A new research centre dedicated to the works of Robert Burns will be launched on the anniversary of his death.
The Centre for Robert Burns Studies in Glasgow will look at the impact of Scotland's Bard across the world.
Launched tomorrow, 211 years after Burns' death, the Centre will host leading experts on the Ayrshire-born writer.
A major conference is planned for next year.
Director Dr Gerard Carruthers, from the University of Glasgow's Department of Scottish Literature, said: "No writer has wider appeal, both popular and scholarly than Burns.
"One of the greatest poets and also one of the finest song-writers produced by Scotland, or for that matter Britain, Burns is someone who matters in so many ways.
"As well as his work, the world has remained fascinated with Burns in other ways which makes him a huge cultural icon, a phenomenon in itself that is worthy of long and deep investigation, and the new centre will make a contribution to its understanding."
Burns composed hundreds of songs, poems and letters during his 37 years.
His most famous works include Auld Lang Syne, A Red, Red Rose and To a Louse.
Academics will work on a new ten volume edition of his writing and an online edition of the letters of James Currie, Burns' first editor.
A series of lectures on Burns' contributions to culture are also planned.
Saturday's opening will be marked with a talk by Dr Fiona Stafford from Oxford University.
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