Scotland’s Heriot-Watt University held an alumni reception at the British Ambassador’s residence on the 18th June 2009. 

The first Norwegian students enrolled at Heriot-Watt in 1908.  Since then over 2000 Norwegians have been awarded their degrees from the University and Heriot-Watt is proud of its close academic and cultural links with Norway.
Heriot-Watt’s role in the education of Norwegian students has been recognised by the Norwegian government.  The insignia of Commander of the Royal Order of St Olav has been awarded to Heriot-Watt on three occasions. 

      

In 1979 King Olav V received the honorary degree of Doctor of Heriot-Watt University and in 1994, King Harald V and Queen Sonja also received the Degree of Doctor of the University, “in recognition of Heriot-Watt University’s long and happy association with Norway and their Majesties”.
Many Norwegian Heriot-Watt graduates have contributed to the successful development of Norway’s engineering and offshore industries in particular. Now there is increasing strategic interest in developing sources of sustainable energy. Heriot-Watt University is meeting this challenge both through available courses and through new research in the field.

During the reception Norwegian ship-owner and businessman, Fred. Olsen received an honorary professorship from the Institute of Petroleum Engineering, with specific reference to the University’s International Centre for Island Technology in Stromness, specifically, in recognition of his support of PhD student Barry Johnston. In 2002 Barry Johnston formed ‘Scotrenewables’; a renewable energy R&D business, located in the Orkney Islands. ‘Scotrenewables’ is presently researching and developing wind and marine energy methods throughout Scotland and internationally in co-operation with Heriot-Watt University.  In his acceptance speech Fred. Olsen acknowledged his family ties with the University, and explained his especial enthusiasm for the idea of developing tidal technology as a useful and exciting addition to the list of renewable energy sources.  “The technology is far from straightforward” said Professor Olsen, “but the unique conditions in the Orkney Islands provide exactly the right environment for the research”.  

Fred. Olsen, Peter Wilson, Professor Jonathan Side of the International Centre for Island Technology and Professor Simon Stewart, Head of the Institute of Petroleum Engineering.  

Back to newsroom

Back to top