Institute for Northern Studies Annual Report Released
The Institute for Northern Studies has released its Annual Report for 2024-25, highlighting the extensive range of research and teaching activities conducted.
In 2024, the UHI Institute for Northern Studies celebrated its 15th anniversary. Established in 2007 as the Centre for Nordic Studies with just two staff members based in Orkney, then expanding in 2009 to six staff members in Orkney and Shetland, and then achieving institute status, the Institute has successfully developed into a thriving international presence focused on research and teaching in culture, heritage, and human geography, along with community and business engagement. Our campuses are now located in Orkney, Shetland, and Perth.
The Institute now employs over 14 staff and has established connections with universities throughout the world, in both the northern and southern hemispheres. Our work is enriched by 13 associate members across the UHI network and an ever-growing portfolio of eminent Visiting Professors and Fellows.
We conduct pioneering interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research that not only examines past societies but also informs current and future policy-making in Scotland. Over the past 15 years, we have reached several significant milestones, including receiving two parliamentary commendatory motions and a Times Higher Education Supplement Award for distance learning in 2005. We led the submission for UHI Area Studies in the Research Excellence Framework exercises in 2014 and 2021.We achieved a first-place finish for Scotland overall and an equal first-place ranking in the UK for research impact in REF 2021.
Our postgraduate student numbers, both taught and research, have also expanded significantly during this period, with students joining us from across the globe.
With the introduction of new courses and innovative research opportunities, our staff and student community is flourishing like never before. INS is very proud of the successes of our alumni and alumnae across the world. I am personally very proud of the inspiring and indefatigable staff who have made all this possible. We all look forward with anticipation to the next 15 years!