58³Ô¹Ï

Major new funding harnesses AI to combat infectious disease

The University of St Andrews School of Medicine is playing a key role in a major new effort to strengthen Africa’s ability to predict and respond to infectious disease outbreaks, following the award of a €1.3 million international grant. 

The funding, provided by , will support the African Training Network for Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Infectious Diseases Modelling (AFRITRAC), a four-year initiative bringing together 14 institutions across Africa and Europe.

Alumni and Student Founders Community Awards

The hosted an Alumni and Student Founders Community Awards evening this month, celebrating entrepreneurial progress, strong connections, and the shared achievements of student and alumni founders.

Alumnus Sydney Stones (MLitt 2025) was named as one of the Santander Startup Track awardees for his fashion-tech startup, Rendered Fits. Sydney discusses co-founding the company and his postgraduate degree in Management from 58³Ô¹Ï in his Alumni Profile.

Donor Story: Lindsay Grant

A degree in Physics led Lindsay Grant (BSc 1984) to a career in technology, developing and enhancing silicon chips for use in smartphones, cars, and even the Mars Helicopter. Lindsay and his wife, Nicky, have chosen to give back to the University through the Grant Family Scholarships, which support undergraduate students and PhD researchers in Physics with a focus on long-term research impact.

Undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships are a priority of the Making Waves Campaign.

The annual Gaudie procession

The Gaudie and May Dip

Students gathered in their gowns for the annual Gaudie, a torchlit pier walk in honour of John Honey, a student in the year 1800 who rescued five members of the crew of the Janet of Macduff, a ship that had run aground off East Sands.

From there, it was down to East Sands at sunrise to participate in May Dip.

Professor Rita Tojeiro

Saints Spotlight: Professor Rita Tojeiro

In this month’s Saints Spotlight, Professor Rita Tojeiro of the School of Physics and Astronomy discusses her research, which recently helped to make . 

Book now: Alumni Weekend 2026

Alumni Weekend 2026 is fast approaching and runs from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 June. Join us for an opportunity to hear from pioneering PhD researchers on our Dynamic Stage, enjoy a round of golf at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, or take part in a bespoke gin tasting with Eden Mill.

Full details of this year’s programme, including a special alumni discount on accommodation, can be found below.

We’re here to help if you have any questions or would like to reconnect with University friends. Email alumni@st-andrews.ac.uk.

Patrons' Programme 2026

Our Patrons' Programme offers alumni, donors, parents, and friends the chance to soak up the full 58³Ô¹Ï experience through an exclusive schedule of talks, tours, and events. 

This year’s varied programme will include an opportunity to meet and greet with a local herd of Highland Cows and find out more about their role in rewilding projects around 58³Ô¹Ï, take part in a golf lesson, hear from academic experts in History, Art History, Music, and much more.

Book now to join us on Thursday 10 and Friday 11 September, when we will be delighted to welcome you for a 'behind-the-scenes' look at life in 58³Ô¹Ï.

Making Waves Lecture Series 

The Making Waves Lecture Series features talks from leading academics from across the University. Details of upcoming lectures are below.

• Tuesday 2 June, Rathbones, 10 George Street, Edinburgh, with Dr Niall Sreenan, School of Modern Languages

• Wednesday 10 June, Royal Over-Seas League, London, with Professor Rhiannon Purdie, School of English

We look forward to welcoming alumni, supporters, and friends to hear more about the big ideas taking shape at 58³Ô¹Ï and the ripples they are creating across society.

All lectures are free to attend. Please register via the link below.

 Alumni Stories

Patricia on graduation day

Patricia Zvarova (BSc 2021) first became interested in the field of neuroscience when her brother fell into a coma following a car accident as a teenager. This event led to Patricia’s studies at 58³Ô¹Ï, her research into deep brain stimulation and Parkinson’s disease, and her recent inclusion in the Slovakian Forbes 30 Under 30 list.

Peter Burns (MA 2004) has spent almost two decades writing non-fiction and working as Managing Director at Polaris Publishing. In 2025, he realised his lifelong ambition of becoming a published children’s author with the release of his New York Times bestseller, Shadow Thieves. He reflects on his publishing career and the lasting impact 58³Ô¹Ï has had on his work.

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

Saints Sport News

Saints Golf scholar Caitlin Maurice 

Caitlin Maurice earns Arnold Palmer Cup selection

Saints Golf scholar Caitlin Maurice has been selected to represent the International Team at the Arnold Palmer Cup, collegiate golf’s premier international team competition. She is the fourth student in the University’s history to earn selection. 

Ian Muir, Director of Golf, University of St Andrews, said: â€œCaitlin’s selection for the Arnold Palmer Cup is a landmark moment for this programme and one we are enormously proud of. The fact that she is also an Arnold Palmer Scholar makes it a truly special story – it is exactly the kind of journey Arnold Palmer envisioned when he gave his name to support young golfers at this university."

Saints Sport scholar Hansine Marshall receiving her silver medal

St Andrews rowers win silver and bronze at Filippi Trophy in Italy

58³Ô¹Ï athletes delivered an impressive performance at the Filippi Trophy International Circuit event in Fano, Italy, last month. 

The headline results came in the Women’s Single Sculls, where Rosa Thomson and Hansine Marshall reached the last 16 before being reinstated as fastest losers following injury withdrawals. The pair then won their quarter-finals and met in an all-St Andrews semi-final. Hansine advanced to the A Final and secured silver, while Rosa won the B Final to finish third overall, claiming bronze.

Book now: Men's Scottish Varsity Rugby 

The University of 58³Ô¹Ï will play the University of Edinburgh in the 2026 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.

 Alumni Authors

Submit your Alumni Profile 

Alumni Profiles offer a chance to share your 58³Ô¹Ï highlights, discuss your career post-graduation and pass on advice to our global community of alumni and friends. They also provide inspiration to current and prospective students. 

You can browse our Alumni Profiles online, and complete our short form to share your own journey and advice.

Highland Fusion, the University of 58³Ô¹Ï Dance Club's highland dance team perform Beeswing

SaintsFunder: Dance at 58³Ô¹Ï

The Blue Angels Bursary and the Highland Fusion Bursary support students to overcome the financial barriers to dance and performance. 

Bursary recipients are completely anonymous to all members of the team, and this support allows passionate dancers and choreographers to continue doing what they love most.

Find out more about the and the .

Kinloch Anderson x University of 58³Ô¹Ï

In collaboration with the , Kinloch Anderson is proud to offer kilt hire in the exclusive University of 58³Ô¹Ï tartan for weddings, alumni events, and special occasions. A range of tartan accessories and tailored pieces are also available to purchase. 

To enquire or book, contact standrews@kinlochanderson.com or visit

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