PResident's RePORt 2009/2010 - University College Cork

Foreword
UCC at a Glance
Academic Developments
Teaching and Learning
Research
College Reports:
Arts, Celtic
Studies and Social
Sciences
Business and Law
Medicine and Health
Science, Engineering and
Food Science
Events
Student Experience
Sports and Recreation
Buildings and Estates
Cork University Press
Finance
Governing Body
IRIS Appendix
3
Welcome to the President’s Report 2009/2010
This year we celebrate University College Cork’s rise
from 207 to 184 in the QS World University Rankings
(2010) placing UCC in the top two per cent of universities
worldwide.
Our progress is all the more remarkable when set against the
all too familiar background of Ireland’s economic situation over
the past three years. Through judicious and prudent use of our
resources, coupled with the proactive pursuit of non-Exchequer
funding, UCC has both lived within its means and continues to meet
the growing needs of our student body.
UCC students are the new generation of high-achievers. Our graduates,
and others like them, will be the foundation on which Ireland will rebuild
its economic fortunes. This is a weighty responsibility to bear. It is our
duty to provide them with the best possible opportunities during their time
with us, because these experiences will form the bedrock for their future
careers. The pages that follow outline the innovative ways in which UCC is
constantly refining the experience on offer to those who choose to study here.
As traditional income streams are cut back, UCC’s research agenda becomes
an even more important aspect of our strategic plan. The Institutional Research
Information System (IRIS) is a web-based application that allows UCC’s academics
to maintain, update and publicise their research profiles. In this report, for the
first time, we include a comprehensive appendix, using IRIS data, to highlight staff
research activities throughout the academic year.
On the international stage, UCC’s profile continues to grow. Our presence at the
Shanghai World Expo in September 2010 allowed us to forge even stronger links with
our partners in the Chinese education sector. UCC staff and students also continue to
volunteer in projects that will facilitate self-sufficiency and improve standards of living all
over the developing world.
The true strength of University College Cork lies in the people who work and study here. The
deep-rooted spirit of community in UCC was typified by the response of staff and students alike
in tackling the problems caused by the floods that affected large parts of our campus and areas
to the west of Cork city in November 2009. The determination and resolute good humour of all
involved was a credit to UCC and for this I extend my thanks and sincere appreciation.
Dr Michael B. Murphy
President
University College Cork