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THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE INCLUDING BILLET & GENERAL COUNCIL PAPERS

The weird and the wonderful Richard Wiseman on the secrets of psychology

ALSO INSIDE The Roslin Institute unveils its innovative research hub

Edinburgh College of Art celebrates a new era PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION Contents Foreword The past year has seen many new faces 14 08 and new beginnings at the University of Edinburgh. In this edition we welcome readers from Edinburgh College of Art and new Principal Professor Christopher Breward outlines his plans for the College on page 14. We also profile the relocated Roslin Institute (page 8), now home to one of the world’s largest groupings of animal scientists, and 24 18 celebrate the revamped Old College quadrangle (page 26). Also in this issue, psychologist Professor Richard Wiseman explains how Edinburgh has informed his experiments and ideas (page 12), we highlight the accomplishments of pioneering pacifist and feminist Chrystal Macmillan (page 18), and we present a selection of Features recollections of your time at Edinburgh, alongside a sample of your most recent 08 All together now achievements (pages 20–25 and 28–31). Inside the new £60 million With best wishes for the holiday season. home of the Roslin Institute

For those General Council members who have 12 The Interview requested them, voting papers for the election of The weird and wonderful world the members of the General Council’s Business Committee are enclosed. To vote online, visit of psychologist Richard Wiseman www.general-council.ed.ac.uk/elections.htm.

Published by Communications and Marketing 14 The creative collaborator The University of Edinburgh, Floor C, Forrest Hill Building, 5 Forrest Hill, Edinburgh EH1 2QL Edinburgh College of Art’s Contact: [email protected] Do you have a new head shares his vision Design White Light Media 0131 555 6494 Printing J Thomson Colour Printers photographic memory? 18 Hidden Histories Cover photograph Alan Burles Photography Chrystal Macmillan: No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of the publishers. Enter our photography competition for all Edinburgh the forgotten feminist Edit is printed on environmentally friendly, Forestry Stewardship Council-accredited paper. Edit, the University alumni and you could win a fantastic prize. of Edinburgh’s alumni magazine, is published twice a year. The views expressed in its columns are those of the What reminds you of your time at Edinburgh? PRIZES: contributors and do not necessarily represent those This might be a favourite place, a hidden place, an First prize of the University. unusual view you loved, or perhaps your favourite £150 The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body registered shop. It might be on campus or somewhere in the in Scotland, with registration number SC005336. wider city, something or someone who reminds you Amazon gift voucher Regulars 3x runners-up prizes of the time you spent here. It might make you laugh, ON THE MOVE? If you have changed address cry or both. Show us the Edinburgh you remember. £50 04 University News 26 Then & Now please let us know. Contact Development & Alumni on +44 (0)131 650 2240 or email We are inviting all alumni to submit an original Amazon gift voucher [email protected]. photograph taken in Edinburgh which represents CLOSING DATE: 20 Alumni Profiles 28 Arts Review your time at the University. The best four will be Friday 23 March 2012 judged by the Development and Alumni department HOW TO ENTER: 22 Alumni Network 30 Food for Thought and our favourites will be published in an upcoming Please email your entries edition of Edit. to [email protected] 24 Master & Apprentice 31 The Two of Us

Terms and conditions: Entrants must be alumni of the University of Edinburgh. Each entrant must submit one photograph with an explanation detailing when, where and why the To follow us online, search This publication is available in alternative for Edinburgh Alumni: photograph was taken in no more than 50 words. Photographs must be in jpeg format, minimum size of 4x6 inches (1800 x 1200 pixels), print quality or 300dpi and between 1MB formats on request. and 2MB. Submissions that do not comply may be rejected. Entrants accept that any image submitted to the competition may be used by the Development and Alumni department 25 My Edinburgh 32 Billet in both print and website formats. The photograph should be the entrant’s own work and have been taken in Edinburgh. Obscene or inappropriate photographs will not be accepted and the Development and Alumni offi ce reserves the right to reject any photographs for any reason. Prior to submitting a photograph of any identifi able individual, entrants should obtain the consent of such person and advise them of the purpose of the submission and that their photograph may be published by the Development and Alumni offi ce. Web: www.myed.ed.ac.uk

4 The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine 5

University News For all the latest University news, visit www.ed.ac.uk/news

Cinema superstar among Study could help NEWS IN BRIEF superbug battle Edinburgh honorary graduates New malaria vaccine Targeting a toxin released by virtually University scientists have created a all strains of MRSA could help A leading Chinese actress and malaria vaccine to target different scientists develop new drugs that forms of the disease and help those an Olympic silver medallist were can fight the superbug. honoured at the University’s most at risk. The vaccine is designed A study from the Roslin Institute to trigger production of a range of summer graduation ceremonies. at the University of Edinburgh antibodies to fight the different types discovered a toxin – SElX – that of malaria parasite. Scientists created One of modern cinema’s greatest leads the body’s immune system the vaccine by combining multiple actresses, Maggie Cheung, received to go into overdrive and damage versions of a key protein found in a Doctor honoris causa. healthy cells. many types of malaria parasite. Ms Cheung has appeared in more The investigation will enable research Fighting climate change than 70 films and is renowned for her to find drugs that could target SElX Innovative methods that turn stunning performances in Hero and In and prevent damage to healthy cells, agricultural waste into carbon-rich soil the Mood for Love. Raised in England says Dr Ross Fitzgerald of the Roslin HRH The Princess Royal succeeds HRH The Prince Philip as Chancellor of the University. in a bid to tackle climate change are and Hong Kong, she is the first Asian Institute: “If we can find ways to to be developed at a new facility actress to win a prize at the Cannes Hong Kong actress Maggie Cheung was target this toxin, we can stop it from based at the University’s Biochar Film Festival. awarded the degree Doctor honoris causa. triggering an over-reaction of the Research Centre. The unit will help body’s immune system and prevent Alumna and three-time Olympic New Chancellor installed researchers to produce biochar, a include Olivia Giles (Doctor of Laws), severe infections.” rowing silver medallist Katherine charcoal-like substance made founder and Chief Executive of the Grainger also received an honorary HRH The Princess Royal has been installed as the new Chancellor through the oxygen-free, slow heating 500 miles charity, which supports degree (Doctor honoris causa). of agricultural waste. amputees and other disabled people of the University of Edinburgh. Ms Grainger started rowing as an in Malawi and Zambia in Africa; Merger complete Edinburgh undergraduate and was Excellence acknowledged Bulgarian politician Irina Bokova The installation took place in the Old will focus on research into treatments for captain of the Edinburgh University Edinburgh College of Art merged Colin Pulham, Professor of High- (Doctor honoris causa), Director- College quadrangle in autumn. multiple sclerosis. Boat Club. She graduated LLB from with the University of Edinburgh Pressure Chemistry, was the 2011 General of UNESCO; and António Edinburgh in 1997. on 1 August 2011. The Princess Royal is the University’s In a later ceremony, Ms Rowling buried a winner of the Tam Dalyell Prize for Horta Osório (Doctor honoris causa), eighth Chancellor in the 150-year history time capsule to acknowledge the start of Excellence in Engaging the Public Other notable public figures who Chief Executive Officer of Lloyds As a result of the of the position and succeeds HRH The building work on the centre. with Science. Following the award were honoured over the summer Banking Group plc. merger, the College Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who presentation in early December has combined with stepped down from the role in 2010, the University’s Chancellor’s award winners Professor Pulham delivered the having held it since 1953. She is also University of Edinburgh Christmas School of Arts, Following the installation event, the Chancellor Antarctic rocks help experts predict sea levels Patron of the University’s Royal (Dick) Lecture, titled ‘Chemistry – Our Life, Culture and presented awards to three members of staff for School of Veterinary Studies. Our Future’. Ancient rocks embedded in the West recent global ice ages, some 120,000 Environment to form their contribution to teaching and research. The official ceremony was followed by Antarctic ice sheet could help University years ago, when sea levels rose by up a new, enlarged Edinburgh refreshments on Old College lawn, and Sue Welburn, Professor of Medical and Diesel fumes ‘heart risk’ scientists improve sea level predictions. to six metres. College of Art within the University. The new Principal of the College the Chancellor unveiled a plaque to mark Veterinary Molecular Epidemiology and Director Tiny chemical particles emitted by diesel exhaust fumes could raise the The researchers will determine how long “This will help us predict whether we are is Professor Christopher Breward, the newly completed landscaping of the of the University’s Global Health Academy, risk of heart attacks, Edinburgh Antarctic rocks at the ice surface have heading for major sea level rises in the above, who took up his position quadrangle. was given the teaching award. researchers say. Scientists have been exposed to cosmic radiation – next century or so, as we head toward in September. Professor Breward During the event the Chancellor also Mark Bradley, Professor of High-Throughput found that ultrafine particles energy from exploding stars in space – warmer climates,” says Professor David was formerly Head of Research presented a benefactor’s award to Harry Chemistry, received the award for research. produced when diesel burns are during their lifetime. They will use sensor Sugden of the School of GeoSciences. at the Victoria & Albert Museum Potter author JK Rowling. It recognises Dr Dominic Johnson, Reader in Politics and harmful to blood vessels and can technology and chemical analysis to in London. Understanding how the West Antarctic her gift of £10 million to the University International Relations, was given the Rising increase the chances of blood clots analyse the rocks and their findings will ice sheet behaved between ice ages will Read an interview with Professor for the establishment of the Anne Star Award, in recognition of his academic forming in arteries, leading to a heart indicate whether the ice sheet melted at enable scientists to improve their models Breward on page 14. Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic. potential. attack or stroke.

the warmest point between the two most of past climates, Professor Sugden says. Close Chris Robertson; Douglas The facility, due to open in spring 2013, 6 The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine 7

