This year has seen Strathclyde take the global spotlight; from internationally covered events to students showcasing their entrepreneurial endeavours to millions! Here’s a rundown of Strathclyde’s eventful 2023.

First up on our year in review is Robbie MacIsaac, an engineering student who has seen a meteoric rise after inventing an ingenious bagpipe attachment known as the FLUX Blowpipe. The attachment absorbs excess moisture, thus protecting pipers’ lung health. Paying tribute to the university, the inventor explained how “Strathclyde’s support network has also been of great benefit. I have come away with newfound accomplices through the Accelerator Programme.” Robbie consequently networked and developed his innovative ideas, having founded his own company in 2019.

Numerous award wins and media coverage followed this success, including a February 2023 appearance on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den. Robbie’s passionate drive was noticed by investors, who were quick to realise his company’s potential. This March, he won Young Entrepreneur of the Year – raising the national recognition of Strathclyde’s young innovators. Robbie states that “Strathclyde has been monumentally constructive for my business’s growth.”

The inaugural Daily Mail University Guide in September saw Strathclyde being named Scottish University of the Year – an achievement that commended the university for its commitment to inclusivity.

A significant ongoing event for students and staff alike this year has been the UCU strike action. The industrial action has centred around reducing the pay gap, especially for disadvantaged staff. Masters student James Henry, who completed his undergraduate degree at Strathclyde earlier this year, found the disruption to be detrimental to his learning: “Repeated strike action put a stop to class-after-class and hindered the quality of this essential information being provided.” The strikes, which have been in aid of calls for fair pay in higher education establishments, have been largely supported by Strathclyde students.

The international spotlight was on Strathclyde and its steep hills during this summer’s 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. The university was designated as one of the event’s media centres. Hundreds of international spectators visited Strathclyde’s campuses throughout the championships, showcasing Strathclyde’s cultural richness.

Yet an October report revealed Strathclyde’s dubious beginnings; particularly, historic links to the slave trade. In light of the report, the university maintains that racial diversity and equality are fundamental to Strathclyde’s values. Professor Ian Rivers, Associate Principal & Executive Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, reiterates these inclusive ideals, encouraging faculties to explore “critical transitions and turning points in the social, cultural, economic, technological and environmental fabric of our societies.”

Unity has been key to Strathclyde in 2023, and this could not have been more apparent than when talented business student Suleman Dawood tragically passed away in June aged just 19 years old while on the Titan expedition. Professor Rivers remarked: “We were all shocked by the tragic loss of Suleman. To be taken from us so early in his Strathclyde journey and in circumstances few of us can comprehend was truly heart-rending.”

Social justice remained central to the university’s principles this past year, states Strath Union President Eva Curran: “The Union is the hub for several activism campaigns. This includes the 16 Days of Action, an international campaign to end gender-based violence. During this time, we have our Fight for the Night march. The community comes together to walk from Kelvingrove to George Square to stand in solidarity. It’s always an energy-filled evening, with students from other institutions coming together for a common cause.”

Omar Malik

Since high school, I have been immersed in numerous areas of journalism.

Volunteering and interning at establishments focused on sports journalism, media reporting on underrepresented groups including disabled people, as well as writing monthly articles in my own time, the field of journalism has always captured my attention over the past decade.

I graduated in 2022 in English Literature MA Hons from the University of Edinburgh, and I feel as though those analytical and stylistic teachings have only aided my pursuit for a career in media writing and reporting, especially as I undertake a Masters in Digital Journalism MLitt at Strathclyde University.