Tag: Heriot-Watt University

Heriot-Watt University announces €1.5m Global Scholarship Scheme

Heriot-Watt University has announced a new international programme to support women from Sub-Saharan Africa through their postgraduate studies over the next five years.

The Hoogenboom Scholarship Programme will provide fully funded places for women whose education will deliver lasting impact in their communities and sectors.

The programme was made possible by The Orchard Foundation (Stichting De Boomgaard), co-founded and Chaired by Dr Annemiek Hoogenboom, a Dutch businesswoman and philanthropist who co‑founded Novamedia and launched the People’s Postcode Lottery in the UK.

The programme aims to empower women to address pressing environmental challenges, build capacity in key sustainability sectors, and deliver lasting global impact through education.

Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University said: “This is a truly transformative programme that will deliver real, tangible benefits to these women and sectors they will go on to work in.

“What makes this even more special is to be able to launch this on our annual Global Watt Day where we celebrate our alumni, heritage and the memory of our founder, James Watt.

“Investing in the education of women is one of the most effective ways to strengthen communities and support long-term economic stability in these regions.

“In areas facing persistent joblessness, education plays a critical role in developing the skilled leaders and innovators needed for future growth.

“We’re incredibly grateful to The Orchard Foundation and Dr Annemiek Hoogenboom for their generosity, which has made this programme possible and reflects a shared commitment to widening access to education and supporting long-term global impact.”

The Master’s programme will run for five cohorts, beginning with the first intake in September 2026 and continuing to accept applications until early 2030 for the final cohort.

The Orchard Foundation, a philanthropic organisation based in the Netherlands, has gifted Heriot-Watt University €1.5 million of funding over the next five years to support 30 scholarships.

Scholars will have the opportunity to pursue Master’s degrees including the MSc Global Environmental Change and Policy, the MSc International Marine Science, and the MSc Sustainable Energy.

Dr Annemiek Hoogenboom, co-founder and Chair of The Orchard Foundation said: “We are pleased that at this point in time and history we could establish the Hoogenboom Scholarship Programme.

“This will contribute to stronger bonds between Europe and Africa. We are also looking forward to help expanding the Empower through Education campaign and therewith furthering education for more talented African young women.”

The programme will prioritise applications from women who are nationals of Kenya, Zambia, South Africa, Botswana and Malawi.

This includes a strong alignment with Scotland’s international development focus on Zambia and Malawi. Applicants must also have completed their undergraduate studies at a member institution of the Association of Commonwealth Universities.

Provost and Vice Principal of Heriot-Watt University Dubai, Professor Dame Heather McGregor, said: “As a global university, Heriot-Watt has a strong tradition of widening access to education and delivering research that addresses real-world challenges. This programme reflects that commitment.

“With the help of The Orchard Foundation, it will open access to world-class postgraduate education for 30 women from Sub-Saharan Africa. It will equip them with the skills needed to tackle pressing environmental challenges.

“Scholarships targeted at women are not only an investment in individuals. They drive wider social and economic change.

“This programme will directly address these benefits by supporting some of the brightest female minds from across Africa’s most promising regions.

“I would encourage those interested to apply as soon as possible, as we expect great interest in this programme.”

The programme will be delivered at the Lyell Centre, based at Heriot-Watt’s campus in Edinburgh, one of Europe’s leading hubs for Earth and marine science and technology.

The Centre strengthens Scotland’s research base and supports national and global priorities in sustainability, climate resilience and environmental protection, while also contributing to Scotland’s international development policy and initiatives.

It brings together world-leading academics, industry and international partners to tackle challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and marine conservation, offering students access to specialist facilities and applied learning with real-world impact.

The scholarship will also crucially help students with living costs, including accommodation, visas and health insurance, as well as access to mentorship, industry placements and leadership development.

International energy leader honoured with OBE

Professor Mercedes Maroto-Valer, Heriot-Watt University’s Deputy Principal for Global Sustainability, has been awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to Low Energy Technologies.

The honour was announced today (Dec 30) with the publication of the King’s New Year Honours List 2026, which recognises exceptional contributions made by individuals across the 15 Commonwealth realms.

An internationally recognised leader in energy innovation, Professor Maroto-Valer is Director of the UK Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre (IDRIC), based at Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh campus.

IDRIC plays a central role in supporting the green transformation of the UK’s industrial heartlands. Funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the national funding body for science and research, the centre brings together academia, industry and government to deliver practical solutions for economic growth to the country’s decarbonisation challenges at a scale that matters.

