St Andrews Prize for the Environment winner - breaking news!

We are delighted to announce that the winner of the 25th St Andrews Prize for the Environment is Alianza Ceibo for their project - an Indigenous-led model for the sustainable protection of the Upper Amazon Rainforest.  Alianza Ceibo will receive a $100,000 cash prize, which they will use to empower their communities to conserve their rainforest territories, keep their cultures alive, and make their own decisions over their lands and lives. More details to follow in the December issue.

Pictured (from left) are Professor Sir Ian Boyd FRS FRSE PRSB, Chair of the St Andrews Prize for the Environment Judges, Elena Manovella, Amazon Frontlines, Alicia Salazar, representing Alianza Ceibo, and Professor Dame Sally Mapstone FRSE, Principal and Vice-Chancellor.

Honorary Graduates

Best-selling author Margaret Atwood, Scots percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie CH and Director of the National Theatre, Rufus Norris, are joining more than 1000 students who are graduating at the end of this month. Author and former Director of Greenkeeping at St Andrews Links Trust, Gordon Moir, will be awarded the University Medal at the final ceremony of the week.

Update on the conflict in Gaza and Israel

University of St Andrews Principal, Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, and President of the Students’ Association, Barry Will, sent a joint message to students and staff on the conflict in Gaza and Israel.

St Andrews staff honoured with awards

Three members of University staff have been recognised with national awards for their work. Dr Andrew Blaikie and Dr Joanna Bowden from the School of Medicine were honoured at the 2023 Scottish Health Awards, and Professor John Burnside (pictured) won the David Cohen prize for literature, which has been dubbed 'the British Nobel'.

Are we alone in the Universe?

Researchers from the University of St Andrews, Germany and the US have joined forces in a pioneering €9.5m European Research Council funded project. Together, they are searching for life-friendly exoplanets and hope to answer one of humanity’s oldest questions: Are we alone in the Universe?

St Andrews Enterprise Week

The University's Entrepreneurship Centre recently hosted a successful Enterprise Week 2023. Students, staff, graduates and members of the local community attended a number of themed sessions that aimed to spark their curiosity and creativity and to develop their ideas. All the speakers were entrepreneurs from the University’s alumni network.

Principal and Vice-Chancellor’s trip to East Coast USA

Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, visited New York and Washington DC, meeting with alumni, parents and friends of the University. Highlights included an evening in partnership with the New York Alumni Club, held at the University Club, a private alumni tour at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and a reception at the British Embassy in Washington featuring the Principal in conversation with alumnus Dr Eric L Motley.

A fond farewell to Elaine Cartwright

In December, we will bid farewell to Alumni Relations Manager Elaine Cartwright, MA 1985, who is retiring after 37 years at the University. Elaine (pictured with Lewis Wood, former Students' Association President) graduated in Hispanic Language and Literature before beginning her university career in the Principal's Office. She has worked in Development since 1997 and will be greatly missed. If any of our alumni would like to share a message for Elaine, please contact Laura Gordon, Head of Alumni and Supporter Engagement, at laura.gordon@st-andrews.ac.uk.

St Andrews Alumni Carol Service

Join us online or in person at St Salvator’s Chapel for this year’s St Andrews Alumni Carol Service on Monday 4 December at 7pm. The service will be led by Assistant University Chaplain, Revd Samantha Ferguson, and will be followed by an optional Reception in Lower College Hall. Please use the link below to register, and purchase tickets for the Reception.

To join the online congregation, please visit the Chaplaincy's website, below, at 7pm (GMT) on Monday 4 December, select 'Livestreamed services' and then 'View livestream' link.

London Alumni Carol Service

Tickets are available to purchase for the London Alumni Carol Service at St Columba’s Church, Pont Street, on Wednesday 13 December at 7pm. The service will be followed by a glass of wine and an opportunity to meet fellow graduates and catch up with old friends.

Events in Abu Dhabi and Dubai

As the UAE looks forward to hosting COP28, join St Andrews academics Professor Bill Austin, Dr Mette High, Dr Paul Webb, Dr Gosia Mitka and Professor John Irvine to learn about the University's impactful research - from preserving the Gulf’s mangrove ecosystems to building efficient ways to generate energy. Dr Elina Apine will also be attending as part of the UK Universities Climate Network (UUCN) COP28 delegation.

We are looking forward to seeing alumni, Family Programme members, donors and friends of the University at the following events:

Wednesday 6 December

W Hotel, Abu Dhabi, 6pm

Thursday 7 December

Capital Club, Dubai, 6.30pm

Please RSVP to developmentevents@st-andrews.ac.uk to confirm your attendance.

Professor Frank Gunn-Moore London event

Alumni, friends and supporters are invited to join Professor Frank Gunn-Moore FRSE (pictured second from right, with his team) for a special event at Princess Alexandra Hall in London on Tuesday 12 December at 6.30pm. Professor Gunn-Moore, Head of the School of Biology, is a leader in the field of neurodegeneration and dementia research.

Alumni Stories

We love to receive and share stories from our alumni about your time at the University, and about your journey beyond.

This month, we feature Cordula Schnuer, MA 2011, and Juan Pablo Rodríguez, MA 2022. Cordula explains her journey from student reporter to editor-in-chief at the Luxembourg Times, while Juan Pablo reflects on his year as President of the Students’ Association.

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

Alumni Podcast

We are delighted to feature the classical music podcast Perfect Pitch, presented by alumnus Nick Hely-Hutchinson, MA 1982. Perfect Pitch offers a fresh approach to classical music, taking listeners on a journey through centuries of timeless compositions. Nick has just celebrated releasing the 100th episode and it is available on all major podcast platforms.

If you produce a podcast and would like to share it with fellow alumni here, contact the editor at sem28@st-andrews.ac.uk. 

Alumni Authors

Postgraduate study at St Andrews

Considering postgraduate study? A postgraduate degree from the University of St Andrews can help you expand your professional network, gain expertise in your field and acquire the skills you need to advance your career.

Alumni merchandise Black Friday sale

The University of St Andrews Shop is offering a 15% Black Friday discount on all products from 24-27 November. In addition, if you subscribe to their newsletter via the footer of their website before 23 November you'll also receive an exclusive code for free shipping – as well as access to future deals. Visit the website or St Andrews store for more information. T&Cs apply.

General Council

The next meeting of the General Council of the University of St Andrews will take place on Saturday 25 November at 10.30am in Parliament Hall, South Street, St Andrews, KY16 9JU. Tea and coffee will be available from 10am.

The Chancellor, Lord Campbell of Pittenweem, will preside; the Principal, Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, will deliver the University Address; and Professor Ineke De Moortel, Master of the United College, will give a presentation on 'Sustainable St Andrews: Strategies, Challenges and Impacts'.

General Council members have been sent a link to the billet (meeting paper). Printed copies will be available at the meeting or can be requested in advance from the General Council Office.

Email: generalcouncil@st-andrews.ac.uk

SaintsFunder

This month’s SaintsFunder project - Rocking in the Buff - aims to raise £1000 to support students experiencing financial hardship during the cost of living crisis. The appeal has been organised by Dry Island Buffalo Jump, a band consisting of current and retired University staff, and alumni.

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

Laidlaw Live

The Laidlaw Music Centre presents an exciting and varied programme of concerts throughout the year, many of which are live-streamed and can be enjoyed wherever you are in the world.

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.