Sue Cunningham speaks with Professor Peter Mathieson, Principal, University of Edinburgh about his leadership of the University of Edinburgh, life under COVID-19, and the similarities and differences in leading universities in Hong Kong and in the United Kingdom. They discuss the importance of advancement, and how it is at different stages of evolution regionally. Professor Mathieson shares his view on the immense value of Edinburgh's 200,000 – member strong "fantastic army of people with an interest in the university." And finally, hear what he is most looking forward to once travel is a possibility again – it will make you smile.