03 Jul Interview with Claire McPherson, Director Universities Scotland
BF: What continues to set Scotland’s tertiary education sector apart on the world stage in 2025, and what has driven its exceptional growth over the past five years?
McPherson: Higher education is a core part of Scotland’s national identity, reflected in our 19 universities – the highest concentration per capita in Europe. Our institutions are globally respected, with Scotland ranked fifth worldwide for the number of top-100 ranked universities. That reputation is built on excellence in teaching and research. Every university in Scotland conducts world-leading research, and 85% of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent – more than any other part of the UK. We also produce more research papers per researcher and lead in global citation metrics. Although Scotland accounts for just 8% of the UK’s population, we host 10% of its researchers and generate 12% of its research output. Around half of this research is internationally co-authored, reflecting our strong global partnerships across 110 countries. Our universities range from ancient institutions to modern and specialist centers, creating a diverse, collaborative ecosystem. We also attract around 6,000 U.S. students annually, drawn by our world-class teaching and research.
BF: How would you evaluate the current level of government support for universities, and what new reforms are poised to shape the next evolution of the sector?
McPherson: Undergraduate tuition for Scottish students is publicly funded, a long-standing Scottish Government policy. However, its real-term value has declined over the past decade, creating financial pressure on institutions. To cover the shortfall, universities increasingly depend on international student income, a model now challenged by recent UK immigration policy changes. We believe urgent dialogue with the government is needed to address the funding gap and protect the sector’s long-term sustainability. Universities are central to delivering the Scottish Government’s 10-year National Strategy for Economic Transformation, particularly through research, innovation, and workforce development. Reforms are underway to streamline tertiary education through legislation aimed at improving coordination between colleges and universities, which we support. There’s also growing emphasis on skills planning at both national and regional levels. At the UK level, we’re engaging with the new government’s industrial strategy. Globally, our institutions support the UN Sustainable Development Goals and are committed to collaborating on shared challenges – from climate change to poverty alleviation.
BF: What is Universities Scotland’s stance on future policy, and what urgent changes are needed for the sector’s long-term sustainability?
McPherson: Long-term sustainability requires stable, sufficient funding for both teaching and research, but sustainability goes beyond finances. It’s about adapting to Scotland’s changing economic and demographic needs. With an aging population and fewer school leavers, there’s growing demand for lifelong, part-time, and flexible learning. We believe policy must evolve to support these shifts and ensure the sector continues to meet future student and workforce needs.
BF: Can you walk us through the mission of Universities Scotland in 2025, and why its voice is so pivotal at this moment of change?
McPherson: As the collective voice of all 19 Scottish universities, we serve as the primary link between the sector and government, partners, and stakeholders. Our strength lies in uniting institutions to collaborate and advocate with a shared vision: to sustain Scotland’s global leadership in education, research, and innovation. We champion the vital role universities play in Scotland’s competitiveness, social mobility, and international partnerships, with the student experience at the core. Higher education here transforms lives through world-class teaching and career opportunities. We also work to strengthen partnerships across government, business, education, and international communities, ensuring the sector continues to deliver meaningful impact.
BF: How is Universities Scotland advancing equity, diversity, and opportunity for all students today?
McPherson: Widening access is a top priority, and Scotland’s universities have made strong progress since 2014 with government support. All 19 institutions use contextualized admissions to consider applicants’ backgrounds, and this shared approach has already exceeded interim targets for enrolling students from more deprived areas. We remain committed to reaching 20% representation by 2030. Outreach begins early, encouraging young people from all backgrounds to see university as a real option. We’re proud of the diversity this fosters on campuses – including the vibrancy brought by international students – and remain committed to creating an inclusive, supportive environment for all.
BF: How would you assess the current R&D capabilities across Scottish universities, and where do you see the greatest potential for growth and global leadership?
McPherson: Scotland excels in life sciences, AI, data, and especially creative industries, where innovation blends with design and manufacturing. These align well with the UK’s industrial strategy and present strong growth opportunities. Collaboration is a key strength, with partnerships like Glasgow School of Art and Strathclyde University working together on projects from pharmaceuticals to automotive design.
BF: What role do you see universities playing in fostering entrepreneurialism, from supporting startup hubs to embedding business acumen into academic curricula?
McPherson: Entrepreneurialism is a growing priority across Scottish universities. At a recent event in Germany, the German U15 were impressed by our campus-wide entrepreneurial culture. It’s reflected in industrial placements, graduate apprenticeships, and challenge-based projects that bring students and employers together. There’s strong demand from employers who value early engagement and the real-world skills students bring. Universities also have a strong track record in spinouts – turning academic research into commercial ventures – driven by this dynamic, entrepreneurial spirit.
BF: How are universities becoming launchpads for digital breakthroughs in areas like AI, gaming, quantum computing and big data?
McPherson: Scotland’s universities were already strong in digital learning pre-pandemic, which helped them pivot quickly during COVID-19. Since then, the sector has embraced hybrid and online models, recognizing diverse student needs. We collaborate closely on digital innovation. There’s also a growing focus on cybersecurity awareness and shared digital infrastructure to improve efficiency. Institutions like the Open University and the University of the Highlands and Islands are leaders in blended and online delivery.
BF: What fresh strategies are being deployed to attract and retain international students, especially in light of UK immigration reforms?
McPherson: Scotland’s new destination marketing campaign promotes an open and welcoming message to global students. The government’s international education strategy supports this, helping universities tap into global networks and alumni, such as recent outreach through the Scottish government office in Washington. While migration policies have impacted numbers, we continue engaging with the UK government to ensure policies reflect Scotland’s needs. Broader factors, like currency fluctuations in Nigeria, have also played a role. Through our international committee and collaboration with Universities UK, we share insights and coordinate efforts under a unified “Brand Scotland” approach.
BF: How can Scottish universities leverage recent challenges faced by U.S. research and universities to attract more U.S. students and researchers?
McPherson: The U.S. remains a key market, with over 6,000 students choosing Scotland each year. We value these long-standing ties and aim to grow them further. Rather than competing directly with other countries, we focus on Scotland’s distinct strengths and reputation as a high-quality, welcoming destination for international education.
BF: How would you summarize your personal vision for Scottish universities evolved since stepping into this role?
McPherson: I find this sector deeply inspiring – it truly transforms lives. A major part of my role is helping to tell that story, highlighting the incredible work happening on campuses and its impact on communities and the wider economy. Universities play a key role in delivering on priorities like healthcare, climate, and economic growth. We’re not in competition with these issues – we’re essential to solving them. My focus has been on strong messaging, inclusive collaboration, and helping everyone see the sector as a force for good across Scotland and beyond.
BF: What is your final message for the readers of USA Today?
McPherson: Creativity, adaptability, innovation and collaboration are at the core of Scottish universities. As global institutions, we work locally and worldwide to advance research, promote global good and showcase the true value of universities.