Edinburgh Napier University – Page 2 – The NEN

Cost of living crisis forces low-income households to ‘drastically modify’ travel habits

Edinburgh architecture. Trafic on Princes Streeet in front of Edinburgh Castle.

An Edinburgh Napier University study suggests inflation has worsened transport inequalities

The cost of living crisis has deepened inequalities in the way people in Scotland are able to travel, according to an Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) study.

Analysis of Transport Scotland survey results by researchers at ENU’s Transport Research Institute (TRI) and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki show that rising inflation during 2022 disproportionately affected how those from low-income households and ethnic minorities can get about.

More than one in four respondents said they had changed their usual mode of transport to save money, while nearly 38% appeared to reduce their number of journeys.

While people on low incomes were forced to ‘drastically modify’ their travel habits, soaring costs also had an unequal effect on women, millennials, rural residents, and people with disabilities.

The study concludes that more action needs to be taken to make transport more affordable and accessible, in order to prevent people from becoming socially isolated.

Staff portraits October 2018 Achille Fonzone

Achille Fonzone, Professor of Transport Analysis and Planning at Edinburgh Napier University’s School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment, said: “These findings shed light on how the cost of living crisis has exacerbated already existing inequalities in how people are able to get around.

“Travel makes up a large portion of people’s overall spending, and greatly influences inflation. Although latest figures signal an encouraging trend around personal vehicles and fuel, public transport fares are increasing above the general rise in living costs.

“If remedial measures are not taken soon by central government and local authorities, disparities will only deepen further.”

Greg Fountas, Assistant Professor at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and Associate member of TRI, added: “During times of economic crisis, public transport should be leading the way towards more affordable, sustainable travel, otherwise more and more people will be at risk of transport poverty and, in turn, social exclusion.

“Prioritising investment in policies such as fare caps, concessionary ticket schemes, improved active travel infrastructure or community transport programmes would not only help narrow these inequalities, but also help us towards environmental targets.”

Other conclusions from the study, ‘The Impact of the Cost-Of-Living Crisis on Travel Choices of Scottish Residents: An Exploratory Analysis’, include:

· People living in the central belt, with more public transport options, were more likely to have changed how they travel, while people in Highlands and Islands were more prone to reducing the number of journeys

· Generally, respondents were more likely to reduce their trips rather than change transport method because of cost

· Those who responded to the survey later in 2022 were more likely to have changed their habits, as the impact of the cost of living crisis was felt

· Being from a low-income household was the most significant variable on reducing journeys

· Women were more likely to cut down on trips than men

The Public Attitudes Survey by Transport Scotland, which was first conducted in 2020, formed the basis for this study. Three waves of the survey were carried out in 2022, the last of which coincided with inflation surpassing 11% – a 41-year high. Answers from 2,705 people, who were deemed representative of ‘a key strata’ of the Scottish population, were statistically analysed.

The findings, which are undergoing peer review, will be presented to a conference in the United States next year.

Edinburgh Napier researchers launch ‘smart city playbook’ for United Nations

‘Managing smart city governance’ draws on Scottish examples of harnessing digital technology

A new United Nations resource to help cities around the world harness the benefits of digital technology has been completed and launched by researchers at Edinburgh Napier University.

‘Managing smart city governance’ is described as a playbook of practical recommendations to improve urban life with the use of cutting-edge tech.

Professor Luca Mora and Dr Paolo Gerli from ENU’s Business School led the research team behind it, offering practical guidance to local and regional governments leading ‘smart city’ projects. Existing examples include real-time monitoring of traffic data, and online platforms to enhance civic participation.

The recommendations are intended to help develop more effective, inclusive, and sustainable urban areas, by showing how cities worldwide have been successfully dealing with the ethical, societal and environmental implications of digital technologies.

The final publication draws on examples from Scotland for cities in other parts of the world to follow, including the collaborative Scottish Cities Alliance, the launch of the Scottish Digital Academy, and Glasgow’s Participatory Budgeting Evaluation Toolkit.

