58³Ô¹Ï

58³Ô¹Ï climbs global rankings

The University of St Andrews has been recognised as one of the world’s top universities in the latest edition of the .

Twenty of the University’s 28 ranked subjects either retained their place or climbed the global tables, with 11 subjects ranked in the world’s top 50 for their area. 

58³Ô¹Ï astronomers help to map the Universe

University of St Andrews researchers have been involved in one of the , producing the largest high-resolution 3D map of the universe ever made.

The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), a five-year survey of the sky, was led by the University of California, Berkeley, and brings together the expertise of more than 900 researchers (including 300 PhD students) from over 70 institutions, including St Andrews.

Donor Story: Fiona Goodchild

As a member of our Family Programme, Fiona Goodchild supports women’s football at the University of 58³Ô¹Ï. Her generosity has enabled additional support for coaching, travel, training, and player wellbeing. Last year, Fiona was on the sidelines cheering on the University's 1st team – which included her granddaughter, Maggie – when they won the Scottish Cup. Here, she shares what inspired her to donate to Saints Football. 

Book now: Alumni Weekend 2026

Running from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 June, this year’s programme includes our alumni quiz night, a glass of fizz and the opportunity to browse the bookshelves at Topping & Company Booksellers, a round of golf at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, and an opportunity to hear from pioneering PhD researchers on our Dynamic Stage, or simply unwind at the Alumni Clubhouse.

The weekend's events also include the University Public Meeting, the summer meeting of the General Council, a Pier Walk, an ‘In Conversation’ event at the Wardlaw Museum, and a bespoke gin tasting with Eden Mill.

You can even stay in one of our Halls of Residence – with special alumni rates available online while rooms last.

View the full programme and register now via the link below.

New York Alumni Club: Tartan Day Parade 2026

The 58³Ô¹Ï Alumni Club of New York joined the 28th annual Tartan Week Parade in Manhattan. Many also enjoyed a brunch for alumni, families and friends before gathering for the main event. Thanks to all those who attended to represent the University of 58³Ô¹Ï.

(L-R) Dr Fiona Hill, Professor Phillips O'Brien, and Dame Louise Richardson

Navigating a Dangerous World Now and in the Future

Thank you to all those who joined us at the New York Yacht Club for a special panel discussion, Navigating a Dangerous World Now and in the Future, earlier this month. The sold-out event was chaired by Professor Phillips O’Brien of the School of International Relations and featured alumna Dr Fiona Hill, a foreign policy expert and Senior Fellow in the Center on the US and Europe at The Brookings Institution, and Dame Louise Richardson, President of the Carnegie Corporation of New York, and former Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of 58³Ô¹Ï. Together, they discussed the ever-evolving global landscape and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

(L-R) Ania Trzebiatowska, Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, Craig Armstrong, and Edith Bowman. Photo credit: Euan Cherry for Getty

Sands International Film Festival marks milestone fifth edition

The fifth edition of Sands: International Film Festival treated audiences to a three-day programme of international films and industry talent, reaffirming its position as one of the UK’s most distinctive boutique film festivals.

Celebrating storytelling in all its forms, Sands welcomed figures such as Academy Award-winning writer and director Charlie Kaufman, pioneering film theorist Laura Mulvey, and BAFTA and Grammy award-winning composer Craig Armstrong.

Curated in partnership with 58³Ô¹Ï Film Studies students and co-founded by the Russo Brothers’ company , the programme combined screenings and discussions, reflecting on the festival’s growing cultural influence.

With thanks to all our  who so generously support . 

 Alumni Stories

Liz as Queen Margaret with Penny Hall as her page and train-bearer, pictured with King Charles I, played by David F. Jones (MA 1974)

Liz Gerschel (MA 1972) was one of the first women to walk in the Kate Kennedy Spring Procession, which celebrated it's 100th anniversary earlier this month, and has spent a lifetime campaigning for race, gender, and disability equality. She remembers decorating the halls of Abbotsford House, breaking the mould by studying female authors at a time when they didn’t feature on the curriculum, and participating in student productions galore.

