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UNIVERSITY OF THE HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS CELEBRATES 10TH BIRTHDAY
This year, the University of the Highlands and Islands is celebrating the 10th anniversary of being awarded its full university status. A partnership of 13 independent colleges and research institutions, the university is the first of its kind in Scotland and among only a handful in Europe.
As a key partner of the university, HIE is joining University of the Highlands and Islands in marking the anniversary celebrations with a seminar highlighting the university’s important work on health and life sciences. The seminar will look at how the university’s research activity aligns with the clinical and economic needs of the area and the associated opportunities for the region. Here, we take a broader look at the work of some of the university’s leading academics, and also talk to some of the many students who have benefited from the university, and are now working to create additional opportunities for others in the Highlands and Islands.
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A NEW DECADE, A NEW PRINCIPAL The Privy Council may have conferred official university status on 1 February 2011, but the roots of the University of the Highlands and Islands can be traced back as far as 1884 and the founding of its oldest member institution, the Scottish Association for Marine Science UHI (SAMS UHI). Today, the university encompasses institutions rooted in communities across the Highlands and Islands (see map). In 2021, the anniversary was doubly notable as it was also the day the university welcomed its new Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Todd Walker. At first taking up his new role remotely from his home in Australia due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, Professor Walker brings a wealth of experience of multi-campus education from his role as Provost and Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of New England in New South Wales. Professor Todd Walker
With almost 42,000 students enrolled in further and higher education, the university is home to the largest student population in Scotland and has pioneered remote and distance learning.
Professor Walker explains: “I was delighted to join the university partnership on its 10th birthday and I commend our founders for their vision in providing tertiary education in the Highlands and Islands. I have seen first-hand the benefits of multi-campus and tertiary universities from my time at Australian institutions including the University of Ballarat, Federation University and the University of New England. I am excited to work with staff and students, partners and principals, community and government to help shape our remarkable organisation for the next ten years.”
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