# Heriot-Watt University leadership appointment

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/heriot-watt-university-leadership-appointment
> Updated: 2026-09-06T10:31:31.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Heriot-Watt University has appointed Professor Nola Hewitt-Dundas as its new Principal and Vice-Chancellor. This appointment is a historic milestone for the institution, as she is the first woman to hold the position.

An expert in innovation and science policy, Hewitt-Dundas joins the university from Queen’s University Belfast, where she served as Pro-Vice-Chancellor. Bruce Pritchard, Chair of Court at Heriot-Watt University, noted her distinguished research record and ability to translate academic ideas into societal benefits.

Her leadership begins as the university prepares to launch ‘Strategy 2035’ in October, a decadal plan intended to define the institution’s research ambitions, social impact, and future direction.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-06: Heriot-Watt University appoints Nola Hewitt-Dundas as Principal

Professor Nola Hewitt-Dundas has become the first female Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, leading the institution as it prepares to launch its Strategy 2035.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/heriot-watt-university-appoints-nola-hewitt-dundas-as-principal-1

### 2026-09-04: Heriot-Watt University appoints Nola Hewitt-Dundas as Principal

Professor Nola Hewitt-Dundas has been appointed as the first female Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, leading the institution ahead of its Strategy 2035 launch.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/heriot-watt-university-appoints-nola-hewitt-dundas-as-principal

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Cite as: Heriot-Watt University leadership appointment. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/heriot-watt-university-leadership-appointment