Annual Review 2016/2017 - The University of Edinburgh
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Annual Review 2016/2017
The cover shows the recently refurbished McEwan Hall.
This publication is available online at www.ed.ac.uk/annual-review. It can also be made available in alternative formats on request. The University of Edinburgh Communications and Marketing 5 Forrest Hill Edinburgh EH1 2QL T: +44 (0)131 650 2252 F: +44 (0)131 650 2253 E: communications.office@ed.ac.uk www.ed.ac.uk Published by: Communications and Marketing The University of Edinburgh Printed by: J Thomson Colour Printers Cover photography by: Outside cover – Douglas Robertson Inside cover – Neil Hanna Feature photography by: Pages 7, 9, 11,15, 17 © Tricia Malley Ross Gillespie www.broaddaylightltd.co.uk Page 13 by Patrick Rafferty, courtesy of Scotland + Venice Page 19 by Callum Bennetts, Maverick Photo Agency Page 21 by Brian Chong Thanks are also due for other photography by: Callum Bennetts, Nick Callaghan, Paul Crone, Paul Dodds, Neil Hanna, iStock.com, Andrew Perry, Picasa, Douglas Robertson, Sam Sills All photographs and images used in this publication are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without permission. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the University of Edinburgh. © The University of Edinburgh 2018 Thank you to all staff and students who helped in the production of this publication. The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336.
Introduction
Annual Review 2016/2017 01
Features
Contents
02 Principal’s foreword 22 The Students’ Association
Teaching Awards 2016–17
04 Our vision and mission
Round-up
24 Review of the year
06 Revitalising a treasured
symbol of civic pride 28 Honorary graduations and
other distinctions
08 Nurturing cultural relations
across institutions 30 Awards and achievements
Honorary graduates
10 Tapping into a greener 32 Financial review
goldmine
34 Appointments
12 Placing Edinburgh art on
the international stage 36 Appendices
36 Appendix 1 Student numbers
14 Stimulating success through
38 Appendix 2 Undergraduate
cross-border research
Awards & achievements
applications and
acceptances
16 Backing a life-changing
investment for the whole 39 Appendix 3 Benefactions
community 42 Appendix 4 Research grants
and other sources
18 Cracking the code to of funding
supporting technology in
African schools
Financial review
20 Racing to develop the next
mode of transport
Appointments
Appendices
Introduction
02 Annual Review 2016/2017 Annual Review 2016/2017 03
Principal’s foreword
Features
£35-million refurbishment of the magnificent into just two which have been selected from Tha Lèirmheas Bhliadhnail an Oilthigh Tha an t-Oilthigh a’ cur tòrr ri saoghal nan feadh an t-saoghail. An seo, bheir sinn sùil air
Grade A-listed McEwan Hall, and our very many: the team from the School of daonnan na dheagh chothrom gus ceum a ealainean ann am prìomh bhaile na h-Alba dìreach dà dhiubh seo, a tha air an taghadh
redevelopment of St Cecilia’s Hall and the Chemistry which has discovered a new way ghabhail air ais agus a bhith a’ cnuasachadh agus nas fhaide air falbh. Tha mi moiteil gu bho fharsaingeachd de phròiseactan: air
Pleasance complex – as well as our plans for to recover gold from electrical devices such air bliadhna eile ann am beatha na buidhne bheil sinn a’ toirt sùil am-bliadhna air obair sgioba bho Sgoil na Ceimigeachd a tha air
creating the Edinburgh Futures Institute on as mobile phones; and the students working cudromaich seo. nan co-obraichean againn aig Venice dòighean ùra a lorg gus òr fhaighinn air ais
the site of the Old Royal Infirmary. to design and build a futuristic travel system Biennale, a tha ainmeil air feadh an t-saoghail, bho innealan dealain mar eisimpleir
known as the Hyperloop. Agus mi ag ullachadh gus an oifis agam le fiosrachadh ann bhon t-seann oileanach fònaichean-làimhe – agus air oileanaich a tha
The University brings much to the artistic life fhàgail, tha e a’ tighinn a-steach orm cho chliùiteach againn Rachel NicIlleathain, bho ag obair gus siostam còmhdhail ùr-nodha a
Round-up
of the Scottish capital and beyond. I am We live in challenging yet exciting times and farsaing is cho diofraichte ’s a tha an obair a Cholaiste Ealain Dhùn Èideann, bho Aonad dhealbhadh is a thogail air a bheil an
proud that this year we highlight the work of at the University we are particularly excited nì sinn san oilthigh, mar thoradh air an nan Cruinneachaidhean Rannsachaidh agus Hyperloop.
colleagues at the world-famous Venice by the promise for the future being delivered dìcheall is tionnsgalachd aig an luchd-obrach, bho Ghailearaidh Talbot Rice an Oilthighe.
Biennale with contributions from our by the signing of the Edinburgh and South oileanaich, alumni agus luchd-taic againn. ’S e àm dùbhlanach ach brosnachail a tha seo
distinguished alumna Rachel Maclean, East Scotland City Region Deal. As a signatory, ’S e oilthigh a th’ annainn a tha fìor eadar- agus aig an Oilthigh, tha sinn a’ coimhead air
The University’s Annual Review always Edinburgh College of Art, the Centre for the University will play a key part in turning Chan eil lèirmheas na bliadhna seo eadar- nàiseanta agus chithear sinn ann an iomadh adhart gu sònraichte ris na cothroman san
provides a welcome opportunity to step back Research Collections and the University’s our region into the data capital of Europe. In dhealaichte, agus e a’ taisbeanadh na buaidh dòigh. Anns an sgrìobhainn seo, bheir sinn àm ri teachd a tha an lùib soidhneadh Aonta
and take stock of another year in the life of Talbot Rice Gallery. this edition of the Review, you can read in agus na buil a bh’ againn gu h-ionadail, gu sùil air an t-sealladh chruinneil againn a’ Sgìre Baile-mòr Dhùn Èideann agus Ear-dheas
our great institution. detail about our plans to make this vision a nàiseanta agus air feadh an t-saoghail. cleachdadh grunn eisimpleirean: bogadh na na h-Alba. Mar soidhniche, bidh pàirt nach
Honorary graduates
We are a truly international university and reality. h-Institiud againn airson Dàimhean Cultarach beag aig an Oilthigh ri cluich gus prìomh
As I prepare to demit office I am struck by the that is reflected in many ways. In this A chionn ’s gu bheil sinn cho cudromach ann Eadar-nàiseanta, na h-oidhirpean againn gus bhaile dàta na Roinn Eòrpa a dhèanamh den
sheer variety and scope of the work that we publication we examine our global outlook After 15 years at the helm, it is gratifying for am beatha baile Dhùn Èideann, tha sinn gu teicneòlas coimpiutair a thoirt do sgoiltean roinn againn. Anns an tionndadh seo den
carry out, thanks to the diligence, dedication using a number of examples: with the launch me personally to reflect on what excellent math mothachail air an dleastanas a th’ againn ann an sgoiltean sub-Sahàrach, agus fios mu Lèirmheas, is urrainn dhut leughadh ann am
and innovation of our staff, students, alumni of our Institute for International Cultural shape we as an institution are in. That is mar nàbaidh agus mar an luchd-glèidhidh aig chuid den rannsachadh tar-chrìche mion-fhiosrachadh mu na planaichean againn
and supporters. Relations, with our efforts to bring computer thanks to the efforts of our staff, students, cuid de na toglaichean cudromach a tha sinn tionnsgalach a tha cuid de na sgoilearan gus an sealladh seo a thoirt gu buil.
