News archive 2005
Alumni carol service
Thursday 08 December 2005
Alumni and friends of the University of St Andrews are invited to attend this year's traditional Alumni Carol Service.
Hell in Scotland
Monday 05 December 2005
While it may not be politically correct for modern churches to preach hell and damnation, new research into the personal beliefs of the Scottish clergy has revealed that as many as one third believe in the existence of hell.
Guns and arias
Monday 05 December 2005
An academic at the University of St Andrews will examine musical responses to terrorism at a lecture today (5th December 2005).
Bagpiping degree awarded on St Andrew's day
Wednesday 30 November 2005
Scotland's first ever 'Doctor of Bagpiping' will be awarded his degree at the University of St Andrews today (St Andrew's Day, 30 November 2005).
The Gruffalo visits St Andrews
Tuesday 29 November 2005
* Pic caption - Julia Donaldson with her husband Malcolm, and Lyall Constable *
Poetry reading marks St Andrew's day
Tuesday 29 November 2005
One of the greatest Gaelic voices of our time will give a special poetry reading to mark Scotland's national day.
GC anniversary celebrated
Monday 28 November 2005
Sir Kenneth Dover, who retires as Chancellor of the University on 31 December 2005, presided for the final time at a meeting of the General Council in Dundee at the weekend (Saturday 26 November).
Graduation gears up
Friday 25 November 2005
The annual St Andrew's Day Graduation Ceremony at the University of St Andrews will kick off next week (Wednesday 30th November) with awards being given to a host of well-known names, both inside and outside the University.
Italian honours for St Andrews academics
Wednesday 23 November 2005
CAPTION: Left to right, Mr Andrea Macchioni, Consul General of Italy in Scotland, Professor Peter Humfrey, His Excellently Gianchrlo Aragona, Ambassador of Italy to the U.K., Professor Ronald Ferguson. CREDIT: Peter Adamson.
Star gazing lights up St Andrew's night
Tuesday 22 November 2005
Amateur astronomers can view the night sky's delights next week when the University of St Andrews opens its Observatory to the public, free of charge.
Polar explorer - graduate attempts world-first
Wednesday 16 November 2005
* Photo caption - in training off the coast of Griffiths Island, North of Canada *
Crofting history brought back to life
Monday 14 November 2005
* Photo caption - Marion MacInnes Morrison and John Morrison *
St Andrew's day honours
Friday 11 November 2005
The annual St Andrew's Day Graduation Ceremony at the University of St Andrews will kick off later this month (Wednesday 30th November) with awards being given to a host of well-known names, both inside and outside the University.
Star FM returns to the airwaves
Tuesday 08 November 2005
St Andrews student radio Star FM is set to re-launch after a successful pilot earlier this year.
Scientists explore 'Grand Canyon' of the oceans
Tuesday 08 November 2005
The deepest, darkest, most inhospitable place on Earth is the focus of a new £2 million research project involving University of St Andrews scientists.
University of St Andrews Chancellor to step down
Monday 07 November 2005
Sir Kenneth Dover, FRSE, FBA, Chancellor of the University of St Andrews, is to retire from office on December 31st 2005.
'Outstanding' philosopher awarded
Monday 07 November 2005
CAPTION: Professor Daniel Nolan, recipient of a 2005 Philip Leverhulme Prize. CREDIT: Greg Restall
The biology of beauty
Wednesday 02 November 2005
CAPTION: Composite faces of the 10 women with highest (left) and 10 with lowest (right) levels of oestrogen. CREDIT: www.perceptionlab.com
Researcher unearths iron age skeleton
Tuesday 01 November 2005
Archaeologists have discovered a Shetland burial ground dating back over 2,000 years.
Exiled Iraqi benefactor funds 41 scholarships
Tuesday 01 November 2005
Scholarships worth over £40,000 have been awarded to students starting their courses at the University of St Andrews this year, courtesy of an exiled Iraqi benefactor.
Old Vic debut for English graduate's play
Monday 31 October 2005
A star-studded cast helped launch a play written by a St Andrews graduate, at The Old Vic Theatre in London last night (30th October 2005).
