UEL Pulse Your Employer Partner Newsletter
Update From Our Pro Vice-Chancellor
Earlier this month, the University of East London (UEL) marked a significant milestone in its Vision 2028 strategy with the inauguration of TerraDock, the new business acceleration and incubation hub within the Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability (RDCS). This event also celebrated the first anniversary of the RDCS, underscoring UEL’s commitment to driving innovation, sustainability, and economic growth in East London and beyond.?
The RDCS has rapidly established itself as a regional and national leader in sustainable innovation, exemplifying UEL’s mission to be at the forefront of addressing global challenges. Over the past year, the RDCS has been home to pioneering initiatives, including the Sustainability Research Institute (SRI), which developed Sugarcrete, a revolutionary low-carbon alternative to traditional construction materials. Sugarcrete has not only garnered international acclaim but also won the prestigious Knowledge Exchange/Transfer Initiative of the Year award at the 2024 Times Higher Education Awards. This achievement highlights UEL’s role in delivering transformative, real-world impact through research and enterprise.?
TerraDock represents the next chapter in this journey, expanding the RDCS’s ecosystem by offering a dedicated space for start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and entrepreneurial ventures. Positioned within the wider Royal Docks regeneration project, TerraDock reinforces UEL’s role as a key driver of innovation and economic development in the region. It builds on the University’s recent successes, such as its collaboration with MassChallenge UK over the past two years, which has provided invaluable support to early-stage businesses and amplified UEL’s reputation as a hub for enterprise and talent development.?
The launch event brought together academics, students, industry leaders, and community stakeholders, reflecting the collaborative ethos that defines UEL’s approach to innovation. Attendees were introduced to TerraDock’s facilities and its ambitious 2025 programme, which is designed to foster growth in priority sectors such as nature-positive finance and the creative industries. Notably, the Nature Positive Finance Accelerator, delivered in partnership with Middlesex University and funded by Research England, equips nature-focused businesses with the tools to scale their impact. Similarly, the Creative Futures Accelerator, developed in collaboration with Grow London Local, empowers local creatives to turn their passions into successful enterprises, further strengthening UEL’s ties to its community.?
TerraDock is uniquely positioned to integrate with the RDCS’s broader ecosystem, offering a seamless pathway for businesses to access world-class research, prototyping facilities, and mentorship from industry leaders through initiatives such as the Entrepreneurs in Residence programme. The hub also provides tailored support services, including legal and tax advisory clinics delivered by UEL’s Royal Docks School of Business and Law, and connects businesses with student talent through the Student Enterprise ‘Millionaires Club’. By embedding enterprise within this wider framework, TerraDock not only enhances the RDCS’s impact but also reinforces UEL’s Vision 2028 commitment to integrating sustainability, innovation, and careers-first education.?
As we continue to implement Vision 2028, initiatives such as TerraDock will remain central to our mission to create a healthier, greener, and fairer future. I invite all members of our community, as well as prospective partners, to engage with TerraDock, explore its opportunities, and be part of its ongoing success. Together, we are shaping the future of enterprise and innovation in East London and beyond.
On behalf of the entire team at UEL, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
UEL Partner Insider
SPOTLIGHT - National Apprenticeship Week 2025
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UEL students visit Baker McKenzie through DoT Programme
Organised as part of the University’s Diversity of Thought (DoT) Programme, the initiative aimed to expose students to leading industry professionals and inspire diverse perspectives in law. The visit gave students a chance to explore the world of a global law firm, gain insights into legal careers, and connect with professionals from various stages of their career journey at Baker McKenzie.
The day’s agenda was designed to be informative and interactive, starting with an Introduction to Baker McKenzie, giving students a comprehensive overview of the firm’s culture, values, and international presence. This was followed by a Commercial Awareness Workshop, where students were challenged to think critically about real-world business scenarios and how they intersect with legal practice.?
RDCS celebrates a year of progress and promise
On 5 December 2024, the Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability (RDCS) played host to east London’s vibrant sustainability community, bringing together members to reflect on a year of remarkable achievements and begin work on setting ambitious goals for the future.
Over the past 12 months, significant strides have been made in advancing green and digital skills, with 119 people trained through innovative net zero carbon and digital programmes, and a further 249 people having participated in career-focused programmes, gaining valuable work experience and insights that will help unlock future career opportunities.
Call to address barriers for Black academics
Systemic and pervasive barriers are hindering the progression of Black academics in UK business schools and more must be done to foster a more inclusive and representative higher education sector, according to a new report co-authored by the University of East London and the University of Reading’s Henley Business School.?
The ground-breaking report,?Creating Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in Higher Education: The Challenges and Opportunities for Black Academics in University Business Schools, examines the varied experiences of Black academics working in the UK and the US, delving specifically into the internal factors that have historically contributed to a lack of career progression, including towards professorship.?
UEL launches TerraDock
The University of East London is proud to announce the official opening of TerraDock, a cutting-edge business acceleration space located within the Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability (RDCS). This innovative hub is designed to foster the growth of startups and SMEs, particularly those focused on sustainability and technology.
Enabling this innovative work to take place will be a number of Accelerator Programmes and business incubation services focussed on sustainability, creativity and diversity.
UEL student named Digital Apprentice of the Year
UEL student Ziana Butt has been awarded the Digital and Technology Apprentice of The Year award at the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards 2024.
Ziana, who completed her apprenticeship with Accenture, was chosen from a group of 20 nominees for the prestigious award. Another UEL student, Bolu Olawaye - who completed an apprenticeship with Howden Group - was also shortlisted, showcasing the exceptional talent nurtured at the University.
Prestigious Times Higher Education Award for UEL research
The University was recognised for developing Sugarcrete?, an ultra-low carbon bio-based material which upcycles sugarcane waste into construction products. Sugarcrete? is an alternative to bricks and concrete and is being used in buildings in the UK and around the world.?
The fiercely competitive shortlist for the Knowledge Exchange/Transfer Initiative of the Year award included projects from the Open University and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. The UEL team proudly collected their THE Award at a packed ceremony in Birmingham.?
UEL hosts event celebrating Benjamin Zephaniah’s legacy
The University of East London is to host a heartfelt tribute event, honouring the life and legacy of the iconic poet, writer, and activist Benjamin Zephaniah, who was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from UEL in 2003.
Staged at the new Arts Venue in Stratford on December 7, We Remember Benjamin Zephaniah; 1958 to 2023 will commemorate the first anniversary of Zephaniah’s passing and celebrate his enduring impact on literature and social justice, especially within the Newham community.
Passion to purpose: Asher Roberts' cricketing journey
University of East London alumni Asher Roberts turned his passion for cricket into a full-time career. Asher has built a wealth of coaching and playing cricket experience over the years, enabling him to secure his current role of ACE Development Officer at Kent Cricket.
His job has enabled him to coach all ability levels, from individuals picking up a bat for the first time, all the way through to aspiring county and professional cricketers.
UEL, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure and Diversity of Thought
UEL’s Diversity of Thought Programme (DoT) is dedicated to empowering students from diverse backgrounds by providing them with the opportunities they deserve. Recognising the barriers these students face when aiming for top-tier companies, UEL works closely with students, staff, and industry professionals to understand these challenges. Many students feel these roles are out of reach and find the selection process intimidating.
To tackle this, the DoT Programme offers targeted support at key points in the recruitment process. This collaborative effort with industry partners aims to create flexible solutions that align with current recruitment practices while also increasing diversity in the talent pool. The goal is to help students not only consider these high-profile roles but also feel well-prepared to pursue them.
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