Honorary, visiting and emeritus titles

The Senate approved in April 2020 a new policy and procedures for the conferral of honorary, visiting and emeritus titles.

The policy and procedures include a clear statement of the rights and responsibilities associated with such titles, including the duty to uphold and abide by the policies of the University (e.g. the IT and Communications Facilities Acceptable Use Policy) and the rules on remuneration for title holders.

An honorary title at Heriot-Watt University is a prestigious award given to recognise an important association with a person external to the University who brings personal distinction in research, teaching, knowledge transfer or strategic consultation and advice.

A visiting title at Heriot-Watt University is a prestigious award given to facilitate a valuable specific contribution made by an individual (often from another institution) to the University over a specified period of time in relation to research, teaching, knowledge transfer or strategic consultation and advice.

An emeritus title at Heriot-Watt University is a prestigious award conferred to professors and professorial fellows on retirement and in recognition of valuable service and contribution to citizenship in a research and/or teaching role over several years.

The conferral of honorary, visiting and emeritus titles is governed by the University’s Charter and Statutes and by the following Ordinances, respectively:

• Ordinance F4 (Emeritus Titles)
• Ordinance F6 (Honorary Titles)
• Ordinance F7 (Visiting Titles)

The appointments process for titles falls within the remit of the Senate. Please visit the Senate web page for more details on the powers and functions of the Senate and the delegations of its authority.

Further information for those being conferred titles is contained within the policy and procedures.

To nominate a person for one of the above titles, please download a nomination form and follow the process outlined therein.