How Scotland did its duty
Friday 28 October 2005
Three generations directly descended from a Scots Trafalgar hero will visit an exhibition today (Friday 28th October 2005) dedicated to the Scottish contribution to the Battle of Trafalgar and the Napoleonic Wars.
Stephen Fry awards writing prize to graduate
Thursday 20 October 2005
Actor and writer Stephen Fry has awarded a major writing prize to a University of St Andrews graduate.
St Andrews reader gives prestigious lecture
Thursday 20 October 2005
A University of St Andrews academic will deliver a prestigious British Academy lecture tonight (Thursday 20 October 2005).
Scholarships awarded for 2005
Thursday 20 October 2005
The University of St Andrews hosted a reception yesterday (Wednesday 19 October) to honour over 100 new undergraduates who have won scholarships to study at the University.
Cinematic collaboration leads to rare screening
Thursday 20 October 2005
The recently established Department of Film Studies at the University of St Andrews has secured the showing of an avante-garde Russian masterpiece to local audiences next week. Three screenings of the previously heavily censored film will be shown over two nights in St Andrews and Dundee.
The language of food
Thursday 13 October 2005
CAPTION: Liberius, a five year old male chimpanzee, made different grunts to convey different types of food. CREDIT: Katie Slocombe.
The long & short of it - tall women aim high
Thursday 06 October 2005
New research has revealed that tall women may be more ambitious in their careers and less inclined to start a family.
Nature's role in creating cures
Thursday 06 October 2005
The understanding of nature's involvement in a deceptively simple chemical reaction may help in the future development of new antibiotics.
Desmond Tutu supports academic centre
Thursday 06 October 2005
Scholars of religion at the University of St Andrews have received the support of anti- apartheid campaigner Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The renowned churchman is to be a patron of the University's Centre for the Study of Religion and Politics (CSRP).
The psychology of tyranny
Monday 03 October 2005
Ground-breaking research by psychologists at the Universities of St Andrews and Exeter has far reaching implications for the way groups function to create and resist tyranny.
Poetry through the ages
Wednesday 28 September 2005
* Caption - Four of the poets involved - Professor Robert Crawford and John Burnside (back) and Kathleen Jamie and Don Paterson (front) *
Unveiling of gateway galleries
Friday 23 September 2005
The first ever dedicated exhibition space for the University of St Andrews' museum collections will be officially unveiled next week (Wednesday 28 September 2005).
Rob Roy book prize
Tuesday 20 September 2005
A University of St Andrews historian has been awarded a major book prize for his research into Rob Roy.
Part-time student awarded provost's prize
Friday 16 September 2005
Margaret Ferguson CREDIT: Alan Richardson
Prestigious accolades for St Andrews economist
Thursday 15 September 2005
A University of St Andrews economist has secured two prestigious accolades in just one month.
From dino paws to fire and freeze
Thursday 15 September 2005
From dino paws to fossil jaws and the fire and freeze of Fife, Scotland's celebration of geology will arrive in St Andrews this weekend. For two consecutive weeks, the University of St Andrews will host two free local events to coincide with the Scottish Geology Festival (1st - 30th September).
Working together again
Tuesday 13 September 2005
An innovative project between the University of St Andrews and a Fife High School will run for the second time after a successful pilot run last year.
£800k cancer research funding
Thursday 08 September 2005
A University of St Andrews scientist has been awarded £800,000 to help stimulate the human body's natural defences against cancer.
Biologists discover birdlife barbershop quartet
Wednesday 07 September 2005
University of St Andrews scientists have discovered the bird world's very own 'barbershop quartet'.
Tartan goes Dutch
Monday 05 September 2005
CAPTION: The original new tartan was designed especially for the Dutch by Dr David Wishart. CREDIT: David Wishart.
Volunteers sought for new memory study
Friday 26 August 2005
Would you like to help psychologists study how differences in age affects the memory? If so, you could provide invaluable help to researchers about to launch a new study at the University of St Andrews.
