annual review 2009 - 2010 Scottish University of the Year

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contents

the year in focus 4 Introduction 6 overview 8 masterplan 10 teaching & learning 12 student success 18 research & commercialisation 22 working with Business 26 staff success 30 working with the community 34 VIP visits 38 honorary awards 42 university appointments 46 Staff and student statistics 50 Financial Summary 52 executive roles & responsibilities 54 donors 55

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STUDENTS BENEFIT FROM OVER £100,000 TRUMP TARTAN SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING the year in focus Fashion Design students From September 2009 – August 2010 students from across the University have benefited from Gray’s School of Art are from over £100,000 Scholarship funding from embarking on a project to businesses including AMEC, Bureau Veritas, KCA, Petrofac, Poyry, Sparrows, Talisman, Technip, create a corporate tartan for TOTAL, Wood Group and FMC. Trump International - Scotland.

UNIVERSITY CONTRIBUTES £300 MILLION UNIVERSITY RECEIVES £40,000 TO IMPROVE TO SCOTTISH ECONOMY An independent report by BiGGAR Economics has revealed LEARNING AROUND MENTAL HEALTH NURSING The School of Nursing and Midwifery, in partnership that the University currently contributes over £300 million with NHS Grampian Mental Health Services, has annually to the economy of Scotland.The total contribution been granted £40,000 to develop nurse education to the economy of the North-east is £227.5 million every practices that will ultimately improve services for year, while the total national contribution is calculated mental health service users. at £302.2 million.

OBESITY RESEARCH SHOWCASED UNIVERSITY FOCUSES ON BIG IDEAS AT NATIONAL EXHIBITION The University launched a new institute An exhibit entitled “Fat Body Slim: Shape Matters!” dedicated to research in Innovation, by Dr Giovanna Bermano, members of the Institute Design and Sustainability (IDEAS). for Health & Welfare Research and its Centre for IDEAS is already providing a unique base to Obesity Research and Epidemiology (CORE) was further research into areas such as renewables, selected to exhibit at the Royal Society’s 350th creative industries, digital economy Anniversary Summer Science Exhibition in London. and the environment.

SUNDAY TIMES NAMES UNIVERSITY COURSE IS FIRST ‘SCOTTISH UNIVERSITY OF THE YEAR’ IN UK TO ACHIEVE GLOBAL The University has been awarded the accolade of ACCREDITATION Aberdeen Business School is the ‘Scottish University of the Year’ by The Sunday Times. very first UK institution to achieve The supplement commended the University’s excellent accreditation from the Project academic provision, consistently strong graduate Management Institute’s (PMI) employability levels and bold, strategic masterplan. Global Accreditation Center.

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THE LAST THREE YEARS HAVE SEEN THE Introduction UNIVERSITY CONSOLIDATE ITS POSITION AS ONE OF THE TOP MODERN UNIVERSITIES IN THE UK AND CONSISTENTLY BE IN THE TOP FIVE UK UNIVERSITIES FOR GRADUATE EMPLOYMENT.

This Annual Review marks the end of my The role of the Governors is to ensure that three-year term as Chair of Robert Gordon this ability to perform and deliver is matched University’s Board of Governors and it is with by self confidence and aspiration. The real pride that I look back at the University’s University is in excellent shape and I have achievements during this period. every confidence that it will continue to excel and successfully rise to the challenges The last three years have seen the University it will face in the coming years. consolidate its position as one of the top modern universities in the UK and consistently be in the I wish all those involved with this great top five UK universities for graduate employment. University the very best for 2011 and a In addition, Robert Gordon University is the successful ongoing future. best modern university in Scotland for research, with over 70% of its research being classified as of international quality. I was particularly proud when The Sunday Times recently recognised the University as ‘The Scottish University of the Year 2011’.

This success is down to the staff and how they interact with the students, external stakeholders, and indeed each other. My fellow Governors and I make no claim to have done anything other than lend background support to the leadership MELFORT CAMPBELL team in the way they have managed and led the PRO-CHANCELLOR AND University. Everyone at Robert Gordon University CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF should be very proud of what has been achieved. GOVERNORS

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overview

IT IS WITH GREAT PLEASURE It has been another excellent year for Robert Throughout this review you will see evidence of While this review details the successes and THAT I INTRODUCE THE Gordon University culminating in The Sunday the University’s strong commitment to business achievements of the past year, it has also been a Times awarding us the accolade of ‘Scottish in the North-east and beyond. Indeed, an challenging time, not least because of the sad loss 2009/10 ANNUAL REVIEW. University of the Year 2011’. This award was independent report recently revealed that the of our Principal, Professor Mike Pittilo, who passed in recognition of the University’s development University contributes over £300 million annually away in February 2010. We take with us the lasting since its formation in 1992 to become ‘one of to the economy of Scotland. This, along with impact of his commitment to the institution while higher education’s shining stars’. This includes the high priority we place on engaging with looking to the future to ensure the University’s a graduate employment record which has and improving the lives of people in the local continued success. consistently been one of the best in the UK over community, will ensure that Robert Gordon the last decade and our commitment to invest in University continues to have a lasting and I hope you will enjoy reading the review and if our masterplan. meaningful impact, both locally and nationally. there are any aspects of it you would like to know more about, please do not hesitate to contact me. The University’s Estates masterplan continues to Our students have continued to flourish on a progress with the detailed planning application myriad of fronts including international sporting for a 34,000m2 development at Garthdee being successes, winning prestigious prizes in industry approved by Aberdeen City Council in 2010. The and community settings, and being recognised new facilities will all be based at the Garthdee for their contribution to research. The majority Campus and will include a new library, and of our students carry out industry placements formal and informal learning and social spaces and their valued contribution to the placement for students. Phase 1 of the masterplan will be provider often results in an offer of employment PROFESSOR JOHN HARPER complete by 2013. by these organisations after graduation, a student ACTING-PRINCIPAL AND achievement the University is extremely proud of. VICE-CHANCELLOR

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masterplan

UNIVERSITY CONTINUES TO GROW GARTHDEE CAMPUS

The University’s detailed planning application for a 34,000m2 development, which will cost £170 million, was approved by Aberdeen City Council early in 2010.

The development will be connected to the existing Faculty of Health and Social Care, which neighbours RGU: SPORT and Aberdeen Business School.

The new development will see all of the University’s academic activities located at the Garthdee campus within state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities, including a new library, as well as formal and informal learning and social spaces for students. It will also allow staff and students from different disciplines to benefit from co-located inter-disciplinary working in a manner that has previously not been possible with two separate locations.

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SUNDAY TIMES NAMES ‘SCOTTISH NEW CONSTRUCTION DISPUTE COURSE IS FIRST IN UK TO FIRST IN UK TO GAIN IMECHE UNIVERSITY OF THE YEAR’ RESOLUTION QUALIFICATION ACHIEVE GLOBAL ACCREDITATION APPROVAL FOR PROFESSIONAL LAUNCHED DEVELOPMENT MODULES The University has been awarded the accolade The Department of Law has launched a new Aberdeen Business School is leading the way in A suite of engineering and business Masters-level of Scottish University of the Year by The qualification as part of its highly successful online project management education, as the very first modules has been approved by the Institution of Sunday Times. LLM/MSc Construction Law and Arbitration UK institution to achieve accreditation from the Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) for use in Further course, and students on the Masters course Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Global Learning Plans for both individuals and companies The supplement commended the University’s are now able to obtain a formal qualification in Accreditation Center. working towards Chartered Engineer registration. excellent academic provision, consistently Construction Adjudication in an interactive online The University is the first in the UK to have been strong graduate employability levels and bold, environment. Aberdeen Business School’s MSc Project awarded this approval. strategic masterplan. Management programme is already highly Adjudication is a popular method of dispute regarded by employers, assessment bodies The suite comprises 18 modules that are currently The Sunday Times highlighted the University’s resolution in the UK construction industry and and academics alike, and this accolade from delivered at the School of Engineering and 13 “flourishing reputation for research” and “high provides for a fast-track and specialist resolution of one of the world’s leading project management from Aberdeen Business School. Each module student satisfaction rates”, but explained that it is disputes which often arise in the context of time- organisations sets it apart from similar courses has been deemed to meet the requisite content, the University’s exceptional graduate employment critical construction contracts. elsewhere in the UK. academic level and academic rigour expected of an approved individual Further Learning Plan record that sets it apart from its peers. Last year just 3.6% of the University’s graduates were An experienced adjudicator will deliver on the for registration with the IMechE. The suite can, unemployed six months after collecting their practice and procedure of adjudication, including therefore, provide a framework of Masters level degree, ranking it second among multi-faculty decision writing, while specialist staff will develop modules from which an applicant might develop institutions in the UK. and deliver the law content. an individual Further Learning Plan for Chartered Engineer registration.

