THE UNIVE RSIT Y of EDINBU RGH

SPRING 2010 bTHE UNIVuERSITY OlF ElDINeBURGH StTAFFiMAn GAZINE

Life through a lens Our Vet School is captured on camera – page 8

One world, Cultivating the Hard to Mapping the one vision revolution swallow universe A new health academy The collective campus Can a government policy Physicist Dr Phil Clark on the aims to make the world effort to reduce our carbon improve the treatment of University’s role in the ATLAS a better place – page 7 footprint – page 10 depression? – page14 experiment – page 17 advertisement...

“I want to help future generations of researchers continue our work.”

THE UNIVERSITY of CAMPAIGN

Kath Melia is Professor of Nursing Studies role in developing nursing at Edinburgh, at the . This year, had remembered the University in her will, she took the significant step of making a gift a gesture which is helping the important in her will to help continue the work and work we are doing today. This has inspired research of the University. me to do the same.” Kath explains, “I was touched to find that a By making a gift in your will, you, too, former colleague, who had played a pivotal can help shape the future of Edinburgh.

Legacies from former members of staff at the University of If you would like more information on leaving a legacy to the Edinburgh support teaching, facilities and research across the University of Edinburgh or if you have already done so, Schools and Colleges. We are very grateful for this commitment. please contact our Legacy team in confidence:

This support is vital to help this work continue and legacies, big email: [email protected] and small, can make a difference to a research project or help [email protected] support a junior researcher present their work for the first time. telephone: 0131 650 2240

A legacy to the University can be named in your honour or If you have already made a gift in your will, we would like to after a loved one or be made anonymously, and can also thank you and acknowledge your generosity. Your intentions reduce the inheritance tax on your estate. can also remain anonymous if you prefer.

2. THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH STAFF MAGAZINE SPRING 2010 welcome... bulletin

bulletin editorial

PUBLICATION DETAILS This month our vets from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Medicine will Published by: Communications and be appearing in an STV documentary about clinical life at Easter Bush. In the Marketing, the University of Edinburgh film, and indeed in reality, our veterinary workers play a crucial role in supporting the vast array of animals whose stories are told with humanity and CONTACT US compassion. On pages 8 –9, bulletin takes a behind-the-scenes look at the bulletin making of the series. Communications and Marketing The University of Edinburgh On pages 6 –7, we profile two University research initiatives that in different C Floor, Forrest Hill Building ways seek to care for our planet on a global scale by harnessing expertise in Forrest Hill both climate change and international health. Continuing the caring theme on Edinburgh, EH1 2QL pages 10 –11, we look at the gathering momentum in the staff effort to reduce E: [email protected] T: +44 (0)131 651 4325 the University’s carbon footprint in a bid to preserve our planet. Focusing on mental wellbeing, coinciding with this month’s Mental Health Action Week, our The University of Edinburgh is mindful opinion section on pages 14 –16 offers academic insight into the benefits and of the environmental impact of pitfalls of a Scottish Government policy to lower targets for antidepressant producing this magazine and seeks to prescriptions. minimise resources wherever possible. This magazine has been printed on To be informed regularly of University news, you can now sign up to our online Revive 100 Uncoated stock, which Staff Bulletin email service, which delivers the headlines direct to your inbox. contains 100 per cent post-consumer waste and is manufactured at a mill Visit Staff Bulletin at: www.ed.ac.uk/news/staff-bulletin . that is certified to the environmental management system ISO14001.

SUBMISSION DETAILS If you would like to submit an idea for an article, or tell us about some news, please contact us at the email address above in advance of the next deadline. The summer edition of bulletin will be published in July, and the deadline for submissions is 30 April.

To keep up to date with news online, visit our regularly updated Staff Bulletin service at: www.ed.ac.uk/news/staff- International student bulletin. Cameron Jeffrey Boult’s image for the inaugural Global Horizons photography competition on the theme of ‘Edinburgh as home’. View other entries and the winners on pages 12 –13.

SPRING 2010 THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH STAFF MAGAZINE 3. news...

Old College quad set for revamp

project to redevelop the Old College quadrangle is to go Old College: a history A ahead this year following a 10-year campaign to improve the area. 1789 Foundation stone for today’s building Funding has been secured to resurface is laid, and Robert Adam presents the quadrangle, replace the gravel and initial designs. finally complete the vision of the 1792 Robert Adam dies, and his brothers building’s original architects, Robert continue as supervising architects until Adam and William Playfair. financial issues halt the project. University academic Dr Lyndhurst Collins, 1816 William Playfair takes over as lead who has been at the University since architect. 1970, has been a strong advocate for the 1887 The Golden Boy statue is placed on project . He says: “Old College, and its top of the Old College dome as a result quadrangle, is one of ’s of a philanthropic donation from local foremost architectural masterpieces. The lawyer Robert Cox. University has a duty to undertake an 2001 Dr Lyndhurst Collins begins actively interpretation of what Playfair may have campaigning for the completion of the envisioned for one of the most important Old College quadrangle in line with elements of Edinburgh’s heritage.” what may have been envisioned by the original architects. Robert Adam first presented his plans for Old College in 1789, but died before the 2006 Simpson & Brown is one of four work was completed. William Playfair was architecture firms invited to submit Geoff Turnbull, Assistant Director of later appointed to manage the project in plans for a redevelopment of the Old Estates and Buildings, says that the College quadrangle and is selected by 1816. However, the project ran into benefits reaped by the project are former Depute Director of Estates and financial difficulty so the quadrangle was numerous, enhancing both the Buildings John Leishman and Dr never fully completed. accessibility and aesthetic qualities of the Lyndhurst Collins because the firm’s A tendering process for the project will building for staff, students and visitors. proposal is “most in sympathy with the take place this spring and Edinburgh He states: “Old College is the flagship design of Old College itself.” architects Simpson & Brown are working building for the University. The 2010 The tendering process for the work is on a design. Construction work is quadrangle’s redevelopment will reinforce scheduled for spring. scheduled to begin in the summer. its position and its permanence”.

Business School prepares for new home

he University of Edinburgh’s Structural modification has been carried Business School is preparing for out with a complete internal refit. The Ta major relocation as part of its addition of a new top floor and a new strategy to become an international pavilion has been created. An entrance centre for business education. foyer facing onto Buccleuch Place is well The former Adam F erguson Building at under way. 40 George Square, is to be the School’s The new School will also have an new home. impressive range of eight lecture theatres, The £17 million investment into developing student facilities, a resource centre, cafe a new bespoke building at this central- and trading room. It has been designed campus site will play an important role in to function as a venue and meeting place The new building is set to open in late the School’s ambition to become a where academics, students and 2010. More information can be found at prestige business school, providing high- corporate partners can come together. the Business School’s development blog quality undergraduate, postgraduate and For the first time the School will have http://blogs.business- executive education. dedicated executive education facilities. school.ed.ac.uk/afb-development .

4. THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH STAFF MAGAZINE SPRING 2010 bulletin

news in brief…

DONATION BOOST TO MEDICINE Medical research at the University has received a major boost from a record financial donation worth £1.26 million, donated by Ronald Storey in honour of a pledge he made to lifelong friend and Edinburgh graduate the late Dr George Birtwisle. The funds will play a major part in the creation of a new imaging centre at the University.

FULBRIGHT SCHOLARS FOR HSS The University’s College of Humanities & Social Science has been selected by the Fulbright Commission to host the Fulbright- Scotland Visiting Professorship. Under the scheme the College will host three eminent US professors for six months each, throughout a three-year period. These guest academics will be chosen by the Fulbright Bringing science to the public Commission with input from the University.

