from the principal ....

Welcome to the start of a bright new academic year. If you have just joined the University - as a member of staff or a student - you are very welcome. An intensive drive over recent times to re-align our resources - academic, physical and financial - in pursuit of our vision of excellence for Dundee has put us back on the front foot. At a time when universities throughout the UK face uncertainty Dundee's hard work has ensured a good foundation to build on for the future.

Over the past year the University has performed well by a wide range of measures on research, teaching, student satisfaction and awards for merit. Of the six Royal Medals awarded by the Royal Society (London) and the Royal Society of Edinburgh - the UK's most distinguished academic honours - three were awarded to Dundee academics. Our 'triple gold professors' (page 3), whose work has made an impact on the lives of people across the globe, provide the best possible role models for today's students. The combination of high calibre researchers and scholars and leading edge research platforms has secured more than ?100 million in research awards for Dundee over the last 15 months - money which will accelerate understanding and knowledge in a range of areas.

Students are now filling the new 'wireless' residences and taking maximum advantage of the superb teaching facilities in the Dalhousie Building which was formally named last month in a ceremony by the 17th Earl of Dalhousie - son of the former University Chancellor whom the building honours. The formal opening of the library extension by Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning Fiona Hyslop follows, highlighting the new flexible study facilities available.

Dundee's performance was nicely captured in The Sunday Times Good University Guide, which gave the University the following glowing tribute: 'Dundee is riding a wave of academic success that league tables such as our own struggle to capture fully. This is one of the finest institutions in Britain where researchers routinely push back the boundaries of knowledge and teachers inspire their charges. The winners are the students lucky enough to study here.'

I will finish by sharing with you a note from a former member of staff visiting the University after a couple of years: 'I wanted to let you know how much I was struck by the incredible building work that has taken place and the very positive impact this has had on the campus.' He went on to quote from American planner Daniel Burnham who said: 'Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men's blood... Make big plans. Aim high in hope and work...'

Aim high in hope and work - what better message for students and staff at the start of a new academic year.

Alan Langlands