Nominate your next Rector
Nominations for the prestigious role of University Rector are now being accepted ahead of elections in 2021.
The call for nominations of candidates closes on 1 February, candidates will be confirmed by 8 February and all votes are to be returned by 22 February.
Influential role
The Rector presides at meetings of the University Court, the governing body of the University of Edinburgh.
Uniquely elected by students and staff, the Rector ensures that the interests of the whole University community are considered in the Court’s decision making processes.
Elections for the influential role take place every three years.
Notable figures
The position of Rector has a long and prestigious history. Previous Rectors include former Prime Ministers Gordon Brown, Winston Churchill, David Lloyd George and Earl Kitchener.
Others to hold the post include the scientist Sir Alexander Fleming, the actor James Robertson Justice, the musician Donnie Munro and the footballer John Colquhoun.
Journalist and broadcaster Muriel Gray is one of only two woman to have served as Rector. The other being current incumbent Ann Henderson.
Election process
All current staff and students are eligible to nominate candidates.
Nominees must provide written confirmation that they accept the nomination. They must be supported by a minimum of 40 signatures from University staff and students.
Nominations close at 12 noon on Monday 1 February 2021.
Voting
Voting will mainly be carried out online through the MyEd portal and take place between 9 am on 26 February and 7pm 27 February.
Online voting requires access to a computer and registration in advance with EASE, the University's authentication service.
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