NEW UNESCO CHAIR niversity staff and students are These events take place at the National gearing up for Discover Science, Museum of Scotland and the University’s UNESCO has provided backing for a new Uthe University’s largest annual Adam House, both on Chambers Street, University research post in international development. The first appointee to the contribution to the Edinburgh with some shows at George Square International Science Festival. UNESCO Chair in International Development Theatre. is Professor Paul van Gardingen. He joins a From 8–17 April, staff and students will global network of academics supported by be involved in a range of hands-on, Staff from both the Colleges of Science & UNESCO. He says: “The award of a UNESCO family-friendly science activities, many of Engineering and Medicine & Veterinary Chair recognises the staff and resources that which are free. Medicine are involved in this popular the University has invested in the developing world.” During these drop-in activities, workshops event, with support from the University and shows, visitors will have the Festivals Office. 50 FIRMS FORMED BY EPIS opportunity to discover biodiversity, be a pop-up engineer, or detect cosmic rays Full programme and booking details: The University’s business-nurturing initiative from outer space. www.sciencefestival.co.uk . has helped form its 50th company. Angelfish Microfinance will provide lending opportunities for small businesses in Scotland. It is the latest firm to benefit from the support provided by the Edinburgh Pre- Incubator Scheme (EPIS), which was founded Scholarship scheme to benefit PhD students in 2003 to encourage and assist University graduates and staff to develop their business he University’s Principal, Scholars will receive a package of ideas into operating firms. Professor Sir Timothy O’Shea, has career training that supports them to NEW ORIENTEERING CENTRE Tunveiled a £6 million PhD develop skills in research, teaching, scholarship programme. public engagement or entrepreneurship. The University is to host a centre dedicated to developing elite student athletes in The Principal’s Career Development Each scholarship will cover the home orienteering. The Orienteering Centre of PhD Scholarships are open to UK, EU rate of tuition fee as well as a stipend Excellence has been created through a unique and overseas students taking research which will increase by £500 each year. multi-partnership arrangement involving the degrees in any field of study. University with British Orienteering, Scottish Close to 60 scholarships will be offered Subject to satisfactory progress, the Orienteering, and Scotland’s national sports per year for students beginning their awards can cover the cost of studying scholarship scheme, Winning Students. The Centre will be led by Finnish orienteering study over the next two academic years. at the University for up to three years. coach and elite competitor Toni Louhisola.

SPRING 2010 THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH STAFF MAGAZINE 5. news profile...

The climate for change

Catriona Kelly reports on a new collaborative venture that will place Edinburgh as a leader in climate change education.

world-leading hub of expertise will support its partners in delivering a to tackle the challenges of range of focused postgraduate A climate change is to be created programmes on subjects including by the University. environment and law, and carbon finance, as well as tailored education Working in partnership with public and courses on carbon accounting for private sector decision makers, the business representatives and Edinburgh Centre on Climate Change The Centre can make policymakers. (ECCC) will seek to create a vibrant an immediate impact community of people delivering the skills Combining Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt’s on business leaders and the necessary social and technical capabilities in climate change education innovation to solve climate change- – both through masters degrees and and policymakers. related challenges. executive education – will provide – Dr Andy Kerr students and professionals with the skills The venture unites the University of needed to meet the social and Edinburgh with Heriot-Watt and environmental challenges facing society. Edinburgh Napier universities and other partners across Scotland to build “In supporting our partners’ masters resilient communities and deliver a low- programmes, which equip graduates to carbon economy. make environmentally aware commercial decisions, and through our suite of Dr Andy Kerr, Director of the Scottish executive education courses, the ECCC Alliance for Geoscience, Environment can make an immediate impact on and Society, and a researcher at the business leaders and policymakers,” University, says: “The University of Dr Kerr adds. Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University and their partners are uniquely placed to A dedicated facility to house the Centre make a vital contribution to tackling will be created by redeveloping existing climate change-related challenges, which buildings at the High School Yards site in are some of the biggest challenges the University’s Central Area. facing society today. In combination, they The £10 million refurbishment will have the expertise, the teaching produce a collaborative environment – capabilities, the global reach and the the design will feature conference, desire to create the community of teaching and meeting rooms to required to support the development of encourage discourse among staff and robust, prosperous societies.” students. Experts at the Centre will develop its The site will provide a home for students, research strengths in carbon capture and stakeholders and visitors from around the storage, renewable energy systems, world, and it is hoped its proximity to carbon finance and carbon management. Holyrood can provoke and facilitate The ECCC will benefit from the practice interaction with policymakers. of Scottish research pools – such as the The Centre’s broad base of expertise Scottish Alliance for Geoscience, goes beyond science and engineering to Environment and Society – which seek to encompass law, economics, business break down barriers between subjects and social science. Its remit to work in and between institutions. partnership with decision makers across Building on Edinburgh’s pioneering society will help to establish Edinburgh masters degrees in management and as a leader in the provision of climate carbon capture and storage, the ECCC change education.

6. THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH STAFF MAGAZINE SPRING 2010 bulletin

One world, one vision g n h c x . k c Ed Nash investigates the new o t s

, a n a i

l University initiative that is u j r

: e g a taking on the world’s health. m I

he University has launched a together staff from all our areas of students in developing countries access Global Health Academy that draws expertise to address the health to the world-leading expertise of Ttogether experts from across the challenges we face around the world.” Edinburgh’s Centre for Tropical Veterinary University to address issues in world Medicine. As well as devising new health solutions, health. This interdisciplinary project the Academy will also provide a portfolio Global Health Academy Director, provides a forum for collaboration between of postgraduate degrees, including online staff across the three Colleges, and Professor Sue Welburn, says: “The programmes, which will enable among partners in other organisations. Academy is an important statement of healthcare professionals around the the commitment of the University and the Staff in biomedical sciences, public globe to learn from Edinburgh’s expertise practitioners around the world who are health, veterinary medicine, social while they continue to live and work in joining us to address global health sciences and engineering, and from their local communities. issues. We have tended to think in terms many other subject areas, will exchange Existing courses, which have been of the developing and the developed knowledge to address issues including integrated into the Academy, include the world as being two distinct entities. In obesity, pandemic flu and tropical online International Animal Health MSc. the 21st century we need to revise our diseases such as malaria, sleeping This part-time programme is designed to global vision and realise that this is one sickness and rabies. By facilitating allow students around the world – many world: the Global Health Academy will collaboration between experts with of whom are practising vets – to continue focus on solutions which benefit all different backgrounds and experience, work while developing their skills. It offers global citizens.” the academy will seek to translate cutting-edge scientific advances into practical, effective and efficient solutions that can be implemented in developing A global health tradition countries. The University of Edinburgh has long held international links to healthcare. Professor Stephen Hillier, Vice-Principal International, said the Global Health James Africanus Horton (above right), of Freetown, Sierra Leone, became the first Academy, was a unique approach to African to graduate from a Western university after attending Edinburgh in the interdisciplinary collaboration for 1850s, and qualifying as a doctor in 1859. the University. The first Chinese student to graduate from a Western university was Huang Kuan, He explains: “By bringing together all the who graduated in medicine in 1855, before completing a PhD in Pathology and experts from across the University and Anatomy in 1857. He later introduced new types of surgery in China and made a partner organisations we are adding notable contribution in the fight against the cholera epidemic which broke out in massive value to what already goes on Canton in 1873. at Edinburgh. More recently, in 2007, Professor Zhong Nanshan (below right) was awarded an “Health is much more than medicine – it honorary degree from the University in recognition of his pioneering investigations has an impact on every aspect of human into the SARS virus. He studied at Edinburgh between 1979 and 1981. society. That is why it is vital we bring

SPRING 2010 THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH STAFF MAGAZINE 7. feature... s d d o D l u a P

: y h p a r g o t o h P feature Life through a lens A forthcoming STV documentary series will showcase the varied caseload encountered on a daily basis by the Dick Vet’s experienced clinical teams. Claire Simpson finds out how our vets coped with working under the scrutiny of a camera crew.

8. THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH STAFF MAGAZINE SPRING 2010 bulletin

urrounded by a group of shown in the past have not had the kind enthusiastic students, Dr Lottie of focus we would want. But it became SBell, a farm animal vet at the Royal clear they wanted a popular programme (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, is that would focus on the animals and their perched precariously on the belly of treatment and that was what we wanted an underperforming cow, which is to push – what we are able to do for the patiently lying down as she expells gas animals,” he says. from its stomach. From a beloved pet cat facing risky Lottie has been called out to the Vet surgery to remove a tumour to a colourful School’s own working dairy farm, a chameleon who needs treatment for a valuable teaching resource and home to mysterious swollen eye, the stories 200 pedigree Friesians. One of the cows captured by the cameras reflect the vast has been producing significantly less and varied work carried out by the Dick milk than usual, and Lottie has been Vet’s clinical teams. called upon to investigate why. She is The filming process lasted six weeks, accompanied by a group of students, during which time the production team of seizing the opportunity to provide some four ventured into all areas of the Vet of the School’s vets-in-training with a little School’s clinical work, which includes hands-on experience. farm and equine animals, exotic animals

Staff were really proactive in explaining what was going on. They understood there was a story to tell. – series producer Richard Higson

It could be a typical day for the vet but and domestic house pets. “They got on what was going on. They understood what sets this call-out apart is that aside so well with the guys on the ground that there was a story to tell and helped from the usual crowd of trainee vets no-one saw them as a hindrance,” recalls explain things in layman’s terms.” observing her every move, Lottie is also Ronnie, “to the extent that they all came This clarity of communication is essential being watched closely by a camera crew, along to our Christmas party!” for the programme as educating the gathering footage for a forthcoming STV Of course not all members of staff were public about the treatment of pets and documentary series about the comfortable to be filmed for the series, other animals is an important outcome of University’s acclaimed Vet School. and their wishes were respected. “But the series for both the Vet School and the The series, hopes Ronnie Soutar, the there weren’t many,” says Ronnie. “Most documentary makers. Dick Vet’s Director of Veterinary Services, people want to be stars!” will raise awareness of the vast range of Kevin explains: “I hope viewers will be clinical activity carried out within the One of the documentary’s willing able to see what exotic animal vets can School and generate publicity for its participants was exotics specialist Kevin do for more unusual pets and that the wide-ranging animal health services. Eatwell, who was excited at the prospect programme will encourage pet owners to of a documentary that would showcase seek appropriate veterinary advice and to He explains: “We want to show not just the work of exotic animal vets. learn from the cases filmed so they can what the School is doing as a centre for keep their animals better at home too.” teaching and research but also what our On working under the scrutiny of the clinics are doing because the more camera, Kevin says: “It was difficult to Ronnie, who has been privy to early cuts cases that come in, the better caseload relax initially but the crew were wonderful of the programme, is pleased with the we can offer to support the teaching at making us feel at ease. Any filming was outcome. “I think they’ve captured us of our students and to feed into our performed as it happened so the footage pretty well,” he says. “They’ve shown research. Hopefully the series can is completely realistic. Occasionally a what we do in a realistic light, which is a be a driver for new cases.” brief interview was held to provide good light, because I think the work we additional information for viewers.” do speaks for itself and we’re all very Ronnie admits to having had some proud of that.” reservations when the idea was first Working with the Vet School staff was presented to him by STV producers. “We equally effortless for the TV crew. Richard At the time of going to press, the were wary initially because some of the Higson, the series producer, comments: documentary was scheduled to air on veterinary programmes that have been “Staff were really proactive in explaining STV in four parts during spring.

SPRING 2010 THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH STAFF MAGAZINE 9. Photography: Angus Forbes 10 . E H T mesage.reduction CO²the spreading ininvo lved t ef for c ampusco labor ative theinvestig ates Simpso n Clair e201. in ce nt p er10 b y CO² re duc e topled ge natio nwide a joingis University The fe featu U I N re. S R E V atu .. F O Y T I E I D re B N R U T S H G Cu I Z A G A M F F A T en fo se ca d w ow th e Th e w ag ev ac an ca es ee he r ot en a mp t r t d e lt n i hus i y bo vi so i y n p

k-

gn a s t

e fo d t ri s ar tu y u n l u a U n r o n a a ivatng a od . e i e s a t c a e d t ng ni em t

n t d ,

a r s k l gr is ke e e by e h pa ve ime ed ti c g c

nt e o Th e o iss pr

a ar pa EN

rs

a a rt pr up le ar

rd e n s c awa og b ll y d ic i o i we l ions rt om t to o

y’ o ut h

wo a o pa ni ng. r n-cu ni o g vo

s a t f r l- t y f m a h ng mm ed u si st -e a r ti

K wid a b ke th o ks ho i en de uni pr ng n gni in g s a nd af f t f tti er a s t h ce o e U he init ng o ty. to ed te r

fi ’ ot qu s to w p cantl er a ll d B im ev f i h i e d ly lo i p s et ei niv u ar nter gr l il iati spo ng-t o o r en t r y tu d ab ea rn di il ar er the tm o ge b y ow ng s c wn v ed est t si s en ts o es. en t, er t staf ty ec au lo , th uc f and m th f a T ar b ei r ing are c ou h at e se ese on r f t ed ev ol Lo be en Uni Po in Th by R to fa na in de c E pl M Dr ca di nb es p edg c Sc wa

2 Se

r es e tio o l Da et a ic y bo v 0 la ki

er r 00 nw s ne wl pte i on s ng ds r n a i n ur

v

a ng s i o em e n n , ti o it y. Ca em id g

f mb w en v a R ib i i 19 h Uni mp t e y n fter be d o

hi ea r a It

iss m bo li ut 9 10 er to ch “ ty ir p 3 a o v y, a do

o

io

er th n a

, do pr :1 rt 20 de

i

a nme ts Di h a a ns

e si t M

S nd 0 o o a Su a nd p pr nt p 0 m a

r io v co env ju s anagem u init ro ecto 9 te d l y e b r , i nt al S d bes s m ac y if us t iati 1 E nvi r an ir io s pr a nd e o i m gni r t o t r n 0 iv o r b o pu e v ai nab nm it it ss u to t” per st ai c a p e o e, fo y m t f su ee n up ng ia l and ent, e h ent h G N I R P S w es na bil bl t i n nt ce e r fi t r i Uni li t edu i ac t o ciall c ro h to S y 2010.in nt nm e pe r lo as it h ac h it y ic e. ver c hi th y o tr e a llin e P se a re s nt al at eg y. 01 0 2 ne e sity’s ng ol ic de d o y a f bulletin