She also leads Heriot-Watt’s Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS ), a world-leading engineering centre, inspiring and delivering innovation for the wider deployment of technologies needed to meet carbon targets.

Professor Maroto-Valer was selected for the honour by King Charles III in recognition of her internationally respected leadership in energy and her remarkable contributions in low-energy technologies that reduce emissions while supporting long-term economic growth.

She said: “I am deeply humbled to receive this Honour. Addressing climate change is one of the defining challenges of our time, with low energy technologies representing not just an environmental necessity, but also an economic opportunity.

“This recognition reflects the collective efforts of the outstanding colleagues, partners and students I have had the privilege to work with in driving innovation, improving competitiveness, and ensuring a prosperous and sustainable transition to net zero.”

Professor Maroto-Valer is a globally recognised engineer whose work has helped shape the international response to climate change and supporting growth in a low-carbon global economy. Since 2022, she has led Heriot-Watt University’s sustainability strategy and goals, working closely with students, staff and alumni to embed sustainability across teaching, research and operations.

She also holds leading positions in a number of professional societies and editorial boards. These include her role on the UN Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition (CEET), a high-level, independent advisory council supporting the UN Secretary-General’s ambition to identify practical engineering pathways to net zero through expert scientific analysis and guidance.

Congratulating Professor Maroto-Valer, Heriot-Watt’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Richard A. Williams, said: “This honour is richly deserved and reflects Professor Maroto-Valer’s exceptional leadership, global influence and unwavering commitment to tackling climate change.

“Her work exemplifies Heriot-Watt University’s mission to deliver research with real-world impact, and we are immensely proud of her contributions to engineering, sustainability and the global energy transition.”

Professor Maroto-Valer will formally receive her OBE at a ceremony in 2026.

Ending destitution for excluded people is possible – if Scotland acts at scale

New report warns that progress risks stalling unless proven models are rapidly expanded

SCOTLAND has made significant and internationally notable progress in reducing destitution among people who are blocked from accessing mainstream support because of their immigration status, a major new evaluation has found.

But the study warns that provision remains too limited to meet the scale of need.

The independent report examines the impact of Fair Way Scotland, an action-learning partnership providing integrated support for people with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) or restricted or uncertain eligibility.

The model brings together specialist casework, modest financial assistance and access to community-based accommodation, helping people to meet basic needs and stabilise their circumstances. Funders, Scottish Government and charities are coming together today for a launch event to hear findings from the report and explore solutions that will reduce destitution.

The report found clear improvements in people’s safety and wellbeing when they receive consistent casework, access to community-based accommodation and modest financial support through Fair Way Scotland.

The report, authored by Heriot-Watt University and funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), outlines how these types of support can reduce harm inflicted on people and build a foundation for longer term progress.

Professor Beth Watts-Cobbe, Deputy Director, at the Institute for Social Policy, Housing, Equalities Research (I-SPHERE), Heriot-Watt University, said: “This evaluation demonstrates that Scotland has taken significant and internationally notable steps to prevent destitution. But the scale of current provision does not yet match the scale of need.

“We found strong evidence that consistent casework, safe accommodation and small but reliable cash payments reduce harm and support people to progress their immigration cases. The question now is whether Scotland is prepared to expand what clearly works so that no one faces destitution.”

The report highlights the exceptional disadvantage facing people supported through Fair Way Scotland:

  • 93% of those surveyed were destitute
  • Almost one in five were sleeping rough at the point of contact
  • More than half had slept rough in the past year
  • 17% had left accommodation because they did not feel safe

Importantly, outcomes improved the longer people engaged with support. Those receiving help for more than three months were significantly less likely to be sleeping rough, living in overcrowded conditions, moving repeatedly, or going without essentials like food and toiletries.

Demand, however, far exceeds what current resources can meet. The evaluation estimates that around 4,000 people across Scotland require this type of support each year, with the country making great progress by meeting around a quarter of that demand thus far.

Chris Birt, Associate Director for Scotland at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, said: “This evaluation shows in stark terms both the effectiveness of Fair Way Scotland and the scale of unmet need. The model works – but demand is far beyond what the current system can cope with. Scaling Fair Way Scotland is now urgent, not optional.

