New official statistics have been published that demonstrate the importance of innovation links between the business and higher education as Scotland’s universities continue to play their part in the economic recovery from the pandemic. The HE business and community interaction survey (HE-BCI) published by The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) show that Scottish universities in…
News
March
30
2023
Students and skills: Doing Things Different and Better
Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland has shared his thoughts on the skills landscape and the importance of the skills students learn while at university. Let’s re-set the skills policy agenda by appreciating students’ diversity and ambitions, and the breadth of universities’ contribution to that. I get huge inspiration from meeting students as I visit…
March
29
2023
Twinning funds sees Ukrainian-Scottish research links strengthened
Six Scottish universities have been awarded funds made available through Universities UK International’s (UUKi) twinning initiative to support joint research with universities in Ukraine. The funding will support deeper collaborations between academia in both nations, through a series of twinning partnerships which was first created in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion in 2022. UK International…
March
08
2023
Time to lose the labels
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…
March
01
2023
International Commissioner appointment for Andrea Nolan
The International Higher Education Commission has announced eight new Commissioners on Friday 24 February which include Andrea Nolan, Principal and Vice Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University. Andrea is the Convener of our International Committee where she is committed to undertaking activities and promotional campaigns to position and promote Scottish higher education internationally. Among the new…
February
21
2023
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…
February
01
2023
Universities role in economic transformation celebrated in Scottish Parliament
The contribution of universities to the economic transformation of Scotland was celebrated by MSPs in the Scottish Parliament on 31 January 2023 as we held our annual Parliamentary reception. MSPs, universities, stakeholders and friends of the higher educatiton sector gathered to hear about the sector’s strong culture of delivery which aligns closely with the Scottish Government’s…
January
19
2023
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…
January
09
2023
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….
January
04
2023
Universities Scotland welcome appointment of new Commissioner for Fair Access
Responding to today’s Scottish Government announcement of Professor John McKendrick as the new Commissioner for Fair Access to Higher Education in Scotland, David Lott, Deputy Director of Universities Scotland said: “We welcome the appointment of John McKendrick as Commissioner for Fair Access. We look forward to Professor McKendrick building on the university sector’s achievements in…