For all the latest University news, visit University News www.ed.ac.uk/news Edinburgh IVF Specialised scans capture Strong crop of new pioneer knighted tarantula’s beating heart companies created University of Edinburgh alumnus and The University has recorded IVF pioneer Robert Edwards was another solid year of creating new acknowledged with a knighthood in Scanning technology pioneered at the University of Edinburgh companies, strengthening its position the 2011 Queen’s Birthday Honours. has revealed for the first time in detail how a spider’s heart beats. as Scotland’s leading research institution. Sir Robert, who undertook postgraduate and postdoctoral MRI scans, which show blood flowing in volume, enabling a better insight into the The University formed 35 new firms study at the University of Edinburgh and out of a tarantula’s heart, suggest the workings of a spider’s heart. in the 2010–2011 academic year, way in which a spider’s heart functions following on from the record 40 and received the 2010 Nobel Prize The research, carried out in collaboration is much more complex than previously companies created in 2009–2010. in Physiology or Medicine, was with the University of Glasgow, may knighted for services to human thought. Edinburgh scientists have used help provide a greater understanding The new veterinary teaching building was opened at the Easter Bush campus. New companies created by reproductive biology. the scans to look at heart rate and blood of the unique evolution of spiders and Edinburgh Research and Innovation Two University staff members were of how the species evolved differently (ERI) – the University’s also recognised in the Honours list. in comparison to other animals. Unlike commercialisation arm – in the past most other invertebrates, spiders – like State-of-the-art veterinary year include Speech Graphics, which Lesley Forrest, a Senior develops software that realistically Administrative Assistant in the humans – have more centralised organs creates speech-synchronisation Finance division, and Jill Pilkington, such as the heart and the brain. teaching facility opened for video games, and DestiNA a research associate with the Gavin Merrifield, from the University’s Genomics, which has developed School of Biological Sciences, department of Medical Physics, says: The University’s innovative new teaching building for veterinary a chemical test that quickly detects both received MBEs. “These specialised MRI scans have students has been officially opened at the Easter Bush campus. genetic mutations. Mrs Forrest, who underwent a kidney given us in-depth images to provide a In the past five years, the University transplant in 1996, was awarded much better insight into how a spider’s Professor John Savill, Head of the The £42 million facility was opened by has formed 143 companies. Around for voluntary service to transplant heart works. Further scans will help us College of Medicine & Veterinary The Princess Royal, the University’s 75 per cent are still in operation and athletics while Mrs Pilkington was gain new evolutionary information and Medicine, says: “This is an exciting time Chancellor and Patron of the Vet School. currently employ more than 300 staff. awarded for services to science. identify not only the similarities that we for veterinary education with many share with spiders, but also how and The building houses modern and opportunities arising from significant Experts believe the research could improve flexible learning and teaching suites investment at the University’s Easter understanding of the way spiders evolved. when they acquired them independent of ourselves.” designed to support world-class Bush campus.” Fool’s gold provides Near-death events veterinary education. Also in 2011, researchers from the priceless insight are ‘tricks of mind’ The unveiling of the new centre was University’s Roslin Institute took up residence at the Easter Bush site followed by the appointment of Fool’s gold is providing Edinburgh Experts discover supermassive black hole in a new purpose-built centre. Near-death experiences are not Professor David Argyle as the new scientists with valuable insight into paranormal but are triggered by Scientists at the University’s School of toward Earth only 770 million years Head of the Royal (Dick) School of Read more about the new home the Earth’s past geological events. Veterinary Studies. of the Roslin Institute on page 8. a change in normal brain function, Physics & Astronomy have discovered after the Big Bang and researchers Experts within the School of according to researchers. a supermassive black hole sitting at the now hope that they can learn more GeoSciences are recreating ancient Psychologists at the universities of centre of a distant galaxy. about what conditions were like early forms of the mineral pyrite – dubbed in the Universe, 14 billion years ago. fool’s gold for its metallic lustre – that Edinburgh and Cambridge who The black hole appears to astronomers reveal details of the Earth before the reviewed a range of phenomena as a luminous quasar, or swirling disc of MILESTONE FOR ENGLISH LITERATURE Great Oxygenation Event, which took such as out-of-body experiences, gas: as the gas falls into the black hole, place 2.4 billion years ago. This was visions of tunnels of light and it emits radiation, in the form of light. The University’s department of books, letters and other artefacts; and encounters with dead relatives, say English Literature will be celebrating an event at the 2012 Edinburgh a time when oxygen released by they are tricks of the mind rather Edinburgh scientists led an international its 250th anniversary in 2012 with a International Book Festival debating early forms of bacteria gave rise to than a glimpse of the afterlife. team of astronomers that made the range of special events. the role of literary study in new forms of plant and animal life, discovery using data from an ongoing transforming the Earth’s oceans and The experts say that many common contemporary culture. There will also sky survey at the United Kingdom There are plans for a major lecture to be a series of walking tours in atmosphere. near-death experiences could be Infrared Telescope, which was built at caused by the brain’s attempt to be held in May; the exhibition ‘250 association with the ‘Edinburgh: Studying the composition of different the Edinburgh’s Royal Observatory and make sense of unusual sensations Years of Literature in Edinburgh’ in the UNESCO World City of Literature’ forms of iron in fool’s gold enables is based in Hawaii. and perceptions occurring during a University’s Main Library, showcasing project. Email [email protected]. better understanding of geological

traumatic event. Light from the quasar began its journey Dodds Paul Cook; Lynette by Observatory/AURA Gemini conditions at the time. 8 The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine

All together now The 2011 unveiling of the Roslin Institute’s new £60 million facility marks a major step forward for global animal health research. By Tara Womersley

t first glance, the rolling research and information sharing, pasture land of Midlothian’s says Professor Hume. “In terms of Pentland Hills may not seem improving health for livestock animals, the obvious backdrop for an the partnership with SAC is a logical international hub of cutting- one,” he explains. edgeA scientific activity. But it is here, at “The SAC has plenty of expertise the University of Edinburgh’s Easter Bush in livestock and good relationships veterinary campus on the outskirts of the with farmers, so by working together city, that the epicentre of one of the we can enhance research to improve world’s largest concentrations of animal animal health as well as translate any scientists is now located. discoveries that we make for use in Having recently taken up residence livestock farming.” in a £60 million state-of-the-art complex The Roslin Institute joined the – the new home for the Roslin Institute – University of Edinburgh in 2008 and over some 500 experts are getting on with the past three years has almost doubled the challenge of addressing some of the the number of researchers it houses. world’s most pressing animal health and It has received key Biotechnology and welfare concerns. And that task, says Biological Sciences Research Council Institute Director Professor David Hume, funding for both the new building and is made all the easier thanks to the the scientific investigations undertaken award-winning design of the innovative within its walls. new building. The Institute’s researchers carry out “By working together we “Our building, with a design based world-leading basic and translational on a pair of chromosomes, is instantly science to tackle global animal health can enhance research to recognisable,” he says. “But more and welfare issues and any implications improve animal health importantly, it’s changing the way we those issues have on human health and approach science. This is because the the role of animals in the food chain. as well as translate any building is predominantly open plan, The research stars of tomorrow are discoveries we make for so it encourages interaction and also being nurtured at Roslin: 100 PhD removes the traditional boundaries students are currently under supervision use in livestock farming.” associated with scientists working in and 2011 saw the first cohorts from the isolated areas.” Institute’s new MSc in Animal University researchers share their Biosciences begin their studies. Clockwise, from above: scientists at the facility new space with animal sciences The Roslin Institute is perhaps best can use the latest technology to research animal partners from the Scottish Agricultural known internationally for creating Dolly health; Dolly the sheep, whose legacy continues to shape research; the new building at Easter College (SAC), and the close proximity the sheep, the world’s first animal to be Bush, which has already won awards for its offers great scope for cross-collaborative cloned from an adult somatic cell. ▸ Institute Roslin Russell/The Norrie design; Institute Director Professor David Hume. Although cloning is no longer part of the Again, collaboration and close proximity Institute’s remit, Dolly’s legacy continues are key components to success in this An inspired design to impact heavily on Edinburgh’s area – Roslin experts are now working The Roslin Institute’s design was inspired by the shape of a pair of research into disease treatments – directly alongside their colleagues from human chromosomes, with a rainbow progression of coloured panels especially in the field of developmental the University’s Royal (Dick) School of linking offices with research laboratories. The three-storey building biology and, in particular, the role played Veterinary Studies. covers 14,000 square metres and includes a lecture theatre and by embryonic stem cells in an animal’s The Vet School’s recently unveiled conference facilities. Its environmentally friendly design features natural early development. £42 million teaching building lies ventilation in offices and social spaces and coloured glass panels on “Dolly’s legacy is enabling us to adjacent to the Roslin Institute at the the building’s exterior, which help to prevent the build-up of solar heat. understand the process of how cells University’s Easter Bush campus. can lead to the full development of both Bringing on to the one site the research animals and humans,” Professor Hume of the Institute and the combined explains. “Although we have moved on teaching and clinical activities of the from cloning we certainly have not Vet School produces enormous forgotten the impact that Dolly has benefits, says Professor Hume: “Our made. We have even named the affiliation with the Vet School can help canteen in the new building – Dolly’s us learn things about human biology, Diner – after her.” just as is the case the other way round – in that we can translate our knowledge Improving treatments of human biology to improve treatments The Roslin Institute continues, also, for animals.” to break new ground in quantitative Professor David Argyle, new Head of genetics. Research in this field seeks the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary to identify genes that could improve Studies in October 2011, agrees that the the economic viability of livestock. union opens up enormous possibilities Edinburgh researchers made for graduates in the dynamic and worldwide headlines in 2011 when it was Above: researchers at the Institute can now growing field of veterinary medicine. announced that they had developed a “The relationship work directly with colleagues in the Vet School. He says: “Having vets collaborate on strain of genetically modified chickens between the Vet School Below: in 2011 a strain of genetically modified research at the Roslin Institute will that cannot spread avian flu to other chickens which cannot spread avian flu to other impact on wide-ranging areas of birds. Poultry production now ranks and the Roslin Institute birds was developed by Roslin researchers. veterinary medicine. Such a partnership as the world’s biggest livestock sector, means we can share expertise with a with some 50 billion chickens being is also invaluable in that number of projects. produced globally, and the Roslin it provides opportunities “This could range from looking at Institute’s focus on improving poultry ways of improving the health of health remains paramount. for veterinary graduates livestock animals to preventing With the world’s annual consumption wanting to pursue a infections from spreading between of meat set to double to 470 million species. Other areas include looking tonnes within the next 40 years, the beef career in research.” at the important roles genes play, which industry is also under the microscope at will enable us to better understand why Roslin, where experts are searching for certain animals are more susceptible genes that would enable farmers to to particular illnesses.” breed bovine tuberculosis-resistant cattle. He continues: “The relationship In addition to their investigations between the Vet School and the Roslin into livestock health, Institute scientists Institute is also invaluable in that it are also focusing on developing and provides opportunities for veterinary Clockwise, from top left: the new building is light and open plan, with an emphasis on shared improving treatments for animals such graduates wanting to pursue a career space between laboratories and offices; the canteen has been named Dolly’s Diner after the as dogs, cats and horses. Inc. International, Richardson & Durham Henningson, Institute; Roslin Russell/The Norrie Dodds; Paul in research.” Institute’s famous cloned sheep; the £60 million complex houses 500 animal health experts. The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine 13

THE INTERVIEW

Cate MacKenzie: You started your CM: So you’re a Londoner who also huge numbers of people. One of my working life as a magician… how sees Edinburgh as ‘your city’? videos, The Colour-changing Card Trick, did that career develop? has had more than 4.5 million views, and RW: I think Edinburgh is one of the that was made for £50 in the lab. Twitter Richard Wiseman: I remember my most gorgeous places on Earth. I still and Facebook offer a way of reaching grandfather performing a really good get smacked in the mouth on those out to people that was impossible trick with a coin. It was the only trick he days when you look up and see the maybe even just three years ago. did but he never told me how it was Crags or the Castle and you realise performed. I was about eight, and I just how beautiful the city is. CM: But surely conventional face-to- went to the local library to try and find face teaching has its merits? out. When I wasn’t much older than a CM: And you have quite strong kid myself, I did a lot of kids’ shows as professional ties here too… RW: I still like the idea of people getting an entertainer and then I did street together and talking to one another. entertaining in Covent Garden in RW: I’ve often spoken at the International My background is in performance, so London. Book Festival and my involvement with I enjoy getting up in front of audiences. the Science Festival at the University The fun and challenge is to take the CM: Why did you choose Edinburgh goes back to my time as a postgraduate. academic psychology, which is quite for your postgraduate studies? A lot of the experiments in my books rightly rather dull to most people, and Quirkology and 59 Seconds were run in bring it into a domain where it becomes RW: I studied psychology at the Edinburgh too. And then there’s the exciting. University College London and I became Edinburgh Secret Society [a mysterious interested in the paranormal. A friend organisation run by Richard and CM: Some of your experiments, such saw an advert from Edinburgh that he Edinburgh psychology lecturer Dr Peter as your investigation into Edinburgh’s thought might appeal to me, as he knew Lamont] – we have a very enthusiastic ‘haunted’ underground vaults, involve I was interested in doing a PhD in ‘weird following of people of a curious huge numbers of participants… Do things’. So I came up here to look into it, disposition who like unusual evenings. things always run smoothly? rather liked it and then managed to get a grant to study here. CM: Your job is to help people RW: When you’re dealing with large comprehend unusual things... Tell me numbers of people you have to be CM: Did any academic staff members about your role as Professor of the almost like an events manager as much inspire you? Public Understanding of Psychology as you are a psychologist. With the at the University of Hertfordshire. underground vaults experiment we had RW: [The late] Bob Morris, my main to work out how to get several hundred supervisor, was my main influence. RW: There’s a lot of bad psychology people safely down to the vaults, get The magic He was very mild mannered, very out there, stuff with very little evidence them to report their ‘weird’ experiences, approachable, very funny and also very to support it, and yet there’s a lot of each in their own vault, and then get even handed within parapsychology, and academic psychology that doesn’t get them back out again. that’s unusual – most people are either beyond the journals – my role is to be a behind extremely sceptical or extreme believers bridge between that work and the general CM: You were recently named in a and few people can see both sides of public, whether it’s through books, TV, poll as one of the top 100 people the argument. talks, science festivals or consulting. who make Britain a better place. I’m a social psychologist rather than That’s rather a nice accolade… CM: What did you do for fun when a cognitive or physiological one, and the method you were a student? ‘social’ stretches into a lot of areas. RW: I’d say I’m probably one of the A former magician, Professor Richard Wiseman is a psychologist top 100 who don’t make it worse! RW: I was a bit of a workaholic CM: Has social media changed Sometimes having fingers in lots of and best-selling author. He has investigated all things weird and and I spent most of my time in the how you can inform people about pies helps – for example, 59 Seconds wonderful, from the science of self-help and the supernatural to Psychology department in George psychology? is about how to be more creative, or how Square. I lived in Marchmont for a while to fall in love, or how to achieve your deception, belief and luck. He talks to Cate MacKenzie. and then above Negociants pub on RW: It has made a huge difference; a lot goals more effectively, and all those Lothian Street, so most nights my of my work is online and you can reach things, I think, make people’s lives better. entertainment was looking out the window! By far my favourite memories are of rushing from one magic show at The fun and challenge is to take the the Festival Fringe to another. August always feels special because for that academic psychology and bring it into month, your city becomes the centre of

