Community Engagement

Creating flourishing communities around our localities is crucial to our mission. In the UK, we have a key role in both 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.  Across all our global campuses, initiatives to build these flourishing communities have created positive, inspiring environments for staff, students, alumni and local communities.

For example, at the Malaysia campus, the EMPower IMPACT project supports students to embark on carefully planned projects designed to create positive social impact. These projects involve direct collaboration with IMPACT Partners who are non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other community-based groups to address real-world challenges. The initiative not only aims to instil a sense of social responsibility in our students but also enhances their purpose, leadership skills, team dynamics, and practical solution deriving abilities. At the Dubai campus, the Engineer for a Day programme gives local school children an opportunity to explore various engineering disciplines. 

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. 

Community engagement with sustainability is a key priority of our strategy. Heriot-Watt University's Sustainability Engagement Programme aims to start a conversation about sustainability so that our university community can take action to address the climate crisis. Staff, students and external communities will be supported and empowered to become advocates for a more sustainable future. Find out more on the sustainability webpages.