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HERIOT-WATT
MISSION
To create and transfer knowledge, to enable students and staff to fulfil their potential and to enrich all the communities with which we engage.
CONTENTS
PrinciPals review news international research PeoPle statistics 04 08 16 20 28 34
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PRINCIPALS REVIEW
PRINCIPALS REVIEW
My impression of Heriot-Watt was always one of a great creative intensity which comes from a very practical and innovative approach to the way things are done, and this impression has been strongly reinforced.
Professor Steve Chapman FRSE, FRSC, CCHEM, PhD Principal and Vice-Chancellor
It has been an exhilarating few months for me since I joined Heriot-Watt as Principal. One of my very first assignments was to attend the official opening of the Scottish Borders Campus by the Princess Royal, the culmination of many years work by colleagues in the University and at Borders College and a tremendously important step in the provision of tertiary education in the Borders. I should emphasise that the Campus opening is not an end but just the first step in developing the articulation which will help students to progress seamlessly through their education to the highest level which their abilities and ambition will allow. Academic collaboration between the College and University has already resulted in a new joint Borders Business Programme and increased recruitment to both institutions in the current year, with further collaboration in course provision planned. The completion of the Postgraduate Centre was another milestone, key to our strategic development and the planned growth in postgraduate numbers. I have made a point of learning about the Schools and Services first hand, by visiting as many as
I can. Other visits are scheduled for the new year. The annual graduation schedules also meant visits to our Dubai Campus and to Hong Kong, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur for meetings with our Academic Learning Partners, and the capping of around 500 of our overseas students. My impression of Heriot-Watt was always one of a great creative intensity which comes from a very practical and innovative approach to the way things are done, and this impression has been strongly reinforced. This sort of hands-on, can-do work comes from the very origins of the institution, with its groundbreaking start as the first Mechanics Institute, giving ordinary people access to science and technology. Heriot-Watt has an enviable reputation for producing graduates fully equipped to achieve the highest personal and professional standards. This reflects very well on our teaching. We are working hard to improve some aspects of our teaching provision in the light of the last National Student Survey. This year we recorded our largest intake of new students in the Universitys history with an overall rise of 20%. This means that, in terms of the overall
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PRINCIPALS REVIEW
student population, growth includes a 10% rise to over 7,500 in Scotland and a headcount in Dubai now at well over 1,300. In our key growth area of taught postgraduate students, both UK/EU and overseas fee income levels have increased by almost 20%. Undergraduate numbers from non-EU countries have also grown. These figures exceed this years student recruitment and fee income targets and are strongly competitive in comparison with other Scottish and UK universities. This is a great achievement and planning is already underway to expand and improve teaching space to meet demand. In the 2009 Guardian University League Table the University gained an overall ranking of 22 out of 117 UK universities, doing particularly well in the career prospects measure. Modern Languages at Heriot-Watt was ranked within the top 10 in the UK and other high ranking subjects were Building and Town and Country Planning (top in Scotland), Art and Design, Physics and Sports Science. The University maintained its strong position in the employment measure in the 2009 Sunday Times University Guide, standing fourteenth of all UK universities and second in Scotland, based on the proportion of students in employment within six months of graduation and the proportion of these in graduate-level jobs. Indeed Heriot-Watt continues to feature prominently across press league tables for graduate employment, typically in the UK top 20, particularly when the quality of such employment is taken into account Focus on the Future is the Universitys long term strategy, and I am delighted to note that we now have a second tranche of investment funding released,
1.75 million for the coming year alone, increasing the scope for investment towards our strategic goals. This allows us to plan for the development and appointment of 20 new top level academic posts in the coming year in addition to the 25 approved under the phase one investment planning. A new strategic theme, with the working title of Creativity, Design and Innovation, will provide an opportunity for the School of Textiles and Design and the School of Management and Languages to participate in the Themes to a much greater extent. It will also allow the School of Mathematics and Computing Sciences to introduce the topic of the digital economy (a recognised priority for the research councils) and to increase the scope of the Innovative Manufacturing Research Centre representing the Universitys largest current EPSRC-funded project. Focus on the Future builds on key areas of the Universitys existing strengths. I am, however, determined that we will support, maintain and develop all of Heriot-Watts traditional strengths, academic, personal and institutional. I am keen to promote key areas, with investments under discussion potentially including the area of food and drink. We need to recognise and build on all of our strengths, and to make sure that quality, the quality of our people, our research and our whole product, is key to all of our decisions and developments. An exceptional feature of Heriot-Watt is its international profile, with key successes already outlined. Our international reach is a tremendous asset and there is no doubt that Heriot-Watt is Scotlands International University with a real global presence.