Professor Mora presented the final document to the Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona on Wednesday.

Reacting to the launch, he said: “This playbook draws together evidence-based advice, offering what we hope will be guidance that makes a positive difference around the world.

“Digital technology offers many opportunities for leaders of local and municipal governments – and it could revolutionise the quality of life for people who live in urban areas.

“The potential of these technologies is almost limitless, so it is important that they are put in place strategically and collaboratively to make the most of them.”

The playbook itself is based on a review of existing evidence, a survey of local government leaders from 250 municipalities across five continents, and interviews with 131 experts from 37 different countries. The findings are then split into three pillars: strategy, collaborative ecosystem and technology.

As well as ENU, the playbook was jointly produced by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, and Tallinn University of Technology.

New graduate Lewis is flying high after student life in the fast lane

Formula Student leader Lewis Kaye is already putting his software engineering degree to use

A new Edinburgh Napier University graduate, who led his student colleagues to Silverstone success with a driverless car, has landed his dream job working on jet aircraft radar.

Lewis Kaye used the skills from his BEng (Hons) Software Engineering course to found the Formula Student Team Napier Driverless Team in the summer of last year – who were tasked with designing the system behind an autonomous racing vehicle.

Just a year later, they finished fourth in an event dubbed the world’s biggest student engineering competition at the home of the British Grand Prix.

The 23-year-old from Oldmeldrum in Aberdeenshire collected his degree at the Usher Hall last week, having started work at Leonardo’s Edinburgh base working on the Eurofighter Typhoon.

Lewis said: “I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I left school. I went to an Edinburgh Napier open day and eventually picked software engineering. I’ve certainly never regretted it since!

“The Formula Student team didn’t exist at all until a couple of years ago. I just happened to bump into Lucas, who was behind it, at a university social event.

“Because of my degree, it was the perfect opportunity to start a driverless team. Thankfully, a lot of people were interested in joining.

“Formula Student was probably vital to landing the job. It really came to light when I did my interview. I did a presentation of my work with the team, and I think that hit well.”

Lewis’s driverless team of around 15 ENU students were the only group from around 20 teams in this year’s IMechE Formula Student competition to complete the 10 lap Endurance Event without hitting a cone. They finished one point away from 3rd place overall.

Lewis added: “To get that result in our first ever year competing is unheard of in the FS-AI competition, and I think really demonstrates our achievement and what we can do when we put our minds to it.

“What makes me proudest is seeing the idea grow into a talented and welcoming team that will be here to stand for years to come, and that future students can get involved with such a fantastic project alongside their main degree. I have made some unforgettable friendships along the way.

“It’s one of those things, you keep your head down and keep working, and later you take a step back and say ‘yeah, this is pretty cool!”

As for the future, Lewis concluded: “I’d love to get involved in space one day. I just want to keep improving.”

Aussie rules football umpire ditches Hawaii for Edinburgh to pick up degree during honeymoon

A top-level umpire in Australian rules football has called half-time on his honeymoon to attend his Edinburgh Napier University graduation ceremony.

John Howorth and his wife Morgan, who are from Melbourne, decided to combine the trip to collect his MSc Performance Enhancement in Sports Officiating with their first holiday as a married couple.

The pair tied the knot in January – following two Covid-related postponements – while John continued his studies online from Australia.

The 30-year-old AFL whistler had no hesitation in planning the romantic getaway around his walk across the stage at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall – braving the rain and donning a kilt for the occasion.

He said: “Originally Morgan wanted to go to Hawaii, but when our wedding got postponed it didn’t work with the footy calendar. When I found out my graduation date, coming here worked perfectly.

“I’ve always wanted to come to Scotland to play golf, so coming here because of uni was no problem.

“When I brought it up with Morgan she said she’d be happy to pack the big jumpers!”

John credits his time at ENU for bringing about a big improvement in his performance as an AFL umpire – where he takes charge of big matches in Australia’s most popular sport.

