From groundbreaking research and pioneering sustainability initiatives to major investments in student success and industry collaboration, the 2025-26 academic year has been a landmark year for the University of Westminster. From opening the doors of Zone29 and launching London's newest student radio station to strengthening life sciences education, championing social justice and celebrating 130 years of cinematic history, the University has continued to make a lasting impact on its students, partners and communities. Explore our top ten highlights from the year.
1. Opening Zone29, the University’s new home for careers and enterprise
Westminster opened the doors of Zone29 to boost careers and business collaboration across the University and beyond. The fully accessible and sustainable nine-storey building in the heart of London, which is dedicated to connecting the University’s diverse student and academic talent with the world of business and the wider community, is unique in the UK higher education sector. The innovative concept of Zone29 has been developed to give Westminster students real-life work experiences and industry connections as part of their studies. At the same time, it helps local and global businesses unlock economic growth by easily reaching and developing diverse talent with future-proof skills.
Zone29 has already received national recognition for its impact and innovation. The building was shortlisted for a 2026 HEIST Award in the Best Collaboration category, while its café has been recognised with the U Dine Award for New Café Concept, highlighting the success of the University's vision for this vibrant new space.
2. Launching Westminster Waves, a new community radio station for students across London
Photo: Station Manager Jason Rosam and Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Peter Bonfield
In June the University launched Westminster Waves, a brand-new Ofcom-licensed community radio station broadcasting across London on DAB Digital Radio, online and via smart speakers, with a mission to become the sound of student life in London.
The station provides both physical and creative spaces for colleagues and students to develop content, experiment with new ideas and build professional skills, with each volunteer receiving Ofcom compliance and radio production training. Each show is created and produced by those within the wider Westminster community, from interviewing academics, alumni and industry guests, to highlighting news and projects taking place at Westminster.
3. Organising the first ever climate assembly at a UK university
Westminster launched the UK’s first university-based citizens’ assembly on climate, bringing together a representative group from its community to agree on the future direction of the University’s climate action. The assembly consisted of students, academics, professional services colleagues and contractors who were all selected through democratic lottery to make sure the University’s diverse community was fully represented. Running between January and March, the group discussed what the University should do to take action on climate change.
The three-month discussion resulted in 51 recommendations, which have begun to be implemented, with progress being monitored by the University’s Sustainable Development Goals Coordinating Group.
4. Westminster Life Sciences education and research seeing major boost
The University of Westminster significantly strengthened its position as a leader in life sciences education, research and healthcare innovation through a series of landmark developments.
The University launched the UK's first Gene Editing Research and Education Nexus and unveiled the Dragons' Gene Editors initiative, placing Westminster at the forefront of cutting-edge gene editing research and public engagement.
A transformational £4.2 million donation from alumnus and Serum Institute of India CEO Adar C. Poonawalla was announced, expanding access to STEM education and accelerating health and life sciences innovation, while new state-of-the-art clinical simulation suites were opened to enhance nursing education through immersive training designed to support compassionate care and tackle workforce challenges.
Westminster also celebrated the launch of its expanded Centre for Nutraceuticals, driving cutting-edge research into vitamins and food supplements, and expanded its Community Counselling Service to provide greater access to affordable mental health support for London residents and beyond. Together, these milestones demonstrate the University's growing impact across biomedical research, healthcare education and community wellbeing.
5. Celebrating Regent Street Cinema’s 130th anniversary
This year marked the 130th anniversary of the historic moment in 1896 when the Lumière brothers presented their Cinématographe at the Royal Polytechnic Institution theatre, now the University's Regent Street Cinema. This landmark event, which heralded the birth of British cinema, marked the first time seven minutes of moving images were shown to a paying UK audience.
To celebrate the milestone, the British Film Institute (BFI) presented the cinema with an official commemorative plaque in recognition of its remarkable legacy. The anniversary was marked with a programme of special events, including screenings of iconic films and the launch of a new film critic mentorship programme for Westminster students.
6. Establishing Sanctuary initiative at Westminster to support refugee and displaced student community
During the academic year, the University launched the Sanctuary at Westminster initiative, which is dedicated to supporting and celebrating the University’s refugee and displaced student community. As part of their work towards becoming a University of Sanctuary, Westminster is developing institutional practices that promote access, support and belonging across its community.
The initiative offers advice and guidance for students from refugee or asylum backgrounds, financial support and scholarship opportunities, wellbeing and pastoral support, and specialist mentoring and academic support.
7. Westminster’s empowering Ignite Fund reaching new milestones
This year saw a momentous milestone for the University of Westminster as the Ignite Fund celebrated its tenth anniversary. To cap off a decade of empowering students, the fund awarded £66,000 to 127 students, supporting projects that bridge the gap between academic study and professional success. This year’s new cohort marked a significant milestone in the Ignite Fund’s history, bringing the total number of students to over 1,000.
8. Launching Right to Food UK Commission in Parliament to end hunger in Britain
This year students and colleagues partnered with Ian Byrne MP, the Food and Work Network, and the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU), to launch the Right to Food Commission in Parliament. The Commission aims to provide a roadmap towards ending hunger in Britain and bring together academics, activists, trade unionists and campaigners to tackle hunger and malnutrition in the UK.
The Commission was announced at the Right to Food UK Conference which was held at the University of Westminster in September and featured Westminster’s Dr Regina Murphy Keith and Dr Sharon Noonan-Gunning who are serving as technical advisors on the Commission.
9. Securing £2.5m from Office for Students to create Immersive Experience Lab
In 2025 the University of Westminster secured £2,496,000 in funding from the Office for Students (OfS) to create a new Immersive Experience Lab on its Marylebone Campus, designed specifically to tackle critical skills shortages already affecting employers in London and across the UK. The Lab will provide students with hands-on, industry-aligned learning that builds practical and strategic skills in high-growth sectors, including digital technology, finance, construction, manufacturing, professional and business services, and the creative industries.
10. Being shortlisted for Outstanding Support for Students at Times Higher Education Awards 2025
The University of Westminster was named a finalist in the Outstanding Support for Students category at the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2025. These awards recognise excellence in the UK and Irish Higher Education sector and are widely known as the Oscars of Higher Education.
Being shortlisted for the award is a recognition of Westminster’s outstanding commitment to enhancing student experiences and career prospects through innovative and tailored initiatives that help students thrive, such as the Future Ready Mentoring programme.
Find out about the 2025 top ten highlights at the University of Westminster.
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