Photograph: Alan Burles Photography. For more information information more For Photography. Burles Alan Photograph: www.richardwiseman.wordpress.com. visit Wiseman, Richard about the arts world. a domain where it becomes exciting. The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine 15

Merger with the University will unleash ideas, ingenuity and risk-taking at Edinburgh College of Art, says its new Head, Professor Christopher Breward. By Edd McCracken

or a man famed for his (the V&A), for one of the creative sartorial knowledge, industries’ most prolific seminaries. Professor Christopher He has been flirting with ECA all Breward is reassuringly his life. As a young man studying at dapper in person. The author London’s Courtauld Institute, he was The of several seminal texts on aware of the College’s MA in Fine Art, men’sF fashion, the new Principal of unique for its art history element. ECA’s Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) cuts a influence has loomed ever larger as his slender, sharply dressed figure. And, as career progressed: he moved from with any dedicated follower of fashion, studying to teaching at the Royal the power of aesthetics is never far from College of Art, then on to the V&A his mind. in 2004 via the London College of “The main building is the best Fashion. He has published incessantly located art school in the world,” he throughout, penning a tome on the creative says, smiling. “Look at the views it has history of fashionable dress and books on to the castle. It’s an inspirational on men’s style between 1963 and 1973, place, a great place to learn.” British Asian style and men’s fashion in Professor Breward took up his the late Victorian and Edwardian age. position at the College in September, His final project with the V&A swapping his post as Head of Research confirmed his fascination with ECA. within London’s cathedral to art and He has co-curated the museum’s 2012 collaborator Close Chris design, the Victoria and Albert Museum London Olympic Games offering, ▸ 16 The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine 17

ECA: a tradition of excellence

a retrospective of British design from Founded in 1760, Edinburgh 1948 – the last time the Games rolled College of Art has produced into the UK. In the process, he Art: Design: discovered just how much of a hold some of Britain’s most the College has had on the past six respected artists, from decades. “The artists and architects sculptor Eduardo Paolozzi to I was particularly drawn to have been Turner Prize nominee Callum alumni of ECA,” he reveals. “My favourite architect is Sir Basil Spence Innes. The recent merger with [who designed the University’s Main the University has created five Library], one of the greatest ECA distinct subject areas and has alumni. Coventry Cathedral is one built on the already strong ties of the UK’s best buildings.” Admitting his move to Edinburgh between the two institutions: This department incorporates drawing, Home to animation, fashion, film painting, photography, sculpture and direction, glass, graphic design, was in some ways a “leap”, Professor the MA in Fine Art has been theory, and recently started a research illustration, interior design, jewellery Breward is enthusiastic about the run jointly since 1946, partnership with the National Galleries of and silversmithing, performance possibilities art colleges can provide. Edinburgh has accredited Scotland and the Tate on Artist Rooms, costume, product design and textiles. “They add a bit of grit to life,” he ECA degrees since 2004, collector Anthony d’Offay’s gift to the By forging partnerships within science says. “They are risk-taking institutions. nation of his contemporary art collection. and engineering, the department aims The role of the artist or the creative “Art colleges and the two institutions’ to be at the forefront of research. practitioner is to push boundaries. architecture departments Richard Wright graduated in 1982. His Because of their flexibility and suspicion add a bit of grit merged in 2009. Here is a works include striking, large-scale frescos Rachael Barrett graduated in Design & of hierarchy, art colleges bring people and are often short-lived, only surviving the Applied Arts in 2007 and has since created taste of some of the most length of an exhibition before they are costumes for pop star Lady Gaga (above), together with different perspectives. to life. They They are creative laboratories, and ECA versatile talents to have destroyed or painted over. In 2009 he won who describes her as a “favourite designer”. the Turner Prize with one such mural. is well placed to play that sort of role.” are creative emerged in recent years. Just as important, he stresses, is how ECA relates to its new ‘home’. The laboratories, College merged with the University in August, a marriage that will open up and ECA is Architecture & History of Art: Music: potential collaborations with every corner of the institution, Professor well placed to Landscape Architecture: Breward believes: “We live in a more spatially and visually engaged society. play that sort All disciplines within the University have potential for connection – the sciences, of role.” medicine, as well as humanities. These collaborations help bring a broader understanding of society.” building, complete with its sculpture as an incubator for new ideas and Music is a subject area that court and airy studios. Reading its technologies is key. “After years of particularly excites him. Formerly part of masonry, space and light like he conceptual art we’ve seen the the University’s School of Arts, Culture would a gentleman’s suit, he reflects resurgence of drawing, a growing The University and College’s architecture Encompassing everything from late Combining theory with practice, music and the Environment, it now sits with the on what it says about its owner. “ECA interest in the object, the rediscovery departments have developed programmes Medieval art and the Renaissance to has had a long and distinguished newly enlarged ECA. “I can’t think of any has a strong reputation for providing of things, running alongside an in architectural conservation, urban Neoclassicism and the present day, this presence within the University. It remains other art college that will have such a traditional training in arts and crafts embracing of the virtual and the design, landscape architecture, and art, department has a focus on the late 19th- at the cutting edge of music production strong relationship with music,” he skills,” he explains. “You get a sense digital,” Professor Breward says. space and nature. It is the top ranked century and contemporary art and theory. and consumption. enthuses. “In the history of the art college of that with the studio space, the cast “There’s been a real thinking through centre for research in Scotland. there is an interesting play on rock and collection, and that echoes through to of processes, of what skill means, Recipient of a recent major retrospective at the James MacMillan studied composition pop music, counter-cultural music, contemporary art practice. ECA has this what beauty means. You can find that Sir Nicholas Grimshaw, who has designed Royal Scottish Academy, Dame Elizabeth and since graduating in 1981 has been several of the UK’s most striking modernist Blackadder graduated with a Masters in Fine commissioned by the likes of the Welsh coming out from art students. But here proud heritage of a particular kind of art dualism in various moments of ECA’s buildings, including the Eden Project (above) Art (MA), taught between Edinburgh College National Opera and London Symphony we have the discipline itself, sitting within education, and I want to preserve that.” history but it’s enjoying a resurgence in Cornwall and London’s Waterloo train of Art and the University, in 1954. Her work Orchestra. He was the composer and the College. It’s full of possibilities.” Yet amidst his list of priorities, at the moment. And the new ECA is station, graduated in 1962. (above) can be found in the Museum of conductor for the BBC Philharmonic Professor Breward brings his focus maintaining this classic facet of ECA very well placed to take advantage Modern Art in New York. until 2009.

back to ECA’s magnificent main while encouraging its crucial role of that.” USA/Empics ABACA Images; Association Archive/Press PA Woerd; der van Hans Art Close; Modern Chris of Gallery National Scottish Pears, and Orchids Blackadder, Elizabeth Entertainment; UE-EDIT_WIN12-full 1_Edit Summer 2009 AW new 19/12/2011 12:10 Page 18

18 The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine 19

The voting statutes of the University’s HIDDEN HISTORIES General Council referred to “persons” throughout, and the crux of Macmillan’s “She was living the contradictions argument – which seems reasonable that ‘new women’ were experiencing enough – was that women were also “persons”. The case failed, but Macmillan at the turn of the century – that received glowing press. Newspapers ChryStAl described her as the “modern Portia” mix of emancipation and restraint.” and alluded to her meticulous style. MACMillAN Despite her public emergence as a suffragist, Macmillan had to live with the personal compromises of her era. In (1872–1937) 1901 her father – a tea merchant – died suddenly and her brothers insisted that she return to manage the family home. A globetrotting feminist in She did not leave Edinburgh until 1913, aged 41. the first decades of the 20th “We assume that it was a progressive century, Edinburgh alumna liberal family for her to have the access to the education that she had,” says Dr Chrystal Macmillan struck Mackay. “So I guess she was living the blows for equality and contradictions that what they called the peace, before being largely ‘new women’ were experiencing at the turn of the century, the contradictions that forgotten. Now her story actually a lot of women still experience – is being retold for a new that mix of emancipation and constraint.” was “a very just human being… She idea of a global citizenship, are ones we Macmillan was a tenacious peace could not budge an inch on matters of see as ideal for social scientists at the generation. By Chris Small activist. In 1914, at the start of the principle but she never lost her temper University.” First World War, she traversed the and never bore a grudge in defeat.” With the School of Social and Political U-boat-patrolled North Sea to deliver Dr Mackay believes the decline in Science now housed in the Chrystal food to homeless Belgian refugees. our knowledge of Macmillan is part of a Macmillan Building, the announcement he is one of She spoke for the UK at the International longer trend of women being written out of a new Chrystal Macmillan PhD Edinburgh’s most Congress of Women at the Hague in of history. “What’s so surprising is that scholarship, starting in 2012–13, an radical and Chrystal Macmillan (right), and two of her fellow suffragists, appeal to the House of Lords. 1915 and was chosen as a member we tend to think of transnational feminism annual lecture launched in November S remarkable alumni: of the international committee who and international organisations as quite 2011, and plans for a permanent the University’s first were to travel to neutral nations to a new phenomenon,” she explains. exhibition (from February 2012) of her female science graduate, a brilliant St Leonards School in St Andrews discovered that she attended the first champion peace. “What we’re seeing is this really very work, the process of retelling the story of mathematician, suffragist, lawyer, and matriculated at the University of meeting of the Women’s Representative Ms Kay believes Macmillan’s pacifism strong international network of women Edinburgh’s forgotten feminist has begun. internationalist and peace campaigner. Edinburgh on 5 October 1892 – the first Committee at the University on may have damaged her stature: “There who were not afraid to challenge “The School is determined that her But the injustice of Chrystal Macmillan’s day women were admitted to Scottish 6 February 1895, and was “engaged was a war fever. People who were convention, who were involved in some rightful place will be restored,” says story is that she is not better known. universities – graduating four years later politically from the start”. advocating peace and mediation – as of the most gripping issues of the time.” Dr Mackay. “Like a lot of remarkable Dr Fiona Mackay, Senior Lecturer with first-class honours in mathematics Between 1868 and 1918 the Chrystal and her colleagues were – would Dr Mackay feels that Macmillan’s Scottish women, she has been in Politics at the School of Social and and natural philosophy. universities of Edinburgh and St Andrews not have been popular. The suffrage achievements resonate with women’s obscured. We intend for her to be Political Science, describes Macmillan A 1940s memorial document were represented in the House of movement itself split on the issue.” continuing fight for equality worldwide – rediscovered.” as “a genuine pioneer”. “She was the mentions that she was the “foremost Commons. As Secretary of the Women But Macmillan continued to burnish and with the University’s internationalist first woman to lobby the House of student” of George Chrystal, Professor of Graduates of the Scottish Universities, her credentials as a feminist. In 1924 she ethic today. “In Induction Week I tell Lords,” she says. “She was an early Mathematics at Edinburgh in the 1890s. Macmillan argued that female graduates became one of the first women called to students about Chrystal,” she says. “I say human rights lawyer, and an early case of It reads: “The mathematical cast of her had a right to vote in the 1906 election. the English bar. She led diverse and the kind of values she embodies around somebody arguing that women’s rights mind explains much of the characteristic Ms Kay explains: “They took it to the typically enlightened campaigns, challenging convention, are human rights. We see in her qualities of her method of reasoning and University Court on the grounds that the including the fight for women to retain internationalism, women’s a prototype for the development of an action, her logical presentation of facts Secretary had no right to refuse them their nationality after marriage – a right rights, social justice, and the international feminist activism in the and the conclusions she drew from them, and that they should be getting the votes that would not be recognised by the 20th and 21st centuries.” her inability to understand compromise, as they were registered graduates of the United Nations until 1957, two decades Chrystal Macmillan (far right) was s e g

Born in Edinburgh in 1872, Macmillan her personal detachment in argument University. They went to the Court of a after her death. the first female to lobby the House m I

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was the only daughter in a family of nine whether it went for her or against her.” Session, but they got turned down. They e Macmillan was known for being G

; resonated with women’s ongoing d children. They grew up in Corstorphine Alongside this rationalism flowered then took it to the House of Lords but t scrupulous and single-minded, but Ms L

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Hill House, now owned by the Royal radicalism. Helen Kay, currently they couldn’t afford another barrister, o Kay also points to her sense of humour. h

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Zoological Society. She attended researching a book on Macmillan, has so Chrystal led the case herself.” P Fellow suffragist Cicely Hamilton said she 20 The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine 21

Alumni Profiles We are happy to forward correspondence to graduates for whom we hold current address details. Email us at [email protected].