He had been officiating at the top level for two years, before he decided to apply.

John said: “I’d made the jump to elite level and found it quite confronting, so I wanted to find a way to improve. I was looking for any avenue to get better – because I had to.

“In my first year in the course I was in the bottom 10% of the umpires’ ranking. Within 12 months I was in the top 40%. It was a jump you’d normally be expected to take five or six years to make.

“Consciously I wasn’t doing anything different, but the stats told it all. The course was a little golden nugget for me.

“It wasn’t a big cohort, but we had a great range of people from different sports to compare experiences with.

“I hadn’t done anything like this before. I found it very challenging at first, but the lecturers held my hand all the way through.”

Edinburgh Napier’s MSc Performance Enhancing in Sports Officiating is the first course of its kind at a Masters level, offering teaching tailored to the students’ needs – including skills like communication, game management, high-pressure decision making and leadership.

The first cohort graduated last year, with current and past students including officials from football, basketball, cricket and rugby.

Programme Leader and Associate Professor of Sport Psychology & Coaching with Edinburgh Napier University’s School of Applied Sciences, Dr Duncan Mascarenhas, said: “John will be the first to admit that when he began he was not an experienced academic, but he brought incredible drive, enthusiasm and energy to the group.

“He soon showed that his studies were innovative – and because he operated at the highest level of AFL he was able to show real measurable improvements in his decision accuracy levels.

“In one ‘what happened next?’ study, he developed a training package designed to develop game understanding in a group of community level umpires, which increased his accuracy levels.

“Johnny was class representative for the cohort and other staff have commented how they’re going to miss him at meetings, for his no-nonsense approach and positivity.”

Following their trip to Scotland – with John even making time for a round of golf at St Andrews – the happy couple will conclude the honeymoon in France before heading home.

Edinburgh Napier’s autumn graduation ceremonies were held between 24-26 October at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall. Tthe nearby Shakespeare’s pub, on Lothian Road, was renamed The Napier Graduate for the occasion.

‘Look at what your mum did!’: Nursing graduate completes degree after having baby daughter

Christina Finlayson has collected her degree with little Ember

A new mum, who wanted to prove to her baby daughter that she could complete her studies, has celebrated collecting her nursing degree from Edinburgh Napier University.

Christina Finlayson was out on placement during her second year of studying for a BN in Adult Nursing when she discovered she was pregnant.

Fast forward to last Wednesday and the 33-year-old, from Rosewell, picked up her degree from the Usher Hall in Edinburgh, with one-year-old Ember watching on.

Reflecting on her journey, Christina said: “When you find out you’re pregnant, it’s amazing, but then there’s that next thought of ‘what am I going to do?’ I was like ‘that’s it, that’s the end of my career!’

“I told my personal development tutor, Emma Trotter, about the situation. She was really helpful and explained everything to me. I was quite surprised that there was so much support in place to help me through pregnancy.

“Looking back, it’s definitely an achievement, especially when I was going out to 12-hour shifts with a baby at home.

“It was really hard, but I’m proud and glad that I got through it, because I can say to Ember when she’s older: ‘look at what your mum did’!”

Christina began her studies in 2019, meaning she had to adjust to changes brought about by the pandemic, as well as the arrival of Ember.

Since completing her studies, Christina has started working with East Lothian’s Community Treatment and Care Service, providing a range of services to patients across the region.

Christina Finlayson BN Adult nursing SHSC. Had a baby during studies. 20 Months old Baby Ember in mums arms

And she has this advice to anyone who receives similar news while studying: “Don’t worry too much! I was always worrying, thinking what if, what if. But if you just take each day as it comes and do a little bit at a time, it’s possible.

“I found that when Ember was napping, I’d get some work done – or when she was at nursery and I wasn’t on placement. It was all just about finding that balance.”

Edinburgh Napier’s autumn graduation ceremonies were held between 24-26 October at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall. Once again the nearby Shakespeare’s pub, on Lothian Road, was renamed The Napier Graduate for the occasion.