the University delegation to the UN Copenhagen climate change conference 10:10 – in 2009, backs the project. He says: “It’s a wonderful initiative. For too long the what are you doing? debate has focussed on distant targets and top-down government action. The We asked selected teams and staff members what steps they’re taking to help 10:10 campaign allows each of us to play the University reduce its carbon footprint: a real part in tackling climate change.” The four major areas highlighted by the “I minimise air travel, and never ever fly when campaign as responsible for a large travelling within the UK. I live a mile away proportion of a university’s carbon from King’s Buildings and walk every day, come rain or shine; I don’t own a car.” footprint are grid electricity, on-site fossil- fuel use, vehicle-fuel use and air travel. Dr Richard Milne, Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences Significant investment in making Edinburgh more energy efficient has “We recycle all items for which we have the already occurred. In December 2007, the facilities to do so and aim to be as University received a National Energy environmentally aware as we can be.” Efficiency Award for its George Square Valery Cowan, combined heating and power (CHP) Chaplaincy system – one of three systems installed across the University estate since 2003. “We have had a lot of interest from staff on These systems generate annual savings carbon-reduction initiatives, and they keep of more than £1 million and cut annual 4.5 tonnes asking for updates. We communicate these carbon emissions by 8,000 tonnes. through our intranet and team briefings and of CO² equivalent are wasted for we have a specific place to update staff on This award was followed in November every tonne of food we throw away projects.” 2008 with Carbon Trust Standard (The Food We Waste , WRAP, 2008) Sandra Kinnear, accreditation for the University’s ongoing Accommodation Services efforts to reduce its carbon emissions. Edinburgh was the first educational 63% of University waste arisings were “I took on the role of green rep for the establishment in Scotland to receive this. recycled in 2008 –09 University and College Union [UCU] because I think everybody has a responsibility to look Mary Bownes, Vice-Principal Research after the environment and try to reduce their Training & Community Relations and carbon footprint. I don’t have a great deal of Convenor of the University’s 1,147 schools and universities signed up experience in the field, I’m just a concerned Sustainability and Environmental Advisory citizen.” to the 10:10 campaign Group (SEAG), says: “As a university we Janet Philp, (www.1010uk.org ) have invested heavily in energy efficiency School of Biomedical Sciences projects and will continue to do so; but we need our most valuable resource – our innovative staff and students – to only limited to the time and imagination setting up a free shop offering discarded help us deliver this ambitious target.” of our base of students and staff. We goods left behind by former residents. hope to successfully roll out exciting Helping to galvanise that staff and Accommodation Services’ involvement in projects, and always need more help student contribution in this goal is the initiatives like this is important, says from the diverse University community.” University-based project Transition Sandra, because it “teaches our students Edinburgh University. Backed by Projects initiated by the Transition team and staff lifelong skills in what they can £339,000 from the Scottish Government’s include peer-learning courses; events do to keep our environment safe.” She Climate Challenge Fund, the project engaging debate on climate change adds: “We have a responsibility as an employs a team of six to roll out a issues; and a green Dragon’s Den . employer to do our bit.” programme of projects and initiatives Sandra Kinnear, Accommodation Ric comments: “What will the University designed to encourage the University’s Manager and designated ‘environmental of Edinburgh look like in 2020? What 36,500 staff and students to adapt their champion’ within Accommodation we’re trying to ensure is that instead of lifestyles at work and at home to reduce Services, has been working alongside being short of fuel and lagging behind, it their carbon emissions. Transition Edinburgh University on the Big is a happier, healthier, cleaner place. We Transition Edinburgh University facilitator, Switch project, which has involved an can do this and are making our first Ric Lander, explains: “Our ability to get energy-saving competition held at two steps this year by aiming for 10 per cent out there and help people cut their CO² student accommodation sites, increasing emissions reductions and we invite or start their own community projects is the availability of recycling facilities and everyone to join in this effort.”

SPRING 2010 THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH STAFF MAGAZINE 11 . photo story...

A world view

ast year, the International Office Meijin Guo This launched its first annual Global winning entry was LHorizons Photography taken on Holy Island, Competition. The University’s located on the west international students were invited to coast of Scotland. submit a photograph that best depicts their idea of Edinburgh as home. A total of 173 entries were received and the images sent in covered a broad range of interpretations of the theme. Selected entries, some of which can be seen here, were published in a celebratory calendar. The International Office’s Global Horizons festival is an annual event that highlights, celebrates and promotes the diversity of our international student population.

Mei-Yuan Sheng This image made its photographer feel “alive, real and at home.”

Above: Annedore Wilmes A spontaneous shot taken on the Meadows. Right: Jacob Stein The Leith Bridge, reflecting a modernising city.

12 . THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH STAFF MAGAZINE SPRING 2010 bulletin

Sylvain Romain Verly Ying Cui This silhouette of Resting on Arthur’s the Edinburgh skyline was Seat. awarded second prize.

Wenya Charmaine Chng The iconic image of Edinburgh Castle is captured in the photographer’s eye.

Qide Xie Edinburgh’s cityscape reflected by the window of a bus on North Bridge.

SPRING 2010 THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH STAFF MAGAZINE 13 . opinion...

Hard to swallow: will reducing antidepressant prescriptions help sufferers of depressive illness?

As April’s Mental Health “Over-reliance on antidepressants as the Action Week focuses the sole treatment option can be problematic.” spotlight on mental rescription across the board. Antidepressants are levels of very appropriate for many people. wellbeing, academics Pantidepressants However, what it does indicate is a desire Jen Smith-Merry in Scotland are very to search for treatments for depression Dr Jen Smith-Merry high. One in 10 Scots that are completely appropriate for an currently take antidepressant medication individual’s needs. (School of Social & every day and between 1993 and 2009 There are a number of reasons for the the number of antidepressants setting of this target. In Scotland the levels Political Studies) and prescribed more than tripled from 1.2 of diagnosed depression (not levels of million items to 4.1 million items. Professor Steve Platt depression in the population) have risen The Scottish Government has introduced significantly as a result of a campaign (School of Community & a specific target for lowering the rate of aiming to get GPs to recognise and antidepressant prescribing. The target address depression. This was a positive Clinical Health Sciences) aims to “reduce the annual rate of campaign aiming to deal with the high increase of defined daily dose per capita levels of undiagnosed and untreated debate a Scottish of antidepressants to zero by 2009/10 depression in the community through Government policy that and put in place the required support offering rewards to GPs identifying those framework to achieve a 10 per cent with depression. However, a side effect of has polarised the reduction in future years (2009/10)”. this has been, in conjunction with other factors, a rise in the levels of The setting of this target is beneficial for antidepressants being prescribed. healthcare profession two primary reasons – firstly, and most and policymakers. obviously, because it lowers the rate of When faced with a patient newly inappropriate antidepressant prescribing, diagnosed with depression, GPs were and secondly because it provides a focus reaching for the prescription pad and for the creation of new knowledge about viewing antidepressants as the treatment depression and its treatment in Scotland. of choice. Other types of treatment are not routinely offered. What the focus on It needs to be stressed that in setting the Illustrations: Edden Wallace lower antidepressant prescribing target the Government is not stating that Edden is a second-year illustration acknowledges is that for a significant student from Edinburgh College of Art. the use of antidepressants is wrong >> page 16

14 . THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH STAFF MAGAZINE SPRING 2010 bulletin

“In spite of the health significance of major mood disorders, they are still under-referred, under-diagnosed and under-treated.”