This year we recorded our largest intake of new students in the Universitys history with an overall rise in new students of 20%
new Campus within the Dubai International Academic City. Our people are our strength, and our students our clients. We have just run a staff survey, which showed a 57% Total Satisfaction Indicator. This is positive, but not good enough and is a number to build on. Students are also asked to fill in a range of surveys, internal and external. We need to ensure we take their responses on board, and act on themand we are. The University has approved the setting-up of an initial 1.5M fund for the improvement of student-facing services in the current financial year. The first approved proposal was to extend library opening hours, with 24 hour opening of the library at key times. We have also approved the development of new learning spaces. Approved in principle is a proposal to re-develop part of the Hugh Nisbet Building to create a student centre or one-stop shop to co-locate student facing services. Its important that the University surroundings reflect and support its successes and provide a good learning and working environment.
Meanwhile 2009 saw the 40th anniversary of the Edinburgh Campus, and I got to make my mark by planting a tree, a Norwegian Maple, along with the Students Association President, Simon Eltringham. Its one of an estimated quarter of a million trees on the Campus, but it will always be that little bit special to me. Around the University I have come across huge enthusiasm and loyalty to Heriot-Watt and many positive ideas. Any institution needs strong leadership, but it also needs the support, skill and sheer hard work of every member of the University staff and of its key stakeholders. This is a dialogue I am looking forward to, in partnership with all of these groups, for the University in the years ahead.
The Dubai Campus is now making very impressive progress indeed and is set to do even better in the coming years. Student numbers are up a third from the previous year with the Campus having to increase in size by 50 per cent to maintain its high level of resource provision. Undergraduate degrees in Civil Engineering, Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing and Retailing have been successfully launched this year. To cater for these developments the University has expanded into new premises and we are committed to developing and growing the range of courses in Dubai as part of our strong international network. Discussions are already underway with our partners Eikon International Holding to build a
2009 saw the largest intake of new students in the universitys history
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NEWS
NEWS
The new 31.4M Scottish Borders Campus in galashiels was officially opened by the Princess Royal. The Campus was created as a co-location venture between Borders College and Heriot-Watt University.
The Princess then performed the official opening ceremony, unveiling a plaque in the main reception area. Masters student Emma Daniels-Arthur presented her with a specially produced pashmina in a new tartan which Emma herself created to celebrate Return to the Ridings, a major Homecoming Scotland 2009 event taking place in the Scottish Borders.
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NEWS
networking and expanding collaborations with industry and commercial sectors. This approach, with an emphasis on entrepreneurship and vision, is key to the involvement of Cairn Energy, who provided generous sponsorship for the construction of the Centre and a Programme Co-ordinator to promote innovation and enterprise activities within the student community. The three-story landmark building houses the Cairn Auditorium, a 150-capacity lecture theatre, and two additional lecture theatres. Each seat is data equipped. Seminar rooms, study and social zones provide postgraduate taught and research students, professional and academic colleagues across campus with video conferencing facilities and wifi communications. These high tech spaces accommodate tutorials, researcher and staff training sessions, and are ideal for workshops, masterclasses and as break-out areas for the lecture theatre.
Since then, the Campus has flourished into a functioning village and learning and research centre, with 8,200 staff and students. While the buildings are modern the carefully nurtured grounds make a huge impact. The wealth of wildlife and plant species was always carefully considered as the University took shape, with the employment of an environmental consultant at the construction stage and a site conservation committee to deal with ongoing development, conservation and management of site landscape. After 40 years of use as a university campus the range of flora and fauna has actually grown; records show that over 250,000 trees have been planted and the number of bird species recorded increased from 66 in 1972 to 88 in 1996. Meanwhile, as part of the Universitys strategic ambition to be at the forefront of research and research-led education in the Uk and internationally, upcoming developments will include new residences, at both the Edinburgh and Scottish Borders Campuses, incorporating more shared flats and fewer single study rooms, larger desks and improved noise control and ventilation. Already the plans have achieved the BREEAM 2 rating of excellence, signifying they are being developed to the highest environmental standards.
The new International Study groups recruitment numbers have also accelerated rapidly and it is likely that over 100 international students will access HeriotWatt degrees in 2010
Amongst the notable increases were a significant rise in Chinese, Saudi Arabian and Libyan students studying at Heriot-Watt and from a domestic perspective a sharp upturn in students articulating from Further Education Colleges. Planning is already underway to expand teaching space to meet demand. These figures exceed this years student recruitment and fee income targets and are strongly competitive in comparison with other Scottish and Uk universities. This is a great achievement and marks a very positive beginning to the 2009/10 academic year. The new International Study groups recruitment numbers have also accelerated rapidly and it is likely that over 100 international students will access Heriot-Watt degrees through this route in 2010.
prospects measure. Modern Languages at Heriot-Watt was ranked within the top 10 in the Uk. Other high ranking HeriotWatt subjects were Building and Town and Country Planning (top in Scotland), Art and Design, Physics and Sports Science. Other subjects, including Art and Design (Textiles), Building, Physics, Sports Science and Town and Country Planning were in the Uk top 20. The University maintained its strong position in the employment measure in the 2009 publication of the Sunday Times University guide, ranking fourteenth of all Uk universities and second in Scotland. This measure is based on the proportion of students in employment within six months of graduation and the proportion of these in graduate-level jobs. Indeed Heriot-Watt continues to feature prominently across press league tables for graduate employment, typically in the Uk top 20, particularly when the quality of such employment is taken into account Heriot-Watt also ranks in the top 10 for the proportion of international students studying at the University.
