The Latest Breaking News from HeriotWatt University

Scientists discover source of ‘mango-like’ tropical taste in whisky

A PhD student at Heriot-Watt University analysed 14 whiskies from Scotland and Ireland.

Evening Standard · Aug 11

Scottish students 'shut out' as renowned university closes clearing list

A renowned university has closed its clearing process to Scottish students in a move which has been branded 'desperately unfair'

The National (Scotland) · Jul 13

Mystery surrounding the Silverpit crater solved: 160-meter asteroid hit the North Sea 45 million years ago and triggered 330-foot tsunami waves, say scientists

A 20-year-old mystery of the North Sea's Silverpit Crater has been solved. Researchers confirmed an asteroid or comet struck the region 43-46 million years ago, forming the rare geological scar. Advanced seismic imaging and rock analysis revealed shocked minerals, the hallmark of hypervelocity impacts. This 160-meter-wide impactor triggered a colossal…

The Economic Times · Jul 3

Scotland leading local government adoption of AI, report finds

A report found almost a third of Scottish councils are piloting or using AI.

The Independent UK · Mar 9

Stirling becomes third university to face threat of strikes amid cuts row

UCU members at Heriot-Watt and Aberdeen universities have also voted in favour of walkouts in separate disputes over job cuts.

Evening Standard · Feb 17

European flat oysters ‘thriving’ in Firth of Forth

Monitoring by the Heriot-Watt scientific dive team as part of the Restoration Forth project has shown an average survival rate of around 88%.

Evening Standard · Dec 2, 2025

Scientists find space dust may be needed for life, in first study of its kind

The scientists are planning to conduct further research to back up their current findings.

The Independent UK · Nov 24, 2025

First study of its kind finds space dust may be needed for life

Their study found surface reactions between common space molecules are efficient only with dust

The Independent UK · Nov 23, 2025

Rapeseed discovery ‘could help solve global protein demand’

Scientists have found a way to extract protein from the crop using environmentally friendly solvents.

The Independent UK · Oct 12, 2025

Sir Geoff Palmer’s ‘extraordinary life’ hailed at memorial celebration

He was a former chancellor of Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh and was Scotland’s first black professor,

Evening Standard · Oct 10, 2025