Emilie Venables Richard Smith MSc African Studies 2005, PhD African Studies 2009 BSc Pathology, 1973 and MBChB, 1976

Dr Richard Smith is Director of the and created a human aquarium. “MY DAYS ARE UnitedHealth Chronic Disease Edinburgh was always encouraging UNPREDICTABLE: I MAY Initiative, which funds centres of this experimentation, although not FIND MYSELF PRESENTING researching how to counter non- everybody saw all the jokes! ON A LOCAL COMMUNITY communicable diseases in the RADIO STATION, “I was very political when I arrived in developing world. He is a former Edinburgh and was elected on to the TRANSLATING A MEDICAL editor of the British Medical Journal. CONSULTATION INTO Student Representative Council and FRENCH OR ENGAGING “I loved being a student at Edinburgh the Medical Students’ Committee. IN A PARTICIPATORY and have many fond memories, some I became the medical school student PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT.” of them bizarre and some of them representative on the Senate SRC impossible to report. This was, of course, Liaison Committee. a very formative time – as I moved from “I edited the University poetry magazine, 18 to 25. BUMp, and Synapse, the medical school beneficial to my current work. I moved to “I arrived in Edinburgh to start medical magazine. I was editor of Synapse when South Africa in early 2009 to work for the school never having set foot in Scotland, Gordon Brown was the editor of The Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute and I left seven years later full of love for Student, and I got to know him a little and (WRHI) at the University of the the city and the country and with a wife have bumped into him since. These Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. and many friends who remain my best experiences of editing were very important for my subsequent career as an editor. “I’m working on several HIV prevention friends to this day. As I think back, my Also important to me were the many projects, centering on vaccines, young eyes fill with tears, showing how important Dr Emilie Venables is a senior “I liked living in Marchmont because I was prominent people I heard lecture in people and migration. One particular Edinburgh was, and still is, to me. researcher at the Wits Reproductive close to my friends and colleagues, and I Edinburgh, including Cicely Saunders, the project is looking at introducing the human “I WAS ONE OF THE Health and HIV Institute (WRHI) at was able to walk to the local pub for a “I much enjoyed the honours degree that founder of the hospice movement. papillomavirus vaccine to young girls in FOUNDERS OF AN Johannesburg’s University of the ‘quick’ drink. My favourite pub was the Pear I did in pathology. I worked with Colin Bird, South Africa, which links to my work on EXPERIMENTAL ARTS “My main interest is to contribute to Tree – going for gin and tonics after the who had just returned from Chicago where Witwatersrand. She currently works on HIV vaccine acceptability. SOCIETY. WE WRAPPED countering non-communicable diseases Wednesday CAS seminar was a weekly he worked with the Nobel Prizewinner HIV prevention projects focusing on UP A STRING QUARTET, (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, ritual, which often ended in the early hours “My role involves research design, project Charles Huggins. I also worked with vaccines, young people and migration. PERFORMED A PLAY IN chronic obstructive pulmonary disease of the morning. Curry at the Mosque management, data collection and analysis Alastair Currie and Andrew Wyllie, “My studies at Edinburgh were inspired RUSSIAN WHEN NONE OF and common cancers) globally. As Kitchen was also a staple for CAS students. as well as teaching, training and research who were the discoverers of apoptosis US SPOKE RUSSIAN, MADE Margaret Chan, Director-General of by my travels and gap year in West Africa, dissemination. I have presented at several (controlled cell death), which has proved “I loved living at the top of an old tenement, A PINK PORRIDGE LADY the World Health Organization, has as well as my previous studies in social international conferences since beginning to be enormously important in science. even though it occasionally swayed in the AND CREATED A HUMAN said, this requires a ‘whole of society anthropology. I’d heard a lot of positive my work at WRHI. I also get the chance wind. Nights out were spontaneous and “I also learnt a great deal from John AQUARIUM.” and whole of government things about studying in Edinburgh and to teach and supervise postgraduate Edinburgh had a very cosmopolitan vibe. Munro, the chief physician at the Eastern approach’. was attracted to the Centre of African students. Summer is lovely as everyone is outside, General Hospital. He helped me learn to Studies (CAS) because of the expertise “An institution like the and sitting in the Meadows was a nice “I enjoy the diversity of my work and talk to the dying, and I still remember him and experience of its staff and students. President of the University Poetry Society University of Edinburgh way to break up PhD writing. the different people I get to collaborate saying to one student that if he could stop and in that role met many great Scottish has great strengths not “I saw Edinburgh out of the train window with. I like the fact that my days are him from smoking he would achieve more “My supervisors and other departmental poets, including Hugh MacDiarmid, only in health but in and thought it was a beautiful city – the unpredictable: I may find myself presenting with that one action than with a whole staff gave me great support throughout my Norman MacCaig and Sorley MacLean. many other disciplines, journey up the coast from my home town on a local community radio station, week of medicine. studies – there were many opportunities to Many friends that I made at university are and it’s very useful to me of Leeds is still one of my favourites. interviewing someone in their home, talk to people from other departments “While a student in Edinburgh I did the now prominent Scottish poets, including to be part of the I remember thinking that there were a lot translating a medical consultation into whose interests overlapped with my own. ‘hippy trail’ to India and an elective in Liz Lochhead and Brian McCabe. network.” of hills, and walking over the bridge in French, reading interview transcripts or Zambia, both of which were important to winter to get to a 9am stats class isn’t “I was also one of the founders of an “My PhD in African Studies gave me a engaging in a participatory photography me in introducing me to low-income something I look back upon with fond project. Working in the infamous experimental arts society. We wrapped background in qualitative and quantitative countries. memories... My bike made a couple of research methodologies as well as first- Johannesburg suburb of Hillbrow has up a string quartet, performed a play outings before being relegated to the hand fieldwork experience in sub-Saharan opened my eyes to the realities of life “Many of my fondest memories of in Russian when none of us spoke

bottom of the stairwell! Africa, all of which have been greatly in urban Africa.” by MacKenzie Cate Interviews Edinburgh are outside medicine. I was Russian, made a pink porridge lady 22 The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine 23

Alumni Network For details of alumni clubs, reunions and events in your area, visit www.ed.ac.uk/alumni.

Have you ever wondered what your former classmates are up to? Here’s a snapshot of who’s doing what, RISING STAR where and why… Visit www.ed.ac.uk/alumni to keep up with the latest alumni news and stay informed about events happening in your area. Anna Davidson MA (Hons) Sociology & Politics, 2007 With a Fulbright Scholarship to Students’ Association was an incredible History repeats for OUT AND ABOUT undertake a Masters in Environmental experience that taught me most of what I Studies at the State University of New know about politics. EVENTS Ronnie, six decades on York, Anna Davidson is making her mark “My experience of advocating for sustainable DATE FOR YOUR DIARY as an advocate for sustainable solutions. Ronnie Cramond UK alumni tour solutions at the UN Commission on Sustainable recently celebrated The Development and Alumni Office 29 May, 2012 “I knew I wanted to figure out why and how Development in New York earlier this year was graduating from recently began its inaugural tour of the Film show societies change and combining sociology, both deeply inspiring and disheartening. The Edinburgh for a UK. With more than 100,000 alumni Playfair Library politics and economics seemed to be the energy and talent within the youth major group second time – 62 living and working in Britain, the team Alumni and friends are invited to the best way to start looking for answers. was inspiring. However, the will and vision held years after he was hopes to meet with as many alumni as University’s Graduates’ Association/Panamint Edinburgh offered the flexibility of taking by so many was thwarted by a system awarded his first possible over the coming months. Cinemas’ film show in the Playfair Library on multiple subjects at a world-class university, dominated by short-sighted national interest. degree from the Successful networking events have 29 May, 2012. in an exciting city. University. Now aged 84, Mr Cramond “My masters is giving me the chance to been held in Aberdeen, London, Films to be screened include Northern Capital studied at Edinburgh as a young man, “I was incredibly fortunate to have lecturers publish some of my work and get involved Cambridge, Newcastle and Manchester, (1937), which showcases Edinburgh sights, gaining an MA in History in 1949. Six at Edinburgh who were supportive – even in things like the UN Commission on with upcoming events planned for Lothian Landscape, focusing on East Lothian, decades later he resumed his studies guiding me through publishing one of my Sustainable Development. I hope it will lay Bristol, Belfast, Glasgow and Edinburgh. and the 1948 classic Waverley Steps. and graduated with an MPhil in Scottish papers in a peer-reviewed journal. My the groundwork for a PhD, and work in an For details, email [email protected]. For more information, send an email to History in 2011. Mr Cramond, whose involvement with the Edinburgh University environmental NGO in the near future.” [email protected]. MPhil dissertation was about the CAREERS motivation behind the creation of the Museum of Scotland, remembers Careers in the spotlight STEP BACK IN TIME university in the 1940s as being about Careers networking events for alumni NETWORKING Spotlight on the'60s “playing rugby, the weekly hop in the were recently held across the world in Edinburgh students at the Bedlam Theatre on Bristo Place unearthed a trove of Union Palais [now the Teviot Union] Toronto, London and India. Heather Strengthening ties University memorabilia during their recent renovation of the building’s kitchen. and working very hard”. He is currently White, business coach and networking With such a vast number of alumni undertaking personal research into The brochures, letters, postcards and photographs date from 1961 to 1964, when facilitator, simplified the art of living outside the UK, the Development the Bedlam was the University’s chaplaincy. Among the finds is a photograph of the Battle of Culloden. networking at an event hosted by the and Alumni Office is keen to hear from the old chapel (left), which is now used as a dressing room. “We’ve had several University of Edinburgh London Alumni University of Edinburgh graduates alumni turn up and say they were married in the building but we have never been Network; Edinburgh University Club of who have an interest in becoming a able to figure out where exactly that was until now,” says Camille Acosta, Bedlam’s Toronto past president and Career volunteer alumni contact for their 2011 Festival Fringe publicity manager. “It’s great to be able to Connections coordinator, region. Alumni contacts help build a share our discovery with those who used Bedlam before us.” Josh Gillespie, gave an address at strong alumni community, enhance Toronto’s inaugural Edinburgh Career the university experience for current An engaging read Connections Networking Event; and an students and assist in the recruitment employability workshop and reception of potential scholars. For further In the last edition of Edit we ran a photograph of Peter Pan author JM Barrie with former British Prime Minister, Ramsay MacDonald, both Edinburgh alumni. Mr MacDonald’s granddaughter was staged at a joint Scottish information and an application form, Victoria Bagshaw (BSc 1965 & PhD 1969), writes in with this interesting insight into the long- universities event in India. email [email protected]. time friendship between the two men: “My parents, Joan M MacDonald [pictured in a news clipping, right] and Alastair Ulleam MacKinnon, met at the University as medical students. Keep in touch When they became engaged in 1930, JM Barrie, a family friend, wrote to Ishbel, my mother’s Ronnie Cramond (second from left) Do we have your current contact details? If not, you might be missing out on event invitations and our bi-monthly older sister, and I still have the letter. He wrote: I feel that your sister Joan has taken a good with friends at his graduation in 1949, e-newsletter, which keeps you updated on the latest alumni benefits, club activities and news. If your details need deal on herself in going and getting engaged while still a mere undergraduate.” and pictured today (top). to be updated, please visit the Alumni Portal (www.myed.ed.ac.uk) or email us at [email protected]. 24 The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine 25

Master & Apprentice My Edinburgh Send your photographs of your student days to [email protected]

Every graduate can name a mentor who gave them advice and encouragement. But have you ever wondered Coming to Edinburgh means a lot of memories are enhanced by the stunning location, breathtaking weather if you inspired your teachers in return? Here, we talk to one of your role models about their experiences. and all-round cosmopolitan experience. We invite you to share what made your student days so memorable.

