In my video message this week I was pleased to respond to some feedback from messages referring to my comments on how many dogs we have been seeing in various on-line meetings and wanting to see my back room!
You can find out more by viewing the message here.
All our thoughts this week have been on our utter admiration for NHS workers and carers on the frontline against this virus. I know this includes many people from within our University community and their families. Across all the University campuses, staff and students have been volunteering for support work.
I will be sharing some of these stories of how we have been collaborating together to meet needs. Take for example some of our alumni businesses in the food and drink sector. BrewDog and Arbikie Highland Estate Distillery have been developing hand sanitiser and a farmers’ consortium led by a Heriot-Watt alum has been distributing food supplies to vulnerable people.
Within the University too colleagues have been responding to COVID-19 requests from governments and starting manufacturing support in response to calls for personal protection equipment and ventilation technology. At times like this people realise just how important Universities are in educating clinicians, nurses, scientists, engineers and analysts to address crises. This underscores what I commented upon last week – that fact that our Strategy and 200-year history will guide our future just as much as it has been the foundation stone of our past. So do share these stories with your friends.
This last week has seen many staff busy delivering on-line support, finalising arrangements for assessment for graduating classes and developing new recruitment processes. I have seen great examples of staff and students doing new things together. Thank you. There are so many heroes among our staff and we will feature some in future University wide Staff Newsletters.
Last week I talked about our One Watt Appeal. Each day, I hear new stories about our students who are already benefiting from the hardship funds the appeal is generating. For example, Postgraduate and Undergraduate students who lost their jobs in lockdown are receiving help to pay rent and living costs. Exchange students who had to return home suddenly and incurred significant costs they could not bear. Stranded students who needed help with urgent food and living costs. May I thank you to those who have already offered time or donated money. Your support is much appreciated.
After the Easter break I will be starting a new virtual online series of “Lets Talk…with the Principal”, so watch out for these sessions to book a Teams meeting slot!
May I wish you a pleasant extended weekend break and we rest our thoughts and prayers with all who are affected by the COVID crisis.
Take care.
Richard
Richard A. Williams
Principal and Vice-Chancellor