Principal and Vice-Chancellor’s Review
Principal and Vice- Chancellor’s Review
In taking up my role as Principal of Heriot-Watt in September 2015 I am delighted to have joined a vibrant and truly international University. Its rich heritage in accessible education is inspirational, with a deep reputation in scholarly research and knowledge transfer activity. These are making a difference to the lives of so many people across the world. I am very impressed with the University’s ability to ensure students have an outstanding experience when they study here and that they graduate with strong career prospects. It is my intention to work with colleagues to build on these distinctive aspects of Heriot-Watt’s inherent quality and ensure the University continues to develop as a world class institution.
The past year has seen further accolades and growth, with many significant developments and successes to report. The University is now three years into its Strategic Plan 2013-18 and much progress is being made, of which some notable aspects follow below.
RESEARCH INTENSIFICATION
It is heartening that in these times of reduced funding availability and intensive competition, Heriot-Watt achieved its highest-ever level of research funding, receiving more than £40.6 million in the 2014/15 financial year. A significant percentage of that comes from industry, demonstrating the relevance and applied nature of the University’s research and the impact it makes on the global challenges of the 21st century. This was further endorsed during the year through two highly significant internationally recognised awards. Firstly, The Queen’s Anniversary Prize for the Institute of Petroleum Engineering’s pioneering work in oil and gas, extending their innovations in other sectors including the medical field. Secondly, the prestigious Philip Leverhulme Prize for the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences for their research in the field of quantum photonics.
Over 80% of the University’s Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014) submission was rated as “international and world-leading”. I was delighted to see many of our research teams receive recognition during the year from leading organisations in their fields. I am looking forward to working with colleagues across all disciplines to continue to ensure our research is innovative and impactful. Sharing knowledge, deepening our expertise and being nimble in our approach will be key to continued success, as will the development of new external partnerships and global collaborations across the Group.
IMPROVING LEARNING AND TEACHING AND THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Recognition of the high quality experience the University provides to its students has again been demonstrated in its improved rankings across a variety of league tables. Heriot-Watt continues to deliver very high student satisfaction levels through its sector- leading approach to learning and teaching and through continued investment in campus infrastructure.
A significant achievement during the year saw Heriot-Watt receive its best-ever Enhancement Led Institutional Review (ELIR) conducted by the Quality Assurance Agency (Scotland). The Review highlighted the University’s flexible provision of learning opportunities across multiple geographical locations, modes of study and its cultural global ethos as well as its constructive partnership with the Student Union.
The development of exceptional environments for study is a core strand of the University’s strategy including new learning spaces. I was pleased to see that work has begun on new student residences on the Edinburgh Campus. There is much praise for the Malaysia Campus which was shortlisted for a prestigious architecture award.
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Heriot-Watt University Annual Review 2015
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