Chimpanzees ape their peers
Monday 22 August 2005
CAPTION: Techniques were passed on throughout communities through observation. CREDIT: Drawing by Amy Whiten.
Students head to the fringe
Wednesday 10 August 2005
Students from the University of St Andrews will perform the World Premiere of their own show 'Alternate Endings' at this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Looking for Leviathans
Monday 01 August 2005
Ever wondered how scientists estimate the number of whales and other deep sea life, or the reality behind stories of sea monsters?
Light shed on ancient Jewish and Christian texts
Thursday 28 July 2005
CAPTION: The opening verse of an ancient Syriac apocalypse.
St Andrews by the sea
Thursday 21 July 2005
An exhibition which focuses on the sea and coastline around St Andrews has opened at the University Library.
Research to explore crowd responses to bombings
Wednesday 20 July 2005
The experiences of people caught up in the London bombings are to be used by university scientists to help emergency services tackle similar disasters in future.
Ancient rolls reveal parliamentary history
Wednesday 20 July 2005
CAPTION: The first roll from 1275 CREDIT: The National Archives
Do you remember ......?
Tuesday 05 July 2005
What role do visuals play in our understanding of television news, and how do the blind use imagery to recall events?
3 stars for university apartments
Tuesday 05 July 2005
David Russell Apartments, the University of St Andrews' state-of- the-art student residences, have been awarded three-star status by VisitScotland as self-catering holiday lets during the summer.
School's in for summer!
Friday 01 July 2005
The Sutton Trust's only Summer School in Scotland will once again run at the University of St Andrews this year.
New fertility hopes for former cancer patients
Friday 01 July 2005
UK doctors have developed a way of predicting how long a woman who has been treated with radiation therapy will be fertile, ending uncertainty about the chances of motherhood for many childhood cancer patients.
What Ahab never saw
Wednesday 29 June 2005
The University of St Andrews Sea Mammal Research Unit will showcase some of its most exciting and cutting-edge research next week at a prestigious event highlighting the best of British science.
St Andrews to honour golfing greats
Wednesday 29 June 2005
The best known voice in golf, Britain's most prolific Major winner of the modern era, the biggest-hitting lady golfer and a five-times Open champion are all to be honoured by Scotland's oldest university.
Major survey of whales, dolphins + porpoises
Tuesday 28 June 2005
Ships and aircraft will take to European waters next month as part of the largest ever international survey of whales, dolphins and porpoises.
Principal's graduation address - 23rd June 2005
Thursday 23 June 2005
University of St Andrews Graduation Address 23 June 2005
First cut made towards new arts build
Tuesday 21 June 2005
CAPTION: Principal and Vice- Chancellor Dr Brian Lang (right) makes the first cut with David Downie, Regional Director of Morrison Construction. CREDIT: Peter Adamson
Honorary degrees 21st - 25th June
Monday 20 June 2005
Author Bill Bryson, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament George Reid and Poet Seamus Heaney are among those receiving honorary degrees from the University of St Andrews this week.
Willkommen to St Andrews
Wednesday 15 June 2005
The University of St Andrews welcomed school children from all over Scotland yesterday (Tuesday 14th June 2005), for its annual German recitation contest.
Past brought to life for dementia sufferers
Wednesday 15 June 2005
Classic movies such as 'Casablanca' could bring back lost memories for dementia sufferers thanks to an innovative memory aid.
Careers in health
Wednesday 15 June 2005
Local school pupils gained an interactive insight into Scotland's healthcare profession at the University of St Andrews last night (Tuesday 14 June 2005).
Another 'classic' event at St Andrews
Wednesday 15 June 2005
School pupils from all over Scotland demonstrated the enduring appeal of the ancient subject of Classics at a special event at the University of St Andrews today (Wednesday 15th June 2005).
Top of the tree
Tuesday 14 June 2005
A collection of poems by creative writing lecturer Kathleen Jamie has won Scotland's 'most valuable literary prize'.
Graduates 'onsite' to solve town's IT problems
Tuesday 14 June 2005
* Pic caption - left-to-right - Andrew and Allan *
Can dogs learn from watching children?
