Professor Fiona Grant

Biography

Prof Grant is a senior leader of the University, having completed 26 years at Heriot Watt University. During this time, she has undertaken significant management roles at School and University level. This has established her as key ambassador in developing and supporting the University’s success as a global leader in education and research through the implementation of the University Strategy 2025 and in developing Strategy 2035.

Her experience of working collegiately across our 5 campuses has help the University to meet its strategic objectives to enhance student experience and create graduates who make an impact. This has included working with the Student Representative bodies on creating a student voice and platform, supporting and presenting on behalf of the University at key accreditation validations, leading the Learning and Teaching Academic Operations Committee at university level to deliver operational activities globally.

From a School perspective, she continues to enhance and pioneer in her teaching, working with various teaching teams across the campuses. Her ability to create an engaging and innovative learning environment by inviting high profile guest speakers to work with students in critical thinking and understanding of the challenges facing the sector and the global impacts they can make in their careers. This has extended to students visiting professional practice offices to present their findings to industry sector leaders. The feedback received from students continues to be 90%+ satisfaction and her work has been recognised and commended in University L&T awards.

External to the University, Prof Grant has been an active member of her professional body and held several high-profile positions leading the surveying profession, notably this includes RICS World Regional Chair for UK & Ireland from 2013 – 2019, receiving the RICS President’s Medal for her contribution to the profession and academia.

Currently Prof Grant is the Chair for Construction Industry Council (Scotland) and brings together a network of several professional bodies to be a representative voice for all built environment and infrastructure institutions in Scotland.

In addition, she is the University representative on Universities Scotland Skills Group and for the HE/FE strategy subgroup on aligning curriculum.

Other external activities include External Advisor for the Academic Board, University of the Built Environment.