APRIL 2023

2023 marks the tercentenary of the father of modern economics, Adam Smith. As one of the University of Glasgow’s most famous and notable alumni, we are using this year as an opportunity to reflect on his life, his works and his legacy.

In this tercentenary year, we hope to inspire a renewed discussion about Adam Smith, his world-changing ideas and their relevance to the problems of the 21st century, including climate change and social inequality.

As a university founded in 1451, we have a rich heritage and history of world-changers, and today we build on this legacy though global partnerships, collaborations and relationships that create meaningful change. Smith’s Theory of Moral Sentiments put forward the notion that while we should strive to be our very best, we cannot do so at the expense of others. This notion is highly relevant and applicable to today’s society and higher education sector. While each of us will strive to be the very best university in the world, we cannot do so in isolation. By forming mutually beneficial partnerships and fostering a culture of collaboration and collective action, we can empower each other to address some of the greatest challenges of our time.

On behalf of the University of Glasgow, I invite you to join the conversation during our Tercentenary Week of events from 5-10 June and follow #AdamSmith300 on Twitter.

I am grateful to partners who have already participated in our global reading group and hope you have enjoyed being part of the discussion and debate.

Best wishes,
Rachel Sandison
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement)

Adam Smith anniversary badge

About Adam Smith

Close up of the cover of a copy of the book, The Wealth of Nations

The book that changed the world

Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli and Dr Craig Smith share their views on the impact The Wealth of Nations has had on the world.

Graphic of Adam Smith against the Glasgow skyline

The giant of economics with his heart in Glasgow

Exploring the life of Smith the scholar, Smith the educator and Smith the economist, and his strong links to Glasgow.

Graphic of Adam Smith's head

What would Adam Smith do?

Smith's ideas are still inspiring those who seek solutions to society's biggest inequalities - including academics at the University of Glasgow.

Ways to get involved

Adam Smith's name on the University memorial gates

Tercentenary Week events

Hear from some of the world's most prestigious speakers on Adam Smith's legacy. Registration is now open for the lectures.

Adam Smith tercentenary badge on a lavender background

Smith Around the World lecture series

Throughout 2023, our prestigious global partner institutions are undertaking their own events to mark the Adam Smith tercentenary.

image of Adam Smith's handwriting

Join our global reading group

Join academics, alumni and students to discuss the ideas in Smith's magnus opus, the Wealth of Nations.

Group of students walking through Gilmorehill campus

Would your students like to spend a summer with Adam Smith?

We're holding an international summer school in Glasgow on the age and ideas of Adam Smith.

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