Thursday 09 June 2005
How do animals - ranging from ants and dogs to pigeons and children - learn? Do they rely on traditions? Can they learn from other species?
Opening doors to higher education
Wednesday 01 June 2005
The opportunities for mature or part-time students to embark on a University of St Andrews degree are to be highlighted next week (Thursday 9 June 2005).
Life on other planets
Thursday 26 May 2005
Is there life on other planets and how can we recognise it?
Vatican appointment for St Andrews alumnus
Wednesday 25 May 2005
A University of St Andrews alumnus has been appointed to the Catholic Church's most senior doctrinal body in Rome.
Unique insight into integrated medicine
Wednesday 18 May 2005
University of St Andrews students will become the first in the UK to gain an insight into Germany's integrated medicine programme.
Prof. to lead Arts + Humanities Research Council
Wednesday 18 May 2005
A University of St Andrews Divinity Professor has been appointed Chief Executive and Deputy Chair of the new Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).
Honorary degrees
Tuesday 17 May 2005
Author Bill Bryson, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament George Reid and Poet Seamus Heaney are just some of those receiving honorary degrees from the University of St Andrews next month.
Positive charge for battery research
Monday 16 May 2005
* CAPTION - Professor Peter Bruce, School of Chemistry, University of St Andrews. Credit - Royal Society of Edinburgh *
St Andrews geoscientist at top rock awards
Thursday 12 May 2005
CAPTION - Dr Alsop examining deformed marble near Carrara, northern Italy.
Sleeping through tornadoes and the plague
Wednesday 11 May 2005
CAPTION: The winners of the best project, pictured with Vice- Principal (External Relations) Stephen Magee and Mrs Gwen Kinghorn (KHS Headteacher). CREDIT: Stan Farrow
End of term for schools project
Wednesday 11 May 2005
A scheme allowing University of St Andrews students to help out in Fife school classrooms has ended for another year.
University asks Principal to extend stay
Tuesday 10 May 2005
Dr Brian Lang, Principal and Vice- Chancellor of the University of St Andrews, has accepted an invitation from the University's governing body to extend his contract by two years until December 31st 2008.
'Graduation' for Fife schools project
Monday 09 May 2005
The first 'graduates' of an innovative Fife schools initiative will present their research projects to the University tomorrow (Tuesday 10 May 2005).
Morality in warfare
Thursday 05 May 2005
The former Commander of the Desert Rats will deliver a public lecture at the University of St Andrews today.
Action! University collaborates with local cinema
Wednesday 04 May 2005
The new Department of Film Studies at the University of St Andrews will collaborate with the local cinema for the first time next week (Tuesday 10 May 2005).
Protecting the protected
Thursday 28 April 2005
Marine biologists are to launch a new study into ways of protecting two protected species in Scotland - one of which feeds on the other.
Tomorrow's inventors
Wednesday 27 April 2005
The inventors of tomorrow were in St Andrews today as part of a national competition for primary school children across Scotland.
St Andrews offers Rwandan scholarships
Tuesday 26 April 2005
Ten Scottish universities are offering scholarship places to Rwandan women in the latest stage of a project which has already helped revitalise education in the African country.
From Boris Becker to Claudia Schiffer
Monday 25 April 2005
The University of St Andrews will host its third German recitation contest for school children from all over Scotland, following the successful running of the competition since its launch in 2003.
University's treat to Canadian scholars
Wednesday 20 April 2005
The University of St Andrews hosted a special lunch for this year's intake of Canadian Jones scholars. Attended by the University's Principal Dr Brian Lang, the lunch was held for nine students currently on a year's exchange from Canada.
St Andrews hailed best university in Scotland
Tuesday 19 April 2005
The University of St Andrews has again been rated the top University in Scotland according to a national league table.
Pulitzer poet to perform
Monday 18 April 2005
An Honorary Professor of English at the University of St Andrews described as 'the most significant English-language poet born since the Second World War', will perform a special reading at the University this week.
Do you have a fabulous find?
