013 INSIDE - The University of Edinburgh
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
EDIN BU RGH
2 013
5
INSIDE
GLOBA L ACA DEMIES
A PATH WAY TO SUCCESS
THE R EBIRTH OF
EDINBURGH GENOMICS
OUR FR IENDS
Contents
A pathway to success 4
The story of Megan McGregor, a fourth year student who has
received the support of a Pathways to the Professions bursary
Words of support 6
Derek and Maureen Moss tell us what motivates the support
that has led to them receiving University Benefactor status
Getting involved 6
Cover feature: How charity events can help vital research into serious diseases
EDIN BU RGH
The University’s
2 013
5 Global Academies A step forward for the Dick Vet 7
A new appeal aims to equip the Vet School with
are offering a new life-saving equipment
way for researchers
from disparate The rebirth of Edinburgh Genomics 8
disciplines to How a new genetic sequencing facility at King’s Buildings
will play a part in the Edinburgh genomics revolution
INSIDE
work together on
worldwide issues.
GLOBA L ACA DEMIES
A PATH WAY TO SUCCESS
Preserving the past for the future 12
THE R EBIRTH OF
EDINBURGH GENOMICS
OUR FR IENDS
A visit to the treasures of the University’s Special
Collections, a focus for determined conservation efforts
Cover illustration
For the first time in its history, the cover of Edinburgh Friends has been
illustrated by one of the University’s students. A competition was held which saw
Q & A: Safety first 14
fourth year students on the Edinburgh College of Art’s Illustration programme Dr Rory Hadden answers questions about the future
compete to win the commission to interpret our cover story as an illustration. The of fire safety research at the University of Edinburgh
winning student, Laura Griffin, explains the inspiration behind her drawing:
“The competition was a great way for me to feel engaged with the Global Academies 16
University as a whole. It was also a challenging brief to interpret.
The problem of healthcare provision in India is being
I broke down all the components of the cover story into the main themes
represented – health, development, justice and environment – and addressed by the University’s new multi-disciplinary academies
simplified them into easily identifiable symbols. I focused on the concept
of interdisciplinary research, visualising a cover that associated a variety of Space for solutions 20
ideas together as an interconnected structure of unity, research, education
and the city of Edinburgh itself. I wanted to convey the idea of this High School Yards is given a new lease of life as the
structure being supported by collaboration to reach a future ambition.” Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation moves in
Scholarships 22
Would you like to share your own story about why you One company’s efforts to give back to the community,
support the University? Visit our website to find out and a look at the University’s hopefuls for the Glasgow 2014
Commonwealth Games
how you can: www.ed.ac.uk/alumni/yournews
Published by Development & Alumni Engagement The year in numbers 23
The University of Edinburgh, Charles Stewart House,
Where do our donors come from and just how much
9–16 Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1HT, UK
do they give?
T: +44 (0)131 650 2240
E: alumni@ed.ac.uk
www.ed.ac.uk/alumni
Ready for their close up 24
A new documentary tells the story of alumni who received
Editor: Brian Campbell brian1.campbell@ed.ac.uk
financial support as students. We talk to two of them
Contributors: Cameron Conant, Lisa Drysdale, Catherine Lichten
Cover illustration: Laura Griffin lauragriffinillustration.com
Design: Hookson hookson.com
A legacy of support 26
Photographers: Nick Callaghan, Douglas Robertson How Mary Mackenzie’s legacy will support the special
Print: Allander allander.com projects of students and researchers
The University of Edinburgh, Registered Charity
No SC005336. Our friends 28
The University of Edinburgh Development Our way of saying thank you: a list of our donors and
Trust Registered Charity No SC004307. pledgers in the last academic year
2 EDINBURGH FRIENDS
Note to
S T O R Y T I T L EI NP TL RA OC DE UD CHT EI OR NE
friends
The University of Edinburgh has had a remarkable year. Not only
did we rise to 17th place in the highly-regarded QS World Rankings,
but Professor Peter Higgs, one of our most accomplished academics,
also received the Nobel Prize in Physics. Our students and
researchers continue to thrive. Over 30% of undergraduates and 50%
of postgraduates are now from an international background, figures
that reflect our global aspirations, and research income has reached
an all-time high of £300 million. On top of this, we continue to
receive the support of our many alumni and friends.
An encouraging trend to note this year is that we have seen an
increase in the number of donors who are not alumni. These
supporters, from all walks of life, are attracted to the amazing
research carried out here, the potential of our gifted students, and
the way we care for our invaluable buildings and collections.
Along with our alumni and staff, these friends are crucial to our
on-going success.
Choosing the key events and successes of the year is difficult but I
believe the selection in this edition of Friends, reflects the variety and
impact of our activities. Student bursaries, for example, make a huge
difference to the lives of individuals who receive them. One such
student tells her story on page 4.
Support for research is also crucial, showcased here with our
feature on a new lectureship in Fire Safety Investigation, an area
that is critical to the safety of everyone living and working in the
built environment.
Science remains a vital area of research for the University of
Edinburgh and our focus on developments in biological sciences
and the opening of the Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation
show our commitment to research in emerging disciplines. We are
embracing a multi-disciplinary approach to world problems, too.
Read about our Global Academies on page 16.
Edinburgh Friends and its inspiring stories reflect your continued
support, for which I am grateful. Without you we would not be able
to deliver the novel, innovative interdisciplinary work that really does
make a difference to people around the world.
Professor Mary Bownes
Senior Vice-Principal, External Engagement
EDINBURGH FRIENDS 3
Megan McGregor
“What you get to see in your
day as a medical student is so
amazing,” she enthuses. “You
A pathway
see people in vulnerable parts of
their life and happy parts of their
life, and it’s such a privilege to be
involved and get to be a part of it
before you’re even working.”
to success
University has given Megan
exciting opportunities to
continue the volunteering
she did as a teenager and at
the same time broaden her
horizons. At the start of her
first year, Megan signed up to
the First Aid Africa Society
and also the Swahili Society
(among many other clubs).
