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60th Anniversary
You are invited to be part of our 60th Anniversary celebrations.
Explore our stories from the last 60 years, discover our impactful research and join us as we look ahead to the future.
Our foundations
In 1961, Harold Wilson published a report recommending that higher education should be ‘available to all those who are qualified for it by ability or attainment and who, by reason of their limited means, would not otherwise be able to go to university’. Based on this report, in 1966 the University of Bradford was established.
"Over the last six decades, this University has built on this proud legacy. We have been champions of a transformative education which produces excellent employment outcomes, pioneers in research and innovation, and a University of and for Bradford. I think Harold Wilson would be proud."
Professor Nick Braisby, Interim Vice-Chancellor
Dr Ted Edwards, the University's first Vice-Chancellor, receiving the Royal Charter
Events
Making a difference since 1966
From establishing the first School of Peace Studies, founding one of the oldest business schools in the country and creating the Bradford Burns Unit.
And we are still making a difference today.
We are ranked 1st in the country for impact on social mobility, 8th nationally for boosting students' academic outcomes, 16th nationally for graduates entering high-skilled employment and 77% of our research impact is rated excellent or world leading.
These achievements are the result of the vision and dedication of our staff, students, alumni and everyone who works in partnership with us.
Share your story
Whether it is a story from when you studied at the University, an event you attended or a project you worked on that made a difference, we want you to share it with us. Your stories may become part of other activities throughout our 60th Anniversary.
1960s
1966
- University of Bradford is born
- Prime Minister Harold Wilson becomes Chancellor
- We established the UK's first pharmacy practice research unit
1967
- Emerald Publishing created by academics in the School of Management
1969
- Tony Benn, Minister of Technology, opens the new Chemical Engineering Building
1970s
1970
- Twin probe instrument invented to help uncover the buried past
1971
- Pink Floyd plays the University
1972
- Employed our first female professor, a Professor in Sociology
1973
- The School of Peace Studies is founded
1974
- Launched the world's first academic qualification in archaeological science, with the MA in Scientific Methods in Archaeology.
1975
- JB Priestley Library opens
1979
- Our team were victorious in University Challenge in January 1979
1980s
1980
- RamAir Student Radio is first broadcast
1985
- Burns Unit founded following the Valley Parade Fire Disaster
1986
- Sir John Harvey-Jones becomes Bradford’s second Chancellor
1988
- Academic Thomas Geoffrey Booth (known as Geoff) became the UK's first Professor of Pharmacy Practice
1989
- Polymer Interdisciplinary Research Centre is formed
1990s
1991
- Nirvana plays the communal building
1992
- Sir Trevor Holdsworth is appointed as our third Chancellor
1994
- Dementia Care Mapping was first published
1995
- We founded Bradford Particle Design (BPD), which later went on to develop ground-breaking crystallisation technology and sold for $200 million six years after it was created.
1996
- We joined with the former Bradford and Airedale College of Health, which later became the School of Health Studies.
1997
- Baroness Betty Lockwood becomes our fourth Chancellor
1999
- Rock band Terrorvision played the Communal Hall (now Student Central)
2000s
2004
- We launched courses in Law and Human Resource Management
2005
- Imran Khan becomes our fifth Chancellor
- An £84m project to redevelop campus was announced which included a focus on improving our sustainability
2006
- We became a Fairtrade University
2008
- New Institute of Cancer Therapeutics building opens
2010
- We developed a new material to make filling root canal's easier and reducing the five-year failure rate
2010s
2013
- European Space Agency collaborate on space weather
- Uncovered hidden secrets of Stonehenge
2015
- Queen’s Anniversary Prize for world-leading Dementia research
2016
- Public generosity to the Crocus appeal supports cancer breakthroughs
- Kate Swann is appointed as our sixth Chancellor
2020s
2022
- Anita Rani is appointed as our as our seventh Chancellor
- Innovative crystal engineering technology a huge win for the environment (EfferShine)
- Queen's Anniversary prize for outstanding archaeology
- All systems go for launch of Bradford-Renduchintala Centre for Space-AI
2023
- AI set to revolutionise the organ donation process
2024
- Pioneering entrepreneurship programme, Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem, opens for business
- University of the Year for Social Mobility – four years in a row
2025
- Bradford 2025 - Bradford is UK City of Culture
Our Anniversaries
During this year we are also proud to be marking other significant milestones across the institution, including:
Theatre in the Mill - Celebrating 50 years
JB Priestley Library - Celebrating 50 years
Healthcare Leadership - Celebrating 30 years
Biomedical Engineering - Celebrating 30 years
Clinical Technology - Celebrating 25 years
Centre for Inclusion and Diversity - Celebrating 20 years
Behind the Walls
Over the last 60 years our campus has transformed, shaping the experiences of our staff and students. Behind these walls, ideas take shape, breakthroughs happen, and careers are started. Explore how our campus has changed and discover examples of how our research, innovation and achievements have been making a difference since 1966.
News
Sixty Years in the Making: A Journey Through Our University Archives
April 2025
To mark our 60th anniversary, we’ve opened the University’s archive of staff and student newsletters to trace how campus life, culture and community have evolved from the 1960s to the 2010s.
'Peace Studies problem' starts 60th anniversary lectures
March 2025
A remark reportedly made by Margaret Thatcher; ‘Has that Peace Studies problem been dealt with yet?’ is now inspiring a forward-looking conversation as the University launches its 60th anniversary lecture series.
Celebrating 60 years at Bradford City AFC takeover
February 2026
Bradford City AFC received extra support from University staff and students as we took over one of the club’s home matches.
University launches 60th anniversary year celebrations
December 2025
The University officially kicked off its 60th anniversary year celebrations, with a commitment to preserve the legacy of City of Culture.
Get in touch
To find out more about our 60th anniversary celebrations or to share your memories of the University, get in touch with the Engagement and Events Team.