he Government these symptoms are experienced, The National Confidential Inquiry into should not be together with an inability to cope well with Suicide and Homicide by People with Taiming to reduce the demands of everyday life. Bipolar Mental Illness analysed deaths by suicide Steve Platt the total amount of disorder is characterised by swings in Scotland for the period of January antidepressant between extreme mood states of 2000 to December 2005. Of the total of prescribing, which could have invincible elation and paralysing despair, 5,054 suicide deaths, only 1,396 (28 per unanticipated and undesirable and back again. cent) were known to be in contact with consequences for the prevalence of mental health services in Scotland in the Major depression is an important risk major depression and suicide incidence year before death. It is safe to assume factor for completed suicide. A review of at a time when adverse economic trends that many Scots with a depressive findings from long-term follow-up studies are likely to increase threats to mental disorder who died by suicide were not of patients with a diagnosis of major health and wellbeing in the population. receiving relevant treatment, which might depression or bipolar disorder found that have alleviated their symptoms and Major mood disorders (both major the risk of completed suicide was 20 and therefore reduced their risk of suicide. depression and bipolar disorder) are 15 times higher, respectively, than the risk among the most frequent and also the in the general population. Given the strong association between potentially most life-threatening suicide and depression, it is reasonable A recent meta-analysis of 28 reports, psychiatric illnesses. to hypothesise that the prescribing of published between 1945 and 2001, antidepressant medication should be The lifetime prevalence of a major including only patients with a diagnosis of associated with reduced risk of suicide. depressive episode is between bipolar disorder, found that during an 12–17 per cent and for bipolar disorder, average 10 years of follow- up study their While it is impossible to confirm or 1.3–5.0 per cent. risk of suicide was 22 times higher than in disconfirm this hypothesis with any the general population. degree of certainty (there are formidable Symptoms of depression include: feelings methodological problems that have to be of sadness, hopelessness and despair; In spite of the great clinical and public tackled in this research area), there is reduced interest and pleasure in normal health significance of major mood some important research evidence in activities; loss of appetite or weight; loss disorders, they are still under-referred, support of it. For example, a strong of sex drive; sleeping problems; constant under-diagnosed and under-treated. association has been found between an fatigue; having difficulties concentrating; More than 90 per cent of those who increase in prescribing of Selective feeling guilty and worthless; and thoughts die of suicide have at least one (mostly Seratonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) of suicide. In major depression most of untreated) major mental disorder. >> page 16

SPRING 2010 THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH STAFF MAGAZINE 15 . opinion...

number of people accessing their GPs for antidepressants and a reduction of suicide in depression, an antidepressant prescription may those over the age of 15 in 27 countries. not be the most appropriate treatment option In another study 406 patients with mood for them. Over-reliance on antidepressants as disorders, with and without long-term the sole treatment choice for depression is medication, were followed up for 44 years. especially problematic for those experiencing Whereas the risk of suicide among treated mild to moderate depression where the patients was nearly 12 times higher than in the evidence for the effectiveness of general population, the risk of suicide among untreated patients antidepressants is not good. Among the alternative treatment was 38 times higher, a very significant difference. options being emphasised currently in Scotland are talking and psychological therapies, exercise programmes, self help However, not all research findings support the hypothesis. It through journaling and online cognitive behavioural therapy has been suggested that there was only “mixed evidence” to (CBT). These interventions have all been identified as effective substantiate the conclusion that the reduction in suicide in through evidence from multiple peer-reviewed studies. Nordic countries could definitely be attributed to the increase in antidepressant use. Reducing antidepressant prescribing may be a bad thing if it happens in isolation and leaves people without any treatment, There is also legitimate but this initiative is merely a focal point within a wider policy concern that targeting depression. It sits alongside initiatives that have aimed antidepressant to provide greater access to a broader range of treatment medications, particularly options for target groups and across the population in general. the SSRIs, could Funding has also been provided to support and train new precipitate suicide in therapists in talking and psychological therapies and for research vulnerable persons, to broaden the evidence basis for emerging treatment options. especially young people. This arose from the A benefit of the development of the target has been in the initial clinical report in way it has worked to define a new area of government 1990 of the emergence policy action – it concentrates efforts around depression of suicidal behaviour in in a way that would not happen without the target. association with the Because a focus on lowering antidepressant antidepressant prescriptions acknowledges that medication is not Fluoxetine. Since these always the answer, it necessitates a creative initial concerns were approach to depression that opens up different treatment raised dozens of studies have been conducted. While results options. It disrupts the normal pattern of treatment and makes have been mixed, there does appear to be a consensus that practitioners search for what really is the appropriate treatment suicidal thoughts and intentions (but not actual suicide) are path for their patient, which may in fact be the prescription of increased in young people in association with antidepressant antidepressants, but might also be talking therapies or other (especially SSRI) use. Information and warnings on patient lifestyle modifications. guidance leaflets have been rewritten accordingly. For the Government, the target works to focus attention on the Additionally, we should not lose sight of the value of other issue, generate new knowledge and thus expand the boundaries treatments for depression, including ‘talking therapies’, such of what we know about the treatment of depression. The as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), and non-psychological collection of new statistics on the use of antidepressants has therapies, such as exercise, which should be made more allowed for a much greater understanding of how antidepressants widely available. are prescribed and used by the Scottish population. For example, research funded by the Government has found that Notwithstanding these caveats, it is my view that the Scottish the pattern of antidepressant prescribing by an individual Government’s target of stabilising and then reducing the Scottish GP is more dependent on their gender or ethnicity than prescription and use of antidepressants is both simplistic and on the level of depression in the community in which they work. misguided. By itself, it does nothing to promote the use of The Government has also found that a large number of people alternative treatments. With regard to antidepressant who have been taking antidepressants for more than a year prescribing to adults, efforts should be concentrated on have not had their use of the medication reviewed. This means ensuring that front-line health professionals, especially general that they are not being offered the chance to come off their practitioners, are trained to intervene appropriately (on the basis medication or pursue alternative treatment options. The setting of the severity of symptoms and risk of suicide) and effectively of this target opens up possibilities for future work on (with a focus on early intervention, correct dosage and depression that will draw on a much better understanding of sufficient time for a therapeutic intervention to occur). the needs of the Scottish population. Stephen Platt, Professor of Health Policy Research Jen Smith-Merry, Research Fellow Centre for Population Health Sciences School of Social & Political Studies School of Clinical Sciences & Community Health

16 . THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH STAFF MAGAZINE SPRING 2010 first person... bulletin Mapping the universe

Dr Phil Clark on the University’s role in an international quest to solve some of the greatest mysteries within particle physics.

ur understanding of the universe member of ATLAS , to discuss the is encompassed in the Standard possibilities of participating in the project. OModel of Particle Physics, which We then secured the necessary has been confirmed precisely by resources and performed dedicated experiments time and time again. service work for the collaboration. On 9 However, one key piece to the puzzle is October 2009, at the ATLAS meeting in still missing and that is the mechanism Barcelona, the University of Edinburgh by which the fundamental particles, the was finally accepted into the venture as building blocks of matter, acquire mass. full members.

