SUMMER 2013

THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE + BILLET & GENERAL COUNCIL P APERS

highly animated BIG-screen success for edinburgh filmmakers other worldly pursuits our astrobiologists ponder what’s out there

ALSO INSIDE music students steal the show | teviot: your memories | focus on innovative learning EDIT-EF-MAY13:Layout 1 24/5/13 12:14 Page 1

SUMMER 2013 contents

foreword contents elcome to the Summer 2013 issue of Edit. You’ll 12 20 W know that Edinburgh is noted for its range and breadth of teaching and research. In this edition we explore this diversity: strengthening international x recognition for genetic research (p16); influencing the YOU world with inventions and ideas (p26); working together with the community (p12); and getting creative in the

animation studio (p22). Edinburgh’s staff and students 31 10 YOUR EDINBURGH excel – and so do our alumni. Next time you travel EXPERIENCE through London’s King’s Cross station you can marvel at its stunning modernisation knowing that the architect is an Edinburgh alumnus (p18); when you hear about successes in tackling global health problems you can be 18 proud that an Edinburgh graduate has played a major part (p8); and when you pick up New Scientist magazine you’ll appreciate that one of its news editors (and an Edit contributor) Jessica Griggs developed her love of science here (p10). Wherever you are, we hope that we inspire you to reconnect with Edinburgh – you can do this by 04 update 18 what You Did Next attending the Alumni Weekend in June, sending us your catching up on careers and your success stories favourite student memories or connecting with us online. 08 the Interview dr Precious Lunga on how Edinburgh nurtured 20 edinburgh Experience How did you make it? Kirsty MacDonald, Executive Director her passion for science 22 snapshot of Development and Alumni Engagement 10 other worldly pursuits 24 arts Review We know that hard work and passion were among the key elements that Our astrobiologists ponder what’s out there led to your graduation from the University of Edinburgh, but you may Published by Communications and Marketing 26 the History Makers The University of Edinburgh, Floor C, Forrest Hill Building, also have needed financial assistance to help you on your way. 5 Forrest Hill, Edinburgh EH1 2QL, UK 12 striking the 28 ideas Exchange right note Contact: [email protected] Design: www.hookson.com The unique music course 29 the Two of Us Perhaps you received a scholarship or bursary, or something less formal such as help with fees, Printing: J Thomson Colour Printers mixing art and community Cover photograph: © Jiamin Liu/Edinburgh College of Art 30 landmark transport, food, accommodation or childcare. 16 genetically No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of the publishers. Edit is published twice a year. The views expressed in its determined 31 the Last Word As a single parent and a mature student, a bursary columns are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent those of the University of Edinburgh. The magazine is printed on environmentally friendly, carbon- welcoming a new age helped me a great deal financially. I was able to spend balanced paper that has been accredited by the Forestry Stewardship Council. for genetics research 32 Billet “ quality time with my family while ensuring that I was able On the move? If you have changed address please let us know. Contact Development & Alumni on +44 (0)131 650 2240 or at [email protected] to obtain a good degree in order to get a decent job . This publication is available in alternative formats on request. Contact us Elaine Sneddon, BA (Community Education) 2009 [email protected] facebook.com/edalumni We’d love to hear about your Edinburgh experience. Contact us at: twitter.com/edinburghalumni tinyurl.com/edalumni The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336. +44 (0)131 650 2236 [email protected] www.ed.ac.uk/alumni/services www.ed.ac.uk edit magazine 3 Update SUMMER 2013 university news university update

For all the latest University news, visit update www.ed.ac.uk/NEWS Tony Marsh Maverick Photo A gency Elizabete Rancane/E CCI 01 02 02 achievement 04 05 celebrated

Five public figures were awarded honorary degrees by the University at a Celebration of Achievement ceremony earlier this year. Film producer Lord Puttnam, rugby star Scott Hastings, jazz musician Tommy Smith, Homeless World Cup President Mel Young, and Chair of CBI Scotland Nosheena Mobarik were each awarded a Doctor honoris

Ranald Leask causa in McEwan Hall. D mitry B ogdanov 03 06 In 2011 Ms Mobarik (pictured) became the first Asian and only the second woman to hold the chair of CBI Scotland, the country’s top business lobbying group.

Born in Pakistan but raised in Scotland since she was five, she is the co-founder of Glasgow-based M Computer Technologies.

to watch video highlights of the event, visit www.edin.ac/13AVTcd

01 Innovative learning 03 links with Centre to benefit 04 Medieval knight’s 05 Implants to 06 p rehistoric inspires and informs latin america epilepsy patients skeleton unearthed target cancer predator strengthened Children with epilepsy will benefit tumours identified Students from all disciplines had the chance from a new Edinburgh research An Edinburgh archaeology alumnus has The University has strengthened centre investigating causes, Sensors the size of an eyelash could A team of experts led by Edinburgh recently to participate in some unconventional its long-standing links with Latin unearthed the remains of a medieval knight at be used to monitor cancer patients’ scientists has identified prehistoric learning activities during the University’s consequences and improved the University’s historic High School Yards site. America by establishing a new base treatment of the condition. tumours in real time and in great remains as a new species of marine second Innovative Learning Week. in São Paulo, Brazil. The knight’s skeleton was among dozens of discoveries uncovered by detail. super-predator, distantly related to The Muir Maxwell Epilepsy Centre modern-day crocodiles. For one week, traditional modes of teaching such as lectures and archaeologist Ross Murray (MA Hons Archaeology 2000) and his team. The Office of the Americas aims was officially opened by HRH The The devices would be implanted tutorials were replaced with a dynamic programme of events designed to aid collaboration between the into tumours, where they could “spy” The researchers confirmed that the Princess Royal, the University’s Covering the remains was a slab of elaborately decorated sandstone. to give students extra opportunities to develop skills, prepare for University and partners in education, on a cancerous growth’s activity. partial skeleton, discovered more Chancellor, earlier this year. The stone’s markings, which included a sword and a cross, are consistent employment and meet new people. business and government across the They would allow doctors to target than a century ago, belongs to a type with those typically found on a nobleman’s gravestone. The team also whole of Latin America. The £1 million centre – supported radiotherapy and chemotherapy of crocodile that was similar to a More than 200 events took place, and activities ranged from uncovered the foundations of Blackfriars Monastery, revealing for the by the Muir Maxwell Trust – works treatments more effectively, dolphin. The animal’s serrated teeth hands-on workshops to careers skills seminars and employment-based first time the exact location of the 13th-century building, which was To celebrate the opening, the to improve the lives of children with improving patients’ chances of and large gaping jaw meant it would projects. Students had the chance to learn sign language, discover destroyed during the Protestant Reformation in 1558. University has funded 12 new epilepsy and their families. recovery. have been suited to feeding on large- Edinburgh’s philosophical history on foot, sketch dogs competing for scholarships to support the most “Just purely from the stone and the body, you can tell that he was bodied prey. a Best in Show award (pictured) and use maths to perform magic. talented students from Latin A team of scientists will focus on A team led by the University, in quite a wealthy person, a high-status person for that time,” says Mr America. The Edinburgh Global developing medical and educational collaboration with Heriot-Watt The newly confirmed species will Set to become a regular fixture of the University’s academic calendar, Murray. “The fact that he is buried in what would be the grounds of Latin America Masters Scholarships treatments for children with epilepsy, University, will develop the miniature help scientists better understand Innovative Learning Week is part of the University’s ongoing the churchyard tells you that he is rich.” are each worth £5,000 and will be and seek to better understand the chips in a five-year project to prove how marine reptiles were evolving commitment to delivering quality teaching. “This is a great opportunity available for students to study a psychosocial impact of the condition. A further eight skeletons were found separately, in the confines of an the technology, which they hope to about 165 million years ago. for students to enhance their skill set, while teachers can explore one-year postgraduate masters They will also investigate the ancient wall, which may be the remnants of a family crypt. follow with clinical trials. new ways of teaching,” says Dr Sue Rigby, Vice-Principal Learning and degree in any field. influence that a mother’s health and An amateur palaeontologist found Teaching. lifestyle can have on the likelihood of The discoveries were made at the construction site of the Edinburgh Professor Alan Murray, of the School the specimen in a clay pit near Centre for Carbon Innovation. The new centre, billed to be the world’s of Engineering, says: “Our aim is, Peterborough in the early 1900s, Turn to page 28 for more on Innovative Learning Week. her children developing epilepsy. To watch the Principal, most sustainable historical building, will open in summer. in the long term, to help alleviate and it has since been held by the Professor Sir Timothy O’Shea, suffering and to improve the outlook Hunterian Museum at the University discussing the Office of the For more information, visit To watch a video with more details on this story, Americas, visit www.ed.ac.uk/ www.edinburghneuroscience. To watch a video with more details on this story, for many cancer patients.” of Glasgow. visit www.ed.ac.uk/innovative-learning news/2013/americas-260213 ed.ac.uk/MuirMaxwellCentre visit www.ed.ac.uk/news/2013/dig-130313

4 The University of Edinburgh www.ed.ac.uk edit magazine 5 UPdate SUMMER 2013 alumni NEWS alumni update

For all the latest alumni news, visit update www.ed.ac.uk/alumni Jane Stockdale B ourn H all C linic 01 02 04 05 05 ivf pioneer remembered

Professor Sir Robert Edwards, who died in April aged 87, was the pioneer of in vitro fertilisation (IVF). His work allowed conception using the fertilisation of an egg outside the body for the first time, treatment which led to the birth of the first “test-tube baby”, Louise Brown, in 1978.

The University of C His research in the field began as 03 06 a student in the 1950s, studying at Edinburgh’s Institute of Animal Genetics, now part of the School of

olombo Biological Sciences.

He graduated from Edinburgh in 1955 with a PhD in embryonal development in mice. He was appointed CBE in 1988, awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2010 and knighted in 2011.

for more information, visit www.ed.ac.uk/news/all-news/ nobel-041010

01 getting creative 02 in search of 03 RELIGIOUS 04 PHOTOGRAPHER 06 academic Church role for with computing WILD places FREEDOM captureS the mood takes up retired teacher Sally Eaton is a research assistant at on agenda top post Former teacher Marjorie Paton Kate Ho is Managing Director of the the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Jane Stockdale is making her mark as a has been appointed the Church of Dr Andrew Bennett (PhD Politics Professor Premakumara De Silva has (RBGE) and recently worked as a Scotland Guild’s National Convener. technology production company Interface 3, 2002) has been appointed photographer, with clients as varied been appointed the first Deputy presenter on Wild Things, Channel whose work ranges from building apps ambassador for Canada’s Office as Nokia, Arcade Fire, the BBC Symphony Vice-Chancellor of the University of In the year-long role Ms Paton will 4’s programme about British wildlife. and mobile games to designing immersive of Religious Freedom. Orchestra, T in the Park, O2 and Oxfam. Colombo in Sri Lanka. lead the charitable arm of the church, digital experiences. The ecologist and lichenologist promoting worship, prayer and action Announcing the appointment earlier Originally from Banchory, Aberdeenshire, Ms Stockdale has Professor De Silva (PhD Social has two degrees from Edinburgh, as methods of helping communities. Her work has focused on designing experiences for multitouch this year, Canada’s Prime Minister concentrated on documentary and music photography since Anthropology 2005) took up the a BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences interface technologies, in particular interactive tables such as the Stephen Harper said: “Around graduating from Edinburgh College of Art (BA Hons Visual post earlier in the year. Prior to the (Ecology) 2003, and an MSc in Ms Paton graduated MA Arts Microsoft Surface and SMART Tables, and the iPad. the world, violations of religious Communication: Graphic Design 2003). appointment he was Head of the Biodiversity & Taxonomy of Plants (Ordinary) in 1966 before undertaking freedom are widespread and they Department of Sociology. teacher training at Moray House. She Since she became Managing Director of Interface 3, the company 2009. Her diverse assignments have seen her document a range are increasing. Dr Bennett is a man of then taught English, Scottish history has won the Touch Finance Competition, and SMART Technologies’ of events and causes, including the UN effort to halt the Throughout his academic career Ms Eaton grew up in the Forest of principle and deep convictions and and religious studies at secondary Multitouch Competition. smuggling of weapons in Lebanon, diamond mining in Professor De Silva has won Bowland in Lancashire, where she he will encourage the protection of level. She has been a member of the Botswana and the England football team in training. prestigious international awards discovered a love of wild places. religious minorities around the world Guild for 43 years, and describes the Interface 3 also runs coding workshops for primary school children and fellowships, including the Sir and makes storybooks to be used at Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for so all can practise their faith without Earlier this year she shot a comedy sketch featuring model appointment as a “great honour and She is a trustee of the British Radcliffe-Brown and Sir Raymond Sick Children. fear of violence and repression.” Kate Moss and actor David Walliams for Comic Relief. privilege”. Lichen Society and the Species Firth Fellowship of the Royal In 2000 Ms Ho set up the University’s Computer Society and in Recovery Trust and is also Chair Dr Bennett is Dean of Augustine Ms Stockdale’s photographs have been published in a variety Anthropological Institute in the UK, 2006 she established Hoppers (a society for women in Informatics). of the Education and Promotions College, a Christian liberal arts of UK and international magazines and newspapers. Her first and the Sir Ernest Cassel Educational She graduated with BSc (Hons) Computer Science & Management Committee of the British Lichen college in Ottawa. Before his book, I Predict a Riot (Koenig Books), a record of the G20 Trust Merit Award. STAY Society. appointment at Augustine College, demonstrations that took place in London four years ago, Science in 2003. He has served as President of the CONNECTED he worked for Canada’s Deputy was published in 2011. Ms Eaton runs courses, walks and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Sociological Association of Sri To share your experiences about She is currently finalising her PhD studies at Edinburgh and is also where your degree took you, a member of Girl Geek Scotland, a group for women interested in public engagement events alongside the Export Development Corporation Lanka and, since 2008, as the Senior Student Counsellor of the University email us at [email protected] technology, creativity and computing. her teaching and supervision roles and the Privy Council Office. or follow us on Twitter at at RBGE. of Colombo. @edinburghalumni

6 The University of Edinburgh www.ed.ac.uk edit magazine 7 the interview summer 2013 precious lunga “there’s always another question” the interview

A deep connection to her homeland led Zimbabwe’s “there’s Dr Precious Lunga into HIV prevention research. always Now working at the heart of the international effort to improve health in low-resource another settings, she credits Edinburgh with nurturing her lifelong fascination with science. question” She talks to Cate MacKenzie.

