The University of Central Lancashire is out to recruit senior academics and their research teams in a bid to boost its academic reputation.

The university is advertising in this week's Times Higher for at least ten new professors or readers. It is due to advertise a further ten to 12 new posts after Easter.

UCLan has said that it will openly encourage senior staff to bring their teams with them where appropriate.

Patrick McGhee, deputy vice-chancellor (academic), said: "In several areas, research excellence is a collective and collaborative process.

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"Where it's appropriate and stacks up, we will look for additional posts or transfer teams."

UCLan's recruitment strategy is designed to strengthen its academic standing in key areas such as advanced manufacturing, pharmacy practice, disaster management and emergency planning, nanomaterials, built environment, learning technology, creative and cultural industries, international law, and epidemiology. The moves also address the university's international agenda.

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"UCLan has one of the biggest franchises in China, and we are committed to growing our postgraduate numbers," Professor McGhee said. "That's an area where we do have strengths, and we want to build on that."