Peter Higgs, Emeritus Professor of The aim of the LHC is to produce proton Theoretical Physics at the University of collisions at high enough energy to Edinburgh, wrote in 1964 two key papers, generate massive hitherto unobserved which helped answer this question. particles, which can then be measured Confirmation of his theory, however, and analysed by the ATLAS detector. At requires discovery of a new fundamental the collision point the 7,000-tonne particle, coined the Higgs boson. detector records the aftermath of each collision. Hopes of discovering this elusive particle were enhanced significantly when CERN To understand the data a wide variety of started the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) software is used. In particular, one in 2008. Located beside the mountains, program called GEANT4 is used to near Geneva, on the Swiss-French model and simulate the interactions the border, this 27-km ring of machinery particles have with the detector. Our collides two bunches of 100 billion primary responsibility is supporting the protons, 40 million times per second. use of this software by the entire ATLAS collaboration. Each proton is accelerated to within a whisker of the speed of light (99.9999991 Experiments at the LHC will produce per cent) requiring superconducting more than 15 million gigabytes of data magnets to keep the protons on track. every year, and to deal with the vast The LHC produced its first real proton amounts of data we are designing new collisions in November 2009. It is now the solutions for data storage across a world’s highest energy particle collider worldwide computing grid. Within this and the quest for the Higgs boson is well data, our first priority will be to understand and truly under way. the ‘underlying event’ physics produced by the collisions, a first step before our Researchers involved in the ATLAS hunt for the elusive Higgs boson, which experiment, which is named so partly to will begin later in the summer. reflect the vast scale of the experiment, both in its geometric size and its What we will actually find remains to be From top to bottom: the ATLAS demography, will study these particle seen. Exciting possibilities include the detector at the LHC; excitement at the collisions, which will potentially offer discovery of extra dimensions of space, ATLAS control room as the LHC many clues about the fundamental microscopic black holes, or evidence for produces its first collisions; Professor forces and particles that have shaped the yet undiscovered dark matter thought Peter Higgs our universe. to exist in the universe. Our bid to participate in ATLAS began in After a long journey, the LHC and the August 2008, when we visited the Edinburgh physicists who work there, University of Glasgow, a long-term are entering truly unknown territory.

SPRING 2010 THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH STAFF MAGAZINE 17 . people news... people news Staff honoured in University awards

he 2009 winners of the University’s staff-recognition Tawards, the Tam Dalyell Prize for Nominations for 2010 Excellence in Engaging the Public with Science and the Principal’s Medal, Both prizes are open for have been selected. nominations for 2010. The closing date for nominations is Chris Bishop, Professor of Computer Chris Bishop 10 September. Science, has received the Tam Dalyell Prize for his achievements in Further information about the broadening access to scientific Principal’s Medal is available from research. The computer scientist’s Jenny Buchanan, public engagement activities include [email protected]. presenting the Royal Institution Further information about the Tam Christmas Lectures in 2008, which Dalyell Prize is available from were broadcast to almost five million Ben Miller Deepthi de Silva Williams, viewers on TV channel Five. [email protected].

The winner of the Principal’s Medal has University and within the city of Or visit www.ed.ac.uk/news/staff- been named as graduate and Fairtrade Edinburgh have played a role in helping bulletin/principal-winner-110210 . campaigner Ben Miller. His involvement Scotland to become one of the first in both Fairtrade initiatives at the Fairtrade nations.

Top for technology Triumphs in life sciences

project proposal submitted everal researchers connected with by astronomer Dr Ben Panter the University of Edinburgh were Ahas won the University the Shonoured in the annual Nexxus top £25,000 award in the Thales awards, which celebrate achievements in Scottish Technology Prize. life sciences in Scotland. Dr Panter’s winning submission Professor Sir Ian Wilmut, the University’s uses technology that could Director of the MRC Centre for potentially save the lives of soldiers Regenerative Medicine, received the Dr Ben Panter and civilians in war zones. Lifetime Achievement Award (East). His concept is to be applied to detecting roadside bombs, known as improvised Sir Ian’s MRC colleague, Dr Keisuke explosive devices (IEDs). It uses a ‘real-time’ software filter to capture imagery of Kaji, was also presented with a Nexxus terrain observed from military aeroplanes at different times and perspectives. prize. He won the Young Life Scientist Award (East). Comparisons between these images highlight differences, such as disturbed earth, that could provide early warning of the presence of IEDs. University spin-out Immunosolv was also recognised. Its Dead-Cert technology, As well as earning the University first place in the competition, Dr Panter also won a which uses magnetic nanoparticles to personal prize worth £5,000. remove dead and dying cells from A second entry from the University was also successful in the competition. A team laboratory cell populations without from the School of Engineering, comprising Dr Sami Khawam, Mr Ioannis Nousias, trauma to living cells, picked up the Mr Mark Muir and Professor Tughrul Arslan, earned a finalist’s prize. Award for Innovation (East).

18 . THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH STAFF MAGAZINE SPRING 2010 bulletin

Writer cycles Danube route Role play

uthor and creative writing lecturer Name: Michael J Moore Kevin MacNeil completed a Role: University Fire Agruelling 1,400-kilometre cycle Safety Adviser alongside the River Danube in aid of two cancer charities. Department: Health and Safety (Fire Safety On a fixed-gear, single-speed bike, he Unit) tackled distances of at least 100 kilometres most days, to raise money What is your role at the University? for Cancer Research and Macmillan It’s my job to make sure the University Cancer Support. complies with all its legal and moral responsibilities with regard to the fire safety The route began at the Danube’s source provisions made for its employees, students at a spring in the Black Forest, and took and visitors. I also ensure the University is Kevin through Bavaria, Austria, Slovakia, Kevin, who is a published author and appropriately represented in its dealings with finishing in Budapest, Hungary. poet, is working on a travel memoir about statutory and other external bodies. The trip was filmed for a BBC the project called Two Wheels by the Why does the University need someone documentary, scheduled to be broadcast Danube . His next novel, A Method Actor’s to do your job? this month, which also includes footage Guide to Jekyll and Hyde , is set in The University has a duty to provide of Kevin’s teaching work for the MSc in Edinburgh and will be published later in comprehensive fire safety support for its staff Creative Writing. the year. and student community on all matters relating to compliance with fire safety legislation and codes of practice. Fire safety policy and arrangements need to be fully integrated within the University’s Health and Safety Policy. And the BAFTA goes to… What essential qualities and skills does a person need to do your job? robotic project, driven by I had 32 years with Lothian & Borders Fire and software designed by Professor Rescue Service, so I am conversant with ASimon Kirby of the School of current fire safety legislation, standards and Philosophy, Psychology and Language codes of practice, and fully equipped to Sciences, has received a BAFTA develop strategies, programmes and training Scotland award. on fire safety matters and risk assessment. A high level of administrative and managerial Joining winners including actors skill is also required to be able to run the Fire Daniela Nardini, Robert Carlyle, Peter Safety Unit. Capaldi and television producer Sir Jeremy Isaacs, Professor Kirby’s What are the best elements of your job? Cybraphon project picked up the The fire safety field is so wide and varied it’s Scottish BAFTA in the interactive difficult to pick out one element but applying a category. proactive approach to the planning and organising of all aspects of fire safety is very Cybraphon is a robotic one-man band satisfying. that hosts a collection of self-playing And the worst…? vintage musical instruments within a Victorian wardrobe. A fire that has resulted from fire safety advice being ignored or not implemented. The robot has profiles on social networking sites Facebook and Twitter In another life, what job would you do? and checks these every 15 minutes. As a youngster I had a hankering for the veterinary profession or marine architecture, If Cybraphon feels popular it will play so perhaps one of those professions. upbeat tunes and post happy messages to its online fans, but if online attention is dwindling it will react accordingly, If you would like to nominate sinking into depression. yourself or a colleague for this slot, please email [email protected] .

SPRING 2010 THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH STAFF MAGAZINE 19 . obituaries...