Having trained in first aid to
STUDENT BURSARIES CONTINUE TO OFFER VITAL SUPPORT TO OUR Red Cross level during term-
GIFTED UNDERGRADUATES, AS LISA DRYSDALE (SOCIOLOGY 1999) FOUND time, Megan took to the African
continent for six weeks over
OUT WHEN SHE SPOKE TO A FOURTH YEAR MEDIC. the summer to teach the same
skills to teenagers in a school.
W
hen Megan aimed at offering advice for a bus pass at £40 a month is “You would see people with
McGregor to local state school pupils less of a worry. simple cuts and grazes that had
decided to interested in studying got infected using traditional
set her sights Medicine, Law, Veterinary Most significantly, the additional ways of cleaning them, with
on a career as a doctor, she had Medicine or Architecture, and funds helped Megan to make grass and mud, which was
some idea of the competition for it was through this that Megan the decision to squeeze in an just making it worse,” Megan
medical school places. learned about the possibility of intercalated year in Reproductive explains. “It was nice to be able
applying for a bursary. Although Biology between her second and to just teach simple skills that
But with no doctors in the Megan still manages sporadic third years of Medicine. It was you knew would be effective and
family and little by way of shifts at the pottery where a move that should give Megan you felt that you were perfectly
careers advice offered at her she worked while at school, career advantages in future and qualified to teach. I’d love to go
Edinburgh school, she didn’t her annual award of £1,000 it’s paying dividends already. to Africa again – but once I’m
fully appreciate what lay ahead. is an invaluable supplement qualified and have more skills
Until, that is, she took up the to her student loan. The “I was a bit doubtful about that would be useful.”
invitation to join the Pathways to money has allowed Megan to applying initially because it’s a
the Professions programme. purchase useful textbooks she’d whole extra year of expenses, It’s clear from speaking to
otherwise have gone without as but knowing that you have the Megan that the combined
“I think that Pathways provides well as buy a laptop that means bursary funding for each year can impact of Pathways and the
you with the kind of support her work can travel with her to encourage you to take up these bursary has been profound.
that independent schools peripheral attachments. opportunities,” she says. “I’m She is now involved with
give to students applying to really glad I did because I’m keen Pathways from the other side,
Medicine,” she says. “I heard Now in the clinical years, to do obstetrics and I gained so sharing her past experiences of
at school that Medicine was Megan’s bursary is proving many skills in the research and the programme and her life as a
competitive and you had to especially useful in paying for science side of things, an area student – and making sure that
work hard in your exams. But her not inconsiderable travel that I previously felt was my school students know to apply
nobody said that you also had expenses. A summer spent weak point.” for a bursary in good time.
to go into nursing homes, get a commuting to Hairmyres in East
volunteer job and keep up your Kilbride racked up the train Opportunities “The bursary has been hugely
sports on the side. You could and bus fares, despite staying valuable. It just makes life
easily be quite a good candidate at the hospital whenever space Time spent in the labour suite slightly easier when you’re here
but miss out because you didn’t allowed. Even in Edinburgh, delivering babies during her most and it means that you don’t have
start preparing early enough.” Megan’s day might be split recent fourth year attachment to get a high interest loan from
between the Royal Infirmary has only strengthened Megan’s your bank. I hope that when
Pathways to the Professions and the Western General. With a commitment to obstetrics – I’m working, I’ll be able to give
is a University initiative bursary behind her, forking out and to her chosen profession. someone else a bursary.”
4 EDINBURGH FRIENDS
A PATHWAY TO SUCCESS
The bursary
has been hugely
valuable. It just
makes life easier
when you’re here.
MEGAN MCGREGOR
BURSARY RECIPIENT
For more
information
on supporting
bursaries,
contact Neil
Burns on 0131
651 1405 or
email Neil.
Burns@ed.ac.uk
EDINBURGH FRIENDS 5
Words of support
Additionally, in 2006 we decided at the University, mostly within
to provide lifetime donations for the School of Geosciences,
undergraduate and postgraduate and either have met or are
students through awards of scheduled to meet all of them.
bursaries and scholarships, Our experience of student
respectively. We have also support and interaction with the
supported the purchase of a University community has been
visiting Ross Island, Antarctica, Pyrolysis Kiln for research into the most rewarding experience
Our we were first exposed to
the consequences of global
Biochar, which has the potential
to improve agricultural and
of our retirement. Our real hope
is that it will inspire others to
benefactors warming. So, we decided to
get involved and, if possible,
horticultural production. make their own contribution to
the University’s work.
contribute to its study. We have supported 36 students
This year, the University has
awarded Derek and Maureen Later, as a result of Derek’s
Moss the distinction of University involvement with the Royal
Benefactor, recognising the Scottish Geographical Society,
significant support they have we met staff and students in
given to the University of the Geography department at
Edinburgh through donations to the University. Impressed by
students and research. They tell the vital work being carried
us what motivates their efforts. out there, and considering we
have no children, we decided to
“After Derek’s retirement from leave our entire estates for the
IBM in 1989, we came to live benefit of postgraduate students
in Edinburgh. In 1997, whilst at the University of Edinburgh.
Getting Take Tom Carse, whom I met at
the Edinburgh Cancer Research
the Kate Carse Fund at the
University. Kate volunteered
breast cancer patients before
and after surgery. They believe
involved Centre in January 2013. Tom
explained to me that his wife,
and fundraised for various
charities, but was particularly
that this will help them to
better understand the cancer
Kate, had survived breast cancer keen to help breast cancer care of each individual patient –
The University is lucky to have over a decade ago, but that she groups. The Carse family feel information which can be
a small army of supporters who had recently lost the battle their fund is the perfect way matched to drugs that have
dedicate their time to raising funds against a secondary cancer. to remember Kate and honour already been approved for
for us through participating in her charitable nature. clinical use or are currently
fundraising events and challenges. Both Tom and Kate were very under development.
impressed by the excellent Since our meeting in January,
Kerry Mackay, who works on care received from Professor the family has partied, raced, So, the Carse family and other
behalf of the University to support David Cameron (Professor of given up alcohol (temporarily) fundraisers like them are doing
the fundraisers’ efforts, tells us Oncology at the University and and had a bowling tournament, so much more than donating
how rallying friends and family Director of Cancer Services in raising over £10,000. to the University. They are
for a fundraising event can help NHS Lothian) and his team. directly affecting the work of
develop research into several So, Tom and his family decided This money is directly helping those people seeking cures to
serious diseases and conditions: they wanted to help Professor our researchers who have the most serious diseases. This
Cameron help others. embarked on a pilot study in turn benefits the community
“My experience of working here which they can now extend to as a whole – what better reason
has shown me that fundraising Tom explained to me why his work with samples of blood to run a race, throw a party or
really does make a difference. family were inspired to set up and tissue collected from even give up the booze?”