THE MASTER Dr Ewan MacLeod Dr Judith Diehl PhD (Divinity), 2007 School: Biomedical Sciences Title: Programme Director, MSc International Animal Health

Where do you live now and why? all the charity shops, usually finding I live in Denver, Colorado. I’m an a little piece of Scotland to cherish. instructor in a seminary in the city. We Are you an Edinburgh alumnus? online programme an extremely prepare students for pastoral positions What was your first impression of Edinburgh when you arrived? Yes. I have a PhD (2005) relating to effective method of learning. in local churches, and for mission work, tsetse fly/trypanosome interactions. chaplaincy and Christian counselling. The cherry trees were in full bloom

Is it satisfying to see graduates start was it the first time I visited New I studied at the Centre for Tropical or return to their careers with fresh content at any time, meaning they can Edit College. As I stood at a street Veterinary Medicine (CTVM), Royal approaches learnt at Edinburgh? study when it suits them. They can also When did you live in Edinburgh? corner waiting for a bus, it began (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. Many students have used the interact on the online discussion My husband and I lived in Cramond to pour. I thought I would drown programme as a stepping stone to a boards, discussing the lecture notes or from 2004 to 2007. In what capacity have you worked as the bus came to a splashing halt. at the University? PhD. Several of those who did residential anything else that catches their interest. There were rivers of pink blossoms Which book influenced your life most masters at the CTVM are heads of their I started in 2006 as a tutor on the Can you describe your experience rushing down the street. when you were there? International Animal Health MSc countries’ veterinary services. We hope of collaborating with Elena Garde? some of our graduates can follow in their We read books by Anthony Thiselton programme, becoming the educational Elena was a very diligent student. Her What is your fondest memory and Kevin Vanhoozer, which proved to footsteps in the years to come. of your time at the University? coordinator in 2008, and in 2010 I took dissertation work looked at a canine be essential background for my present over as Director. Can you outline some unique teaching distemper outbreak in the tsunami- On Friday mornings, the biblical studies teaching assignment. tools that make distance learning at What is the most satisfying part affected town of Dichato in Chile. She students gathered in the old Senate Edinburgh first-class? of your job? hopes to continue her collaboration with Room at New College for lectures and What is your favourite view of the city? Lectures are released on a weekly basis the University of Edinburgh and we look discussion. I remember the archaic door We have a diverse range of students From the terrace of the dining room and the student can download the forward to working with her. with an iron knocker, the ancient from across the world. It’s nice to see of the New Club in Princes Street. threadbare rug and the stiff chairs, how they all cooperate even though We could look straight across the street crowded around the tables. It smelled some have very different backgrounds. What do you miss about the city? to the castle, yet we were high enough like history and books and knowledge. I miss Ryan’s Bar on rainy evenings. to see a great distance east and west … and the most challenging? THE APPRENTICE Dr Elena Garde I could feel the years of theology that had I miss the fact that nearly every month as well. ‘happened’ within the darkened walls of My role is to ease students’ transition of the year some flower was blooming. that room. It proved to be a rich time of into postgraduate education, as many Elena undertook an online MSc in International Animal From the snowdrops in January to the What would you recommend as thinking and learning and discussing with are returning to study years after Health (2011) under the tutelage of Ewan MacLeod. She late-blooming roses, the city was alive ‘unmissable’ to a tourist? peers, and with those much more completing their undergraduate degree. is Programme Leader for Veterinarians Without Borders/ with colour. I miss our Kirk and I really The museums, gardens and seasoned in the field than we students. The programme team works hard to Vétérinaires Sans Frontières-Canada in Latin America. miss the aroma and the taste of the restaurants are musts, but I loved respond quickly to any concerns. bacon rolls after the morning prayer travelling outside Edinburgh as well. Ewan was incredible. His support has been above and beyond the service. The only thing sweeter than One of my favourite memories is of What has changed since your call of duty, and nothing ever seemed too daunting. I sometimes imagined the orange marmalade was the friends looking out of a bus window as we student days? him receiving the same questions about problems with the website or a we made. drove alongside a golf course. The day The web has made a huge impact. PDF that wouldn’t open or a programme that wouldn’t download... but he was cold, wet and grim, but a number With university e-journals students “never relayed impatience in his emails, and this made it easy for us to What was in your ‘little black book’ of golfers were on the greens, wearing can now access material at any time communicate openly. His professionalism, but at the same time informal when you lived in Edinburgh? coats and hats and gloves to keep as long as they have an internet friendliness, made it really easy to work with him.” I loved breakfast in Stockbridge on warm. Now that is dedication, and that incorrectly stated that Rosalía Rodríguez-Vázquez received an MSc in Social Anthropology. She, in fact, received an MSc in Linguistics & Music (2003) and a PhD in Phonology & Music (2007). Music & Phonology in PhD a and (2003) Music & Linguistics in MSc an received fact, in She, Anthropology. Social in MSc an received Rodríguez-Vázquez Rosalía that stated incorrectly connection. This makes studying an of edition 2011 Summer the In Correction: Capital. Inspiring Edinburgh Johnson/www.carlosjvfotos.com; Carlos Photographs: MacKenzie. Cate by interviews Apprentice & Master Saturday mornings and then a tour of is truly Scotland! 26 The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine 27

Send your photographs of your student days to [email protected]

Then & Now Old College quad 10 11 12

The University’s iconic Old College quadrangle reopened in 2011 after being resurfaced, completing the original architectural vision for the site more than 220 years after building there began. During the work, equipment used by Joseph Black, Edinburgh’s Professor of Chemistry from 1766, was unearthed. Over the years the quad has served various purposes and it will continue to be a versatile events venue and public meeting space.

01 02 13

14 15

03 04 05 06

The Herald The 17 07 08 16 ; Donald McInnes; Julie Howden/ Julie McInnes; Donald ; The Times The 09

01 Old College quad, circa 1950. 02 Students at Old College during the First World War. 03 Joseph Black, key Enlightenment figure and Professor of 10 The University’s Hot Air Balloon Club launch from the quad. 11 Significant discoveries, including the remains of laboratory equipment dating to the 18th Chemistry at Edinburgh. 04 Robert Adam’s original vision for the quad. 05 Lord Darnley, right, who died at the site in 1567, with his brother Lord Charles century, were made during the recent excavation work. 12 Preparing the site for the ceremony to install the University’s new Chancellor, HRH The Princess Royal, Stuart. 06 Human skeletons and remnants of the University’s first library, dating from 1617, have been unearthed in previous excavations. 07 Old College in in September 2011. 13 Units on parade at 2011’s Remembrance Day Service. 14 The quad is a popular performance venue. 15 Formalities get underway at the

the mid-20th century. 08 A watercolour of the site by Donald McInnes. 09 An inscription at Old College reflects its 400-year-old association with the University. Robertson; Douglas Capital; Inspiring Edinburgh Smith; Neale Chancellor’s installation. 16 The quad in 2011, following its makeover. 17 The Chancellor unveils a plaque marking the completion of the landscaping work. 28 The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine 29

Arts Review If you would like to contribute to Arts Review, email your suggestions to [email protected].

Whether for work or play, the arts have always featured prominently in our alumni activities. Here, we showcase just some of your artistic endeavours and feature a few favourite cultural escapes. WHAT’S ON AT Acclaimed TALBOT RICE 60 SECONDS IN THE SPOTLIGHT critic shares Throughout 2012 Talbot Rice Gallery presents an exciting range of exhibitions and events. ALISTAIR MOFFAT book prize For further details, visit www.trg.ed.ac.uk. Born: Kelso, the Scottish Borders, 1950 Writer Alistair Moffat graduated from the University of Educated: Kelso High School, the University of Edinburgh with a DipEd in 1973. He is a former Beholder Theatre critic Hilary Spurling and debut They join the ranks of respected former Edinburgh, the University of St Andrews and the Warburg Director of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and was an Until 18 February, 2012 novelist Tajani Soli have joined the list of winners such as Ian McEwan and Institute at the University of London award-winning producer and Director of Programmes Is beauty in the eye of the beholder? acclaimed authors who have won the AS Byatt. Current home: Near Selkirk, the Scottish Borders for Scottish Television. He has Talbot Rice Gallery puts David Hume’s Current job: Writer and director of the Lennoxlove and written many history books James Tait Black Prizes, Britain’s oldest The prizes, founded in 1919, are statement to the test. Borders book festivals about Scotland and other literary awards. awarded annually by the School of To coincide with the University’s Hume Favourite book: A Time of Gifts by Patrick Leigh Fermor places. His most recent title is Hilary Spurling (pictured), former literary Literatures, Languages and Cultures at Tercentenary, Talbot Rice Gallery has invited Favourite song or piece of music: the bestselling The Scots: A editor of The Spectator, claimed the the University of Edinburgh and are the institutions and artists across Scotland to “An Ubhal as Airde” by Runrig Genetic Journey (Birlinn, biography prize for her book Burying only major British book awards judged nominate artworks and objects they consider to be beautiful. Including conceptual works, film, The place that most inspires you: £16.99) – a collaboration the Bones: Pearl Buck in China (Profile by scholars and students of literature. My farm and the hills around it with Edinburgh geneticist sculpture and paintings, ‘Beholder’ is an eclectic Books, £8.99) while American author The winners were announced at the Greatest influence: Lindsay Moffat, my wife Dr James (Jim) Wilson. and wide-ranging exhibition. The statements of Tatjani Soli is the recipient of the fiction 2011 Edinburgh International Book selectors reveal the very different kinds of prize for her first novel, The Lotus Eaters Festival. For more details, visit “Edinburgh is the most beautiful city in the world, and I realised [while studying relationships people have to the concept, from (St. Martin’s Press, £7.99). www.ed.ac.uk/about/people/tait-black. at the University] that the best arts festival in the world takes place there. The Student critical interpretations to clear-cut celebrations. newspaper was very vibrant and I liked the sense of a campus around George Square.” We all interpret and appreciate art in our own way. Here, THE FAB FIVE five alumni pick out the pieces that most inspire them. THE HIT LIST ‘Inside Australia’ (sculpture installation) To watch… To read… To listen to… 01 03 by Antony Gormley, at Lake Ballard, This black comedy earned Dr Stephen Cullen (MA Hons A selection of unusual musical Western Australia director and Edinburgh College Politics/Economic History, 1984) instruments held at the University “You’re humbled by the scale of the place of Art alumna and drama tutor reassesses the contribution made is featured in MIMO, a new digital and the harshness of the climate.” Morag McKinnon a Scottish by the Home Guard to the British exhibition drawn from the Neal Culpan, BSc Geology, 1991 BAFTA for Best Feature. The war effort. Drawing on eyewitness collections of nine of Europe’s follow-up to the highly testimony, he aims to dispel major instrument museums. ‘Montagne Sainte-Victoire’ by Paul acclaimed Red Road, it centres some myths about the men and Visitors can sample sounds made ‘An Experiment on a Bird in the 04 Cézanne (1890–1895), at the Scottish around Alfie (James Cosmo), a women who made up this national by instruments including exotic Air Pump’ by Joseph Wright (1768), National Gallery, Edinburgh Glaswegian street-market seller, defence force. – In Search of tubas and euphoniums. – Visit at the National Gallery, London “The colours are just spectacular! Reminds and his disjointed family. the Real Dad’s Army by Dr http://exhibitions.europeana. A stitch in time “It has a great use of light and was very me of being in Provence.” Dr Nathalie – Donkeys (15, Morag Stephen Cullen (Pen & Sword eu/exhibits/show/musical- Alexander McCall Smith, Edinburgh topical for its time.” Paul Billington, Mather-L’Huillier, PhD Medical & Pair of embroidered panels c.1904 by McKinnon, Advance Party Books Ltd, £19.99) instruments-en alumnus and author, has helped to BSc Artificial Intelligence & Computer Radiological Sciences, 2007 Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh. Courtesy Films) conceive the Great Tapestry of Science, 1992 of the Archives and Collections Centre, Scotland, which is made up of 107 ‘Landform’ (landscape work) by Glasgow School of Art “moments” from the nation’s history. ‘Silence’ by John Henry Fuseli 05 Charles Jencks (2001), at the Scottish Due for completion in 2013, its panels 02 (1799–1801), at the Kunsthaus, Zurich National Gallery of Modern Art, Edinburgh Coming up at Talbot Rice will feature an eclectic range of Scottish “The stillness of this painting always stayed “It’s both visual and tactile and pulls you into Alison Turnbull and James Cumming people and events, including singer with me. When you look at it in more detail it to explore and experience it from multiple both 10 March – 5 May 2012 Lulu, the Battle of Mons Graupius in you realise that the proportions of the limbs angles. Stone circles have the same effect 83AD, and the reconvening of the are all wrong.” Elizabeth Gardner (nee on me.” Patricia Barclay, LLB, 1983, Visit www.trg.ed.ac.uk for details.