How did you become was probably some of the best years wanted to try karate so we went You played an You’ve taken on advisory with solutions, perhaps by holding a interested in science? of my life, and I’ve had some quite together. We had the most difficult instrumental role in posts at world-renowned forum to bring together stakeholders When I was about six exciting times. training session; it was so hard. My managing the world’s organisations like the from different areas. I can tap into Now I’m seeing my father bought me a friend decided after a few times she largest public–private United Nations – did your their ideas and apply them to my microscope as a birthday present. Did any academics in didn’t want to keep going but clinical trial aimed experiences in the field own field. It’s a really enriching more and more I was one of those annoying little particular stand out? I stubbornly carried on and before I at developing an HIV prompt that move into experience. kids who was always asking why and Aubrey Manning was an knew it I’d been at it for several years. prevention gel for women. more consultative roles? that people are how. I grew up in Zimbabwe and inspiration, just amazing, Can you tell me about I wanted to have the What progress would I’d pick leaves from different trees and Gareth Leng – I have a lifelong Don’t tell me you that project? experience of working in an you say has been made living with HIV and pick flowers and wonder why fascination with a hormone called got a black belt… We know that condoms organisation where you’re really in Africa with the fight and disclosing they looked different and what’s the oxytocin and that’s entirely due I did get a black are effective in preventing trying to make these advances be against HIV? dr Precious Lunga point. With science there’s always to him. And Richard Morris was a belt! HIV transmission, but in some adopted into policy – focusing When I first started this work that they have another question: you want to find fantastic, inspiring neuroscience circumstances it’s difficult for on how can we help, how can we it was pretty much a death sentence Education: BSc (Hons) Neuroscience 1998, out why and then you investigate, professor. That’s just a selection – From Edinburgh you a woman to keep negotiating make it happen, getting involved in in Africa if you were diagnosed with it, which is a sign The University of Edinburgh; PhD and that opens up more questions I was fortunate that there were so went on to Cambridge to condom use with her husband or changing laws. Now I’m working as HIV, and now I’m seeing more and Neuroscience 2003, The University and then you’re making some many fantastic people who taught us. further your neuroscience regular partner. The idea behind a an independent consultant and work more that people are living with that the stigma of Cambridge; MSc Epidemiology progress. There’s this never-ending microbicide is that a woman can with different organisations, with UN HIV and disclosing that they have 2006, The London School of studies and then switched Hygiene & Tropical Medicine/ puzzle and something about that Do you have equally fond to epidemiology. Why the choose to disclose that she’s using agencies and with governments in it, which is a sign that the stigma is is reducing. The University of London really appeals to me. memories of student life? change in direction? the gel but she doesn’t have to Eastern Africa, helping them develop reducing. It hasn’t gone away but Career: There are some great I felt I really needed to do keep negotiating use every time, implementation plans for HIV I’ve definitely seen that shift – it Ionix Pharmaceuticals (scientist); dr precious lunga Did studying neuroscience memories. We’d have our something that maintained my because she’s in control. And not prevention. is reducing and part of that is the BSc (Hons) UK Medical Research Council at Edinburgh nurture that special lunch on a Friday; we’d go connection with Zimbabwe and only that, but she could also have availability of antiretroviral drugs. Neuroscience 1998 (epidemiologist); Children’s Investment Fund Foundation inquisitiveness? to Teviot and feel we were dining in Africa. When I was graduating for my the chance to have children. It’s Do you enjoy the There are fewer new infections each (strategic adviser); UNAIDS Geneva How the subject was luxury with the white tablecloths! PhD I bumped into a professor who a field that’s still under a lot of multidisciplinary year and that’s massive progress. (Office of the Chief Scientific introduced – being taught by And learning to ceilidh, and all the was doing work on HIV prevention research: a definitive microbicide challenges you face Advisor); World Yale Fellow; independent consultant people who were so engaged and Burns Night dinners and eating methods for women. We started hasn’t been developed yet, but as a Yale World Fellow? wanted to pass on their knowledge haggis… having a conversation and I was there has been quite a lot of I have the chance to engage and who were at the cutting edge – fascinated. We carried on with this promising advance. It does take time with other Fellows who are really captured my imagination and Did you belong conversation and several months to develop a new therapy from the in different disciplines and from my interest. That feeling of being to any sports clubs? later I left the lab and hopped on lab to the bench to trialling to it around the world – from Pakistan, on the frontiers of discovery was Up until then [coming to a plane and the next thing I was in actually being used. They’re at the Israel, as far away as Japan. We just so exciting. Even now I can look Edinburgh], I wouldn’t say I’d Uganda on a boda-boda [a bicycle stage now where they’re being develop special projects to work on back and say my time at Edinburgh been particularly sporty. A friend taxi] going to the field. tested in the field. I am hopeful. a problem and then try to come up

8 The University of Edinburgh www.ed.ac.uk edit magazine 9 Other worldly pursuits SUMMER 2013 Other worldly pursuits Other worldly pursuits From the hard science of hunting exoplanets to the philosophical NA S A puzzles raised by the possibility of extraterrestrial life, experts at the new UK Centre for Astrobiology are delving into fundamental questions about the evolution of our universe. By Jessica Griggs Capturing imaginations The University has offered people around the world the chance to explore the subject of astrobiology through ith the discovery in different people,” says Professor But before scientists can identify can survive in physically difficult and it played host to experts from March that there Charles Cockell, Director of the extraterrestrial life they need to Astrobiology environments. These are exactly all over Britain at the recent UK an innovative online initiative. W was probably once UKCA, “whether it’s those wanting know what to look for and where, is such a growing the same conditions required Astrobiology Conference. It is also drinkable water on Mars, and giant to look at the hard science – the and by examining hardy organisms by the mining industry,” he says. affiliated to the NASA Astrobiology Edinburgh is the first UK university to telescopes finding another distant microbiology or the search for that thrive in some of the most field and the “We’re trying to work out how to Institute. This highly collaborative offer Massive Open Online Courses “Earth” seemingly every other week, exoplanets – or those who are extreme environments on this planet translate the technology required environment enables Edinburgh to (MOOCs), which give participants now is an exciting time to be an interested in the more philosophical – including the deepest part of the set-up of a for planetary exploration to improve attract the brightest stars – students a commitment-free glimpse of an astrobiologist. questions, such as what would oceans, driest deserts and in rocks mining safety and mineral extraction and staff – from around the world. undergraduate-level education, mainly be the consequences of finding and water saturated with salt – they dedicated on Earth.” through online video-based lectures. The And nowhere more so than at extraterrestrial life.” can make advances in determining UK-based centre For Mark Fox-Powell, a PhD student courses have no entry requirements, but Edinburgh, where experts at the whether habitable conditions might Back above ground at the who moved to Edinburgh recently no academic credit is awarded. newly launched UK Centre for Mankind may have dreamt of what exist elsewhere in the solar system. was a real UKCA, these investigations are after completing a masters degree in Astrobiology (UKCA) are dedicated lay beyond the confines of this complemented by the development molecular microbiology, the launch Astrobiology and the Search for to addressing some of our most planet for as long as people have The UKCA’s flagship facility, the of the unique Planetary Simulation of the UKCA was a major draw. Extraterrestrial Life was one of six landmark event. Professor fundamental and fascinating looked up at the stars, but it was Boulby International Subsurface Facility, which creates a range of Cementing factors for his decision to Charles Cockell courses offered earlier this year. questions about the origin and only in the middle of last century, Astrobiology Laboratory, is located climatic and hydrological conditions come to Edinburgh were the fertile director, Mark Fox-Powell UK centre for evolution of life in our universe. when the space race escalated, that more than a kilometre below ground Edinburgh PhD student similar to those on Mars. The interdisciplinary environment and astrobiology “I thought it was a great way of teaching the opportunity arose to probe what in a rock-salt mine in Yorkshire facility’s computers can control cutting-edge facilities. astrobiology to a lot of people that you One of the country’s first dedicated might be out there. and is the world’s first permanent pressure, temperature and UV couldn’t do within the normal university centres of its kind, the UKCA laboratory of its kind. Its network of illumination, and water can flow in “Astrobiology is such a growing field, system,” explains Professor Charles will bring together physicists, NASA launched the first programme tunnels carved out of ancient salt and out of its chamber. “It will allow and it seemed that the set-up of a Cockell, whose 15-minute lectures went astronomers, biologists, chemists, in astrobiology, or exobiology as it deposits – conditions similar to the us to create salty environments to dedicated UK-based centre was a out to thousands of people. “MOOCs engineers and geologists to ponder was then known, in 1960, just two salty pools of Mars – are home to see how that would have affected real landmark event,” Mr Fox-Powell are still relatively experimental and I think questions such as whether there is years after the space agency itself an isolated microbiology that has space instrumentation that could life on Mars, if it was ever there,” says. “Astrobiology thrives on they fit into Edinburgh’s enthusiasm for life beyond Earth, how and where it was inaugurated. In the mid 1970s, uniquely evolved to survive there. By potentially be used to explore the explains Professor Cockell. interdisciplinary collaboration, developing innovative ways of learning.” began, and how to detect it. Research three experiments were sent on the collecting microbes and extracting moon and other planets. And, as and being here means we can benefit into these questions will also shine Viking mission to Mars – the planet and analysing their DNA, Edinburgh Professor Cockell explains, it is hoped The UKCA’s diversity of experimental from the University’s diverse facilities The course attracted people of all ages a light on the origins of life on this deemed most likely to harbour life in scientists can determine their species that testing and ultimately translating apparatus and research capabilities and scientists. It’s a very exciting from regions around the world, including planet, how it has managed to persist this solar system – designed to search and adaptations to the extremes of this technology will be of benefit to as well as its multidisciplinary place to work.” Albania, Bahrain, Georgia and Hong Kong. for the past 3.5 billion years, and how for signatures of life. Several other living deep underground. the mining industry and help solve member body, make it an attractive far it can be pushed. missions have followed, including the environmental challenges on Earth. collaborative partner. The Centre has Jessica Griggs studied physics at Mars Science Laboratory, or Curiosity The rocky and remote conditions links to the universities of Oxford Edinburgh (BSc Hons 2008) and For more information “Astrobiology is a subject area that rover (pictured above), which landed of the Boulby mine are also ideal “Space explorers require instruments and Bath, and Imperial College, to is a news editor at New Scientist captures the interest of a lot of on the red planet last August. for testing robotic technology and that are small and robust and that name just a few partner institutions, magazine. visit, www.ed.ac.uk/moocs