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MIDWIFERY PIC TO FIND

Sue Fairburn

UNIVERSITY AND ABERDEEN PUPILS BECOME OIL BARONS PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMME MIDWIFERY VISITORS TO ROBERT GRAY’S HOSTS INTERNATIONAL MEMORANDUM OF UNIVERSITY RECEIVES £40,000 FROM SUBSEA TO SPACE SCHOOL COLLEGE SECURE SIX-FIGURE AT UNIVERSITY RECOGNISED AT NATIONAL GORDON UNIVERSITY SUMMER SCHOOL UNDERSTANDING WITH CURTIN TO IMPROVE LEARNING AROUND GRANT FOR SKILLS PROJECT TRAINING AWARDS UNIVERSITY MENTAL HEALTH NURSING The University and Aberdeen College secured Pupils from across the North-east of Scotland The School of Applied Social Studies and The School of Nursing and Midwifery played host A host of high-profile international artists visited Professor Jill Downie, Pro Vice-Chancellor of The School of Nursing and Midwifery, in Gray’s School of Art lecturer Sue Fairburn played a £255,000 in a competitive process led by the desended on the University to pit their wits Aberdeen Business School received the to 28 student midwives visiting from Vroedkunde Aberdeen when Gray’s School of Art launched its Health Sciences at Curtin University of Technology partnership with NHS Grampian Mental Health key role in Skills Development Scotland’s Scottish Scottish Funding Council (SFC), to achieve higher against each other at Petrochallenge 2009, where Partnership and Collaboration Award at the Limburg University, Belgium in May 2010. first Printmaking Summer School in 2010. in Perth, Western Australia, visited the University Services, has been granted £40,000 to develop Space School visit to Houston, Texas in November workplace productivity through businesses and they fought to become successful oil and gas prestigious National Training Awards (Scotland) in in September 2009. nurse education practices that will ultimately 2009, as 14 young people from across Scotland organisations fully utilising employees’ skills. The operators in the UK heat of the major international Edinburgh Castle in November 2009. Co-ordinated by lecturers Anne Marie Rennie North-east creatives, as well as those drawn to the improve services for mental health service users. were given the chance to visit NASA’s Space project also aims to identify employees’ potential competition. and Carole Jackson, the visit allowed the Belgian events from across the globe, were able to attend Centre. The award was in recognition of ‘Leading The University has developed a working to develop new skills to further increase the cohort to enjoy a study tour and meet with a series of workshops to gain expertise from The funding from NHS Education for Scotland will to Deliver’, a bespoke training programme relationship over a number of years between the effectiveness of the business. Pupils from 37 secondary schools in the North- representatives from both the University and NHS innovators in printmaking. As a pilot to this, New enable lecturers, alongside their NHS partners, to As a Design Advisor to Skills Development created in collaboration with The Taylor Clarke two institutions’ respective health faculties. east took part in the online event which saw pupils Grampian. It enabled students from both sides York artist and educator, Dan Welden, provided a implement and evaluate an innovative approach Scotland (SDS), Sue is working to develop a new Partnership Ltd, a Glasgow based leadership and The project focuses on the oil and gas sector. It around the world battle it out as oil barons. to share their experiences of midwifery and talk taster session at Peacock Visual Arts, Castle Street. to learning in practice for mental health nursing model for the Scottish Space School and sees organisational development consultancy. During the visit, Professor Downie signed began with a research phase to fully understand about their ideas for the future. a Memorandum of Understanding for the students. some big opportunities for the North-east of the lack of correlation between increased levels Around 350 S5 and S6 pupils participated in the The Programme is a postgraduate course designed A number of other leading artists, including Don development of academic co-operation, with Scotland to become more involved. of skills and increased productivity. The research third annual two-day event. Formerly known as specifically to help social services managers across Messec, director of Makingartsafely in Santa Fe, former Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Whilst on placement, students will be based within outcome will be used to set up a number of pilot OilSim, the 2009 challenge was re-launched by Scotland to focus on leadership, change, service New Mexico, and Elspeth Lamb, a Scottish artist Mike Pittilo. two services for the duration of their studies. It S5 pupils and four Modern Apprentices took part projects involving local companies which will be OPITO – The Oil & Gas Academy, in partnership delivery and partnership working. who works with papermaking and traditional is also anticipated that the relationships students in the Space School and were selected on the formally monitored and evaluated. with educational specialist Simprentis, with prizes Japanese woodblock printing, attended the event. The two institutions hope to co-operate in an develop with mental health service users will be basis of their academic abilities, career interests, being presented at Offshore Europe. exchange of information in teaching and research more beneficial because they will be working and interpersonal skills. As well as visiting NASA’s fields of mutual interests as well as promoting together over a much longer period of time. Space Centre, they had the chance to rub The winning team was Aboyne Academy who appropriate joint research projects and providing shoulders with astronauts, engineers, and flight went on to represent the UK in the international opportunities for student exchanges. surgeons at a variety of events and workshops. final in London.

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Dr John Park

NEW IT MANAGEMENT COURSE MSC ASSET INTEGRITY HEALTH PROFESSIONALS OF OBESITY MANAGEMENT SCOTTISH OBE AND EX-PEPSI NHS COLLABORATION GIVES BRIDGING THE SKILLS GAP MANAGEMENT CREATES 21ST TOMORROW TAKE PIONEERING PROGRAMME SHORT-LISTED FOR DIRECTOR JOIN FORCES SCHOOL PUPILS THE CHANCE TO CENTURY BUSINESS LEADERS STEPS AT ABERDEEN PRISON NATIONAL AWARD SAMPLE CAREER PROSPECTS The School of Computing has launched a new An MSc Asset Integrity Management (AIM) has Two third-year students delivered life skills The role of the OT involves an integrated ‘Counterweight’, an obesity management Counterweight has proved profoundly successful, Scottish businessman, entrepreneur and Honorary Senior secondary school pupils from across the Masters course in IT Management, designed to fill been launched by the Energy Centre. It is workshops for a group of offenders at Craiginches assessment of a person’s daily life and its context programme led by the Centre for Obesity Research with 40% of patients followed up by the Professor of Aberdeen Business School (ABS) North-east attended a Nursing Summer School in a growing shortage of technical leadership skills designed to equip students with the skills Prison in Aberdeen. which then provides a comprehensive assessment and Epidemiology (CORE), won the Public Policy programme in Scottish health boards losing more Charles Skene OBE and ex-Research and July 2010 as the result of collaboration between across all sectors. and competencies to manage assets using an Currently there is no occupational therapy (OT) of how and why the person may be experiencing and Service Impact Award at The Impact Awards, than 5% of their body weight. This has major Development Director for Pepsi Europe, Dr John NHS Grampian and the School of Nursing and optimised business, safety and compliance service at Craiginches Prison but the knowledge specific problems. organised by PraxisUnico, in June 2010. implications for health spending, as it reduces the Park, have joined forces to kick-start a new initiative Midwifery. With the need for skilled IT professionals already approach. and contribution of OT is becoming more widely at the University offering all students real-life risk of developing Type II diabetes alone by 50%. Twenty-one S4 and S5 secondary school pupils outstripping demand, market analysis has shown recognised by many sectors, and the students’ In addition to the project at Craiginches, students experience and tuition in entrepreneurial skills. ‘Counterweight’ provides an education and from across Aberdeen City and Shire, Fife and that this is going to continue to increase in the UK The MSc AIM, which is accredited by the Energy efforts are helping to highlight this. are also supporting elderly people by working mentoring programme for practice nurses This award recognises the substantial cost Professor Skene is now funding the new initiative Lanarkshire, took part in a week-long programme for at least another five years. In particular, there Institute, fulfils industry requirements for a alongside Alzheimers Scotland and Inchgarth to upscale their knowledge and skills in the to bring these sought-after skills to every scholar which was designed as an educational experience is a serious shortage of skilled IT managers, and practical course delivering the benefits of applying Community Centre in the local community, as savings and cost avoidances associated with at the University. Dr Park, who also ran graduate to help interested school pupils make informed there are very few courses available that offer the a life-cycle approach to asset management. well as working with people who have learning management of obesity. Staff in the programme are the programme. Indeed, a health economic internship programmes at Fortune 500 multi- decisions about whether nursing is the right career blend of industry-relevant material needed by disabilities, drugs and alcohol issues, and with supported for up to a year by weight management analysis carried out by the York Health Economics national corporation, Procter & Gamble, will take choice for them. managers. individuals who are in the criminal justice system. advisors who have been specially trained in obesity Consortium demonstrated that it was cheaper for the helm. management, and who form the Counterweight the NHS to implement Counterweight than do Pupils learned and practised core nursing skills, The new postgraduate course is delivered by team in primary practice. Counterweight is also nothing at all. As well as a series of lectures, workshops and gaining an insight into student life, observed online distance learning, supplemented with on- being delivered in the workplace and in the master-classes, the programme is supported by nursing work within real clinical settings and campus teaching days. community, as well as through primary care centres. key activities including creating a unique business interacted with professionals and patients of NHS incubator to help students transform embryonic Grampian. They also worked with members of the ideas into fully fledged business opportunities. public who acted as volunteer patients and visited Students are also now able to develop and run Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Woodend Hospital, their own businesses for a year as a fully-credited Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital and Royal industrial placement. Cornhill Hospital.

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student success Rick Burney

(l to r): Grant Maxwell, Associate Head of the School of Engineering, Steven Nicol and Tony Bradford, Project Engineering Group Leader at FMC.

A YEAR OF SUCCESS FOR FASHION SHOW FOR CLAN ENGINEERING STUDENT AWARDED SCOTT SUTHERLAND SCHOOL SWIMMING SCHOLAR MILEY PRESTIGIOUS SCHOLARSHIP END OF YEAR SHOW

Health Sciences student and RGU: SPORT Third year communication and media students Third year Mechanical and Offshore Engineering An award ceremony to recognise the top students scholar, Hannah Miley, has hit the big time, taking from Aberdeen Business School raised £13K by student Steven Nicol was selected from at the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and gold in the 400 metre Individual Medley (IM), putting on ‘The Walk of Fame’ charity fashion 19 candidates as the recipient of the FMC Built Environment launched the School’s 2010 End finishing in 4:25.66 at the European Short Course show in support of CLAN in May 2010. Technologies Scholarship. of Year Show in June. Championships in Istanbul in December 2009. The students transformed the Garthdee building He will receive a bursary of £1,750 for each of One prize-winner was Master of Architecture into the Hollywood Hills for the night, and the the final two years of the degree programme; student, Rick Burney, who received two awards In February 2010, Hannah performed well at the audience was treated to the latest summer trends, vocational placements in the summers following - the John B. Johnstone prize for best overall 2010 British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) Oscar worthy evening wear and a host of live third and fourth years, and the dedicated student, and the Aberdeen Society of Architects Long Course Swimming Championships where entertainment and attractions. mentorship of a representative from the Institution (ASA) Silver Medal (jointly with fellow MArch she took first place in the 400 and 200 metre of Mechanical Engineers. He will also have student, Raju Noor). IM events, coming in at 4:40.91 and 2:15.80 The show raised money for CLAN’s ‘1, 2, 3’ the opportunity of employment following the respectively – both new British Universities campaign to build a new CLAN House and Haven The ASA Silver Medal was awarded to Rick successful assessment and completion of the Record times. for families affected by cancer. The Fashion Shows in respect of the outstanding quality of his degree programme. have run for the last three years and raised a total final year project - designs for a local produce Hannah also struck gold for the GB team at the of £30k. market located within the fish processing area of European Championships in August when she Aberdeen. Rick’s project proposed the return of a swam to Championship record-breaking success lost institution, ‘A market for the city’ which would in the 400m IM coming in at 4.33.09 minutes. radically transform the life of the area.

