University of Southampton Alumni and Supporters

The University of Southampton Delhi Campus was delighted to host a celebratory alumni dinner, bringing together graduates, soon-to-be alumni, and University leadership for an evening of connection and conversation.

Over the past year, our alumni community in India has played a vital role in supporting the growth of the Delhi campus through mentorship, advocacy, networking, and engagement. The evening was an opportunity to celebrate these contributions, share updates on the campus' journey, and strengthen the connections that unite our global Southampton community.

We’re delighted to welcome Professor Charlie Jeffery CBE as the University of Southampton’s next Vice-Chancellor and President. We look forward to this exciting new chapter for our global Southampton community.

We are thrilled to announce that Professor Charlie Jeffery CBE will be our new Vice-Chancellor and President.

Currently Vice-Chancellor at the University of York, a role he has served with purpose and distinction since 2019, Professor Jeffery is a highly respected leader in the sector, bringing with him a deep-rooted interest in the role of universities in promoting economic development and creating opportunities for wider access to education, both here in the UK and internationally.

Building on Southampton’s global reputation for excellence with real-world impact, he will bring a focus on preparing graduates to flourish in a rapidly-changing job market and on harnessing research to the benefit of our economy and society.

Professor Jeffery will take up the position on October 1, shortly after Southampton has played host to the British Science Festival, and as the university prepares to enter its 75th anniversary year.

Professor Jeffery said: “I am honoured to be joining the University of Southampton at such an exciting moment.

“I am hugely impressed by Southampton’s commitment to partnership working in the region and beyond. It is more important than ever that universities engage what they do with the communities they serve, and I look forward to building on this rich tradition of civic partnership to deliver impact locally, nationally and globally."

As England kick off their World Cup journey, we're looking back at some of the football teams that helped shape our own sporting history.

From the first Hartley University College football team in 1900 to a team from 1998, these photos capture generations of students who represented the University on the pitch and highlight football's enduring place in our community.

Do you recognise anyone in these historic photos, or have memories of football during your time here? We'd love to hear your stories.

Good luck to England, and to all the nations represented across our global alumni community. ⚽



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The photos featured show the Hartley University College football team in 1900 and University football teams from 1936, 1946, 1979 and 1998.

Highfield Campus looking its best in the sunshine.☀️

Whether you graduated last year or decades ago, we hope these views bring back a few memories. 💙

What's your favourite spot on campus?

When Dame Susan Langley arrived at Southampton as a Geography student, she could never have imagined where life would take her.

In our latest edition of Hartley News, the alumna (BSc Geography, 1985) reflects on the unexpected journey that led her to become Lady Mayor of the City of London – one of the world's oldest civic offices.

Sue speaks candidly about the confidence she gained at Southampton, the importance of curiosity and resilience, and the student experiences that have stayed with her throughout a career she never could have predicted. From Freshers' Week adventures and surf club mishaps to the lessons that helped shape her future, Southampton played an important role in her remarkable journey.

Describing her path as an "accidental career", she shares how chance opportunities, authentic leadership and a commitment to opening doors for others have shaped her success.

Read the full interview in the latest edition of Hartley News. https://hartleynews.soton.ac.uk/edition/spring-2026/

What part of your Southampton experience helped shape the person you are today?

This World Ocean Day, we're looking back on an inspiring talk from alumna Francesca Trotman, founder of Love The Oceans, who shared her insights from more than 15 years working in marine conservation.🌊

From tackling rising sea levels, plastic pollution and biodiversity loss to exploring the power of community-led conservation, Francesca highlighted the importance of local voices in protecting our blue planet. She also discussed emerging skills gaps in the sector, ethical considerations in conservation, and the innovations helping to shape a more sustainable future for our oceans.

Reflecting on how her time at Southampton influenced her career, Francesca offered a powerful reminder that meaningful change happens when science, communities and passion come together.

On World Ocean Day, we celebrate those working to protect and restore our oceans for future generations. 🌍💙

Watch the recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3RL5N_neoY

This Volunteers’ Week, we're celebrating the thousands of alumni who give their time to support the University of Southampton community.

Whether through mentoring, sharing career insights, speaking at events, supporting student recruitment, or helping fellow graduates build their networks, alumni volunteers play a vital role in helping others feel connected, confident, and inspired about their future.

As one current student reflected:

"The alumni panel really inspired me — the practical advice and real-life experiences felt relatable and helpful. The university’s alumni network is such a great support."

For many students and recent graduates, hearing directly from someone who once stood where they are now can be genuinely transformative.

That impact is felt by volunteers too. As alumnus Srinidhi Sathyamurthy (MSc Artificial Intelligence, 2024) shared:

"Not too long ago, I was in the same position myself, so being able to encourage other students, answer their questions, and share my experience felt really meaningful."

This year alone, more than 3,600 alumni volunteers contributed over 20,000 hours across the Southampton community.

Together, those conversations, mentoring sessions, events, and interactions are helping students and graduates build confidence, explore opportunities, grow their networks, and feel more connected to Southampton and one another. Together, we are strengthening a global community of students, graduates, alumni, and supporters, creating opportunities for learning, networking, mentoring, and personal growth.

To every alumnus who has volunteered their time this year: thank you. Your support is making a difference.

Scientists led by the University of Southampton have revealed that an imbalance of nutrients in seawater can cause coral disease – possibly to a greater extent than that from heat stress of warming oceans.⁠
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New research conducted at Southampton’s Coral Reef Laboratory, and with colleagues at the University of Derby, shows disruption of the delicate nutrient balance of the sea can destabilise microbial communities that live in harmony with corals, triggering disease.⁠
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Devastating outbreaks include the common and highly destructive Black Band Disease (BBD) which moves across the coral surface, killing coral tissue, and leaving behind just bare skeleton.⁠
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Although not the only cause of BBD, the team found 88 percent of recorded incidents of the disease occurred in regions with highly imbalanced seawater nutrient ratios.⁠
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Findings of the new study are due for publication in the journal Nature Communications.⁠
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Read more here: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/news/2026/05/nutrient-imbalance-may-drive-coral-disease-more-than-heat-stress.page

Are you an alumnus/alumna based in Cyprus? Join fellow Southampton alumni along with University staff Yasmin Gorman and Naomi Irving, for an evening of connection and conversation at our upcoming Alumni Reception in Nicosia.

We’re excited to reconnect with our vibrant Cyprus community and celebrate the momentum of our growing network. The evening will include insights from alumni speakers sharing their personal and professional journeys since graduating, plus opportunities to build new connections and strengthen old ones.

We also hope to welcome some current and prospective students so they can meet inspiring alumni like you and hear your tips and experiences first‑hand.

📍 Nicosia

📅 Thursday 25 June 2026

⏰ 18:45–22:00

📌 Venue: Loft, Christodoulou Englezou 1, Nicosia 2370

A full running order will be shared closer to the event.

RSVP to secure your place as spaces are limited. If your plans change, please email [email protected].

RSVP here: https://alumni.southampton.ac.uk/uos-pages/international/cyprus-alumni-reception

Registration closes Friday 5 June.

We’d also love to showcase your Southampton memories during the event. If you have photos from your time at the University, please send them to [email protected] by Monday 8 June.