technology to schools in sub-Saharan Africa, alumni and supporters worldwide. I have fortanach a bhith a’ cleachdadh. Ann an againn a’ dèanamh aig ìre thràth sa chùrsa-
This year’s edition is no exception, and with some of the ground-breaking every confidence that the University will Lèirmheas na bliadhna seo, tha fòcas againn obrach aca. Às dèidh 15 bliadhna aig an stiùir, tha e toirt
showcasing as it does our influence and cross-border research being carried out by continue to go from strength to strength in air an obair ath-nuadhachaidh £35-millean tlachd dhomh gu pearsanta cnuasachadh air
impact both locally, nationally and globally. our early-career academics. the years to come. againn air togalach àlainn Talla MhicEòghainn, Tha càileachd an rannsachaidh is an an deagh chor a th’ againn mar bhuidhinn.
Awards & achievements
a tha air a’ chlàradh aig Ìre-A, agus air an tionnsgalachd aig gach ìre a’ cur Oilthigh Tha seo mar thoradh air oidhirpean an
As we play such an important part in the life The quality of our research and innovation at ath-leasachadh a tha sinn a’ dèanamh air Dhùn Èideann air thoiseach air càch. Tha na luchd-obrach, oileanaich, alumni agus
of the city of Edinburgh, we are enormously all levels is something that really sets Talla Naomh Cecilia agus àrainn a’ Phleasance pròiseactan a tha an luchd-obrach is na luchd-taic againn air feadh an t-saoghail. Tha
aware of our responsibilities as a neighbour, Edinburgh apart. The research projects which Professor Sir Timothy O’Shea – cho math ris na planaichean a th’ againn h-oileanaich againn a’ stiùireadh an dà chuid mi làn chinnteach gun lean an t-Oilthigh air
and as a custodian of some of the great our staff and students lead on are both BSc, PhD, FRSE airson a bhith a’ cruthachadh Institiud Dhùn fìor inntinneach agus brosnachail, agus iad a’ a’ dol bho neart gu neart anns na
buildings we are fortunate enough to inhabit. fascinating and inspiring, generating Principal and Vice-Chancellor Èideann son an Àm ri Teachd air làrach an faighinn iomraidhean sna cinn-naidheachd air bliadhnaichean ri teachd.
In this year’s Review we focus on our headlines around the world. Here we delve The University of Edinburgh t-Seann Ospadail Rìoghail.
Financial review
Appointments
Appendices
Introduction
04 Annual Review 2016/2017 Annual Review 2016/2017 05
Features
Round-up
Honorary graduates
Awards & achievements
Financial review
Vision Mission
Appointments
We deliver impact for society. We discover, develop and share knowledge.
As a truly global university, rooted in As a centre of academic excellence we aim to:
Scotland’s capital city, we make a
• provide the highest-quality research-led teaching and learning;
significant, sustainable and socially
responsible contribution to the world. • challenge the boundaries of knowledge, research and disciplines;
• enable our graduates and staff to be exceptional individuals equipped to address global challenges;
Appendices
• promote good health, economic growth, cultural understanding and social well-being.
06 Annual Review 2016/2017
Introduction
Revitalising a treasured
symbol of civic pride
Features
The University’s McEwan Hall is a fine
example of its commitment to investing in
McEwan saw universities as places where
Edinburgh’s cityscape and heritage. people from all walks of life could convene.
When William McEwan donated £115,000 to This is as important today as it was then.
the University in 1886, it was the largest
Mr Chris Cox
single donation the University had ever
received, and it sparked the creation of a
Round-up
magnificent landmark that would host public
events and graduation ceremonies for The response to the campaign was McEwan Hall is one of many landmarks on
generations to come. unprecedented, with more than 1,700 Edinburgh’s skyline that the University has
alumni from more than 50 countries committed significant investment to restore,
In 2015, the doors to the McEwan Hall were contributing to the redevelopment. For Mr maintain and improve.
closed to restore the Grade A-listed building Cox the participatory nature of the campaign
back to its original glory. The £35million was important: “It was about finding a way in Work is to begin shortly on the Grade A-listed
refurbishment took place over two years, which hundreds, and eventually thousands, Old Royal Infirmary. The former city-centre
with the Hall reopening in summer 2017 to of alumni could connect themselves to this hospital was purchased by the University in
Honorary graduates
the great excitement of staff and students historic building, which clearly means so 2015, after it lay vacant for more than 12
alike, and to the great pleasure of graduating much to so many people.” years. Due to reopen in 2021, it will be home
alumni, their parents and friends. to the Edinburgh Futures Institute, creating
Current students were also at the heart of new teaching, research and public spaces.
