Launching Scotland’s Future Series
Dear Colleagues and Students
I am writing to let you know about a new initiative we are launching this semester to stimulate discussion and debate about Scotland’s future, and support research and outreach work relevant to this important topic.
Throughout our long history, the University of St Andrews has been at the heart of events that have shaped Scotland, our staff and students helping inform discussion and debate at a national level. This is as important now as ever.
How we emerge from a global pandemic, how we confront the climate emergency, how the UK crafts a new relationship with the rest of Europe, and how Scotland shapes its own relationship with the rest of the UK will have considerable impact on the future of this country.
These areas, and many others, can benefit enormously from the contributions and ideas of an engaged higher education sector.
The Scotland’s Future Series will demonstrate St Andrews’ commitment to playing an active and apolitical role by supporting our staff and students to bring their intellects, ideas and voices to wider public discourse on the range of issues and opportunities which Scotland currently faces.
We have established a £35,000 fund to support projects which enhance discussion and debate on issues pertinent to the topic of Scotland’s future. Projects can be wide-ranging, from think pieces that could be developed into research papers at a later date, to hosting events and other engagement highlighting the work of staff and students to outside audiences.
Funding of up to £3500 will be available for projects that demonstrate visible interaction on a topic relating to Scotland’s future which engages audiences and stakeholders within and beyond the University.
Participation will be as inclusive as possible and colleagues and students across all Schools and Units will be able to take part. Inter-disciplinary projects will be particularly encouraged.
Scotland’s Future Series web pages have been created to host publications and highlight project work. Details of how to apply for funding and other essential information can be found on these pages.
The Master will be consulting Heads of School about opportunities to develop and support research relative to this subject, but the University’s support will be broad, and not limited to academic colleagues. We want our students and professional services staff to become involved too.
Our community has so much to bring to the national, and international, discussion of the cultural, social, and economic issues which are inextricably bound with the question of Scotland’s future. I hope you will all consider how you can get involved, and support and build this initiative.
Dame Sally Mapstone FRSE
Principal and Vice-Chancellor