Would you like to hold a
sponsored challenge or
fundraising event? If so,
Kerry can offer you tips,
HRH The Princess Nicholas Findlay tools and moral support.
Royal chats with Tom
Carse and his sister,
completed the Paris
marathon in aid of
Contact her on: 0131
Mary Findlay the Kate Carse Fund Kerry Mackay 650 9221 or email Kerry.
Mackay@ed.ac.uk
6 EDINBURGH FRIENDS
A S T E P F OS RT OW RA YR DT I FT OL RE TP HL EA CDEI DC KH EV RE ET
A step diagnosis of several complex
conditions, too.
“I’m enormously grateful for my
time at the Dick Vet”, she says.
“It gave me the chance to join
forward
One man who is excited about a profession that has given me
the prospect of an on-site joy and satisfaction in life. In a
facility is Professor David way my donation is also a thank
Argyle, Head of the Royal you for those wonderful student
for the
(Dick) School of Veterinary years and the journey that
Studies. “Our aim is to be the followed graduation. So it’s my
first veterinary practice in the pleasure to help the Dick Vet
East of Scotland to invest in and today’s aspiring vets.”
a dedicated MRI facility”, he
Dick Vet
says. “This will ensure the
Hospital can offer a fuller
range of advanced techniques
to diagnose illness.”
“And it’s about our students,
too. The unit would become a
valuable teaching resource for
the next generation of vets. The
opportunity to learn from more If you would like
A NEW APPEAL AIMS TO HELP THE ROYAL (DICK) complex and challenging cases more information
SCHOOL OF VETERINARY STUDIES OFFER MORE will be incredible.” on supporting the
PATIENTS A POTENTIALLY LIFE-SAVING DIAGNOSIS. appeal, contact
It’s a sentiment that resonates Sandra Chilton
with Audrey Cook, who on 0131 650 1407
T
he ground-breaking she was saved. The team was so now teaches at Texas A&M or email Sandra.
opening of the dedicated. She lived a decade University’s vet school. Chilton@ed.ac.uk
Cancer Centre at the more and was a treasured part
Hospital for Small of my parent’s lives. That is why
Animals in 2009 confirmed the MRI Scanning Unit appeal
the Dick Vet’s position as a has touched me. It would have
leader in veterinary education, made Pippa’s diagnosis easier
research and clinical practice. and quicker – and it’s also a
The addition of an on-site way to say ‘thank you’ for the
MRI scanning unit, however, wonderful care she received.”
is seen as essential to the
Centre’s future. This has led Audrey’s donation will go
to a new fundraising appeal, towards a fund that aims
already underway with its to raise £400,000. The
latest donation coming from intention is to see an end to
an alumna and former client. the Hospital’s reliance on a Photo
mobile MRI unit, a facility that Pippa was treated
by vets at the Royal
“An MRI scan would have only comes once a week and (Dick) School of
been ideal for Pippa’s restricts the ability of vets to Veterinary Studies
condition,” says Audrey Cook deal with urgent cases.
from her home in Texas. Pippa
was a dog owned by Audrey’s And the role of MRI – or
parents who was admitted Magnetic Resonance Imaging – Our aim is to be the
to the Dick Vet in the early
2000s suffering from bacterial
is vital in a modern veterinary
practice. It’s a powerful tool,
first veterinary practice
meningitis. The condition enabling vets to literally see in the East of Scotland
appeared to be terminal. inside pets without the need for
surgery. It might be traditionally
to invest in a dedicated
“Pippa was dying,” says Audrey, associated with brain and MRI facility
a 1989 graduate of the School. spinal cord scans, but MRI
“But after having a CT scan is providing extraordinarily
PROFESSOR DAVID ARGYLE, HEAD OF THE ROYAL (DICK) SCHOOL OF
and a spinal tap at the Dick Vet, detailed pictures in the VETERINARY STUDIES
EDINBURGH FRIENDS 7
Photo Professor Keith Matthews (left), Director of the Centre for Immunity, Infecton and Evolution, and Professor Mark Blaxter, Director of Edinburgh Genomics 8 EDINBURGH FRIENDS
T H E R E B I R T HS OT OF REYD TI NI TBLUER GP HL AGCEENDO HM EI CR SE
The
Rebirth of
Edinburgh
Genomics
By Catherine Lichten
A group of butterfly species have been at the centre of
an evolutionary mystery that kept biologists scratching
their heads for 150 years. Now funding sources have
collaborated with the University to establish a state of the
art genetic sequencing facility that has helped solve it.
EDINBURGH FRIENDS 9
The
Fourmy, director of grants series of other improvements
at The Wolfson Foundation, to the Ashworth Laboratories,
said, “We seek to support which have been funded
excellence through funding by the university. Wolfson’s
Rebirth of
research infrastructure. Of donation made it possible to
course, funding buildings and put in place much-needed
equipment is really all about core infrastructure for heating,
Edinburgh
backing people doing world- electricity and other supplies,
leading research, and this is the starting point for further
exemplified by those at the improvements.
Edinburgh Genomics facility”.
Genomics
“It’s not shiny new benches
The facility’s new location is a or equipment, but it gets to
big, open space with movable the core of how the building
benches, new air filtration operates,” says Professor
and cooling systems, and Keith Matthews, director of
space for two robots, which the Centre for Immunity,
will free up centre staff to Infection and Evolution,
focus on more challenging lab which is based in Ashworth.