As well as making critical structural the redevelopment. A competition was held
improvements, the windows, stonework and for third-year art students to design the tiles The Pleasance complex plays host to a great
frescos were conserved, and the building was that would recognise donors’ contributions. variety of student societies, as well as
updated to meet modern-day accessibility Inspired by images held in the University’s becoming a busy hub during the annual
requirements. While the University made a research collections digital archive, the Festival Fringe. The University has worked
significant contribution from its own funds, winning undergraduates – Lizzie Bevington closely with the Students’ Union to improve
Awards & achievements
alumni and donors played an important role and Despina Petridou – proposed an and extend facilities and maximise space over
in this chapter of the building’s story. innovative concept that represented people the past year.
and ideas moving through the University.
For Mr Chris Cox, Vice-Principal Philanthropy St Cecilia’s Hall – Scotland’s oldest purpose-
and Advancement, the spirit in which the The University’s Art Collections Curator, built concert venue – reopened in May 2017,
original donation was made, strikes a chord Mr Neil Lebeter was closely involved in the after a £6.5 million redevelopment. The
with generous donors today: “William project and saw the commission of students’ concert room and music museum situated in
McEwan was the MP for Edinburgh Central work as being the ideal way for the University the Old Town is open to the public from
and had huge pride in the city and the to support emerging artists. Tuesday to Saturday, after previously opening
University,” he says. “McEwan saw at sporadic times, and the renovation has
universities as places where people from all “As well as thanking our donors in a also brought about a lively programme of
walks of life could convene. This is as thoughtful and unique way, commissioning concerts and events for the local community
Financial review
important today as it was then. Swingeing young artists talks to the future, as well as to enjoy.
funding cuts in the mid-19th century meant referencing the history of the institution,”
that to build this wonderful civic building, says Mr Lebeter. “Lizzie and Despina did an “Our musical instrument collection is highly
the University really needed the generous amazing job. To be involved in such a major renowned worldwide,” says Ms Jacky
support of benefactors.” project was fantastic work experience for MacBeath, the University’s Head of Museums.
them.” “Now we have facilities that match the
Fortunately the University’s secure financial quality of our collection and expertise of our
position today enabled it to contemplate this Architectural Conservation students were staff. And the response we’ve had from the
major renovation. However, without the also given the opportunity to work alongside local community since reopening has been
generosity of University benefactors the specialist conservators at the highest reaches wonderful.”
completed upgrade may not have had the of the Hall; learning how to clean and
Appointments
same impact. renovate the original murals. Anushka The University’s commitment to having a
Desouza was one of the students to take strong relationship with the people of
A campaign entitled Pathways to part: “Working on the building helped me to Edinburgh through these visionary yet
Enlightenment was launched in early 2016. implement the techniques learnt in the accessible refurbishment projects fills Mr Cox
To honour the original benefaction, alumni classroom,” she says. “It definitely enhanced with optimism. He concludes: “It’s wonderful
were invited to make a gift of £115, and in my experience of studying at Edinburgh. It that the University is investing so much into
return, their name was inscribed on a tile, was an opportunity that I wouldn’t have developing this network of inspiring spaces
used within the newly restored building. found anywhere else, and I feel like I’m a part – giving enormous benefits to our students
of the fabric of this historic building.” and alumni – and the city of Edinburgh as a
whole.”
Appendices
Mr Chris Cox
08 Annual Review 2016/2017
Introduction
Nurturing cultural relations
across institutions
Features
The University is home to a diverse range
of cultures and nationalities across
I’m always trying to find a way to connect the
student, staff and academic spheres. Institute to all types of communities and people
Launched in January 2017, the Institute
for International Cultural Relations aims from different backgrounds.
to bring these groups and cultures
Professor JP Singh
together, both in academic and social
circles throughout the University and
Round-up
beyond.
number of international groups to bring 33 programme was one of her first projects in
The Director of the Institute, Professor JP cultural experts to Edinburgh for the 70th her new role with the Institute: “I had
Singh, joined the University in 2016. A year of the Edinburgh festivals in the summer collaborated with a number of people in the
prize-winning author and former adviser to of 2017. University, in my role with Festivals
UNESCO, the World Bank and the World Edinburgh,” explains Professor Liddell. “But
Trade Organization, Professor Singh believes “The programme was a resounding success,” when Vice-Principal Dorothy Miell suggested
a greater interdisciplinary approach to says Professor Singh. “It really resonated with becoming a Visiting Professor I was delighted.
research and collaboration is required, if people. I can’t believe the number of times The Institute feels like a natural home.”
Honorary graduates
Edinburgh is to expand the impact of its so many of the Fellows have said that this
expertise to a global audience. was one of the most transformational The individual Global Cultural Fellows came
experiences of their life.” from across the world, clearly with different
“Culture is who we are and how we think of and distinctive perspectives. They included
ourselves,” says Professor Singh. “There are The diverse group included a dancer from people working on the frontline in conflict
many people at the University and beyond Cambodia, the head of the National Theatre resolution, in community initiatives, in
who work on different topics but use culture of Nigeria, an Australian opera singer, a culture-led regeneration as well as radical
as a lens. The Institute for International Malaysian chef, and a magazine editor from artists pushing the boundaries of practice.
Cultural Relations aims to bring these people Sweden. Over eight days the group met to For Professor Liddell, understanding
together and foster research and education discuss international cultural relations and international cultural relations is critical in the
Awards & achievements
in terms of how we think of ourselves across specific issues before attending shows at the current environment: “Shared understanding
borders.” various festivals. of cultural interests and values across nations
has been put into question,” she says.
