University of Glasgow

The University of Glasgow was established in 1451, making it one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world.

In 1460, the University of Glasgow received a grant of land from James, Lord Hamilton, on the east side of the High Street, immediately north of the Blackfriars Church, where it established its home for the next four hundred years.

In November 1475, the University of Glasgow received its first donations for the library from the University's chancellor, Bishop John Laing. The donations included a manuscript compendium of Aristotle and Pseudo-Aristotelian texts, as well as a paper volume of quaestiones.

In 1577, the University of Glasgow underwent re-constitution along reformed Protestant lines under the guidance of Andrew Melville. This event, known as the Nova Erectio, marked a significant reformation within the university.

In 1581, James Boyd, the Bishop of Glasgow, bequeathed 48 volumes, supplementing the donation made by Buchanan.

In 1637, Zachary Boyd, Minister of the Barony Church in Glasgow, and Dean of Faculty at the University of Glasgow, left his manuscripts, books, and a substantial amount of money to the University. This generous donation was intended to fund the construction of new buildings and create bursaries for students.

In 1693, a general subscription was initiated to construct a common library within the College of Glasgow. King Charles I granted £200 for the project, which was eventually paid in 1654 by Oliver Cromwell. New buildings were constructed over several years to house the library collections.

Teaching in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Glasgow started formally in 1714 with the revival of the Chair in the Practice of Medicine.

James Watt conducted early experiments with steam power while working at the University.

Adam Smith returned to Glasgow in 1751 and started as a Professor of Logic, later transferring to the Chair of Moral Philosophy. He was a renowned economist, philosopher, and author of 'Theory of Moral Sentiments' and 'The Wealth of Nations'.

In 1757, the University of Glasgow built the Macfarlane Observatory and later established Scotland's first public museum, the Hunterian, becoming a center of the Scottish Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution.

Thomas Muir was admitted as an advocate in 1787 after completing his education at the University of Glasgow in 1782. However, he was later expelled from the Faculty of Advocates in 1793 and convicted of sedition in the same year. He passed away in Chantilly on 27 September 1798.

In 1767, Semyon Efimovich Desnitsky, a Professor of Roman Law and Russian Jurisprudence at the University of Moscow, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree from the University of Glasgow.

In 1769, James Watt's engineering work at the University of Glasgow resulted in a stable steam engine, contributing to the Industrial Revolution.

In 1834, at the age of 10, William Thomson, later known as Lord Kelvin, started his studies at the University of Glasgow. This marked the beginning of his academic journey.

In 1840, the University of Glasgow became the first university in the UK to appoint a Professor of Engineering.

In 1846, at the age of 22, William Thomson, also known as Lord Kelvin, returned to the University of Glasgow and assumed the position of Chair of Natural Philosophy (Physics). He held this prestigious post for 53 years.

The Universities (Scotland) Act 1858 defines the rights and responsibilities of the chancellor, principal, and rector of the university. It establishes the framework for governance and executive administration within the university.

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Glasgow was established in 1862 as the independent Glasgow Veterinary College.

In 1870, the University of Glasgow relocated to a new greenfield site on Gilmorehill in the West End of the city. The campus was designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott in the Gothic revival style, featuring buildings inspired by medieval architecture.

The Universities (Scotland) Act 1889 recognized the Glasgow University Students' Representative Council (SRC) as the legal representative body for students. The SRC is responsible for advocating students' interests to the university management, local and national government, and addressing health and welfare issues.

In 1892, Queen Margaret College, the only college for the higher education of women in Scotland, successfully merges with the University, achieving its goal of amalgamation.

The Faculty of Science at the University of Glasgow was established in 1893 by removing Chairs from the Faculties of Arts and Medicine.

In 1914, John Logie Baird, the pioneer of television, starts his academic journey at the University.

The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Glasgow was formally established in 1923, with engineering being taught at the university since 1840.

The University Chapel, constructed as a memorial to the fallen in the First World War, was completed in 1929 and dedicated on 4 October.

In June 1933, Albert Einstein delivered the first Gibson Lecture at the University of Glasgow, focusing on his general theory of relativity. He was later awarded an honorary degree from the university.

In 1949, Glasgow graduate John Boyd Orr receives the Nobel Peace Prize for his groundbreaking scientific research in nutrition and his contributions to the United Nations.

In 1956, Sir John Stirling Maxwell's collection was bequeathed to the University. This collection was passed down by his son, Sir John Stirling Maxwell.

In 1958, Glasgow Professor Ian Donald published the world's first ultrasound images of a foetus, marking a significant advancement in medical diagnostics. This pioneering work laid the foundation for the widespread use of ultrasound beyond obstetrics.

In 1959, the papers of the artist James McNeill Whistler, including over 6,000 letters, were donated to the University. These papers came with the bequest of Rosalind Birnie Philip.

The Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Glasgow was formed in 1977 from Chairs in the Faculty of Arts.

The West of Scotland Coronary Prevention Study, led by Glasgow Professor James Shepherd in 1995, demonstrated the effectiveness of statins in reducing the risk of heart attacks. This groundbreaking research has led to the global use of statins as life-saving drugs.

In 2000, the Faculty of Science at the University of Glasgow was divided to form the three Faculties of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Computing Science, Mathematics and Statistics (now Information and Mathematical Sciences), and Physical Sciences.

The Wolfson Medical School Building, featuring an award-winning glass-fronted atrium, was opened in 2002.

In 2003, Glasgow graduate Emma Richards achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the first British woman to sail solo around the world. Her adventurous journey captured the world's attention and inspired many.

In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), almost 70% of research at the university was in the top two categories, with eighteen subject areas rated top ten in the UK and fourteen subject areas rated the best in Scotland.

On 1 August 2010, the University of Glasgow replaced its former faculties with a system of four larger Colleges to enhance interdisciplinary research and competitiveness.

The University of Glasgow became the first university in Europe to divest from fossil fuel companies in October 2014, following a 12-month campaign led by the Glasgow University Climate Action Society involving over 1,300 students.

In 2015, Glasgow University achieved a significant milestone by being ranked in the top 100 in both the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

On April 21, 2021, Rita Rae, Lady Rae, a Scottish lawyer, judge, and former Senator of the College of Justice, was appointed as the Rector of the university after a decisive victory.