Edinburgh Napier University – The NEN

Clean heating and energy efficiency grants to get to Net Zero

£11 million grant funding confirmed for public sector bodies

Leisure centres, schools and university campuses will be transformed by a government fund designed to accelerate the decarbonisation of public sector properties, the Scottish Government announced yesterday.

The University of Edinburgh, Fife Council and Edinburgh Napier University are among the first seven projects to share grants for clean heating and energy efficiency improvements totalling £11 million from the £20 million Public Sector Heat Decarbonisation Fund.

The funding, to support the ambition to reach net zero by 2045, is the first time direct grant awards have been made to public sector bodies instead of loans.

A recent Scottish Government consultation on proposals for a Heat in Buildings Bill asked for views on a possible requirement for all buildings owned by a Scottish public authority to move to clean heating systems by the end of 2038. There are currently around 23,000 buildings in public ownership.

Zero Carbon Buildings Minister Patrick Harvie (well, he was until this morning, anyway – Ed.) said: “Heat from our homes and buildings is responsible for around a fifth of Scotland’s overall emissions so there is no route to delivering Net Zero by 2045 without tackling this.

“Not just our homes but our schools, universities, offices, hospitals and libraries also need to improve their energy efficiency and make the move to clean heating.

“We are absolutely committed to addressing Scotland’s reliance on direct emission heating systems that produce greenhouse gas emissions when we use them, which is why we have consulted on ambitious proposals for a Heat in Buildings Bill which we intend to bring forward during the current Parliament.

“We have made clear that we want all public sector buildings to have moved to clean heat by the end of 2038. We expect the public sector to demonstrate leadership in this area and I am therefore very pleased to be able to confirm these first awards from the Fund. Further awards will be confirmed shortly.”

The funding is part of £200 million already committed to the public sector for energy efficiency and renewable heating over the next five years – part of the wider plan to spend £1.8 billion during the current parliamentary session on decarbonising Scotland’s buildings.

The University of Edinburgh will receive £2.08m to support the reduction of heat demand at its King’s Buildings campus, home to the College of Science and Engineering, including through fabric insulation and pipework insulation upgrades.

The project will also take steps towards the decarbonisation of heat supply. A heat recovery pump will recycle waste heat from one of the University’s data centres and upgrade it for use within a local district heating network.

Catherine Martin, Vice Principal Corporate Services, University of Edinburgh said: “The climate crisis is one of the greatest challenges we are facing.

“The University of Edinburgh has a clear commitment to take positive action to address our impact on the climate and ultimately reach our institutional goal of being net zero by 2040.

“We need a coordinated approach to these activities and the funding from the Scottish Government will support our efforts to generate solutions and sustainably adapt the way we operate.”

Grants have been confirmed for the following projects:

Recipient	Grant awarded	Project
University of Edinburgh	£2,079,459	King’s Buildings campus – to support the reduction of heat demand and take steps towards decarbonisation of heat
Fife Council	£2,404,911	St Andrew’s RC High School and Beacon Leisure Centre – installation of a combination of air-to-water heat pumps and water source heat pumps as the primary heat source for both, plus heat demand reductions at St Andrew’s RC High School
Scotland’s Rural College	£387,130	Barony Campus, Dumfries – retrofitting insulation including on the grade II listed Kirkmichael House
Perth & Kinross Council	£324,546	Auchtergaven Primary School, Bankfoot – upgrading the existing heating supply via the installation of two air source heat pumps and the installation of a building management system
North Lanarkshire Council	£2,345,176.00	Strathclyde Park Watersports Centre – whole building retrofit, redesign and extension as part of revelopment into Net Zero Health Hub
Edinburgh Napier University	£1,241,966.00	BE-ST A Lab – Removal of gas-based fossil fuel heating system as part of retrofit including Mechanical ventilation and heat recovery, a sustainable innovative curtain wall system, a solar PV integrated roof system and a sustainable LED ready lighting control system
Dumfries and Galloway Council	£2,500,000	Dumfries Ice Bowl – replacement of the mains gas system with a low emission water source heat pump with heat recapture technology to allow heat generated from the refrigeration system to be recovered, plus energy efficiency measures

A Eureka Moment: Researchers take biodegradable ‘forever chemicals’ alternative to market

Mercel becomes the latest company to spin out from Edinburgh Napier University

Two scientists who discovered they could use seaweed waste to produce a bio-degradable alternative to chemical plastics are taking their technology to the next level – after spinning out from Edinburgh Napier University (ENU).

