Heriot-Watt opens its doors to the public this weekend

Published: 2 May 2018

Heriot-Watt throws open its doors to the public this weekend with a host of fun activities at its Edinburgh Campus.

From a state-of-the-art 3D visualisation suite capable of transporting you to the depths of the oceans to getting behind the controls of an underwater robot, there is sure to be something for everyone.

The Exploration Weekend gets underway on the evening of Friday, 18^th May and runs until Saturday, 19^th May.

We are looking forward to welcoming visitors to Heriot-Watt University's Edinburgh Campus to enjoy what is set to be an exciting and informative two days, as well as an opportunity to showcase the innovative research of our academics.

Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University

A packed programme of sea-themed activities are planned in celebration of the university's 'Year of the Sea' campaign. This includes a science 'Exploration Trail' where families can win prizes with interactive robot demonstrations and microscopic mysteries to solve.

Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming visitors to Heriot-Watt University's Edinburgh Campus to enjoy what is set to be an exciting and informative two days, as well as an opportunity to showcase the innovative research of our academics.

“Throughout 2018, we are celebrating the Year of the Sea across our five campuses. Our biologists, ecologists, engineers, chemists, robotics and mathematicians are collaborating on a series of research projects as we explore the many facets of our seas and the life, energy and opportunities they present. As we open the doors to our Edinburgh Campus, we look forward to sharing some of our findings as well as inspiring the next generation of budding scientists to pursue a career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).”

The Exploration Weekend, which is free to attend, starts with the Annual Stakeholder Meeting on Friday evening.

Then, on Saturday, between 10am and 4pm, families can join Heriot-Watt staff, alumni and other members of the public for a wide range of events, demonstrations and lectures offering a unique opportunity to learn about the institution's world class, global reach.

Meanwhile, Oriam, Scotland's Sports Performance Centre located within the campus, will host an Open Day on Saturday, 19^th May from 10am to 4pm with a variety of activities for young families. Youngsters can get involved in a range of sports, including football on the facility's indoor pitch, used by Scotland's national football and rugby teams. There will also be the Year of the Sea themed face-painting in an outdoor marquee, allowing families to enjoy the spring weather.

For those interested in delving deeper in to the work of the university, a 'Spotlight On Science' series will allow visitors to hear short presentations from leading scientists, followed by Q&A sessions in small groups.

Professor Sir Geoff Palmer OBE will hold a special lecture on the university's relationship with the Gibson-Craig family and Scotland's role in the abolition of slavery, with Heriot-Watt's Museum and Archive opening its doors to display a new 'Edinburgh and Emancipation' exhibition.

Visitors can also learn more about postgraduate business education at the world-leading Edinburgh Business School (EBS), and the exciting plans for Panmure House, the last home of the Father of Economics, Adam Smith, which EBS will be opening later this year in the Canongate.