On 20 June 2025, Maggie Brünjes, Chief Executive of Homeless Network Scotland, was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters by Heriot-Watt University at a ceremony on its Edinburgh campus. The doctorate recognises her leadership in advancing evidence-based, collaborative solutions to homelessness in Scotland.
For over 25 years, Maggie has championed transformative approaches to homelessness. Since 2010, as Chief Executive of Homeless Network Scotland, she has led the national network uniting organisations to deliver innovative solutions and advocate for a Scotland where everyone has a home. During that time she has co-founded impactful initiatives such as Housing First Scotland (2016), the UK-wide Centre for Homelessness Impact (2018), the Everyone Home Collective (2020) and Fair Way Scotland (2022). As a member of the Minister-appointed Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Group, Maggie helped shape Scotland’s national plan to end homelessness and continues to influence policy through national frameworks.
Accepting the award, Maggie said: “I am deeply honoured by this recognition from Heriot-Watt University, whose Institute for Social Policy, Housing and Equalities Research leads global efforts to address housing disadvantage and social inequality, with their relentless pursuit of knowledge directing transformative change in Scotland, the UK and beyond.
“This award reflects the dedication of the Homeless Network Scotland team and our wider partners and associates. While we’ve made significant strides in addressing homelessness, the housing emergency has halted progress. This moment only fuels our resolve to pursue urgent solutions to Scotland’s housing and homelessness challenge.”
Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, said: “Maggie Brünjes has brought about lasting, system-wide change in the fight against homelessness, inspiring policy and partnerships across Scotland and beyond and whose work exemplifies the values of purpose, compassion and global impact that Heriot-Watt holds dear.”
The laureation was delivered by Professor Suzanne Fitzpatrick, Director of the Institute for Social Policy, Housing and Equalities Research at Heriot-Watt University. This, along with Maggie’s response, can be viewed at this video link from around 30:40m.