Vision and strategy LSE is a specialist university with an international intake and a global reach. Its research and teaching span the full breadth of the social sciences, from economics, politics and law to sociology, anthropology, accounting and finance. LSE was founded in 1895 by four idealistic young members of the Fabian Society for the "betterment of society". It adopted as its motto the Latin phrase rerum cognoscere causas, which means to know the causes of things. As of 2015, 16 Nobel Prize winners have studied or taught at LSE. The desire to bring academic expertise to bear on the problems of society motivated the founders of LSE and underpins the School's vision and strategy today. The School’s vision is: · to deliver challenging, stimulating, research led degree programmes in an environment that supports learning and develops independent thinking among our students · to ensure that its research and teaching remain at the forefront of the social sciences, addressing the evolving challenges of society · to be among the most internationally-oriented centres of social science excellence in the world and · to extend its engagement with society across its full academic portfolio and in key regions of the world. This vision for the future is underpinned by three priorities for the School – all of which will be tackled with equal commitment. Teaching and student experience Students at LSE receive research-led teaching from an internationally renowned academic staff. At the heart of this is intellectual challenge. Through exposure to the latest developments in social science and to the thinking of visiting world leaders, business figures and academics in debates and public lectures, students are challenged and inspired by LSE's vision of intellectual excellence combined with real-world engagement. LSE is currently focusing on increasing contact hours between permanent academic staff and undergraduate students; reducing postgraduate class sizes; improving teaching quality; and improving staff and student contact and student satisfaction levels in relation to the academic experience, including Library and IT services. It will also continue to improve its estate, in particular through the opening in 2014 of an exciting new student building. Research LSE is a world leader in social science research. The School protects theoretical research and encourages "blue skies" research while promoting dynamic engagement with the wider society. The UK Research Assessment Exercise in 2014 revealed LSE is the top university in the UK based on the proportion of ‘world leading’ (4*) research produced. LSE is also the top university for impact in its social science disciplines, whether judged on Grade Point Average or the proportion of research impact awarded 4*. LSE is currently focusing on increasing the amount of research funding, especially from peer-reviewed external sources, and improving the quality of research space. Engagement LSE is an outward-facing university, constantly engaged with the big policy issues of the day and communities around the world. Its academics are frequently to be found in the media, commenting on issues from the global economy to the government of London. Many serve on government panels and advise international organisations, businesses and charities. The public lectures programme at LSE embodies the School's engagement agenda and caters to the thirst for informed debate. Global leaders in politics, business and the academic world come to LSE to discuss the issues of the day. LSE also runs a prestigious executive education programme, with summer schools in London and Beijing and a July school in Cape Town offering intensive courses. The School is also committed to widening participation in higher education, through engagement with secondary schools and their pupils throughout London. LSE is seeking to promote knowledge exchange by "translating" academic research into accessible formats, targeting its public lectures to key audiences and developing online methods of dissemination. LSE will also continue to develop its network of institutional partnerships overseas.