Breaking Barriers students join Edinburgh Napier graduation ceremony after completing acclaimed course

The programme is run in partnership between ENABLE, ENU and EY

Enable. students with their awards at the Edinburgh Napier University graduation ceremony .

Students from a pioneering programme to help support young people with learning disabilities into higher education and work have played a part in Edinburgh Napier University’s graduation celebrations for the first time.

Breaking Barriers is a partnership between the charity ENABLE, ENU, and professional services firm EY, offering participants the opportunity to gain an accredited qualification.

Run by The Business School at the University, it helps support young people with learning disabilities make the transition to university and higher education through a combination of supportive study and work placements.

The latest cohort collected their qualification during Edinburgh Napier’s autumn graduations, crossing the stage during a ceremony at this city’s Usher Hall with friends and family watching on.

Professor Andrea Nolan, Principal & Vice Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, said: “It’s really important for our Breaking Barriers students to be a part of our graduations where we celebrate achievements from across the University.

“For these young people, their achievements have been fantastic. I feel proud of them. I’ve met them all and listened to their stories and it brought a tear to my eye.

“Programmes like Breaking Barriers show people what’s possible. They provide opportunity. It really brings to life what we mean by an inclusive community. One of our values at Edinburgh Napier University is inclusion and so I hope that others will see the types of programmes that we offer, the success of the students that come and the opportunities that are open to them in the future.”

Programme leader Dr Malcolm McGregor, Lecturer at Edinburgh Napier University’s Business School, said: “We are all just chuffed to bits to have the opportunity to work with this cohort.

“They are all wonderful people and we feel we are doing something very important to support their growth and development not only in terms of academic capability but more importantly perhaps, giving them confidence to make decisions they weren’t able to take a year ago.

“I am proud as punch to be supported by a highly experienced and knowledgeable team of academic staff who are all totally committed to making sure the programme is a huge success.”

Breaking Barriers is taught at ENU by Mike Sanderson, Malcolm McGregor, Joan McLatchie, Andy Moffat and Kyle Andrews. It also formed part of The Business School’s successful bid to gain AACSB accreditation.

Seven students took part in the 2022-23 programme, where they learned skills in areas, including accounting and finance, marketing hospitality and customer service, and human resource management. All elements of the ‘Applied Business Skills’ module are taught on ENU’s Craiglockhart campus, with students then applying their knowledge in a work setting at EY.

The programme, which ENABLE began running in 2018 at the University of Strathclyde, has seen 90% of graduates go on to secure employment or further education and training opportunities in recent years.

Screenwriting student Laura enjoys novel graduation

Laura Goodwin’s book is out a few days after collecting her degree at the Usher Hall

An Edinburgh Napier screenwriting student has had two reasons to celebrate her graduation – as it coincides with the publication of her debut novel.

Laura Goodwin began writing ‘One Last Mission’ in 2022 before beginning her course at ENU, where she was able to hone her storytelling craft.

The 28-year-old from Ayr says working on the book – which she describes as ‘James Bond meets Hamlet’ – gave her an extra creative outlet alongside her coursework.

Laura said: “I’ve always been writing stories and scripts since I was a young kid. I’m neurodiverse and my brain is constantly overthinking everything. I was hyperfixating during lockdown in 2020 when I came up with the idea for this book, fully-formed.

“I finally completed the novel, all 150,000 words and 425 pages of it, in April this year.”

After finishing the book, Laura had it published, and brought one of the first copies along to her graduation ceremony at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall.

As for her studies, Laura hopes the year-long MA Screenwriting programme will help give her a springboard into the production side of film and television.

Laura Goodwin Graduated in MA Screen Writing and is about to publish her first novel “One Last Mission’ at Edinburgh Napier University.

She added: “I sent in my application 12 hours before the deadline, two days after discovering the degree existed. The course was a lot of work but it was great. It solidified what I want to do and made me feel like I made the right choice.

