from the principal ....

Semester one is in full swing with a busy programme of events, research funding successes and a new look to the north part of the campus.

The new structure of the University is gradually bedding down with many of the schools taking the opportunity to establish a new pattern of research seminars. The University also continues to attract external lecturers of international standing and we have been privileged to hear from Sir Crispin Tickell on climate change, Professor Leon van Shaik on how architecture and cultural development can energise our cities and Professor Sir Nick Wright on the power of imaging in biomedical science.

We have also played host to Scotland's Top 10 in History, accompanying the BBC series, the Scrymgeour lectures are under way and the UNESCO Centre for Water Law, Policy and Science was successfully launched in Brussels. These events add energy and interest to the University, they reinforce some of our current development themes and have underlined the relevance of our work in the modern world.

Meanwhile the old Hawkhill is being transformed with the development of the new education, social work and teaching building, the Heathfield residences, the revitalised Sports Centre and the recent development of the Queen Mother Building, Belmont residences and the James Black Centre. Our aim of providing first rate accommodation for students and staff is now being realised and the disruption around the campus should be much less of a problem as we move into the spring and summer of 2007.

The University has also taken a main lead in the Scottish Funding Council's research pooling initiatives and, whilst this limits local discretion, it is enabling us to pursue specific developments in engineering, computing, economics, geography, policing, life sciences and water law.

Set against these positives the University Court and the Senior Management Team have real concerns about spending pressures in the University and the future pattern of public spending in higher education more generally. A 'sustainability review group' is hard at work examining the range and volume of our academic activities, the efficiency of student and academic support services and the prospects for cost reduction and income generation. This group will report to Court in February 2007 and its recommendations will shape our plans for the next five year period.

Finally, I want to express my deep sadness on hearing of the death of Dr Stuart Fair. Dr Fair was the chair of the University Court from 1990 to 1993, a tireless worker for various Dundee charities and a loyal supporter of every aspect of the University's work. He will be sadly missed.

Alan Langlands
Principal and Vice-Chancellor