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World questions | King’s answers is the largest campaign in the history of King’s. It proposes to raise £500 million for the three priority areas, while also investing in the Somerset House project and funding student facilities and opportunities. Rory Tapner (LLB, 1982), Vice-Chairman of the campaign, outlines the thinking behind the campaign.

How did you choose the three themes for the campaign?a lot of work has been done in the

inevitable trends in the world. This campaign combines some of the most pressing of these trends with King’s greatest strengths.

Cancer is a terrible thing, but we’re beginning to understand that the possibility of cures for all, or the ability to live with cancer, is within our grasp. Bringing research into clinical studies or to patients quicker is desperately important.

That impacts elsewhere. a s people live longer, as we address not just cancer but other diseases, so other things go wrong with the human body – notably the brain. Systemic

under-spending on research in this area must now be addressed to accelerate learning within the

a third inevitable trend is globalisation and mass communication: more and more cultures are living and doing things together in ways unimaginable 30 or 40 years ago. Is the world ready for that? We see time and again the tensions that result around the world, notably expressed all too often through terrorism. We can’t rewind the clock, but we can spend a great

and understanding the impact of these social and cultural changes.

Why is a British university focusing on global questions?The impact of what a British university does isn’t reserved for the UK. a nd look at the student and PhD population – it’s pretty international. King’s is the ideal place to address these questions. a leading university based in the heart of London: a truly global city; a cultural and ethnic melting pot in the world’s central time zone. The University’s motto ‘In the Service of Society’ now applies to both its global perspective and impact.

Why should people give?It’s a way of giving something back. When people have had a successful career, they often want to support the society and institutions that supported them. If you are thinking of

to make a donation to somewhere that has an emotional attachment, rather than to somewhere that doesn’t.

Plus look at the causes – these are not small subjects! These are challenges that touch the lives of people across the planet. There are 120,000 living King’s alumni – an extraordinary number – and I hope each of us is inspired to support this campaign in some manner.

What would you say to people who think a university can’t answer world questions?They’re wrong! Just look at the huge amount of medical research resulting

in new drugs and ways of teaching that evolves out of universities. a fter all, this is where cancer research charities spend a great deal of their research budgets, for example. Plus the breadth and interdisciplinary

to replicate. What other institution, other than a university such as King’s, can bring together the expertise to address all these questions?

And what attracted you to King’s?

agreed to come here as Treasurer three or four years ago, when Rick Trainer had his strategic vision well under way. It felt like a very dynamic place, which was changing and

all that is great about King’s and its vision for the future. a ssuming the campaign is successful, which it will be, King’s will take a further

world renowned, but in the big areas that this campaign addresses, so much more can be done.

In addition to his role in the campaign, Rory is the College’s Honorary Treasurer and Chairman of the Financial Committee of Council. A key

for several years the Chief Executive and Chairman of UBS in Asia, and was recently appointed CEO of RBS Wealth

conveniently located on the Strand.

The Rt Hon Sir John Major KG CH is the Chairman of the campaign. Prime Minister of the UK (1990-97), he is now a much sought after adviser and commentator

personal links with King’s local community, he grew up in South London and his daughter Elizabeth was born at King’s College Hospital. He takes a close interest in each of the three campaign themes.

How to get involvedGive a gift todayQ: How could your gift of £18 help to save hundreds of lives every year? A: If everyone gave just £18 – and signed up to Gift Aid and Matched Funding – that would raise over £5 million, enough to cover the cost of new Cancer Treatment Centre Laboratories. Their work

for cancer.

Other ways to get involved

Sign up for the campaign newsletter at www.kcl.ac.uk/kingsanswers

Submit your world questions on the campaign website

Spread the word

We face challenging world questions. With your help,

the answers.

How can King’s help answer the world’s questions? By combining theory, practice and innovation.

The campaign explained

Campaign Vice-­Chairman Rory Tapner

Campaign Chairman

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