University of Glasgow

The foundation of the University of Glasgow

Jan 1, 1451

The University of Glasgow is established by Nicholas V, making it the fourth oldest university in the UK.

Adam Smith entered

Jan 1, 1737

Adam Smith, the father of modern economics and author of The Wealth of Nations, enters the University at the age of 14 .

William Thomson

Dec 13, 1881

Eminent Glasgow Professor of Natural Philosophy, William Thomson, later Lord Kelvin, creates one of the first houses in the world to be fully lit by electricity on the University campus.

Universities association

Dec 13, 1892

Queen Margaret College, the only college for the higher education of women in Scotland, achieves its aim of amalgamation with the University

First hospital x-ray department

Dec 13, 1896

The world’s first hospital x-ray department is opened at Glasgow’s Royal Infirmary by graduate John McIntyre.

The Nobel Peace

Dec 13, 1949

Glasgow graduate John Boyd Orr is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his scientific research into nutrition and his work with the United Nations.

The world’s first ultrasound images of a foetus are published by Glasgow Professor Ian Donald.

Dec 13, 1958

Ultrasound is now used in many fields of medical diagnostics beyond obstetrics.

Reducing the risk of heart attack

Dec 13, 1995

The West of Scotland Coronary Prevention Study, led by Glasgow Professor James Shepherd, shows that statins reduce the risk of heart attack. The life-saving drugs are now used around the world.

Intellectual Property

Dec 13, 2010

Glasgow becomes the first university in the UK to openly offer Intellectual Property (IP) to businesses for free through our Easy Access IP initiative.

Glasgow is in the top 100 in both the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

Dec 13, 2015