Heriot-Watt University: Staff contribution during pandemic to be recognised by Heriot-Watt as part of Celebration Week
This is the first time in two years the popular event will be held in person at the Riccarton Campus in Edinburgh following an easing of Covid-19 restrictions. The Week will celebrate the achievements of staff, students and alumni from across the University’s globally connected community.
As in previous years, a packed week of activities are lined-up that are open to staff, students, alumni and the public.
This includes a new outreach program designed to break down barriers and encourage local school children to study STEM subjects. Pupils will learn about the very latest developments in AI and robotic technology as well as meet robotic scientists and engineers working at the University. There will also be a poignant tree planting ceremony held within the campus grounds in recognition of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the University’s close links with the Armed Forces, and awards handed out to staff who made an invaluable contribution throughout the pandemic.
To round the Week off, the ever-popular Community Family Friendly Fun Day returns on Saturday June 18 with inflatables, guided campus tours, stalls and a raft of other activities suitable for all ages. More information on how to attend can be found on the Heriot-Watt website.
Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor at Heriot-Watt University, said: “Celebration Week is an occasion I take great pride in but this year’s event really does hold added sentiment.
“It is a chance for colleagues, some of whom have never met face-to-face before because of the pandemic, to come together and show appreciation for one another during what has been a hugely testing period. Recognising the contribution of our staff is a key element of our Strategy 2025 and central to our objective of strengthening our community.
“And of course, this year’s event brings the curtain down on the University’s historic bicentenary celebrations, which has been an incredible milestone for us to recognise.
“As we reflected and celebrated our founding roots in Scotland, we now look to the future. We remain committed to delivering the highest standards of learning and teaching for our students as well as using our scientific research to influence policymakers and benefit communities around the world through meaningful, positive change.”