Setting the University of Surrey
up for future success
Setting the
University of Surrey
up for future success
After nine years as President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Surrey, Professor Max Lu is leaving in May 2025 to take up the role of Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Wollongong in Australia.
His tenure began in June 2016, when he was installed as the University’s fifth President and Vice-Chancellor in a ceremony in the James Clerk Maxwell Building.
During the intervening years, the University and its community has grown significantly and celebrated many achievements despite the challenges of Brexit, the pandemic and the financial demands of the Higher Education landscape.
Before departing the University, Professor Lu sat down with Oli Burley to offer his reflections and learnings from his tenure.
Under Professor Lu’s leadership...
The University is one of only a handful to be ranked in the top 20 nationally for all three of research quality, teaching excellence and student satisfaction.
Over 30,000 students have graduated since Prof Lu became Vice-Chancellor.
The Complete University Guide ranked Surrey 12th in the UK and the National Student Survey placed it 11th for overall positivity. In the Shanghai Subject Rankings 2024 five subjects were rated in the top 50 globally, with nine in the top 100.
In REF 2021 the University was ranked 19th for output quality. Last year £52m of new grant awards were secured – an historic high. In the prestigious Leiden Index the University of Surrey is listed in the top 100 globally for its share of top 1% publications. We recruited 28 Surrey Future Fellows two years ago and will invest more in top talent in the future.
The University also ranked in the top 100 in the world for its impact in terms of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals. A UN-affiliated CIFAL Surrey Centre was recently launched as one of only 35 centres around the world supporting sustainability training and research. A proposed solar farm facility will supply a third of the University's electricity needs.
The University’s revenues grew from £240m to £330m, with student numbers increasing from 14,400 to 16,500. It is budgeting an operating surplus for the current financial year.
The new Medical School opened in September last year, while the School of Veterinary Medicine grew from an inaugural intake of around 50 to a steady population of some 800.
Two pan-university Institutes (People-Centred Artificial Intelligence and Sustainability) are now well established and our third prospect Institute, Surrey Space Institute, is expected to launch before the end of 2025. Two further Institutes will be developed in the next couple of years, to realise the potential of interdisciplinary research and innovation, scaling up research excellence and impact.
The University’s first ever international philanthropic campaign was launched, and achieved its ambitious target of £60m a full year early, closing with £70.3m raised.
Under Professor Lu's Leadership...
National recognition
The University is one of only a handful to be ranked in the top 20 nationally for all three of research quality, teaching excellence and student satisfaction.
Global recognition
Over 30,000 students have graduated since Prof Lu became Vice-Chancellor.
The Complete University Guide ranked Surrey 12th in the UK and the National Student Survey placed it 11th for overall positivity. In the Shanghai Subject Rankings 2024 five subjects were rated in the top 50 globally, with nine in the top 100.
Research excellence
In REF 2021 the University was ranked 19th for output quality. Last year £52m of new grant awards were secured – an historic high. In the prestigious Leiden Index the University of Surrey is listed in the top 100 globally for its share of top 1% publications. We recruited 28 Surrey Future Fellows two years ago and will invest more in top talent in the future.
Impact
The University also ranked in the top 100 in the world for its impact in terms of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals. A UN-affiliated CIFAL Surrey Centre was recently launched as one of only 35 centres around the world supporting sustainability training and research. A proposed solar farm facility will supply a third of the University's electricity needs.
Growth
The University’s revenues grew from £240m to £330m, with student numbers increasing from 14,400 to 16,500. It is budgeting an operating surplus for the current financial year.
Future of Medicine
The new Medical School opened in September last year, while the School of Veterinary Medicine grew from an inaugural intake of around 50 to a steady population of some 800.
Two pan-university Institutes (People-Centred Artificial Intelligence and Sustainability) are now well established and our third prospect Institute, Surrey Space Institute, is expected to launch before the end of 2025. Two further Institutes will be developed in the next couple of years, to realise the potential of interdisciplinary research and innovation, scaling up research excellence and impact.
Philanthropic success
The University’s first ever international philanthropic campaign was launched, and achieved its ambitious target of £60m a full year early, closing with £70.3m raised.
You’ve achieved a tremendous amount as President and Vice-Chancellor. How has the University changed during your tenure?
Max: “Our University has come a long way in the last nine years, evolving into a global leader in Higher Education by developing a more holistic approach to driving and balancing our core missions of education and research, while transforming Surrey into a university where people feel they belong.
“We have succeeded in sustaining excellence in teaching, learning and student experience – empowering our students to succeed in their careers and make greater contributions to society.
“At the same time, our laser-focus on research excellence means that we are applying new knowledge through innovation activities to make an impact on global challenges. Our collegiality is embodied by our two pan-University, interdisciplinary Institutes in Sustainability and People-Centred AI; I’m pleased to say that we are expecting to launch our third Institute – the Surrey Space Institute – before the end of 2025, which will be followed by two more.
“So, I’m proud of the way we are developing capabilities around our strengths and I’m proud of our inclusive, unified and supportive culture which fosters an institutional ethos of collaboration, embodied by our University’s values.”
