University leaders are warning that Scotland’s hard won reputation for research and innovation is at risk. The Scottish Funding Council has issued its funding allocations for universities for the next academic year 2022/23 including the Research Excellence Grant. The Research Excellence Grant supports top-quality research with the aim to keep Scotland globally competitive and attractive…
News
May
25
2022
Universities Scotland announce new elected leadership team
Universities Scotland is delighted to announce that Professor Sally Mapstone has been elected to the role of Convener for a period of two years, from 1 August 2022 to 31 July 2024. Sir Paul Grice will take up the role of Vice Convener for the same period. Universities Scotland represents all 19 of Scotland’s higher…
May
17
2022
New figures show no let-up on widening access from universities
Universities Scotland have welcomed the publication of the Report on Widening Access 2020-21 by the sector’s funding body, the Scottish Funding Council which demonstrates the sector’s commitment to widening access. The Scottish Government’s Commission on Widening Access set the sector a target that by 2021, students from the 20% most-disadvantaged backgrounds (SIMD20) should represent at…
May
12
2022
REF 2021: Scotland’s universities deliver research of “world leading” quality and impact
The results of the Research Excellence Framework (REF), an exercise to assess the quality and impact of UK university research, are published today (Thursday, 12 May) and found Scotland’s universities are performing at a “world-leading” and “internationally excellent” standard. 84.86% of Scotland’s research has been judged to be 4* and 3* on the overall measure,…
April
28
2022
Universities’ achievement hailed in new world impact rankings
Universities Scotland has welcomed new global rankings that demonstrate the impact of institutions’ teaching and research on improving the world as aligned to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Seven universities* from Scotland are represented in the rankings, all featuring in the top 20% of more than 1,500 universities globally. The Times Higher Education…
April
14
2022
Universities Scotland supports the announcement of free tuition for displaced Ukrainian students
Responding to the announcement made this morning (Thursday 14 April) by the Scottish Government that displaced Ukrainian students settling in Scotland will be given access to free tuition and living cost support. Universities Scotland’s Director, Alastair Sim, said: “Scotland’s university leaders are appalled at the continuing desperate crisis in Ukraine. We are committed to offering…
March
03
2022
Statement of solidarity with Ukraine
Universities Scotland stands with Ukraine. We unequivocally condemn the invasion and are deeply concerned by the horrific events in Ukraine. We express our support for Ukrainian students and staff, studying, working and living in Scotland and those around the world. Every university has reached out directly to the individuals most affected by this conflict to…
February
18
2022
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…
January
25
2022
Record breaking widening access success highlighted in new figures
Responding to the publication of the Higher Education Student Statistics UK 2020-21, which shows the highest number and proportion of Scottish students from Scotland’s most deprived areas, Universities Scotland Director, Alastair Sim said: “It’s a source of pride for the sector that more students than ever from Scotland’s most deprived areas are studying and hopefully…
January
21
2022
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…