10 The University of Edinburgh www.ed.ac.uk edit magazine 11 striking the right note SUMMER 2013 striking the right note

Rehearsing for Music can a performance. be an aid to Striking communication. the right note Mixing performing arts outreach, community development and conflict resolution, the University’s Music in the Community course is typical of a deeply creative approach to the art form since music was first taught at Edinburgh in 1839. By Edd McCracken Stewart B remner Dee Isaacs, a School pupils Rare pieces 2012 Principal’s get ready for on display. irds are singing in the Royal including performing arts outreach, Gambian school pupils, who learn by Medal winner. the show. Just the act of Botanic Garden Edinburgh community development, creative rote not by music. singing together B glasshouse. Oyster catchers, arts therapies and conflict resolution, gannets and peacocks are assembled all glued together by music. Every year the programme culminates can cross all beneath the palm trees, and in a large-scale production. This year, University of Edinburgh music “Music and community says it all,” it was the 30 pupils of Gilmerton barriers and create lecturer Dee Isaacs is in their midst, says Ms Isaacs, who last year won Primary School, assisted by 20 a new community conducting this feathered chorus like the University’s Principal’s Medal for students and several professional a latter-day Mary Poppins. services to the community. “Just the artists, who were at the centre of this within a group of act of singing together can cross all freshly forged musical community. disparate people. Their haunting song hovers in the barriers and create a new community Afterwards, a number of pupils space between the panes like a mist. within a group of disparate people. indicated to Ms Isaacs they wanted to They sing, “Once upon a time there It’s a powerful thing.” study music at university. “I thought St Cecilia’s Hall is a key Dee isaacs was a story”, harmonising words that was wonderful,” she says. venue. lead academic, written by Serbian poet Vasko Popa. Speak to anyone from the music in the community Ms Isaacs brings the musical phrase University’s Reid School of Music EXCITING POSSIBILITIES to an end and the birds remove their and the transcendence of music The children from Gilmerton would beaks, bills and plumage – the singing will usually feature early in the be following in some illustrious flock is transformed into a chattering conversation. From engaging with the footsteps (see panel, overleaf). Music group of 10-year-old pupils from local community via its numerous began at Edinburgh in 1839, as a result Edinburgh’s Gilmerton Primary School. outward-facing courses to links of a bequest from General John with the University’s Medicine, Reid (1721–1807). His will stipulated The group is rehearsing for its Mathematics, Psychology, French, the establishment of a chair in the promenade performance of Film and Physics departments, the theory and practice of music, which “Conference of the Birds”, a School restlessly challenges the eventually led to the creation of the thousand-year-old Persian poem limits of music’s power. Faculty of Music in 1893. The BMus set to music by Ms Isaacs, lead it offered was the first of its kind in academic on the University’s Music Nowhere more so than in Music the UK, and the standard for all that in the Community course. in the Community. Students on followed. the course bring music to people What started life in 1991 as a module in places that might otherwise be The Reid School of Music continues is now an undergraduate course open silent – the young offenders in HM to innovate. It investigates everything to third- and fourth-year students and Prison Edinburgh, groups of adults striking the right note bringing together myriad disciplines, who have suffered head injuries, and continued

12 The University of Edinburgh www.ed.ac.uk edit magazine 13 striking the right note SUMMER 2013 continued Striking the right note striking the right note Stewart B remner from neuroscience and cognition to preoccupies Professor Simon Frith, being “by far the most revolutionary Professor MacDonald has And if this is so, then the health, The Reid In the acoustics and live music. the Tovey Chair of Music. moment after the war, not rock ’n’ investigated how listening to music social and psychological benefits Concert Hall. recording roll” and the real foundation for can reduce pain perceptions. For of playing music are available to all studio. “We have a very broad view of what “Making music together, whether today’s live music scene. example, by listening to music after a too. Professor MacDonald provides music is,” says Professor Peter Nelson, playing, listening or dancing, seems minor operation, patients can reduce workshops for adults with learning Head of School. “Music is an utterly to be one way in which we express While Professor Frith is fascinated by their anxiety. difficulties. They learn the Javanese fundamental human activity. It’s not relationships with other people how music affects the connections gamelan, and over several months an aesthetic add-on. We want to that are pleasurable,” he says. “We we make with each other, Professor Spend long enough with Professor he has noted that better rhythm introduce undergraduates to the know of no society that doesn’t Raymond MacDonald is interested MacDonald and he will come perception has developed in tandem whole breadth of the subject, which have music. So studying music is very in how music changes our internal on to another of his favourite with greater communication skills. isn’t to say that people don’t go off interesting.” connections. Put simply, he wants to subjects: “As well as music being and become wonderful performers. know what music does to our brains. universal in terms of listening, Like everyone else within the School, But they come out with that Professor Frith’s current research we’re all musical in terms of our music’s possibilities excite him. “We wholeness. They leave knowing about involves developing a historical “Whether you’re listening to music ability to learn to play music, to need to break down some of the the possibilities of music.” sociology of British music culture in the car, a bar, in an opera house, communicate through music, and barriers that stop people taking up since 1950, a fitting pursuit for The or if you’re singing in the bath, music to get enjoyment and satisfaction music,” he says. “I hope the work I One such possibility is to explain Times’ first ever rock critic and the is universal and can affect us in from playing music. People say they do can contribute to that. I hope the why music flows through the ways founding Chair of the Mercury Music profound ways,” he says. “Music can don’t have the right musical gene work of the School contributes to in which individuals, societies Prize. In its newly published first touch us deeply, which is something or family, but the growing body of that. I can sound evangelical about and nations interact and express volume, The History of Live Music in as a psychologist, as well as a evidence shows playing music to the importance of music, but I hope themselves. This question Britain, Professor Frith credits jazz as musician, that drives my research.” be accessible to all.” it is rooted in evidence.”

A selection of instruments STAY on show. Edinburgh’s music academics and CONNECTED The Edinburgh University alumni include conductors, opera Collection of Historic Musical Instruments ranks among stars, pop artists, writers and music the world’s most important sound collections of musical technology experts. We chart just heritage. To read about our Endem quam vision to conserve and make Organ pipes some of their achievements over nos renis et accessible this collection, visit at St Cecilia’s minds the past two centuries. quat. um www.edin.ac/18hhGv1 Hall. 1807 General John Reid, a passionate flautist and composer, dies. He leaves money to the 1845 1867 University, where he studied law, to establish John Donaldson becomes the The Musical Society, 1917 a chair in the theory and practice of music. He next chair and expands music which acts as an umbrella The Reid Orchestra is 1945 1983 1991 2012 also asks that an annual concert be organised at the University significantly. organisation for the large established under Donald The The Edinburgh The Edinburgh Dee Isaacs (BMus Hons at which the music of his time be played. The Lectures, including some for orchestras and choir, is Francis Tovey. It’s the only University University University String 1993) wins the Principal’s University maintains this tradition with the women, begin. He experiments founded by Sir Herbert professional orchestra in Singers group Chamber Orchestra Orchestra is Medal for Service to the Reid Memorial Concert every February. with musical acoustics. Oakeley. Edinburgh until the 1970s. is founded. is formed. founded. Community.

1839 1859 1893 1940 1970 1989 2006 The first Reid Spearheaded by The Faculty of Music Sidney Newman succeeds Tovey. Kenneth Leighton takes up the Nigel Osborne takes over Professor Simon Frith, Professor, John Donaldson, the Reid is officially established He oversees the foundation Reid Chair and oversees the as Reid Professor. Under his founding Chair of the Thomson, takes Concert Hall and music under Frederick Niecks. of the Edinburgh Quartet, student careers of the BBC tutelage the School sees Mercury Music Prize, up his post. school are completed. His programme for BMus the acquisition of the Russell Scottish Symphony Orchestra’s the early careers develop of joins the staff as the is the first of its kind in Collection of Early Keyboard Chief Conductor Donald opera singer Benjamin Ellis second Tovey Chair of the UK. Instruments and the restoration Runnicles (BMus Music 1976) and (BMus Hons Music 2011) and Music. of St Cecilia’s Hall as its base. the celebrated composer Dr Streetwise Opera founder James MacMillan (BMus 1981). Matt Peacock (BMus Hons Music 1995).

14 The University of Edinburgh www.ed.ac.uk edit magazine 15 Genetically determined SUMMER 2013 Genetically determined

C raig N icol,D r Sally B urn/MR Making our mark

C H uman G enetics Unit the university of Edinburgh has a proud record of Genetically nurturing geneticists whose research has influenced the wider world. Here, we profile a selection of them. determined Professor Wendy Bickmore gained her PhD in Molecular Biology at the University’s MRC Mammalian Genome Unit. Now Head of Chromosomes and Gene Expression at the MRC Discovery of a gene that may yield insights into how humans Human Genetics Unit, she is leading pioneering research into the three- evolved from apes shows how genetics research at Edinburgh dimensional folding of the genome. is making strides. Now a Scottish hub for the University’s Author and TV presenter Professor molecular scientists is in sight, writes Chris Small. Steve Jones completed a BSc in 1966 and a PhD in 1972 at Edinburgh. He is now Head of the Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment at University College London. He has It’s about bringing The backing of the MRC – which this key genes involved in psychotic focused on the ecological genetics of year celebrates its centenary with disorders and normal brain snails, fruit flies and humans, and his people together a series of lectures, a festival, an development and function, books include In the Blood (Flamingo). exhibition and live medical research Wendy Bickmore’s seminal – having a central events – is testament to the enabling work in understanding the Whitley Professor of Biochemistry space will stop effect the MRC has had on genetics structure of the nucleus and at the University of Oxford Kim research in Edinburgh for decades. how chromosome folding Nasmyth gained his PhD from people thinking in and position in the nucleus Edinburgh. He is the co-discoverer terms of which area Professor Nicholas Hastie, Director are vital for gene expression, of cohesin, a protein complex that of the MRC Human Genetics Unit the achievements of David regulates the separation of sister they work in. Over and the IGMM, believes support Fitzpatrick in detecting the chromatids during cell division, and from the MRC has been absolutely genetic bases of a number of he has received several scientific time, they’ll feel central to the quality of research human paediatric disorders, honours, including the Wittgenstein they work in one that has emanated from Edinburgh. and Martin Taylor’s research Prize and the Gairdner Foundation n international study “The really important aspect of this graduates in the field for decades Hospital. It is hoped that when it identifying miR-941.” International Award. institute rather than involving scientists from work is it shows that something (see panel, right). It comes in the opens in autumn 2015, the IGMM “The MRC was instrumental in component parts. A the University recently that was previously not functional wake of the formation of the MRC will be a Scottish hub for genetics setting up Adrian Bird’s world- Dr Taylor (PhD 2002) believes Nobel Laureate and President of uncovered a gene that may shine a at all in the genome has acquired a IGMM, which brings together the research. Its remit will be to identify leading research which led to an the IGMM will strengthen the Royal Society Professor Sir light on how humans evolved from function,” he says. “We know genes MRC Human Genetics Unit, the molecular and cellular mechanisms understanding of the role of DNA the qualities he observed Paul Nurse spent six years as a dr shona kerr apes. The gene, miR-941, appears to must have come from somewhere, Molecular Medicine Centre and underlying normal human methylation and the whole field as a student and values postdoctoral researcher in Edinburgh’s project manager at the mrc igmm be a vital component in human brain and we have 20-odd thousand Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre. development and disease and to of epigenetics,” he says. “Adrian now as a member of staff: biology department, a period he development. genes in the genome. But pretty The aim of the merger was to translate these findings into clinical started these studies with Professor “The collaborative, collegiate later described as being pivotal to his much every instance has come concentrate the expertise of more benefits. Sir Ed Southern – the Director of environment at the Institute career. He was awarded the Nobel The discovery represents the first from copying another gene or part than 500 scientists with interests the MRC Mammalian Genome was really one of the main Prize in Physiology or Medicine in time a new gene carried only by of a gene. The human genome spanning birth defects to cancer, “The idea for forming the new Unit – who played a pioneering motivations to come back. 2001, along with Leland Hartwell and humans and not by apes has been has invented something entirely alongside chemists, physicists and institute has been cooking for role in developing techniques that Nowhere else that I’ve been Tim Hunt, for their discoveries of “key identified as having a specific new, and found a use for it. That’s computer scientists. some time, tied into plans for the have underpinned much of the has the cross-talk and regulators of the cell cycle”. function within the human body. something which has never been MRC Human Genetics Unit to key developments in genetics and interaction. I think that’s Fundamental to the breakthrough convincingly demonstrated in the Intellectual collaboration was a become part of the University,” says biology.” what marks us out.” Professor Sir Ian Wilmut is best was the research contribution of Dr human lineage before.” first step in developing the new Dr Shona Kerr, a Project Manager known for leading the research group Martin Taylor, who led the study at IGMM; the next is for the scientists at the IGMM. “It’s about bringing He adds: “The MRC, through As part of the MRC’s centenary that in 1996 produced Dolly the For more information the Medical Research Council (MRC) The miR-941 finding is an indication to be united in one dedicated people together – having a central providing core support to the celebrations Professor Nicholas sheep, the first mammal cloned from Institute of Genetics & Molecular of the quality and ambition of space. This summer construction space will stop people thinking in Human Genetics Unit and Hastie will deliver a keynote an adult somatic cell. He was made about our genetics Medicine (IGMM). miR-941 is “a new genetics work currently being begins on a new building, which will terms of which area they work in. programme grants, has also funded talk, “Genetics: The new fortune an OBE in 1999 for services to embryo research, watch a video gene born”, Dr Taylor explains, which undertaken at the University – but draw together the existing centres Over time they’ll feel they work in a series of pioneering genetics telling?”, on 27 June at the Royal development. His many awards at http://youtu.be/ may be important in changing the it is also typical of the achievements at Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, one institute rather than component studies led by alumni. These include Botanic Garden Edinburgh. include the Paul Ehrlich and vYYlcl9JTNs development of the human brain. that have been made by Edinburgh next to the city’s Western General parts.” David Porteous’ work identifying Visit www.centenary.mrc.ac.uk Ludwig Darmstaedter Prize in 2005.

