Professor Andrea Nolan is Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, a role she has held since 2013. She graduated as a veterinary surgeon from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, and after a short time in veterinary practice, embarked on an academic career which led to her the University of Glasgow where she established herself as a research leader in the field of animal pain, its recognition and management. Her senior leadership developed in Glasgow through roles as Dean, Vice Principal and Senior Vice Principal. Andrea has served on a range of public, professional and charitable Boards, many contributing to the development of Higher Education. She has served as convenor of Universities Scotland, the professional body representing Scotland’s Higher Education institutions, and currently chairs its international committee. Andrea holds several Board positions currently. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, a Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies and was awarded an Honorary OBE in 2013 for services to Higher Education and Veterinary Science. Andrea has four children and has been a member of Down’s Syndrome Scotland for many years, valuing the organisation’s support, networks and expertise.