Chris Skidmore MP. Nigel Stead
The UK Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation, Chris Skidmore MP, paid a visit to LSE this week to discuss postgraduate education and take a look around the School’s developing campus.
In a speech to LSE staff and students, Mr Skidmore discussed fostering learning communities and, in particular, the importance of supporting postgraduate study and post-doctoral staff.
During the speech, the Minister said, “As a government, we want to be doing all we can to protect and grow our share of research talent. And we are serious about working together with the sector to ensure we are giving early career researchers, regardless of where they come from, sufficient opportunities for progression."
Earlier in the day the Minister met members of the School Management Committee where they discussed LSE 2030, the School’s Education Strategy and wider higher education issues, including immigration policy and research funding. The Minister also spoke to students about their experiences, including student innovators who are part of the LSE Change Makers programme.
Finally, Mr Skidmore managed to sneak-a-peek at the soon-to-be-opened LSE Centre Buildings, where he was shown the range of new teaching facilities and PhD study areas.
LSE Pro-Director (Education), Professor Dilly Fung, thanked the Minister for the visit, adding, “We are particularly excited about our plans to build on the synergies between education, research and public engagement, and we are always happy to show the range of benefits of being a global university, attracting many of the best students and researchers from all over the world."