16 The University of Edinburgh www.ed.ac.uk edit magazine 17 what YOU did next SUMMER 2013 Audrey Cameron | John McAslan what you DID NEXT H ufton+ C row “architecture can What YOU improve people’s lives.” John McAslan, MA (hons)/dip did next Architecture 1977, 1978 rchitect John McAslan has of London, in March 2012, and its Edinburgh has been the starting point for the careers of so many alumni. But what A always had big ideas about how most striking feature is the vast to improve people’s lives. And over white fluted structure spanning the was your next move after leaving the University – and how did you achieve success? his varied career these ideas put into station’s western range. practice have seen him accumulate In this edition we profile a trailblazing science teacher and a celebrated architect. more than 75 international design Mr McAslan explains: “The accolades, including 15 RIBA National showpiece is clearly the Western and International Awards. Concourse – one of Europe’s largest single-span station structures and D eadline N ews Living and studying in 1970s the heart of the development “I loved watching the Edinburgh was formative, he says: – but the overall project is far The stunning “Edinburgh was my first choice more complex: an extraordinary, results of children enjoying learning.” to read architecture and I hugely collaborative effort that has the King’s enjoyed my experiences there. delivered an internationally Cross station revamp. Dr Audrey Cameron, PGCE 2004 I loved exploring the city and significant transport interchange, developing new relationships, and fit for the 21st century and beyond.” was fortunate to continue my school r Audrey Cameron’s career is for the PGCE teacher training course pursuits – representing the University Appointed CBE in the 2012 New D testament to her tenacity, hard at Edinburgh. First XV and athletics team.” Year Honours for services to graft and intellectual curiosity. architecture, Mr McAslan cites his She explains: “I wanted to teach deaf Dr Audrey After graduating, Mr McAslan trained involvement with earthquake-ravaged Profoundly deaf since birth, she has children and to be able to teach in Cameron at in Boston, US, with Cambridge Seven Haiti via his firm’s Initiatives Unit as a raft of academic experiences and Scotland in the future. I heard that work with Associates, before joining Richard a high point of his career. The work qualifications. After studying at the Moray House has strong links to deaf school pupils. Rogers and Partners in 1980. Since involved leading a multidisciplinary University of Strathclyde she became education so I thought the University establishing his own practice in 1996, team, including local artisans, to the first deaf person in Scotland to would be a great place to study.” major infrastructure and design resurrect the iconic Iron Market in obtain a PhD. projects have ranged from the Delhi Port-au-Prince. The market has now Taking part in the end-of-year materials for my teaching to help “We’re also pleased to know that Metro to Moscow’s Stanislavsky returned to daily use and forms the Since 2007 she has been a member celebration day alongside other new communication.” many teachers, communication Factory, as well as a swathe of iconic cornerstone of a new city centre of the British Sign Language (BSL) teachers was a particular highlight, support workers, interpreters and buildings in the UK. cultural quarter redevelopment Glossary Team, based at the Scottish she says. Recent work at the Scottish Sensory parents are using the glossary too.” strategy. Following completion of Sensory Centre at the University’s Centre has focused on developing In 1998 the practice took on the project last year, Mr McAslan was Moray House School of Education. Dr Cameron became a teacher lists of subject-specific terms in BSL. The team is composed of 16 deaf one of the UK’s most daunting appointed Honorary Consul to the The team has recently made strides of Higher-grade chemistry in scientists and linguists who work architectural challenges – the Republic of Haiti in London. in developing recognised sign mainstream schools, using the Dr Cameron explains: “There are together to develop new signs. Thus £547 million redevelopment of King’s language for students hoping to services of interpreters in the many places on the internet where far, 850 have been made, for biology, Cross station in London. The aim The Port-au-Prince experience study science subjects. classroom. you can now find subject-specific chemistry and physics. “We’re very was to modernise the station for encapsulates his architectural signs in BSL. The Scottish Sensory proud of this but we know we the 47 million passengers who use principles. “My work is informed Originally from Glasgow, “I loved watching the children Centre BSL Glossary’s unique feature still have a long way to go to have it every year and in doing so to by a fundamental belief that Dr Cameron undertook her enjoying learning chemistry and is that we also have definitions in BSL sufficient signs for the school’s recapture a sense of its original architecture can drastically first degree, in chemistry, at the science,” she says. “I was just like and often lab movies or examples science curricula,” Dr Cameron says. Victorian scale and grandeur. improve people’s lives and that University of Paisley. Later studying any other teacher standing in to add additional background intelligent, considered design can at Strathclyde, she was told that front of the class but I’d have a BSL knowledge to the definition. In a career marked by talent and The redesigned site was officially help the positive development of her deafness would prevent her interpreter positioned at the back of determination, she counts her opened by Boris Johnson, Mayor communities,” he says. from becoming a lecturer. Ever the classroom who translated what “Our target audience is deaf young PhD and PGCE, and “watching determined, she opted to switch I was signing to the pupils, and then people at school who use BSL and my students developing in my Architect direction away from chemistry signed back to me what the pupils who want to learn independently classroom” among her proudest If you’d like to share your experiences, we’d love to John McAslan research – and was accepted were saying. I’d use lots of visual using the internet. achievements. hear from you. Visit us at www.ed.ac.uk/ouralumni has received countless awards.

For more alumni profiles, please turn over

18 The University of Edinburgh www.ed.ac.uk edit magazine 19 EDINBURGH EXPERIENCE SUMMER 2013 lizzie fane | richard M marshall | marc dweck EDINBURGH EXPERIENCE julia collins | ian springford

If you’d like to share your experiences, we’d love to EDINBURGH eXPERIENCE hear from you. Visit us at www.ed.ac.uk/ouralumni From artists to academics, many graduates view their student days as the starting point of their professional lives. Here are a few of your favourite Edinburgh experiences, and an update on recent achievements and successes. Marc Dweck BSc 2000, MBChB 2003, PhD 2012

“Most of my memories revolve night with an alarm clock, make around times spent with friends. It’s them do a maths test and see what Lizzie Fane MA (Hons) History also where I met my wife. Probably happened to their ECGs. Dr Flapan of Art & Italian 2008 the highlight, though, was my made cardiology seem like a lot medical elective. A good friend of fun (he still does) and we got “I spent my third year abroad, and did work experience at and I got to spend three months some nice data, resulting in my first studying at the University of mydeco.com, which is run by the travelling around the world getting publication. I think that experience Florence. I was thrilled – I hadn’t founder of lastminute.com. I saw into adventures. I spent the first probably set me along my current realised that when I studied a how a well-funded start-up could month working with a vet in a game career path today. language going abroad for a year work. I also did some work for Work reserve in South Africa; in fact the would be central to the experience. Experience Online and got involved first thing I gave an injection to “Now I’m working as a British Heart I worked as an au pair near Milan in all aspects of the business. It was a cheetah. Then we went off Foundation Clinical Lecturer in and as an interpreter for an English finally gave me confidence to start to New Zealand, working in A&E Cardiology, where I get to spend journalist. I was also the sightseeing up myself. and then on attachment with a 60 per cent of my time working as a chapter editor for Time Out’s guide brilliant surgeon in Tonga who, at doctor completing my training and to Florence and Tuscany. “The site launched in January 2010 the time, was the only one on this the rest doing research. and it’s gone really well. It gives particular island. He had to operate “In Florence I started developing the students up-to-date information on whatever came through the door “We’ve got access to state-of-the-art business thirdyearabroad.com. The and advice about living, studying and it was great to see him at work. imaging techniques which allow us success of the site was really down and working abroad. There’s been to get beautiful images of the heart to Launch.ed, the University’s service lots of interest from social media “I met Dr Andy Flapan, with whom and study the processes leading to for student entrepreneurs. When I and the universities. We can do I still work, and he made up a project heart disease in much greater detail came back they suggested entering things like set up currency cards for me where I had to wake up all than previously possible. There are the Scottish Institute for Enterprise for students rather than them my friends in the middle of the a lot of exciting projects going on.” (SIE) business plan competition and having to set up bank accounts, they gave me free office space and which can be a real pain for them. business plan software. The site is a hub for a certain type of student who likes travelling “I graduated with a degree and a and languages, and I’m very business plan. I moved to London proud of it.” Julia Collins Ian Springford PhD Mathematics & statistics 2011 PGD Architecture 1995

“I grew up in Edinburgh and always fortunate and had the opportunity assumed I’d leave and study to work on a wide variety of elsewhere. When the time came, projects all over the country. We’ve Richard M Marshall Computer however, I couldn’t find a better city recently finished a 187-bedroom, Science BSc (Hons) 1983, PhD 1987 in which to study architecture. The four-star hotel in London. We’re mix of medieval Old and classical currently working on the re-cladding “I picked Edinburgh Informatics had yet to be coined. However, New Town along with the dramatic and refurbishment of an office because it was, and still is, world two members of staff – John Grey topography of the city make it a building in Irvine and new affordable class and has a strong practical and Irene Buchanan – had recently fascinating place to study and work housing and a church in Edinburgh. element backed up by theory. returned from time at CalTech and in. Edinburgh College of Art also We’ve also got a few interesting As both an undergraduate and brought back with them both the had fantastic facilities and a great projects in development which we postgraduate student there was a then-new concepts of VLSI [Very reputation within the profession. hope will come to fruition soon.” strong sense of involvement in the Large Scale Integration] design and department. start-up culture. They were both “I remember having to pull far too hugely influential in my career path “My decision to come to Edinburgh was mainly due to the strong many all-nighters to complete “I was lucky to spend my summers that has been spent mainly working reputation of the maths department and my PhD supervisor, but I was projects on time and some very working in the department as part in different start-ups. I’ve had more also won over by the beautiful and atmospheric city. nerve-wracking presentations, of Professor Malcolm Atkinson’s than the statistical proportion of but I enjoyed it tremendously. I’ve Persistent Heap project, which successes, which is great. “I’m now employed as the University’s first Mathematics Engagement recently had the opportunity to see pre-dates many of the things now Officer. I spend my time giving public lectures and workshops (for the programme from ‘the other side’ happening in storage and database “I’m now an industry analyst with example, to school groups or at science festivals), helping researchers to as a visiting critic. management. Gartner, the biggest and most publicise their amazing work, and teaching undergraduates. influential brand in the space. My “After graduating, I began working “Back in 1980 the concept of training in the fundamentals of “The city of Edinburgh is a fantastic place for mathematics engagement, with Reiach and Hall Architects in entrepreneurship was unknown computing is still tremendously with so many cultural activities going on all the time and lots of people Edinburgh before setting up my own in the UK, and the term start-up useful in this role.” who are passionate about communicating science.” practice in 2000. We’ve been very

20 The University of Edinburgh www.ed.ac.uk edit magazine 21 SNAPSHOT SUMMER 2013 ANIMATION ANIMATION

Photography by Maverick Photo Agency/Callum SNAPSHOT Bennetts; John K. McGregor; Edinburgh College of Art

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Highly animated A new generation of artistic talent is being recognised thanks to the success of Edinburgh’s BA Animation programme. Recent alumni accolades include a BAFTA in Scotland New Talent Award for Animation/Best New Work (Kate Charter for Hannah and the Moon) and a BAFTA for Best Short Animation (Will Anderson and Ainslie Henderson for The Making of Longbird). These successes come as Edinburgh graduates make a wider mark in the film and TV industries, and on the festival circuit. Edinburgh boasts the largest animation programme in Scotland, and central to its success is an insistence on valuing artistic collaboration. The 10 Films 10 Days 2 Cities project, where third-year animators partnered with Bulgarian film students to produce a new film every day for 10 days, with soundtracks provided by MSc Composition for Film students, is just one example of the ethos. images here showcase the varied and stunning results to have come out of our animation studio recently, and capture all the behind-the-scenes magic.

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01 11 12 01 At work in the studio. 02 Amy Shields (Year 4) adjusts her film set. 03 & 04 Oana Nechifor (Year 4) undertakes delicate work. 05 & 06 Sketching ideas. 07 A stockpile of spares. 08 From alumna Claire Lamond’s Seams and Embers, which came out of her time as National Mining Museum Scotland’s Animator in Residence. 09 Adding a final detail. 10 An early effort from alumnus Will Becher. 11 From BAFTA in Scotland winner Hannah and the Moon (Kate Charter). 12 A still from Ainslie Henderson’s acclaimed I am Tom 02 Moody. 13 From the BAFTA-winning 03 14 The Making of Longbird. 14 One of the results from 10 Films 10 Days STAY 2 Cities 2013. 15 Anna Pearson’s CONNECTED 2011 BAFTA in Scotland New Talent winner, Out on the Tiles. 16 From Many now-flourishing animation Jiamin Liu’s graduation film, If we careers were seeded at Edinburgh and Meet. 17 Alumna Anna Ginsburg our graduates have proved themselves put together the music video for to be enthusiastic about interacting Bombay Bicycle Club’s song “How with current students, returning to Can You Swallow So Much Sleep”. deliver guest lectures and discuss their work at the Edinburgh International A selection of these films is Film Festival and community events. If currently on display at the you’re interested in engaging with our University of Edinburgh Visitor current student body, contact us at Centre. For details, email [email protected] [email protected]

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22 The University of Edinburgh www.ed.ac.uk edit magazine 23 arts review SUMMER 2013 60 seconds in the spotlight arts review the hit list | news | I DID IT MY WAY

