By Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of University of Stirling
This year saw the University of Stirling launch our new Strategic Plan 2030, which sets out our direction for the next six years and beyond.
In these challenging times our mission-focused research is more important than ever before.
We continue to deliver positive solutions for people, societies, and industry; not only regionally and nationally, but across Europe and the world.
Enabled by a dynamic and collaborative research community and strategic, targeted research support, our researchers are breaking new ground in tackling real-world challenges, such as climate change, food security, and an ageing population.
We have established Scotland’s International Environment Centre (SIEC) to create a net zero regional economy and a global exemplar of low-carbon growth. As part of that initiative, the Scotland Hydro Nation Chair programme is delivering solutions for sustainable water; and our Forth-ERA initiative is using sensors, satellites and models to provide a one-stop-shop for environmental data monitoring.
Our pioneering research into sustainable healthy ageing is helping millions of people across the world to live independent lives for longer. And the new National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub (NATIH), opening next year, will strengthen the work of our world-leading Institute of Aquaculture, which is enhancing global food security.
Our research is making a difference – challenging ideas, influencing policy and practice, and changing lives every day.
Strategic Plan 2030 will help us build on our reputation as a leading research-intensive university, increase our interdisciplinary research profile and optimise the impact our research has on academia, society and the environment.
In this endeavour there has never been a greater need for collaboration and cooperation to meet global challenges.
The University warmly welcomed the UK Government’s decision to join Horizon Europe under a new bespoke deal with the EU.
YERUN plays a leading role in strengthening ties through its bridge-building between people and institutions across Europe, and we are proud to play our part.
In fact, YERUN has been at the forefront of advancing research, innovation, and talent development across member universities for almost a decade, and we look forward to celebrating the tenth anniversary in the coming year.
To all our YERUN friends, I send my best wishes for Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
