Two London universities are set to merge to create a new higher education and health research centre in south and west London, it was announced today.
The two University of London colleges - St George's and Royal Holloway – will join forces to form a single education and research institution within the University of London.
The merger will combine the competitive excellence of the two current universities across biomedicine, science, social sciences, arts and humanities, and merge support services for students and staff and the management of estates.
The new institution intends to contribute to the health of the population of south-west London, working with NHS trusts and other university partners to establish a network of excellence.
Prof Peter Kopelman, principal of St George's, said: "This is an historic day for St George's – one which will result in countless opportunities and benefits for students and staff.
"The combination of two institutions with international reputations for teaching and research in science, healthcare, social sciences, arts and humanities creates a university that will become the place to work and study in London.
"We are grateful for the enthusiasm and support shown by staff, students and local NHS colleagues for the new university."
Prof Stephen Hill, principal of Royal Holloway, said: "Our council will consider the recommendation on October 17. We have worked collaboratively with St George's and Kingston University for several years in the south-west London academic network.
"Merger presents exciting opportunities for Royal Holloway and St George's, both of whom bring great strengths in teaching and research across a wide range of disciplines.
"The combination and development of our strengths will create a new and internationally recognised centre of excellence for pre-clinical, clinical and health sciences education, training and research.
We hope to continue working closely with Kingston. I am sure that this will benefit the NHS in south-west London, as well as medical education."
Students said they supported the moves.
Liz Owen, Royal Holloway's students' union president, said: "We embrace the opportunity to work alongside our counterparts at St George's to create shared facilities, an improved support network and student activities that will enhance the student experience and are of mutual benefit to students from both sites."
St George's SU president, Jack Sugrue, said the proposed partnership was "in the best interests of St George's, and its students".
David Astley, chief executive of St George's hospital NHS trust, said the move strengthened excellence in academia, research and clinical care for the benefit of patients and the public.