If you’d like to contribute to Arts Review, arts review email your suggestions to [email protected] Whether for work or play, the arts have always featured prominently I DID IT MY WAY: in our alumni activities. We showcase some of your artistic endeavours edinburgh animators and feature a handful of favourite cultural escapes. SAMANTHA YOUNG celebrate bafta win BA (Humanities & Social Science) 2009 D ouglas Robertson Born: London, 1981 My first impressions of 60 Seconds in EducatION: MA (Hons) Philosophy & Psychology 2004 Edinburgh were that it the author of the Spotlight Current job: Actor, writer and director was beautiful, buzzy and international hit On Dublin Street says Favourite author: Justin Cronin friendly. We used to have SAM HOARE edinburgh and the great picnics on Arthur’s Favourite band: Beirut university played Favourite film or TV show: Breaking Bad Seat and the Crags. a starring role in The place that most inspires you: The bath Obviously with an interest shaping her writing Greatest influence: My girlfriend [actress Romola Garai] in the stage I loved that career. here’s how... there was the Festival and Edinburgh had a great Sam Hoare grew up in the Home Counties and pursued his the Bedlam Theatre. Going reputation and the exact interest in acting while studying at Edinburgh. After graduating, from the Bedlam and programme I wanted to study. a part in a London production of Neil La Bute’s The Shape of It was a no-brainer, really. Things won him an agent and he went on to appear in TV shows directing freshers’ plays to including Doctors and EastEnders. His first major role came in 2012 eventually working with Edinburgh College of Art alumni Will Anderson Struggling to find a job, I put when he starred alongside Matt Smith in Bert and Dickie, the story actors like Chiwetel Ejiofor and Ainslie Henderson have won a BAFTA for their all my efforts and free time of two mismatched rowers trying to reach the final of the double short animation The Making of Longbird. into writing, self-publishing sculls in the 1948 London Olympic Games. Since then he has [in Dancing on the Edge] and promoting my young adult appeared in Father Brown, Blandings and Dancing on the Edge. has been fantastic. The witty and intelligent 15-minute film, directed by Mr Anderson (left) books. After six months I was Having You, a film he has directed and written, starring Andrew and co-written by Mr Henderson, charts the fractious relationship able to declare myself self- Buchan and Anna Friel, premiered recently on Sky Movies. He will SAM HOARE between Mr Anderson and the eponymous cartoon character, a cut-out employed as a writer. series set in the city scrawled MA (Hons) Philosophy also appear in An Adventure in Space and Time, a BBC2 drama & Psychology 2004 paper bird with its own strange backstory and turbulent career. down in my notebooks. Moreover, about the early days of Dr Who, in the autumn. In August 2012, I self-published Edinburgh and the University are Made as Mr Anderson’s graduation film, Longbird has been shown at more an adult contemporary novel, set to continue to play a huge part than 40 events around the world. Prior to the BAFTA triumph it had won On Dublin Street, which follows in my writing career as the On the Short Grand Prix at the Warsaw International Film Festival 2011 and the the story of a young American Dublin Street series continues. [The Sally Jubb Photography Golden Dove and Audience Awards at the Leipzig Film Festival, and it was woman living and loving in the sequel, Down London Road, is out THE HIT LIST nominated for a New Talent Award 2011 by BAFTA in Scotland. city of Edinburgh. now.] The film is packed with insights into the nature of a cinema and creativity, After signing with an agent, No matter how much it tells you and has a winningly cantankerous central character begging to star in a I sold On Dublin Street in a otherwise… procrastination is To watch… To read… To listen to… sequel. “It looks like a documentary, but it blurs that line between fantasy two-book deal (Penguin) – it will not your friend! I’d advise current and reality and becomes a work of fiction,” says Mr Anderson. “I got the be published in 20 countries. students to get as much out of We are Northern Lights is a This debut from alumna Beatrice Recorded in the Reid Concert idea from studying animation at college and working with friends on it.” the city as possible as it’s steeped documentary drawing together Hitchman (English Literature & Hall, this is the debut collection I find Edinburgh hugely inspiring in history and culture and is an personal videos about Scotland’s French MA 2002) centres on a from Sue McKenzie and Edinburgh Mr Anderson graduated with a BA Animation in 2011, while Mr Henderson and have a few concepts for other education in itself. past, present and future. Some silent film destroyed in a fire in alumna Ingrid Sawers (MA received the same degree the following year. 1,500 people submitted more 1913, the secrets of an ambitious Mathematics 1989). It features the than 300 hours of footage for the seamstress, and a Parisian cinema duo’s recitals of six recent British See our photo story on Edinburgh’s animators: page 22 project, which is the brainchild of icon. Petite Mort captures the works for soprano saxophone filmmaker Dr Nick Higgins, of the atmosphere of early 20th-century and piano, with the composers’ diverse designs University’s School of Literatures, Paris and its genuinely surprising differing responses to popular hit the catwalk Languages & Cultures. twist should intrigue readers. music a theme throughout. McEwan Hall served as a spectacular James Tait Black prizes wearenorthernlights.com Petite Mort, The Coral Sea, www. backdrop recently for Edinburgh quirky cookbook to recognise best Drama Serpent’s Tail delphianrecords.co.uk College of Art’s annual Fashion Show. The 2013 James Tait Black Prizes, Britain’s The event showcased a diverse range caters for students oldest literary awards, have been extended of work, inspired by lost Peruvian to include a new category for drama. The tribes, luxury yachts, the colour blue Goodbye Cockroach Pie: 50 Brilliant Student Recipes from Edinburgh and prizes will be awarded at a special event and 1990s children’s TV shows. Twenty Beyond (Inky Paws Press) is a charmingly quirky cookbook compiled by alumnae at the Traverse Theatre in August, as part collections from students were Rosanna Kelly (MA Russian & History of Art 1987) and Casilda Grigg (MA of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and the featured, including that of Heather Spanish & French 1990). Originally conceived in the 1980s to equip students ceremony will include a reading of the Archibald, whose pieces (above) with tasty, budget-conscious recipes, it’s been published after a 25-year gap winning playwright’s piece by the National explored the visual and physical and updated to cover everything from hangover cures to Saag Paneer. The Theatre of Scotland. For more details, interaction of water and fabric. book includes illustrations from Edinburgh College of Art student Stella Phipps. visit www.ed.ac.uk/james-tait-black

24 The University of Edinburgh www.ed.ac.uk edit magazine 25 the history makers summER 2013 engineering the history makers THE HISTORY MAKERS Sparks of genius From chemists to computer scientists, Edinburgh’s academics and alumni have had a profound influence on the world since 1583. As part of our new series, we examine the School of Engineering’s impact on science and technology through examples of achievement across the ages. An Edinburgh student in the workshop.

later appointed Principal and Vice- Returning to her native Iran, Over the past 30 Chancellor of the University. During she was the first female engineer the First World War he managed hired at the National Petrochemical years the School the department partly responsible Company. After the Iranian DID YOU KNOW…? of Engineering for the decryption of intercepted revolution, the family left Iran German naval messages. He ensured and settled in Canada where she has produced science and engineering could thrive launched her successful natural Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of 47 spin-out by establishing the King’s Buildings hair removal business. the telephone, attended the University campus. in 1864. His contribution to engineering and start-up Dr Andrew Abercromby is remembered in the form of the companies. Sir Francis McWilliams Alexander Graham Bell Building at the Dr Abercromby (pictured below) King’s Buildings campus. Graduating from Edinburgh in 1945 (MEng 2002) has more than a (Henry Charles) the next decade he worked with By the time of his appointment Rennie studied at Edinburgh from with a degree in Civil Engineering, decade’s experience in the Space During the 18th century, the University Fleeming Jenkin engineering firms on the design and Jenkin’s eclectic talents and skills – 1780 to 1783. Works he became he was installed in 1992 as the 665th Life Sciences and Engineering was at the heart of the Scottish (1833–1885) manufacture of submarine telegraph as an electrician, economist, lecturer, renowned for include the Crinan Lord Mayor of London. Directorates at NASA’s Johnson Enlightenment, inspiring figures such cables and the equipment for laying linguist, critic and artist – were Canal and London’s Waterloo and Space Center in Houston. Since as polymath James Hutton, who Fleeming Jenkin was the inventor them. well established. In the post he was Southwark bridges. Azar Besharat Moayeri 2007 he’s been Deputy Project would go on to use his engineering of the telpherage – better known as able to draw on his mix of scientific Manager for a team responsible knowledge to guide the building the cable car – and the first Regius In 1866 he was made Professor of expertise, practical insight and William Rankine Gaining her BSc from Edinburgh, for designing and testing a of the Forth and Clyde Canal. Chair of Engineering at Edinburgh. Engineering at University College business prowess. (1820–1872) Ms Moayeri (pictured opposite, next-generation vehicle for space He was also a key player in drawing London and two years later took on her graduation day) became the exploration – the Multi-Mission up the proposals for methods up the post of Regius Chair at Jenkin was a friend of celebrated Studied natural history and University’s first female graduate of Space Exploration Vehicle Stephen Salter, Emeritus Professor of electrical measurement, later Edinburgh. Scots author Robert Louis Stevenson. philosophy at Edinburgh from Chemical Engineering. (MMSEV). of Engineering Design, was responsible NA S A recognised as international electrical In his Memoir of Fleeming Jenkin, 1836 and became a pivotal figure Science at the U niversity of Edinburgh 1583–1993 /Ronald M B irse in 1974 for inventing the eponymous standards. Stevenson describes Jenkin’s in developing the science of Salter’s Duck, a device that converted In 2011–12 childhood, student experiences and thermodynamics. One of the In June 1922 wave energy into electricity. Jenkin benefited from an itinerant accession to the Regius Chair, and University’s award-winning buildings + early life and education, which took the School of praises his range of professional (pictured above left) is named after 100 Edinburgh him from Kent to Jedburgh, then Engineering was achievements. him. degrees of BSc Professor Harald Haas, Chair of Mobile Edinburgh Academy (where he was Communications at the School of a fellow pupil of physicist James awarded £26.88 John Rennie Sir James Alfred Ewing in Engineering Engineering’s Institute for Digital Clerk Maxwell) and on to Frankfurt million of new (1761–1821) (1855–1935) were recorded Communications, is the pioneer of and Paris. research grants “Li-Fi”, a new way of using LED lighting One of the great engineers of his era, An Engineering graduate, he worked compared that can transmit data wirelessly. Graduating with an MA from the and contracts. recognised for his pioneering work on a cable laying expedition to with 7 in 1905. University of Genoa in 1851, over on canals, aqueducts and bridges, Brazil with Fleeming Jenkin and was

26 The University of Edinburgh www.ed.ac.uk edit magazine 27 IDEAS EXCHANGE summer 2013 the two of us smart data hack memorable moments IDEAS EXCHANGE the two of uS

Creative and experimental learning is a vital part of the Edinburgh student experience. Many a friendship is forged during our university days, and we want to hear In 2013 we’re providing enhanced opportunities for deep learning – for both students and how you met your partner or best friend. Here’s a range of memorable staff – through a variety of intellectual encounters. Here’s an example. on-campus moments that led to a lifetime together. D ouglas Robertson Without any ceremony, the staff nurse Jane Bachner King fell for her administered partner in a history class. an injection into my rump… I wonder John King could it have been “dared” to contradict a love at first sight? lecturer.

IAN DUNCAN The MacLeans The BDS 1960 “survived” Mackenzies studying and met during living apart. Freshers’ Week.

