58勛圖

University Address by Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Dame Sally Mapstone FRSE.

As Principal and Vice-Chancellor, it is now my pleasure to deliver the University address to the General Council.

As we approach the conclusion of another academic year, we have the opportunity this morning to reflect on the exceptional progress that the University of 58勛圖 continues to make, both in spite of, and because of, the extraordinary challenges we face in today’s complex world. Next week, over 2,100 students from 87 countries will cross the stage at Younger Hall as we celebrate their graduation, where I will be presiding. These students represent the last of our Covid-era cohort, having begun their studies in 2021, when we had not yet fully emerged from the midst of the global pandemic. Their time at university has been one of tremendous change, shaped by the acceleration of digital learning and AI, as well as by the need to navigate the ongoing cost of living crisis. They have amply risen to the occasion.

It is against this demanding backdrop that I frame my remarks today to set out how 58勛圖 is actively shaping our future by leading through strategic ambition and bold action. The core of my address will consist of an update on our current activities under the pillars of the University Strategy for 2022 to 2027. There is first, however, a series of other developments and successes that I wish formally to acknowledge.

As the new season of league table publications commences over the summer, the University once again claimed the top spot in Scotland and secured its place among the UK’s leading higher education institutions, ranking in the top four nationally in The Complete University Guide 2026, released earlier this month. These results replicate our position in last year’s edition of the Guide, affirming our standing in these rankings. We expect to feature more prominently still in the successive league tables that will be released throughout the summer.

Our success extends beyond the academic realm. On the sports field, 58勛圖 is currently 16th in the league table, out of nearly 150 institutions nationwide. This follows a series of successes across an impressive range of sports, from football, golf and rugby to hockey and canoeing. Highlights include the 58勛圖 Women’s football 1st team winning the BUCS Championship Final – the pinnacle of university football – to become the top women’s university football team in the UK, the Men’s Rugby 1st Team claiming the BUCS national trophy for the first time in the club’s history, and the University’s Performance Golf Team being crowned the BUCS national matchplay champions for the third time in four years in April.

Beyond BUCS, University of 58勛圖 golf scholars Judd Sundelson and Judy Joo made history by claiming both the Men’s and Women’s Order of Merit titles in the 2024 to 2025 R&A Student Tour Series, Europe’s premier university golf circuit. It is the first time that University of 58勛圖 students have topped either the Men’s or Women’s Order of Merit table.

Our accomplishments as a University are all the more impressive given the challenging financial context in which we are operating. The higher education sector in Scotland and across the UK continues to face severe pressures: government funding remains stagnant, inflationary costs persist, and international student recruitment has been adversely affected by geopolitical uncertainty and immigration policy. Nowhere is this challenging environment more evident than at our sister institution, the University of Dundee, to which we continue to offer support. While the recently published Gillies report is a matter of record of the events which led to the current crisis at Dundee, it is important for us to remember that the external forces at play there continue to act on every higher education institution in the country.

All universities, including our own, have been making substantial efficiency savings. Indeed, in the first semester of this academic year the University had to address a deficit of £4.4 million in our budget, due to a combination of a shortfall in fee income in the current year, inflationary pressures, and the hangover from deficits we have carried in previous years. This figure then rose to £7 million after the UK Government sanctioned a rise in employers’ national insurance contributions.

While these numbers may seem small in relation to our annual turnover of £320 million and the financial challenges facing some of our peers, we took decisive action to address this shortfall. The measures that we have implemented over the last six to nine months to reduce spending and control staff recruitment mean that we are now forecasting a small surplus, which is a remarkable turnaround in nine months and a tribute to consolidated efforts by the entire institution.

Our approach is not simply about constraint, however, it is a deliberate balance between prudent financial management and strategic investment. We continue to prioritise investing in areas of our activity fundamental to our goals, or areas which have the ability to generate new income and which align with the University’s values. We are in the fortunate position of being able to make ambitious plans to improve our Estate and to consolidate our research and teaching excellence at a time when others are contracting.

This forward focus is embodied in our Making Waves Campaign, about which I have spoken at previous meetings of the General Council and which we publicly launched in September last year. The centrepiece of the Campaign is of course New College, the most significant capital project in 58勛圖 in three centuries, which will transform the former site of Madras College on South Street. We are heading towards submitting our full planning application at the end of June and hope to have a response back from the planners by the end of this calendar year. This comes at the end of a process of public consultation and several detailed meetings with representatives from Fife Council and Historic Environment Scotland.