This year, for the first time the University also entered the ranks of the top 400 universities of the world, which equates to the top 5%, in the influential THE-QS world University Rankings. This was a rise from our position in the top 500 in 2008.
record recruitment
Heriot-Watt recorded the largest intake of new students in its history in 2009 with an overall rise in new students of 20%. This means that in terms of the overall student population, growth includes a 10% rise to over 7,500 in Scotland on a full-time equivalent basis and over 1,000 students in Dubai, also on a full-time equivalent basis. The headcount in Dubai will be over 1,300. In our key growth area of taught postgraduate students, both Uk/EU and overseas, have increased by around 20%. Undergraduate numbers from nonEU countries have also grown.
league taBles
In this years guardian University League Table, the University gained an overall ranking of 22nd out of 117 Uk universities, ranking particularly highly in the career
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NEWS
councils) and to increase the scope of the Innovative Manufacturing Research Centre (in the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences and the School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences), representing the Universitys largest current EPSRCfunded project. The scope of the proposed new Theme will be defined via externally facilitated workshops.
companies were formed, Petroc Technologies and Epistemy, and existing spin-out Hydrafact is moving to new premises on the Universitys Research Park. Petroc Technologies was founded by Dr Mehran Sohrabi to provide technical support and commercialise the outcome of a Scottish Enterprise funded Proof of Concept project in the area of carbon capture and storage to mitigate carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and reduce the effects of global warming. The unique, patented technology developed to prevent leakage of carbon dioxide from underground storage sites is critical for the success of this carbon dioxide mitigation strategy. Long term storage of carbon dioxide underground prevents its release into the atmosphere and therefore combats global warming. Epistemy founders Professor Mike Christie, Dan Arnold and Jack Talbot will provide world-leading software for quantifying uncertainty and reducing risk in the oil and gas industry. Uncertainty leads to risks in business decisions costing millions or even billions of pounds, and so a better understanding of the uncertainties can save industry significant costs.
issues that require strategic research funding and advise the research funding councils, and to liaise with technology firms to help turn research results into products and processes. As one of five universities which are associate partners, HeriotWatt assists the kTN in terms of outreach, running of events, and providing feedback from members to FS-Net, the independent, not-forprofit organisation which leads and co-ordinates the kTN activities and interacts directly with government agencies and science funding councils.
drugs and use a Field Impairment Test, asking drivers to perform tasks such as estimating time lapses or standing on one leg. The Heriot-Watt team is working to develop their test system into an easyto-use hand held device for roadside use. The immediate identification of those whose driving is impaired through drugs will make a significant contribution to road safety.
gIVe by george Davies offers a new retail format. The label looks at designer style with the focus being on luxurious fabrics and attention to detail, and the brand is also about moving service and technology to the highest level for the high street customer. The visit coincided with georges birthday, and students and colleagues celebrated with cakes and refreshments.
iPe sPin-outs
2009 saw an increase in the spin-out company activity from the Institute of Petroleum Engineering. Two new
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NEWS
University, and Professor kevin Dowd of the University of Nottingham. The David garrick Halmstad Prize, the most prestigious research award in actuarial science worldwide, is awarded annually by the Actuarial Foundation in North America for the best paper in the actuarial literature. Professor Cairns and his co-authors won the prize for Pricing Death: Frameworks for the Valuation and Securitization of Mortality Risk. This is only the third time the Halmstad Prize has been won by Uk academics. On the last occasion it was also awarded to HeriotWatt academics, Professors Angus Macdonald and Howard Waters.
and payment for commercial accommodation and the roll out of cashless transactions in catering outlets.
of the University also included the launch of Working with Industry, the opening of the Scottish Borders Campus and developments at the Dubai Campus. There were also a number of interviews with and articles by Principals Professor Muscatelli and Professor Chapman as well as a wide range of Heriot-Watt experts, speaking about their own work and commenting on the news stories of the day.
alBa Photonics
A new spin out company, Alba Photonics, has been formed from the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, following completion of a Proof of Concept project, funded by Scottish Enterprise, into nanostructure materials led by Professor Mohammad Reza Taghizadeh. Professor Taghizadeh and his team are producing micro lenses that are flat, stackable and low-cost creating competitive advantage to customers requiring micro-optical lenses and making them the choice of the telecoms and laser industries.
resnet uPgrade
The Resnet service, which provides broadband services, phone, TV and data to staff and students on the Edinburgh and Scottish Borders Campuses, is being upgraded to bring it into line with other leading Uk academic institutions. Essentially a new managed service, it will instantly triple the current overall bandwidth, increase personal base allocation, provide login facilities and give students the choice of increasing their individual access speed at a reasonable cost.