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Tim Smith, BP’s Director of External Affairs with the winning students Padraig White in action.

STUDENT ATHLETES STRIKE GOLD OUTSTANDING STUDENTS BENEFIT A HUB FOR COMMUNITY LIFE RGU: SPORT SCHOLAR RETAINS COMPUTING STUDENT WORKS GRAY’S DEGREE SHOW BP FINE AT OUTDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS FROM INDUSTRY BACKING BRITISH STUDENT WOMEN’S TO IMPROVE PERFORMANCE OF ART AND DESIGN AWARDS STROKE-PLAY GOLF TITLE POPULAR SEARCH ENGINE

Students, Alison Wylie and Padraig White,claimed Three recent graduates of the Masters in Project Sara Kavanagh was awarded first prize and a Student Rowan Morrice received acommendation RGU: SPORT scholar, Jane Turner, won the British Recent computing graduate Maryam Kontagora The winner of the 2010 BP Design Award was The winners were presented with specially multiple wins at the Scottish Universities Outdoor Management programme who excelled in their cheque for £2,500 that will help to support her from the Inverness Architectural Association for Universities and Colleges’ women’s stroke-play has found a way to improve the performance of Daniel Gear for his exploration of the debate about commissioned trophies and a cheque for £500. Athletics Championships in April 2010. area of study, benefitted from a share of £5,000 as she looks for a job in London. Her project his fifth year architecture project which explored golf championship for the second year running in one of the world’s leading search engines. wind farm developments on Shetland. Daniel in the form of the annual Balmoral Offshore management proposal centred around measuring the development of a rural community and April 2010. produced a book and video programme illustrating In addition, Alex Gordon was highly commended Third-year nutrition and dietetics student, Alison Engineering Prize. the extent of the application of project governance education facility in Lochaline, a remote village Using the spare cycles of the computers at the the views of Shetlanders who are passionately in the BP Fine Art category, and Jill Patterson and Wylie, took double gold in the 100m and 200m and its relationship to project success in the oil and overlooking the Sound of Mull. In June of the same year, Jane was selected to University, Maryam ran a myriad of concurrent involved in both sides of the debate. Shetland Margaret Gray were both commended in the BP with personal bests of 12.60 sec and 25.95 sec th 2009 was the second year running that gas service sector. represent Great Britain and Ireland at the 13 World MapReduce jobs to simulate hundreds of users Museum has requested to retain his work. Design Award. Each received a cheque for £250. (wind assisted) respectively. Alison’s success the Aberdeen-based subsea equipment Rowan’s brief involved creating new facilities for University Golf Championships in Malaga. Her searching and sorting on Google at the same time, They were presented with their prizes at the follows from her achievements in February’s manufacturing company has sponsored the prize Babatunde Odunlami and Christiana Fowode the primary school and new community facilities performance in the Championships was strong, ultimately improving the results of these searches. The BP Fine Art Award was won by Catherine opening night of Gray’s School of Art Degree Indoor Championships where she also sprinted th for Aberdeen Business School students, viewing took second and third place and were awarded such as a library and cafe. A new multi-purpose coming in joint 19 out of 53 with a total score of Weir for her thought-provoking work on the Show 2010, sponsored by BP for the seventh year. to double gold victory in the 60m (8.04 sec) and it as an important link between industry and cheques for £1,500 and £1,000 respectively. hall was incorporated to replace and combine 317 across the four rounds (79, 83, 77, 78). Her work describes how to improve benchmarks construct of time and our technological society. 200m (26.68 sec). academia, as well as providing a real boost to the three existing halls in the village which were of the search engine’s MapReduce environment The basis of her work was a quote from Shuji MSc Physiotherapy student and RGU:SPORT students on the project management course. small, dilapidated, poorly proportioned and thus Jane also took first place at the Riccarton on multiple virtual machines. Thousands of Terayama the Japanese writer and photographer Scholar, Padraig White, achieved a triple win in underused. Through a series of complex spatial Rosebowl, a 36-hole Scottish Ladies Golf MapReduce jobs are executed on Google’s that ‘people cannot see time, they can only see shot, hammer and discus, reaching distances of relationships maximum use has been extracted Association (SLGA) order of merit event at clusters every day, meaning lots of the searches clocks’. Catherine’s work combines modern 11.80m, 62.73m and 30.91m respectively. from each square metre of building, with many Hamilton in August. She performed consistently, we run on restaurants and TV shows will be and obsolete technology such as a box brownie spaces serving different functions to a variety of with 71 in the first round, followed by 72 in the executed by using a MapReduce tool. camera and candles together with digital Padraig recently made his debut for the Aberdeen users at different times of the day. second, making a total of 143. technology. Amateur Athletic Club (AAAC) in the opening An article based on the findings she has put Scottish men’s track and field league meeting of the together for her Masters dissertation was season, where he won with a personal best and city accepted at the IEEE International Conference club record of 59.19m in the hammer throw. on Complex, Intelligent and Software Intensive Systems (CISIS), in Krakow, in February 2010.

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research & commercialisation

Dr Alan Owen, Director of CUSP, with Dr Walker

EXHIBITION FEATURES PIONEERING CENTRE FOR UNDERSTANDING NEW TRIAL REVEALS UNIVERSITY RESEARCH SUSTAINABILITY IN PRACTICE BREAKTHROUGH IN OBESITY LAUNCHED BATTLE Two of the University’s pioneering research The second is a small portable pollution detection The University has launched the Centre for A new trial has proven that a very low calorie diet projects were featured in a photographic exhibition device featuring bright non-toxic tracers. Each Understanding Sustainability in Practice (CUSP) (VLCD) is far more effective at tackling obesity of dramatically striking images which are set tracer emits light to detect the presence and which aspires to educate and inspire people to than conventional diets, potentially putting an to ‘change our tomorrow’ in November 2010. movement of pollutants - even in tiny quantities - in embrace sustainable practice in their daily lives in end to years of losing battles among dangerously Where Tomorrow Begins: Reflections of Scottish a variety of sites including harbours, marine and a time where issues such as climate change and overweight Britons. Innovation showcased examples of innovation freshwater environments and sewage treatment energy efficiency are at the forefront of important In the first of its kind, a 12 month study, carried taking place in Scotland’s universities, which works. The brightness of tracers means that an global issues. out at the Centre for Obesity Research and places them at the forefront of knowledge, individual pollutant can be carefully monitored and Epidemiology (CORE), saw adult men and women research and technology, to tackle the big issues its source of origin pinpointed, allowing scientists to To mark the occasion, esteemed broadcaster, with BMI greater than or equal to 35, referred of the 21st century. prevent potentially dangerous future damage. writer and speaker Dr Gabrielle Walker, who to the University’s obesity clinic. They were specialises in energy and climate change, The exhibition was on display at the Aberdeen’s entered into a randomized controlled clinical trial The first project aimed to address the fact that delivered an inaugural lecture, entitled Satrosphere Science Centre as part of a national tour. of differing dietary interventions, including the approximately three million people die annually ‘Sustainability and the Future’. LighterLife VLCD. as a result of unclean water and researchers have developed an advanced photochemical technology Average weight loss for the LighterLife VLCD that could help.The process uses a material called a was 31kg, compared to just 4 kg on the low- photocatalyst that, when illuminated with light, carbohydrate high-protein diet. Meanwhile the can completely destroy the pollutants in water. conventional dieters lost an average of 18kg. The treatment is low-energy and non-toxic offering a safe and effective solution to the global water challenge.

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Dr Allan Owen, Director of Cusp with Dr Walker.