Thursday 14 April 2005
Ever wondered what that mysterious family heirloom was originally used for? Would you like to learn the history behind an old medal, photograph or fossil? The University of St Andrews is offering locals the opportunity to have their historical objects identified by experts.
Tropical trip to St Andrews
Monday 11 April 2005
CAPTION: Bell Baxter pupils Neil Ferguson and Peter Crockett working at the University recently.
The challenges of Latin America today
Monday 11 April 2005
The head of an international development charity working for justice and the eradication of poverty will deliver a lecture at the University of St Andrews today (Monday 11th April 2005).
Sea serpent's sexy secret
Tuesday 05 April 2005
CAPTION: The original sketch of the famous 1734 sighting of a 'most dreadful monster'.
'Super' microscope wins £750,000 funding
Monday 04 April 2005
CAPTION: Recent advances by the St Andrews researchers include the development of a purple laser used to deliver genes into cells.
Staff celebrate career success stories
Thursday 31 March 2005
Staff at the Universities of St Andrews, Dundee and Abertay Dundee celebrated the success of a career- building course last week (Friday 25 March 2005).
Art prize for student
Tuesday 29 March 2005
A University of St Andrews student has received a major art prize.
Why the tsunami struck
Thursday 24 March 2005
Life-saving maps providing better evacuation routes in the event of another tsunami could be produced thanks to a group of St Andrews scientists exploring the causes and consequences of last year's disaster.
2005 Bobby Jones scholars announced
Wednesday 23 March 2005
The University of St Andrews has selected four exceptional students to participate in the prestigious Bobby Jones Scholarship programme with Atlanta's Emory University.
First Minister opens university's £10m investment
Friday 18 March 2005
CAPTION: First Minister Jack McConnell at today's opening. CREDIT: Alan Richardson, Pix-AR
St Andrews sparks chemistry applications rise
Thursday 17 March 2005
Politicians and scientists heard how two Scottish universities collaborating on chemistry research are maintaining Scotland's competitive edge on the world stage when they met today (Thursday 17 March 2005).
Chemist awarded for enzyme research
Tuesday 15 March 2005
CAPTION: PROFESSOR JAMES NAISMITH, WINNER OF THE 2004 CORDAY-MORGAN MEDAL.
Unravelling Tolkien's map
Friday 11 March 2005
How were the dramatic landscapes in the Lord of the Rings trilogy formed?
Fighting talk
Friday 11 March 2005
Scientists have discovered that chimpanzees have developed different ways of screaming during fighting. The findings, led by psychologists at the University of St Andrews, suggest that the subtle differences in vocalisations may have been developed to provide important clues for nearby allies.
Trio awarded for 'outstanding achievements'
Thursday 10 March 2005
Three outstanding scientists from the University of St Andrews have been elected Fellows of The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE).
Humans, dogs + chickens to benefit from £1m study
Wednesday 09 March 2005
St Andrews scientists have been awarded over £1 million to study viruses that cause mumps and croup in humans, kennel cough in dogs and the fatal Newcastle disease in chickens.
An evening with Professor Richard Dawkins
Monday 07 March 2005
World-renowned science broadcaster and author Professor Richard Dawkins will give a public lecture at the University of St Andrews this week (Thursday 10 March 2005).
Smooth start for herbal medicine course
Thursday 03 March 2005
Handcream helped a new complementary medicine course get off to a smooth start today (Thursday 3 March 2005).
From Tolkien's map to sea monsters
Wednesday 02 March 2005
Want to hear how the dramatic landscapes in the Lord of the Rings trilogy were formed, or learn about the science of golf and sea monsters?
Cash award for Alzheimer's study
Thursday 24 February 2005
A University of St Andrews biologist has been awarded Medical Research Council (MRC) funding to further the understanding of Alzheimer's disease.
St Andrews still open for the open!
Wednesday 23 February 2005
The University of St Andrews remains open for the Open Championship (14-17 July 2005) despite reports and rumours to the contrary.
