In the next issue of Warwick Connect we would like to include a feature on the memorable gigs that Warwick alumni have witnessed here over the years. Did you see the New York Dolls in 1973 or REM in 1985? Did you see Radiohead in 1992 or Oasis in 1993? How about U2 in 1981?

Over the last few months Warwick has announced a series of strategic partnerships and collaborations with a number of universities in the UK and overseas. These partnerships will enhance the Warwick’s position as a globally connected university and maximise the effectiveness of its teaching and research.

New York’s mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, and New York University’s president John Sexton have announced an historic agreement between New York City, New York’s MTA, and a consortium of world-class academic institutions, (including the University of Warwick – the only European university in the agreement), and private technology companies, that will lead to the creation in New York of a “Center for Urban Science and Progress”

The University of Warwick has moved up to sixth place in The Complete University Guide to the UK’s 116 universities, which is published today 24th April 2012, and is once again ranked as the top university in the Midlands.

If so, your contribution would give a current Warwick student a huge advantage in today's employment marketplace!

Chiara Oldani (MSc Economics 2000-01), your Italian alumni ambassador, and a group of Rome-based graduates recently got together for an aperitivo after work.

The Goal Programme is a national initiative run by the University of Warwick. Goal works with gifted and talented high school students between years 10 and 13. Members are amongst the most academically able in the country but come from backgrounds with no direct connection to higher education and/or live in areas designed by the government as being ‘low participation’ for higher education.

Warwick alumni are a creative bunch and many of you have submitted their books to the Warwick authors page on the website. It turns out that your talents aren't limited to writing, there are lots of film-makers and musicians out there. As a result, we're going to create new Warwick film-makers and Warwick musicians pages which will give you the opportunity to share your talents with other Warwick graduates.

Queen Mary, University of London and Warwick have announced a strategic partnership which, by combining talent and resources in selected disciplines, aims to ensure that both universities continue to thrive amidst the increasing uncertainty and pressures facing higher education institutions in England.

Warwick has launched a new iOS and Android app and a documentary to mark the bicentenary of Charles Dickens' birth as part of a week-long celebration of one of the greatest ever authors.