Marking 60 Years of the Royal Charter
2026 marks a landmark moment for Heriot-Watt University: the 60th anniversary of being awarded our Royal Charter.
Granted by Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 4 March 1966, the Royal Charter formally conferred university status on Heriot-Watt. This distinction recognised our long-standing heritage, our academic strengths, and our commitment to delivering world-class education.
The granting of the Royal Charter is a remarkable milestone in our University's story and is also a great opportunity to reflect on our future. We will be marking this significant date by acknowledging our rich heritage and talking more about the contribution Heriot-Watt education and research is making to society and our world.
In April 1966, Sir Alec Douglas-Home, former British Prime Minister, was installed as the first Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University and served in this role as the institution was making its transition from a technical college to a full university.
Sixty years on, the Charter remains a defining symbol of who we are - shaping our identity, values, and mission. Its anniversary offers a meaningful opportunity to celebrate our achievements and deepen connections with our alumni, students, staff, partners, and the global communities we serve.
Throughout 2026, the University will celebrate this milestone across all campuses. These celebrations also coincide with the launch of Strategy 2035, our next institutional plan.
Building on the strong foundations of our current strategy, rooted in our heritage, expertise, relevance, and global outlook, Strategy 2035 has been shaped through the insight and commitment of our international community, setting a bold direction for the future of the University.
This anniversary invites us to reflect on Heriot-Watt’s remarkable evolution: not only the progress made since the Royal Charter was granted, but the journey that began in 1821 as the world’s first mechanics institute. For more than two centuries, our pioneering research, teaching, and innovation have transformed industries, advanced knowledge, and made a positive impact worldwide. Today, we continue to lead in Science, Technology, Engineering, Business, and Design - disciplines central to solving society’s greatest challenges.
While we honour the achievements of the past, this moment also invites us to look ahead, and to celebrate our ambitions, our potential, and the contributions we will continue to make in the years to come. It is a time to build momentum as we embrace future milestones and carry forward the legacy of innovation that has defined us for generations.
