Community Engagement
Heriot-Watt University is committed to working with local partners and communities in all our localities. Our campuses are open to the public to explore, from the metropolis of Dubai to the parklands of our Edinburgh campus.
We work closely with community stakeholders to improve the places we call home, including local councils, local government, NGOs and local industry. In the UK we are key partners in the Edinburgh City and Region Deal, and the Islands Growth deal – both seek to drive economic growth and the creation of sustainable jobs and thriving communities
Our students are involved in community projects across all our localities through our curriculum, empowering students to embed social responsibility and citizenship within their studies and future careers.
Across all campuses, volunteering schemes for our staff and students strengthen the university's connection with the local community, fostering a positive reputation and demonstrating the institution's commitment to social responsibility.
How to get involved
Events
We run many events throughout the year, including open days, public lectures, exhibitions, concerts and workshops.
Borrow a researcher
Explore how the Borrow a Researcher initiative is fostering community engagement by connecting experts with local organisations for impactful collaboration.
The Discovery Trail
The Trail explores the ongoing research across our faculty buildings, where we explore everything from marine life to urban cities, micro to macro, local to global.
Inaugural Impact Programme
Heriot-Watt's Professorial Inaugural Impact Programme showcases the research of newly appointed and promoted professors.
Oriam
Scotland’s National Performance Centre for Sport sits within our Edinburgh campus, providing a space for our local community to have fun whilst keeping fit and active. It is a hub for all ages with cafes, children’s clubs, sports facilities and outdoor exercise trails set within beautiful parkland.
Our Museum
Telling the inspiring story of the University's development from its origins in Edinburgh's Old Town to Scotland's international university. It reveals our commitment to sustainability and the stewardship of our campus' roots in a rich heritage of campus and community life for over 800 years
Sustainability engagement
Through engagement programmes, we are starting conversations about sustainability so that our university community can take action to address the climate crisis. Find out more about the activities you can get involved with and how you can contribute to our research to tackle global challenges.