A wild New Caledonian crow (Corvus moneduloides) uses a stick tool to hunt for invertebrate prey. Credit: James St Clair

The Code breakers: Harnessing AI to understand animals

An international group of experts – led by Professor Christian Rutz of the University’s School of Biology – has published an article in Science, arguing that advances in artificial intelligence (AI) research could help to decode the communication systems of animals including whales, crows and bats.

St Andrews hosts second international brain health summit

The University recently hosted a second international brain health summit that brought together experts from across the globe and secured Scotland’s place as a hub for world-leading research into neurodegenerative diseases.

Future of St Andrews Botanic Garden secured

The St Andrews Botanic Garden Trust and the University of St Andrews recently signed a 40-year lease agreement that has secured the long-term future of the St Andrews Botanic Garden.

Laidlaw Music Centre – finalist for Scottish building of the year

The Laidlaw Music Centre has been shortlisted for the third time since June - this time for the Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland award, which comes with a £10,000 cash prize from the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland. The winner will be announced on 30 November.

Everything you wanted to know about leaving a legacy to St Andrews, but were afraid to ask …

If the idea of leaving a legacy to the University has popped into your head and immediately popped out again because there were just too many questions that you didn’t know the answers to, then read on … 

This month, we’re giving you the opportunity to ask these questions – with no strings attached. No question too simple or too complicated.

It will cost you nothing – and we’ll feature all your questions anonymously (with detailed answers from the legal experts) in the September issue of St Andrews in the News.

Email Katrina Bell, Legacies Manager, at keb32@st-andrews.ac.uk with your question(s) and for further information.

ISPS Handa renews funding for Golf for Health

The University’s School of Medicine has collaborated with Scottish Golf, the R&A and other partner organisations to develop ‘Golf for Health’ – a pioneering health initiative that ‘prescribes’ golf for individuals to encourage a more active and social lifestyle. We are delighted that ISPS Handa have recently renewed their funding for this key project.

The photograph above shows Sir John Key – ISPS Handa Patron and Former Prime Minister of New Zealand – signing a new gift agreement, surrounded by representatives from the R&A, the University and participants in the Golf for Health programme.

Legacy-60 boat unveiled at Henley Royal Regatta

Following the success of the University Boat Club’s ‘Legacy-60’ fundraiser, members were delighted to unveil their new Filippi-8+ at a naming ceremony at Henley Royal Regatta in July. Members of the University’s boat club and of the alumni Eden Boat Club would like to thank all those who supported their fundraiser and made the purchase of this new boat possible.

Dr Fiona Hill installed as Chancellor of Durham University

We would like to congratulate alumna Dr Fiona Hill (MA 1989) on her official installation as the 13th Chancellor of Durham University on Thursday 29th June in a ceremony at Durham Cathedral. 

Alumni stories

We welcome stories from alumni about your time here, your journey since leaving and what the University of St Andrews has contributed to that journey.

This month, we feature student intern Isabella Scorzelli and Gillian Chu (PhD 2022)

Email the editor at sem28@st-andrews.ac.uk if you would like to share your story.

Patrons' Programme 2023 - last chance to book!

This is your last chance to book a place on the Patrons' Programme to soak up the full St Andrews experience; meet and attend talks by some of our leading academics; receive exclusive updates on our many ongoing projects; and gain private access to local historic sites and residences. Join us on Thursday 7 and Friday 8 September to explore our beautiful town and ancient University. 

SaintsFunder

This month’s SaintsFunder project – the Guardian Saints Appeal – is a collaborative project between the University and the University of St Andrews Students’ Association. The project aims to combat the cost-of-living crisis and high energy costs by raising funds for the Student Support Fund.

SaintsFunder is open to all students, alumni and University staff, so send your ideas to SaintsFunder@st-andrews.ac.uk

Saints Talk

The Saints Talk team are taking a well-earned summer holiday but will be back again in September with an exciting new programme.

Meanwhile, if you missed any previous Saints Talks, you can watch them again.

Alumni Authors

Laidlaw Live

Look out for the latest Laidlaw Music Centre concerts. Many of these are live-streamed to enable you to access high quality music – wherever you are in the world.

Read more about Laidlaw Music Centre events

Watch and listen to music from St Andrews

Reconnect!

If you know someone who would like to reconnect and sign up for St Andrews in the News, they can do so using the links below:

alumni: Update your contact information 

parents/guardians of undergraduate students: Register to join the Family Programme

email: alumni@st-andrews.ac.uk for more information