Mark Dorris and Dominic O’Rourke founded Mercel after realising they could make high-value nanomaterial from brown seaweed extract, with zero waste.

They made the discovery during their research with the Advanced Materials group in ENU’s School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment.

Having appointed Alastair Kennedy as Chief Commercial Officer, the three-strong firm are now planning to set up a new base for the company in Fife, to develop the product’s uses and license the technology for wider production.

They have already started testing it as a replacement for synthetic plastics in a range of practical uses, including as a binder for laundry products, a waterproof coating, and a delivery system for medical ingredients.

The material could offer a sustainable substitute to some widely used synthetic chemicals, such as per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – known as ‘forever chemicals’ because of the difficulty and cost in disposing of them.

Mercel is now working with nine companies on 13 different projects to explore real-world applications.

The technology has been tested on sargassum seaweed – which has drawn worldwide headlines for washing ashore in huge quantities from the Atlantic Ocean.

By spinning out, Mercel joins an impressive list of companies that began life as projects at the University, including the likes of Cyacomb, ZoneFox, and Celtic Renewables.

Last year ENU was named among the UK’s top ten universities for generating spin-out firms by one of Europe’s largest venture capital teams.

Mark Dorris, Mercel Founder and Chief Technical Officer, said: “There are very few ‘eureka’ moments in science – but this was one of them.

“Coming from industry previously, we had no connections, no money, and no experience of seaweed.

“At many points we were hanging on by our fingertips. We drunk the last chance saloon dry. We had job offers but decided ‘we can’t let this go’.

“We immediately saw the potential of using brown seaweed cellulose from existing seaweed processing to produce nanocellulose.

“The seaweed is typically harvested for alginate, which is used mostly as a food thickener, and the cellulose left behind was historically viewed as a waste product.

“We’re aiming this at hidden plastics, binders, thickeners: many of the chemical ingredients you read on the back of a bottle and wonder what they are. They’re hard to replace, but that’s what this can do.

“Regulation on synthetic chemicals is increasingly being tightened, so we are hoping to create something future-proof – as it is completely natural, sustainable, and non-animal in its origin.

“We want it to be the best choice rather than just being the green option.”

Fiona Mason, Head of Business Engagement and IP Commercialisation at Edinburgh Napier University, said: “The climate crisis demands urgent action, and Edinburgh Napier University is committed to playing a role in finding solutions.

“The creation of Mercel demonstrates our dedication to translating cutting-edge research into real-world applications that can make a tangible difference.

“Mercel’s success is a source of great pride for us, and we commend the devoted research team behind it.

“Their expertise, passion, and commitment, supported by our skilled Business Engagement and IP team from the Research Innovation and Enterprise Office, have been instrumental in making this happen.”

Success for young entrepreneurs from George Watson’s at Young Enterprise Scotland Regional Finals

A team of pioneering young entrepreneurs from George Watson’s will be heading to Hampden Park to take part in the Young Enterprise Scotland National Finals.

Teams from Stewart’s Melville, Mary Erskine, Preston Lodge, St Georges, George Watson’s, Boroughmuir and George Heriot’s took part in the Lothian Regional Final for the Company Programme at Edinburgh Napier University, which saw George Watson’s take the crown with their business ‘Snappets.’

Snappets sells croc charms in a range of shapes and sizes, with the goal of producing a product that is suitable for everyone and promotes creativity.

The winners were presented their award by Daniel Johnson, MSP for Edinburgh Southern.

