| 2010 |
The Scottish Financial Risk Academy launches, the first of its kind and headed up by Prof. Alexander McNeil. |
| 2008 |
The School of Mathematical & Computer Sciences does well in the Research Assessment Exercise. The average score is 2.7, at the level of the research-intensive Russell Group universities. |
| 2006 |
The Departments of Mathematics & Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics form the Maxwell Institute, joint with the School of Mathematics of the University of Edinburgh. Funded with a £10M grant from the Scottish Funding Council. |
| 2005 |
The Departments of Mathematics & Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics move into the purpose-built Colin Maclaurin building. |
| 2002 |
Formation of the School of Mathematical & Computer Sciences (MACS), consisting of the Departments of Mathematics, Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics, and Computer Science. |
| 2001 |
Research Assessment Exercise results for Mathematics and Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics: "Quality that equates to attainable levels of international excellence in up to half of the research activity submitted and to attainable levels of national excellence in virtually all of the remainder". |
| 1999 |
Genetics and Insurance Research Centre set up under the directorship of Prof Angus Macdonald. |
| 1996 |
Research Assessment Exercise results for Mathematics: "International standing in some sub-areas and national standing in virtually all others". |
| 1992 |
The Department of Computer Science is one of final HW Departments to move out to Riccarton purpose built Campus having previously been based in the Grassmarket. |
| Prof. John McCutcheon elected President of the Faculty of Actuaries. |
| Founding of the International Centre for Mathematical Sciences (ICMS), joint with the University of Edinburgh. It organizes international workshops and conferences and was originally located in 14 India Street, the birthplace of James Clerk Maxwell. In 2010 ICMS moved to 15 South College Street. |
| 1986 |
The Department of Computer Science is granted British Computer Society (BCS) approval following the first accreditation visit in December 1986. |
| 1980 |
The Department of Computer Science takes part in the UK "5th Generation" Alvey programme, leading to substantial growth in research. The Department also co-hosts the Scottish Human-Computer Interaction Centre with Strathclyde University. |
| 1973 |
Move from a site in central Edinburgh to a purpose-built campus on the outskirts of Edinburgh. |
| 1972 |
The Department of Actuarial Mathematics & Statistics is founded, the first in the UK. Heriot-Watt offers a BSc degree in Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics, the first in the UK. |
| 1967 |
The Department of Computer Science founded on 1st October 1967 under the headship of Alex Balfour. |
| 1966 |
Heriot-Watt becomes a University by Royal Charter. |
| Heriot-Watt offers a BSc degree in Computer Science, the first in Scotland and one of the first in the UK. |
| 1962 |
The first computer is installed under the joint control of the Departments of Mathematics and of Electrical Engineering. |