S
work. Flexibility is especially “Because a lot of the core
pecies in the Ashworth Laboratories at King’s critical, Professor Blaxter improvements were put in
butterfly genus Buildings. The centre works says, because sequencing place, further refinements to
Heliconius, found on about 450 different genetic technology is changing so the Ashworth labs can be more
in Central and South sequencing projects each year fast. He recalls that in 2008, straightforward and cost-
America, mimic one another’s for research groups from across the facility purchased its first effective, which has a knock-on
wing patterns to such an extent Edinburgh, Scotland and the next-generation sequencing consequence of improving
that separate species look UK. In addition to butterflies, machine. Up until that point, facilities for the members of the
nearly identical, even to expert it has sequenced genomic the facility had sequenced a CIIE,” he says. The space being
eyes. The reason why they do information from deer, sturgeon, total of around one billion vacated by the sequencing
it is clear – the butterflies taste oak trees, sheep, great white DNA base pairs in ten years facility is also providing a
badly to birds, so once a bird sharks, bacteria and people. — but it sequenced another welcome new home for a
has tasted one species it avoids billion in the following week. few CIIE research groups.
them all. How this mimicry “The demand for genetic And, Professor Blaxter says,
comes about was harder sequencing data has surged the centre has made another And so the Wolfson donation
to unpick. in the past several years and five upgrades since then. has reached even further
Edinburgh Genomics has than initially anticipated,
Finally, last year the butterflies’ been growing and adapting Revolution triggering additional funding
genetic sequences revealed with it, but recently it became for a refurbishment that
a mechanism that has forced clear that the centre was Having the ability to generate Professors Blaxter and
biologists to reconsider how outgrowing the lab it started vast amounts of data quickly Matthews say is transforming
they think about species. It fifteen years ago. There wasn’t means that researchers can the way scientists can use the
showed that butterflies from money to carry out the sort of explore more delicate problems, 1960s-era Ashworth 2 building.
different species occasionally refurbishment that was really but it also means that more The benefits will be felt by
interbreed, sharing their needed, though”, Professor people are needed to analyse researchers across the UK who
DNA. The result was “really Blaxter says. the data using computational rely on the team at Edinburgh
surprising,” says Professor methods. To meet this need, Genomics, whether they study
Mark Blaxter, director of Now, through a strategic the centre’s new space also sheep, sharks, butterflies and
the Edinburgh Genomics funding collaboration between features a bioinformatics lab, evolution, or human diseases.
sequencing facility and a the Wolfson Foundation (a where Edinburgh Genomics
professor of evolutionary private grant-making trust), staff can do analysis and train As the researchers in Ashworth
biology at the University of the Medical Research Council collaborators. The bioinformatics move into their new facilities,
Edinburgh. “It forced people and the University, Edinburgh team will grow from five to the University’s School of
to go back and think about just Genomics is poised to move to fourteen people in the next Biology is hatching plans to
how rigid the genetic barriers custom-designed laboratories few months. redevelop the Darwin building,
between species really are.” within a £3 million, complete also at Kings Buildings.
refurbishment of the ageing Besides enabling what Centres for epigenetics, and
The butterfly work, which Ashworth Laboratories. Professor Blaxter calls a systems and synthetic biology
featured in the Nature journal The refurbishment will also “rebirth” for Edinburgh would be established there,
in July 2012, is one of many house world-leading research Genomics, the refurbishment ensuring the University
projects at Edinburgh groups in immunology, which the Wolfson Foundation continues to play a leading role
Genomics, a facility located in infection and evolution. Simon helped to fund has catalysed a in the genomics revolution.
10 EDINBURGH FRIENDSTHE REBIRTH OF EDINBURGH GENOMICS
The demand
for genetic
sequencing
data has surged
in the past
several years
and Edinburgh
Genomics has
been growing
and adapting
with it. Recently
it became clear
that the centre
was outgrowing
the lab it started
15 years ago
PROFESSOR MARK BLAXTER
DIRECTOR OF THE EDINBURGH GENOMICS
SEQUENCING FACILITY AND A PROFESSOR
OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY AT THE
UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH
For more
information
on supporting
Biological
Sciences,
contact Craig
Rutherford on
0131 6501 7041
or email Craig.
Rutherford@
ed.ac.uk
Dr Catherine
Lichten is
a reporter
on Research
Fortnight. She
is also former
editor-in-chief
of EU:sci, the
University’s
science
magazine
EDINBURGH FRIENDS 11These are just some of the
The Library treasures that Dr John Scally,
Director of Library and
University Collections, hopes
Preserving
to preserve, digitise, display,
and acquire more of, through
a new Library Endowment
Fund, which is intended to
raise £5 million in five years,
building on £750,000 already
the past for
gifted to the endowment. Dr
Scally, who suggested the
creation of the fund, chafes at
my surprise that the University
has such impressive items;
ones that I say must make the
the future
National Library jealous.
“I think you’ve fallen into
a trap by assuming that a
national institution always has
the best collections,” he says.
“You mustn’t think about us
having secondary collections.
What we’re talking about here
is parity of esteem between
the National Library and the
AS A NEW ENDOWED FUND IS ESTABLISHED TO FUND THE CONSERVATION, University Library.”
PRESERVATION AND ACQUISITION OF RARE AND PRECIOUS ARTEFACTS HELD IN
THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY, GRADUATE CAMERON CONANT (CREATIVE WRITING Dr Scally explains the
University has been acquiring
2012) VISITS THE CENTRE FOR RESEARCH COLLECTIONS TO DISCOVER HOW books and papers since the
BOOKS OF THE PAST HAVE CONTINUED RESONANCE TODAY. original gift from Clement
Litill in the 16th Century.