The Young Enterprise Scotland Company Programme is an immersive programme which provides a real-life learning opportunity that introduces young people from S5 and S6 to the realities of the world of work.

Participants are required to start their own company, running through the key milestones of developing an idea, conducting market research, creating the product or service, promoting that product and ultimately trading it.

Over 2,000 young people take part in the Company Programme every year in Scotland.

Young Enterprise Scotland, Chief Executive, Emma Soanes said: “The George Watson’s team is an inspiration and I wish them every success in the Scottish finals later this year.

Setting up and running their own successful company is a wonderful experience and will have given them new skills to take forward into their learning and future careers. So, whatever happens at Hampden Park, they are already winners.”

The Lothian Company Finals were sponsored by Edinburgh Napier.

The winning team will now go on to represent the Lothian region at The Young Enterprise Scotland Company Programme Finals, which are part of the three-day Festival of Youth Enterprise, running from 28th to 29th May at Hampden park.

For more details visit https://yes.org.uk/news/regional-finals-2024-07-03-2024

Craiglockhart’s history to inspire sustainability at Regeneration conference

The event is being held at Edinburgh Napier University next month

Helping brands to become more conscientious amid a complex ethical landscape will be the focus of a forum being held by Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) – which will coincide with a major business event coming to the city for the first time.

Several leading figures from the business, public and third sectors will take part in Regeneration: Leading with Conscienceat ENU’s Craiglockhart campus on 25 April.

The series of discussions are being held in collaboration with international think tank the Medinge Group, which organises the 17^th Global Brand Conference being in the capital during the same week.

The title of the event was inspired by Pat Barker’s 1991 historical novel Regeneration, which tells the experience of British army officers being treated for shell shock during World War I at Craiglockhart War Hospital, which is now ENU’s Craiglockhart Campus.

Speakers at the forum will include representatives from Medinge, drinks firm Edrington, finance giant Rabobank and environmental organisation Zero Waste Scotland – as well as leader of Dundee City Council John Alexander. Discussions will range from ethical brand leadership, to developing sustainable, long-term returns.

Researchers from ENU will be among the academics bringing research expertise to the event.

Nathalia Tjandra, Associate Professor at Edinburgh Napier University’s Business School said: “We are very excited to host this interactive forum, at our Craiglockhart Campus.

“We hope it will facilitate meaningful debates and discussions with successful figures about the challenges and opportunities of leading with conscience.

“Conscientious leadership is needed to build a successful organisation and at the same time contribute to society and the planet.

“Every action taken by an organisation will have an impact on its stakeholders and society – the important question is how we balance competing stakeholder demands and deal with moral dilemmas.

“We hope that our event will inspire leaders across Scotland to lead with conscience, act responsibly and build a sustainable future for all.”

Next generation of innovators inspired by support from collaborative health and social care initiative

Formal NHS Scotland partner InnoScot Health is proud to be part of a collaborative programme aiming to develop fresh health and social care innovations that can help solve clinical problems.

Led by Heriot-Watt and Edinburgh Napier Universities with InnoScot Health support, the initiative – labelled a “first of its kind research collaboration” – has seen engineering and nursing students pooling capabilities and know-how to hone breakthrough ideas.

It is hoped that the programme could help to progress innovations into products, leading to better patient outcomes while aiding healthcare staff in integrating innovative approaches into their daily activities.

InnoScot Health signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Heriot-Watt’s Medical Device Manufacturing Centre (MDMC) in 2022, leveraging significant expertise to accelerate medical and healthcare opportunities.

The organisation has now helped to encourage what it calls “the next generation of health and social care innovators” by providing real world project briefs to teams of Heriot-Watt engineering students while helping them build consulting and client engagement skills.

The promising ideas from NHS Scotland innovators were first submitted to InnoScot Health, which has since acted as their client and liaison point.

The learnings of the student engineering project teams – enhanced by clinical insights from Edinburgh Napier University’s nursing students and access to its specialised clinical simulation facilities – are now expected to lead to improved co-designed projects.