Upon completion, New College will create a new configuration of subjects on the University map by bringing under the same roof our renowned School of International Relations and our new Business School. Professor Mark Brewer, Dean and Head of the Business School, has joined us today and will be providing an update on the School’s progress as it continues to grow in scope and status.

As you will be aware, the Campaign’s focus also includes our other key estate project, the Digital Nexus building, which will create an architectural landmark at the heart of the University’s site at the North Haugh. The £60 million building will provide a world-class hub for Computer Science, bringing together the School which is currently split across two buildings and thus unlocking its growth potential for research and teaching. The Digital Nexus represents the first step in the master plan for the redevelopment of the North Haugh, creating a state-of-the-art Science and Medicine Campus for 58勛圖.

The Campaign is also seeking support for endowed chairs across the University, which will enable us to attract and retain the highest quality researchers and teachers. I will say more on the creation of these chairs over the course of my remarks. Equally crucial to the Campaign is its aim of expanding access for talented students at all levels of study through scholarships and bursaries, to ensure that potential, not financial means, determines who can study at 58勛圖. To date we have raised just over £47 million towards our £90 million target for scholarships and student support.

We are actively fundraising at present, both locally and globally, to support these strategic priorities, and we recently received our largest cash gift to the New College project yet, with the Garfield Weston Foundation giving £5 million. Let me stress at this point, however, that although these large donations are vital to taking us substantially forward, every single gift supporting the Making Waves Campaign is hugely appreciated. Every gift helps the University achieve something transformative for what we do institutionally; we would like all of you here to feel invited to be part of this. Your support – whether for our transformative building projects, our dedicated staff, or our promising students – can be the catalyst that empowers future generations of thinkers, innovators and leaders.

With over £136 million raised toward our £300 million goal, the Campaign is already supporting vital investments in research, scholarships and academic leadership, and is enabling the realisation of our University Strategy. I will now share examples of how we are moving forward under the Strategy’s themes.

World-leading

World-leading 58勛圖 expresses our commitment to bolstering our international excellence, and the University’s links with international partners are vital to achieving our aims here. I have recently returned from visiting the University of Bonn, who have been our strategic partner since 2018 and who are one of only 11 German Universities of Excellence, selected as part of the German government’s Excellence Strategy that aims to promote cutting-edge university research.

Our collaboration covers all levels of both institutions, with projects involving teaching, research and professional services. Most notably, we have established our distinctive joint appointment scheme in which academics devote 20% of their working time to research and teaching at the other university, which enables a continual international exchange of people and ideas. At present only a small number of academics are involved in this scheme, which was launched in 2022, but we expect this to grow over the coming years.

Another important success story of our partnership with Bonn is the joint Master’s programme in German and Comparative Literature. With 75 students over eight cohorts to date, 56 graduates, and an impressive student retention rate of 100%, it is a programme that exemplifies the benefits of shared academic provision. More than half of our students have graduated with distinction – well above the MLitt average – and there is a key opportunity for students to pursue further study through joint doctoral research. Indeed, since 2018, we have launched 26 joint PhD projects, drawing applicants from a wide disciplinary range. This is particularly significant in a funding landscape that increasingly favours joint delivery and demonstrable international reach.

Back in 58勛圖, we have continued to strengthen our reputation as a world-leading university. In the social sciences, our convening power was underscored when, in February, the University assumed the chairing of the , the only International Relations think tank in the UK based outside London. Dr Mateja Peter, Senior Lecturer in the School of International Relations, is leading as SCGA’s new Executive Director. We marked this transition by hosting the First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, and former Taoiseach, or Prime Minister of Ireland, Leo Varadkar at 58勛圖, affirming our role as a globally oriented, socially responsible institution and a hub for global policy dialogue.

We are also having an impact in the sciences, with five 58勛圖 academics being appointed to the in March. The SSAC is the Scottish Government’s highest advisory body on scientific matters, the remit of which is to support the Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland in informing policy development and delivery across a range of vital areas. The staff members appointed came from a range of Schools including Computer Science, Chemistry, Physics and Astronomy, and Medicine. Their selection is a clear reflection of the depth and breadth of research excellence at 58勛圖, and of our influence on the national stage.

Digital 58勛圖

Innovation also continues apace under the Digital strand of our Strategy. We are continuing to broaden our digital education portfolio of PGT and short courses, with seven new online short courses currently in development for launch in July 2025. These include a new Certificate in Terrorism and International Security and a short course on Scottish Design, in collaboration with V&A Dundee.