W
alking down are other items in contention an adjoining strong room where Today, these rare books
a white for the distinction. We’re books are stored in shelving and manuscripts form one
corridor standing in the treasures units that slide along tracks in of the most significant
through room which is linked to one the floor. One book is significant collections in the UK, with
the depths of the University’s of a dozen strong rooms in the enough to warrant bringing treasures regularly on loan to
Main Library – a hallway Library. All environmentally back to the table and placing prestigious institutions like
typically off-limits to anyone controlled for temperature on a small pillow; there, Dr the British Museum. The star
who doesn’t work here – Dr and humidity, like fine wine Marshall dons white gloves and of their recent exhibition,
Joseph Marshall enters a code cellars, with sophisticated asks me to put away my pen. Shakespeare; Staging the World,
to let us inside the ‘treasures fire prevention and detection was a watercolour of Jacobean
room’. The contrast between systems; when combined with We are looking at an 11th London from circa 1614–1615
the sterile corridor and the off-site storage, they hold some Century copy of the Psalms, – part of the David Laing
warmly lit, carpeted room, with 400,000 rare books – among maybe earlier than that, Collection, a formerly private
its long wooden table, is stark. them, a fragment of the first produced by Irish or Scottish collection of manuscripts now
Behind a glass partition near folio of Shakespeare. When monks, with Latin words held by the University.
the table, and imprinted with archival materials are added, written in colourful script that
the words, ‘Thair to Remain’, is Dr Marshall estimates the Dr Marshall calls ‘almost joyful’ The David Laing Collection
the personal library of famed University’s Special Collections and letters which appear to – bequeathed by the son of
philosopher Adam Smith: would stretch 35 kilometres. curl like ‘the prow of a Viking a bookseller who collected
hundreds of handsome tomes ship’. It was possibly once the manuscripts voraciously – is
in Latin and French displayed Dr Marshall is charged with personal prayer book of Queen one example among many of
neatly on shelf after shelf. overseeing the University’s rare Margaret of Scotland (1047– how the Library Endowment
books and manuscripts. He 1093), and – with the exception Fund will be used. Due the
While it would seem to be crackles with intelligence, able of a 19th Century binding sheer size of the collection
the crowning glory of the to say something about almost – it is in pristine condition, (Dr Scally estimates there are
University of Edinburgh’s every item I point to as we walk its pages made of vellum, a nearly half a million individual
Special Collections, there behind the glass partition, into chemically treated calfskin. documents in the Laing
12 EDINBURGH FRIENDSP R E S E R V I N G ST HT OE RPYA TS ITT FL EO RP LT AH CE EFDU HT UE R E
Photo Photo
‘The Armorial Part of the Shakespeare
Bearings of the collection in the Centre
Nobility of Scotland’, for Research Collections
part of the David
Laing Collection
cache), many of the documents This new Library Endowment This is a fund that will ensure
– which range in subject Fund will provide for ongoing
matter and time period, from conservation efforts to ensure works as old as the University
ancient Islamic manuscripts that these books and papers will carry on... facilitating the
to items related to the are available for generations to
founding of America – have come—an area handled by Ruth ability of a new generation to
not been thoroughly examined Honeybone, who works out of a access and learn from them.
by library staff, let alone dedicated studio in the library
catalogued, digitized, or made akin to an FBI crime lab with
DR JOHN SCALLY, DIRECTOR OF LIBRARY AND UNIVERSITY COLLECTIONS
public. As Dr Scally says, ‘the chemicals and other tools at
endowment will allow us to her disposal. Her work involves
release the potential of some everything from the stabilising What’s clear to Dr Scally is stamp on all of the books
of these collections’, though of objects to determining how the money “won’t be used for donated by Litill, became
in this case, that could take objects are best stored and basic facilities and utilities apparent. Clearly the ambition
a decade from start to finish, transported. It’s all a nuanced like the electricity bill.” “The and motivating factor for the
he says. balancing act: trying to maintain endowment is about added staff at the Centre for Research
the character of a given item value, it will allow us to Collections is to nourish and
But such hidden treasures while preserving it. conserve, digitise, exhibit and grow the wonderful collection.
beg the question of what new share the collections with the The success of the endowment
discoveries might be made Other uses for the Library world’. This is a fund that will fund will be central to ensuring
once some of the items are Endowment Fund include ensure works as old as the these precious items will be
catalogued and made more digitisation—scanning University will carry on, work here for people to access for
widely available. For instance, documents to make them such as the preservation of hundreds of years to come.
Dr Scally says that the Library searchable over the Internet documents and rare books, and
currently has the minutes of – alongside funding special facilitating the ability of a new
the ‘Poker Club’ – one of the programs and exhibitions; generation to access and learn
great Enlightenment clubs these include exhibitions from them—work that will
in Scotland – where the inside the Library itself and only enhance the University
renowned intellects of the day also lending items to museums of Edinburgh’s reputation as a
would debate ‘over a glass or around the world. centre of learning. For more
claret and some nice food in information on
an inn’. The minutes contain On top of all this Dr Scally On the day I visited in early supporting the
thoughts and insights from has a vision of training October, standing on the top Library, contact
some of the towering figures students interested in floor of the library, with views Leisa Thomas
of the Scottish Enlightenment, document preservation stretching to the Scottish on 0131 650
and, at present, ‘it’s almost and library science by Borders, the significance of the 2789 or email
unknown,’ Dr Scally says. giving them supervised, words ‘Thair to Remain’ which Leisa.Thomas
hands-on experience. is also stamped with a special @ed.ac.uk
EDINBURGH FRIENDS 13Photo
Dr Rory Hadden,
Rushbrook Lecturer in
Fire Investigation, mid-
experiment
Q&A:
When Dr Frank Rushbrook donated £200,000 to fire safety
research, he contributed to over four decades of world-class research.
Brian Campbell talks to Dr Rory Hadden, recently appointed to the
Rushbrook Lectureship in Fire Investigation, about how the support
will benefit not only researchers and students but also society as a whole.
14 EDINBURGH FRIENDSQ&A: SAFETY FIRST
Safety First
Q: Congratulations on your at the University has grown A: Absolutely. The aerospace will emerge between us and new
appointment to the Rushbrook over the last decade to include industry, for example. They industry sectors, such as loss
Lectureship. Can you tell me undergraduate, MSc and a two- will benefit from our recent adjusters, insurance companies
about the significance of Dr year International Masters in development of technology to and legal firms.
Frank Rushbrook’s donation? Fire Safety Engineering . We’re detect fires before a flame is
attracting the highest calibre present. We’re also trying to Q: And what are the benefits
A: It’s a huge honour to be students and graduates and understand the performance of to students?
the first to hold the lectureship, equipping them with the skills hydrogen storage vessels in fire.
and even more so considering to become leaders in their fields. Innovation is never-ending at A: We’re going to supply
Dr Rushbrook’s enduring And then there’s the quality of the Centre. the fire safety industry with
support of Fire Safety the academic staff. The recent the best graduates in the field.