There are currently three ideas being developed, each of which have originated from different health boards across the country – a catheter redesign from NHS Fife; cannula cuff from NHS Forth Valley; and wobble stool from NHS Grampian.

InnoScot Health Innovation Manager Fiona Schaefer said: “Collaborating on this Heriot-Watt and Edinburgh Napier University link-up offers an excellent and important opportunity for engineering students to learn more about the demands of health and social care, to understand how products are used, and see a simulated NHS environment in action.

“Likewise, nursing students and healthcare professionals can offer feedback on prototypes with the opportunity to test them more easily and safely than would have been possible by going into hospitals and healthcare settings. 

“At the same time, they have also been encouraged to think about innovation, to realise that they have a lot to offer, and recognise the value of their know-how for future career progression. We hope this inspires them to see opportunities to develop new ideas when they soon start working in health and social care as registered healthcare professionals.”

She added: “Developing NHS ideas with student teams offers a great way to take forward early ideas to get closer to practical solutions. It’s clear that all three teams are really engaged, and we’re excited by the possibilities.

“I have also recently spoken to Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Masters students who have innovation modules as part of their course so hope there may be new avenues of innovation to explore with them too.”

Maïwenn Kersaudy-Kerhoas a Professor in Microfluidic Engineering at Heriot-Watt University and the lead academic for its new global research institute in Health and Care Technologies, has been described by InnoScot Health as “instrumental” in realising the link-up with Edinburgh Napier University through its Professor of Simulation and Clinical Skills, Cathal Breen.

Maïwenn said: “This collaboration will ensure an excellent student experience and we are very enthusiastic about the interface between nursing and engineering.

“Nurses are the closest to patient needs on a daily basis. By championing this first-hand knowledge and expertise, we enable nurses to co-create and help deliver innovation. Alongside this, our engineering students benefit from detailed real-world feedback on their health and care engineering concepts.”

Cathal Breen, Professor of Simulation and Clinical Skills at Edinburgh Napier, said: “Nurses are an untapped reservoir of innovative solutions for the health and care sector.

“In this new agreement, our students will identify potentially suitable clinical problems and work with engineering students at Heriot-Watt to design solutions to real-life clinical problems. It is hugely exciting.”

Hundreds of care experienced learners supported as Hub celebrates five years of Success

The Hub for Success aims to help more people from care into further and higher education

The team behind an innovative service, which supports care experienced people along their journey in education, is marking its fifth anniversary – having already transformed hundreds of lives.

Since it was set up in February 2018, The Hub for Success (Support for University and College for Care Experienced in South-East Scotland) has provided one-to-one support to 628 care experienced learners and responded to 1,241 enquiries.

The project was established to address low rates of higher education admission and retention for people who have spent time in care, which were initially highlighted by Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) research.

It offers individual and impartial advice on topics such as courses, accommodation, and finance to help them get in, stay in, or return to education.

Among the students it has supported in the last five years, 43% got into further or higher education – significantly higher than the national average for care experienced learners.

The Hub has since evolved from being solely a one-stop support service, taking on a more strategic role of amplifying the voices of care experienced learners and tackling the barriers they face.

ENU hosts its team of staff members – which has grown to five – while working alongside fellow core partners Heriot-Watt University, the University of Edinburgh, Queen Margaret University, the Open University in Scotland, Edinburgh College, West Lothian College, Newbattle Abbey College, and City of Edinburgh Council.

A recent independent evaluation of the Hub for Success found it has already “implemented the vast majority of its intended work,” adding that it could act as a model to be replicated in other parts of Scotland. It was also praised by First Minister Humza Yousaf as “vital” to improving the lives of care experienced people during a visit earlier this month.

Staff, partners, and some of the learners who have benefited from the service were among those who marked the Hub’s first five years of work during an anniversary event yesterday (Tuesday 20 February).

Alistair Stewart is one of the Hub’s student ambassadors – and is now completing a degree at Edinburgh Napier University. He said: “Our colleges and universities are stronger if each and every learner has what they need to thrive and succeed.