Scottish Parliament in 1999. on a An Bird Experiment Robertson; Graeme & Word; The Publicity Printed London Gallery, © 1768) National in ’of Derby, the Wright Air Pump (Joseph Hargreaves), MA Archaeology, 2001 PG Dip (Legal Practice), 1984 30 The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine 31

Food for Thought The Two of Us

Most of us have honed our cooking skills somewhat since we were students but in case you’re in need of Many a friendship is forged during our university days, and we want to hear how you met your partner a little inspiration, here are some culinary insights from a fellow graduate who hails from Akranes, Iceland. or best pal. For Gerard and Brenda Slavin, a meeting in the Meadows led to a lifetime together.

Björn Ingi Finsen Gerard (Gerry) Slavin Brenda Slavin (nee Stewart) (MA Hons English MBChB, 1957 MBChB, 1957 Language & Literature, 1967) has “Brenda and I met in 1954 when she “Gerry was full of surprises: I was fond memories of joined the third-year medical course. surprised when he ‘accidentally’ bumped sampling typical Though English, she came from the into me on the Meadows and although Scottish fare as a fresher. Here, University of the Witwatersrand, in out of breath, invited me out. he shares a traditional Christmas Johannesburg, to finish her clinical recipe from his homeland. “After house jobs we went to studies in Edinburgh. I saw her Bechuanaland [now Botswana], Africa. “While at Edinburgh, I remember returning from lunch near the Meadows A pertinent question in Parliament about enjoying things like Scotch broth, black and by running hard bumped into her paediatric malnutrition brought funds and pudding, mashed turnips, brown eggs ‘by accident’ as she came by the tennis a research post for me. By the end of the and lamb chops with green mint sauce, courts and asked her to the year ball. tour, I was fully employed as a bush and haggis once a year. All this was a “Her surprise was compounded when, doctor, coping with most things, while new experience for a lad from ‘up here’ the next day, she accompanied a friend having a toddler by my knee and and wintry Auld Reekie was a much into the Royal Infirmary where I had been number two on the way. colder place than the ‘coldest-sounding admitted with a broken jaw after boxing country in the world’! Reader Recipe Icelandic Christmas feast “In Dar es Salaam I was able to against Glasgow University. I was in Serves 4–5 work from seven in the morning “But I won’t go into the strange-tasting Starter: Asparagus soup Main course: Ptarmigan breasts bandages for some time so she didn’t until lunchtime, either in the lab or coffees in the common room in the Old Dessert: Home-made chocolate ice-cream and/or pineapple trifle really know what I looked like until too teaching students, and spend all College quad or in the cafeteria in the late! I discovered she loved me 4 small game birds (Björn hangs whole rock ptarmigans for 3-4 days then skins, guts and cleans Gerard Slavin afternoon on coral sands with the basement of David Hume Tower… when she used her overtime them) • 750ml-1L milk (whole or skimmed) • Butter • 10-15 dried juniper berries • Salt, pepper kids – idyllic! money as a Butlin’s waitress to “I have now acquired different tastes, in and desired seasoning • 1 cup sugar • 500g-600g medium potatoes, boiled and cooled • Flour buy her first climbing boots to join “London was good for me. I was particular, thanks to the undertakings of 1-2 tsp redcurrant jelly • Whipped cream • Canned peaches • Stone-free prunes (pre-soaked) me in the Edinburgh University Brenda Slavin able to train in chemical my beloved spouse of 45 years, Rúna Mountaineering Club. pathology at the Hammersmith [pictured, below right]. Step 1: Soak birds in milk overnight. Melt potatoes, a Waldorf salad, pickled red cabbage and eventually finished up at “Then came training for me in “Iceland is a very inhabitable country some butter in a very large pot and brown and warmed sweetcorn and peas. St Thomas’ while Gerry went meat on all sides. Pour in milky liquid, adding pathology. I was seconded (for (despite the name!), and potatoes, Chef’s note: “In my family we stick to rock on to Barts. Our careers intermeshed a little water, if necessary, to cover meat. Add my National Service) to Dar es carrots, swedes, cabbages, radishes, ptarmigan, a wild bird, similar in size to a and we served together on the Council berries, then season and boil for 70–90 Salaam, in Tanzania, to start the lettuce and strawberries grow out in grouse, for our Christmas dinner. But some of the Royal College of Pathologists – minutes. Carefully remove birds (strain and Icelandic families enjoy a smoked leg of lamb pathology teaching in the new medical the first married couple to do so. the open in summer, and tomatoes, reserve stock) and divide down keel bone into or smoked pork, turkey or other fowl. Verði school. cucumbers, bananas and peppers are two pieces, then cover and keep warm. “We have a geological hobby that has grown in heated greenhouses. Some of ykkur að góðu (Bon appétit)!” “I was then given the chance to be the Step 2: Meanwhile, sprinkle sugar evenly taken us to many exotic places. these crops may not last for the year, in If you would like to feature in Food for first histopathologist at Northwick Park I was in bandages for some over the base of a heavy pan and heat, Whenever we return to Edinburgh, we which case we resort to imports. We Thought, email us at [email protected]. Hospital and Clinical Research Centre. stirring, over a low heat until dissolved. Add pay reverential visits to James Hutton’s import some grains, mostly from other We’ve had a rewarding life, and the best time so Brenda didn’t 2 tablespoons butter, stir, then increase heat Section on Salisbury Crags and to his parts of Europe. to medium, add potatoes and heat, stirring, thing we ever did was to help start the really know what I looked memorial garden at the bottom of the first medical school for Palestinians at “We have many kinds of ordinary meat until a sticky glaze forms. Add a little water, Cowgate. Edinburgh is a place for us rich Al-Quds University on the West Bank.” and fish. Stockfish [dried, unsalted fish] if necessary. Keep warm. like until too late! in memories and present pleasures.” is an ideal party snack and lends itself Step 3: Make gravy with reserved cooking to sociable, albeit at times excited, liquid, some butter, flour and seasoning, then comments by the untutored! Also, mix with redcurrant jelly and top with cream. Gerard and Brenda are both retired and live in Matlock, Derbyshire. They have three children – a surgeon, an anaesthetist and a initially foul-smelling and fermented Step 4: Arrange meat on a platter, then top psychogeriatrician – and 11 grandchildren. If you met your partner or a lifelong friend at the University of Edinburgh and would skate [a cartilaginous fish] is traditionally with peaches and prunes, and serve with like to share your recollections, email us at [email protected]. eaten just before Christmas.” 32 The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine 33

Billet The General Council of the University of Edinburgh Billet General Council Half-Yearly Meeting on Saturday, 11 February 2012 Report By Dr Alan Brown, Convener of the Business Committee of the General Council 10.30am: Room G175, School of Law, Old College The General Council is the means by which graduates have a continuing voice in the management of the University’s affairs, and every graduate automatically becomes a member. Academic staff and members of the University’s supreme governing body, the University Court, are also members of the General Council, 10am to 10.30am: Coffee, tea and biscuits in the Lorimer Room, School of Law, Old College which meets twice a year and has the right to comment on matters affecting the University’s prosperity and 10.30am: General Council Meeting in Room G175, School of Law, Old College* wellbeing. For more information on the work of the General Council, visit www.general-council.ed.ac.uk. After the meeting: Lunch in the Playfair Library Hall (see page 38 for details) *Please note that the Meeting will be filmed.