Engineering at the University. appointment of Professors Albert Q: Your lectureship will look Fire investigation is a new
The man is a visionary. In 1970, Simeoni [BRE Professor of specifically at fire investigation. and exciting area. Students
when he was Firemaster of the Fire Safety Engineering] and How does this relate to the will acquire the practical and
South Eastern Fire Brigade, Luke Bisby [Arup/Royal Academy Centre’s work? theoretical skills that will make
he foresaw changes ahead. He of Engineering Chair in Fire them leaders in the field.
saw that the world would need and Structures] brings world- A: We’re now at the point They will be the people who
graduates in the Fire Service class expertise. where forensic science and will identify emerging fire risks
to work alongside architects criminal law require that fire and to use the research to
and engineers and that the only Q: Your work has the investigators, who determine the minimise these.
way to achieve this was through potential to enhance the safety ultimate cause of individual fires,
education. In fact, it was Dr of people worldwide. Have you base their findings in science, Q: And finally, how do you
Rushbrook who persuaded seen that in practice? the very latest research and, of see your work contributing to
the University to create a course, the best understanding the future of fire safety both here
Department of Fire Engineering A: We’ve been working on of the underlying science. and around the world?
and to fundraise for it. The research into ‘travelling fires’, That is where the University
generosity of this donation when fires travel across floors in of Edinburgh and the new A: I believe that better
shows that Dr Rushbrook large, open spaces towards areas lectureship come in. We’re in understanding of the
continues to show vision where there is fresh oxygen. the unique position to be able to fundamentals of Fire Safety
and leadership. This was observed after the 9/11 train these fire investigators in a Engineering will allow architects
attacks in New York and gave way that meets the needs of the to realise more ambitious
Q: You have been active us a new ‘worst-case scenario’ criminal justice system, as well as designs, engineers to produce
in research at the University’s when considering fire safety in the global insurance industry. more efficient buildings and
BRE Centre for Fire Safety buildings. It’s also allowed us manufacturers to create new
Engineering since 2007. Can to make recommendations and Q: How is the Fire products uninhibited by
you explain the nature of the collaborate with structural fire Investigation profession prescriptive regulations. And this
Centre’s work? engineers and architects. I would responding to these will come with improved safety
go as far as to say that our work developments? and increased sustainability. Fire
A: The scope of our work has resulted in a paradigm shift causes will be better understood,
is far-reaching and we’ve in the design of buildings. In A: Well, the appointment of and this will, in effect, make
been at the forefront of Fire fact, the methodology developed Jim Lygate as Visiting Professor buildings and products – and
Safety Engineering research at the University has now been has provided a link between the those who use them – safer.
for 40 years. Today, the Centre implemented in several new Centre and industrial practice.
includes 15 research staff and buildings across the UK, such as Jim has more than 20 years’
more than 25 PhD students. New Ludgate in London. experience as a practicing
It’s globally recognised and the fire investigator and has been For more information,
graduates are in great demand. Q: And have any industries involved in numerous high- contact Chloe Kippen on
The exciting thing for me is the beyond construction and profile cases. The intention is 0131 650 2232 or email
constant growth of the Centre architecture benefitted from that new conversations and Chloe.Kippen@ed.ac.uk
and its work. Fire teaching the research? opportunities for collaboration
EDINBURGH FRIENDS 1516 EDINBURGH FRIENDS
A GLOBAL ANSWER TO INEQUALITY
introducing
Global
Academies
The University’s Global Academies offer a new way for
researchers from disparate disciplines to work together with
worldwide organisations to find solutions to the planet’s greatest
problems, including hunger, poverty and social inequality.
Edinburgh Friends finds out how this spirit of collaboration
intends to increase healthcare provision in rural India.
EDINBURGH FRIENDS 17A global
For more
information on
supporting the
Global Health
Academy, contact
answer
Chloe Kippen on
0131 650 2232
or email Chloe.
Kippen@ed.ac.uk
to inequality
By Cameron Conant
I
ndia is a country so work in rural areas of need. postgraduate degree for Indian learning programmes, like
vast that to call it a Students who complete doctors. ‘If you become a hand the India partnership, which
subcontinent hardly the programme will receive surgeon or cardiologist in are intended for practitioners
does its scope and degrees from the University India, you need extra training, already working in developing
complexity justice. Home to but CMC Vellore will provide but if you’re going to do family countries. All the degrees are
more than 1.2 billion people some assistance in delivering medicine, you just go out multi-disciplinary and practical,
– or 15 percent of the world’s distance-learning content. and do it. But there are skills with hands-on application of
population – its citizens that need to be taught. We’re the material.
speak dozens of languages The programme’s aims are looking for a sustainable,
and make up hundreds of ambitious: to promote the long-term programme here. The Academies also operate
distinct ethnic groups, all specialism of family medicine If it proves to be a successful on the belief that researchers
spread across a land mass in India – something many model, it’s clearly something from various disciplines
more than five times the size countries, including the UK, that could be rolled out in must work together to better
of France. It stands to reason, say is crucial to improving other countries.’ understand global challenges
then, that such a large, diverse overall health outcomes and and find solutions. This means
country would face daunting controlling costs; to foster the Mission that departments housed
challenges in providing health exchange of information and within a stone’s throw of
care for its people, and it does. best practices among rural This new degree is part of the each other in the University,
However, the University of doctors; to provide ways of University’s larger globalisation but have, in the past, rarely
Edinburgh is teaming up with training rural doctors without strategy, and falls under the interacted, are now coming
Christian Medical College forcing them to move to cities; auspices of the ‘Global Health together to tackle international
Vellore, or ‘CMC’ – one of and to share the University’s Academy’. Global Health is challenges, which include
India’s top medical schools – expertise in distance-learning one of four ‘Global Academies’ everything from teaching
to address an issue that could with staff at CMC Vellore. The the University has set up in evidence-based medicine
revolutionise health outcomes University of Edinburgh expects recent years to help address in Rwanda to generating
in India: access to primary about 50 students to enrol for complex international problems sustainable energy for some of
care in rural areas. 2014, the majority being doctors and harness existing research the world’s poorest countries.