“This applies even more so to those with care experience, who often don’t have the familial supports or scaffolding of support around them.

“The Hub helped with course planning, financial planning and giving me encouragement and courage to believe that I could do this. They then helped me with the ‘staying in’ part, with a range of practical, emotional and relationship-based support.

“Three years later I am about to graduate and have been offered a masters. I have also been promoted to senior student ambassador with the Hub for Success and now take a role in designing and delivering our work.”

Lorraine Moore, Hub for Success manager said: “What a journey the last five years have been. The time has been packed full of learning from the care experienced people we serve, and the student ambassadors I am privileged to have as colleagues.

“No journey is ever straightforward, no path even, but this is a journey I would gladly take again, as I know I would continue to learn.

“From one care experienced character to all you others, thank you.”

Advisory board member, and Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, Professor Andrea Nolan, said: “I’m in awe of the talent, tenacity, and motivation our care experienced students show.

“We are delighted to have them join the Edinburgh Napier community, and I take particular joy in hearing about their achievements.

“I hope the impact of the Hub will mean many more care experienced learners can join and continue their educational journey with us as a platform for building successful and fulfilling careers.”

Are you care experienced? Interested in getting back into learning? The Hub can be contacted here.

Linlithgow lad celebrates Local Legend tag by Specsavers as he rises through refereeing ranks

A LINLITHGOW referee has received the accolade of ‘Local Legend’ as part of Specsavers’ partnership with the Scottish FA.

With thousands of people giving up their time each week across the country to ensure their community can enjoy football, the Local Legends campaign aims to shine a light on the unsung heroes dedicated to grassroots football.

Cameron Stirling, from Linlithgow, has been recognised as a Local Legend for his dedication to refereeing and for promoting officiating to youngsters as a route for development within football.

At just 21, Cameron is a category three referee, balancing officiating Lowland League games with his studies at Edinburgh Napier University.

The business management and marketing student is also a Youth Referee Ambassador, starting out in refereeing at just 16, making the senior list at 17, and hopes to one day officiate a game in the Scottish Premiership.

Speaking upon receiving the award, Cameron said, ‘I’ve played football pretty much my whole life and just love the game.

‘It’s very nice to be recognised and I’m honoured to receive it, especially when the nomination came from my peers in the referees’ department.’

From Stranraer to Banks O’ Dee, Cameron has already travelled the length and breadth of the country as both a referee and a linesman.

His passion for the game comes from growing up playing football, but now hopes refereeing can provide him with a path to the top.

As part of his recognition, last November Cameron enjoyed a day out at Hampden Park to watch Scotland’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Norway in a UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying match, courtesy of Specsavers and the Scottish FA.

Cameron also received a signed Scotland top from Steve Clarke’s men’s national squad as a part of their accolade.

Specsavers’ Arlene Stephenson, Scottish Divisional Chair, says: ‘Specsavers is proud of our long tradition in backing Scottish referees, but our current partnership sees us going further than ever, helping to raise awareness of grassroots football across the country.

‘Our Local Legends campaign is all about shining a spotlight on those away from the glamour of the top divisions, but who work just as hard to ensure Scotland’s communities benefit from the beautiful game.

‘From managing their local teams and making sure the pitch is in top shape for matchday, to referees making sure everyone’s game goes ahead or even just fervently following your club for decades – these unsung heroes embody what football is all about.

‘We are delighted to celebrate Cameron’s contribution to both football and his profession as a referee, particularly for one so young.

‘In our eyes, he truly is a Local Legend.’

Specsavers announced in 2021 that it renewed its’ sponsorship deal with football referees in Scotland, marking more than 20 years of support – one of the longest agreements of its kind in sport.

The deal has seen the partnership continue into 2024, not only helping with the training and development of referees, but also helping to raise awareness of para football and grassroots football in Scotland.

Edinburgh Napier put misunderstood condition PCOS in the spotlight ahead of International Women’s Day

A public event will bring together women with the condition, clinicians, researchers and support services

ENU’s Centre for Biomedicine and Global Health and PCOS Relief will host a public event with an expert panel on the eve of International Women’s Day.