hosPitality services
Hospitality Services at Heriot-Watt was launched in 2009, following restructuring of the old Catering and Residences department. Current projects include redecorating the Lord Thompson Hall, extensive works in Residences 1 and 2, opening and upgrading caf outlets, upgrades to the public areas of the James Watt Centre and supporting the upgrade of internet and wireless access. Plans for the future include improvement in a number of the existing catering outlets, further upgrades in residences, the introduction of on line booking
A wide range of Heriot-Watt stories featured in the press and media, at home and abroad, during the year, continuing to raise the Universitys profile among a wide range of audiences
fai rt ra De U ni v e r si t y D ow ni ng s t r ee t v is i t
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INTERNATIONAL
international develoPment
During 2009, Heriot-Watt undertook a wide ranging programme of international business development. The University has continued to develop its Academic Learning Partner Network, to extend strategic alliances and increase opportunities for distance learning into new markets. It has worked in partnership with Scottish Development International, UK Trade and Investment and a number of Scottish Colleges in international initiatives where there is a requirement for skills and vocational level qualifications, as well as Heriot-Watts degree programmes. A prime example of this was a project in Bhutan which provided an ideal opportunity to build on the longstanding collaboration between the School of Textiles and Design and Cardonald College in Glasgow.
Collaboration and partnership have continued as major themes in the Universitys international strategy and activities in 2009. About one third of students on campus in Scotland are from overseas and the student numbers at the Dubai Campus have increased substantially to 1,300 with new programmes added in areas such as Textiles and Civil Engineering. The Heriot-Watt Academic Learning Partner network has expanded to include a new partnership in Bangladesh and 2009 saw the 1000th student graduate from the Heriot-Watt Management Programme. During the year the University undertook a range of visits to its partners and to assess potential new opportunities in countries such as India, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Nigeria.
the increase in student numbers, accommodated by the development of new facilities at Dubai International Academic City. Campus accommodation was increased by 50%, maintaining the high level of resource provision and facilities for students. New developments in student support in areas such as careers, student representation, student newsletters and the development of clubs and societies further improved the quality of the student experience on Campus. Anticipating future growth and development, Heriot-Watt University and its partners in Dubai have been in discussion about future plans for the Campus. With increasing student numbers it is planned to build HeriotWatts own campus within the Dubai International Academic City, along with partners Eikon International Holding, and discussions are underway on this development.
About one third of students on campus in Scotland are from overseas and the student numbers at the Dubai Campus have increased to 1,300.
Resources and funded through the United Nations Development Programme. Working with local teachers in Thimpu and Chumey in central Bhutan, the project was focused on the development of standards for the assessment of weavers skills, curriculum development and the establishment of learning resources. The next stage in the project will be the delivery of a programme of Training of Trainers by Cardonald College, working with staff from the School of Textiles and Design.
heriot-watt in Bangladesh
In August 2009 the Heriot-Watt Management Programme was launched in Bangladesh with a new Approved Learning Partner, the Bangladesh Institute of Management Studies. The School of Management and Languages Director of External Programmes, Marc Quinn, represented the University at the launch at the British Council in Dhaka. The event was attended by over 200 people, including the first cohort of 20 students who have registered for the Bachelor of Business Administration degree, and a number of distinguished guests including
weaving in Bhutan
In July 2009 the Head of School of Textiles and Design, Professor Alison Harley, led a mission to Bhutan to carry out a project sponsored by the Bhutanese Ministry of Labour and Human
recruitment
Heriot-Watt is known as Scotlands international university and we are proud of the rich diversity in our student population. In 2009, the overall rise in student recruitment at Heriot-Watt included a significant increase in the number of international students studying with the University in Scotland and abroad. Indeed, the number of international taught postgraduate students has risen by almost 20% and student numbers at the Dubai Campus reached 1,300. The establishment of Heriot-Watts office in Tianjin and the work of Zhongyi Wang as the Universitys representative in China, have made a strong impact, increasing the level of awareness and demand for programmes of study and research at Heriot-Watt, with a 55% increase in taught postgraduate students coming to the University from China. The China Office has also supported a range of partnership and collaborative activities, working with many of the Universitys Schools and Institutes. Focused efforts by the Recruitment and Admissions team on markets in the Middle East and North Africa have also been effective, leading to a 250% rise in the number of students from Libya and Saudi Arabia. EU recruitment remains strong and the University welcomed around 300 new French entrants in 2009. The International Study Centre is becoming well established and it is likely that over 100 international students will access Heriot-Watt degrees through this route in 2010.
