Heriot-Watt University
The name Heriot-Watt commemorates George Heriot – the 16th century financier to King James, and James Watt – the great 18th century inventor and engineer. The University originated as the School of Arts of Edinburgh, founded in 1821 as the world’s first Mechanics Institute, which revolutionised access to education. An early pioneer of equal opportunities, women were welcomed as early as 1869 – 20 years ahead of other institutions – and in 1966 Heriot-Watt became a University by Royal Charter.
The Scottish College of Textiles in Galashiels merged with Heriot-Watt in 1998 and created the University's School of Textiles and Design.
The Watt Club, the University's Alumni Association, recently celebrated its 150th Anniversary, making The Watt Club the oldest graduate association in the UK.
Often referred to as Scotland’s international University, Heriot-Watt has two major student campuses in Scotland, a campus in Dubai and over 50 international academic learning partners.
A further small campus in Orkney, in the North Coast of Scotland, is home to Heriot-Watt’s International Centre for Island Technology.
Physics at Heriot-Watt is strongly research oriented community with over 30 Postdoctoral Research Associates and 40 PhD students at any one time. The research interests are wide ranging from semiconductor physics, optoelectronics, material science and nonlinear physics. Recently introduced research activities include: ultra-short pulse lasers, optical manipulation studies, and bio-photonics. Adaptive optics are being used in astronomy, laser design and imaging to create new optical instruments and processes. There is also extensice interest in dynamic nanoscale processes on semiconductor surfaces and spintronics.
Overview of Research and Research Groups