who now work in rural India. and courses under a coherent In this latest partnership
Despite increasing name and mission. The three with UMC in India, course-
urbanisation, 73% of India’s ‘One of the issues is that the other Global Academies are organisers say mathematicians
population still lives in rural whole concept of postgraduate Global Environment and and logistics experts might
regions, yet 80% of the country’s family medical training in Society, Global Development, also teach on the course.
doctors work in cities. But with India is really quite new,’ said and Global Justice, with
this new partnership, which Professor David Weller, who each offering a number of ‘One of the reasons the Global
begins in September 2014, heads up the Family Medicine postgraduate programmes Health Academy was set up
rural doctors will be able to programme at the University for students now working was the interconnectedness
earn master’s degrees in family of Edinburgh and has been internationally, or would of delivering health care,’ says
medicine while continuing to involved in designing this new like to, alongside distance- Dr Elizabeth Grant, deputy
18 EDINBURGH FRIENDSA GLOBAL ANSWER TO INEQUALITY
You have
transport
logistics,
economic issues
– the inability of
the work force
to get to the
right place at
the right time.
So this is very
much born out of
the sense that in
the world today,
there are the
answers, it’s just
that the answers
and questions
probably aren’t
in the same
place.
DR ELIZABETH GRANT
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE GLOBAL HEALTH ACADEMY
Photo
Dr Elizabeth Grant,
deputy director of the
Global Health Academy
director of the Academy. collaboration, as Jo Spiller, the the network, as well as deliver Dr Elizabeth Grant agrees.
‘You have transport logistics, University’s senior learning access across mobile devices? ‘The University of Edinburgh
economic issues – the inability technologist, explained. She’s It’s finding what works.’ won’t be making a profit
of the work force to get to the currently exploring how to out of this,’ she says. ‘All the
right place at the right time. deliver recorded lectures, Of course, a master’s degree money will be funnelled back
So this is very much born out articles, access to journals and costs money, and many rural into the programme. For me,
of the sense that in the world Internet discussion boards doctors in India will likely be it’s one of the most exciting
today, there are the answers, to rural Indian doctors who unable to afford international things the University is doing,
it’s just that the answers and might not have reliable Internet fees at Edinburgh. This is why and I think a lot of our alumni
questions probably aren’t in the connections, let alone high- friends of the University are will be very excited to hear
same place.’ speed ones. ‘For the next few being asked to make a donation about this, we’re born equal,
months, I’ll be working with towards scholarships – not just we die equal, but we live in
Collaboration the team in Vellore, and also for this India partnership, but very unequal circumstances.
the team here, as to how it will for future partnerships with How do we share resources
Not that delivery of material be designed and structured,’ other developing countries, too and ideas? Fundamentally,
to rural doctors in India Spiller said. ‘How do you design – it could have a transformative this is about recognising that
will be easy. This is another online learning in ways that are impact on the communities the answers to the world’s
challenge that has required practical, and put less strain on these practitioners serve problems are there.’
EDINBURGH FRIENDS 19Carbon Innovation
Space for
Solutions
THE OPENING OF THE GEORGE AND KAITY DAVID BUILDING, NEW HOME TO THE
EDINBURGH CENTRE FOR CARBON INNOVATION, COMPLETES A THREE-YEAR
JOURNEY OF EVOLUTION AND COLLABORATION TO ESTABLISH A WORLD-CLASS
HUB TASKED WITH DELIVERING A LOW-CARBON FUTURE FOR THE WORLD.
W
hat we While no one has all the But the overwhelming research main staircase that leads to
don’t need answers, what scientists do done on global warming hasn’t three additional floors, a sign
is another know is this: humans are always turned into concrete indicates that there are rooms
research putting increasing amounts of action by industry, or the named for Deutsche Post DHL,
centre,’ said Andy Kerr, carbon into the atmosphere, general public, in developing the global postal company and
standing before the great and exacerbating a naturally cleaner energies or living in a major donor to ECCI. This
good at the official opening occurring ‘greenhouse’ effect ways that will reduce carbon ‘Innovation Suite’ is a rentable
of the Edinburgh Centre for that warms the planet. In emissions. A walk through space for use by start-ups and
Carbon Innovation, or ECCI, burning fossil fuels – coal, oil the building – natural light entrepreneurs who share the
in early October. While no one and gas – the concentration of everywhere, its white walls lit Centre’s low carbon vision.
audibly gasped, the statement the most critical greenhouse by slanted skylights in the roof Heriot Watt University and
might have come as a shock gas, carbon dioxide, has – provides glimpses of what Dr Edinburgh Napier University
to those less initiated with increased to levels unseen Kerr might be talking about are also partners of ECCI,
the idea behind the ECCI. If on earth for three million when he envisions a problem and it’s also the new base
not research, what was the years. The problem is carbon solving space where people of operations for Scotland’s
point of this £10.5 million dioxide acts as a blanket, from different backgrounds, 2020 Climate Action group – a
project, a major refurbishment retaining more of the especially those from the non-profit, government-backed
to transform a 350 year-old sun’s warmth and leading business community, can group started by Ian Marchant,
building in High School Yards to changes like shrinking come together to share ideas the former chief executive of
into a state-of-the-art energy glaciers, rising sea levels, and solutions. Scottish and Southern Energy.