HERIOT-WATT UK
HERIOT-WATT UK DUBAI
weaving in Bhutan
Approved Learning Partnerships
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INTERNATIONAL
Professor Nazrul Islam, Chairman of the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, and Dr Wali Tasar Uddin, Honorary Consul-General of Bangladesh in Scotland and a HeriotWatt Honorary Graduate.
and the newly qualified surveyors will go on to support and develop Bahrains ambitious expansion of its infrastructure and construction industry.
and Physical Sciences and Mr Zhongyi Wang, the Universitys representative in China. Guests included representatives of HeriotWatts partner institutions in China and collaborators in the Science Bridges research project. The 1.1M UK-China Science Bridges, funded by Research Councils UK and led by Heriot-Watt, is part of a 12M set of collaborations between British universities and institutions in China, India and the US. During 2009 a strategic partnership was developed with the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE), part of the Ministry of Education. The CSCSE plays a pivotal role in advising students on study abroad options and has a range of Chinese University partners, including the SQAs centres in China. Through this partnership Heriot-Watt will be able to develop further research and teaching collaborations with the advice and guidance of the CSCSE.
overseas graduations
Heriot-Watt graduands around the world have celebrated their academic success. In 2009, the University awarded its first ever honorary degree at the Dubai Campus to Derek Shepherd, former managing director of Aggreko International. He was awarded a Doctorate of Engineering in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the international growth of the temporary power industry in the region, and to the development of the economies of both Scotland and the UAE. The honorary degree was presented during a ceremony which celebrated the graduation of over 130 students and marked the first graduates in undergraduate engineering programmes. Graduations were also held in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Moscow. This event was distinguished by a strong industry presence and all the graduates had been sponsored by industry throughout their study.
collaBorations in china
Heriot-Watt was one of a number of Scottish Universities invited to take part in Scottish Government Receptions in China, hosted by the First Minister in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Beijing. The Ministerial visit was designed to support educational links and to explore new opportunities in the fields of renewable energy, golf tourism, life sciences and computer gaming. The University was represented at these events by Vice-Principal Professor Andy Walker, along with Dr Cheng Xiang of the School of Engineering
dr cheng xiang wang, Professor andy walker, first minister alex salmond and mr zhongyi wang
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REsEARch
Research spend at Heriot-Watt increased by almost 30% from 15.4M to 19.9M during the last financial year, an exceptional level of growth, reflecting the quality of Heriot-Watt research.
Research awards for the same period were 27.1M. Professor Alan Miller, Deputy Principal (Research & Knowledge Transfer), said he was delighted with the figures and that all concerned were working to build on these successes. A 6.5M project for a stepwise increase in business and entrepreneurship development has also been launched to support the Universitys Focus on the Future strategy. The pan-University three year project will help to boost the impact of major programmes in research and development in all areas of the academic community. Co-ordinated by Technology and Research Services (TRS) the innovative move will maximise impact by placing new staff in Schools, TRS, Corporate Communications and Organisational Development. offer is the Engineering Doctorate (EngD), a funded four-year PhD-level doctorate degree with an emphasis on research and development in a commercial environment. The consortium of Heriot-Watt, Strathclyde, St Andrews and Glasgow universities gained Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) funding of 4.5M. The participating universities will provide additional investment of 500,000. EPS Physics is also involved in a 9.4M tri-institutional doctoral training centre which was officially opened in St Andrews in October. The Scottish Doctoral Training Centre in Condensed Matter Physics (CM-DTC) is a collaboration between Heriot-Watt, St Andrews and Edinburgh universities. Up to 60 lite graduate students will join the four-year CM-DTC PhD programme over the next five years. The first ten graduates began their training in September. The Heriot-Watt involvement is led by Professor Ian Galbraith.
RESEARCH
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RESEARCH
Led by Dr Oliver Lemon, the Interaction Lab is funded by grants worth over 1 million from the EPSRC, European Commission and ESRC/EPSRC TEL. Dr Lemons appointment was made under the 15M Scottish Informatics and Computer Science Alliance (SICSA), which is funded by the Scottish government and aims to consolidate and develop Scotlands position as an international research leader in informatics and computer science.
storing CO2. This will enable the government, CO2 emitters, storage operators and infrastructure and technology developers to make more informed choices on the realistic extent and roll-out of carbon capture and storage in the Uk. Heriot-Watt scientists will have a key role in calculating the total dynamic CO2 storage capacity of the saline formations in Uk waters, benefiting from the Institute of Petroleum Engineerings expertise in simulation of fluid flow in porous media and the impact of geochemical and geomechanical effects on fluid migration and interactions with the rock.
science Bridges
Heriot-Watt is leading a Science Bridges Award, linking Uk universities and Chinese universities and institutions. The project will work on new developments in high-speed, secure wireless multimedia connections. The 1.1M Uk-China Science Bridges, funded by Research Councils Uk, is part of a 12M set of collaborations between British universities and institutions in China, India and the US. The aim of this project is to create, a Uk-China Joint Research and Development Centre for fourth generation (4g) Wireless Mobile Communications, supporting collaborative research, mutual visits, exchange of researchers, and rapid technology transfer and commercialisation.
