Heriot-Watt University is set to launch a new Centre for Academic Leadership and Development in September 2013, timed to coincide with the start of the new academic year.
The Centre for Academic Leadership and Development will be based at Heriot-Watt's Postgraduate Centre and build on the on-going success of its award-winning Academic Enhancement department.
It will continue to deliver University-wide development programmes - such as Heriot-Watt Crucible, Research Futures, the Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PGCAP), and Heriot-Watt Engage, whilst also leading prominent national initiatives - including Scottish Crucible and the KE Scotland Conference, and forging new collaborative activities with external research and HE institutions.
Research and teaching excellence
The Centre for Academic Leadership and Development aims to support and facilitate research and teaching excellence by the institution’s entire academic community - from PhD students and research associates to lecturers and professorial staff.
Dr Ruth Neiland, Head of Academic Enhancement, said: "The name of our new Centre reflects our renewed focus and aspirations for academic development and impact at Heriot-Watt University. By continuing to deliver innovative and inspiring leadership and development opportunities, we aim to provide practical ways to help accomplish the University's new Strategic Plan."
New development opportunities
The launch of the Centre will be accompanied by recruitment to existing vacancies, with three posts currently being advertised nationally. These include temporary positions during the secondment of Dr Rob Daley (who has been invited to lead Researcher Development at the University of York for 12 months) and the maternity leave of Public Engagement Coordinators, Mrs Katarzyna Przybycien and Dr Laura Wicks. A new Learning & Teaching Coordinator, Dr Irene Malcolm, will be joining the Centre from the University of Dundee on 1st August 2013.
The Advisory Group for the Centre for Academic Leadership and Development includes Deputy Principals, Prof Alan Miller and Prof John Sawkins; Senior Dean, Prof Phil John; and Director of HRD, Mr Mark Adderley. Commenting on the establishment of the Centre, Prof John Sawkins, Deputy Principal for Learning & Teaching, said: "I very much welcome the launch of the new Centre for Academic Leadership and Development with its commitment to work with the whole academic community across Heriot-Watt University. The Centre has a pivotal role in delivering the University's new Learning and Teaching Strategy through offering development opportunities which cross the arbitrary line sometimes drawn between teaching and research."
Prof Alan Miller, Deputy Principal for Research & KE, said: "I am confident that the new Centre for Academic Leadership and Development will build on the department's leading reputation in Scotland for creating new and highly effective research training and leadership initiatives for our academic staff and research students. It will thus provide a vital component in the delivery of Heriot-Watt University's ambitious research intensification strategy."
The new Centre for Academic Leadership and Development website will be launched in September 2013. Colleagues will be informed when to start using the new Centre contact details.
More information
More information about current vacancies here