Dr Mark Clampin (PhD 1986) is the Deputy Associate Administrator, Science Mission Directorate, at NASA, providing executive leadership for NASA’s portfolio of science programmes. In a timely story following the recent Artemis II lunar flyby mission, Mark reflects on his PhD at 58³Ô¹Ï, leading astrophysics research at NASA, and his contributions towards a return to the Moon and sending humans to Mars.

To share your , please contact us at deveditorial@st-andrews.ac.uk.

 Saints Sport News

58³Ô¹Ï celebrates double national titles at BUCS 2026

58³Ô¹Ï celebrated an historic day of sporting success after claiming two national titles at BUCS Big Wednesday 2026. The University of 58³Ô¹Ï Mixed Fencing Team was crowned BUCS National Champions following a dramatic victory over the University of Oxford.

Earlier in the day, the University’s Women’s Basketball 1st Team claimed the BUCS National Trophy, defeating Worcester 1st Team in an intense, fast-paced final.

Golf scholars claim historic double in R&A Student Tour Series

The University of 58³Ô¹Ï has once again dominated the R&A Student Tour Series, with golf scholars Caitlin Maurice and Ollie George claiming both the Women’s and Men’s Order of Merit titles for the 2025-2026 season. Their success marks the second consecutive year the University has secured the prestigious double.

Third year Economics undergraduate Ellie Monk triumphed at the R&A Tour Series Finals in 58³Ô¹Ï, continuing a run of impressive form following victories including the 2025 58³Ô¹Ï Links Collegiate Individual Title and the 2024 Helen Holm Scottish Women's Open.

Calling all golf alumni! 

Alumni who represented the University in golf, were involved with Saints Golf, or who currently play but were never connected to the Club, are warmly invited to get in touch to help us update our records and strengthen our golfing alumni network.

Please contact Elaine McBride, Golf Partnership Officer, at em490@st-andrews.ac.uk.

Save the date: Men's Scottish Varsity Rugby 

The University of 58³Ô¹Ï will play the University of Edinburgh in the 2025 Men's Scottish Varsity Rugby Match on Friday 18 September at the HIVE Stadium in Edinburgh. Kick-off is at 7.30pm and tickets are on sale now.

The Scottish Varsity Match is played between Scotland's two oldest university rugby clubs and dates back more than 160 years. It is believed to predate the annual Oxford versus Cambridge Varsity Match.

 Alumni Authors

Professor Nicki Hitchcott (left) alongside her current research team, Dr Alice Karekezi and Dr John McInally

Saints Spotlight: Professor Nicki Hitchcott

Professor Nicki Hitchcott is Head of the School of Modern Languages and specialises in the postcolonial literatures and cultures of francophone Africa. In this month’s Saints Spotlight, she discusses her current research project that looks to fill the gaps in Belgian imperial history through the study of colonial archives. 

Inscription opportunities: leave a lasting mark

Become part of the ceremonial heart of 58³Ô¹Ï with an inscribed seat plaque inside – or a flagstone outside – the Younger Hall. In addition to our seat plaque opportunities, a limited number of flagstones have just been released, and can be inscribed as a lasting memory of your time at the University – or as a gift to one of our graduates.

Contact Katie Birrell, Development Officer, at kjb21@st-andrews.ac.uk for more information.

SaintsFunder: Figure Skating Society

Figure skating is a unique and demanding Olympic sport that combines athleticism, creativity, and discipline, but at 58³Ô¹Ï, access is limited due to the absence of a local ice rink.

Despite this, interest in the Figure Skating Society is growing, with the club recently welcoming members who are already competing at an advanced level. The Society hopes to ensure that students at all levels can participate fully without financial barriers.

University Shop: May Dip T-shirt

Back by popular demand, this year’s May Dip t-shirt is now available from the University of 58³Ô¹Ï Shop. Celebrating the much-loved May Dip tradition, the shirt is a perfect reminder of this uniquely '58³Ô¹Ï' experience. Available in store and online while stocks last.

Reconnect! 

If you know someone who would like to reconnect and sign up for 58³Ô¹Ï in the News, they can do so using the links below:

Alumni: Update your contact information

Parents/guardians of undergraduate students: Register to join the Family Programme