided unique access to those who influence policy outside of official government sessions. It is a crucial area for universities to explore possible plans for future funding, promote policy ideas, and build strong relationships with industry and government.

In 2023, the University aimed at the Labour Party Conference, which saw high-ranking delegates, including Jo Maher, Dan Parsons, Paddy Smith, and Graham Hitchen, Director of the Policy Unit, get involved in several high-profile events. The meetings covered Loughborough's role in helping deliver national priorities like economic growth, skills, innovation, and net zero. The Policy Unit staged four events, showcasing the University's research, regional, and sector leadership capabilities.

In association with the University of Leicester, Loughborough hosted a panel that considered how the East Midlands can use its manufacturing sector and engineering skills to help drive the UK's clean energy transition. Professor John Downey added to the debate on beating challenges like grid capacity and talent shortages. The session highlighted the universities' role in driving investment, underpinning local jobs and helping the green economy. Professor Jo Maher joined a panel with Kim Leadbeater MP, Sue Day (Director of Women's Sport for the FA) and Andy Reed. The debate looked back on a historic summer for women's sport and discussed the potential for targeted investment to release broader health, economic and social gains. The speakers responded to issues including access to facilities, limitations on funding and visibility in the media, as well as the potential of sport to enhance wellbeing and deliver opportunity.

Working alongside Midlands Innovation, the university hosted a session with Dudley MP Sonia Kumar, Samantha Niblett MP, Vivienne Stern (Universities UK CEO) and Professor Nishan Canagarajah. The topic of the session concerned the contribution of university research to policy and regional investment. Loughborough was heralded as a contributing force to national growth through its teaching, research, innovation potential and business collaborations.

Another session highlighted the UK's fast-developing creative technology industry. Representatives from the CoSTAR Network, in which Loughborough is a key member, were joined by those from Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and industry to debate how focused R&D investment can draw in talent, drive commercial activity and facilitate regional innovation clusters.  Aside from Labour, Loughborough is pursuing constructive interaction with other groups. Negotiations are ongoing with Midlands Innovation for the possibility of an event in Parliament targeting Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and Greens. Paddy Smith also represented the university at the Reform Party Conference, reflecting wider activity among Universities UK members to be involved in Reform-led territories.

These activities strengthen the standing of Loughborough University as a leading forward-thinking university with close connections to government and industry. The university website and student portal provide comprehensive resources for current and potential students, such as access to student services, human resources, university library resources and careers network advice. University admissions, the academic year, and student accommodation are also easily available. Loughborough's active participation in national policy debates is indicative of its position among the top UK universities for engineering and innovation. Its efforts in clean energy, sport and creative technology indicate a focus on fashioning the future while assisting students, researchers and communities.

Editor's Note

This article provides a clear and timely insight into how Loughborough University continues to affirm its commitment to being a major player in national policy and local development. Not only is it impressive to see the University represented at the Labour Party Conference, but it leverages these political occasions to drive practical ideas forward, whether in clean energy, women's sport, or creative technology. It's great to see a university extend beyond teaching and research and into actual impact, particularly when the discussions are around growth, skills and innovation. The sessions outlined here demonstrate a clear appreciation of how universities can contribute to national priorities alongside local impact. Loughborough's engagement with Midlands Innovation and the CoSTAR Network is especially pertinent, as it reflects broader alignment with collaboration and place-based investment.

Just reminding us that political participation cannot be a one-party event. Loughborough's overtures to the other parties, Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Greens, and Reform, reflect a mature and inclusive way of developing policy. That kind of cross-party dialogue is exactly what is needed if universities are to remain relevant in fast-changing political and economic climates. From a student and stakeholder's point of view, it's interesting to see how this strategic work ties back to the university website and student portal. These sites don't simply provide access to student services, human resources, and the university library; they mirror the larger ecosystem that enables learning, careers and community. The careers network, admissions and student accommodation are all part of a joined-up package that makes Loughborough one of the UK's top universities for engineering and innovation.

As per Skoobuzz, this event is about demonstrating leadership, establishing influence and ensuring that universities such as Loughborough are included in the debate to bring a change, rather than standing on the sidelines and looking in.

FAQs

1. What research is Loughborough University showcasing at party conferences?

Loughborough University is presenting research that aligns with national priorities such as clean energy, sport, creative technology, and regional innovation. At the Labour Party Conference, the University highlighted its work on renewable energy systems, the economic and social impact of women’s sport, and the role of creative tech in driving regional growth. These contributions reflect Loughborough’s commitment to using academic research to inform policy and support national development.

2. How does Loughborough University support student research?

The University supports student research through structured academic programmes, dedicated supervision, and access to specialist facilities. Students are encouraged to engage in independent inquiry, supported by the university library, research centres, and the careers network. Opportunities for collaboration with industry and government also provide practical contexts for student-led research across disciplines.

3. What services are available on the Loughborough student portal?

The student portal offers a comprehensive range of services, including access to timetables, module information, assessment schedules, and digital learning tools. It also connects students to wellbeing support, student services, accommodation details, and administrative resources. The portal serves as a central platform for navigating the academic year and managing university life.

4. How can students access university human resources?

Students can access human resources through the university website and internal staff–student systems. While HR services primarily support staff, students involved in placements, internships, or part-time roles within the University may engage with HR for employment-related matters. Additional guidance is available through student services and the careers network.

5. Why is Loughborough considered one of the top universities in the UK?

Loughborough University is recognised as one of the UK’s leading institutions due to its excellence in engineering, innovation, sport, and research impact. It consistently ranks highly in national league tables and is known for strong industry partnerships, high student satisfaction, and successful graduate outcomes. Its active role in policy engagement and regional development further reinforces its reputation across the higher education sector.