A landmark birthday
The University of Glasgow is celebrating our 575th birthday, marking our world-changing past and future.
During this landmark year we will reflect on centuries of impact locally, nationally and internationally, celebrating the achievements that inspire future world changers to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow.
Following the tercentenary and bicentenary of two of our most famous alumni, Adam Smith and Lord Kelvin, in 2023 and 2024, we are delighted to celebrate our founding in 1451.
Professor Andy Schofield is UofG’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor: "The University of Glasgow is proud of all it has achieved across its 575-year history. Established for the people of our city, we have evolved from being the university for Glasgow, to the university for Glasgow and the world. Our international community of world changers extends across continents and through centuries.
“We invite everyone to join us in marking this remarkable anniversary. This milestone is not just about our past, it’s about the opportunities ahead and the impact we can make together."
575 years ago
The University of Glasgow was founded by the signing of a Papal Bull on 7 January 1451. It left Rome the same day and arrived in Glasgow in June 1451, when it was proclaimed at Glasgow Cross that a university could open.
The document declared that the purpose of the University was to use learning in service of others, and society: "... by assiduous study he may win the pearl of knowledge, which shows him the way to live well and happily, and by the preciousness thereof makes the man of learning far to surpass the unlearned and opens the door for him clearly to understand the mysteries of the Universe, helps the ignorant, and raises to distinction those that were born in the lowest place."