dinburgh Informatics by senior students and working something they feel is relevant, and “The experience of encouraging students recently received professionals. They then presented one indication is that we now have and facilitating that kind of Alastair MacLean Bruce Mackenzie Jane Bachner King Ian Duncan E a taste of “real world” their projects to a judging panel. a few groups who are continuing on learning was really fantastic. challenges faced by local with what they developed during the Events like this mean that we’re BSc (Hons) Geology & MA French & German 1966 BA Arts 1974 BDS 1960 (spouse’s name not supplied) organisations and community Event coordinator Professor of week.” engaging much more with the Physical Geography 1997 Iso Mackenzie John King groups during the unique Smart Language Technology Ewan Klein local community, both in the Data Hack. (above right) says the hugely Taking a break from conventional third sector and the commercial Louise MacLean (nee Moore) (visiting student) Love at first sight? successful event allowed students to teaching methods had enormous sector, and those relationships (nee Nicol) MA French & German 1966 The week-long event allowed exchange ideas, network, engage with benefits for students and staff alike, then feed in to all kinds of further “In February 1959 I saw a doctor students to use data made the community and learn technical Professor Klein explains. possibilities of collaboration.” BSc (Hons) Geology & a magical moment who sent me right away to the available by the University, skills. The event also provided them Physical Geography 1996 Hold the lift! “In the spring of 1974 I was enrolled students’ ward. As I was admitted without time to collect any City of Edinburgh Council, with insight into the working world “Our students are already highly The Smart Data Hack was part of “It was day one of Freshers’ Week. in American History. I had met clothes, I was issued with hospital private businesses and non- that lay ahead after graduation. motivated and very bright but this the University’s wider Innovative I was in the lift on the ground floor a fellow American the previous Growing up together pyjamas. Without any ceremony, profit organisations to develop gives them an opportunity to learn Learning Week. of the David Hume Tower and as semester and on the first day of the staff nurse had me take down IT products such as apps and “We had some really positive things that they can apply more “We met at a Geology Society I was the only one in the lift, I asked class in January, he introduced me these pyjamas and administered an websites. Participants formed feedback,” Professor Klein says. readily. It just releases so much For more information, social event in 1995. Finding the servitor to wait until someone to a friend of his – John – who was injection into my rump. All these teams and were mentored “Students get very excited by doing untapped potential. turn to page 4. myself a girlfriend who was in the else arrived. That someone turned spending the year in Edinburgh, years later, I wonder could it have year above was a bit of a stroke of out to be Bruce! During a short chat, initially to take law classes, but by been love at first sight? In the ward genius in terms of help with class we established that we would look that time had dropped law and was was a flatmate who reckoned I had work – Louise was a very good, out for each other at the Freshers’ auditing other classes. John went to no chance of a date with the staff Kim Taylor and patient, tutor! We managed to disco that evening. We did meet the lecture with us that day. At one nurse as she was going with someone What the students say... BSc ‘survive’ both studying and living up and found that we were totally point the professor put a slide up on STAY who had a car. Always one who liked (Cognitive apart in different cities for around relaxed in each other’s company. the screen and announced that it was CONNECTED a challenge I took it up and after a Ben Jeffrey Margus Lind Science), four of the first five years we were Looking back, I would say it was then Jefferson’s home. My future husband bit of manoeuvring got that date. MInf, Year 1 MInf, Year 1 Year 2 There are numerous together. We now live in Aberdeen, I realised Bruce was someone special. called out, ‘Sir, I believe that’s the Later she got her RGN, I got my BDS, “The real value of “Such events “By the end of the where we work in the oil industry, The highlight of our time at university Raleigh Tavern.’ I glanced nervously ways in which alumni we married in 1960 and 52 years and the Smart Data motivate people week our team had a prototype of an and we have two children. Having would have to be getting engaged on at him in the darkened auditorium. can support and three boys later we’re still together.” Hack was putting to come up Android app that made use of data met Louise when I was 20 graduation day – 11 July 1966.” Nobody EVER contradicted the us in touch with with an idea and provided by the Council. Since then benefit from engaging I feel I have grown up with her.” lecturers! There was a brief silence, Ian Duncan more experienced mentors, and make it real. It was a great way to we’ve been fortunate enough to gain with the School of Iso MacKenzie and then from the podium, ‘I believe Alastair MacLean giving us the time, resources and learn. Doing things is the best way the support to continue developing Informatics. If you you are correct.’ At that moment freedom to build some amazing of learning things in informatics: it. Getting to choose what we work I knew I was in love. We’ve been applications and to really push us it strengthens the bonds between on not only makes us more motivated have an idea about together ever since.” out of our comfort zones. Many of people and gives them new but also gives us experience relevant how you’d like to get the projects are still continuing, and connections. In addition it will show to our own interests. For example, Jane Bachner King involved, email us at If you met your partner or best friend at Edinburgh and would participants are now working with the you what you need to enhance I chose an AI project that tied in [email protected] corporate sponsors, so these events about yourself to manage better and well with my knowledge of linguistics like to share your story, email us at [email protected] can certainly help fill out our CVs.” will give a taste of real-life work.” and other cognitive science topics.”

28 The University of Edinburgh www.ed.ac.uk edit magazine 29 landmark summER 2013 the last word teviot student union opinion

Send your recollections of your landmark student days to [email protected] The Last Word

Studying in a unique city like Edinburgh is an unforgettable experience. Each edition we tell the story of an iconic campus or city landmark – and share your memories of its role in your student days. Dr Dave Reay Reader in Carbon Management and author TEVIOT STUDENT UNION The shift to online learning at Edinburgh Teviot student union opened 124 years ago, the result of a long struggle to create a and around the world is sparking a space for students to meet and study. The world’s oldest purpose-built union, it boasts revolution in the way we teach and study. a suitably colourful history. It has witnessed the impact on student life of two world Combined with a growing understanding wars, hosted the Union Palais – in the 1950s the most popular dance held anywhere of climate change, the future of higher in Edinburgh – and in 1971 belatedly accepted women as members. A city-centre hub education looks virtual, says one of the for societies, debates, dinners and performances, Teviot can rightly claim to live up University’s leading academics. to its founders’ aim of being the focus for the collective life of students in Edinburgh. A black-tie affair, circa 1984. C hris lose A rtificial A sylum participant, it’s a route that opens up anywhere in the world whose i remember when… attendance to so many more people circumstances would, in the past, With advances in and has the potential for big carbon never have allowed them to study Nicholas Coates Dr Ian Cottrell BSc Michael Smith savings. with us. Students with families to technology and MA Arts (Ordinary) (Hons) Chemistry MA (Hons) Politics look after, jobs to hold down and the huge challenge 1971 1965, PhD Organic and Economic & As academics, attending international insurmountable visa restrictions “The Union for my first Chemistry 1969 Social History 1989 conferences is a standard part of the could now more easily become of climate change, two years was all male and I attended “Sitting in the library in front “Pies, pints and politics in the bar job with most of us having cut our part of the global community that it seems high the final all-male black-tie dinner. The of the fire on snowy Edinburgh with a good selection of MPs.” presentation teeth as jittery doctoral is the University of Edinburgh. The Teviot is time that virtual guest was Jo Grimmond; he was both days; a civilised way to study.” a popular students at annual meetings like the environmental benefits may also be entertaining and highly blue.” Neil Scott Festival Fringe EGU. The skills and networks that far reaching, with distance-learning meetings and Professor John BNG Civil venue. grow from this practice are certainly students avoiding some or all of the presentations David Andrews Stotesbury Engineering 1992 important yet, with advances in carbon-intensive travel between

BSc (Hons) MA English 1970 “I’m fairly sure it was A rtificial A sylum indsight is a wonderful thing. technology and the huge challenge Edinburgh and home. came more to Agricultural “The place for reading 95p for a pint of 80/ in 1990. Rapid I’m currently on the return of climate change, it seems high the fore. Economics 1973 the national newspapers, dozing in inflation or a fading memory?! H leg of a trip to give a climate time that virtual meetings and Based on the success of our existing “Superb spag bol and TV pictures the scruffy old maroon-coloured A unique place, a great university, change talk at a big science conference presentations came more to the fore. online distance-learning courses, and Dr dave Reay Reader in Carbon from the moon.” armchairs, picking up one’s mail a fabulous city – a privilege to be – the European Geophysical Union internationalisation initiatives such Management, School displayed behind glass panels near part of it.” (EGU) – in Vienna. Almost a decade In other facets of academia the as the Global Academies, Edinburgh of GeoSciences Zining Cui the porter’s box, listening to the ago I made the decision that, wherever benefits of virtual meeting and is well set to ride the online learning MSc Education lunchtime speakers, and listening to Dr Lydia Michael possible, these trips would be made in learning technology are being more wave. This is an opportunity to 2012 the debates.” MSc Reproductive a low-carbon way. I haven’t been on a successfully reaped. Participation realise the kind of “sustainable “My dad came Biology 1998, plane since. in online learning is growing growth” that most businesses and to Edinburgh all the way from Stuart Swanston PhD Biomedical Music nights apace across the world and higher governments can only dream of – revolution may have a rather more Guangzhou in China for my MA Arts (Ordinary) Sciences 2003, MBA 2007 are a regular However, after these past five days education is a lead player in this. growth that is both economically and sedate pace. For myself at least, the feature today. graduation ceremony and we had 1974 “The Greek nights, organised by the of travel by clackety rails and lumpy At the University of Edinburgh our environmentally sustainable. first question I’ll ask next time a lunch together at the Library Bar “It was known as Hellenic Society, lots of salsa dancing seas, it’s now clear that a much inaugural set of free-access online conference invite comes in will be: in Teviot to celebrate.” the Men’s Union, but that ended nights, some Fringe performances and speedier and lower carbon option courses (Massive Open Online The only certainty when predicting do you do virtual? when some female members of having lunch with friends many times would have been to attend and Courses, or MOOCs) attracted the future is that it will be different Nora Lucke the SRC ventured for a pint in the a week. Fish and chips! Loved it.” present at the conference online. The 300,000 registrations. Together to what you expect, and in the Dr Dave Reay is a Reader in Carbon MA Arts (Ordinary) downstairs bar. Service was refused over-lit expanses of the conference with a growing portfolio of online field of climate change this is Management and Director of the 1965 and the ladies were requested to go Kirsty Hughes centre were teeming with the usual honours and masters courses, the something we know only too well. MSc in Carbon Management. He also “Women could only to the first floor bar if they could BVMS 2007 multitude of academics and students virtual student body at Edinburgh is Nevertheless, a future in which runs the online MSc course Climate be admitted for specific events – find members to sign them in. They “In 2008 as a postgrad dodging poster tubes, but alongside now fast outgrowing its face-to-face online learning becomes a core Change Impacts & Adaptation. He debates for instance, or on Saturday declined, saying they might play pool. I watched the US this traditional format was a system counterpart. part of higher education provision has written several books on climate nights, for the Union Palais. The All the lights were switched off and election there with friends, and in (called PICO) that allowed virtual seems a good bet. As for academics, change, including Your Planet Needs Women’s Union was nearby, in the long-serving manager declared 2010 we had the evening reception participation via the internet. Though This revolution in the way we teach and our embracing more actively You! (Macmillan Children’s Books) George Square.” that the building was closed for the of our wedding there.” Quiet study some of the “researcher bonhomie” and learn could do wonderful things. the technological substitutes for and Climate Change Begins at Home rest of the evening.” in a bygone is inevitably missed as a virtual It could link us with great students conference globetrotting, the (Palgrave Macmillan). era.

30 The University of Edinburgh www.ed.ac.uk edit magazine 31 billet SUMMER 2013 The General Council of the University of Edinburgh billet

BILLET continued Billet The General Council of the University of Edinburgh billet News

The General Council provides graduates with a continuing voice February meeting provides Professor Stuart in the management of the University’s affairs, and every graduate lively and positive discussion Haszeldine. automatically becomes a member. Academic staff and members The Principal gave a very encouraging review of the University’s governing body, the University Court, are also of the University’s activities in 2011–2012 at the February 2013 Half-Yearly Meeting. members of the General Council. It meets twice a year and has the His address made mention of the University’s many recent positive news right to comment on matters affecting the University’s prosperity stories, in areas ranging from student applications to research funding. The Principal, Report Professor and wellbeing. For more information on the work of the General He also noted that there were significant areas in need of improvement, Sir Timothy By Professor Charles Swainson Council, visit www.general-council.ed.ac.uk particularly those surrounding the student experience. Even here, he O’Shea. Convener of the Business said, there was a basis for optimism as so many initiatives were being Committee of the General Council undertaken to make improvements.

The Principal answered a lively and challenging series of questions on topics ranging from buildings to investments. Questions came from the The General Council is revamping its website. To see our new look and join in the hall as well as via emails from members in 11 countries, including the US, discussion, visit www.general-council.ed.ac.uk in the near future. Burkina Faso and China.

The after-lunch address was given by the University’s Professor Stuart Haszeldine, the world’s first Professor of Carbon Capture & Storage. His I am pleased to present the report Marketing and External Affairs, Dr Ian Kirsty McGregor and your Finance Your Committee responded to fascinating presentation described the nature and scale of the problem of your Business Committee for the Conn, and many members subscribe and Services Standing Committee the publication by the Scottish of carbon emissions and their likely consequences for climate change and period since February 2013. to the University’s daily news feed. have reviewed the excellent financial Government of a new Post-16 the possibilities for amelioration using carbon capture. The range and number of newsworthy year past as described in the Annual Education Bill. In our submission we Your Secretary has completed events and research is staggering Report for 2012 with Director of emphasised our objections to the He explained that while the problem was frightening, the proposed agreed Guidelines for Consultation and gives an excellent insight into Finance, Phil McNaul. It was good to potential removal of the General strategies for dealing with it were encouraging. Sustained external See Professor Haszeldine’s talk at www.general-council.ed.ac.uk/ between the University and the the daily life of your University. The see the emphasis on the University Council from the governance of the support would be required in order for current projects to demonstrate video_gallery_lunches.htm and the Principal’s address at General Council that have been work of your Standing Committees being less dependent on government University and to sweeping powers to viability of those strategies, he added. www.general-council.ed.ac.uk/video_gallery_meetings.htm approved by Court. The document has been guided by the Effectiveness teaching grants and seeking as direct an institution and its curricula is available on the General Council Review, and by the priorities agreed at broad an income base as possible, proposed by the Cabinet Secretary website. the start of this session. and on the importance of a surplus for Education and Lifelong Learning,