“We need coordinated action from all tiers of government. The UK Government, Scottish Government and local councils need to better use the powers they have, underpinned by a clear commitment from housing associations to provide the safe, stable accommodation that is essential to reducing harm. And ultimately the UK Government need to stop using policy to create destitution. 

“If we are serious about preventing destitution, every part of the system must step up together.”

Frontline accounts within the report underline the difference stability can make. Workers describe how access to casework, legal advice and community-based accommodation enables people to progress their status and access support to which they are entitled.

The evaluation also reflects the voices of people directly supported by Fair Way Scotland. Many described how cash payments – usually of £60 a week – allowed them to buy food and travel, restoring dignity and reducing crisis.

The evaluation recognises that Scotland is the only part of the UK with a national strategy that explicitly commits to ending destitution for all, including those with No Recourse to Public Funds or restricted eligibility. Yet, progress remains slow, with local authorities and third sector organisations under increasing pressure.

Human rights lawyer, Jen Ang of Lawmanity, said: “Scotland already has more scope to act than many decision-makers realise. The evaluation shows that when existing powers are used confidently and consistently, people can be protected from the deepest harms associated with destitution.

“What stands out in this report is the strength of the evidence for scaling Fair Way Scotland. It offers a lawful, practical and humane approach that reflects Scotland’s commitments to dignity and fairness. The task now is ensuring that these findings translate into action so that support is available to everyone who needs it.”

Key recommendations within the report include:

  • Expanding community‑based accommodation
  • Widening access to specialist legal advice
  • Establishing a hardship fund for those excluded from mainstream support
  • Ensuring councils consistently use the powers available to them.

Beth added: “Scotland has the tools, evidence and experience to end destitution for those currently excluded from mainstream support. What is needed now is the resolve to act at scale. Doing so would prevent severe hardship, reduce avoidable harm and uphold Scotland’s commitments to fairness and dignity.”

Fair Way Scotland is a partnership of third sector organisations seeking to prevent homelessness and destitution among those with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) in Scotland.

Key Fair Way Scotland delivery partners include theScottish Refugee Council, Simon Community Scotland, Turning Point Scotland and Refugee Sanctuary Scotland– supported by Homeless Network Scotland and learning partners Heriot-Watt University and Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

Specialist legal expertise is commissioned from a coalition of legal firms: Just Right Scotland, Latta & Co, Legal Services Agency, Settled and Shelter Scotland. COSLA and the Scottish Government are strategic partners, committed to working with Fair Way as part of their commitment to Ending Destitution Together and Ending Homelessness Together.

Heriot-Watt University launches world’s first online course in carbon dioxide removal

In a global first, Heriot-Watt University has unveiled a groundbreaking new online course dedicated to tackling the excess of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the Earth’s atmosphere, one of the root causes of climate change.

The Carbon Dioxide Removal from a Systems Perspective course, delivered by Heriot-Watt Online, is the first university-led initiative of its kind to focus exclusively on the science, technology, and policy of removing CO₂ from the environment.

This short course, lasting 50 hours, is designed for professionals across sectors such as government, energy, agroforestry and tech as well as those looking to pivot into climate-focused roles.

It explores the science of the global carbon cycle and will unpick the latest carbon removal technologies such as direct air capture and enhanced rock weathering. It will also investigate the economic, environmental and societal trade-offs of different approaches.

With the scale-up of the Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) sector representing a major economic opportunity for Europe – projected to become a €220 billion annual market and support 670,000 high-quality jobs by 2050, according to a 2025 whitepaper from Carbon Gap – the demand for skilled professionals has never been higher.

Developed in collaboration with industries, government bodies, and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), the programme equips learners with the knowledge and practical skills to address one of the world’s most urgent climate challenges. Without large-scale carbon removal, experts agree, global climate targets will remain out of reach.

Dr Mijndert van der Spek, Associate Professor and course lead at Heriot-Watt University, is an internationally recognised expert in the environmental and economic evaluation of climate mitigation technologies.

“We’re incredibly proud to pioneer this course,” said Dr van der Spek. “For years we’ve been advancing carbon dioxide removal technologies, but there’s been little formal education for professionals who want to transition into this vital field.

“CDR is essential if we’re serious about meeting our climate goals and we need a workforce ready to build an industry even larger than oil and gas.

“Whether you’re in government, industry, or finance, this course gives you a comprehensive understanding of what carbon removal involves, from technology and systems thinking to policy and implementation.

“What excites me most is knowing that by growing this community, we’re helping people contribute directly to solving the climate crisis.”

The online course offers flexible access for students who can start anytime and anywhere in the world and offers a reduced price for learners from emerging economies. For more information or to enrol visit the website.

The arrival of the new course has been welcomed by Chris Sherwood, Secretary General of the Negative Emissions Platform, the leading CDR industry association based in Brussels.

He said: “It’s exciting to see that leading universities are recognising the importance of carbon dioxide removals and preparing to equip a new generation of climate entrepreneurs who will lead the growth of a powerful new green economy.”

Carbon dioxide is primarily produced through the burning of fossil fuels, such as oil, coal and natural gas, and by altering natural carbon sinks through land-use changes and industrial activities. Having an excess of CO2 in the atmosphere intensifies the greenhouse effect, leading to significant environmental and climatic changes.

There are many significant challenges in removing carbon dioxide from the air such as uncertain long-term storage and high costs. Without a skilled workforce, these challenges are magnified and jeopardise climate goals. 

Memorial service for Professor Emeritus Sir Geoff Palmer

The life and legacy of one of Scotland’s most esteemed academics and humanitarians will be honoured at a memorial service in Edinburgh next month.

Professor Emeritus Sir Geoff Palmer KT OBE, who died in June at the age of 85, was Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, a pioneering scientist whose research transformed the global brewing industry, and a tireless campaigner for equality and justice.

Family, friends, colleagues, dignitaries and members of the public will gather at the city’s historic St Giles’ Cathedral to pay tribute to his extraordinary life and contributions.

The service will feature personal tributes, speeches, and musical performances from the University’s Chamber Choir and guest musicians.

Open to all, the ceremony will take place on Friday 11 October from 11am to 12:30pm, with doors opening at 10am. Those who wish to attend are advised to register their interest in advance.

Reflecting on Sir Geoff’s impact, Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, said: “Sir Geoff was an inspiration not just to me but to colleagues past and present, and countless students around the world.

“His infectious enthusiasm and passion for education were impossible to ignore, and this University was all the richer for having such a strong association with him over the years.”

The service is being hosted jointly by Heriot-Watt University and the City of Edinburgh Council, represented by the Rt Hon Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh.

In a lasting tribute to Sir Geoff, the University has created a new scholarship in his honour. The Sir Geoff Palmer Memorial Scholarship will allow a student of Jamaican descent or citizenship to for follow in his footsteps and reflects Sir Geoff’s dedication to opportunity, inclusion, and the belief that every student deserves the chance to thrive.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be streamed  live on YouTube. 

Heriot-Watt University and Age Scotland strengthen partnership to improve the lives of older people

Heriot-Watt University has further cemented its longstanding relationship with leading charity Age Scotland by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), aimed at accelerating impactful research and innovation to enhance the lives of older people across the country.

The new MOU builds on a rich history of collaboration between Heriot-Watt researchers and Age Scotland, particularly through initiatives led by Professor Alan Gow and the University’s wattAGE network, which has championed healthy ageing projects for several years. This agreement sets the stage for an even closer, more strategic partnership, focused on translating cutting-edge research into tangible benefits for older citizens.

Michelle Beukes, Business Development Manager within the Global Research Institute for Health and Care Technologies at Heriot-Watt, explained: “This MoU marks an exciting step in deepening our collaboration with Age Scotland.

“It creates a structured pathway for expanding our joint efforts and ensures that our research aligns closely with the real-world needs of older people. By combining academic insight with lived experience, we can drive meaningful change and deliver a positive impact for people across Scotland.”

Central to the partnership is a shared ambition that will see Heriot-Watt’s world-class research expertise combine with Age Scotland’s unique insight into the lived experiences and challenges faced by older people. Together, they aim to co-create solutions that are not only innovative but also practical, accessible, and impactful.

The collaboration has already produced significant results. Age Scotland is a key partner in ‘CONSOLIDATE’ — a £2 million EPSRC-funded ‘Network Plus’ project led by Professor Gow — which focuses on co-designing technology for people with dementia. This approach ensures that emerging technologies meet actual needs, promoting a better quality of life for users and helping to address pressing challenges in health and social care.

Professor Gow from the School of Social Sciences said: “Over a number of years, we’ve been privileged to partner with Age Scotland on a range of activities and projects that support healthy ageing in Scotland.

“This new phase of partnership builds upon that foundation and will open up many new opportunities, not just as a bridge between research and the third sector but driven by our shared commitment that the voices of older people shape and lead what we do together.

“By working more closely with Age Scotland, we will drive forward research and innovation to positively impact quality of life for all as we get older.”

Beyond research, the MOU outlines opportunities for wider collaboration, including student internships, staff volunteering, community engagement projects, and policy influence initiatives.

With Age Scotland playing a major role in shaping national policy on ageing issues, Heriot-Watt’s research can feed directly into government conversations around healthcare innovation, digital inclusion, and support for ageing in place.

Michelle added: “This partnership is pivotal in strengthening Heriot-Watt’s position as a key player in health and care technologies, particularly in the healthy ageing space. We are committed to creating innovative solutions that don’t sit on a shelf, but that truly transforms lives and with Age Scotland’s expertise and network, we can better achieve this.”

The MOU, which will be governed by a shared strategic plan and regular review, represents a long-term commitment by both institutions to ensure Scotland’s ageing population benefits from inclusive, research-driven innovation.

Katherine Crawford, Age Scotland’s Chief Executive said: “Supporting an older and ageing population is one if the biggest challenges of our time, and one which governments across the world have not yet got to grips with.

“Ensuring older people are at the heart of the research which drives innovation for their benefit is essential. Their unique experiences and perspectives are hugely valuable, but they are often excluded. I am really excited about what we can achieve together by pairing Age Scotland’s networks, insight and expertise with world class researchers at Heriot-Watt University.”

Heriot-Watt’s Health and Care Technologies Global Research Institute is a Worldwide Centre of Excellence for transdisciplinary research, innovation and training. It enables academics to work together with healthcare professionals, industry, and citizens to help co-develop solutions.

Anyone interested in working with this GRI can contact the Global Research Innovation and Discovery (GRID) team at GRID@hw.ac.uk.

Heriot-Watt to compete in Monaco Energy Boat Challenge for first time

A group of engineering students from Heriot-Watt University are ready to put their studies to the ultimate test when they compete against teams from 21 countries at the prestigious Monaco Energy Boat Challenge in July – the most advanced university competition on water.

Organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco, the Challenge brings together more than 1,000 students, engineers, and industry leaders to showcase the very latest sustainable innovations in maritime technology.

Competing teams must design and build boats powered by renewable energy sources such as solar, hydrogen, or synthetic fuels. The goal is to push the boundaries of sustainable propulsion and contribute to the maritime sector’s transition to a carbon-neutral future.

The Heriot-Watt University Scotland PlusZero team is competing in the Sealab category, with a vessel powered by green hydrogen generated through electrolysis. This innovative approach converts stored energy back into electricity for propulsion, offering a forward-thinking solution for sustainable marine travel.

Central to its success is the use of solid-state hydrogen storage and recharging technology, developed through Heriot-Watt’s Decarlog project. This advanced system offers higher energy density and safety compared to traditional lithium batteries. 

Reflecting on the journey so far, team member Dominic Chapman from the Scottish Borders, who is in his fifth year studying Mechanical and Energy Engineering, highlighted the rigorous, hands-on engineering experience gained at Heriot-Watt, which has been instrumental in preparing for the challenge. 

“Our studies have given us extensive practical exposure,” he said. “The combination of coursework, renewable energy studies, and real-world industry collaboration has allowed us to take on this ambitious project with confidence.”

The project is backed by a host of key industry partners. Forth Ports, the team’s headline sponsor, is providing financial support as well as access to testing facilities at the Port of Leith in Edinburgh along with marine safety and operational expertise and guidance. Meanwhile, PlusZero, a specialist in green hydrogen solutions, has equipped the team with the raceboat as well as technical expertise and cutting-edge metal hydride technology to enhance its performance.

The state-of-the-art hydrogen fuel cell has been provided by specialists in emission-free technologies, TCP eco (Taylor Construction and Plant), while EPTechnologies have provided the batteries and battery management system, and the Lynch Motor Company has equipped the team with a cutting-edge electric motor and controllers to power and direct the vessel. Helping to fund the project is the Scottish-based cryptocurrency, Scotcoin.

The team has also benefitted from the guidance offered by the national networking organisation, Hydrogen Scotland.

The students have housed their technology within a monohull winged powerboat measuring around four metres in length and capable of carrying two passengers. Named, the Experiment of Leith H2 – in homage to an 18th century five-mast catamaran of the same name – the vessel has a range of 20 nautical miles with zero emissions.

While this marks the first time Heriot-Watt has entered the competition, expectations are high.

“We believe we have a strong chance in the technical presentation category, as our approach to metal hydrides is unique within this competition,” said Dominic.

“We are also optimistic about the manoeuvrability race and the Communication Prize, although we are up against some highly experienced teams.”

Joining Dominic on the Heriot-Watt team are fellow students Kate Sinclair from Sunderland, Logan Taylor from Fife, Andrei Muntean from Romania, and Emilin Isgin, who has both Turkish and Colombian heritage.

Looking beyond the competition, the team intends to continue refining their design, using the boat for further testing and development in the coming years. The knowledge gained from this experience will not only benefit future university teams but also contribute to the broader conversation on sustainable maritime innovation.

The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge represents an exciting opportunity for Heriot-Watt to showcase its engineering talent on an international stage. With a focus on sustainability and technological advancement, the team is poised to make a lasting impact in the field of green energy for marine applications.

The Challenge is the latest initiative showcasing the collaboration between Heriot-Watt University and Forth Ports. In a separate venture, the University also serves as a skills partner in the Forth Green Freeport, where Forth Ports plays a central role as a core partner and key site operator.

Stuart Wallace, Chief Executive of Forth Ports, said: “We are continuously exploring how alternative fuels can drive decarbonisation for our ports business and we are keen to support any technological advances in this area.

“We were impressed with the commitment and drive of the team who developed this innovative fuel technology to power the vessel and we wish the team every success at the event in the summer.”

The Heriot-Watt team will travel to the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge to showcase their work between the 2nd and 5th of July at the Yacht Club de Monaco Marina.

Spencer Ashley is Director of Engineering at PlusZero and is looking forward to the Challenge. He said: “PlusZero are excited to enable such a motivated and collaborative team to demonstrate the hydrogen potential of Scotland on the world stage in Monaco alongside the most exciting technology from around the world, Go Team Scotland!”

The Heriot-Watt team is part of the University’s Global Research Institute for Net Zero and Beyond (iNetZ+), a global centre of excellence and Institute for research, innovation and teaching in its field.  The institute collaborates closely with industrial partners, governments, and local communities to address global sustainability challenges. 

Professor Peter Cummings is the academic co-lead of iNetZ+.He said: “We are very excited to be the internal sponsor of the H2-Watt Club’s entry in the 2025 Monaco Energy Boat Challenge.

“iNetZ+ is focused on interdisciplinary approaches to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions and beyond. H2-Watt is a great opportunity for students to become involved with the goals of iNetZ+, and we are ready to assist them in any aspect of their entry in the Monaco Challenge.

“We wish them all the very best in their efforts to demonstrate the potential of hydrogen as a maritime fuel. These students are making Heriot-Watt proud.”

For more information on the team’s progress and to follow their journey in Monaco, stay tuned to Heriot-Watt’s official channels.

Horror movies and the Philippines inspire new tartan designs

New tartans inspired by themes including horror movies and the Philippines in southeast Asia have been designed by students at Heriot-Watt University’s School of Textiles and Design.

Garments made from the new tartans, which are printed on fabric, will be part of the Degree Show staged in the Scottish Borders this May by final year students at the School.

Fourth year students Craig Taylor and Kayleigh Wyllie, who are both completing their Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Fashion, have both designed tartans as part of their final year ‘Honours Collection’ and are each making eight garments to showcase in the Degree Show.

Craig, 26, from the town of Beith in Ayrshire, has created designs inspired by the work of British horror movie writer and director Clive Barker – including punk subculture – and queer history.

He explained:  “One of the big inspirations for Clive Barker’s film, Hellraiser, was punk subculture and wearing tartan was one of the hallmarks of this movement.

“I also looked at the queer side of Barker’s work and the of idea of liberation. For example, the English banned tartans in 1746 after the Jacobite uprising and the Battle of Culloden.

“My tartan design also includes an upside-down pink triangle, which is a queer symbol that originated in Nazi Germany as a way to shame gay men that were in concentration camps.”

Craig’s tartan is pink, red, black and white and gold, with pink triangle motifs in the squares created by the tartan’s crossing horizontal and vertical lines. Leather features alongside tartan in his garment designs, which include a cape, a dress and jacket set, a leather harness and matching jacket, a shirt and a pair of trousers. Dramatic three-dimensional structures including a large stand-up collar also reflect the visual style of Clive Barker’s movies.

Kayleigh, 22, is from the town of Glenrothes in Fife, but was born in the Philippines, a string of more than 7,000 islands between the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

Kayleigh moved to Scotland with her family when she was aged seven and wanted to create a tartan design that reflected both Filipino and Scottish cultures and also commemorated her Scottish father, who moved from Scotland to live in the Philippines and passed away in 2009.

“My dad and granddad often wore kilts at special events like weddings and funerals, so it was nice to create my own tartan just to pay homage to those two men,” Kayleigh said.

“My tartan design includes a navy colour from a kilt my granddad wore to my auntie’s wedding. For a personal touch, I’ve also included my dad’s handwriting. I got this from his university papers and have inserted his last name, Wyllie, as repeated parallel lines of text.”

To reflect her Scottish and Filipino heritage, Kayleigh’s tartan design also combines purple and green colours from the Scottish thistle and white from the national flower of the Philippines, a white jasmine called the Sampaguita, or Arabian jasmine

“I’ve combined both cultures by including the thistle and the national flower of the Philippines, which is a white flower with a small yellow centre,” Kayleigh explained.

The garments Kayleigh is making for the Degree Show include a tartan blouse with machine embroidered motifs; a tartan top with arched and pointed shoulders inspired by Scottish and Filipino architecture; a horizontal pleated large circle skirt and top; a corset; a shawl and a pillar-like top created with pintucks.

Both students opted to print their tartan designs onto fabric – as weaving them would take too long produce the lengths of fabric they needed to create their Degree Show garments.

After the show, Kayleigh hopes to gift some of the fabric to her family, and get experience in the design-and-make side of the fashion industry.

She said: “I’d like to give some fabric to my family, because there is a personal link to it. I’d also like to include some of it in my portfolio to show to industry – and that would hopefully show people that my designs are different.”

Craig hopes to create his own fashion brand in the future. He said: “I’d like my own brand, and to own a small business. That might be a good few years after I finish uni. First, I’d like to work in the industry for a while and get more insight into the day-to-day operations of how it works.”

The 2025 Degree Show of Heriot-Watt School of Textiles and Design will be open to the public from 10am to 4pm daily between Saturday 17 May and Wednesday 21 May and will be staged at the High Mill building, a converted textile mill in Galashiels in the Scottish Borders, where the school is based.

Heriot-Watt School of Textiles and Design is a centre of excellence in design and dates back to 1883, when classes in weaving, dyeing and chemistry were introduced to train workers for the local textiles industry.

Honorary Graduates include British designer Jasper Conran, the late British fashion icon Dame Vivienne Westwood and retail expert Mary Portas.

The Scottish Borders is at the heart of Scotland’s luxury textile and design industry and has a long history of textile production.

Panmure House partnership to deepen global dialogue on economic and social innovation

Heriot-Watt University today announced a major boost to its mission of advancing global dialogue on economic and social progress through a renewed partnership with Baillie Gifford, supporting a series of programmes based at Panmure House – the final remaining home of Adam Smith.

The ‘Baillie Gifford Panmure House Partnership II Gift’ will power a new phase of activity at Panmure House, designed to revitalise the spirit of the Scottish Enlightenment for the 21st century. It will enhance programmes that convene world-leading thinkers, foster groundbreaking research, and support rigorous debate on the pressing challenges facing economies and societies around the globe.

Professor Adam Dixon, Adam Smith Chair in Sustainable Capitalism at Panmure House, said: “Our mission is to provide world-influencing social and economic debate and research, that will help promote a world in which businesses and governments serve the long-term common good; where policies and public discourse are inclusive, well-reasoned and founded on research.

“We are grateful to Baillie Gifford for this gift that will help continue to revitalize the Scottish Enlightenment for the 21st century and foster rigorous debate and research that addresses the critical economic and societal issues of our time. With this generous support, we will expand our initiatives and continue to champion the values that Adam Smith embodied”. 

The partnership supports a range of existing and new initiatives, including an expanded Adam Smith Lecture Series, bringing Nobel Laureates and world-renowned thinkers to Edinburgh for public and scholarly engagement; the Panmure House Prize, supporting pioneering research into long-term innovation; and the Scholars-in-Residence Programme, establishing Panmure House as a dynamic, global hub for academic collaboration and debate.