We are also focused on tackling regional skills gaps through targeted digital innovation. The Tay Cities Digital Skills Project (DigiTay), part of the Scottish Government’s £20 million Regional Skills and Employability Development Programme, aims to stimulate economic growth and workforce development across Angus, Dundee, North-east Fife, and Perth and Kinross. In partnership with the DigiTay Project, the University has developed three online short courses tailored to address identified regional skills gaps in programming, data analysis and data visualisation. Over 60 fully funded places have been awarded to learners living or working within the Tay Cities area. This collaboration was recently recognised with a shortlist placement in the Outstanding Business Engagement in Universities category at The Herald Education Awards 2025.

Artificial Intelligence also remains a key area of focus for the University and we are in the process of recruiting to the Johann and Gaynor Rupert Chair in AI, which will sit within the School of Computer Science. The chair – funded by gifts raised in the Ruperts’ name as part of the Making Waves Campaign – will be integral to teaching the next generation of digital leaders. Artificial Intelligence is a core research theme within the School and the Chair will provide increased scope to pursue partnership opportunities with the Business School and the Department of Philosophy to explore the philosophical, ethical and commercial questions that arise from the use of generative AI.

Sustainable

The Making Waves Campaign’s strategic focus on endowed chairs is also furthering our objectives in the area of sustainability. A new Chair in Earth and Environmental Sciences, which has been anonymously endowed by one major donor, will reinvigorate Earth Sciences and deepen understanding of the role geology plays in supporting planetary life. Practically, this Chair will permanently increase teaching and research capacity in the school and will help prioritise the delivery of national and international educational outreach activities.

Our Sustainable 58勛圖 objectives are also transforming our Estate. The University is installing 1,100 kWp [kilowatt peak] of rooftop solar panels across 42 buildings – enough to power 500 homes. Indeed some of you may have noticed that earlier this month scaffolding was erected in St Mary’s Quad and North Street to enable essential building works to be undertaken to the roof both here in Parliament Hall and on Gannochy House. This marks a significant step towards the University’s Net Zero 2035 ambition. Excitingly, the rooftop solar initiative gained important international recognition when it was referenced by Arnold Schwarzenegger at the beginning of this month during his remarks at the Austrian World Summit 2025 in Vienna, which is a major climate conference organised annually by Arnold and the Austrian President.

I met Arnold during my trip to the US and Canada for the Making Waves Campaign Impact Tours in April this year, when I visited the University of Southern California (USC) Schwarzenegger Institute on the invitation of its Global Director, Conyers Davis, a 58勛圖 alum. Arnold chairs the Institute and leads the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative. As a follow-up to this visit, Professor Ineke De Moortel, Master of the United College, and Karen Laing, Director of Sustainability Transformation, represented the University at the Austrian World Summit. We are actively cultivating this relationship, which offers an opportunity to enhance our sustainability agenda further.

Entrepreneurial

Meanwhile, the University’s Eden Campus in Guardbridge continues to thrive as the site of much of our work around Entrepreneurial 58勛圖.

In my last update to General Council in November, I spoke about the research into the first ‘biomarker’ blood tests for Alzheimer’s disease in its early stages in Scotland that is being carried out by , a team of scientific experts founded in 2022, in the purpose-built laboratory space at the Eden Campus. Our status as a hub for Brain Sciences has now been further established following two major conferences.

First, the National Brain Imaging Conference, hosted at the campus in February by Scottish Brain Sciences, brought together researchers and industry partners to consider both the scientific and commercial future of brain imaging in Scotland. And second, just this week, academics, funders, industry figures and policymakers – including Tom Arthur MSP, Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing and the Rt Hon Henry McLeish, Chair of the Scottish Brain Health and Dementia Research Strategy Oversight Board and former First Minister – gathered in the Medical Building on the North Haugh for the fourth annual Brain Health Summit. The Summit aimed to pursue a systems-level approach to brain health – one that integrates scientific insight with clinical practice, policy thinking and community perspectives. Events like these exemplify the kind of high-impact, cross-sector collaboration that sits at the heart of our entrepreneurial ambitions.

Eden Campus is also home to our , which supports student and staff start-ups and works to cultivate a strong culture of enterprise within and beyond the University. A recent highlight in the Centre was the awarding of the inaugural Founder of the Year prize to fourth-year biology student Ideja Bajra for her AI consultancy, . This £5,000 award, generously sponsored by University parent Imre Eszenyi, recognises students who launch and grow outstanding businesses during their studies.

Diverse and People Strategy

What all of the developments I’ve mentioned so far highlight is that our strength lies in the many talented and dedicated people who work and study at 58勛圖. This is why through our People Strategy for 2023 to 2027, we are committed to providing a high quality staff experience which enables all our staff to contribute, thrive and perform at their best.