France honours young academic
Wednesday 23 February 2005
A University of St Andrews lecturer has been awarded a prestigious accolade for her contribution to the knowledge and understanding of French culture.
How prepared is the UK for future attack?
Monday 21 February 2005
Leading experts on terrorism and political violence have completed a 2-year project on how prepared the UK is for future attack. The project looked at the strength of policies made since 9/11 in preventing, pre-empting and preparing for terrorist attacks.
Secrets of mysterious painting unlocked
Thursday 17 February 2005
CAPTION: The famous Velázquez painting under study. CREDIT: The National Gallery, London.
Mums-to-be attracted to healthy faces
Wednesday 16 February 2005
CAPTION: Male face which was manipulated to appear unhealthy (left) and healthy (right). CREDIT: www.perceptionlab.com and www.faceresearch.org
Health profession showcase to Fife school pupils
Wednesday 16 February 2005
Fife school pupils will gain an interactive insight into Scotland's healthcare sector tonight (Wednesday 16 February 2005) as part of a University of St Andrews hospital event.
First uk tsunami expert to visit Maldives
Friday 11 February 2005
An expert on tsunamis from the University of St Andrews will head off to the Maldives this weekend to investigate the impact of the Indian Ocean tsunami on Boxing Day last year.
Easy as A, B, C
Friday 11 February 2005
A pioneering seven-year project testing a new method of teaching primary children to read and spell has ended - with results proving that the new method helped children learn faster.
Going live! Students to launch radio station
Thursday 10 February 2005
St Andrews students are set to launch their very first student radio station, broadcasting on 87.7 FM from the Students' Union, throughout the town.
Polar populations
Wednesday 09 February 2005
CAPTION: One of the polar bears spotted by Tiago during his trip. CREDIT: Tiago Marques.
Science specs appeal
Tuesday 08 February 2005
Science pupils from Kirkcaldy High School visited the Schools of Biology, Chemistry and Physics at the University of St Andrews last week.
Religion and politics centre established
Tuesday 08 February 2005
Academics at the University of St Andrews have established a research centre which will focus on the link between the two dominant forces of religion and politics.
Free taste of student life at St Andrews
Wednesday 02 February 2005
School pupils interested in an all- expenses-paid sample of life at the University of St Andrews are being invited to apply for places at this year's Summer School.
Collaboration on cancer
Tuesday 01 February 2005
A unique international conference on cancer which will bring together physicists, cancer researchers and clinical oncologists will take place in St Andrews this week (2nd-4th February 2005).
'Fuel steam ahead' for portable power
Monday 31 January 2005
The development of commercial fuel- cell powered applications could be one step closer for scientists at the University of St Andrews.
Voluntary voices needed
Thursday 27 January 2005
A new initiative at the University of St Andrews to create innovative 'talking books' for blind students is appealing to the local community for volunteers.
£1 million search for fresh talent
Tuesday 25 January 2005
The University of St Andrews is to invest over £1 million to provide 120 new postgraduate scholarships in the Arts and Divinity.
Oor wullie: Burns and Shakespeare
Tuesday 25 January 2005
An academic at the University of St Andrews has claimed that it was as a direct result of the influence of Robert Burns that Shakespeare became known as 'the bard'.
Let there be light
Tuesday 25 January 2005
CAPTION: The purple laser developed by scientists at St Andrews and the 'new' cells.
The origin of symmetry
Thursday 13 January 2005
University of St Andrews scientists have been awarded nearly £1.5 million to study symmetry, the crux of some of the world's most baffling computational problems from airline scheduling to medical scanning.
An invasion of cheats
Tuesday 11 January 2005
So-called 'nuptial' gifts - often consisting of food - are typically given to females by males as part of courtship and copulation rituals in many species.
King of rock and old
Friday 07 January 2005
CAPTION: How Elvis Presley might have looked aged 70. CREDIT: www.perceptionlab.com (see full credit below).
Mary Queen of Scots author awarded Whitbread
Thursday 06 January 2005
A biography on Mary, Queen of Scots by an honorary Professor at the University of St Andrews, is to be awarded a prestigious Whitbread prize.