The 1.1M UkChina Science Bridges, funded by Research Councils Uk, is part of a 12M set of collaborations between British universities and institutions in China, India and the US
threshold that trees can tolerate, maladaptation and extinctions may occur. Model frameworks can be used to assess intervention strategies (such as planting future adapted seeds) that can help prevent extinction of native tree populations.
change can transform the cycles into chaos, according to new methods for studying mathematical models devised by the group, which includes Microsoft Research in Cambridge and a Dutch National Research Institute. Their highly novel methodology builds on theory developed in fields as disparate as theoretical physics and computational ecology, and draws on recent developments in stability theory and computation. Team leader Professor Jonathan Sherratt says that the new methodology allows them to extract and work with information from mathematical models which was not previously possible, and could be applied to fields as diverse as chemical reactions, fluid flow, and the spread of epidemics.
investing in infection
Mathematical modelling will also be used to examine the ways in which host animals evolved a wide variety of ways of defending themselves from infection. Most organisms are infected by a wide variety of infectious agents (e.g. bacteria, virus and fungi) and have had to evolve a wide variety of ways of defending themselves. The study will provide key insight for the management of disease in natural and agricultural systems. Mathematical modelling will also be used to examine climate change induced alterations in the distribution of tree species. Trees are long lived and therefore slow to adapt to change. If the rate of environmental change exceeds a
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RESEARCH
Interactive roomsets can also be produced to allow the user to try out different colour and texture combinations on the walls of a room, and the technology has real potential to transform marketing webpages into effective direct sales tools.
formula which would potentially provide a unified description of all the natural phenomena in our universe, is being undertaken by a Mathematical Physics Group Hosted by Professor Richard Szabo. The 0.5M project, funded by EPSRC, asks crucial questions about M-theory, where the basic building blocks are 2- and 5-dimensional objects called M2- and M5-branes. One of the great current mysteries is how to describe the dynamics of the M2-branes, even if gravity was turned off. It is necessary to explore possible extensions and modifications of a recent candidate theory which turned out not to be general enough. Mostly, mathematical aesthetics will be used as a guideline for constructing these extensions by identifying broader mathematical frameworks into which the original theory can be fitted, with constructions checked against physical requirements.
green logistics
Low carbon shipping will be investigated under an EPSRC funded project being undertaken by Professor Alan McKinnon and his team in the Logistics Research Centre. The 250,000 project expands the Centres portfolio of Green Logistics research being undertaken by this internationally respected grouping.
The Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland (MASTS) will receive the funding over seven years as part of a total investment of 74.7M
which are purified and undergo systematic testing to evaluate their activity. Microbes are now being identified with a type of enzyme which could be key to a cheaper, more efficient and sustainable process in the synthesis of valuable chemicals by both the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries.
have shown that perfect pitch ability appears to be partly inherent, with as much as 50% of our musical taste being predetermined it appears there is a strong argument for the existence of music genes.
Picture Perfect
Researchers in the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS) are developing a system which will boost sonar detection for submarines which could observe the ocean floor with 10 times better resolution and detect underwater mines with improved accuracy. The Uks Defence Science and Technology Laboratory is supporting the work to improve sonar target detection in cluttered underwater environments. The EPS team will develop algorithms and 3D image processing techniques for interferometric synthetic aperture sonar (SAS). These sonar combine a number of acoustic pings to form images at vastly higher resolution than conventional sonar. To date SAS systems are used almost exclusively for research purposes and have yet to be deployed in military platforms. The EPS researchers will combine the SAS with more conventional side-scan sonar to determine if their joint deployment can improve the detection and classification of targets under water.
masts
The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) has announced a 17.4M investment in a new marine science research pool which will bring together researchers from several universities and research institutes including Heriot-Watt. The Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland (MASTS) will receive the funding over seven years as part of a total investment of 74.7M. Ten partners, including Heriot-Watt and seven other Scottish universities, are to form the pool which will carry out world-class research, training and knowledge exchange. Among its key areas of research MASTS will pool existing strengths to look at areas including biodiversity, marine predators, sustainable mariculture and fisheries. The formation of MASTS will create eight new professorships and 13 lectureships/readerships. A graduate academy will be at the core of MASTS, offering PhD studentships and advanced postgraduate training in marine sciences to attract and retain young scientists of true excellence.
m-theory research
A five year research programme into M-theory, a possible contender for the long-sought world
masts Project
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RESEARCH
stalking checklist
Victims of stalking now have more support, thanks to work by Dr Lorraine Sheridan, Senior Research Fellow in Psychology. She contributed a stalking risk checklist as an assessment tool for use in suspected cases of domestic abuse, stalking, and honour killings. It has just been rolled out to every police station in England and Wales. In the past the police have failed some stalking victims because many of the behaviours engaged in by stalkers can seem to be routine and harmless. However, stalkers frequently do build up to violent acts and some sexually assault or even murder their victims. Dr Sheridan has been researching the psychology of stalking since 1996 and has identified some indicators of risk in stalking cases. The aim of the stalking risk checklist is not to assess risk per se but to help ensure that nonspecialist police officers are asking the right questions of victims and are collecting the correct evidence in an attempt to prevent serious violence.