Prof Max Lu at the launch event in March 2023 for the Veterinary Health Innovation Engine (vHive) 2.0, a collaboration with Zoetis, which aims to makes animals’ lives better through research.
Prof Max Lu at the launch event in March 2023 for the Veterinary Health Innovation Engine (vHive) 2.0, a collaboration with Zoetis, which aims to makes animals’ lives better through research.
Prof Sabine Braun, Dr Alireza Tamaddoni-Nezhad, Dr Andrew Rogoyski, Eli James, Prof Inga Prokopenko and Prof Adrian Hilton at the launch event in November 2021 to announce our new Surrey Institute for People-Centred Artificial Intelligence.
Prof Sabine Braun, Dr Alireza Tamaddoni-Nezhad, Dr Andrew Rogoyski, Eli James, Prof Inga Prokopenko and Prof Adrian Hilton at the launch event in November 2021 to announce our new Surrey Institute for People-Centred Artificial Intelligence.
Dr Tom Roberts, Prof Lorenzo Fioramonti, Nathalie Hinds and Prof Prashant Kumar with Prof Max Lu at the launch of the Institute for Sustainability in 2022.
Dr Tom Roberts, Prof Lorenzo Fioramonti, Nathalie Hinds and Prof Prashant Kumar with Prof Max Lu at the launch of the Institute for Sustainability in 2022.
Surrey scores highly each year for Student Satisfaction in the National Student Survey and the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES). What improvements to student experience mean the most to you?
Max: “We consistently put students at the heart of everything we do, an ethos that has resulted in over £400m being invested in our student infrastructure. You can see our philosophy ‘brought to life’ across our campus in our cutting-edge accommodation, our popular social study spaces and our fantastic Library. I’m particularly proud of all our new labs, the Innovation for Health Building, MySurrey Hive and MySurrey Nest and our Manor Park Phase II accommodation.
“Securing a top 11 place in the NSS for student satisfaction for three years running is testament to the successful implementation of our strategy ‘The 85 Plan’. I am also very proud that we have a consistent track record in student outcomes; being named University of the Year for Graduate Employment in The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide in 2022 is a definite highlight.”
Is Surrey more of an external-facing university now than when you began in your role?
Max: “Yes – and it’s one of our great strengths. To become a leading global institution, we’ve developed active collaborations and partnerships with over 300 international universities, expanding our influence and impact.
“We are moving ever closer to building a transnational campus and programmes overseas. We have already announced plans to open an International Branch Campus in GIFT City, Gujarat, India, and are actively exploring opportunities to set up branch campuses in China, Thailand and Saudi Arabia.
“This international framework is mirrored by our flourishing and engaged alumni network, which has expanded to over 150,000 alumni in 187 countries – graduates with a lifelong connection to Surrey who are changing the world through their own careers, volunteering and supporting fundraising projects like ‘The Future Says Surrey’.
“Our University is proud to work with more than 2,300 partners in placement and collaboration in research and, closer to home, has developed strong engagement with government at all levels. I’m proud of our productive partnership with Guildford Borough Council and our deepening ties with Surrey County Council through our Civic University Agreement.”
Professor Lu with Dr Sharad Mehra, CEO of Global University Systems (GUS) Asia Pacific, announcing plans for an International Branch Campus (IBC) in GIFT City.
Dr Sharad Mehra and Professor Max Lu
Prof Max Lu at the Shenzhen Alumni Reception, in March 2025.
Prof Max Lu at the Shenzhen Alumni Reception, in March 2025
Surrey prides itself on research that delivers a real-world, global impact. How are we doing?
Max: “We’re very proud of our track record in research excellence. However, it is through innovation that we can have a great impact on business, the economy and society. We have consistently, through successive strategy plans, invested in talent – for example our distinguished professors and our 28 outstanding Surrey Research Fellows, as well as our research infrastructure and support for start-ups and spinouts.
“The newly established Innovate Surrey Ltd will spearhead research commercialisation and impact; through an innovation seed fund and a growth fund we are trying to set up, we will uplift our impact through IP transfer and commercialisation.
“Our current impact is recognised in the THE Impact Rankings, which assess universities against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, where we have been ranked in the top 100 since its inception.
“Building on the research excellence demonstrated in REF 2021, Surrey is now increasing its research power so that we are in a position to submit 1,000 research active staff over the next two REF cycles. We have increased research funding from competitive sources and through partnerships with industry; this is a crucial input measure for research capacity and scale.”
Prof Max Lu at an event celebrating research and innovation success, in July 2023.
Prof Max Lu at an event celebrating research and innovation success, in July 2023.
How can we build on this and become an even greater force for good in the future?
Max: “Our ambition, as outlined in Vision 2041, is to drive positive change globally. This includes establishing three new Institutes over the next couple of years and recognising philanthropy's role in enriching lives and creating opportunities.
“Our staff are essential to delivering our strategy, making development and recognition a priority. Surrey’s supportive and high-performance environment fosters career growth.
