News
Archive of: 2026
Anthony Brown
11 June 2026
Anthony Brown. Born 30 January 1935 in Baldernock. Died 2 June 2026 in Newton Mearns, Glasgow, aged 91.
Anthony was one of the three creators of Star Refrigeration, and held the position of Managing Director from 1970 until his retirement in 1997. He remained as a director and continued to serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors until handing over to John Rowell in 2015.
Study warns cost-cutting use of generative AI could increase cyber-attack risks
10 June 2026
Newly published research from a leading computer scientist warns that the use of generative AI to design, train or perform steps within a machine learning system could increase serious risks.
Michael Lones, professor at Heriot-Watt University’s School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, has argued in a new paper that generative AI could expose organisations and the public to unintended harm.
Strathclyde joins national collaboration to accelerate DNA and RNA research
08 June 2026
A new network involving Strathclyde will fast-track innovation across nucleic acids research including DNA, by bringing together UK-based researchers, industry partners and policymakers.
Silicone film harnesses sunlight to de-ice wind turbines
06 June 2026
A laser-etched, AB-silicone film with sunlight-absorbing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is designed to keep surfaces ice-free down to temperatures of -50°C.
Greenock semiconductor plant boosts efficiency through smarter use of data
04 June 2026
Engineers at Diodes Incorporated in Greenock are improving how production data is used on the factory floor through a collaboration with the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), unlocking faster decision-making, reducing manual analysis, and improving efficiency in semiconductor manufacturing.
Cask ageing unlocks new flavour in Scottish spirits from alternative crops
01 June 2026
Scotland’s cask ageing expertise could help reveal greater complexity in spirits distilled from potatoes and other non-grain raw materials, a new project has found.
Arbikie Distillery in Angus, the first in Scotland to produce potato based vodka, worked with chemists at Heriot-Watt to analyse the aroma of their experimental 10-year-old potato-based spirit.
Type 31 Programme Reaches Key Milestones at Rosyth
29 May 2026
Major progress has been made in the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigate programme, with two important milestones achieved at the Rosyth shipyard in Scotland—delivered by SMC member, Babcock.
Wireless endoscope transmits data via light to tackle ‘cable spaghetti’
28 May 2026
A new endoscope could tackle “cable spaghetti” in operating theatres by transmitting data via light, its developers have claimed.
Strathclyde backs SNUG trials to cut peak electricity demand in social housing
26 May 2026
The University of Strathclyde is partnering on SNUG (Smarter Network Upgrades), a project to trial retrofit measures in up to 300 homes, helping social landlords lower electricity demand at the busiest times of day.
Space mission launch advances UK standing in quantum communications
24 May 2026
A landmark space mission built on UK research excellence is set to accelerate progress in quantum communications, as the Heriot-Watt University led Integrated Quantum Networks (IQN) Hub launches the pioneering “Satellite Platform for Optical Quantum Communications” (SPOQC).
Groundbreaking study in light control opens door to new technological frontiers
21 May 2026
Scientists at Heriot‑Watt University have demonstrated in a world-first, that light can be used to control every aspect of how electromagnetic waves oscillate, opening new technological frontiers.
University awarded with national honour for fire safety team
19 May 2026
The University of Edinburgh has received one of the UK’s highest honours for the pioneering and influential work of researchers who played a key role in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.
