The University of Aberdeen will mark its 530th anniversary next month with a week of celebration.
Founded in 1495 by William Elphinstone, Bishop of Aberdeen and Chancellor of Scotland, the University of Aberdeen is Scotland's third oldest and the UK's fifth oldest university.
Bishop Elphinstone set out the purpose of the university – then King’s College – to be ‘open to all and dedicated to the pursuit of truth in the service of others’.
A week-long programme of events will take place to mark Founders’ Week, honouring the University’s history and its continuing impact on the world.
On Monday February 10, members of the public are invited to come along to Elphinstone Hall for a day of fun for all the family. Researchers from across the university will be on hand with interactive activities to demonstrate just some of the ground-breaking research currently being undertaken.
From the fascinating world of microfossils to the making of a magic book, to Chinese craft activities to the Rowett Institute’s ‘mini-mart’, there will be plenty going on to keep everyone occupied.
Those who come along can also enjoy tours of the Old Aberdeen campus, or a visit to the Zoology Museum, while TechFest will also be attending with some of their family-friendly STEM activities.
The Discovery Day will take place in Elphinstone Hall from 11am to 3pm, and is free to attend. For more information visit Founders' Week - Discovery Day: Open to All | Events | The University of Aberdeen
The next day, (Tuesday, February 11), Professor Gordon Noble will present an update on his ground breaking research on Pictish society in the North-east to a sold-out audience at a Cafe Sci event at Aberdeen Art Gallery.
On Wednesday, the university will host a Founders’ Week Inaugural Lecture with Regius Chair of Physiology, Professor Mirela Delibegovic.
Professor Mirela Delibegovic.
Professor Delibegovic will share her incredible journey which took her from a teenager fleeing war-torn Bosnia and Hercegovina in 1994 to becoming the first female Regius Chair of Physiology – a position appointed directly by the King – three decades later.
In this special Founders’ Week lecture, Professor Delibegovic will share how her early life inspired her research journey and how she is now following in the footsteps of another Aberdeen diabetes pioneer, whose work is credited with saving millions of lives.
The lecture will include an audience Q&A session hosted by vice-principal of research Professor Nick Forsyth and will be followed by a drink's reception in the Suttie Centre foyer area.
Rounding up the week of celebrations, will be the Founders’ Week Chapel Service, where we will pay tribute to our historic origins as an ancient University and celebrate the support of our benefactors over the centuries.
Professor Nicholas Forsyth, vice-principal (research) at the University of Aberdeen, said: “What a tremendous honour it is to be hosting a whole week of events to celebrate 530 years of the University of Aberdeen.
“This is a week where we will come together to pay tribute to our historic origins as an ancient university, reflect on the important role the University continues to play in education and research, and celebrate the support of our benefactors over the centuries.
“From the vision of Bishop Elphinstone to the insights in medicine, science and engineering, law, social sciences, arts and humanities over five centuries which contributed to five Nobel prizes, Founders’ Week is a time to remember and celebrate the University’s contributions.
“The week of activities that are planned showcase not only the fantastic research going on at the University but also the researchers carrying the work out.”
For more information about all the Founders’ Week activities taking place, visit www.abdn.ac.uk/events