the University and the General Council, His responsibility of the General Council we were Royal Highness graciously agreed to our well represented and I had the honour on the AGENDA FOR THE GENERAL COUNCIL MEETING Scholarship being renamed The Prince Philip Council’s behalf of giving the vote of thanks 1 Minutes of the Meeting of the General Council held on 18 June 2011 (PAPER A) General Council Scholarship, so that his to the Chancellor’s installation address. I name is linked in perpetuity to this award. In wished Her Royal Highness a long and 2 Matters arising his speech Prince Philip expressed pleasure enjoyable tenure but if she decided not to try 3 Report of the Business Committee at the announcement and he hoped this would to equal her father’s 57 years in office we 4 Motion (PAPER B) encourage General Council members to would understand! The ceremony was “Constitutional Arrangements for the working of the General Council of the University of Edinburgh and its Business contribute generously to these prestigious and wonderfully captured on video and may be Committee” and “The General Council of the University of Edinburgh Regulations for General Council Elections” necessary scholarships. seen on the University’s website. 5 Dates of future meetings of the General Council Last June’s highly successful Half-Yearly The work of the Business Committee and its General Council Meeting was held at King’s Standing Committees has been impressive. 6 Notice of forthcoming elections Buildings, which has undergone an enormous Ordinance 210, which simplifies the statutory 7 Presentation by the Principal of the Annual Report of the University It has been a momentous six months since transformation since many of us older basis for electing the Chancellor and 8 Any other competent business my last report, with sad farewells to His Royal graduates studied there. We were inspired by Assessors to Court and makes it easier to Highness The Duke of Edinburgh and the 9 Adjournment presentations from Professor Simon Bates, introduce such changes as General Council Chancellor’s Assessor, Lord Cameron; also a College Dean of Learning and Teaching, and online elections, has been approved by the glorious welcome for our new Chancellor, Her Professor Steve McLaughlin, Dean of Research. Privy Council and now can be enacted. Royal Highness The Princess Royal. PAPER A Their talks may be seen on our website, and if Higher education issues are to the fore and Meanwhile the work of the Business you watch them you will understand why the there was a Scottish Government Review of Minutes of the Meeting of the General Council held in Edinburgh on 18 June 2011 Committee and its Standing Committees has quality of their work and that of many others Higher Education Governance. Responses continued. around the University has resulted in this were requested and a Business Committee 1. Minutes of the Meeting of the time this meeting had been held at the King’s Present: Last May a dinner was held by the University University being among the top higher Working Group led by our Secretary, Dr Mike General Council held in Old Buildings. He thanked Dr MaryCatherine and in November a reception was arranged for education establishments worldwide. The after- Mitchell, submitted a paper. This will be Dr Charles Swainson College, Edinburgh, on 12 Burgess in particular for all her support, as present and past members of the Business lunch speaker was the well known retired available on the Scottish Government’s Chairman February 2011 regretfully this would be her last meeting Committee, to thank Lord Cameron for his 13 Edinburgh general practitioner and previous website. I am most grateful for the hard work Dr Kim Waldron before she retired from her post. University Secretary and Registrar The Minutes of the Meeting held on years of dedicated service to the University Member of the Scottish Parliament, Dr Ian done by all Business Committee members The unopposed election of the new Chancellor, of the General Council 12 February 2011 were approved. and the General Council. His successor is McKee. His well received address can also be and our now well established Secretary and Professor Simon Bates HRH The Princess Royal, was warmly Sheriff Principal Edward Bowen, CBE, TD, viewed on our website. his assistant, Mrs Mary Scott. Dean of Learning and Teaching, College 2. Matters arising welcomed. In a letter to the General Council QC, who is well known in Scotland. He is a of Science & Engineering The highlight of the year was in September Finally, you still have time to vote for five she looked forward to a long and fruitful worthy successor to Lord Cameron and we Professor Steve McLaughlin There were no matters arising. relationship with the University. It had been when our recently elected Chancellor was candidates to join the Business Committee in Dean of Research, College of Science & Engineering look forward to working with him on the installed in a unique ceremony in the the next academic session and I encourage 3. Report of the decided to mark the outstanding service of the Business Committee. Dr Michael Mitchell magnificently refurbished Old College you to do so online. You need to register Secretary of the General Council Business Committee previous Chancellor, The Duke of Edinburgh, by creating the Prince Philip General Council In July there was a memorable celebration Quadrangle, with its large rectangular lawn with EASE to use the MyEd portal at Dr Alan Brown dinner in the Playfair Library for His Royal and stone courtyard. The weather, thankfully, www.myed.ed.ac.uk/. If you requested a Convener of the Business Committee Dr Alan Brown, Convener of the Business Scholarship Fund, which would distribute Highness The Duke of Edinburgh in the was perfect and the occasion started with an postal vote by the closing date of 30 Dr MaryCatherine Burgess Committee, gave the report of the bursaries to deserving students. Any General The Associate Chaplain to the University opened Council members wishing to donate to the presence of a large University gathering. impressive and colourful Academic November, your ballot paper will be within Business Committee. Welcoming the the meeting with prayer. University for such purposes were encouraged To mark his long and distinguished service to Procession. As the election process was the this edition of Edit. attendees, both present and online, and the speakers he noted that it was the first to contribute to this fund. 34 The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine 35

Billet Billet

The simplified Ordinance 210 continued to Report on presentation by were looking at integrated diagnostics using students learning in a variety of ways, major challenge for the University but it was of the General Council of the University of make progress. The Constitutional Standing Professor Steve McLaughlin an ingestible microchip, incorporating sensor, independently, collaboratively and with an being addressed. Edinburgh and its Business Committee” and Committee had worked to update the control and transmitter chips. Originally authentic spirit of enquiry. Lectures were a “The General Council of the University of Constitutional Arrangements and Regulations The presentation focused on the research at intended for gastrointestinal investigations, it very old method of conveying information and It was not an easy or simple task. It required Edinburgh Regulations for General Council in line with the new Ordinance and other King’s Buildings within the College of Science was also being used in oncology. Hypoxia given today’s information technologies were high-quality students, which Edinburgh had, Elections”, which have been prepared by the previously approved changes. The work to & Engineering, emphasising its cross- within tumours may affect drug treatments and no longer an effective method when only used and also highly motivated and engaged staff Constitutional Standing Committee, proposes introduce online elections continued. being able to measure this at a micro- able to balance their academic lives. disciplinary, multidisciplinary and cross- to transmit information; the lecture was now that the said two documents should be College nature. Two areas highlighted were environment level may improve effectiveness. Although the Business Committee in general an opportunity to engage students actively, to A full text of the Professors’ remarks and the approved and adopted by the General Council renewable energy and translational medicine worked well there was always room for New drug delivery devices were also challenge their understanding and to make record of the discussion that followed the of the University of Edinburgh. The objective is technology. The College now had seven improvement. Accordingly a small working possible using microchips, such as intraocular sense of the information available. Peer presentations, are contained in the Annex to to encapsulate in these two documents (a) the Schools; Biological Sciences, Chemistry, group had been set up, chaired by Dr Frances treatments for glaucoma with fluid being discussion and active dialogue produced the Billet. legislation laying down the provisions of the Engineering, GeoSciences, Informatics and ejected by inductive electrical currents. In Dow, to conduct an Effectiveness Review of rapid improvements in conceptual Statutes, Regulations and Minuted Decisions of the Committee. Mathematics. Currently there were 2,000 Chemistry there was work on investigating a 7. Any other competent business the General Council and Business Committee, understanding. This technique was both staff, 5,000 undergraduates and 1,000 wide range of new polymers using ink-jet and guidance relating to the procedures and Dr Brown thanked the outgoing members of the postgraduates, and in the previous year popular and effective. Workshops were related No matters were raised. technology to print on to substrate arrays, with functions of the Business Committee for the Committee for their dedication and support. He the College had won £114.5 million of to small-group tutorials, which sometimes but wide-ranging applications. 8. Adjournment benefit of present and future Members of that invited members to consider standing in future competitive research awards. The College was not always worked effectively. Workshops Committee and (b) regulations relating to the elections. ranked first in Scotland for research excellence Finally there was major research in synthetic complemented lectures with the advantages of biology. Essentially, this means constructing The Motion by the Convener of the Business election of the Chancellor, General Council The report of the Business Committee was and in the top five in the UK with about half of small-group collaborative learning and biological systems from component parts Committee that, for the purpose of considering Assessors and Members of the Business approved. the top-rated (four-star) research in Scotland problem solving. The University had the matters which may be transmitted to the coming from Edinburgh. using computer science. This required an Committee. The changes have been made in The full text of the Convener’s remarks, and understanding of well characterised opportunity to adapt some spaces specifically General Council by the University Court or any accordance with Ordinance No. 210 and the the record of the discussion that followed the Although it was within the Schools that components, structures and properties. The for this purpose with small-group tables as other business of a competent nature, the Motion approved by the General Council at its presentation, are contained in the Annex to the specific disciplines were taught and much analogy was bio bricks, an open source well as group and room-level IT support Business Committee be empowered to act on meeting in Old College on 12 February 2011 Billet. research was done, there were also centres, registry of standard biological parts and a equipment. Groups could work collaboratively behalf of the Council, and that this meeting be relating to the introduction of online voting for which brought together researchers from many heavy emphasis on control and signalling with the support of tutors or they could have adjourned to a date to be fixed by the 4. Dates of future meetings General Council Elections and unifying of areas. An example was the Centre for Systems components. They had developed a bio- whole-class discussions and presentations Business Committee, was approved. of the General Council periods of office for General Council Biology, which had involvement from Biology, sensor to detect arsenic in ground water, thus facilitating teaching of presentation skills. Dr MaryCatherine Burgess, Associate Chaplain, Assessors, Conveners and Vice-Conveners and Informatics and Physics. The various which had won first prize in an MIT The next Half-Yearly Meeting would take place closed the meeting with a benediction. members of the Business Committee. disciplines benefited from learning from each competition. There was a long and lively Self-study was also changing. Although huge on Saturday 11 February 2012 in Old College, The Annex to the Billet contains supporting other and challenging preconceived ideas. discussion on the research presentation. amounts of information, including lectures, the University of Edinburgh. Any motions for These centres were much engaged with papers for the Agenda, including were available online it could be difficult to The Business Committee proposes: discussion at that meeting should be received external companies. Presentation on teaching and communications from the University Court, full make sense of it and integrate it into existing in the General Council Office by 23 November learning by Professor Simon Bates Standing Committee reports, a transcript of That the two documents entitled Research in energy concentrated on marine 2011. The following Half-Yearly Meeting knowledge. By using online software called the presentations, and the Business “Constitutional Arrangements for the working renewables. The involvement went back to would take place on Saturday 16 June 2012. This focused on the considerable “Peerwise”, developed at the University of Committee’s report to the meeting on 18 June of the General Council of the University of Any motions for discussion at this meeting 1974 when Professor Steven Salter in developments in teaching and learning within Auckland, students could create their own 2011. General Council members may either Engineering was researching wave energy Edinburgh and its Business Committee” and should be received in the General Council Science & Engineering, but also emphasised assessment questions. However this was collect the Annex from 30 minutes before the based on turning hydraulic power into “The General Council of the University of Office by 28 March 2012. how these were relevant to similar done with a lot of social functionality. They Council meeting or request it by post from: electricity. This led to work in designing wave Edinburgh Regulations for General Council developments in other Colleges. Professor not only created questions and answered Mrs Mary Scott, General Council Office, 5. Notice of forthcoming elections tanks, which created knowledge transfer Elections” be adopted and approved by the those posted by others, but also rated them, Charles Stewart House, 9–16 Chambers opportunities worldwide. A major new wave Bates described his career and how he had General Council of the University of Edinburgh. There would be elections for five members been a “regular” academic but developed a followed individual authors and engaged in Street, Edinburgh EH1 1HT. Tel. 0131 650 tank facility at King’s Buildings was being 2152; email [email protected]. Proposed by the Convener of the Business of the Business Committee in February 2012. special interest in teaching and became Dean online discussions. In a first-year physics built to allow modelling of currents up to Committee Nominations on forms available from the six metres per second and waves up to of Learning and Teaching. This career class of 200 more than 700 questions were General Council Office should be received 28 metres. Devices, such as Pelamis, progression also illustrated how there was generated, nearly all of high quality, many PAPER B (MOTION) Seconded by the Vice-Convener of the in the General Council Office by 23 manufactured in Leith, were based on original now genuine recognition and a career path of them exceptional and requiring real Business Committee November 2011. research from Edinburgh’s development of its based on teaching within the University. The understanding of concepts. Final-year Motion: The revised documents are available on the 6. Presentation by Professor Simon wave tanks. There was also major research College had a Strategy with an objective to be students lacking this opportunity had not General Council website at www.general- Bates, Dean of Learning and and development work going on into Carbon renowned for the quality and innovation of its created a single question, only answers or Preamble council.ed.ac.uk/businesspapers.htm and Capture Storage by GeoSciences, Engineering Teaching, College of Science & teaching. The challenge was to educate solutions. There were now self-study and The Business Committee on the advice of the may be requested from the General Council and Chemistry. Engineering, and Professor Steve undergraduates to be able to cope with future small-group study rooms, also equipped with Constitutional Standing Committee, having Office ([email protected]). Copies McLaughlin, Dean of Research, The other highlighted area was Translational changes in technologies and society’s needs. IT support material. The provision of suitable approved the two documents entitled will be available at the Half-Yearly Meeting on College of Science & Engineering Medicine Technology. In Engineering they There were some guiding principles about physical and virtual space and facilities was a “Constitutional Arrangements for the working 11 February 2012. 36 The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine 37

