Strathclyders celebrate as 'inspirational' university turns 60

The city’s transport museum had just opened its doors, originally at the Coplawhill tram depot and work was underway on the first section of the M8 motorway (which eventually opened in the November of that year.)

Harold Wilson, who had spoken the previous year about the “white heat” of a scientific revolution in Britain, was poised to become Prime Minister, and into this exciting modern age came Scotland’s first new university for 400 years - the University of Strathclyde.

The university's department of commerce in 1966 (Image: Newsquest)

Designed to be the UK’s first technological university, Strathclyde came into existence when Queen Elizabeth II signed its Royal Charter at Balmoral.

It has been at the forefront of learning and research locally, nationally and globally ever since.

Former US President Barack Obama visited during COP26 (Image: Jamie Simpson/University of Strathclyde)

Strathclyde’s predecessor, Anderson’s Institution, was founded in 1796 as “a place of useful learning” and this principle has remained central to the university ever since.

Notable alumni, clockwise from left: Elish Angiolini, Claire Mack, Sir Tom Hunter, Aileen McGlynn and Andrew O'Hagan (Image: Newsquest)

Notable alumni include the first female Lord Advocate Lady Elish Angiolini KC; entrepreneur and philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter; politician Baroness Annabel Goldie; musician Lauren Mayberry; Paralympic Cycling gold medallist Aileen McGlynn; novelist Andrew O’Hagan; and Iain Neil, cine lens designer and 14-time Academy Award winner.

Iain Neil (Image: Newsquest)

Famous visitors over the decades have included former US President Barack Obama, the then Prince Charles in 1996, during the 200th anniversary of Anderson’s Institution, and HM Queen Elizabeth II.

The University campus in the city centre (Image: Ann Fotheringham/Newsquest)

Breakthroughs in research at Strathclyde have included leucovorin, which is used across Europe to treat colorectal cancer; temadol, used in the treatment of brain tumours; atracurium, a muscle relaxant which is used in operations worldwide; and HINS light, which uses lighting to decontaminate air and exposed surfaces and is used in healthcare settings.

The Strathclyde University campus (Image: Ann Fotheringham/Newsquest)

Strathclyde’s late Professor of Mathematics, Frank Leslie, co-devised a theory of liquid crystals which paved the way for their use in flat screen technology in televisions, computers and mobile phones.

The University continues to carry out intensive research into some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including health, renewable energy, the effects of climate change, artificial intelligence, manufacturing and transport safety. It also offers authoritative, insightful analysis on often complex subjects, such as politics and economics.

Strathclyde has a strong culture of entrepreneurship in which staff, students and alumni are actively encouraged to establish business and are supported in doing so. The University also has extensive links with industry, which have led to many productive research partnerships and to students gaining valuable experience through internships and placements.

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The Strathclyde campus, initially based around the Royal College building on George Street, has grown and developed over the past 60 years, with several new buildings added over the past decade, including the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences Building; the Technology and Innovation Centre, officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 2015; the Strathclyde Sport facility, and the Learning and Teaching Building, which was developed from the former Architecture and Colville Buildings.

Strathclyde is also playing a leading role in the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland and the Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre, both of which combine new technologies for the benefit of society with economic impact.  

Former students are joining the diamond jubilee celebrations.

Chris Smith MBE, who graduated from Strathclyde with a BSc (Hons) in maths in 2003 and a PGDE in Secondary Education in 2006, was named Scottish Teacher of the Year in 2018.

“Strathclyde Maths Department was an inspirational place to study with so many brilliant researchers and teachers,”  said Chris, who is now teaching at Grange Academy in Kilmarnock. “I left with a first-class degree but much more – I had a real sense of the relevance of maths and how it could explain the world we live in.”

Claire Mack (Image: Newsquest/Mick McGurk)

Claire Mack, who graduated in 2016 with an MSc in applied economics, is now chief executive of Scottish Renewables

“I met some phenomenal people from different backgrounds and age groups who brought so much to my time at Strathclyde,” she said.

“Graduating having completed my Masters while working and being a mum was a big moment for me. A highlight from beyond that time, but linked to it, was being invited to contribute to an analysis of the economic impacts of COVID which the University published and my input was in there alongside the views of my dissertation supervisor, which made me feel very proud.”

Car firm Arnold Clark’s chief commercial officer John Clark, who graduated with a BA in town and country planning and an MSc in marketing in 1994 and 1995 respectively, said: “Strathclyde was always my first choice, mainly due to my affiliation and loyalty to Glasgow and my shared ethos with the university.

“Strathclyde Business School had such a great reputation for pragmatic learning, and I knew I would leave with a high level of practical knowledge.”