Bringing together women with the condition, clinicians, researchers and support services, it will aim to discuss Polycystic Ovary Syndrome from the perspective of those diagnosed with it, and from the medical community.

The event will also highlight support that is currently available to those diagnosed with PCOS and consider new emerging research around it.

Mick Rae, Professor of Reproductive Biology at Edinburgh Napier, and event co-organiser said: “The aim of this event is to ensure PCOS is better understood, and more effectively supported.

“By teaming up with PCOS Relief, we hope to drive awareness, understanding and support for all dealing with the condition.”

Chand Kaur, Founder and Chief Executive of PCOS Relief, will be on the expert panel. She said: “We set up PCOS Relief to provide support to women diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, while advancing education, equality, and dedicated support services.

“This is the first event of its kind that we have ever put on, so have high hopes that it will help us achieve those aims.”

Professor Colin Duncan, Consultant in Reproductive Medicine in Edinburgh and expert panel member, who will address clinical and diagnostic aspects of the condition, said: “Polycystic ovary syndrome is a very common condition that isn’t talked about enough.

“There are a lot of myths about PCOS and educational events such as this can highlight what we know already about this condition, and what we need to focus on in the future”.

Dr Kasia Siemienowicz, Lecturer at Edinburgh Napier University, will also appear on the expert panel to discuss new PCOS findings emerging from Edinburgh-based research. She said: “In addition to the more widely known impacts upon fertility, those with PCOS are at increased risk of developing metabolic dysfunctions and obesity.

“These issues can pose significant health, well-being, and economic burdens. Therefore it is critical to better understand PCOS, and ultimately, to advance future treatments.”

Campus building photography 2020 by Student Ambassador Adriana-Iloana Cosma. Craiglockhart iecture theatre interior.

Professor Peter Barlow, Director of Edinburgh Napier University’s Centre for Biomedicine and Global Health said: “Public-facing events like this, where individuals can share their experience of PCOS with researchers, clinicians, and the wider public, can encourage more holistic approaches to PCOS care and research.

“As a multi-disciplinary group of scientists focused upon understanding origins and causes of disease, we are absolutely delighted to work with the charity PCOS Relief to support this effort.”

Professor Anna Glasier OBE, Women’s Health Champion for Scotland said: “PCOS affects women throughout the life course with symptoms often starting in the teenage years. PCOS does not go away.

“Although the menstrual symptoms disappear with the menopause, postmenopausal women who have PCOS are at increased risk of metabolic syndrome and heart disease.

“The Women’s Health platform on NHS Inform now provides a lot of information on PCOS including a short, helpful video explaining what it is and what treatments may be useful.

“This platform, together with meetings like this one will help women and healthcare providers have a greater understanding of PCOS.”

Event details:

Date: Thursday 7^th March 2024

Time: 6pm – 8:30pm

Venue: Lindsay Stewart Lecture Theatre, Edinburgh Napier University Craiglockhart Campus, 219 Colinton Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1DJ

Edinburgh Napier University appoints Lynne Cadenhead as Entrepreneur in Residence

The Women’s Enterprise Scotland chair brings a wealth of experience to the role

Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) has announced serial entrepreneur, experienced tech sector leader, and chair of Women’s Enterprise Scotland (WES) Lynne Cadenhead as its newest Entrepreneur in Residence.

The move, which is part of an effort to foster innovation and entrepreneurial excellence, will see Lynne provide support and expert advice at the University.

An alumna of ENU with a background in life sciences, Professor Lynne Cadenhead brings a remarkable track record to the role. She started and grew three successful businesses, and has more than 25 years of entrepreneurial, equity investment, and policy experience.

Lynne has also drawn recognition for her work to support women into entrepreneurship, through her post as chair of WES and as Women’s Advocate and Investor Relations Director for Tricapital Angels Limited.