A SMALL STEP FOR ACADEMICS RESEARCHER PASSES £ 1/2 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OBESITY RESEARCH SHOWCASED SCIENTIST RECOGNISED FOR COULD MEAN A GIANT LEAP FOR MILLION GRANT INCOME MARK NUTRITION AND DEPRESSION AT NATIONAL EXHIBITION PIONEERING RESEARCH INTO MANKIND DURING PREGNANCY EXPLORED WOUND-HEALING WAFERS Researchers at the School of Engineering are The system is still at the stage of mathematical Dr John G Love, from the School of Applied Iolanda Serci, from the School of Nursing and An exhibit entitled “Fat Body Slim: Shape The exhibition took place at the Southbank Olga Labovitiadi, a researcher from the School of Her work concerns the formulation of antimicrobial devising plans for a radically different type of modelling and simulation - a process which Social Studies, has passed a milestone in research Midwifery, received two funding awards to Matters!” by Dr Giovanna Bermano, members of Centre in London. Around 30,000 members of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, has been commended wafers - freeze-dried dressings made from natural spacecraft engine, which could one day allow involves working out all the equations governing funding with the award of a grant of £15,000 from support her current research which has the the Institute for Health & Welfare Research and the public and 4,000 school students attended the by a prestigious European organisation for her materials which look like sponge and can contain conventional aeroplanes to fly into space, and the problem and programming them into a Aberdeenshire Council Choose Life Planning potential to improve maternal health and, its Centre for Obesity Research and Epidemiology prestigious exhibition. Dr Bermano’s exhibit was innovative work on the use of antimicrobial wafers substances such as antiseptics or antibiotics. replace the rocket motor as a means of escaping computer to simulate what will happen in reality. Partnership to examine coping strategies amongst ultimately, enhance fetal and infant health. (CORE) was selected to exhibit at the Royal one of only 26, and was selected from over 120 to control infection in wounds. The wafers work by absorbing all the fluid the Earth’s atmosphere. As such it still requires further work to solve its young people. The grant takes Dr Love’s research Society’s 350th Anniversary Summer Science applications. Entitled ‘The Relationship Between Nutrition, Olga delivered her presentation at the European produced by the wound, while at the same time practical problems and make it a reality. Chief income to more than £500,000 and is the 27th Exhibition in London. Unlike traditional aerospace engines which Increased Inflammation and Depression in Wound Management Association 2010 (EWMA) releasing the antiseptic or antibiotic to kill the among these is providing a suitable power supply research grant he has received since first carrying The announcement of the University’s burn fuel, this new system, which is still at the Pregnancy and Following Birth: Assessment of annual meeting, in Geneva, Switzerland, and was bacteria in the infected wound bed. for the system, but Dr MacLeod confirmed out research at the University in 1996. The exhibit was designed to showcase the involvement in the Royal Society Summer Science theoretical design stage, uses microwaves to Depression Scores, Inflammatory Cytokines and presented with the award for a ‘First-time Presenter that they are currently working on a number of University’s cutting-edge research in the field Exhibition follows on from recent news that the generate heat - rather like a microwave oven heats Researching in the broad area of social exclusion Omega-3 Fatty Acids’, Iolanda received £5,300 at an International Conference’. possible solutions to this. of obesity in a highly engaging and interactive team has also received a £25,000 grant from food. Dr Love has examined issues of homelessness, from the NHS Endowment fund and £1,000 from fashion. Members of the public were able to the Scottish Government Science Engagement mental health, substance misuse, young people the Iolanthe Trust. The main advantage of the method is that it should and migration and ethnicity. explore this research by taking part in various Fund to deliver a series of workshops to more eventually reduce the cost of space vehicles and The Awards enabled Iolanda to undertake a body size and composition measurements using than 10,000 teenagers in the North and North- make them reusable and potentially cleaner. His funders have included Aberdeen City period of research education and attend the 8th methods such as bioelectrical impedance and east of Scotland. The workshops constitute one The resulting craft would look and be used like and Aberdeenshire Councils, NHS Grampian, International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids air-displacement analysis, otherwise known as of seventeen projects funded by the Science conventional aircraft. Grampian Police, the Scottish Health Council and and Lipids Congress, ‘From Lipidomics to Human the BodPod. Engagement Fund which is designed to get the the voluntary sector. Health’, held in Kansas. public more involved and interested in science. The research is ongoing as a PhD.

24 25 annual review 2009 -2010 annual review 2009 - 2010

working with Business

Cheryl Paul and Professor Marcella with the expert panel.

TRUMP TARTAN: GRAY’S STUDENTS RIDING THE RAPIDS INDUSTRY - ACADEMIA IT LEADERS COME TOGETHER AT WEAVE THEIR WAY INTO GLOBAL COLLABORATION SHORT-LISTED UNIVERSITY BRAND FOR ENERGY INSTITUTE AWARD Fashion Design students from Gray’s School of Art An event entitled ‘Riding the Rapids’ took place An innovative degree programme run jointly by The School of Computing, in association with have embarked on a project to create a corporate in September 2009 as a result of a global research Shell International Exploration and Production and ScotlandIS, the trade body for the information tartan for Trump International - Scotland. project commissioned by PSN and McGrigors the University was short-listed for an award at the and communications technologies industry, has LLP, by Aberdeen Business School, to examine prestigious Energy Institute Awards 2009. formed an IT Leaders’ Forum for the North-east of Intended to complement the existing Trump family how some companies continue to prosper despite Scotland. The Programme enables Shell personnel to gain an tartan (Macleod), the new design will be produced these times of volatility and uncertainty. MSc academic degree as part of their learning and in association with leading Scottish manufacturers The event explored the research, addressing development programme. Fifty staff have joined Co-sponsored by HEAD, the IT resourcing group, and local mills, with a view to it being used within how oil and gas industry leaders are steering up since the pilot stage, studying for either MSc and law firm McGrigors, the aim of the Forum is the club house and hotel interiors at the site in and sustaining their businesses through the Well Design and Engineering or MSc Completion to grow and support a network of IT managers. Scotland. It may also be incorporated into golf current global recession. A panel of industry and Intervention Engineering. The first cohort The Forum will allow members to share ideas and wear and resort merchandise, and will become experts including Professor Rita Marcella, graduated in July 2009. deal with issues together, as well as receiving part of the identity and branding of Trump Dean of Aberdeen Business School, Tom expert input from leaders in the field at tailored International - Scotland. Smith, Managing Director of Nessco and Alec networking events.

Carstairs, Oil and Gas Partner at Ernst & Young, Having been invited to develop initial designs, took part in the discussion which was chaired the students have been dealt the task of weaving by Cheryl Paul from STV. together the Trump brand, Trump ancestry and the Trump golf vision. Their brief was to take inspiration from Donald Trump’s golf vision and passion for Scotland, using colours that reflect the

The designs at Trump International - Scotland, Menie Estate, Balmedie. North-east coastline, Trump’s worldwide portfolio and 500 years of golfing heritage.

26 27 annual review 2009 -2010 annual review 2009 - 2010

BiGGAR Economics

(From left): Chris Rigby, Business Development Manager, C4DI Project Director Professor Julian Malins and Principal Designer Graham Grant.

STUDENTS BENEFIT FROM OVER NATIONAL AWARD FOR INDUSTRY- THINKING SPACE AMOR GROUP ENTERS EXPERTISE REPORT QUANTIFIES UNIVERSITY’S FREE BUSINESS TRAINING IS BIG FLAGSHIP UNIVERSITY EVENT £100,000 SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING ACADEMIA PARTNERSHIP SHARING PARTNERSHIP WITH £300 MILLION CONTRIBUTION TO BOOST FOR SMES BRINGS TOGETHER BUSINESS UNIVERSITY SCOTTISH ECONOMY LEADERS From September 2009 – August 2010 students A cutting-edge collaboration between Aberdeen The multi-disciplinary team at the University’s Scottish business technology solutions provider The University’s total contribution to the economy A University initiative, which received more than Beth Duff is founder of ‘the red horse speaks’ Business leaders from across the North- from across the University have benefited based Gas2 Ltd and the School of Engineering Centre for Design and Innovation (C4DI) ran Amor Group has entered into an innovative of the North-east is £227.5 million every year, £400,000 backing from the European Social Fund programme where horses help to teach personal east came together for the prestigious 2009 from over £100,000 Scholarship funding from won the top accolade at the Knowledge Transfer a three month workshop programme entitled new expertise sharing partnership with the while its total national contribution is calculated at last year, is proving to be a success in providing development to clients of all ages and abilities. Entrepreneurship Dinner, sponsored by AMEC, in businesses including AMEC, Bureau Veritas, KCA, Partnership (KTP) Scotland Awards in February ‘Innovation by Design’ to help Scottish Small to University. £302.2 million. free business training for small, medium and She is currently working towards a PhD on the October 2009 at The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa. Petrofac, Poyry, Sparrows, Talisman, Technip, 2010. Medium Enterprises (SMEs) strengthen their social enterprises (SME’s) across Aberdeen City impact of horses on human learning as a result of The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) In addition to core impacts such as staff employed, TOTAL, Wood Group and FMC. ability to find innovative solutions to common and Shire. all the positive feedback she has received from Entitled ‘Riding the Storm’, the flagship University The Awards recognise and honour the agreement is the start of a two-year project student spending and capital projects, the business problems. participants. She met with David Gibbons-Wood, event which is now in its 14th year, included As well as funding, students receive a range of best projects involved in the KTP scheme, that will bring together academic expertise report emphasised the impact of the University’s The team running the ‘Business Skills for Growth’ Director of the University’s Centre for Interna- keynote speeches from Bernard Looney, North assistance including paid placements, mentoring which aims to help businesses improve their in information management (IM) and the relationships with business and industry. Its strong project from Aberdeen Business School set The series aimed to help business professionals of tional Labour Market Studies, Project Manager for Sea Managing Director at BP, and Leo Koot, and the opportunity to be considered for competitiveness and productivity through the experience and skills of companies working in links with both local business and the public sector a target of recruiting 175 individuals to the all levels develop creative solutions to problems ‘Business Skills for Growth’ and Senior Lecturer Managing Director of TAQA Bratani Ltd. The permanent employment at their Scholarship better use of knowledge, technology and skills the energy sector. enable a high proportion of students to undertake programme in November 2008 and have more with products and services by applying a designer’s within Aberdeen Business School. dinner culminated with a panel discussion provider. that reside within the UK knowledge base. The work placements as part of their course and 18% of than exceeded this number. Supported by a way of thinking. The aim is to improve IM through sharing including Neil Bruce, Executive Director for award-winning partnership received financial the total economic contribution is directly related to steering group, including representatives of the best practice and taking a group approach to AMEC, and chaired by Jeremy Cresswell, Editor of support from KTP, which in turn is funded by the student placements. University, Enterprise Trust North East, Aberdeen problem solving. This innovative development the Press & Journal’s Energy supplement. Technology Strategy Board along with the other and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, and helps businesses save money and represents a This, combined with the University’s provision of government funding organisations. Learndirect, the central objective of the project is move away from the more common consultant corporate training programmes to industry, not only The panel discussed lessons learnt from the latest to provide short courses to improve SME business Gas2 develops novel solutions for the gas to liquid led approach. enhances graduate employability, but also improves economic downturn and touched on some very skills in specific areas. fuel market, and has been working with Professor workforce skills and provides opportunities for real issues facing the North-east and the wider oil Edward Gobina from the School of Engineering, knowledge transfer. and gas industry. to optimise the operation of a miniature pilot The University also impacts positively on the unit which produces an output of high quality health of the community both nationally and hydrogen and carbon monoxide (Syngas) from internationally, as it trains healthcare professionals, natural gas. This can then be reacted to produce a undertakes healthcare research and provides number of products including liquid fuels. sports and exercise facilities for staff, students and the community. It houses the Centre for Obesity Research and Epidemiology, and is recognised internationally for its research into obesity.

