This article featured in the Evening Telegraph on 24 September 2024.
It’s been a remarkable few weeks for Dundee’s universities. With students and staff beginning another term, the amount of accolades and achievements that have been pouring in from all directions has been quite something.
The University of Dundee was recently named Scottish University of the Year in the Daily Mail University Rankings, a tremendous achievement that, I believe, reflects the institution’s growing prominence on both a national and international stage.
This isn’t just a title; it’s a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovation that Dundee continues to demonstrate in its teaching, research, and community engagement.
In addition, Dundee has been recognised as Europe’s Entrepreneurial University of the Year at this year’s Triple E Awards — an honour that I think truly sets it apart.
This accolade acknowledges the university’s ability to build entrepreneurial spirit among its students and staff, and to me, it highlights the significant role Dundee plays in driving innovation across Europe.
These accomplishments underscore the university’s positive impact, not just on its students, but on the wider community as well.
Not to be outdone, Abertay University has also been enjoying its own share of the spotlight.
I was especially impressed to hear that Abertay has been nominated for 12 awards at the upcoming TIGA Awards, a reflection of its outstanding contributions to the video games industry and related fields.
It’s clear to me that Abertay’s expertise in digital innovation is recognised not just here in Dundee but across the entire sector.
Moreover, Abertay was recently named among the top 10 universities in the UK for student satisfaction, while also securing 11th place for teaching quality in the Times and Sunday Times University Rankings for 2025.
These are no small feats, and I believe they speak volumes about Abertay’s commitment to providing students with an exceptional learning experience.
There’s a humorous element, I must say, in how these announcements seem to arrive in quick succession — when one university receives recognition, the other swiftly follows with an equally significant accolade.
It’s almost as though the two institutions are engaged in a friendly rivalry, each striving to outdo the other.
Yet, rather than being a competition, this reflects the incredible calibre of education and innovation taking place in Dundee.
Both universities are excelling in their respective fields and are helping to raise the bar for higher education not just in Scotland, but across the UK and Europe.
I am genuinely proud to see them being acknowledged on such prestigious platforms.
Dundee and Abertay play an integral role in the fabric of our city. They bring a wealth of talent, creativity, and innovation that enriches Dundee’s cultural landscape and significantly contributes to the local economy.
These institutions attract students and academics from around the world, helping to create a dynamic, cosmopolitan environment that I believe is vital to the city’s identity.
Both universities are producing graduates who are not only highly skilled but are also making a meaningful impact on industries worldwide.
As a city, we should take great pride in their achievements. Dundee and Abertay are shaping the future of education and industry, and I am in awe of their outstanding contributions.
Long may the awards and accolades continue to reflect their brilliance — and I can’t wait to see what they will accomplish next.
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