“I can’t put into words how proud of myself I am that after everything I’ve managed to get to a place in my life where I’ve achieved this.

“Not only am I graduating with a masters degree, my debut novel will be published and available to the world five days later.”

One Last Mission is available to buy from 31 October – and Laura already has plans to write another novel!

Jupiter Artland founder honoured by Edinburgh Napier

Sculpture garden inspires next generation

The co-founder of world-renowned contemporary art attraction Jupiter Artland has spoken of her pride after being awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Edinburgh Napier University.

Nicky Wilson was given the honour during the University’s graduation ceremony at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall, in recognition of her work to inspire the next generation of artists.

An accomplished artist in her own right, Nicky set up Jupiter Artland on the outskirts of Edinburgh in 2009, with the park’s distinctive sculptured grass landscape and permanent works quickly establishing it as one of Scotland’s most significant artistic projects.

Nicky said: “It means so much to me to have the work of Jupiter Artland and the team over the last 20 years recognised by the University.

“It’s a wonderful thing to be given a graduation, when I didn’t have one right at the beginning. I did get my degree, but I didn’t go to it.

“It’s with regret that I didn’t go because I now know how much it feels like you’re at the beginning of another chapter of your life. And funnily enough, this feels like the beginning of another chapter of my life.

“The recognition from the work that’s been done so far is just spurring me on to do more.”

Born in Edinburgh, Nicky graduated with a BA, then an MA in sculpture – continuing to practice it alongside a career in marketing and PR.

Since the creation of Jupiter Artland, it was nominated for ArtFund’s Museum of the Year in 2016. It has also become a powerful learning space for young people, offering free school visits throughout the year.

In 2017, Nicky founded Jupiter Rising, a festival of avant-garde music, art and film for young artists and performers from diverse backgrounds, and in 2018 she set up the ORBIT Youth Council, a creative collective for 16 to 18-year-olds from all over Scotland. Most recently, Jupiter+ was established as an offsite commissioning programme designed to inspire the next generation of artists.

There have also been several examples of collaboration between Jupiter Artland and Edinburgh Napier University.

One project involved replicating the entire park in Minecraft – which was used to connect with young people across the world during lockdown – while a recent immersive installation to a formerly vacant shop on Ayr’s high street included a learning experience put together with the help of ENU.

Giving the laureation speech to award Nicky with an Honorary Degree of Doctor of the University, Dr Tom Flint, Associate Professor in Edinburgh Napier’s School of Arts & Creative Industries, said: “It is hard to imagine anyone with more passion for art, artists and the opportunities creative practice affords than Nicky.

“Working with Nicky and her team has opened a world of radical engagement and inclusivity. The resulting knowledge generated from our collaborations has been presented at conferences around the world.

“Nicky’s generosity and outlook have augmented my own practice as well that of as numerous colleagues and students. As a university we have immense gratitude for all she has achieved.”

Founding Edinburgh Book Festival Director recognised with Honorary Doctorate from Edinburgh Napier

Jenny Brown has worked with many of the biggest names in Scottish literature

A leading figure in Edinburgh’s book scene, and founding Director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, has been recognised with an Honorary Doctorate from Edinburgh Napier University.

Jenny Brown established the literary agency Jenny Brown Associates in 2002, and previously served as Head of Literature at the Scottish Arts Council and presented book programmes for STV.

She is now Vice-Chair of Edinburgh International Book Festival, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.

Jenny was awarded her new title of Doctor of the University, and collected her Honorary Degree, during Edinburgh Napier’s graduation ceremony at the Usher Hall today (Wednesday), in recognition of her major contribution to literature and publishing.

Jenny Brown Founding director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival receiving an Honorary Doctorate At Edinburgh Napier University

Jenny said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be receiving this Doctorate – it’s a real honour. I’ve had a long association with the University. I’ve talked to the publishing students, I’ve had lots of interns at my literary agency from the publishing course, and I’ve been to the creative writing studios quite a number of times. So it’s a lovely honour.