For Professor Singh, several things stand out “We invited cultural activists from around the “Innovative approaches to developing and
about education in the future: “We will have world, who are strongly connected to their informing cultural practices are essential to
to solve issues that can’t be categorised by communities, to think about specific cultural bridging divides.”
discipline,” he explains. “For example, the issues,” explains Professor Singh. “The
refugee influx into Europe is a public health experience had a profound impact on many Professor Singh also believes that culture is at
issue, a human rights issue, a legal issue and of them and made them think of the world the heart of many of the world’s most
a diplomatic issue. It will take an differently. Over the next year, the Fellows important issues. Therefore the city, the
interdisciplinary approach to help solve it.” will undertake projects of their own University and the Institute are ideally placed
choosing, which help them connect their to bring together individuals, ideals and
Financial review
He also believes that universities must Edinburgh experience with their disciplines of contrasting natures in order to
continue to adapt in order to deliver communities, and of course, they now have a connect research, politics and communities.
world-leading education and research: “I’ve global network that they can rely on.” The Institute will have the opportunity to
been living in the US for the past 34 years, explore this concept further as one of several
but I grew up in a remote area in India. When The Institute has also been forging close key research groups within the University’s
people came from big universities to lecture relations with cultural partners. Professor new Edinburgh Futures Institute – a visionary
to us, we didn’t listen. So I’m always trying to Singh noted the invaluable input of the hub where experts can transcend boundaries
find a way to connect the Institute to all Edinburgh festivals to the Global Cultural and join forces in response to global cultural,
types of communities and people from Fellows programme: “We worked closely technological, political, social and
different backgrounds.” with various festivals to design the managerial challenges.
programme, taking in shows at the Book
Appointments
Professor Singh has been working with a Festival, the Festival Fringe and the Edinburgh “The past year in Edinburgh has provided a
number of schools across the University to International Festival, which spawned further deeply meaningful and exciting opportunity
design cutting-edge online programmes, conversation and research. Integral to this to make an institutional mark in international
including the planning of an online masters activity was the input of our Visiting Professor cultural relations,” states Professor Singh.
in international cultural relations. Faith Liddell.” “We’ve had great support from the Scottish
and Westminster governments, from the
The Institute has already presented a range of As the founding Director of the organisation Edinburgh festivals and from people all over
events in the UK and abroad. One such Festivals Edinburgh, Professor Liddell led on the world, and to feel that you are really
initiative was the Institute’s Global Cultural the development of Edinburgh’s twelve making a difference in the world, as an
Fellows programme, which worked with a major festivals. The Global Cultural Fellows institute, really resonates so much.”
Appendices
Professor Faith Liddell and Professor JP Singh
10 Annual Review 2016/2017
Introduction
Tapping into a
greener goldmine
Features
By developing a new way of recycling
gold from electrical devices, researchers
As a society, we need to recognise that we have
in the University’s School of Chemistry are limited resources and that we can’t keep
part of wider efforts at Edinburgh to make
a sustainable and socially responsible consuming these if we don’t have a way of
contribution to society.
returning them back to a useful state.
In 2017, a team led by Professor Jason Love Professor Jason Love
Round-up
revealed a new way of recovering gold from
circuit boards used in electronics including
televisions, computers and mobile phones.
Using their new method, circuit boards are waste these valuable resources,” says
Methods currently used to recover the first placed in a mild acid to dissolve all their Professor Love. “If these materials could be
precious metal are often inefficient or reliant metal parts. An oily liquid containing the recycled at the point of collection, it would
upon toxic chemicals such as cyanide. team’s reagent is then added, which allows provide lots of income to that local area.
Improving these recycling processes could gold to be extracted selectively from the That doesn’t happen at the moment.”
help to cut carbon dioxide emissions and complex mixture of metals found inside
Honorary graduates
reduce the need for gold mining, a practice electronics. In theory, the team’s new method could help
harmful to the environment. Seven per cent to facilitate this development, because it can
of the world’s gold is inside waste electronics “Our reagent allows us to recover a very high be carried out on a relatively small scale,
and of that only 30 per cent is currently purity of gold, explains Euan. “Normally, one which could enable local set-up. However, in
salvaged. molecule of reagent binds directly to one order to make progress on the development
metal molecule. Our compound uses a of circular economy initiatives, collaboration
“As a society, we need to recognise that we different type of chemistry, and can bind to is essential.
have limited resources and that we can’t clusters of gold molecules instead of just one.
keep consuming these if we don’t have a way This means you can use a lot less of it to “Our aim is to build a whole theme of work
of returning them back to a useful state,” recover the same amount of gold.” at Edinburgh around urban mining and waste
Awards & achievements
states Professor Love. “We have to think recycling,” explains Professor Love. “To do
about how we can develop better ways of As a by-product of this research, Euan has that we need more expertise in other areas,
recycling, and we’re interested in the enjoyed success in a science communication so we’re working with colleagues in
chemical aspects of how we do that.” contest. After winning the University’s 2017 geosciences, engineering and social
Three-Minute Thesis heat, he was awarded sciences.”
With an estimated 300 grams of gold present the People’s Choice award in the UK final.
in every tonne of electronics, Professor Love This has given him the opportunity to talk Professor Love’s team is also working with the
and his team set out to develop a more about his work at the world-famous Royal organisation Closing the Loop, an Amsterdam-
sustainable and environmentally friendly Institution, as well as enter into the Three- based company that aims to reduce
approach that could allow for greater Minute Thesis international final. electronic waste by collecting old phones in
quantities of gold to be recycled. They Africa and bringing them to Europe to be
formulated a new chemical reagent to use in As well as gold, the team is investigating recycled.
Financial review
a process called solvent extraction, which is ways of improving the recycling of other
used widely for the recovery of metals from precious metals found in waste electronics, This commitment to making a socially
ores. Compared to other methods such as such as palladium, platinum, and rare earth responsible contribution to society is echoed
smelting – which uses extremely high elements like neodymium. New reagents across the University. Mr Dave Gorman is
temperatures to separate mixtures of metals could be developed to salvage these and Director of the Department for Social
– solvent extraction is potentially a very common metals such as copper and tin. Responsibility and Sustainability, which was
environmentally friendly alternative. established in 2014 to underline the
There may also be the opportunity to extract University’s commitment to making a
“The solvent extraction process has existed toxic metals such as cadmium and lead, significant, sustainable and socially
for decades but as chemists we’re trying to which can cause environmental issues that responsible contribution to the world. Mr
discover new and better reagents that could, in turn, be prevented. The team is also Gorman believes that the many staff- and
Appointments
recover metals more selectively,” explains interested in how chemistry could be used to student-led initiatives at Edinburgh can help
Euan Doidge, a PhD student in Professor recover plastics, not currently recycled, from it deliver on this strategic ambition.
Love’s research group. mobile phones.
“Higher education institutions like Edinburgh
A big motivation for Professor Love and his can play a pivotal role in a transformation to
team is the concept of the circular economy, a circular economy,” he states. “The work
which encourages reuse of materials and being done by Professor Love and his team is
practising greater resource efficiency: “To a great example of the kind of cutting-edge
develop a circular economy, we cannot research going on at the University to help
bring about the adoption of circular
economy initiatives.”