efficient hub for knowledge, acidification of oceans (major
innovation and skills? repositories of carbon dioxide) The rooms are high-tech ‘It will only work if people use
and other changes. Upwards and spacious, but decidedly it,’ Dr Kerr says. ‘It will only
Dr Kerr, the executive director of 97% of peer-reviewed Spartan: round tables, flat work if it’s a vibrant centre
of the new Centre, said that papers on global warming screens, the odd computer, with ideas we can put into
‘what we are trying to do here explicitly or implicitly and white boards are main practice.’ Looking around,
is really rather radical’, which conclude that human activity features of most. There is a it’s clear how innovative this
is, ‘bring together different is the cause, and scientists café on the ground floor for place actually is, and it is
stakeholders to try and solve warn of the dire threat to groups who favour staying in indeed already on course to
problems’ because ‘none of us ecosystems and the planet if for lunch. Walking through be one of the first historic
have all the answers.’ action isn’t taken. the spacious lobby, and up the buildings in the UK to achieve
20 EDINBURGH FRIENDSS T O RS YP AT CI TE L FE OPRL SA OC LE UD T HI OE NR SE
Photo
HRH The Princess
Royal, Chancellor of
the University (right)
pictured with George
and Kaity David at the
official opening of the
Centre in October 2013
What we are
The donor’s view
an ‘outstanding’ rating from
BREEAM, the world’s leading
sustainability rating system for trying to do here
buildings. In its lack of frills –
its understated, clean design –
is really rather
the ECCI focuses on those who radical, which The building at High School Yards
will make innovation happen:
is bring together is named after George David and his
the academics, activists,
executives, students and different wife, Kaity. George, a businessman
businesspeople searching for
stakeholders and Edinburgh alumnus, tells us why
the common good – a greener
future – and taking tangible to try and he contributed financial support to the
steps to make this achievable
solve problems, establishment of ECCI.
for everyone.
because none “It is a privilege to be part of the creation of the ECCI’s new
of us have all home, rightfully termed “a state of the art, energy-efficient hub for
knowledge, innovation and skills”. In itself, the ECCI represents
the answers. a special partnership between the worlds of education, science,
business, and culture; created to address problems that need global
and drastic solutions. ECCI has already shown that education can be
DR ANDY KERR
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ECCI the first step towards re-shaping the world we live in. That science
can offer both sophisticated and common-sense solutions to real-
For more life problems; that businesses can and should choose what is right
information on over what is easy; that the future lies in changing the ways in which
supporting ECCI, leaders, policy makers and communities think and act.
contact Sanne
Dijkstra-Downie The new building at High School Yards encapsulates this ethos.
on 0131 650 6312 Housed in a 17th century structure, it bridges past and present;
or email Sanne. the traditional with the contemporary. I believe firmly that at
Dijkstra-Downie@ High School Yards the ECCI will find an ideal home to carry on its
ed.ac.uk seminal work towards a low-carbon future; to carry on innovating.”
EDINBURGH FRIENDS 21first students having taken their bursary enabled me to live in
Care for the
places in September 2012. Edinburgh and travel home
independently,” she says. “I
“When we help build could do this every weekend
community
communities that are strong without having to worry about
and dynamic, they attract and asking my parents for money.
retain people who can be a It made a huge difference not
part of our success,” says Steve, having to worry about not
who is Nexen’s HSE Legislative being able to afford things.”
Compliance and Social
Responsibility Manager. His The scholarships, which can
role is derived from a desire be awarded to students in
A n energy company’s desire
to help the communities in
which it works is behind a new
he explains the ethos behind
Nexen Petroleum UK’s latest
community initiative. The
to give back to communities.
The oil and gas company
is currently responsible for
subjects as diverse as Geology
and Accounting, are also part
of Nexen’s wider mission, and
scholarships scheme that will see company has established developing energy resources their value should increase,
eight University of Edinburgh undergraduate scholarships at in some of the world’s most too. “We hope to be able to
students receive financial support seven universities across the significant basins including the work with the universities to
for their studies. UK, chosen for their academic United States, offshore West develop these partnerships,”
merit and proximity to the Africa and the UK North Sea. says Steve. “This will include
“Successful companies are part company’s bases in Aberdeen opportunities for work
of successful communities.” and Uxbridge. At Edinburgh, Bronwyn Morrison, a second placements and business
It’s difficult not to be the scheme will grow over year student of Chemical mentors. It’s all part of our
impressed by the conviction four years, at a rate of two Engineering, is a recipient commitment to supporting
in Steve Regulski’s voice as scholarships per year, with the of one of the bursaries. “The the communities.”
Glasgow
and Recreation Management Nicki Cochrane
student. Competing at the (hockey)
+78kg class, she is one of
calling
Scotland and GB’s most Nicki is among Scotland’s
promising judo players. most talented hockey players.
She is a two time bronze Now in her second year at the
medallist at the U-23 European University studying Sport &
Championships and has Recreation Management, she is
now established herself as a specialist hockey goal-keeper.
a regular in the GB Senior In 2012, she was a key factor in
Team, taking part in this year’s Scotland U21’s Team winning a
A s our student athletes look
towards competing in the
Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth
sporting alumni, the aim is
to ease the burden on those
students who have the potential
world championships in Rio.
In October, she won the +78 kg
Gold medal at the European
Bronze medal at the European
Championships, which helped
her gain selection to Team
Games, the time is right to invest to attain professional success. Open Championship in Italy. GB for the Youth Olympics
in our future sporting heroes. The We profile three individuals in Australia. She was voted
Eric Liddell High Performance who have received the support Sean Doherty Scotland Young Player of the
Sports Scholarships have been of the Scholarships: (Table Tennis) Year for 2013, which recognises
created by the University to ensure her exceptional contribution
that every such student is given SARAH ADLINGTON Before coming to University, to national teams as well as the
the opportunity to achieve their (Judo) Sean played professional table University’s Women’s Club,
full sporting potential. Named tennis in France. Now, he which won the BUCS Trophy
in memory of one of our great Sarah is a first year Sport studies Applied Sports Science (2013) and reached the Scottish
and is a key member of the Cup Final (2013).
Commonwealth Performance
Programme, based within the
University. In his career to
date, Sean has been a Scottish For information on
Photo Junior Champion, silver supporting the Eric
Sarah Adlington medallist at the GB Junior Liddell High Performance
and Nicki Cochrane
chat with Sir Steve Championships and British Scholarships, contact
Redgrave and Jim Universities quarter finalist. He James Clayton-Jones on
Aitken (Director, Centre
for Sport & Exercise) is currently Scotland’s number 0131 651 7131, or email
3 ranked player. james.cjones@ed.ac.uk
22 EDINBURGH FRIENDSYou can also read
