Leicester MP learns how city university supports communities and shapes national policy
The University of Leicester welcomed one of the city’s new MPs to campus to showcase the work it does with local businesses, communities and at national policy level.
This was Shivani Raja’s first official visit to the University since she was elected as the MP for Leicester East at the 2024 General Election.
She was welcomed to campus, on Friday 21 March, by University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nishan Canagarajah, who outlined the institution’s strategy of developing world-leading strengths in the key areas of space, health, culture and heritage. Ms Raja also heard how the University strives to make a distinctive contribution to Leicestershire and its communities in those key areas.
Professor Dan Ladley, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of the School of Business, then led a discussion centred on how the University works with local businesses and communities. The session saw Ms Raja informed about a raft of initiatives, including the support the University offers small and medium-sized enterprises, and the Universities Partnership. This civic agreement, signed in 2014, sees Leicester, Loughborough and De Montfort universities work with the region’s five local authorities on shared goals for the region.
Ms Raja then moved on to meet representatives from the recently launched Institute for Policy, which was formed to strengthen the ties between the University’s world-renowned research community and decision makers around the globe.
Law students were then on hand to explain the pro bono work they carry out to help people in the community, including those affected by the Windrush scandal.
Professor Canagarajah said: “Shivani Raja showed much interest in the work of the University and its impact on our locality and beyond. Her visit provided a fantastic opportunity for our staff and students to highlight how work at the University makes a palpable difference in our communities. As a University founded by local people, we are proud to give back in multiple ways that reflect our contribution to the success and prosperity of the region.”
Ms Raja said: “The University of Leicester is a real credit to our city, and it was such a pleasure to be able to see first-hand some of the truly fantastic work they are doing. From local SME support to national policy research, it’s clear to see how invested the University are in working with the city and its residents at every level.
“I’m very much looking forward to continuing our work together, and seeing how we can make every effort to support our communities, together.”