Appendices
Professor Jason Love
12 Annual Review 2016/2017
Introduction
Placing Edinburgh art on
the international stage
Features
In May 2017 a deconsecrated church in
Venice housed a new work of art by
I feel that I’ve been lucky. I owe a lot to Edinburgh
Edinburgh alumna Ms Rachel Maclean, and Scotland in terms of people having confidence
commissioned to represent Scotland at
the renowned Venice Biennale. in me when I was young.
Ms Rachel Maclean
Ms Maclean’s 37-minute video, entitled Spite
Your Face, was the focal point for a project
Round-up
that connected several important strands of
the University to the Biennale. It marked a “Being part of Venice placed us on an The students also had time off to explore the
special alignment of students, staff, alumni, international platform and inspires us to stay Biennale and to develop their artistic practice.
Edinburgh College of Art (ECA), the there,” says the Gallery’s Director, Ms Tessa Evenings were spent connecting with
University’s Centre for Research Collections Giblin. “Most people, rightly, talk about the representatives from the other pavilions,
and the University’s contemporary art gallery, impact Venice has on the artist. But we resulting in screenings, talks and life drawing
all working together – with significant mustn’t forget the enormous impact it has sessions.
external partners – to present on this most on the professionals working behind the
global of stages. scenes – the curators, project managers, “I just feel really lucky,” says fellow ECA
Honorary graduates
technicians, marketing people, the publicists, student and invigilator, Siobhan McLaughlin.
At 29, Ms Maclean is the youngest artist to the fundraisers. All those involved, in my “I’ve never been out of Scotland for more
be selected by Scotland + Venice, a experience, have gone through an enormous than two weeks before. Since coming back,
partnership run by Creative Scotland, the growth curve.” I’ve felt much more confident. I’ve applied
National Galleries of Scotland and the British for things I never would have thought about
Council Scotland. Every two years Scotland + Ms Giblin, who joined the Talbot Rice Gallery before. It has made the art world seem more
Venice selects an artist that best represents in 2016, has been involved with the Biennale accessible. I’m much less anxious now about
the country’s contemporary art scene. for the past 10 years. While other colleagues life after university.”
at the Gallery worked on Scotland + Venice,
“It was a big surprise,” says Ms Maclean. “I she was also commissioner and curator of the Ms Maclean also appreciates how the
Awards & achievements
feel that I’ve been lucky. I owe a lot to Irish pavilion. Working with the artist Jesse experience could offer promising futures for
Edinburgh and Scotland in terms of people Jones, she describes it as “the hardest, most this next generation of artists: “The
having confidence in me when I was young.” rewarding thing” she has ever done. development programme is fantastic,” she
says. “The students I have met who are part
Since leaving ECA in 2009, Ms Maclean’s As well as providing an unprecedented of it are really brilliant and have done such an
satirical, day-glow videos have startled critics platform for the University’s alumni, its amazing job. I’m so excited for them. I’m
and the public around the world. Her ability gallery and its staff, art students from ECA looking forward to what they make, and
to weave major contemporary themes into were also given a unique opportunity to what they do, as a result of the experience.
her work made her a bold choice for the experience the international festival. I think there will be an amazing legacy for
2017 Biennale. Spite Your Face is a dark Scotland and the Scottish art scene.”
retelling of the Pinocchio story that plays Scotland + Venice’s Professional Development
upon the power of lies, populism and Programme selected 15 students from across The 2017 Venice Biennale experience will
Financial review
misogyny. Scotland to invigilate Spite Your Face in certainly live on in the University. The
Venice. The cohort included five fine art students are planning collaborative shows in
Every Biennale, Scotland + Venice also selects students from Edinburgh. The students stayed Cardiff and Edinburgh with artists they met
a Scottish-based curator to deliver the show. in Venice for a month at a time between May there. The Talbot Rice Gallery is focusing on
The University’s Talbot Rice Gallery in and November, working in pairs to manage commissioning new work and exploring the
partnership with the Hawick-based company the venue, Chiesa di Santa Caterina, in the possibilities of group shows, two defining
Alchemy Film & Arts were chosen as northern Cannaregio district of the city. In features of the Biennale. The artist who
commissioners of Spite Your Face. It was the addition, they acted as ambassadors for the represented Hong Kong, Samson Young, has
first time the Gallery had been involved in the project, the University and Ms Maclean’s been commissioned by the gallery to
Biennale. work. Gemma Batchelor, an ECA student produce a work for 2019, and Jesse Jones’
taking part, says: “Because she [Rachel Venice work, Tremble Tremble, will be on
Appointments
Maclean] came from ECA too, we definitely show in late 2018.
felt an ownership of the piece, and we felt
great when people had a positive response Additionally, the University has purchased the
to it.” film Spite Your Face to form part of its official
Art Collections. In February 2018, nearly a
decade after graduating, Ms Maclean will
return to the University, and, alongside many
others, will attend her film’s UK premiere at
the Talbot Rice Gallery.
Appendices
Ms Rachel Maclean14 Annual Review 2016/2017
Introduction
Stimulating success through
cross-border research
Features
A mood of optimism prevails among
Edinburgh’s early-career academics
Collaboration across borders is vital. Brexit may
despite Brexit uncertainties. impact recruitment, but the University has been
It is Edinburgh’s global reputation for very supportive. I am excited about what lies ahead.
academic excellence that draws so many
Dr Jennifer Smillie
early-career researchers to the city; it is the
University’s international outlook that
Round-up
convinces so many to stay.
can expect to survive 12 months once efficiency of rapid, portable diagnostic
Those who choose to develop their careers tumour cells begin to resist current medical devices in areas devoid of
here are part of a continuing story, key to the treatments. transportation, communication or electrical
University’s success since its earliest days infrastructure. Working with research
when European influences first held sway: “Working across borders is critical for partners in Sierra Leone and India, her study
among them a curriculum taking its lead success,” says Dr Qian. “The University has will investigate the social, cultural and
from Paris; and experimental methods been extremely supportive, helping us to technical processes involved in developing
inspired by the Dutch. attract excellent scientists. Our thoughts, and using diagnostic tools in settings where
Honorary graduates
looking forward, are positive.” resources are limited.