Billet General Council Election Voting in the General Officers February 2012 Council Election Chairman: HRH The Princess Royal Candidates for Members of the Business Committee Secretary: Michael J Mitchell, BSc, PhD co-opted General Council members are reminded that the next Registrar: Kim Waldron, AB, MPhil, PhD, University Secretary ex-officio The following nominations have been received for the election of five members of the Business Committee to serve until 31 July 2016. election, in February 2012, will be conducted principally online. Voting will take place online General Council Assessors on the University Court: The names of the candidates appear in random order, as drawn by ballot. This is also the order in which they will appear on the through the Elections channel of the MyEd Alumni A Margaret Tait, BSc 2013 voting screen and paper. Portal, which will be open from Monday 9 January Alan M Johnston, MBA, CSci, CChem, FRSC, CBiol, FIBiol 2015 2012 until 17.00 GMT Wednesday 8 February 2012. Ann M Smyth, BSc, PhD, MPhil 2015 In order to vote you must register via the EASE registration process as explained below by 17:00 Business Committee: GMT on Tuesday 7 February 2012 at the latest. Convener: Alan D G Brown, MB ChB, FRCOG, FRCS 2012 Vice-Convener: Frances D Dow, MA, DPhil 2012 Mr Hamish Andrew Mr Simon Maurice Professor David Voting Papers are only enclosed where members Niven McKenzie Lytton Fairclough Mackenzie Munro C Convener of Constitutional Standing Committee: MA 1967 MBA 2004 BSc 1973 have specifically requested them by 30 November 2011 and should be completed and returned in the Bruce R K Rae, LLB 2012 Proposed by Mr Charles Michael Arber Proposed by Mr George Barrie Clark, LLB Proposed by Dr Alan David Gillespie Brown, enclosed addressed envelope to the Secretary of F Convener of Finance and Services Standing Committee: Lugton, MA (Hons) 1973 (Hons) 1974 MB ChB 1963 the General Council. Details of all candidates appear Doreen Davidson, BA, AIPD 2012 Seconded by Ms Jane Kille, MA (Hons) 1973 Seconded by Mr Scot Allan Carlson, MBA 2010 Seconded by Mr Neil Robertson Hynd, opposite. Anyone still wishing to vote by post may A Convener of Academic Standing Committee: BArch 1969 do so for subsequent elections by requesting a Ian Sutherland, BSc, PhD, DSc 2013 Formerly a professional chartered accountant With 25 years under my belt in organisational postal vote from the General Council Office before P Convener of Public Affairs Standing Committee: in Edinburgh for many years, and with a communication, I would hope to bring my Twice a graduate and subsequently a 30 November in the year prior to any election. Neil R Hynd, LVO, BArch, FRIAS, FSA Scot 2013 degree in English Literature, I feel I could experience of public affairs to the Business Research Fellow of the University, I have make a balanced and positive contribution to Committee. A Chartered Director, I am an served as Director of an educational charity To register for online voting please go to the work of the Business Committee. I have enthusiastic advocate for cultivating good and on UK Government and UN advisory www.myed.ed.ac.uk and complete the EASE Members: much charitable and local amenity governance, and am passionate about bodies. I wish to contribute to the future registration process if you are a new MyEd Alumni ‘A’ denotes a member of the Academic Standing Committee, experience including National Trust for education and the opportunities afforded to strength of the University, drawing on Portal user. If you have already used the Portal as a ‘C’ a member of the Constitutional Standing Committee, Scotland and appeal panel. individuals and wider society. experience in the fields of education, funding student, you can use your student username and ‘F’ a member of the Finance and Services Standing Committee, and and governance. password to access the Alumni Portal. If you have a ‘P’ a member of the Public Affairs Standing Committee: University User Name (UUN) or know your original Chancellor’s Assessor: Professor Stuart matriculation number you should be able to register Sheriff Principal Edward F. Bowen, CBE, TD, QC ex officio Gowans Macpherson through EASE directly. If you have your Dr Robert Andrew Philip Burt Mr Gordon Douglas Cairns MB ChB Glasgow 1968, Emeritus matriculation number you can use this as your UUN A R E Asher, BA, PhD, DLitt, FRSE 2012 MB ChB 1961 LLB (Hons) 1979 Professor, University of Edinburgh by adding an “s” before the number and register P Michael C Conway, MA 2012 online using this. If you do not know either of these F Mary M Swarbrick, MA, PGC 2012 Proposed by Dr Edward Bruce Ritson, Proposed by Mr Alan McDougall Johnston, Proposed by Ms Kirsty Joan MacGregor, you will need to contact the support service. To do C William Ruthven Gemmell, LLB 2013 MB ChB 1961 MBA 1989 MA 1981 this you will need to send an email to the A William Shields Henderson, MA, CA 2013 Seconded by Dr Herbert John Gold, Seconded by Dr Frances Diana Dow, MA Seconded by Dr Alan David Gillespie Brown, Information Services Helpline at IS.Helpline@ P Jane E Kille, MA, MBA 2013 MB ChB 1961 (Hons) 1969 MB ChB 1963 ed.ac.uk requesting access to MyEd and giving F Luise Locke, BA, MA 2014 your full name, date and degree awarded at first P Elizabeth Morris, MB ChB, MRCGP 2014 Bringing 35 years International Having served previously I hope to provide I have extensive experience leading and graduation from Edinburgh. A username and initial A Bruce Ritson, MD, FRCPE, FRCPsych 2014 Pharmaceutical Industry experience, added value to the committee, given my participating in academic, educational, health password will then be sent to you. If you experience C Ann M Sutherland, MA, FBCartS 2014 including 25 years in the USA, on new drug experience as a solicitor, tribunal judge, service, government and regulatory bodies problems at any point when registering for, or F Charles P Swainson, MB ChB, FRCPE, FRCSE, FFPHM 2014 development. Senior Director appointments university tutor and examiner. Working to locally and at Scotland and UK national levels. accessing the Alumni Portal, please also contact with business responsibilities, personnel and enhance the reputation of the University and As Emeritus Professor of Postgraduate Medical C Morven Brown, MA DipEd, DipEd Psych, AFBPsS 2015 Information Services at the above email address, budget management, dealing with regulatory the student experience through membership Education I now wish to use this background to F Waverley Cameron, BSc, SM 2015 identifying yourself by matriculation number (if bodies, marketing and sales. Outstanding of the Business Committee would be an help sustain and enhance the University’s world C Michael Lugton, MA 2015 known), full name, year and degree awarded at first verbal and written communication skills, honour and a privilege. class status. A Kirsty MacGregor, MA, MBA DipEd 2015 numerous medical, golfing, historical, graduation from Edinburgh. P Ritchie Walker, MA, BSc, DipEd 2015 humorous publications UK and USA. Assistant to the Secretary: Mary T Scott, BA 38 The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine 39

Billet June 2011 General Council Meeting and Lunch The February 2012 Half-Yearly Meeting in Berlin Darwin Building and Michael Swann Building, King’s Buildings, Edinburgh Dr Martin Lowe, General Council Lunch Saturday 16 June 2012 Registrar of the Due to unforeseen circumstances the General Council has been The June 2011 Half-Yearly Meeting of the obliged to change the venue of its June 2012 Half-Yearly Meeting. General Council was held on Saturday 18 June General Council Following the Half-Yearly Meeting, members We are sure that members will look forward to attending the 2011 in the Darwin Building, King’s Buildings. of the General Council, other alumni, partners, meeting, which will be held in Berlin, Germany. It will form Members received presentations from 1990–2002 family and friends are cordially invited to the part of an exciting weekend of events organised together with Professor Steve McLaughlin, College Dean for General Council Lunch on Saturday 11 Development & Alumni. On the Friday there will be a half-day Research on the extensive research undertaken, General Council members everywhere February 2012 in the Playfair Library Hall, Old conference and a reception in the evening at a prestigious location. and Professor Simon Bates, College Dean for will no doubt wish to extend their College. Dame Stella Rimington will give the On Saturday morning the Half-Yearly Meeting will take place with a Learning and Teaching on the innovative sincere condolences to the family of after-lunch address. Dame Stella retired from lunch and after-lunch speaker to follow. On Saturday evening there learning and teaching methods employed. From left to right: Mr Drew Laven, Robe Master; Dr Dr Martin Lowe who sadly passed MI5 in 2000 and has since pursued a very will be a gala dinner at a highly attractive venue. As usual these Alan Brown, Convener of the Business Committee; Dr away recently. Dr Lowe was University successful career as an author. Her talk Dame Stella Rimington Michael Mitchell, Secretary of the General Council; events will be popular, so to avoid disappointment please monitor The lunch took place in the Upstairs Café in Secretary and Registrar of the General promises to be extremely interesting. the General Council website (www.general-council.ed.ac.uk/ the Michael Swann Building, affording Dr MaryCatherine Burgess, Associate Chaplain; Dr Charles Swainson, Chairman; Professor Steve Council from 1990 to 2002 and forthcoming_events.htm) regularly for information and the magnificent views over the campus and the If you would like to attend the next General Council Lunch, McLaughlin, College Dean of Research; Professor will be remembered by many for opportunity to purchase tickets. If you would like to be notified of city. Members and their guests were treated to Simon Bates, College Dean for Learning and Teaching the support please complete and return the form below no later than the final programme please send an email or write to the General an extremely interesting after-lunch address by and Dr Kim Waldron, University Secretary. Monday 30 January 2012. he gave to Council Office giving your name and contact details. Dr Ian McKee about his life as an Edinburgh the General Coverage of the Convener’s Report of the GP and more recently as an SNP MSP. Council during Tickets at £20 include pre-lunch wine reception and a buffet Business Committee and the two lunch in the Playfair Library Hall. Table wines will be available Berlin's Reichstag that time. After lunch Professors McLaughlin and Bates presentations to the General Council are for purchase at the meal. hosted a tour of the impressive new learning available in the Video Gallery on the General and teaching facilities in the James Clerk Council website at www.general- Dr Martin Lowe Maxwell Building. council.ed.ac.uk/video_gallery.htm. The February 2012 General Council Lunch Playfair Library Hall, Old College, on Saturday 11 February 2012, 12.30pm for 1pm. July 2011 Celebration of the Chancellorship of HRH The Prince Philip Please send me tickets (£20 each) for the General Council Lunch. A cheque for £ is enclosed, A Reception and Dinner was organised by Prince Philip’s long and distinguished payable to the University of Edinburgh. the University in honour of HRH The service as Chancellor of the University. The New Chancellor Prince Philip’s long and exceptional fund will provide bursaries for students who Name service as Chancellor. It was held in the would otherwise be unable to afford to go to HRH The Princess Royal was elected Chancellor of the University by Talbot Rice Gallery and the Playfair Library university and the goal is to build an Address the General Council with effect from 31 March 2011. She is the and was a most fitting celebration. Dr Alan endowment substantial enough to support University’s eighth Chancellor in the 150-year history of the position Brown gave the vote of thanks. these scholarships in perpetuity. A typical and succeeds HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who stepped bursary provides £1,000 of support each year down from the role in 2010, having held it since 1953. The Princess for qualifying and deserving students. The Postcode Royal is also Patron of the Prince Philip General Council new Prince Philip General Council University’s Royal (Dick) School of Scholarship Fund Scholarship Fund is in addition to the Veterinary Studies. The installation His Royal Highness The Prince Philip with, from Name(s) of guest(s) The General Council is proud to announce existing Edinburgh Fund Access Bursaries, left to right, Dr Alan Brown, Convener of the took place in the Old College that its scholarship fund has been re- and it is hoped that together they will give Business Committee, Mrs Elizabeth Balantyne Quadrangle on Monday 26 launched as the Prince Philip General hundreds of students the chance to take up Brown, Lord Cameron of Lochbroom and Lady September. The event was Cameron. Council Scholarship Fund. His Royal their deserved places at the University. If you Please return to: Mrs Mary Scott, Assistant to the Secretary of the witnessed by University staff and Highness graciously accepted the proposal would like to contribute you may do so General Council, University of Edinburgh, Charles Stewart House, 9–16 students and followed by Her to create this scholarship as an appropriate Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1HT, Scotland, UK or, alternatively, you Royal Highness officially opening online by using the following links at way of expressing the General Council’s may order online at www.general-council.ed.ac.uk/events.htm. the newly refurbished quadrangle. www.general-council.ed.ac.uk/General Closing date for applications: Monday 30 January 2012. appreciation of His Royal Highness The CouncilScholarships.htm. Douglas Robertson  Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal “Supporting Sam is my investment in our future. I want my legacy to continue this support.”

Dr Helen Caldwell pictured with her beneficiary, Sam MacKenzie, in the Anatomy Museum, the Old Medical School, Teviot Place.

Much has changed since Dr Caldwell graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 1952, but the need to support our students is one thing which has remained a constant. Through her donations to the University’s bursary scheme, Dr Caldwell is helping Sam to train to be a doctor. By pledging a legacy, she is ensuring that future generations of medical students will continue to benefit.

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