NEWS IN BRIEF
QMU crowned Higher Education Institute of the Year
One of the standout moments of our 150th anniversary year was QMU being crowned ‘Higher Education Institute of the Year’ at the Herald Higher Education Awards 2025 - a celebration that added extra sparkle to an already special year. The honour recognised our long‑standing commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, inclusion, innovation and student support, with judges praising QMU’s impressive performance across multiple award categories and our forward‑thinking, holistic approach to higher education.
QMU also picked up two additional awards. Podiatry lecturer Evelyn Weir was honoured for her ‘Outstanding Contribution from a Staff Member’ thanks to her decades‑long dedication to supporting Scotland’s homeless community. Meanwhile, our pioneering Wooden Spoon Frame Running Equipment Hub, the first of its kind in Scotland, was recognised for its ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community’. Add in several shortlistings across the board, and it’s fair to say QMU made quite an impression at the 2025 Awards.
Empowering neurodiversity at QMU
Bridging on-the-ground action with national expertise, QMU continues to advance meaningful support for autistic people both on campus and across Scotland.
This commitment is reflected in our Autism&Uni Toolkit, created with autistic students and staff to help neurodivergent learners navigate university life with confidence. The toolkit offers practical guidance on wellbeing, learning support and campus life, helping reduce barriers to success.
More widely, Scotland’s National Autism Implementation Team (NAIT) has been hosted at QMU since 2019. This mixed-team partners with professionals and neurodivergent people across Scotland to encourage more understanding and supportive approaches, through shared learning, national networks and research.
View the Autism&Uni Toolkit and find out more about the work of NAIT at www.thirdspace.scot/nait
From QMU to prime-time: Matt shines on The Traitors
It’s always a proud moment for QMU when one of our graduates appears on national television - but seeing Matt Hyndman on the smash-hit BBC series ‘The Traitors’ brought a special buzz to the QMU community during the long winter evenings.
A graduate of our BA (Hons) Film and Media course, Matt quickly became a standout contestant in a programme known for its psychological twists, shifting alliances and high-stakes drama. His appearance didn’t just entertain - he captured the attention of viewers across the country and became one of the season’s most memorable faces.
Although Matt didn’t quite make it to the final, his time on the show showcased far more than strategy. His thoughtful gameplay and genuine warmth (and not to mention his exquisite knitwear) gained him a loyal fanbase. Whether navigating tense roundtable debates or forging connections in the atmospheric Scottish Highlands, Matt’s authenticity consistently shone through.
Matt’s journey is a reminder of where talent, perseverance, and the courage to seize unexpected opportunities can lead. And if The Traitors is any measure, Matt’s journey into TV is only just getting started.