Words are so important: they can motivate, inspire and explain. Yet words can also build barriers. In our latest blog, Claudia Cavalluzzo, Executive Director of Converge, argues that the label ‘entrepreneur’ is one such barrier and that it’s time for an update. Every government – including Scotland – wants more entrepreneurs in their economy. They…
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What next for research in post-Sturgeon Scotland?
Professor Iain Gillespie, Principal of the University of Dundee and our Research and Knowledge Exchange Committee Convener penned some thoughts for Research Professional about what should happen in research under a new First Minister following Nicola Sturgeon’s decision to resign as First Minister. Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation as First Minister is one of those points in…
Susana Galván Hernández on Taith
Susana Galván Hernández, Executive Director of Taith has written about Taith, Wales’ new international learning exchange programme. Susana has shared her thoughts on the importance of a student mobility scheme like Taith and the journey it has taken so far. Universities Scotland want to see the Scottish Government introduce a two-way student mobility scheme very…
New US lead for mental health
Professor Lynn Kilbride, Vice Principal for Academic Development and Student Experience takes on the role as US lead for mental health following the retirement of Professor Pamela Gillies, Principal of Glasgow Caledonian University. Professor Kilbride has outlined what her priorities during this role will be and the importance of supporting mental health services at university….
Connected Scotland is in Singapore!
Connected Scotland’s Project Officer, Ela Kossakowska, spent three days in Singapore, with the Connected Scotland partnership, to attend the Going Global Asia Pacific conference and build connections across the region. She shares her reflections from the Conference. Just over half of Scotland’s universities, along with the British Council Scotland and Scottish Development International (SDI), hosted…
Actions required to maintain momentum towards the 2030 access targets for Scotland
Dr Kirsty Conlon, our Head of Learning and Teaching and Widening Access Policy shares her thoughts on what steps the soon to be announced Commissioner for Fair Access should be prioritising. A shorter version of this blog appeared on Wonkhe. Universities in Scotland are expecting an announcement on who will be the next Commissioner for…
Sir Ian Wood: Major risk to the Scottish economy if funding for our university students continues to be reduced
We are delighted to have Sir Ian Wood, businessman, philanthropist and Chairman of JW Holdings Limited write for Universities Scotland about the importance of universities to the Scottish economy. This is a longer-version of a column Sir Ian wrote for The Times. As it is, our universities funding has followed real term decline since 2014/25 leaving…
Professor Sally Mapstone on University Funding
Professor Sally Mapstone FRSE is the Principal and Vice-Chancellor at the University of St Andrews. She is also the Vice Convener of Universities Scotland and chairs our Admissions Policy Group. Published in The Herald on Friday 27th May 2022. Since its establishment in 1413 as Scotland’s first university, the University of St Andrews has been…
Professor Sally Mapstone on Care Day 2022
Professor Sally Mapstone FRSE is the Principal and Vice-Chancellor at the University of St Andrews. She is also the Vice Convener of Universities Scotland and chairs our Admissions Policy Group. Universities are powerful engines of social change and the University of St Andrews has, for over six centuries, provided the requisite skills and knowledge to…
Creative Sparks: Scientific and creative minds working together is vital to our future
The #CreativeSparks phase of MadeAtUni showcases the contribution of UK universities to the nation’s creative industries and future economic success. We’ve spoken to Principals about the far-reaching benefits of the creative and performing arts. Professor Iain Gillespie, Principal of the University of Dundee, was the last Principal we spoke to and we asked him how STEM benefits…