“We contribute to local economic growth, innovation and sustainability through research and plans like building a solar farm and achieving Net Zero.”
Q. The Higher Education sector has experienced immense upheaval and change during your tenure. What challenges has that presented?
Max: "The university sector has faced significant challenges due to Brexit, the global pandemic, and geopolitical changes. Nevertheless, we have successfully surmounted these obstacles and strengthened our approach to delivering our core mission.
“This achievement is attributable to the dedication and resilience of our staff. Our esteemed colleagues at Surrey are the cornerstone of our current success and will continue to build upon the rich heritage of our University."
You’ve described the success of the campaign ‘The Future Says Surrey’ as one of your proudest achievements. How important a role does philanthropy have to play in our University’s future?
Max: "Philanthropy will become ever more crucial in higher education due to reduced public funding. Universities' success and governance will rely on private sector support, including from alumni and partners. Greater external engagement and community support will amplify their societal impact."
A new International Scholarship Programme has been set up in your own name. Why is this so important to you?
Max: “I have personally benefited from scholarships in my studies, which transformed my life, and I believe in the power of philanthropic support in changing students’ lives.
"I am honoured to see this global scholarship scheme established, and so far it has received positive responses from our supporters. There is hope that this support will increase, offering more talented students from underprivileged backgrounds the opportunity for education at a world-class institution like Surrey."
We are very proud of our amazing alumni network. Do you have a special message for them?
Max: “Our alumni community of 150,000 are not just graduates; they serve as Surrey ambassadors and contribute to their communities and societies globally. Their engagement and support for 'The Future Says Surrey,' along with their commitments to current students and advocacy in recruitment, are crucial to our future successes.
“I would like them to know that it is a privilege to be the Vice-Chancellor of this University with so many distinguished alumni. I have enjoyed meeting many of them and wish them success in their future endeavours. I encourage them to strive for change and remind them that we acknowledge their achievements.”
Q. How have you managed to juggle so many competing priorities, issues and stakeholders?
Max: "I am committed to making a difference to the people around me and to the organisation I lead, as I recognise the role of education and research in improving lives. This is my primary motivation – the larger goal, so to speak.
"To maintain that motivation, it is essential to have mental resilience to navigate life's challenges. Achieving this balance can be difficult, but it is even more challenging without proper attention to one's physical and mental wellbeing, which must be a priority for everyone.
"In terms of tasks, I prioritise high-level goals along with the immediate needs of the organisation. Flexibility is also necessary to address daily issues that arise within an organisation.
"At the end of the week, I focus on the impact of my actions rather than the number of tasks completed, following what some colleagues refer to as the 80-20 rule."
You’re leaving Surrey in a strong position, ready for future success. Is this your legacy?
Max: “I think my legacy, if any, is that Surrey has become a true dual excellence University with outstanding education and research impact. It has also become an institution that is more connected and engaged locally, nationally and internationally with a rising global reputation.”
Finally, what will you miss most about Surrey?
Max: “I will miss the large number of fantastic colleagues I have had the privilege to work with, the Surrey ethos of collaboration and innovation, and the beautiful Surrey Hills!”
Thank you for your time, Max. Surrey will miss you too. Good luck!
HRH The Duke of Kent attends Prof Max Lu's installation as President and Vice-Chancellor in 2016.
HRH The Duke of Kent attends Prof Max Lu's installation as President and Vice-Chancellor in 2016
Prof Max Lu taking part in the University's 50th Anniversary Procession and Thanksgiving Ceremony, in October 2016.
Prof Max Lu taking part in the University's 50th Anniversary Procession and Thanksgiving Ceremony, in October 2016.
With Steve the Stag and NAME in DATE.
With Steve the Stag and NAME in DATE.
HRH The Duke of Kent plants an oak tree on campus to mark the 45th year of his Chancellorship and celebrate the The Queen’s Green Canopy scheme in March 2022.
HRH The Duke of Kent plants an oak tree on campus to mark the 45th year of his Chancellorship and celebrate the The Queen’s Green Canopy scheme in March 2022.
Bollywood megastar, influential entrepreneur and philanthropist Suniel Shetty comes to campus in May 2022. © Grant Pritchard.
Bollywood megastar, influential entrepreneur and philanthropist Suniel Shetty comes to campus in May 2022. © Grant Pritchard.
HRH The Duke of Kent joins Prof Max Lu and students at the 2022 Graduation event in The Marquee.
HRH The Duke of Kent joins Prof Max Lu and students at the 2022 Graduation event in The Marquee.
Donors, Scholars and colleagues join Prof Max Lu at the Scholar's Lunch, held as part of the first Weekender in the summer of 2023.
Donors, Scholars and colleagues join Prof Max Lu at the Scholar's Lunch, held as part of the first Weekender in the summer of 2023.
Provost and Senior Vice President, Professor Tim Dunne, pictured with Prof Max Lu at the 2023 Vice-Chancellor's Awards for Staff Excellence.
Provost and Senior Vice President, Professor Tim Dunne, pictured with Prof Max Lu at the 2023 Vice-Chancellor's Awards for Staff Excellence.
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