28 29 annual review 2009 -2010 annual review 2009 - 2010

staff success

Heather with colleagues

UNIVERSITY DIRECTOR APPOINTED PROFESSOR APPOINTED TO CBI £12,000 INTERNATIONAL CHAIR OF MORAY TOURISM JUDGING PANEL SCHOLARSHIP FOR GRAY’S DEVELOPMENT ALUMNUS AND LECTURER Andrew Martin, Director of the University’s Justin Greenwood, Professor of European Public Heather Ross, a lecturer at Gray’s School of Art, Open to painters across Scotland, and sponsored Scottish Centre of Tourism (SCoT), has been Policy at Aberdeen Business School, was a has been awarded the Royal Scottish Academy’s by the Alastair Salvesen Trust in association with appointed Chair of Moray Tourism Development. member of the Final Awards judging panel for (RSA) Alastair Salvesen Scholarship of £12,000 the RSA, the Scholarship is a major initiative the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) Trade and a solo exhibition at the Royal Scottish intended to encourage young painters who have With support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise Association Forum UK Best Practice Awards 2010. Academy in Edinburgh. made the transition from college to a working and Moray Council, the group’s directors reflect a environment to prosper. The Scholarship allowed range of interests in the tourism sector. As Chair Heather to venture to Japan for three months. of Moray Tourism Development, Andrew will develop partnerships to build upon the region’s global reputation as the home of malt whisky, its heritage and its natural environment.

30 31 annual review 2009 -2010 annual review 2009 - 2010

UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC PUBLISHES ABERDEEN’S SHERLOCK HOLMES SCOTT SUTHERLAND PROFESSOR’S GEOLOGIST JO ENGINEERS ROCK DUNOON DEVELOPMENT IS FIRST BOOK EXAMINING BRITAIN’S COLLECTS HONORARY DEGREE PRACTICE COMMISSIONED FOR FAME IN SCOTLAND BLOGGING PHENOMENON FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF HULL NEW NUCLEAR ARCHIVE Dr Sarah Pedersen, a Reader from the Professor Dave Barclay, senior lecturer at the Professor Barclay is now a senior lecturer at the Neil Gillespie, Director and Principal Architect at Energy Centre Online Distance Learning (ODL) For the last seven years, Jo has combined her Professor Gokay Deveci, from the Scott The scheme is the first in Scotland to be officially Communication, Marketing and Media School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, received University, as well as giving presentations to Reiach and Hall architects and a Visiting Professor Lead Lecturer and e-Learning Enhancement Co- music career with working at the University Sutherland School of Architecture and Built accredited by the Passivhaus Institut in Germany. department at Aberdeen Business School, has the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science from forensics students and lay audiences across the at the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture ordinator for Postgraduate Studies Jo McCafferty looking after the ODL students to varying degrees, Environment, has applied his world-renowned This voluntary construction standard is only published a book that takes a fresh look at the UK the University of Hull. UK, and is a regular adviser and interviewee on and the Built Environment, has had his practice is simultaneously pursuing her University and teaching the Subsurface module and facilitating expertise in sustainable housing to design the first awarded to buildings meeting rigorous energy blogging phenomenon. crime and science television programmes. awarded a prestigious commission by the Nuclear music careers. the Business Essentials module. certified Passivhaus in Scotland. efficiency criteria. Professor Barclay was Head of Physical Evidence Decommissioning Authority for the development Why Blog - Motivations for Blogging includes for the National Crime Faculty, leading forensic Professor Barclay has worked on some of Britain’s Jo has supported Marillion, toured with Midge Professor Deveci has designed ‘Tigh-Na-Cladach’ of the national nuclear archive, a new £15 million Jo, who is based in the School of Engineering, has original research on British blogging practices and reviews of 235 murders, including high-profile highest profile murder cases. He is also a former Ure and performed to a growing band of loyal or ‘house by the shore’ - an affordable housing facility in Wick. recently released her seventh, and first full band motivations from one of the most well-respected cases in the UK and abroad. In 2005 the head of physical evidence for the UK National followers in Aberdeen and across Scotland. scheme for Fyne Initiatives, the commercial album, Overtaking on a Bend. practitioners in the field. International Homicide Investigators Association Crime and Operations Faculty, where he was Reiach and Hall propose completion of the project Meanwhile she has also found the time to write, subsidiary of Argyll based housing association, named him ‘Investigator of the Year’, an involved in reviewing more than 200 murder by summer 2013. record and release six original acoustic albums. Fyne Homes, comprising 14 semi-detached Weblogging or ‘blogging’ has joined e-mail and unprecedented honour a non-police officer. His investigations, cold case reviews and inquiries houses overlooking the beautiful Firth of Clyde in internet home pages as one of the most popular style of investigation led to a major shift away from into alleged miscarriages of justice, including the Dunoon. uses of the Internet. Dr Pedersen’s book focuses the production of hard evidence for use in court Bloody Sunday inquiry, the Omagh bombing, on a number of themes relating to contemporary and towards a much wider investigative input, the World’s End murders in Edinburgh, and the uses of this global social media platform, including providing intelligence across the whole enquiry. Millie Dowler and Soham murders. His extensive comparing British bloggers to their more experience also led him into becoming an adviser researched US counterparts. for the BBC television series ‘Waking the Dead’. 32 33 annual review 2009 -2010 annual review 2009 - 2010

RGU: Rag President, Stephanie Dowling

ART MEETS SPORT TO GET KIDS PHYSIOTHERAPY CLASS FOR MURDER, MYSTERY AND UNIVERSITY VOLUNTEERS GET ON BOARD THE OVER-50’S MICROSCOPES THEIR HANDS DIRTY IN LOCAL GARDEN PROJECTS Street Sport, a community youth diversion As part of Aberdeen’s 50+ Festival in October Around 300 members of the public attended Student volunteers from the University’s Charities initiative in Aberdeen, is now incorporating street 2009, the School of Health Sciences held a a sold out ‘Murder, Mystery and Microscopes’ Society RGU: RAG (Raising and Giving) Society art into its mobile pitches. physiotherapy exercise session. event which took place at the University as have been getting their hands dirty to help part of TechFest in September 2009. Hosted by two local community projects, the Milltown The initiative, co-ordinated by the University in The event took place at RGU: SPORT and acted Damien McLeod of Original 106 FM, the event Community Project near Laurencekirk and the collaboration with Grampian Police, takes sport as a taster session for those interested in joining gave adults the chance to hear from some of the Community Orchard, managed by the Aberdeen to young people, within their own communities, the regular class which is run as a service to most high-profile and knowledgeable experts in Forward Project in Garthdee. promoting healthier lifestyles and alternatives to the over-60s community by students studying the field. alcohol, drugs and antisocial behaviour. It gives The students planted and staked trees and helped physiotherapy. young people the opportunity to channel their out with general garden tasks. A collaborative initiative between the Macaulay energies into sports in a structured and safe Institute and Aberdeen’s two universities, the The RGU: RAG Society was recently awarded manner, and the versatile pitches can be set up on event formed a basis for the discussion of the ‘Society of the Year’ at the University’s Student any sizeable area of tarmac or grass with the help forensic implications of a number of extracts Achievement Awards, and has already raised over of a dedicated team of volunteers. from the fictional works of Scottish crime writer, £5000 for various local and national charities in the working with the community Now with the addition of street art boards, which Stuart MacBride. past year. hang from the sides of the pitches, organisers Street Sport workers with members hope to encourage those who go along to the of Grampian police. sessions who aren’t interested in sport to engage creatively instead. 34 35 annual review 2009 -2010 annual review 2009 - 2010

STUDENT PROJECTS REVAMP FASHION STUDENTS DESIGN FOR SCHOOL TEAMS AIM FOR NEW ABERDEEN ARCHITECTURE PUPILS BENEFIT FROM FREE VILLAGE CENTRE THEIR FUTURE IDEAS IN WASTE MANAGEMENT STUDENTS HELP REALISE DELHI SCIENCE WORKSHOPS DREAMS Architecture students presented their final year Fashion Design students from Gray’s School of Art Eleven school teams from Aberdeen City A group of altruistic students from the Scott During their three weeks in Delhi, the group The School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences offered ‘A Day in the Life of a Forensics Science Student’ project ideas to revamp Banchory’s town centre to hosted an exclusive black tie fashion show event and Shire attended the Go4SET Launch Day Sutherland School of Architecture and Built thoroughly researched the local area and two exciting, free workshops to senior secondary included a lecture on ‘How to Investigate a Crime it residents in a public presentation in July 2010. entitled ‘Shooting stars never stop even when in November 2009 to take part in Go4SET Environment head off to India in summer 2010 to developed the brief and vision for the project school pupils across Scotland during the Scene’, as well as a practical exercise in which pupils they reach the top’ at Aberdeen Art Gallery for programme, hosted at the University. Each design a school for a charity. with the charity. They also ran focus groups school holidays in October 2009. The specially- were fully kitted out as crime scene investigators The student project was chosen following an members of the local community in March 2010. school fielded a team of six S2 pupils who were and workshops with women and children at the designed taster sessions provided pupils with an making their own findings in the University’s state- invitation from members of the Banchory and supported by their teacher and a company mentor Architecture student David Fleck, first became existing schools, to aid producing designs for the opportunity to decide whether studying at the of-the-art mock crime scene facility. District Initiative (BDI) in 2009. Working in From working with BP to local charities, throughout the project. involved with the Delhi charity, Anusaran, three school. They also explored rural Delhi, collecting School is for them. partnership with various agencies including international brands and key players in the years ago, when he spent six months teaching photos, film footage and drawings, and generally Aberdeenshire Council and local groups including Scottish textiles industry, such as Johnstons of ‘The Medicine Journey, Pharmacy Focus,’ gave The theme was ‘Waste and Your Environment’ and and helping in the schools and the small local getting to know the community at the school as Banchory Community Council (BCC), the Initiative Elgin, the students have benefited from a varied pupils an insight into the hands-on skills required the teams were tasked to conduct a waste audit in church. The charity is run entirely by local couple, much as possible. supports the development of a sustainable, remit and showcased many of the live projects to become a pharmacist. They experienced the school and produce an account of the waste John and Abha, and David has remained in close diverse, inclusive and vibrant community in they have been working on. patient monitoring, and had the opportunity collection and treatment sites in their local district contact with them since then. He was impressed David and his fellow students have committed to Banchory and surrounding districts. to practise the basic principles of medicines or town, in order to understand how the local with their long term vision for a centre that could the project for the long term, and hope that the management, and the varied career paths open to Student proposals included the reinstatement of waste sector operates. They also met their mentor bring together their work, and be a shelter for girls funds will become available to complete it. pharmacists. the Royal Deeside, Aberdeen to Ballater railway companies, BP, AMEC, ConocoPhillips, WellOps in the surrounding communities, but other more line and the creation of a cycle path, the re- and TOTAL to investigate how they handle the urgent things and a really tight budget always David has also forged a partnership with development of Scott Skinner Square, a school amount of waste they produce. delayed its progress. humanitarian architecture organisation, Article of music, affordable housing, flats, studios and 25, in a bid to start up a student society at the retail located between Bridge Street and the Go4SET is a national programme aimed at David was inspired to use his building design University which will run arts events, design Golf Course. stimulating the interest of young people in expertise to help them realise their dream, and competitions, lectures and workshops centred science, engineering and technology (SET) at a persuaded a number of his third year classmates around live projects in the developing world. key stage in their education. to join him and work on the project.