It has always been a two-way process. As the
University played host to the Scottish Time is of the essence too for Dr Jennifer For Dr Street, the ultimate goal is to guide
Enlightenment’s great flowering of thought Smillie, a Royal Society Research Fellow in the global health policy: “ERC funding provides
in the 18th century, the celebrated French University’s School of Physics & Astronomy, an opportunity to lead a large-scale,
philosopher Voltaire proclaimed: “It is to who is drawing meaning from data derived comparative, anthropological study that not
Scotland that we look for all our ideas of from the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) near only addresses an intractable challenge, but
civilisation.” Geneva. also helps to advance theoretical thinking.”
This appetite for endeavour that transcends The discovery in 2012 of the Higgs boson This approach chimes with that of Dr Kevin
Awards & achievements
disciplinary, intellectual and institutional makes this is a pivotal period for particle Myant, Principal Investigator at the Cancer
boundaries endures to the present day, and physics. The LHC is a discovery machine, Research UK Edinburgh Centre, who is seeking
in the wake of the 2016 EU referendum designed to shed light on unanswered to understand how colon cancer spreads,
result, Edinburgh’s desire to be a leading questions about physics at its smallest scale. specifically how genetic mutations drive its
centre of excellence, open to the world, is With ERC funding, Dr Smillie can push formation. There has been huge investment in
undiminished. forward: “With the LHC running, this is identifying mutations that occur in cancer,
time-critical. Collaboration across borders is but it is unclear which ones cause disease to
For the University, two priorities continue – to vital. Brexit may impact recruitment, but the form and spread. Dr Myant aims to solve the
maintain the mobility of European staff and University has been very supportive. I am riddle and pave the way for new therapies.
to sustain European-funded research excited about what lies ahead.”
partnerships. It is perhaps little surprise then, “The ERC provides generous funding for
that in the past year, early-career academics In the School of Chemistry, Chancellor’s relatively high-risk, high-gain projects that
Financial review
at Edinburgh have secured €9 million from Fellow Dr Michael Cowley is seeking other funders may find too speculative,” he
the European Research Council’s (ERC) alternatives to costly, toxic metals that explains. “Projects such as mine, which work
Starting Grants programme. underpin much of the chemistry we rely on across international boundaries, are ideal for
to make things such as plastics, drugs – even this type of funding.”
The successful researchers, based across the Post-it notes. By exploring the structure of
University’s three Colleges, are quick to praise new and unusual aluminium compounds, he It sits well too with Dr Sotiria Grek, Senior
a funding scheme that enables ambitious, hopes to devise cleaner, efficient alternatives, Lecturer in Social Policy, whose research
fundamental work. Among them is Dr Bin-Zhi collaborating with other research groups. explores how metrics – standards that
Qian, Reader and Cancer Research UK Fellow Having worked overseas, Dr Cowley knows measure efficiency, performance and progress
at Edinburgh’s Medical Research Council the value of absorbing different techniques, – can actively contribute to policy decision-
Centre for Reproductive Health, whose scientific traditions and schools of thought. making across national borders, primarily in
Appointments
research passion is cancer metastasis – how Such openness is vital: “The University is education and sustainable development. Her
tumour cells spread – and therapy resistance. working to influence policymakers, trying to new project’s focus will be the complex
Working with teams in the US and Germany, make it easy for people to cross geographical relationship between international
his group’s goal is to develop effective and scientific boundaries,” he explains. “If organisations and the production of statistical
treatments. we lose this, our science and our society will data. This comparative, transnational research
be poorer.” focus has not only defined her career but also
A sense of urgency pervades the work that Dr Grek’s identity as a European citizen: “I
informs his study into metastatic hormone Another Chancellor’s Fellow, Dr Alice Street, have always considered the ERC more of an
refractory prostate cancer. Despite advances is all too aware of barriers to progress. Based intellectual ‘home’ than just another funder. It
in early diagnosis, fewer than half of patients in the University’s School of Social & Political values interdisciplinarity and nurtures in-depth
Science, she is striving to improve the study – the kind of slow social science that is
Appendices
so needed, yet is so rare.”
Left to right: Dr Alice Street, Dr Kevin Myant,
Dr Sotiria Grek, Dr Michael Cowley and Dr Bin-Zhi Qian16 Annual Review 2016/2017
Introduction
Backing a life-changing investment
for the whole community
Features
On 20 July 2017, the University was one
of several signatories to what could be
This university has been in the city, doing great
one of the most significant events in its things, for several hundred years combining our
434-year history.
strengths with that of the region, to create
The Edinburgh and South East Scotland City
Region Deal pledged £1.1 billion to fund something new, something very valuable.
major infrastructure projects in Edinburgh, Senior Vice-Principal Charlie Jeffery
Round-up
the Lothians, Fife and the Scottish Borders.
The money will come from the Scottish and
Westminster governments and partners in
the local authorities, universities and private up and new ones developed. The process will needed for the data-driven economy, a
sector. change the University at both an operational sector that could be worth $2.7 trillion in
and cultural level. 2020, according to the International Data
The ambition is to make Edinburgh and its Corporation.
surrounding area ‘the Data Capital of There will be three main emphases,
Europe’. By developing clusters of activity according to Professor Seckl: “Outward- “This can’t just be growth that simply
Honorary graduates
based upon data science – the collection, looking researchers; talent generation; and benefits those who were already doing well,”
organisation and interpretation of large sets industrial and public sector partners in the states Professor Jeffery. “It must be growth
of digital information – the University will be same place, breathing the same air.” that is available to all. We have developed a
key to achieving the City Region Deal’s goal. strong emphasis on inclusion, making sure
The deal will facilitate these three areas by everyone across the region has a chance to
“In many ways, the University is the glue that investing in major capital projects that will develop those skills.”
holds the whole thing together,” says Senior give a home to researchers, students and
Vice-Principal Charlie Jeffery, who represented industries working on data-driven innovation. The demand for workers with digital skills in
the higher education sector in the An example of this can already be seen in the Scotland is 11,000 a year. However, only
negotiations. “We have a vision and capacity recently created Bayes Centre, which will 4,000 a year are currently being produced.