“It’s thrilling to have somebody who has worked in literature all their life recognised this way. I’m not an academic, I’m somebody who believes in the power of reading and power of writing – and somebody who believes very strongly that Scottish writing has got a lot to offer on the international stage.”

Giving her laureation, David Bishop, creative writing lecturer at ENU’s School of Arts and Creative Industries, said: “If anyone who knows the value of a story, it’s Jenny – a woman who revolutionised the way Scotland thinks about reading, writing and publishing.

“A 40-year career in the arts, festivals, publishing and literature has given Jenny a unique perspective on the ability of writers to move and inspire us, and on the power of stories to entertain, to educate and to enthral.

“There is no doubt Jenny’s involvement has been a significant part in the renaissance of Scotland’s writing and publishing industries.”

Jenny was born in Manchester but grew up in Edinburgh. At the age of 24, she was given six months to pull the first Edinburgh book festival together in 1983. It proved so successful it returned two years later and became the annual fixture it is today.

Today she runs an acclaimed literary agency in Edinburgh with a roster of bestselling and multi-award-winning authors. She has worked with William McIlvanney, the godfather of Tartan Noir, and helps keep alive the work of acclaimed writers such as George Mackay Brown and Alasdair Gray.

In addition to her storied career in literature, Jenny has been a consultant for the creation of Edinburgh Napier’s acclaimed BA English programme, taken on students from the Publishing Masters as interns, and been a frequent guest speaker on the University’s Creative Writing programme.

Edinburgh Napier’s autumn graduation ceremonies are being held between 24-26 October at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall. Once again the nearby Shakespeare’s pub, on Lothian Road, is being renamed The Napier Graduate for the occasion.

Different class: Hibs captain picks up degree from Edinburgh Napier

Paul Hanlon has graduated with distinction – and added a medal to his collection

Hibernian captain Paul Hanlon has collected a different kind of silverware – marking his outstanding academic performance – after graduating from Edinburgh Napier University.

The 33-year-old footballer completed his BA Business and Enterprise in Sport with Distinction, and won the class medal in recognition of outstanding academic performance.

After three years of study on the programme, which is designed specifically for athletes, the Scotland international picked up his degree during a ceremony at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall yesterday.

Reflecting on his time with ENU, Paul said: “Studying has helped massively in dealing with the pressure of sport. It has given me a separate focus away from football.

“The course was a real eye-opener. It took a bit of getting used to. Things like the academic way of writing and reading were completely new to me.

“In football, things are black and white. Suddenly, I had to understand a bit more about dealing with grey areas – forming opinions and backing them up.

“At first it was nerve-racking! I left school a long time ago, so hadn’t done anything like this for a while.

“There is that daunting aspect of getting started, but the support you get here is amazing.”

Paul completed his programme as a Dual Career student – which allows athletes, or people working in sport, to fit their studies around their professional career.

During his time with ENU’s School of Applied Sciences, Paul won his first Scotland cap, and was named club captain at Hibs, all while competing at the top level of Scottish football.

The 2016 Scottish Cup winner says the course has opened new paths he could take when the time comes to hang up his boots. He said: “I don’t know exactly what I’m going to do once I finish playing, but this helps me cover a lot of bases. I feel well prepared.

“There were modules which helped with leadership and coaching, while others dealt with the business side of the game.

“It has given me a new confidence and determination to keep learning. I’m now doing the Applied Football Management course at ENU because of this – I don’t want to stop.

“I don’t think I would be like that now if it wasn’t for this course.”

Dr Tom Campbell, Programme Lead for BA Business & Enterprise in Sport said: “Paul has set a fantastic example to our Dual Career students.

“During his time with us, he has displayed outstanding academic performance, all while competing at such a high level in his sport.

“We have a strong track record of supporting athletes through their studies, and it is pleasing to see Paul develop his thirst for knowledge with us.”

Edinburgh Napier’s autumn graduation ceremonies are being held from 24 – 26 October at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall.