LOOKING FORWARD
Working to positively influence the world
Reflecting on ten years: looking back to look forward.
Professor Richard A. Williams, CBE Principal and Vice-Chancellor
I feel fortunate and privileged to have led our University for nearly ten years, and I am constantly amazed by the impact we make together.
I say ‘our University’ because Heriot-Watt University is its people: students, staff, alumni, partners, and friends, and it is through the efforts of this collaborative community that we have grown and prospered.
Together, we all play a role in graduate success, impactful research, innovative solutions, and effective leadership, and drive our mission forward to ensure our University continues to positively influence the world. Testament to this is our shortlisting for University of the Year 2025 in the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Awards—a significant moment and powerful recognition of the transformative work happening across our global campuses.
Watch our THE Awards 2025 video!
Looking back to look forward
Now that I have announced my intention to retire as Principal and Vice-Chancellor in September 2026, I am inevitably reflecting on my time at the helm of Heriot-Watt.
There are many things I am proud of, in particular the research impact we have achieved as a collaborative community, the way we equip students with a clear sense of purpose, and our strong track record in graduate outcomes and global access.
It is significant that we have established four outward-facing Global Research Institutes (GRIs) designed to foster industry partnerships and address real-world challenges, expanded the Go Global programme that enables students to transfer between Malaysia, UAE and Scotland, and developed our unique approach to assuring global inclusivity. This ranges from STEM scholarships and graduate apprenticeships, to running master's programmes in refugee camps with donors and other partners—enabling students to join us from around the world and fulfil their academic aspirations.
The University now has an outstanding track record in transnational education and global operations focused on impactful business, science, and engineering.
As we transition into Strategy 2035, our new 10-year institutional strategy, we will continue to build on our strengths, our Scottish heritage, and our global footprint. And this turning point feels like the right moment for the institution to appoint a new Principal and Vice-Chancellor.
Through Strategy 2035 the University will continue to develop leaders to build an equitable and sustainable society and deliver applied learning and research, which transforms lives and addresses real-world problems. While we do not underestimate the scale of financial challenge ahead, I believe Heriot-Watt is positioned to respond with resilience and foresight. Our commitment remains clear: to secure the sustainability and impact of the University for generations to come.
I believe Heriot-Watt is positioned to respond with resilience and foresight.”
Professor Richard A. Williams
The Principal greets His Majesty King Charles III at the Dubai campus during COP28.
Enjoying a School of Textiles and Design graduation ceremony in the Scottish Borders.
Delivering on employability
We continue to deliver on employability and for the second time in the past five years, the Novuna analysis of over 120 UK universities (which examines the academic paths of more than 10 million alumni) reveals Heriot-Watt has the largest proportion of graduates who hold CEO or MD roles of any Scottish University (15%). Read our CEO article.
In Malaysia we are cited as one of Talentbank’s top universities for producing future-ready graduates and, as we celebrate 20 years in Dubai, we are recognised there as the largest and highest quality independent university in the UAE, recently achieving government accreditation for all programmes, which enhances our graduates’ prospects even more.
Research that drives impact
Our focus is on the difference we can make to the most intractable global challenges.”
Professor Richard A. Williams
Record research income and an extraordinary 10% share of the whole of the UK’s total doctoral training provision are only the quantitative evidence of the impact that our research continues to have on people and the planet. From tackling plastic pollution in Vietnam to the reintroduction of breeding oysters in Scotland to co-leading TransiT, the UK’s largest research hub dedicated to rapidly decarbonising transport, our focus is on the difference we can make to the most intractable global challenges.
In this United Nations ‘International Year of Quantum Science and Technology’, we officially launched the Integrated Quantum Networks (IQN) Hub. Made possible by substantial UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) funding and industry contributions, the Hub brings together a consortium of 13 UK universities, two national laboratories, and more than 40 industry partners. This powerhouse of expertise is addressing the challenges of establishing a ‘quantum internet’, by developing the novel technologies, protocols and industry standards necessary for a secure, scalable, quantum communications infrastructure. We also unveiled the Hub’s Optical Ground Station (HOGS), which will significantly contribute to securing next-generation communications against cyber threats.
Read more about quantum innovation.
Alumni Reception in Houston, April 2025.
At the launch event for the Health and Care Technologies Global Research Institute, June 2025.
Shaping Futures
Heriot-Watt University is an institution that is over 200 years old and is very special; it is one that we collectively curate, and together we shape its future. Dear to my heart has been setting up and leading the Shaping Futures fundraising campaign that seeks to raise new resources to empower through education, drive sustainability, transform healthcare, and innovate with business and industry.
I remain committed to progressing this campaign, building our reputation and delivering excellence, and further improving the long-term financial position of the University, while putting our students and staff at the heart of all we do.
I will not be letting up!