Awards & achievements
for technological innovation that can change house computer scientists, engineers, The University is working to ensure that the
and drive the economy.” mathematicians and industry colleagues opportunities of the data-driven economy are
working on fundamental computer and data available to everyone, at all stages of their
“The funding gives us both the opportunity science. Major partners such as Intel and career.
and the huge challenge to deliver on our Silicon Graphics are already lined up to move
potential,” says Vice-Principal Planning, in to the building, on its completion in 2018. “We are looking at skills for the data
Resources and Research Policy, Professor economy across the life-course,” explains
Jonathan Seckl. “It is intended to facilitate In 2021, the Edinburgh Futures Institute will Professor Jeffery. “We are looking at
necessary and beneficial change in how we take up residence in the former Royal everything: how to adapt teacher training
do things, how we engage with our city and Infirmary and will pioneer how data can be from primary school upwards; resources for
impact on Scotland and the wider world.” used in the creative industries, financial primary and secondary schools; new forms of
sector, government and education. cooperation with colleges and other
Financial review
The University is dedicated to data innovation universities; and new ways of supporting
in both teaching and research. For example, The Usher Institute – working on health and on-the-job retraining and upskilling.”
it is home to Europe’s highest-ranking School social care data to improve care – currently
of Informatics. Its world-class research in exists virtually but the City Region Deal will Goals set by the City Region Deal include
machine learning, robotics, computer science give it walls. training 100,000 people to flourish in the
and artificial intelligence has spawned some data economy over the next 10 years, and
100 companies in recent years. The National Robotarium – a partnership with the creation of 40,000 to 50,000 new jobs.
Heriot-Watt University – will see advances in Datalab, an innovation centre hosted by the
More sophisticated use of data allows better robotics, while staff working on the University, has an important role to play,
understanding and prediction of trends and University’s Easter Bush campus will work offering business development support and
behaviour, leading to improved services. One with environmental, genomics and genetic training opportunities to both start-up and
Appointments
example of this can be found in University data, vital for improving agriculture. established businesses.
researchers’ work with diabetes patients at
the University’s Usher Institute. Experts used “This is moving the University away from the “In a sense, the City Region Deal is an
vast data sets to ensure patients receive the traditional model of buildings in which opportunity to renew that civic tradition on
best possible care at all points of contact academics and students mingle, but live their which the University was founded,” says
within the NHS in Scotland. The work has working lives apart from the rest of our city Professor Jeffery. “This university has been in
significantly reduced the disease’s harshest region,” explains Professor Seckl. “It should the city, doing great things, for several
effects: blindness is reduced by 40 per cent be where students are rapidly exposed to the hundred years combining our strengths with
and amputations by 42 per cent. working world, to jobs and innovation.” that of the region, to create something new,
something very valuable. The City Region
Boosted by the City Region Deal, these The City Region Deal will further generate Deal has the potential to be one of the
Appendices
existing data science practices will be scaled talent through lifelong education in the skills landmarks in that centuries-long history.”
Senior Vice-Principal Charlie Jeffery18 Annual Review 2016/2017
Introduction
Cracking the code to supporting
technology in African schools
Features
A lack of technology in sub-Saharan
African schools has put millions of
I’ve been around these schools for nearly
children at an educational disadvantage. seven years and the desire for education
Edinburgh graduate and PhD student
James Turing has been working to remedy is always awe-inspiring.
this through his foundation, the Turing Mr James Turing
Trust.
Round-up
Having first visited Ghana in 2009, James was
struck by the lack of technology in school technological gap and, perhaps most “I’ve been around these schools for nearly
classrooms. Since then he has been working significantly, access to educational resources. seven years and the desire for education is
tirelessly to repurpose computers for use in He has dedicated months of his life to really always awe-inspiring,” he comments. “The
schools across Africa, and has also been understanding the needs of these conditions are extremely basic for many
working to plug the technology gap. communities and we are confident that children. You don’t think we live in a world
through his commitment, these areas will be where poverty is so endemic but people are
After gaining his MEng in Structural significantly impacted.” genuinely malnourished. With education you
Engineering & Architecture from Edinburgh in sometimes think you’re leapfrogging too far
Honorary graduates
2015, James is now working towards his PhD As a direct result of the CGI funding, James and that the focus should be on food rather
in International Development. His research and his colleagues were able to work closely than computers but we hope that our work
focuses on the circular economy in Kenya, with communities in Malawi to identify their can help improve circumstances in these
which led to the founding of the Turing Trust specific needs. James is conscious that the communities.”
and his innovative approach to reusing IT Turing Trust works with in-country partners
equipment. wherever possible and that the relationships With his PhD work overlapping with the work
with these contacts form the crux of their of the Turing Trust, James is clearly grateful
“After working in rural African communities projects. for the support his supervisors have offered
for a couple of years, I realised that we him in the past few years. The University
weren’t able to support as many schools as “Our work isn’t about white saviours going in supported the Trust’s efforts in a more
Awards & achievements
we would like, with repurposed computers,” and distributing things,” he says. “We always practical way too: “Our workshop was based
explains James. “Many didn’t have access to work with in-country partners. In Malawi we in High School Yards for the past two years
traditional on-grid electricity. This led us to are working with a charity called the Centre and we would not have achieved so much if
establish SolarBerry, which is a solar energy for Youth and Development. These we didn’t have that backing,” comments
experiment to see what we can do to solve partnerships truly define everything we do James. “During that time we grew from
that problem.” and without them we simply wouldn’t have delivering a few hundred computers a year to
a project.” delivering 1,500 a year. We’ve crossed a
In the past year his efforts have not gone hurdle thanks to the University’s support.”
unnoticed. He became one of only 18 “One of the first steps is getting teachers
students to be awarded a grant from the involved,” he continues. “When they get a James founded the Turing Trust in honour of
Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) University computer in their school you always find his great uncle, the computer scientist and
Innovation Fund. The fund supports effective, that teachers are some of the happiest World War II code-breaker Alan Turing. His
Financial review
high-impact student innovators and beneficiaries. In their free time they can uncle’s legacy is kept alive by James’ work
entrepreneurs from around the world. almost be guaranteed to be using the with the Trust. Alan Turing wanted technology
computers and improving their own digital to be available to all and was keenly aware
Ms Megan Strawther, Community skills, which then trickles down to the that the underprivileged in the world require
Engagement Manager for CGI, explains that students.” support.
the project was chosen for a grant because
CGI believed the funds would be For James the innovative aspect of the work “One of the lesser-known things about Alan
implemented thoughtfully and result in is simply spending time with the communities was his charitable philosophy and the fact
significant impact. and making sure that what is being done is that he sponsored a refugee through higher
actually working effectively: “We want to education throughout his life,” reveals James.