as a major source of resources for and made a number of comments N eale Smith We bade farewell to Dr Kim Gordon Cairns and your investment. about poor wording and drafting. The General Council Saturday 22 June – Morning Old College quadrangle. Waldron at the Half-Yearly Meeting Constitutional Standing Committee The evidence given to the Education General Council Half-Yearly Meeting – Free entry in February and your Business have produced new information for Neil Hynd and the Public Affairs Committee of the Parliament and the Meeting & Weekend Committee hosted a leaving those wishing to stand for election Standing Committee continue to parliamentary debate has resulted in of Events Afternoon reception in March. We wish her either to the Business Committee arrange speakers for the Half-Yearly the expectation of significant revisions General Council reception and lunch – £20 all the best for the future. We were or as a General Council Assessor. Lunch and plan our future events, to the Bill in its next stage. We will 21–23 June 2013, Edinburgh Independence debate with Professor Tom Devine, delighted to welcome Sarah Smith This makes the commitment clear and they are working on a major continue to examine this closely until The next General Council Half-Yearly Meeting and McEwan Hall – Free entry as the new University Secretary in and clarifies the way in which we upgrade of the General Council any new Bill becomes law. Lunch will take place at the Royal (Dick) School of March and look forward to working operate to support the University. website. Development & Alumni Veterinary Studies, Easter Bush, Midlothian. For the Evening closely with her and her team. They are working on revising is a key partner in this and related first time, the General Council’s “at-home” summer Dinner and ceilidh, Pollock Halls – £25 information for new members of the work. The new Executive Director meeting and lunch will form part of an exciting June’s meeting will be the last Committee so that their induction of Development and Alumni Videos of previous weekend of events organised by the Development Sunday 23 June – Morning Half-Yearly Meeting for retiring is improved. They have begun to Engagement, Kirsty MacDonald, Principal’s and & Alumni team. The weekend provides the Guided tour (three options) – £5 per tour Committee members Jane Kille, consider whether our election was welcomed to your Business opportunity for alumni to return to Edinburgh University of Edinburgh campus Convener’s Reports, The Royal Ruthven Gemmell, Neil Hynd (Public procedures for a future Chancellor Committee in January, and gave and see the tremendous changes that have taken Walking tour of Old Town (Dick) School Affairs Convener), Ian Sutherland should be updated. us an excellent introduction to and a selection of place since they graduated, and to reinforce their National Museum of Scotland of Veterinary (previously Academic Convener) and her new strategies for alumni after-lunch addresses, connections with the University. Studies. Shields Henderson. I thank them Bruce Ritson and your Academic engagement. Your Committee is can be viewed at Afternoon all for their contribution and am Standing Committee are enquiring supporting one of these, an alumni Programme Barbecue, Old College quad – £10 appreciative of the time committee into the new support for both weekend in Edinburgh at the time www.general-council. members give freely when they take home and international students. of the Half-Yearly Meeting in June; ed.ac.uk/video_gallery. For full programme and booking details, on this commitment. The University is investing heavily in details of events are already on the htm Friday 21 June – Evening visit the Development and Alumni website at single point of access services and a Development & Alumni and General Welcome reception, Playfair Library – Free entry www.ed.ac.uk/alumniweekend2013 Your Business Committee benefits universal Personal Tutor scheme and Council websites, so please book up Live comedy and music, Teviot Row House – £15 from regular updates from the we want to ensure that these are and come along to meet your friends Closing date for ordering tickets: Director of Communications, providing their intended benefits. and colleagues. Monday, 17 June 2013

32 The University of Edinburgh www.ed.ac.uk billet 33 billet SUMMER 2013 The General Council of the University of Edinburgh billet

BILLET billet News billet profiles continued C ourtesy of the N am June PaikC A rt What is your Korean artist in the spotlight Meet the team Business The General Council Business Committee members bring to their roles an array of talent and expertise, with professional backgrounds Committee Festival reception and exhibition viewing: Q Transmitted Live: Nam June Paik Resounds ranging from medicine to leadership development and human resources. Here, we profile three of its key figures, and they describe working on? Talbot Rice Gallery the people, places, lessons and events from their time as Edinburgh students that had the biggest impact on their careers. enter V ideo A rchives. © N am June Paik Estate 22 August 2013

The student The General Council will once again host an exciting festival reception and exhibition viewing this summer at the Talbot Rice experience – in Gordon Cairns Luise Locke’s particular, the Gallery. The event will showcase the exhibition Transmitted Live: graduated LLB career and A Nam June Paik Resounds, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of in 1979. attitude to life issues identified Korean artist Nam June Paik’s first solo exhibition, Exposition developed at Edinburgh. in the National of Music – Electronic Television (Wuppertal 1963). Student Survey remains a Paik (1932–2006) is widely known as the “father of video art”, major focus. and his innovative art and visionary ideas, including video sculptures, installations, performances, videotapes and television productions, continue to inspire artists the world over. A trained A recent presentation from Professor Sue musician, he treated technology as a material part of his work. Rigby, Vice-Principal Learning & Teaching, was very encouraging and members learned that Transmitted Live will be enhanced by a series of performance art a number of promising initiatives have been events selected by the curators at the Nam June Paik Art Center put in place. In addition to the new Personal in Korea, as well as a series of events, including workshops, public Name: Gordon Cairns what career path I wanted to take. Name: Luise Locke Favourite social venue: Tutor system, further enhancements are lectures and a conference. Having qualified in 1979 and faced Old College Law Library lift – always being made in the following areas: Education: with doing my legal apprenticeship Education: good for a party! For further information, visit www.ed.ac.uk/talbot-rice Royal High School, Edinburgh, I found myself in Dunbar in a small St Margaret’s School for Girls, academic development and career University of Edinburgh (LLB, 1979) practice, where I was given real Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh Most valuable lesson: progression for teaching staff; Tickets are £6, including a glass of wine or soft drink, and may clients to deal with from very early (BA Arts 1976, MBA 1999) Never, ever give up. be purchased at www.general-council.ed.ac.uk/festivalevent.htm Home town: on. I found my niche and passion for improved communications or by post from Mrs Mary Scott, Assistant to the Secretary of Buckhaven, Fife dealing with individuals of all ages Home town: “After graduating I sat law exams, with students; the General Council, General Council Office, the University and their varying needs. I joined an Edinburgh qualified as a solicitor, became a of Edinburgh, Charles Stewart House, 9–16 Chambers Street, Current home: Edinburgh practice and opened their law partner in 1989 at Murray Beith clearer benefits from extra-curricular Edinburgh EH1 1HT, Scotland, UK. Please state how many tickets Lasswade, Midlothian first branch office in Penicuik in 1983, Current home: Murray, returned to University in activities and increasing employability; you would like and the names of any guests. Cheques should be and became a partner a year later. Edinburgh 1998, graduated MBA in 1999, took Bar made payable to the University of Edinburgh. Current job: My own firm merged with Gillespie exams and was called to the Scots curriculum developments and new Solicitor (partner in private client Macandrew in 2004. Current job: Bar in 2000, where I now practise in e-learning and teaching possibilities; Closing date for applications: department at Gillespie Macandrew) Advocate property litigation. For the fun side of Friday 16 August 2013 “I’m married to Fiona, a life I resort to music, fly-fishing and the creation of a better sense Favourite student memory: physiotherapist, and have two Favourite student memory: skiing, and avoiding lawyers where of community. The fried egg rolls served in the children, Matthew, 23, and Victoria, 21. Handbrake turns in the Old College possible! Holidays find me sherry Chambers Street student canteen. I enjoy theatre, playing golf, travel and quad when parking for 9am lectures. sampling in Andalusia. A follow-up on these initiatives will be wining and dining with friends. The whole experience of Edinburgh undertaken to determine their impact. Most memorable staff member: as a student was memorable, from “The University holds a seminal place Sir Gerald Gordon, for his lectures on “I have previously been a member walking across the Meadows in in my life from which my career and Another area of focus is Edinburgh’s financial New-look website sure to be a hit the criminal law of Scotland. of the Business Committee and autumn leaf to classes in Buccleuch attitude to life developed. Returning sustainability – we are looking into the returned last year as Convener of the Place; the views from George for my MBA I realised how much University’s financial planning and how it is The General Council website is undergoing a revamp. Favourite Social Venue: Constitutional Standing Committee. Square Library; the architectural joy had changed since undergraduate trying to maximise the returns from all its assets. The canteen where they served the It’s an honour and privilege to have in sections of George Square; the days; the University and teaching The new-look site will go live sometime in the summer. It will contain fried egg rolls! the opportunity of serving the sheer sense of freedom, fun and methodologies had shifted up We continue to work on improving the all the usual features, including information on forthcoming meetings University and its alumni in this way independence to take my life where several gears. That experience made totality of the election procedures, including and events; reports, photos and videos from previous occasions; Most valuable lesson: Never and to be part of the continuing I wanted. me curious about the General improving the logistics of staging elections information and reports and other documents from the work of to ask anyone to do anything that I development of the University Council and its role, coinciding and how we provide information to members. the Business Committee; and elections information and guidance. wasn’t prepared to do myself, and to in the global marketplace, and in Most memorable staff member: with a fishing friend, Bruce Rae, Members will also find details about how to contribute to the General realise that it was important to work particular considering the effects of The late Lord Rodger, who tutored recruiting candidates for the Business External affairs also deserves attention, Council Prince Phillip Fund, which provides scholarships and bursaries. hard to be the best that I could be. independence, should that come to me in Roman Law, a truly terrifying Committee. I recommend it to other and we continue to monitor developments pass next year. I would encourage experience but bearable once graduates.” surrounding the Scottish Government’s In addition to this information, the site will also feature an exciting new blog, which will provide members “I was encouraged to take a law anyone with an interest in the I realised he might just have a Post-16 Education Bill. Some aspects of this with the opportunity to engage in online discussion by posting their views. The blog will be written by a degree at Edinburgh as I didn’t know University to make contact.” sense of humour. Bill were not perceived as ideal from our guest author and address current developments affecting the University, its contribution to major world perspective and we await the next version issues, and education in general. with interest. Have a look and join in the discussion at www.general-council.ed.ac.uk

34 The University of Edinburgh www.ed.ac.uk billet 35 billet SUMMER 2013 The General Council of the University of Edinburgh billet

BILLET billet profiles billet General council papers continued

General Council Half-Yearly Meeting and Lunch, Saturday 22 June 2013 Charles The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Easter Bush Swainson Officers: enjoys being involved in the Chairman: HRH The Princess Royal University. Secretary: Michael J Mitchell, BSc, PhD 2015 Registrar: Sarah Smith, University Secretary ex-officio 10am: Refreshments on arrival in the Foyer

General Council Assessors on the University Court: 10.30am: Meeting in Lecture Theatre 2

A Margaret Tait, BSc 2013 12.15pm: wine Reception in the Foyer Alan M Johnston, MBA, CSci, CChem, FRSC, CBiol, FIBiol 2015 Ann M Smyth, BSc, PhD, MPhil 2015 12.50pm: buffet Lunch in Room G01. Guest after-lunch speaker: Dr George Gunn

Chancellor’s Assessor: Please note that the meeting will be webcast. For details visit www.general-council.ed.ac.uk/livewebcasts.htm. For further Name: Charles Swainson Most valuable lesson: Sheriff Principal Edward F Bowen, CBE, TD, QC ex officio information turn to page 33. Henry Matthew, a fearsome Education: St Edward’s School, physician in the Royal Infirmary, Business Committee: Cheltenham, University of Edinburgh taught me the value of listening to (MBChB, 1971) people and that diagnosis comes Convener: Charles Swainson, MBChB, FRCPE, FRCSE, FFPHM 2016 straight from the patient. Vice-Convener: Frances D Dow, CBE, MA, DPhil 2016 AGENDA FOR THE GENERAL COUNCIL MEETING Home town: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire “After a wonderful career as a renal Convener of Public Affairs Standing Committee: 1 Minutes of the Meeting of the General Council held in Old College, Edinburgh, on 9 February 2013 (PAPER A) physician and medical director, I Neil R Hynd, LVO, FRIAS, FSA Scot, BArch 2013 Current home: retired two years ago and now enjoy Convener of Academic Standing Committee: 2 Matters arising Edinburgh part-time work for the College Bruce Ritson, OBE, MD, FRCPE, FRCPsych 2014 of Physicians and the Scottish Convener of Finance and Services Standing Committee: 3 Report of the Business Committee Current job: Retired renal Government. As an Edinburgh Kirsty MacGregor, MA, MBA, DipEd 2015 physician and medical director; student I was active in DramSoc, the Convener of Constitutional Standing Committee: 4 Dates of future meetings of the General Council now Treasurer for the College of Music Society, FilmSoc and best of Gordon D Cairns, LLB 2016 Physicians, eHealth Lead for the all the Mountaineering Club, which 5 Notice of forthcoming elections Scottish Government, and President kick-started my quest for Munros Members: of the Scottish Wine Society and a lifelong love of mountains. My ‘A’ denotes a member of the Academic Standing Committee, 6 Presentation by Professor David Argyle, Head of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies passion now is wine, and as President ‘C’ a member of the Constitutional Standing Committee, Favourite student memory: of the Scottish Wine Society I enjoy ‘F’ a member of the Finance and Services Standing Committee, and 7 Any other competent business When the Men’s Union granted regular events, including the Society’s ‘P’ a member of the Public Affairs Standing Committee: equality to women, a group of annual visit to Burgundy, which raises 8 Adjournment women students entered the bar funds for hospices. Skiing and golf A William Ruthven Gemmell, LLB 2013 on a Friday evening. The noise and are also firm favourites. I was a late A William Shields Henderson, MA, CA 2013 cat-calling was deafening and the starter with both but I’m making up P Jane E Kille, MA, MBA 2013 flood of beer that poured from the for lost time. A Ian Sutherland, BSc, PhD, DSc, TD 2013 balcony was too much, and the P Simon Fairclough, MBA 2014 PAPER women fled. But they had made a “Neither my mother nor father had A F Luise Locke, BA, MA 2014 Minutes of the Meeting of the General Council held in Edinburgh on 9 February 2013 point and the two separate unions been to university so I was delighted P Elizabeth Morris, MBChB, MRCGP 2014 merged soon afterwards. to come to Edinburgh. I’ve lived C Ann M Sutherland, MA, FBCartS 2014 and worked in London, the US and C Morven Brown, MA, DipEd, DipEd Psych, AFBPsS 2015 Most memorable staff member: Edinburgh and had five terrific years 1 Result of the elections of one 2 Minutes of the Meeting of the F Waverley Cameron, BSc, SM 2015 Dr Michael Mitchell The Assistant Dean, Dr Malcolm Low, in New Zealand. This university gave Assessor to the University General Council held in the C Michael Lugton, MA 2015 PRESENT Secretary of the was a big influence on me because me my beautiful wife, Marie, and the Court and five members of the Humboldt University, Berlin, P Ritchie Walker, MA, BSc, DipEd 2015 General Council he and his wife, Aileen, introduced city educated my son, Andrew; it Mr Peter McColl Business Committee on 16 June 2012 F Robert (Bobby) Burt, MD. FRCA, FRCPE, FACP 2016 me to Edinburgh, and to art galleries, is a university and city I love for its A Stuart G Macpherson, OBE, MBChB, FRCS, Rector, in the Chair especially the Scottish Gallery and northern austerity, intellectual and Professor Charles The Chairman announced that the The Minutes of the meeting held on 16 FRCP, FRCGP, FAcadMedEd 2016 Jimmy Mowat and his Loomshop cultural depth and all it has given Swainson one General Council Assessor to the June 2012 were approved. F Hamish McKenzie, MA, CA 2016 Dr Kim Waldron Gallery in Fife. me. The opportunity to be elected Convener of the Business University Court elected to serve for C David M Munro, MBE, BSc, PhD 2016 University Secretary to the Business Committee, and Committee a period of four years from 1 August 3 Matters arising and Registrar of the Favourite Social Venue: A long- now to be the Convener, seems a 2013 to 31 July 2017 was Ms Doreen Assistant to the Secretary: Mary T Scott, BA General Council since gone Italian coffee shop on good way to be involved, to give the 51P and 13V = 64 Davidson, and the five new members The Chairman reported that there were Forrest Road, where we had intense University what I can, and to help The Constitutional Arrangements for the working of the General members of the Business Committee elected to no matters arising from the minutes. discussions about rugby, satire, the ensure this University gets to be the Council of the University of Edinburgh and its Business Committee Professor (P = Physical; V = Virtual) serve for a period of four years from lighting of DramSoc plays and Tolkien. best in the world.” and the Regulations for General Council Elections can be found at Sir Timothy O’Shea 1 August 2013 to 31 July 2017 were Mr 4 Report of the Business www.general-council.ed.ac.uk/constitution.htm Principal and Rev Dr Harriet Harris John Clifford, Mr Matthew McPherson, Committee Vice-Chancellor Chaplain to the University Ms Anne Paterson, Mr Scott Peter and Mr Ian Stevens. Professor Charles Swainson, Convener

