Welcome


I’m delighted to introduce Steps Magazine 2026, my first as Vice-Chancellor of Lancaster University. While I’ve held this post since January, I’m not new to the University, and some of you may remember me from my first stint here, as Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research. I feel very fortunate indeed to have made my return, after six years away, to lead such an outstanding institution.


So much has happened since 2019, and while many things that make this such a great place to study remain the same as when I left, much has changed, and Lancaster has not been completely immune to the challenges facing our broader sector. Against an uncertain backdrop, it’s particularly heartening that our research continues to improve lives and contribute to making our world a better place, with much of what we do officially ranked as world leading. It’s also good to see how our alumni community continues to grow, with over 190,000 of you now spread across the planet.


As always, there isn’t enough space in these pages to share with you all the exciting news and achievements of the last twelve months (you can always find more on our website – www. lancaster.ac.uk), but there are a few things I’d like to highlight. First up – and now a repeating and record-breaking theme! – Roses continue to be red, as our students pulled off their fifth successive win in an event that has grown to be the biggest inter-varsity competition of its kind in Europe. Another area where Lancaster continues to excel is in our drive towards net zero. In April, for the first time, we generated 100% of our own energy, thanks to the addition of our solar farm – only the second east-west facing facility of its kind in Britain. We will soon add the UK’s largest heat pump energy centre to our impressive array of renewable power sources. Lancaster’s pioneering spirit remains undimmed.


2 | STEPS 2026


Alongside news updates from campus, Steps provides a chance to shine a spotlight on special members of our extended community. In this issue, we celebrate the achievements of Professor Elizabeth Lee of Sunway University and hear from radio presenter, Richard Allinson. We also share news from some more recent graduates, whose entrepreneurial spirit is helping to shape Lancaster’s high street.


Although, as a sector, we are facing some major challenges, I’m optimistic that Lancaster will continue to excel and, indeed, improve, as we look to continue delivering a wonderful student experience and highly impactful research, remaining a positive presence not just for our immediate region, but also nationally and globally.


Finally, as I make my return to Lancaster, I’d like to acknowledge the departure of someone many of you will have met during nearly a quarter century of service to Lancaster’s alumni community. Rachel Newbury, our Head of Alumni Engagement, has left us for a role north of the border (a journey I’ve made in the opposite direction!). I know you will join me in wishing her well and thanking her for the time and energy she dedicated to both the University and her fellow alumni.


Contents 04


Richard Allinson: Richard’s Greatest Hits


08


Spotlight on: Matthew Howard and Fran Gater


Professor Steve Decent Vice-Chancellor


14 20


A Strong Partnership


Philanthropy in Action


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