Dr Sula Wolff (1924–2009) Peter Reginald Fisk Dr Sula Wolff, Honorary undertook the greater part of her Fellow of , research, writing and clinical practice. (1929–2009) was one of the founders She was the author of three highly of modern child influential books: Children Under Stress , After a long spell of psychiatry in post-war which had two editions (1969 and 1981) poor health, Peter Britain, helping to bring and was frequently reprinted; Childhood Fisk died on 2 a rigorous scientific and Human Nature: the Development of October 2009, aged engagement to augment clinical practice. Personality (1989); and Loners: the Life 80, just a few days Path of Unusual Children (1995). after the death of his Sula studied medicine at the University of wife, Flora. He had Oxford, and from 1947 to 1955 she held She was widely recognised as an served the University and the statistical various appointments in Paediatrics at authority on childhood and profession in many ways. prestigious teaching hospitals in Asperger’s syndrome, and was one of a Peter left school at 14 without formal England. In 1955 she changed direction small group of psychiatrists who together qualifications but, following attendance and began her training in psychiatry at set up the Child Psychiatry Research at evening classes, he graduated from the Maudsley Hospital London. Society. She was the first psychiatrist to the London School of Economics in be awarded a Medical Research Council In 1962 she took up a post in Edinburgh 1953 with a BSc in Economics. Two grant in the subject of child psychiatry. where she began her long association years later he joined the Department with the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Sula is survived by her husband of Statistics at the University of Edinburgh, first as Senior Registrar and, Professor Henry Walton, and greatly Aberdeen. In 1962 he left for a senior from 1966, as Consultant Child missed by a wide circle of friends. lectureship at Australia’s University of Psychiatrist, retiring from the NHS in New South Wales, and in 1965 he 1984, to concentrate on her research. moved to a similar position at the Lorraine Waterhouse, University of Birmingham. It was from her base in Edinburgh at the Professor of Social Work and Royal Hospital for Sick Children that she Vice-Principal Equality and Diversity Peter arrived at the University of Edinburgh in 1967 to join the then recently formed Department of Statistics. He was a pillar of strength in both the teaching and organisation of Professor Walter Muir (1958–2009) courses. He was prepared to take on any tasks whether in classroom and Walter Muir was born Walter’s research was focussed on examining, as a consultant providing in Edinburgh on 13 genetic risk factors underlying major statistical support to research in other disciplines. February 1958 and died mental disorders and his particular on 1 September 2009. interest was the very disabled group of In 1984, Peter became Head of the He graduated with first- patients with learning disability co-morbid Department of Statistics, a position he class honours in with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. held till his retirement in the summer of 1990, a year before the merger of the pharmacology in 1980, He was one of the first to recognise the departments of Mathematics and qualified MBChB from the University of value of naturally occurring chromosomal Statistics to form what is now the Edinburgh in 1983 and trained in abnormalities as signposts to the location School of Mathematics. psychiatry at the Royal Edinburgh of illness-related genes in psychiatry and Hospital, qualifying MRCPsych in 1987. he worked with a large database of His own research interests ranged chromosomal abnormalities. From this he from the nature and construction of index numbers to the complexities of He was Senior Registrar in psychiatry in identified several key individuals where econometric theory. During the 1970s the MRC Brain Metabolism Unit before chromosomal abnormalities were the most likely cause of psychiatric illness. he was a member of the Statistics being awarded an MRC Clinician His combination of clinical and laboratory Committee for the Social Sciences Scientist Fellowship, which he held until skills underpinned the eventual discovery Research Council (now ESRC) taking his appointment in 1995 as Senior of several genes. an interest in the application of Lecturer in the Department of Psychiatry statistics in the social sciences and Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist His sudden death was only a few months beyond the contribution he had made (learning disability), NHS Lothian. He after he was awarded a Personal Chair. to econometrics. graduated DSc and was appointed Douglas Blackwood, Colin Aitken, Professor of Forensic to a Personal Chair in Developmental Professor of Psychiatric Genetics, Statistics, School of Mathematics Psychiatry in 2009. with Dr Benjamin Pickard

20 . THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH STAFF MAGAZINE SPRING 2010 bulletin

Dr Thomas Binoth (1965–2010) Ian MacKenzie Dr Thomas Binoth died to a PhD on the non-perturbative effects in an avalanche on in the Higgs sector of the Standard (1958 –2009) 3 January 2010, while Model and beyond. skiing in the Diemtigtal Ian MacKenzie, Following a series of postdoctoral posts, Valley, 25 miles south of photographer at the Thomas was appointed to a Lectureship Bern, Switzerland. Department of Celtic at Edinburgh in 2005, and promoted to a and Scottish Studies, He was a Reader in Theoretical Particle Readership in 2009. passed away at Physics at the University of Edinburgh. home on 20 He was active in running the Particle December 2009. His death comes at a critical moment in Theory Group in Edinburgh, helped the history of our understanding of develop links between the theory and Born in Inverness on 6 July, 1958, Ian physics at the smallest scales, the world experimental groups in Edinburgh, and grew up in a distillery cottage in the of elementary particles and their played an important part in paving the village of Tomatin. interactions. The Large Hadron Collider way for the recent entry of the Following Inverness High School, Ian (LHC), constructed over the last decade experimental group into the ATLAS obtained a diploma in Photography at at CERN in Geneva, is expected to experiment at the LHC. discover the Higgs boson and the Napier College and a masters at physics that underlies it. This project was He leaves behind his partner and the Royal College of Art, London. the focus of Thomas’s theoretical work. collaborator, Gudrun Heinrich, and a A photography project in his home legacy of physics results and data village was his first experience Thomas was born on 16 August 1965 analysis tools. in ethnological documentation, and grew up in Maulburg, Germany. He leading to an exhibition at the studied Physics at the University of Professor Richard Kenway, Inverness Museum. Freiburg, writing a diploma thesis in 1993 Vice-Principal High Performance on supersymmetric extensions of the Computing, Head of the School of Ian joined Scottish Studies in 1985, Standard Model. In 1997 he proceeded Physics & Astronomy where he remained until his untimely death. His duties included maintaining the website, curating the Photographic Archive, photographing and recording performers, events Murray Clayton (1950 –2009) and mounting exhibitions. Colleagues and students remember Murray Clayton was the Manager. Ian MacKenzie as a self-effacing, Telephones Manager for Murray built up a happy, tight-knit team of unobtrusive facilitator of their work, the University for almost technical and switchboard staff. He was who had a quiet sense of humour and 20 years. He oversaw a caring manager who looked after his tactful manner. He was a model the installation and staff, with a fund of knowledge, teacher, commenting without any subsequent smooth experience and good stories from his sense of superiority on the running of the new past. He was completely dedicated to composition, light, and ethnological digital system, and most recently was providing a top-quality service, and significance of his own work and managing the increasing use of internet anyone in the team could contact him at that of others. telephony, VoIP. He died of cancer on 31 any time, wherever he was, if something December. He wrote two novels and his short needed to be fixed. He always did his story The Gift was published in the When Murray left school he worked first utmost to get problems resolved quickly. literary magazine Deliberately Thirsty . Scotsman for the newspaper, in classified A film script, Single-track Road , was advertising, then spent 20 years in the Outside work, Murray was interested in amateur dramatics, acting with local short-listed by Tartan Shorts, and led airline servicing industry. He returned to to his final project, ZenBends . education in 1987, first to gain Scotvec companies, doing voiceovers on TV qualifications, and then to study commercials, and appearing several Ian and his wife, recording artist computing through the Open University. times at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Talitha MacKenzie, were a perfect match, her strong support ensuring We mourn the loss of a wise and Murray spent a couple of years working Ian’s vitality until the very end. in the Main Library, then left to join the thoughtful colleague, and extend our family firm. He returned to the University sympathies to Irene, Murray’s widow. in 1990 to join the Telephones Project. In Professor Donald E Meek, January 1991 he was appointed to the Brian Gilmore, Formerly of Celtic and Scottish Studies newly created post of Telephones Head of IT Infrastructure

SPRING 2010 THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH STAFF MAGAZINE 21 . profile...

