University takes leading role in creation of new Scottish think tank

Thursday 28 April 2022

St Andrews is one of three Scottish Universities taking the helm of a dynamic new global affairs institute, launched this week (Wednesday 27 April).

The Scottish Council on Global Affairs has been set up by the Universities of St Andrews, Glasgow and Edinburgh to provide a non-partisan hub for the sharing of Scotland’s world-leading expertise.

The Council has received backing from both Scottish and UK Government Ministers as well as from across the political spectrum and wider civil society.

First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, said the new institute will strengthen Scotland’s engagement with partners in the UK, Europe and around the world

The Council aims to forge links with civil society partners and the business community across the UK and internationally, placing their expertise on international issues at their disposal. It will support ambitious research projects designed to inform public policy and encourage wider public discussion.

University Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sally Mapstone FRSE, said: “It is fitting that St Andrews is at the heart of the Scottish Council on Global Affairs. We are an outward-looking university which values and encourages international research collaboration, knowledge exchange, and sharing the wealth of expertise our community has to offer.

“It is important that universities like St Andrews, Glasgow and Edinburgh work together to promote initiatives that stimulate debate and discussion, including international affairs and Scotland’s place in the world. Brexit, the war in Ukraine, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the ongoing climate crisis are all evidence of the need for closer co-operation and joint working with partners across the globe.”

Professor Phillips O’Brien, Chair of Strategic Studies in the School of International Relations and a world-renowned expert on global affairs, including the war in Ukraine, is a Co-Director of the new think tank.

Professor O’Brien said: “’It’s time that Scotland had a rigorous, non-partisan, people-focussed Global Affairs institute that can bring together Scotland’s brilliant researchers with a range of groups from across society.

“The SCGA will sponsor collaborative research efforts, host a regular series of public events and projects, and establish connections with peoples and groups from around the world. It’s the right institution at the right time.”

From left: SCGA Executive Director, Professor Peter Jackson (University of Glasgow), SCGA Co-Director, Professor Juliet Kaarbo (University of Edinburgh), Cabinet Secretary for External Relations, Angus Robertson MSP, and SCGA Co-Director, Professor Phillips O’Brien (University of St Andrews)

The launch event this week included two roundtable sessions held in Edinburgh involving experts from universities, political institutions, and other think tanks from across the globe, as well as international charities.

Professor Phillips O’Brien and Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sally Mapstone, with Professor Brad Mackay, Vice-Principal International Strategy and External Relations

Category University news

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