Aberdeen University

Academic ambitions led Aberdeen University to search across the world in its campaign to recruit top-level staff

With an ambition to be ranked among the world's top 100 universities, the University of Aberdeen knew it needed to attract world-class staff.

Two years ago it began a global search for people who are the best in their fields to fill senior posts at the university. The campaign included international advertising and exploring academic networks, as well as working with headhunters and public relations.

International Recruitment

The university has since appointed 50 new professors, half of whom came from overseas – including New York, Massachusetts, Athens, New Zealand, Brazil and Germany.

Lori Manders, head of external affairs, believes it takes a special organisation and a unique place to attract the best people.

Location

"We're fighting against other top universities to get these people," she says. "It has to be really compelling because, when you're recruiting at that level, lots of things have to fit, including the job, the location, a place to live, and family needs."

The university has taken a number of steps to make sure the proposition is attractive and staff are supported, from lessening the teaching and administrative load of professors, to finding accommodation for their families and schools for their children and pointing them to the Fresh Talent website. Its efforts have been worth it.

Attracting Quality

"Quality attracts quality. One of the immediate benefits is that other people want to come and work here at a junior level. They bring with them new staff as well. It’s a kind of magnetic effect," says Manders.

"Some have come with huge grants and many publications. There are lots of benefits in terms of their reputation and the funding they've got."

As the university is assessed on the quality of its research, Manders believes the long-term rewards will be greater still.

Case study:Jan:2006

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