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First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the creation of new doctoral economics scholarships at Heriot-Watt University's Edinburgh Business School, and the development of Panmure House as a centre of economic and social thought and debate in Scotland, during her visit to Stanford University.
Speaking alongside Dr Heather McGregor, the new Executive Dean of the Edinburgh Business School, Ms Sturgeon encouraged students from Stanford, one of the world's leading research and teaching institutions, to advance their studies by applying for a new PhD scholarship at Panmure House in Edinburgh.
Panmure House was the final home of Scottish economist Adam Smith, who wrote the “The Wealth of Nations”, published in 1776.
Panmure House will play host to the ideas of the Scottish enlightenment and play a part in renewing those ideas for the 21st century.
On the second day of her official visit to the United States, Ms Sturgeon said, “Heriot-Watt University's Edinburgh Business School is in the process of restoring the home of Adam Smith. Panmure House will play host to the ideas of the Scottish enlightenment and play a part in renewing those ideas for the 21st century.
“I'm delighted to say this project received the fullest support of two of the greatest sons of Stanford University, Kenneth Arrow and Myron Scholes, both of whom did so much to advance the thinking of Adam Smith and support the rebirth of Panmure House as a centre of economic and social thought and debate.”
A truly unique opportunity
Dr Heather McGregor, the Executive Dean of Edinburgh Business School, said, “These scholarship at the Edinburgh Business School provide a truly unique opportunity for our new doctoral students to follow in the footsteps of the great Scottish economist Adam Smith. Panmure House is set to be an inspiring place, a home for economic and social debate and the latest academic thinking.
“This doctoral opportunity for students from all over the world is a proud example of the international nature of our Business School which has campuses in the UK, Dubai and Malaysia, and local presence in six continents.
“We give students the skills and expertise they need for the modern world and we are proud to have students and alumni in over 166 countries who are exploring opportunities provided by the Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University.”
The PhD Scholarships will be awarded to two graduates each year for a three year study programme paid for by Heriot-Watt's Edinburgh Business School starting later this year. The second year of each study programme will see the PhD Scholars actually based in Panmure House.