Cities are known for many things. Glasgow is known as a friendly place, a City of Culture, a City of Architecture and aspiring to be a World City of Science.

It all began in the mid fifteenth century when the University of Glasgow was founded. The City was chosen as a fitting place where “the air is mild, the victuals are plenty and where there is a store of other things pertaining to the use of man is found”. In particular it was established so that there might be “an overflowing fountain of the sciences, out of whose fullness all that desire to be imbued with the lessons of knowledge may drink.”

Since that time Glasgow, and the West of Scotland, has played a leading global role in the development of civilised, industrialised and just societies. The region now has four Universities and a host of Colleges and research facilities, strong links with science based businesses ‐and it retains its friendliness and “open‐for business” approach.

Its heritage of science, technology, medicine and the social sciences is huge and this is the right moment to capitalise on all that we have done, still do, and can do even better in the future. It has a world‐wide opportunity to lead and develop science, linked to the city and the wider West of Scotland, with strong partnerships and networks. Its links with the citizens of the West of Scotland is also crucial in schools, the workplace and in continuing learning.

Glasgow can do it, and has the will and the experience to succeed; it’s miles better.