36 37 annual review 2009 -2010 annual review 2009 - 2010 VIP visits VIP visits

FIRST MINISTER ON PANEL AT WORLD WIDE WASTE – TALK ON WORLD LAND SPEED RECORD- CLOTHES SHOW HOST STRIKES ABERDEEN’S FIRST YOUTH SUMMIT GREEN IT HIGHLIGHTS ENERGY BREAKER JETTED TO UNIVERSITY A POSE ISSUES Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond addressed Mary Vincent, one of the world’s leading experts Richard Noble OBE, the man behind bringing Caryn Franklin, one of the UK’s most well-known the next generation of private and public sector on green IT innovation, visited the University in the world land speed record back to Britain and fashion experts, visited the University in March leaders at the Aberdeen City and Shire Economic April 2010 to deliver two lectures. The first was achieving the first ever supersonic land speed 2010 to give a talk as part of the Guests @ Gray’s Future’s (ACSEF) first economic summit for tailored towards students, the other took place as record programme, inspired the next generation lecture series at Gray’s School of Art. young people at the Aberdeen Business School in part of the North-east’s IT Leaders’ Forum which of engineers at a lecture in April 2010. February 2010. was launched in February 2010. Caryn, who presented The Clothes Show on Mr Noble delivered the Institution of Engineering BBC 1 for more than a decade, has produced Entitled ‘Future Makers’ the event was designed Serial entrepreneur Mary Vincent, founder and and Technology (IET) Scotland Prestige Lecture many documentaries and books on the subject to attract a range of University and College CEO of Green Star Solution, a global business 2010. In the free event, the record-breaking of fashion. She is also co-founder of the award undergraduates, young professionals and senior and technology firm, examined why innovation challenger and entrepreneur discussed his latest winning campaign All Walks Beyond the secondary pupils between the ages of 16 – 24. methodologies for IT are so important. project – Bloodhound SSC. The Bloodhound Catwalk. As a hugely successful practitioner, project is pushing the very boundaries of The summit combined presentations on ACSEF’s Caryn focused the lecture on fashion and the technology in a bid to develop the world’s first plans to grow the economy and enhance quality body, questioning her industry’s attraction to the ever 1000 mph car. of life with interactive workshops to determine if emaciated woman.

those plans meet young people’s expectations for The event was sponsored by BP, Wood Group, the future. CORE Oil & Gas, Simpson’s Hotel, in Aberdeen,

and the University.

38 39 annual review 2009 -2010 annual review 2009 - 2010

Students Glenn Buchan and Ruth Chapman with Ken Milroy (centre)

Mike Russell with Acting Principal John Harper Professor David Alexander Pascal Flammer

GUEST LECTURE BY BP’S GROUP DISTINGUISHED VISITORS COME CONVERSATIONS IN YOUTH LEARNING, EMPLOYMENT CABINET SECRETARY VIEWS HEAD OF ENGINEERING TO ABERDEEN CENTRE FOR ARCHITECTURE AND ENTERPRISE ANGEL LEADS UNIVERSITY’S CAMPUS TRAUMA RESEARCH BUSINESS LECTURE DEVELOPMENT

Staff and students attended a guest lecture The Aberdeen Centre for Trauma Research In addition, meetings were arranged for Captain Architecture students benefited from the insight Ken Milroy, chief executive of renowned social Mike Russell MSP, Cabinet Secretary for by John Baxter, Group Head of Engineering at (ACTR) welcomed the visit of Major Wajid Khalid with the Adult Psychiatric Service at the of up and coming international practitioners enterprise organisation Aberdeen Foyer, delivered Education and Lifelong Learning, saw at first BP and honorary graduate of the University in Malik and Captain Khalid Shah in August 2010. Royal Cornhill Hospital and the local ambulance Pascal Flammer, who runs his own practice in the 2010 Absoft Entrepreneurship Lecture at the hand the beginning of enabling works for the March 2010. Each visitor distinguished himself during and service. Switzerland, and London-based James Payne, in University in March 2010. University’s £170 million development of its after the catastrophic 2005 earthquake in the March 2010. Garthdee campus when he visited in August 2010. The visitors were also able to draft papers John’s lecture, entitled ‘In at the Deep End’, Pakistan controlled area of Kashmir. Their visit Ken is the founding leader of one of Scotland’s representing collaborative research efforts under During the annual event, entitled ‘Conversations’, reviewed the engineering challenges facing the further cemented the academic link between the most successful youth learning and enterprise The development will be characterised by: the aegis of the Pakistan-Aberdeen Collaborative the students delivered presentations on their work industry as oil exploration and production moves University and Pakistan and further advanced the charities. He has been at the helm of the Foyer • A clear, vibrant campus heart; Trauma Team (PACTT). This was established by and had the opportunity to gain feedback on the from fixed platforms on the continental shelf University’s international standing. since 1996, overseeing its rise to become one of Dr Klein and Professor Alexander in conjunction projects they are working on whilst they are still in • State-of-the art flexible learning spaces; to floating structures in deep water. The latter the most important charitable organisations of its During their visit, both Major Malik and Captain with Professor/ Brigadier Rana, who is the Head the formative stages. • Increased accessibility; presenting a wide range of unique challenges kind in the country. Shah received intensive research training from of the Department of Psychiatry in Rawalpindi • Energy efficient and environmentally requiring intense professional expertise and Dr Susan Klein, Reader in Trauma Research, and is now one of the University’s Honorary innovation. Ken spoke to over 300 students during the annual sustainable solutions; and clinical experience from Professor David Professors. lecture. • Enhanced landscaped qualities and a stronger Alexander, Director of ATCR. relationship between buildings and the riverside setting; • A confident presence for the University and the region and • A spectacular new pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Dee. 40 41 annual review 2009 -2010 annual review 2009 - 2010

SIR RANULPH FIENNES - DOCTOR OF SCIENCE

Perhaps Sir Ranulph’s most famous trek was the Transglobal Expedition from 1979 to 1982, which comprised a journey around the world on its polar axis using surface transport only, STEWART SPENCE - DOCTOR OF MARK MCALLISTER - BARBARA DICKSON - covering 52,000 miles. BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION DOCTOR OF TECHNOLOGY DOCTOR OF MUSIC Other huge challenges included leading the first hovercraft expedition up the Nile and achieving Stewart is one of the leading hoteliers and Mark is Chief Executive of Fairfield Energy. He Barbara is a singer, musician and actress. She the world record for unsupported northerly polar businessmen in Aberdeen. He entered the had previously been a member of the senior is a multi-million selling recording artist and the travel. In 1992, Sir Ranulph led the team that hospitality industry at the age of fifteen as a trainee management team at LASMO plc and was biggest selling female Scottish album artiste of all discovered the lost city of Ubar in Oman as well as chef in Aberdeen. A period of training from 1962 Managing Director of Europe and North Africa, time. An Olivier Award winning actress and an completing the first unsupported crossing of the - 1968 then followed with British Transport Hotels at the time of the acquisition of LASMO by Eni in O.B.E conferred in 2002 for her services to music Antarctic continent with Mike Stroud. This was in Aberdeen, an exchange in Paris and then the 2001. Previously, Mark had been on the executive and drama, combine to firmly establish Barbara the longest unsupported polar journey in history. Great Western Hotel in London. team at Monument Exploration where he was Dickson as one of Britain’s most talented and Director of Operations. versatile of artists. In 2003, again with Mike Stroud, Sir Ranulph ran Stewart became assistant manager at the Treetops seven marathons in only seven days on all seven Hotel in 1968, then general manager in 1970 at Led by Mark, Fairfield was created to pursue Barbara started singing in the pubs and folk clubs continents. In 2005, he climbed Everest (Tibet- the brand new Commodore Hotel in Stonehaven. opportunities provided by the restructuring of of Scotland and the North of England working side) while in March 2007 he climbed the North asset ownership in the UKCS, as the majors and with artists such as Gerry Rafferty, Billy Connolly Along with his father-in-law, Dick Donald, he Face of the Eiger followed by Everest (Nepal-side) other long-term acreage holders began to shift and Archie Fisher which led to her singing role in purchased his first hotel, the Atholl, in 1972. Over in 2008. their focus to different parts of the world. Fairfield the 1974 musical ‘John, Paul, George, RIngo ...and the years, he has been the owner and proprietor is an innovative upstream oil producer focused on Bert’, which opened in the West End. She had her In May 2009, aged 65 years, he conquered of a number of the North-East’s leading hotels the appraisal and development of hydrocarbon first top ten hit in 1976 and a plethora of musical Everest and became the oldest Briton to summit including the Queens Hotel, the Marcliffe in accumulations in the North Sea. and theatrical successes followed. Everest. Through these expeditions he raised Queens Terrace, the Belvidere (now Simpsons), honorary awards significant funds for the British Heart Foundation the New Marcliffe, Invery House in Banchory and Since the 1990s she has concentrated on the and Marie Curie Cancer Care and to date he has The Marcliffe at Pitfodels. acoustic and folk roots in her music. raised nearly £14 million for these and other UK charities, including the Multiple Sclerosis Society and Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