36 The University of Edinburgh www.ed.ac.uk billet 37 billet SUMMER 2013 The General Council of the University of Edinburgh billet billet general council papers of the Business Committee, Business Committee and of the for her support, enthusiasm and now only 27 per cent of income Neurology Clinic, were also substantial financial support, the international staff and students 8 Any other competent gave the report of the Business University on the types of issues contribution to the University. resulting in the University being highlighted. Finally, the major including scholarships. continued to be enhanced, with business Committee. He welcomed all on which General Council opinion accountable to many different refurbishment in George Square exceptional work being undertaken attendees, in particular Dr Alan might be sought, the status of The report of the Business stakeholders. Student numbers for the School of Literatures, Massive Open Online Courses at the University, including on the There was no other competent Brown, the previous Convener, such dialogue and the nature of Committee was approved. were over 31,000, with most of the Languages & Cultures was planned (MOOCs) were recently environment, world health, security business. congratulating him on his feedback required. recent increase in international at a cost of £33 million. introduced by this university and food supply. appointment as a University of The full text of the Convener’s students. Applications were based on the Coursera platform. 9 Adjournment Edinburgh Regent. The work of Academic, under Dr Bruce Ritson, remarks is contained in the Annex actually up for Edinburgh, at Other highlights for the University They were free and had already In conclusion, thanks were given to the Business Committee and its was focusing on two major to the Billet. nearly 50,000, assisted by its very were covered: the new Chancellor become an outstanding success. the General Council, in particular The motion by the Convener of Secretariat was commended. The themes identified by the Business generous bursary schemes. Women had been extremely active in Almost 100,000 people had the Court Assessors who were a the Business Committee that, for Effectiveness Review, chaired by Committee as priorities for this 5 Dates of future meetings were in the majority, accounting the University, very involved and signed up for the Introduction very important and active part of the purpose of considering matters Dr Frances Dow, had been highly session. The first was to investigate of the General Council for 60 per cent of undergraduates. effective. The Confucius Institute to Philosophy. The predicted the lay membership on Court, as which may be transmitted to the worthwhile involving a wide the efforts being made to improve Humanities & Social Science was had been given an award for the favourite, Astrobiology and the well as the Business Committee General Council by the University consultation with the University, the student experience and to The next Half-Yearly Meeting by far the largest College, but sixth year in succession, a tribute Search for Extraterrestrial Life, and its officers. Its input was also Court or any other business of a Court Assessors and other support the University in these would take place on Saturday even the smallest, Medicine & to the very broad scope of its had 40,000. Unexpectedly, many much welcomed, for example the competent nature, the Business members. Two main conclusions endeavours. The University has 22 June 2013 at the Royal (Dick) Veterinary Medicine, had more activities. Innovative Learning participants were from schools, suggestion some time ago to put Committee be empowered to act were: firstly that the current invested considerable additional School of Veterinary Studies, the than 4,000 students, which was Week, a new initiative, had been thus giving them a wider education greater effort into working with on behalf of the Council, and that arrangements of the Business resources to improve the quality University of Edinburgh, Easter more than some other entire hugely successful. The Edinburgh and helping them prepare for Latin America. this meeting be adjourned to a Committee and its Standing and capacity of support for Bush. Any motions for discussion universities. The proportion from College of Art Fashion Show university study. Although Equine date to be fixed by the Business Committees were fit for purpose, students. The second theme was at this meeting should be received overseas from 1900 to 2000 had was held in the Playfair Library Nutrition was the smallest with The full text of the Principal’s Committee, was approved. and secondly, that many ways around international students who in the General Council Office by 3 remained stable at 19 per cent, Hall for the first time and had 23,000, it was hoped that some remarks, as well as the record of working could be clarified or often had different expectations April 2013. The following statutory but had now grown to about 37 been a wonderful event. The of these might progress to an of the discussion that followed Rev Dr Harriet Harris closed the improved upon, including various and needs from home students. Half-Yearly Meeting would be held per cent, most growth occurring many activities around Professor online Masters course in Equine the presentation, are contained meeting with a benediction. channels of communication. The The Committee would be on Saturday 15 February 2014 in in the previous 10 years. The most Peter Higgs and the Higgs boson Health, which incurred fees. in the Annex to the Billet. The recommendations were being exploring ways in which the Old College and any motions for frequent European country of were particularly inspiring. Other courses anticipated a presentation can also be viewed implemented. General Council could support discussion at this meeting should origin was Germany, followed The 250th anniversary of the similar progression and given the at www.general-council.ed.ac.uk/ the many University initiatives for be received in the General Council by Greece, although Bulgaria, establishment of English Literature very large numbers even a small video_gallery_meetings.htm. The work of the Standing those students. Office by 28 November 2013. Poland and Lithuania had all grown as an academic subject had been proportion doing so would have Committees was highlighted. greatly. Further afield, nearly celebrated. Student volunteering a very beneficial impact. Some Public Affairs, under its Convener Finally, Finance & Services, under 6 Notice of forthcoming 2,000 students came from the US, continued to grow in both very positive online feedback had Mr Neil Hynd, had helped organise Ms Kirsty McGregor, would be elections which was encouraging given the numbers participating and breadth enhanced the University’s global the hugely successful meeting looking into the University’s strength of its own universities. of activities, and enhanced the reputation. The University was in Berlin the previous June. The financial situation as well as its There would be elections for Mainland China was next, with University’s reputation. very much at the forefront of visit to the Humboldt University efforts into commercialisation. five members of the Business Asia as a whole very important. the MOOC world and this had The Annex to the Billet, which contains had been much appreciated and This was in particular the Committee in February 2014. The undergraduate/postgraduate Many members of the University been recognised internationally it had been fascinating to listen commercialisation of its research, Nominations on forms available mix overall was two thirds to one had received honours and awards. as well as by the Scottish supporting papers for the Agenda, including again to Dame Stella Rimington as as well as its other physical and from the General Council Office third and a greater proportion of This included the very important Government. It also addressed the communications from the University Court, she talked about her professional intellectual assets. and on the website should be postgraduates was desirable. Student’s Association Teaching widening participation and social activities in Berlin. Currently it was received in the General Council Awards. The London Olympic responsibility objectives of the full Standing Committee reports, a transcript involved with the redevelopment The Convener thanked the five Office by 28 November 2013. Research funding stood at Games had been very successful University. of the Principal’s presentation, and the Business of the General Council’s website as members who had stood down in £250 million, a spectacular with Edinburgh emerging as the well as with all future events and July: Dr Alan Brown, as Convener, 7 Presentation by the success, with just over half best performing UK university. Overall the University was Committee’s report to the meeting on meetings. The new website would and Ms Doreen Davidson, Principal of the Annual from the UK Research Councils. This position had been developed doing very well. It had grown 9 February 2013 is available on the website at be more interactive as part of an Professor Ron Asher, Mr Michael Report of the University Charities contributed £32 million over many years and enhanced the considerably, with income up by 70 effort to engage better with all Conway and Mr Bruce Rae. He and industry £6.5 million, but attractiveness of this university per cent in real terms, and student www.general-council.ed.ac.uk/annex.htm. members wherever they might be welcomed the new members who The Principal presented his Annual most notable was the European with improvements in both numbers up by 40 per cent over General Council members may also request it located. had joined this session: Professor Report based on the University’s funding of £32 million. This had staff and facilities. A number of the previous 10 years. The higher Stuart Macpherson, Professor Annual Review 2011/2012 (www. been increasing recently and outstanding people had received rate of income growth reflected by post from: Mrs Mary Scott, General Council Constitutional, under Mr Gordon David Munro, Dr Bobby Burt, Mr ed.ac.uk/about/annual-review/ supported social science as well honorary degrees. the outstanding success in gaining Office, Charles Stewart House, 9–16 Chambers Cairns, was working through Hamish Mackenzie and Mr Gordon publication). The University as science and medicine. Recent research income. This growth many of the recommendations Cairns, who was returning, and aspired to international success announcements on the EU budget The internationalisation efforts was consistent and continued. Street, Edinburgh EH1 1HT. Tel 0131 650 2152; of the Effectiveness Review. This looked forward to them making in respect to its students, staff, were very positive and should continued. The office in Beijing The Edinburgh Campaign had email [email protected]; or a copy can included improving the quality a strong contribution. He invited teaching and research, and its enable further increases in future. was booming and Mumbai was reached its £350 million objective. of information provided to all General Council members to success was demonstrated in now very active. Additional Even with the current relatively be picked up at the location of the Council candidates for election as well as contribute to its work, whether various ranking. It had had two Major estate developments collaborations were beginning generous provision of bursaries and to new members of the Business through the Business Committee very successful mergers – with continued, including the last phase in India. Latin America was scholarships more were needed and Meeting from 30 minutes beforehand. Committee when they joined. They or various mentoring schemes, Edinburgh College of Art and the of the Main Library redevelopment receiving increased attention, in this respect the General Council had also worked on Guidelines for or through giving to the Prince MRC Human Genetics Unit. It was and the new Centre for Carbon including the new Office of the Prince Philip Fund was appreciated. Consultation between the Business Philip Fund. In conclusion, he also successful financially with an Innovation, costing £10 million. Americas in São Paulo. This built New Eric Liddell Scholarships for Previous copies of Billet can be found at Committee, the General Council thanked Dr Kim Waldron, the income of about £700 million. It The wave tank at King’s Buildings, on strong existing connections students going to and coming www.general-council.ed.ac.uk/billet.htm and the University. It set out the retiring Registrar of the General was noted that formula funding an extension to the EPCC and in Brazil, Mexico and Chile. from China had recently been reasonable expectations of the Council and University Secretary, from the Scottish Government was the Anne Rowling Regenerative Santander Bank had provided announced. The quality of both

38 The University of Edinburgh www.ed.ac.uk billet 39 EDIT-LEGACY-MAY13:Layout 1 24/5/13 12:41 Page 1 Because all our loved ones matter

Katy, Cancer Nurse at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, with Milly The DickVet cares for our loved ones today, and educates the vets of tomorrow. Leaving a gift to the University of Edinburgh in your will means the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies can continue using today’s cutting-edge teaching, technologies and treatments to deliver the very highest quality of veterinary education and clinical care to all our loved ones. To find out more about leaving a gift to the University in your will, please contact Mairi Rosko on +44 (0)131 651 1411 or [email protected]

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