“James has consistently demonstrated his ensure that the computers stay working for Turing helped a young Jewish refugee from
Appointments
reliability, passion for the work, and a the next five years or longer; that’s our aim.” Vienna who arrived in the UK in 1939 by
willingness to adapt to changing securing him a place in a public school and
circumstances,” says Ms Strawther. “He is James hopes that the work of the Turing Trust maintaining an interest in his career.
tackling many issues, including lack of digital will enable people from rural areas to catch
access within rural communities, the up with their urban counterparts and create “When Alan was developing aspects of
an equal distribution of digital opportunities. computing, he would never have wanted
access to be restricted to only the wealthiest
people in the world,” says James. “Alan
undoubtedly would have wished his
technology and work to be shared the world
over, which is what we are trying to do with
Appendices
the Turing Trust.”
Mr James Turing20 Annual Review 2016/2017
Introduction
Racing to develop the
next mode of transport
Features
A student team’s award-winning efforts to
bring about the creation of a
Team spirit is key. There are a lot of really ambitious
revolutionary mode of transport are students at Edinburgh, and at HYPED we are
providing them with a remarkable
Edinburgh experience. working together to try to do something interesting
Over the past two years members of a for our careers and the well-being of the world.
student team, called HYPED, have spent Mr Adam Anyszewski
Round-up
countless hours pursuing a global challenge:
to help design and build a futuristic travel
system known as the Hyperloop.
something very few universities in the UK Alongside their technical expertise in
The brainchild of billionaire entrepreneur offer. Since I’ve been at Edinburgh, HYPED Hyperloop pod design, HYPED’s business
Elon Musk, the Hyperloop is a mode of has become a very significant part of my life, awareness was also demonstrated last
transport intended to take passengers over and a definite highlight of my university summer when they became the only student
land in pods travelling at around 750mph in career.” team to win a top prize in a related
a near-vacuum tube. These pods are commercial competition.
Honorary graduates
accelerated by linear induction motors and Last summer HYPED was the only group from
pass between stations using passive magnetic the UK – and one of just four European teams More than 2,600 teams registered for the
levitation. A pod could carry up to 20 – to reach the final of a contest to design and Hyperloop One Global Challenge, which
passengers, and building a route linking build a prototype Hyperloop pod. Out of tasked teams with developing detailed plans
Edinburgh and London could allow journey 1,200 groups that submitted initial designs for the most feasible routes to implement
times of just 45 minutes. to the SpaceX Hyperloop Pod Competition, one of the world’s first Hyperloop systems.
HYPED was one of only 24 teams invited to HYPED’s proposed route from Edinburgh to
The Edinburgh team’s hard work and compete in the final in California. London was chosen as one of just 10 winners
dedication was richly rewarded in 2017 as its by an expert panel.
achievements took members of HYPED Macauley Versey, who is currently studying
Awards & achievements
halfway around the world and won them electrical and mechanical engineering at “Our ability to tackle both the technical and
international recognition. Edinburgh, is an integral part of HYPED’s commercial challenges presented by the
technical team and rightly proud of its Hyperloop arguably makes HYPED the most
The team’s President, electrical and achievements: “The pod was built in around accomplished student team working on the
mechanical engineering undergraduate three months by a handful of HYPED technology,” says Adam.
Adam Anyszewski, believes its success is members,” he reports. “The fact we were
partly down to its diversity and the able to build the pod in such a short time- HYPED were the only team to compete in
international mix of students involved. span and take it to California to compete is both the SpaceX pod competition and also
remarkable.” win Hyperloop One’s business challenge.
“Team spirit is key,” says Adam. “There are a
lot of really ambitious students at Edinburgh, Despite putting in a strong performance in Their involvement in Hyperloop One was led
and at HYPED we are working together to try California, the team didn’t win, but Adam by Carolina Toczycka, the team’s Head of
Financial review
to do something interesting for our careers believes HYPED can achieve this in future: Commercial, who is pursuing a PhD in
and the well-being of the world.” “We firmly believe it’s within our abilities to data-driven innovation. Caroline highlights
finish in one of the highest positions at the the key role played by the University in
Founded in 2015 by a handful of engineering next SpaceX competition,” he says. “Taking helping to create impactful societies: “The
students, HYPED has since grown into a part was a huge logistical challenge – we University enables students here to create
well-structured society with more than 100 moved 20 people and half a tonne of gear and build amazing experiences for themselves
members from disciplines including to the other side of the Atlantic – so this year through its support for societies like HYPED,”
engineering, business, art and law. we’ll begin planning and building much she says. “I hope that we can inspire other
earlier.” people and show them that there is so much
Russian postgraduate Sophiya Volkova, who you can achieve as a society at Edinburgh.”
leads HYPED’s six-strong legal team, is Since its inception, HYPED has drawn on the
Appointments
currently pursuing an MSc International expertise, advice and experience of Professors As well as aiming for more success in the next
Business with Emerging Markets, following Gordon Masterton and Win Rampen of the SpaceX pod competition, the team is looking
her undergraduate studies in law at University’s School of Engineering, who made to further develop commercial ties with
Edinburgh. She was initially drawn to the an invaluable contribution to their efforts. Hyperloop One and other companies. It is
University by its prestige and the study also working on an outreach programme
options available: “The University’s reputation “I’ve met with the team weekly over the past aimed at encouraging more young people,
was a big attraction – it’s valued around the year to discuss technical issues,” comments particularly females, into STEM subjects. After
world,” says Sophiya. “I also wanted to study Professor Rampen. “It has been my privilege a momentous year, the determination and
law and combine it with Spanish, which is to work with this group of self-organised and drive of the students of HYPED is sure to
highly motivated, visionary students.” propel them on to yet greater success.
Appendices
Mr Adam Anyszewski, seated front far left,
with members of the student team HYPEDYou can also read