42 43 annual review 2009 -2010 annual review 2009 - 2010

DR DAME CLAIRE BERTSCHINGER - DONALD EMSLIE - DOCTOR OF KAREN MATHESON - PROFESSOR SIR ANDREW MOTION ALASDAIR LOCKE - DOCTOR OF GABRIELLE WALKER - DOCTOR OF EDUCATION BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION DOCTOR OF MUSIC - DOCTOR OF LETTERS BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION DOCTOR OF SCIENCE

After training as a nurse, Claire became a nurse/ Donald was a main Board Director of SMG for seven Karen is widely recognised as the haunting vocals In 1980, Andrew become editor of the Poetry Entrepreneur Alasdair began his career in corporate Gabrielle has made a significant contribution to medic for the Scientific Exploration Society years and Director of Broadcasting at STV before of Celtic super-group Capercaillie. She was given Review and, in 1982, produced the Penguin Book banking at Citybank. After time in Singapore he heightening awareness and influencing key leaders Expedition to Panama, Papua New Guinea and becoming Chief Executive of the Television Division an OBE in the 2006 New Years Honours list, an of Contemporary British Poetry in collaboration became Chief Executive at Kelt Energy. In 1992 on the challenges that climate change poses. Sulawesi. and latterly the Chief Executive of SMG plc. astonishing achievement to add to her award of with Blake Morrison. He also produced critical Alasdair left to set up in business himself, buying Gabrielle studied a BA in Natural Sciences, and a “Best Gaelic singer” from the inaugural Scottish works on two poets who have influenced him a majority shareholding in KCA through Abbot In 1983 Claire joined the disaster relief group of He left the Group in March 2007, leaving behind PhD in Heterogeneous Catalysis at Cambridge. On folk awards. particularly, Edward Thomas and Philip Larkin. Holdings Ltd. In 1995, an opportunity presented the International Committee of the Red Cross a legacy of merging and rebranding Scottish completion of her PhD, Gabrielle started working Between 1982 and 1989 he was Editorial Director itself to do a reverse takeover of a quoted cash shell, (ICRC). It was Claire’s work during the famine and Grampian Television, installing state-of-the- Capercaillie have sold more than a million as a freelance journalist, subsequently taking and Poetry Editor at Chatto and Windus. During Unigroup Plc, which on completion was renamed in Ethiopia in 1984 that brought to the world’s art new studios in Aberdeen and Glasgow and albums across the world, performed in over prestigious positions such as Climate Change Editor this time, he published three collections of his Abbot Group plc. attention the horror of famine, starvation and launching the beginnings of their digital strategy, thirty countries and written and starred in the at Nature and Features Editor at New Scientist, for own verse, Secret Narratives, Dangerous Play suffering. as well as helping ITV through its first broadcast blockbuster movie ‘Rob Roy’, with Liam Neeson In 2001 Abbot Group acquired Deutag AG, whom she now acts as consultant. and Natural Causes. He also won the Somerset review. During his time at SMG Donald was also and Jessica Lange, in which Karen performed a becoming KCA Deutag. It was acquired by First Claire has since worked in over a dozen war-torn Maugham Award for his biography, The Lamberts: More recently Gabrielle has presented flagship the Chair of ITV Network Ltd and GMTV Ltd. solo rendition of a Gaelic lament. Reserve and taken back into private ownership countries including Afghanistan, Kenya, Lebanon, George, Constant and Kit. BBC radio programmes, such as “Oceans: What in 2008. Sudan, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast and Liberia. Since leaving SMG Donald has developed his Karen has released three solo albums, The lies beneath”. Gabrielle is also a consultant to the In 1996, Andrew took a post at the University of career as a Non-Executive Director and sits on the Dreaming Sea, Time to Fall and Downriver, Alasdair was recognised as the Scotland Overall UK Government’s Chief Scientific Adviser and to Claire is currently the Director of the Diploma in East Anglia and, since 2003, has been Professor Board of Scottish Water as well as the Scottish providing the perfect platform for the vocal and Master Entrepreneur of the Year in 1999 and the Government Office of Science. In June 2010 Tropical Nursing at the London School of Hygiene of Creative Writing at Royal Holloway, University Rugby Board. delights that have stunned audiences around received the International Business Achievement she took up the position Chief Scientist of Xynteo, and Tropical Medicine and is also an Ambassador of London. In 1999, following the death of Ted the world and introduced the beautiful Gaelic Award from the Scottish Business Achievement a consultancy specialising in advising companies for the African Children’s Educational Trust and a Hughes, Andrew was appointed Poet Laureate, language to countless thousands of people. Award Trust in 2009. about low-carbon growth. voluntary worker in the UK for Age Concern. a post held by the likes of Dryden, Wordsworth, Tennyson and Betjeman.

44 45 annual review 2009 -2010 annual review 2009 - 2010 university appointments

UNIVERSITY APPOINTS NEW HEAD NEW UNIVERSITY BOARD UNIVERSITY WELCOMES NEW HONORARY RESEARCH FELLOW OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY MEMBERS DIRECTORY OF LIBRARY SERVICES APPOINTED WITHIN THE INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE RESEARCH

Professor Brian Webster has joined the University The University has made four new appointments Michelle Anderson has joined the University as Dr Mark Cheesman, Director of Outlook Medical as Head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery. to its Board of Governors, the body responsible Directory of Library Services. Previously, Michelle Ltd, has been appointed as an Honorary Research for overseeing the strategic direction of the worked at the University of Lincoln, initially as Fellow within the Institute for Health & Welfare Brian joins the University from his previous University and taking the necessary steps to Customer Services Manager, and then as Head of Research. role as Deputy Head of School and Director of ensure its continued success. Library and Learning Resources for eight years. Education within the School of Health Sciences Dr Cheesman is Senior Medical Advisor to TAQA at the University of Southampton. There, he was Peter Nicholson, Group Head of Human Michelle is a professionally qualified librarian, Butani and in this capacity is responsible for responsible for nearly 250 members of staff and Resources for John Wood Group PLC, will join gaining an MA from Leeds Metropolitan leading on development and delivery of a strategy looked after all the School’s educational contracts, international postgraduate student Victor Meme, University and a Postgraduate Diploma from the to meet the offshore medicine and health needs of worth around £27 million. Course Leader Susan Lawrie and James Dunphy, a University of York, before working in both HE and the business. member of staff within the University’s Academic FE libraries, and as an information professional in Affairs department, on the Board. commercial research and development.

46 47 annual review 2009 -2010 annual review 2009 - 2010

Professor Ken Mackinnon New University President Elected Ryan Maclean

PROFESSOR KEN MACKINNON BOB THACKWRAY APPOINTED AS BUSINESS LEADER TO BECOME NEW UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT AWARD-WINNING ARTS LUMINARY APPOINTED HEAD OF LAW AT ABS HONORARY PROFESSOR ABERDEEN BUSINESS SCHOOL ELECTED APPOINTED HEAD OF GRAY’S PROFESSOR SCHOOL OF ART Professor Ken Mackinnon has joined the Bob Thackwray, the Leadership Foundation’s Neil Bruce, one of the north-east’s most influential He has more than 25 years experience of the oil Ryan Maclean who is studying for a Postgraduate Ryan’s campaign aims to ensure students Professor Paul Harris, a British Academy and Professor Harris joins Gray’s from the University University as Head of Law at Aberdeen Business Director of Membership and Networks, has businessmen, is tutoring corporate leaders of and gas industry and has been with AMEC since Masters degree in International IT Law at receive more effective feedback from University Scottish BAFTA award-winning photographer and of Abertay, where he was Creative Director of School, leaving his previous role as Head of Law at recently been appointed Honorary Professor at the future as Honorary Professor at Aberdeen 1997, becoming COO of the organisation’s Natural Aberdeen Business School, has been elected as coursework and assessments; establish an film-maker, was appointed as the new Head of the Institute of Arts, Media and Computer Games the University of Waikato in New Zealand. the University. Business School. Resources business in 2006 and COO of its Power the Student President of the University’s Student International Students Forum to better engage Gray’s School of Art in June 2010. from 2002. During his tenure, he attracted over £9 & Process business in December 2009. He is also Association, RGU: Union. the University’s growing international student million in funding to support Scotland’s creative Ken previously taught at the University of Bob is also a Visiting Professor at the University Mr Bruce is Chief Operating Officer, Natural an Executive Director of AMEC plc. population and also to campaign for extended industries and also established the National Centre Aberdeen and as a member of the Social Security of Hertfordshire, and has responsibility for Resources and Power & Process at AMEC, the Ryan, who took up his post at the beginning of library and IT facility access. for Excellence in Computer Games Education. Appeal Tribunal in Aberdeen in the 1980s, he developing collaborations with professional international engineering and project management August 2010, was elected by his peers who voted formed an enduring interest in access to justice associations, groups and networks for the company, which has revenues of more than online and across the University campus during Following an illustrious career in television, and in alternatives to the court system. Leadership Foundation. £2.6billion and employs almost 22,000 people in RGU: Union’s election week in March 2010. working for Channel 4, Central Television and around 40 countries worldwide. the BBC, Paul began teaching media production In 1990, Ken moved to New Zealand as a and was Head of Film and Television at Edinburgh foundation staff member for Waikato’s new Law College of Art from 1996 to 2002. School. He was involved in an effort to bring more Maori people into the legal profession by developing a new curriculum, ensuring personal support for students, and most recently by increasing distance learning options. When he left, more than one quarter of the student population studying law were Maori.