New chapters bulletin talks to Edinburgh University Press head Timothy Wright about the business of books.

olid teambuilding has been an One of Timothy’s first tasks as Managing important contributory factor in the Director was to build a strong team, Ssuccess of Edinburgh University something he learnt to appreciate during Press (EUP), says its Chief Executive his time with Pearson. “You need to have Timothy Wright, who took leadership of a good team of people around you who the publishing house in 1998. have potentially different skills from your own,” he says. “You need a real mix, “I think it’s important in business to let which is what we have, of experienced people make decisions, even if they turn people and of new starts who are taking out to be the wrong decisions and I’ve on their first publishing role.” always been guided by that principle,” reveals Timothy. “If you’re responsible Timothy supports his in-house team with for 24 people you need to be a good a non-executive team of publishing We are investing in delegator.” professionals who, along with EUP’s senior executives, form the Board of Many recent decisions made at EUP new technologies in Management. Around five times a year, have evidently turned out to be the right this board meets with the trustees who order to grow our course of action. The medium-sized are appointed by the University Court. e-book sales and publisher’s trading figures at the end of have almost 2009 were up 25 per cent year on year. Although the Press is very much a self- sufficient business, it remains a part of One project to contribute to that success completed the the University. Timothy explains: “The was the completion of Sir Walter Scott’s structure we have in the University is digitisation of all Waverley Novels. EUP led a team of helpful to us because we’re part of the researchers to correct more than 30,000 our journals. Corporate Services Group. And although editorial errors found in the original set of this is made up of quite diverse sections, novels, written in the early 19th century. four of those are also commercial The 25-year project was finally finished businesses.” towards the end of last year. And with the Further assistance is provided by the full 28-book set of Edinburgh Editions Press Committee, which embodies retailing at £1,800, Timothy is thrilled to the academic relationship between finally launch it to the market. the University and the Press by Selling books is well-trodden territory for validating the academic standards of the EUP head. He began his career in the books published. Kent as a freelance agent offering books Timothy’s vision for the future is to to the UK and European book trade on steadily but cautiously build on the behalf of a variety of publishers. He then growth and success accumulated joined Longman – the then publishing throughout his 12-year tenure. Both TIMOTHY WRIGHT: CV division of the Pearson Group – as digital and international markets present European Sales Manager, progressing 1982: Freelance book sales rep, selling into interesting opportunities ahead, and the to International Sales Manager before UK and European markets Press is positioned well in both areas. heading up the sales for the Group’s 1985: European Sales Manager for Edinburgh-based medical publisher “We have a big international presence in Pearson/Longman, Harlow Churchill Livingston. America with stockists in Singapore, Japan and Australia. On the digital side 1990: International Sales Manager for Already settled in and enchanted by the Pearson/Longman, Harlow we are investing in new technologies in city of Edinburgh, Timothy was appointed order to grow our e-book sales and have 1994: Global Head of Sales at Churchill to his next role as Managing Director of almost completed the digitisation of all Livingstone, Edinburgh Edinburgh University Press, not long after our journals,” Timothy says. 1998: Managing Director/Chief Executive it had been spun out as a separate of Edinburgh University Press business, wholly owned by the University An interesting and diverse future lies but financially independent. ahead for both Timothy and EUP.

22 . THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH STAFF MAGAZINE SPRING 2010 competition... bulletin

Word search Viewpoint ry our word search challenge and you could win a mystery item from the University Visitor Centre. Hidden in Tthe grid are 18 names of honorary graduates and Alumnus of the Year award recipients from 2000 –2009. Return your completed puzzle along with your email address to our Forrest Hill address (p3) by 30 April. Correct entries will be placed in a prize draw. Only University staff are eligible to enter.

Identify this University building or landmark and send your answer by email to [email protected] . The first correct response will win a mystery item from the University Visitor Centre. Only staff from the University of Edinburgh are eligible to enter.

AdVYhbdgZ[jc#Cd]^iX]Zh# CLUES 1. Rower and Olympic silver medallist 2. Monty Python actor, presenter and broadcaster  3. Children’s author and Harry Potter creator 4. NASA astronaut and third Briton into space 5. Entrepreneur and former Rangers Football Club chairman 6. Mountaineer and author 7. First man on the moon ;gdb—.'% 8. Cyclist and Olympic gold medallist Cdli]ZgZhVW^`ZndjXVch]VgZ### 9. Archbishop Emeritus of l^i]ndjgeVgicZgdg[g^ZcYh####l^i] 10. Crime writer and Rebus series creator ndjgX]^aYgZc###l^i]ndjgh]dee^c\dg 11. Eurythmics singer and human rights campaigner adc\Zg$W^\\ZgadVYh#Jca^`Zidl^c\V 12. Former international racing driver igV^aZgdgjh^c\VigVY^i^dcVaiVcYZbi]Z Eaj\^cndjgG]dYZX]^aYhZVih Eaj\VcYeaVnXVgg^ZgjhZhhZViedhih 13. Dolly the Sheep team leader =Za^dh^hcZVi!a^\]iVcYbVcdZjkgVWaZ# 14. Microscoft founder 6i&+`\VcY'&%Xbadc\!i]Z=Za^dh XVcZVh^anWZXVgg^ZYjehiV^gh#I]Z 15. Best-selling historical fiction novelist =Za^dh[gdb8^gXZ#DcZW^`ZgZVaan 16. The Prime Minister XVcYd^iVaa# 17. Art collector and dealer, and philanthropist 18. Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company IZhig^YZhVi I]Z7^XnXaZLdg`h! '."(%6g\naZEaVXZ :Y^cWjg\]:=.&?? lll#aV^Y"WVX`"W^`Zh#Xd#j` Previous winners: Jane Cooney, Estates and Buildings (Word Search) and Sarah Innes, Careers Service IdÄcYdjibdgZVWdjii]Z8^gXZ=Za^dhVcYVggVc\ZViZhig^YZ ZbV^a/aV^Y"WVX`5WajZndcYZg#Xd#j`dgiZmi$e]dcZ/%,.-&)(%&*. (Spot the Difference) AV^Y7VX`7^`ZhVgZYZVaZgh[dggZXjbWZcih[gdb>8:!8]VaaZc\Z!CVoXVVcYGVeidW^`Z

SPRING 2010 THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH STAFF MAGAZINE 23 . Showcase

In every issue of bulletin we profile an item from the University Collections. Rare 16th-century violin

The Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments recently obtained (with National Fund for Acquisitions support) a rare 16th- century English violin, believed to have been made by a member of the Bassano family of London. It is one of only three English violins of this period to survive (the Collection has held one of the others since its inception in the 1840s). . 6 3 3 5 0 0 C S

r e b m u n

n o i t a r t s i g e r

h t i w

, d n a l t o c S

n i

d e r e t s i g e r

, y d o b

e l b a t i r a h c

a

s i

h g r u b n i d E

f o

y t i s r e v i n U

e h T

24 . THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH STAFF MAGAZINE SPRING 2010