Current methods for DNA assembly are inefficient and the prototype resulting from the 18-month Genome Segment Assembly programme will enable the highthroughput assembly of DNA segments in an automated and reliable way.
heads or tails
A computer network which undertakes the virtual equivalent of a game of heads and tails could solve the problems which arise when multiple computers are working together. Professor Takis Konstantopoulos, of the department of Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics, is an expert in stochastic, or random, processes in probability theory which includes modelling communications networks such as the Internet. He is working on the Ethernet, computer networking technologies for local area networks, which involve many computers hooked to the same channel. Two computers cannot transmit packets at the same time, and the traditional answer has been to dictate a cyclic order. But the team has found the best way to increase speed is to have each computer toss a coin, a system that works because of probability. They are currently investigating BitTorrent, which accounts for around 40 per cent of Internet traffic and is used to download very large files such as films.
synthetic Biology
A microengineering team at Heriot-Watt has been commissioned by ITI Life Sciences to support international research and development programmes in synthetic biology. This could improve production methods in markets such as biofuels and energy, environmentally friendly chemicals, drug development and new material fabrication. Synthetic biology represents one of the fastest growing segments of the life sciences market, which could be worth over $1.5 billion by 2013. ITI Life Sciences, a division of ITI Scotland Ltd, has committed 2.5M to develop technology to enable the efficient assembly of small DNA segments into larger and more complex fragments.
e l e C t r iC i t y fr o m ex h aU st s
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PEOPLE
PEOPLE
People are the key to the success of any institution. Around Heriot-Watt I have found that staff and students are hugely innovative, inventive, enthusiastic and loyal. This is a tremendous resource and one which we will build on. Professor Steve Chapman, Principal
further develoPments
The Educational Development Unit (EDU), led by Professor Rob Pooley, has transferred to the People and Organisational Development (POD) team and been re-named the Academic Enhancement Team. They retain responsibility for the Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice plus an expanded role in support of the Academic Enhancement Framework Project. The Organisational Development Team led by Julie Dickson, also part of the POD team, will take up responsibility for Researcher Development. The two development teams will work closely together to provide an integrated mix of development activities and professional career development for everyone across the University all located within the Postgraduate Centre, and with an expanding role in the Dubai Campus.
Pro fe ss or s i m on st ewart, he aD o f t he i ns t i t Ut e o f Pe t r ol e Um e n gi ne e ri n g
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PEOPLE
Plaid Performances
There was a tartan theme to awards won by Textile and Design students. Maxine MacIver and Katherine Butler took top honours in Bringing Home the Tartan, a competition to create a design on the theme of Homecoming 2009, inspired by tartans in the new Scottish Register of Tartans.
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honorary graduates:
Mary Portas, Creative Director of Yellow Door, was awarded a Doctorate of Letters in recognition of her distinguished career and her outstanding and creative contribution to the advancement of marketing and brand communications within the retail sector.
01 02 His Excellency Professor Anbal Cavaco Silva, President of the Republic of Portugal, was awarded a Doctorate of Letters in recognition of his distinction in the discipline of Economics and in public service in the Republic of Portugal.
07 Ms Carol Ann Duffy, Poet Laureate, was awarded a Doctorate of Letters in recognition of her artistic achievements as poet, playwright and promoter of creative writing.
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13 Michel Contie, Senior VP, Total, Northern Europe, received a Doctorate of Engineering in recognition of his distinguished career and leadership in the oil industry and for his support and promotion of university research in this field.
Meanwhile Teri Scott won a competition to design the first official Scottish Parliament tartan to mark the 10th anniversary of devolution.
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08 Dr Ben Goldacre, writer, broadcaster and medical doctor, received a Doctorate of Science in recognition of his outstanding contribution to scientific journalism and in the promotion of public engagement with and greater understanding of science.
entrePreneur award
Maria Zedda, a deaf entrepreneur and Heriot-Watt graduate, was the overall winner in the Ready to Start Entrepreneur Awards. Maria, Managing Director of Wideaware Training, graduated from Heriot-Watts Post-Graduate Certificate in Environmental Access and Design, designed to give disabled people the opportunity to capitalise on their knowledge of environmental barriers to become access auditors.
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Mr Steve King, Musician and Musician-in-Residence at Heriot-Watt University, received a Doctorate of Letters in recognition of his distinction in the field of music and his outstanding contribution, through music, to the cultural and educational life of HeriotWatt University and the wider Scottish community.
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09 Mr Paul Walsh, CEO of Diageo and Chairman of the Scotch Whisky Association, was awarded a Doctorate of Letters in recognition of his distinguished career and, through his leadership, an outstanding contribution to sustained development and economic success within the global drinks industry.
14 Stefan Kay OBE, was awarded a Doctorate of the University in recognition of his significant contribution to the HeriotWatt University community over many years in governance, management and change leadership roles, and of his outstanding career in the paper industry.
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Mr Ian Marchant, Chief Executive of Scottish and Southern Energy, was awarded a Doctorate of Engineering in recognition of his distinguished career and outstanding contribution to sustainable development of the Scottish energy industry.