48 49 annual review 2009 -2010 annual review 2009 - 2010 ACADEMIC YEAR 2009/10 STUDENT PROFILE

Staff and student statistics OUG UG PGT PGR Overall Total UNIVERSITY STudent STATISTICS FT PT FT PT FT PT FT PT FT PT Data as at 1st October 2010 No.s No.s No.s No.s No.s No.s No.s No.s No.s No.s Aberdeen Business School 0 270 2196 312 1192 2121 50 56 3438 2759 6197 Faculty of Design and Technology 1 308 2251 269 845 480 52 33 3149 1090 4239 Faculty of Health and Social Care 1 1009 2992 818 263 820 44 24 3300 2671 5971 UNIVERSITY STAFF STATISTICS Total 2 1587 7439 1399 2300 3421 146 113 9887 6520 16407 Data as at 1st October 2010

ACADEMIC YEAR 2009/10 ACADEMIC YEAR 2009/10 STAFF HEADCOUNT AND FTE AGE PROFILE GENDER AGE - NEW UG ENTRANTS

Academic Professional Research All Academic Professional Research All OUG UG PGT PGR Overall Total Course Mode of Age on Entry No.s % Headcount 567 873 41 1481 20 and Under 0.0% 2.0% 0.0% 2.0% FT PT FT PT FT PT FT PT FT PT No.s Level Study Percentage % 38.28% 58.95% 2.77% 100% 21 - 25 0.3% 6.0% 0.1% 6.4% No.s No.s No.s No.s No.s No.s No.s No.s No.s No.s FT Under 21 1844 66% FTE 473.22 689.55 32.86 1195.63 26 - 30 1.9% 6.5% 0.7% 9.1% Aberdeen Business Male 0 142 818 126 719 1269 28 32 1565 1569 3134 School 21 or over 952 34% 31 - 35 3.7% 7.6% 0.5% 11.8% Female 0 128 1378 186 473 852 22 24 1873 1190 3063 Faculty of Design Male 1 77 1385 224 691 417 37 24 2114 742 2856 Total 2796 100% 36 - 40 4.8% 6.1% 0.4% 11.3% UG and Technology Female 0 231 866 45 154 63 15 9 1035 348 1383 GENDER PROFILE PT Under 21 43 3% 41 - 45 6.4% 7.1% 0.6% 14.1% Faculty of Health Male 0 116 509 144 100 195 21 8 630 463 1093 21 or over 1367 97% Academic Professional Research All 46 - 50 7.2% 6.8% 0.4% 14.4% and Social Care Female 1 893 2483 674 163 625 23 16 2670 2208 4878 Female 19.2% 37.3% 2.0% 58.5% 51 - 55 6.7% 7.2% 0.1% 14.0% Total 2 1587 7439 1399 2300 3421 146 113 9887 6520 16407 Total 1410 100% Male 19.0% 21.7% 0.8% 41.5% 56 - 60 4.5% 6.0% 0.0% 10.5% 61 - 65 2.0% 3.3% 0.0% 5.3% ACADEMIC YEAR 2009/10 over 65 0.7% 0.4% 0.0% 1.1% GEOGRAPHIC ORIGIN ETHNIC PROFILE OUG UG PGT PGR Overall Total Academic Professional Research All FT PT FT PT FT PT FT PT FT PT No.s No.s No.s No.s No.s No.s No.s No.s No.s No.s Asian 1.4% 0.5% 0.5% 2.4% Aberdeen Business UK 0 259 1775 285 183 1122 12 25 1970 1691 3661 Black 1.4% 1.1% 0.1% 2.6% School EU 0 4 274 8 53 187 3 9 330 208 538 Chinese 0.6% 0.5% 0.1% 1.2% Overseas 0 7 147 19 956 812 35 22 1138 860 1998 Faculty of Design UK 0 302 1917 249 90 237 19 13 2026 801 2827 Not Known 0.5% 0.2% 0.0% 0.7% and Technology EU 1 3 198 9 16 34 6 6 221 52 273 Other/Mixed 0.7% 0.3% 0.0% 1.0% Overseas 0 3 136 11 739 209 27 14 902 237 1139 White 33.8% 56.2% 2.1% 92.1% Faculty of Health UK 0 993 2498 789 136 659 23 21 2657 2462 5119 and Social Care EU 1 12 468 19 41 75 8 2 518 108 626 Overseas 0 4 26 10 86 86 13 1 125 101 226 Total 2 1587 7439 1399 2300 3421 146 113 9887 6520 16407

50 51 annual review 2009 -2010 annual review 2009 - 2010

Financial Summary 2009-10

GROUP INCOME £’000 GROUP EXPENDITURE £’000

Funding Council Grants 41,008 Staff Costs 52,916 Academic Fees & Support Grants 33,637 Other Operating Expenses 29,967 Research Grants & Contracts 3,951 Depreciation 6,431 Total Income increased by £2.61m or 2.8% to Tuition fees increased by £0.93m or 2.9% to Income from research grants and contracts has Total expenditure decreased by £0.45m to £90.62m. £94.41m. £33.64m. decreased by £0.16m or 3.9% to £3.95m. This Other Operating Income 12,988 Interest payable 564 is an encouraging result nevertheless as, on the Endowment Income and Interest Receivable 2,823 Funding Council grants received were Home/EU fees increased by £2.0m, or 13.3%, back of last year’s 30% increase, it provides the Staff costs increased during the year by £1.16m or substantially flat over the prior year. Within this to £17.04m. This partly reflects a continuation University with evidence that research activities 2.2% to £52.92m due to the combined effects of total, teaching grants fell by 3.3% to £36.1m while in the move to a higher fee element in the gross 94,407 89,878 have stabilised at the higher post RAE 2008 levels. basic pay awards, incremental progression, social research grants increased by 52.5% to £3.3m. Funding Council teaching unit of resource but is security costs and pension contributions. Offsetting also caused by an increase in Home/EU students Other income increased by £1.31m or 11.3% The decrease in teaching grants is driven by: this rise is a reduction in total full-time equivalent of approximately 5% over 2008/9. to £12.91m. Growth here was driven by high Group Surplus before tax 4,529 staffing levels in the current year. Underlying pay • the reduced numbers of students on the occupation levels and increased volumes in the Increasing competition and the world-wide costs rose by around 3.5% for the year. nursing and midwifery courses; University’s residential accommodation business. economic recession hit international student Other operating expenses, excluding • the continuing move to a higher tuition fee markets badly with the result that international Endowment and investment income has increased depreciation and interest, decreased by £2.36m element of the gross funded unit of resource student numbers were 9% down on 2008/9 on by £0.42m to £2.82m. Although interest incomes or 7.5%. The prior year operating expense total per student; a full time equivalent basis. Allowing for the were down as the historically low interest rate 3% 1% is inflated by non-recurring costs of around £2m offsetting effect of international fee increases, regime took its full year toll, this was more than • the absence of funding for increased Student in relation to enhanced retirement provision. 7% overall income in this category of University offset by improved market returns on University Teachers Superannuation Scheme Adjusting for these non-recurring costs leaves an 14% activity was down by £1.1m or 6% over 2008/9. investments and endowments as stock market contributions which has now been fully underlying increase in other operating costs of The University continues to focus on international performance picked up considerably over 2008/9. 43% embedded into the main teaching grant. approximately 1.5%. markets and is currently pursuing collaborations 43% This overall reduction is partially offset by with its international partners, Hobsons and The net group result for the year was a surplus of 4% an underlying inflationary increase in the Navitas, in an attempt to ensure it can enjoy future £4.53m. teaching unit of resource of 2.0% for the year. 33% growth in international student participation. The increase in research grants is driven fundamentally by the University’s outstanding 36% performance at RAE 2008. All three of the University’s Research Institutes benefited from this significantly increased core funding and it is expected that this will generate further growth in the University’s research activities over the coming years.

52 53 annual review 2009 -2010 annual review 2009 - 2010 executive roles & responsibilities donors

Principal & Vice-Chancellor Secretary to University Policy the Board Solicitor Advisor DONORS TO ROBERT GORDON UNIVERSITY

Throughout the year Robert Gordon University has received support from many generous donors Senior Vice Vice Principal Vice Principal Vice Principal Vice Principal Executive Executive Principal & & Pro & Pro & Pro & Pro Director Director including: Deputy Vice-Chancellor Vice-Chancellor Vice-Chancellor Vice Chancellor (Information (Human Vice-Chancellor (Student (Research & (Planning & (Planning & Technology & Resources) (Academic Experience) Commercialisation) Resources) Resources) Communication) Lindsay Stewart Development & External & Quality) Relations) Friends of Gray’s Fund BP Exploration and Operating Company Ltd SMD Dean for the Dean of Dean of Dean of Dean of Tritech Enhancement of Students Aberdeen Faculty of Faculty of Learning, Business Design & Health & Triton Group Teaching & School Technology Social Care Assessment Subsea UK Acergy UK Ltd ConocoPhillips UK AGR Group Department for Student CREDO Finance & Department of School of School of Applied IT Services Human the Enhancement Services Procurement Accounting, Computing Social Studies Resources AMEC of Learning, Finance & Univation Teaching & Estates & Economics School of School of Organisation FMC Technologies Assessment Property Services Engineering Health Records Development Department of Sciences Management & Leadership Bureau Veritas RGU: SPORT Communication, Gray’s KCA Deutag Drilling Ltd Marketing School School of Occupational & Marketing, Planning & Media of Art Nursing & Environmental Petrofac Communications Midwifery Health & and Department of The Scott Safety Pöyry Student Information Sutherland School of Academic Recruitment Management School of Pharmacy The Gatehouse Sparrows Offshore Affairs Architecture & Life Sciences Design & Development Department of & Built Print Talisman Energy UK Plc Library Office Law Environment Consultancy Services Technip UK Student Department of Administration Management TOTAL Wood Group OPITO/Offshore Training Foundation Nylacast

54 55 annual review 2009 -2010 Designed by The Gatehouse - Design &Robert Print ConsultancyGordon University at Robert is aGordon Scottish University charity registered under charity number SCO13781

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