In her new role as Entrepreneur in Residence, Lynne Cadenhead will join The Royal Society’s Entrepreneur in Residence scheme, a part of the Science, Industry, and Translation programme. This initiative aims to enhance knowledge and awareness in UK universities of cutting-edge industrial science, research, and innovation.

As Entrepreneur in Residence, Lynne will be actively involved in fostering a more entrepreneurial environment for women across Edinburgh Napier University.

This reflects the University’s commitment to encouraging and supporting women in entrepreneurship, aligning with its dedication to driving positive change and advancing gender equality.

Lynne Cadenhead said: “I am honoured to be taking up the role of Entrepreneur in Residence at Edinburgh Napier University.

“If we want to unlock Scotland’s economic potential, we need to champion the entrepreneurial spirit across academia and contribute to a culture of innovation.

“Drawing from my own journey, I am particularly excited about supporting and inspiring women in enterprise, as they face numerous additional barriers when it comes to starting and growing a business.

“This new role will allow me to actively contribute to the university’s commitment to fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial mindset for all.”

Nick Fannin, Head of Enterprise at Bright Red Triangle, ENU’s enterprise hub, said: “We are thrilled to have Lynne Cadenhead join us as our latest Entrepreneur in Residence.

“Lynne’s incredible personal experience in building companies and her commitment to supporting the next generation of entrepreneurial women aligns perfectly with Edinburgh Napier’s mission to nurture and support the women in our university community, enabling them to have real impact in their academic careers, and to commercialise their research.

“We believe Lynne’s expertise will have a profound impact on our students, staff, and alumni as they embark on their entrepreneurial journeys.

“Lynne’s presence will be a tremendous asset to our community, and we are committed to bringing about positive change.”

‘Libraries of Inspiration’ aim to encourage underrepresented children into engineering

Project has been backed by nearly £100k in funding

Girls, young carers and children from other backgrounds which are underrepresented in engineering will be offered educational kits as part of an Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) project designed to bring STEM-related subjects to life.

‘Libraries of Inspiration’ has been awarded a grant of £99,700 from The Royal Academy of Engineering’s Diversity Impact Programme to launch in areas across central Scotland, including Edinburgh, West Lothian and North Lanarkshire.

The project, which is led by Dr Debbie Meharg from ENU’s School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment, aims to empower 12 and 13-year-olds to become future leaders in the engineering industry by demonstrating how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics shape the world around them.

It will see 10 subject-specific resources co-created by students, school staff, and academics, which are then housed in high school libraries.

The kits are to be designed for various underrepresented backgrounds, incorporating topics like fashion, film, and sustainability.

They will explore cutting-edge technologies such as virtual and augmented reality, sound, robotics, information systems, and AI – while using peer groups and role models to build confidence.

Libraries of Inspiration is one of three new projects to be backed by the Diversity Impact Programme, which aims to address unequal outcomes experienced by engineering students from diverse groups. This is the third round of grants to be awarded since it launched in 2021.

The Programme is funded through the Academy’s allocation of funding from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Dr Debbie Meharg, Associate Professor and Head of Applied Informatics at ENU said: “It’s really exciting to be launching a project which will encouraging girls, young carers, and underrepresented pupils to pursue computing and engineering careers.

“It is not just about fairness, it’s about unlocking the full potential of these pupils, giving them opportunities and also for the betterment of society, the economy, and the field of engineering.

“The concept of a library provides a familiar and inclusive space for individuals to find agency and inspiration.

“It allows them to explore new technologies, break down barriers, and discover their own path.”

Joanna Whiteman, Head of Diversity and Inclusion at the Royal Academy of Engineering, said: “I find it impossible to overstate how vital it is that we find new and better ways to tackle the long-standing inequality of experience and outcomes for engineering students and graduates from underrepresented groups.

“So I am encouraged to see how the Diversity Impact Programme is unlocking such ingenuity on the part of staff and students as they collaborate to tackle this problem together.

“Emerging findings from the projects we have supported to date are already providing important insights into how universities can cultivate more inclusive cultures at a critical stage for aspiring engineers.”