04 05 Mr Robert Graham, Chairman of Grahams Dairy, received a Doctorate of the University in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Scotlands dairy industry and for his demonstrated leadership in the context of small and family owned businesses.
10 Mr Alan Shaw, Chartered Engineer, received a Doctorate of Engineering in recognition of his services to the energy generation industry and of his many years of support and advocacy of Heriot-Watt University.
15 Heriot-Watt University awarded an honorary degree for the first time at its Dubai graduation. The honorary Doctor of Engineering degree was awarded to Derek Shepherd, former managing director of Aggreko International, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the international growth of the temporary power industry in the region, and to the development of the economies of both Scotland and the United Arab Emirates.
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11 Peter Ingram-Monk, specialist and campaigner on the needs of disabled people in accessing the built environment, was awarded a Doctorate of Engineering in recognition of his outstanding contribution to disability equality and access and to the development of professional training in support of these aims.
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06 Mr Gavin Gemmell, ex-Chair of Heriot-Watt University Court and Chair of Archangel Informal Investments Ltd., was awarded a Doctorate of the University in recognition of his contribution to the governance and progress of Heriot-Watt University and of his outstanding career and leadership in the financial sector.
12 Ian Wall, former chief Executive Officer of the EDI group, was awarded a Doctorate of Science in recognition of his outstanding entrepreneurial contribution to the development of social, cultural, educational and commercial opportunities to the benefit of the people of Edinburgh and of Scotland.
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PEOPLE
chevron schoLars
Eleven students studying Mechanical, Chemical and Petroleum Engineering are the first group of Chevron Scholars under the Chevron University Partnership Programme. Heriot-Watt is one of only 20 universities around the world to be involved in the scheme which has provided 150,000 in 2009 for scholarships and support to the selected students, including support and assistance for specific degree courses and research. The Scholars will also have the opportunity to apply for work experience and internships, with Chevron looking to employ topclass graduates on completion of their university studies. The programme builds on Chevrons 30-plus year relationship with Heriot-Watt, and identifies mutually beneficial partnership opportunities through Chevron Upstream Europe.
Fernando Cardenas-Lizana was also awarded the MacFarlane Prize, but deferred his graduation until 2010.
PhD stuDent awarDeD J.M. LesseLs schoLarshiP froM the royaL society of eDinburgh
Mr. Yifan Liu, a first year Mechanical Engineering PhD student, has been awarded the Royal Society of Edinburghs J.M. Lessels Scholarship. Arising from a bequest from the late Professor John Moyes Lessells, an eminent mechanical engineer who emigrated to America in 1920, the Scholarships are for Honours Graduates in all forms of Engineering from Scottish Universities, and support some aspect of their profession outwith the UK. Yifan will be traveling to Duke University in North Carolina to work on a collaborative research project.
Heriot-Watt is one of only 20 universities around the world to be involved in the scheme which has provided 150,000 in 2009 for scholarships and support to the selected students
MacFarLane Prize aWarDeD
PrinciPaL cHaPMan WitH cHevron rePresentatives GreGor coLviLLe anD MD rick coHaGan
s hi rl ey c am p b el l d ir e c tor of p e op le and or ga ni s at io na l d e v e lo pm e n t
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STATISTICS
15 18% 15
%
16% 52% 10
11
10
06 14% 5
06
06
05
04
03
03
China/Hong Kong
Irish Republic
Scotland Other EU
Other UK Overseas
Engineering and Physical Sciences Mathematical and Computer Sciences Built Environment Life Sciences Management and Languages Textiles and Design total Postgraduate institutes Institute of Petroleum Engineering Edinburgh Business School total
216 61 71 38 32 16 434
India
Nigeria
France
Germany
Malaysia
Greece
59 493
240 61 2,101
6,395
299 61 8,169
The University also has more than 9,000 students studying on international programmes. In addition there are ~150 exchange and visiting students.
income and exPenditure 2008/9 income Funding body grants Tuition fees and education contracts Research grants and contracts Other income Endowment and investment income total exPenditure Staff costs Other operating costs Depreciation Interest and other finance costs total
m 42.6m 48.1m 19.9m 22.7m 1.2m 134.5m m 73.4m 51.2m 7.5m 1.8m 133.9m
% 31.7% 35.7% 14.8% 16.9% 0.9% 100.0% % 54.8% 38.2% 5.6% 1.4% 100.0%
Editor: caroline dempster Production: corporate communications Design: www.mortonward.co.uk Photography: douglas mcBride, alan mccredie and lawrence winram
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Contact us
Heriot-Watt University
Edinburgh Campus Edinburgh EH14 4AS 0131 449 5111 Scottish Borders Campus Galashiels TD1 3HF 01896 753351 Orkney Campus Old Academy, Back Road, Stromness, Orkney Islands, Scotland KW16 3AW 01856 850 605 Dubai Campus Dubai International Academic City PO Box 294345 Dubai U.A.E 00 971 4361 6999
Corporate CommUniCations
0131 451 3242 pr@hw.ac.uk
www.hw.ac.uk