Heriot-Watt University Principal and Vice-Chancellor announces retirement
Professor Richard A Williams, CBE FREng FTSE FRSE has announced he is to retire as Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University in September 2026, following many distinguished years in the role.
Professor Williams has led the University over the past decade, during which time Heriot-Watt has cemented its position as a truly distinctive research-intensive university with an outstanding track record in transnational education and global operations focused on business, science, and engineering. He will continue in his role throughout 2025/26, and the University will start the process to appoint a new Principal and Vice-Chancellor to lead delivery of its new strategy, Strategy 2035.
I have been privileged to lead the University over the last ten years, and to work with such a committed and caring community of staff, students, alumni, and partners across the world.
Professor Richard Williams said: “I have been privileged to lead the University over the last ten years, and to work with such a committed and caring community of staff, students, alumni, and partners across the world. As the University transitions into Strategy 2035, I know that this is the right moment for the institution to appoint a new Principal and Vice-Chancellor. I am pleased to have agreed, well in advance, a clear transition process with the Chair of Court.
“The University is in a strong position in terms of its research performance, with a diversified education offer which uniquely allows us to pivot in the face of challenges and changes in the sector. We have a fantastic team of staff, and this is an exciting time for Heriot-Watt to attract a new Principal to lead the University into its next phase of development.”
Bruce Pritchard, Chair of Court said: “Richard’s retirement from the role of Principal and Vice-Chancellor is richly deserved following a long and distinguished career in both academia and industry. While the University will be sorry to see him move on, we are very grateful to Richard for his outstanding leadership and the lasting impact he has made on our global community.
“His recent recognition as Commander of the British Empire (CBE) was a very fitting recognition of his service to education, engineering, and entrepreneurship. There are many highlights and achievements which speak to Richard’s leadership, contribution, and passion for the University, and we look forward to recognising and celebrating these in the coming year with staff and students and the wider University community.
“As we embark on the implementation of Strategy 2035, we are excited to have the opportunity to recruit a new Principal and Vice-Chancellor who will lead the University through its next chapter and, in the year ahead, we will be engaging with our staff and students in that process.”
Reflecting on his time as Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Williams said: “I am particularly proud of the research impact we have achieved, and the establishment of our four outward-facing Global Research Institutes, which are designed to foster industry partnerships and real-world challenges.
“The University has a fantastic track record in global access and graduate outcomes, and I am also proud of the way we equip students with a strong sense of purpose. In recent years, we have made significant progress through infrastructure developments in Orkney, Galashiels, and Dubai as well as establishing Panmure House as a thriving centre for debate, also setting up both GRID (a ground-breaking facility to advance global research, innovation, and discovery) and the National Robotarium in Edinburgh.
"Dear to my heart has been setting up and leading the Shaping Futures fundraising campaign, expanding the Go-Global programme that enables students to transfer between Malaysia, UAE and Scotland and - most significantly – driving forward a truly global access and inclusion strategy.
“With the start of the new academic year my commitment remains on key priorities including further improving the long-term financial position of the University, progressing the fundraising campaign, building reputation and delivering excellence - putting our students and staff at the heart of all we do. I will not be letting up!
“I am passionate about our University, its heritage and impact in the world, and will always be a strong ambassador for Heriot-Watt. Personally, as I look ahead to the future, I plan to continue contributing to leadership of international higher education and engineering innovation that drives global sustainability. I look forward to opportunities to thank all of the colleagues, students, friends, and stakeholders who have shaped my tenure as Principal and Vice-Chancellor.”