Universities Scotland is pleased to partner with the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) in publishing a new report today (Tuesday 24 March) which focuses on the role of research in developing strong, evidence-led policy making and sets out a case to make Scotland an ideal “test-bed” for research-policy exchange (RPE). The report, Research Policy Exchange…
News
March
09
2026
The development of a Future Framework for Scotland’s universities is underway
This article was first published on Wonkhe. Scotland’s Future Framework will set out the options for the next 20 years of higher education. Co-convenor Andrea Nolan presents the work taking place. he Future Framework for Scotland’s Universities has been operational for a few weeks, officially kicking off with the first steering group meeting on…
February
16
2026
Team behind the Future Framework to secure the future of Scotland’s universities announced
The 15-person strong steering group tasked with securing a sustainable and successful future for Scotland’s universities, through the Future Framework, has been announced today (Monday, 16 February). Scotland’s first ever holistic review of university funding since devolution was announced in late December as a joint initiative by Scottish Government and Universities Scotland. Today, the Co-Conveners…
February
12
2026
Scottish Government Spinouts report sets out integral role of universities in national research ecosystem
The Scottish Government yesterday published Ideas to Impact: Scottish Spinouts Report which sets out the strengths, ambition, and progress of its research commercialisation policies. The report sets out a framework of metrics to monitor progress of Scotland’s research commercialisation ecosystem, of which universities are an integral part, over the next five years. Commenting on the…
February
09
2026
Back universities for future economic success
With the public backing universities as key to future economic success, politicians are urged to back universities in May’s election 75 per cent of Scots agreed or strongly agreed that universities are key to the UK’s future economic success, according to public polling conducted across Scotland in January 2026 and published today (Monday, 9 February)….
January
20
2026
Graduate Apprenticeships; how making them more adaptable will benefit the learner, universities, employers, and the economy.
Since 2017, universities across the country have delivered Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) as an earn-and-learn route to getting a degree. Universities Scotland Head of Learning and Teaching Dr Kirsty Conlon reflects on graduate apprenticeships and how making them more adaptable will benefit the learner, universities, employers, and the economy. Graduate apprenticeships form an innovative element of vocational learning, delivered as part of a diverse skills landscape to students and in partnership with a…
January
13
2026
Universities respond to the Scottish Government budget for 2026/27
Responding to the Scottish Government’s settlement for university resource and capital budgets for 2026/27, Professor James Miller, Convener of Universities Scotland and Principal of the University of the West of Scotland said; “We recognise the fiscal pressures on the Scottish Government, therefore, a settlement for teaching that sits slightly above inflation is welcome. However, it…
December
18
2025
Joint Universities Scotland–Scottish Government Project Launches to Shape Future Funding Framework
Universities Scotland Convener, Prof James Miller shares his thoughts on the launch of the Future Funding Framework partnership. A major cross-party initiative to secure the long-term financial viability and sustainability of Scotland’s university sector has been launched today by Universities Scotland in partnership with the Scottish Government. The initiative marks one of the most substantial…
December
18
2025
Joint Framework announced to secure the future of Scotland’s universities for the next generation
The Scottish Government and Universities Scotland have today (Thursday 18 December) announced the launch of a new, joint process that will co-design a Framework for a successful and sustainable future for Scotland’s universities for the next 20 years. It is the first fundamental look at how to secure the sustainability of Scotland’s universities since 2010/11….
Universities Scotland welcomes the UK’s reassociation to Erasmus
Universities Scotland welcomes the UK’s reassociation to Erasmus Responding to today’s announcement that the UK will rejoin the Erasmus programme in 2027, Claire McPherson, Director of Universities Scotland said; “Today’s announcement that the UK will rejoin the Erasmus programme from 2027 is very welcome news, and something universities have been calling for since leaving the…