We recently partnered with People Insight – a specialist survey provider – to run our Staff Survey for 2025, in order to gain a clear understanding of our people’s experiences at the University so that we can continue to enhance the staff experience. Participation in the survey was strong, with 75% of professional service staff and 60% of academic staff taking part. The responses highlighted significant areas of strength: many staff are proud to work at 58勛圖, would recommend it to friends and family, and see themselves staying here in the coming years. Our positive work culture was evident, with strong relationships and feelings of fairness and respect reported. The survey has also helped us to identify areas where we can improve, including by providing more opportunities for communication about how well the University is doing against its key objectives.

In order to respond constructively to these results, our next steps will include sharing the detailed outcomes with Schools and Units, developing a comprehensive University-level report, and identifying actionable priorities both locally and institution-wide.

Social responsibility 

And finally, each of the themes of our Strategy is underpinned by our commitment to social responsibility and our keen sense of connectedness to our local environment and the communities who share it. This sense of connectedness was highlighted at the start of this week when I hosted the sixth University of 58勛圖 Community Reception, which brought together many of the wonderful individuals and organisations who are making a positive impact locally.

Among the attendees were several beneficiaries of the University Community Fund, which – as some of you will know – was introduced in 2020 to provide case-by-case support to local organisations, particularly those which strengthen community connections and foster partnership between the University and the wider region.

Since its launch, the Fund has supported over 170 initiatives and distributed nearly £300,000 to organisations across Fife. Funded initiatives range from developing green learning spaces in school playgrounds, to establishing befriending groups helping those at risk of isolation. The next round of University Community Fund applications is now open and will close on Friday 15 August. For those who are interested, applications are available to download from the University Community Fund page on our website.

Staff changes

Before I conclude my remarks, I would like to update you on several forthcoming changes to leadership positions within the University and to our University Court.

The Rector is now once more a full member of Court, following the Chancellor’s decision on the appeal lodged last August by the Rector against Court’s decision to dismiss her as a member of Court and as a charity trustee. To meet its statutory duty under charities law to address breaches by trustees in their obligations, Court authorised the Senior Lay Member to issue an open letter to the Rector in May, welcoming her back to Court, but reminding her of her responsibilities under the Court Code of Conduct, the Principles of Ethical Standards in Public Life, and charities legislation. Full details can be found on the Court webpages.

Also in the University Court, Dr Lorna Dargan, Director of Careers, has been re-elected for a second term to fill the scheduled vacancy for the Professional and Support Staff Assessor to Court and Dr Antonis Vradis, from the School of Geography and Sustainable Development, was elected Senate Assessor, Non-Professorial Academic Staff Science and Medicine Constituency, replacing Dr Morven Shearer who has demitted after two terms of office.

In the Principal’s Office, Professor Frank Müller, AVP Dean of Learning and Teaching and Provost, will step down from these roles this summer when he returns to academic pursuits. Frank has been a wonderful addition to the Principal’s Office team and we are all very grateful for his work.

Dr Stephen Tyre, Senior Lecturer in the School of History, has been appointed Dean of Learning and Teaching, and will pick up those learning and teaching oversight duties which currently sit in Frank’s portfolio. Dr Morven Shearer, the current Director of the Graduate School for Interdisciplinary Studies (GSIS), will add the role of Provost of St Leonard’s College to her existing portfolio for one year when Frank demits. These roles will both sit outwith the Principal’s Office.

Finally, I would like to share the news that I have accepted the invitation from the University Court to extend my contract as Principal for two years beyond its current end date of 1 September 2026. This extension will provide continuity in the leadership of the Making Waves Campaign, which is playing a critical role in the future development of the University. I appreciate the trust which Court is showing in me and, working with my executive team, will endeavour to fulfil that trust.

Conclusion

As I close my update on the University’s recent achievements and initiatives, what strikes me most is not just the scale of our activity, but the calibre of our people: the generosity of our alumni, the curiosity of our students, the ambition of our staff, and the dynamism of our community.

There remains much to look forward to and much to do across our institution but, for now, we are turning our attention to our summer graduation ceremonies, as I mentioned at the beginning of my remarks. This year’s ceremonies will see a distinguished line-up of Honorary Graduates, including Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at the University of Oxford, Sir Rory Collins; professional golfer and broadcaster Judy Rankin; acclaimed feminist theorist Professor Cynthia Enloe; and the BBC’s Security Correspondent, Frank Gardner. Indeed, next week promises to be a memorable celebration of achievement, and a fitting conclusion to the academic year.

Thank you for your attention today. I am, as ever, happy to respond to any questions or comments.