This renewed support builds on a longstanding relationship between Baillie Gifford and Heriot-Watt University. Their initial contribution included the Panmure House Prize which recognises and rewards innovative research aligned with Smith’s enduring principles of long-term thinking and public value as well as the Adam Smith Lecture Series.

Furthermore, the gift will form part of Heriot-Watt University’s Shaping Futures campaign, an ambitious initiative to raise over £80 million in support of student support, research excellence, and global impact.

Tom Coutts, a Partner at Baillie Gifford, commented: “Panmure House stands as a beacon of independent thinking.

“We are proud to support Heriot-Watt’s vision to keep that light burning brightly, inspiring new generations of researchers, policymakers, and leaders to engage thoughtfully with the big questions of our time.”

Panmure House was built in 1691 and was the home of Scottish Enlightenment economist Adam Smith from 1778 to his death in 1790. It is now part of Edinburgh Business School, the business school of Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh.

Panmure House continues to reassert its position as a globally relevant centre for impactful scholarship – bringing together academia, business, and policy to chart a more inclusive and innovative future.

Autism, Ageing and Social Care: Film and artworks show the need to plan care services for older autistic people

Older autistic people must be involved in decisions about their health and social care services, a new research project from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh and charity Scottish Autism suggests.

The project, titled “Autism, Ageing and Social Care”, used creative methods to begin a wider conversation about the support that autistic people will need when they get older.

The research team worked with autistic film-makers to create a documentary about the hopes, concerns and needs of autistic people as they get older.

Workshops with autistic adults, whose ages range from 45 to 80, and care professionals, led to a series of artworks reflecting on what good support looks like for this population in older age.

The project was funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), which is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) – the UK’s national funding agency for investing in science and research. 

Professor Mary Stewart, Director of Social Interaction, Mental Health and Wellbeing at Heriot-Watt University, and member of the University’s Global Research Institute in Health and Care Technologies, is the academic lead for the project.

Professor Stewart said: “Using filmmaking and art helped us to ask autistic people who communicate in diverse ways to express what’s important to them and how to plan for ageing and change.

“Everybody finds ageing difficult, but it can be particularly challenging for autistic people to access appropriate health and social care provision.”

Dr Joe Long, Director of Practice and Innovation at Scottish Autism, was a co-researcher on the project. He said: “The children Scottish Autism first supported in the 1960s are now reaching retirement age, so we know there’s a real need plan properly for the support that older autistic people will need.

“It’s really important that those future services are shaped by the people who use them, so this project is about starting those conversations and amplifying the voices of older autistic people.”

In the documentary film, autistic adults are interviewed by Iceberg Productions, a group of autistic filmmakers who are supported by Scottish Autism, and The Untold Motion Picture Company, which specialises in filmmaking for the voluntary and community sectors.

In the artworks, older autistic people’s visions of ageing and support are captured in hand-drawn scenes and diagrams by artist Clare Mills of Listen, Think, Draw. 

Emma Stanley, a co-researcher on the initiative and a member of the Iceberg Productions team, sadly passed away during the project. Speaking in the films, in which she acted as interviewer, Emma said: “It’s an important project, because no matter what walk of life you’re in, you get old.

“My mum died a couple of years ago and there’s still not enough help out there for autistic people suffering bereavement.

“It will get more important when you get older.”

The researchers say the project provides insights into how to start conversations around what a good life will look like in older age and the need to support understanding of change and loss.

The project also shows the need for creating safer spaces for those dialogues, and for working together to develop a shared understanding of a person’s need – as well as the need for effective care pathways for older autistic people.

The NHS estimates that at least one in 100 people in Scotland is autistic, with some research showing more than double that number. Many older autistic people will not have a diagnosis. Scottish Autism says these figures underline the need to plan properly for inclusive and person-centred services in older age.

The findings of the research will be presented at an event in the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood today (Wednesday 19 March).

The event will be chaired by Daniel Johnson MSP and attended by Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport, Maree Todd. The event will include a screening of the documentary and display of the artworks created from the project.

As a result of this research, project partners are calling for:

  • Timely, multi-agency planning for transitions across the lifespan of autistic people, including the transition to older age
  • Tools and resources to support autistic people to understand the changes they may face and to co-design their care as they age
  • Holistic care pathways in older age, incorporating multi-disciplinary collaboration and bringing healthcare into familiar and safe environments for autistic people
  • Data, transparency and accountability relating to the support provided for older autistic people and to the resulting outcomes.  This will help maximise the lessons learned, in order to establish best practice.