SRUC for 21st Century is all mapped out

Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) is set to become a “new type of university for the 21st Century” with increasing international involvement in research, teaching and commercial partnerships.

That was the message given to EU officials by SRUC principal and chief executive, Professor Wayne Powell, when he joined a pre-Brexit visit to Brussels headed by Scotland’s Minister for Higher Education and Science, Richard Lochhead.

Designed to highlight Scotland’s desire to maintain strong collaboration with researchers in EU countries and the rest of the world, whatever happens to Brexit, the visit included a major SRUC presentation to EU leaders in education, research and science.

“SRUC is on a journey to become a new type of university for the 21st Century and taking part in even more international research, teaching and commercial partnerships is one of our core ambitions for the future,” said an SRUC spokesperson.

“When engaging with counterparts in the EU, Professor Powell discussed our ambitions to support international research around food production and the environment to help meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which are embedded in the Scottish Government National Performance Framework.

“He also stressed how important it is to continue to share knowledge and research to meet these challenges.”

Mr Lochhead added: “Scotland’s global reputation for ground-breaking research and innovation faces unprecedented risks. The message we are taking is simple: Scotland’s universities and research institutions are open and welcoming, and we maintain a strong commitment to research collaboration across Europe.

SRUC principal Wayne Powell