International Standing Committee - Reports

The 2025 ISC programme began with a presentation by the Provost Kim Graham on Monday 31 March.  The Provost stated that the implementation plan for the global strategy focuses on enabling development of research and innovation, teaching and learning and the civic mission of the university, and with the need to reduce expenditure, for the time being the portfolio of responsibilities of the VP International have been embedded across the executive team.  Internationally, the new Global Partnership Group, chaired by the Provost, is ensuring new and existing strategic partnerships clearly identify what outcomes and benefits there are for the university, before releasing investment.  From a history of bi-lateral partnerships, the university is looking to establish multi-lateral partnerships, involving several universities working together. 

Some positive messages included international student recruitment, the numbers of which have held up, though are less than originally planned for.  Against a tumultuous external environment, the five year financial plan is being revised to ensure Edinburgh keeps its market share. 

The ISC will welcome two guest speakers to the May meeting, the VP Philanthropy and Advancement and Executive Director Development and Alumni, Chris Cox, and Professor Christina Boswell, VP Research and Enterprise to understand the activity with alumni and the implementation of the strategy for research and innovation, including partnerships.

Ann Cormack

Convener ISC