Sir Keith O’nions Hungry for experiences that stretch them and nourish them, Imperial students go well beyond the nerd.

Our 2012–13 University Challenge team jokingly referred to the reputation of Imperial students as nerds who can fix a computer but can’t appreciate a good novel. They went on to thrash the competition in their first match – their countless winning responses to arts and humanities questions giving them the edge. I’ve watched Imperial students tussle on the sports pitch and sing enchantingly in the Royal Albert Hall and am continually in awe of their wide-ranging talents. Each October when I welcome the new cohort to campus, I urge them to try the many doors open to them at Imperial. They slip easily between new discoveries and Imperial College Union’s enticing offer to join, for example, the ranks of kickboxing barbershop quartet singers. Matching the first-week enthusiasm of our students is both a privilege and a challenge for those who shape their experiences. We need to both stimulate their interests and equip them for their next step beyond Imperial. A new programme named Imperial Horizons aims to do just that.

We’ve had an excellent response, with undergraduates from all departments taking the course. One option synthesises expertise from across Imperial, with researchers sharing how they are solving problems relating to climate change, global health, energy and water supplies. They ignite discussions among students who wrestle with the issues, considering points of philosophy and policy that they would not normally touch on in their studies. With a focus on science, engineering, medicine and business, Imperial is distinct among UK universities. But specialisation does not equate to narrowness in vision. Indeed, through our research institutes, we are well placed to pull together multidisciplinary teams who are able to tackle the interrelated challenges facing society from different standpoints and armed with different knowledge and insights. Imperial Horizons should prepare graduates to make their own valuable contributions as good communicators and team players with a firm grasp of the bigger picture.

Beyond their formal studies, Imperial College Union plays a vital role in feeding the broader interests of our students. Each year they lay on a feast of opportunities to sample new experiences. Just last summer, members of the Caving Club became the first to tread the floor of the longest cave in Slovenia as they delved deep into its underground passages. The College also caters for the musical and sporting talents of students, providing facilities and practical support that have helped orchestras to win national prizes and athletes to become Olympians (see page 15). An alumnus was recently overheard saying that she hoped her son would grow up to be a nerd like her. Imperial students and graduates may well enjoy the stereotype, but the reality is infinitely more colourful.

Best wishes,

Sir Keith O’nions Frs is President & Rector of Imperial College London. He is a geologist who has worked at Oxford, Cambridge and Columbia Universities, and has served the UK government as Chief Scientific Advisor to the Ministry of Defence, and as former Director-General of the Research Councils.