THE retiring Principal of Edinburgh University was honoured with the city’s most prestigious accolade last night.
Professor Sir Timothy O’Shea, who has been at the university’s helm for 15 years, was presented with the Edinburgh Award at a ceremony in the City Chambers.
The Professor was presented with an engraved Loving Cup by Lord Provost Frank Ross and a bespoke poem by the Edinburgh Makar Alan Spence celebrating the difference he has made to the city and to the students of Edinburgh.
O’Shea’s handprints have been immortalised on a flagstone beside those of the 10 previous recipients of the award.
They include fellow Edinburgh University Professor Peter Higgs, the Nobel laureate behind the discovery of the Higgs boson.
An expert in computer-based learning, artificial intelligence, mathematics and education, O’Shea, 68, has held a personal chair in Informatics and Education at Edinburgh since 2002.
He is a member of a number of Scottish Government bodies, including the Financial Services Advisory Board.
Lord Provost Ross said: “Driven in large part by Sir Timothy, Edinburgh University has expanded over the last 15 years and asserted itself as one of the top 25 academic institutions in the world.”
O’Shea said: “As someone who loves the city and enjoys living and working here so much, I am delighted to receive this award.”
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