In an historic move, the Society of Actuaries, the professional body for actuaries in the US and the largest organisation of its kind, has named Heriot-Watt as Europes first Centre of Actuarial Excellence.
In an historic move, the Society of Actuaries, the professional body for actuaries in the US and the largest organisation of its kind, has named Heriot-Watt as Europe's first Centre of Actuarial Excellence.
The society selected Heriot-Watt following a rigorous evaluation of its mathematical and computer sciences (MACS) actuarial programmes, staff, students, contribution to actuarial scholarship and research, and the achievements of graduates.
The award positions Heriot-Watt at the leading edge of actuarial science in universities and will further enhance its appeal to students and researchers from across the world.
Head of MACS Professor Beatrice Pelloni said:
"I am delighted that the international excellence of staff and students in the department of actuarial mathematics and statistics has been so prominently recognised by the denomination as the only Centre of Actuarial Excellence in Europe.
"This award recognises years of excellence in teaching and research, starting back in 1972, when Heriot-Watt instituted one of the first UK degree programmes in actuarial mathematics and statistics. I am extremely proud of the staff and students in the school and of their hard-earned and fully deserved international reputation."
All the university's actuarial programmes are also fully accredited by the IFoA.