The University of Aberdeen is set to mark its founding origins through a week of activities hosted between the 10th and 14th of February.
Marking the 530th anniversary of UoA, Founders’ Week honours its beginnings by showcasing individuals and their research that highlight the university’s strengths as a Scottish institution.
Founded by William Elphinstone, the Bishop of Aberdeen and the Chancellor of Scotland in 1495, the University of Aberdeen is the third oldest of the ancient universities of Scotland. In its endeavours of being ‘open to all and dedicated to the pursuit of truth in the service of others’, the University of Aberdeen has seen the discovery of groundbreaking research, the creation of award-winning work, and the education of thousands across the centuries.
Running from the 10th of February, there’s a host of activities to get involved with in the celebration and acknowledgment of Founders’ Week. With a large range of different events and services running, visitors will have the opportunity to see what the University of Aberdeen is able to offer.
‘Discovery Day’ kicks off the week, offering a family-friendly day of activities to display the new research of the university. Attendees will have the opportunity to attend multiple different scientific attractions, such as ‘Viral Visions’, ‘Microscopic Monsters’ and the ‘WeeHoloCam’.
The humanities can be explored through the ‘Aberlangs – City of Languages’ event, or celebrating in the new lunar year at the Confucius Institute.
Professor Gorden Noble will be discussing his research in the historic Pictish society here in the Northeast. The sold-out event of ‘Cafe Sci: A Pictish Power Centre at Rhynie and Tap o’ Noth: Recent Progress’ will feature the work that has gone into unearthing this ancient research from Aberdeen’s landscape.
There will also be a lecture held by the director of the Aberdeen Cardiovascular and Diabetes Centre, Professor Mirela Delibegovic, discussing her department’s work. The first female Reguis Chair of Physiology, Professor Delibegovic’s work in researching diabetes pulls inspiration from her own life. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about vital research that aids those with diabetes that gets carried out here at the University.
Founders’ Week will finish off with a service in the King’s College Chapel, conducted by Reverend Marylee Anderson, followed by a sermon delivered by Reverend Dr Shaw J Paterson. These events will also be live streamed to those who cannot attend in person.
As the fifth oldest university in Britain, Elphinstone’s founding has brought the North-East of Scotland tools and education to produce doctors, lawyers, priests, scholars, and many more incredible figures. From introducing Scotland to the printing press, to the creation of the MRI machine, the University of Aberdeen continues to be a beacon in Scotland.
