Tag: Edinburgh Napier University

Animation lecturer hunting industry terms needing a BSL sign

Jon Mortimer’s project aims to make animation and visual effects careers more accessible

An Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) lecturer is hoping to make animation, visual effects and gaming more inclusive – by identifying industry and technical phrases that need their own sign in British Sign Language (BSL).

Award-winning animator Jon Mortimer was inspired by his efforts to learn BSL alongside his 4-year-old son, as well as experience of supporting deaf students at ENU, where he teaches 3D animation and modelling.

Jon leads the community project, Animsign, with the aim of gathering words from the world of animation that don’t currently have a specific BSL sign. He took the research to industry events around the world to seek suggestions from professionals, educators and signers.

Following his work with the deaf community and industry to develop new signs, Jon created an animated explainer video to help get the word out and provide further information.

An Animsign pilot at a conference in Scotland helped to pinpoint 74 terms which needed a new sign, such as WIP (work in progress), pipeline and props.

Jon is now inviting members of the deaf community, educators and animation and games professionals who are interested in being involved with Animsign to reach out, and work towards developing a BSL glossary of animation and gaming terminology.

There are thought to be more than 70 million sign language users worldwide, with more than 300 different sign languages. It is hoped that having a more accessible breadth of BSL terms could open potential new career opportunities to people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Jon said: “Gaps in language can put people starting out in animation at a major disadvantage. It is like looking up a technical term in the dictionary and finding a blank page.

“Our aim with Animsign is to create a bridge between the animation and games sectors and the deaf community.

“My family and I have been learning BSL to support my son, who currently has limited language. Learning sign language has allowed him to express himself so much more than before.

“I think it is so important that we work with people from the deaf community and not for them, which is what I have aimed to do throughout this project, while also working with deaf artists.

“The hope is that with support like this we can make the process of learning about animation more accessible.

“You don’t need to be an animator to work in animation. This could open up a whole range of careers to talented people who have stories to tell.”

Jon now hopes to take this research further by forming focus groups of animation & games professionals, educators and sign language users to develop a glossary of new signs. He is encouraging anyone and everyone to get in touch with him and talk about his research.

Pioneering conference highlights neurodiversity and policing

A pioneering conference – offering a unique platform for learning, exploring, and challenging how neurodiversity impacts Police Scotland officers and staff as well as the public they serve – took place this week.

Neurodiversity and Policing brought together international and local speakers from academia, public health and policing as well as those with lived experience, to explore the subject and share knowledge and understanding.

Around 15% of the public are considered to be neurodivergent. However, it is estimated that between 20 and 30% of Police Scotland officers and staff could be neurodivergent – making them one of the largest minority groups in the service.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland said: “Police Scotland is committed to creating a supportive, welcoming and inclusive culture for all our communities. We also strive to create a sense of belonging and a working environment where our colleagues are encouraged to achieve.

“Our officers and staff are drawn from our own communities and neurodivergent colleagues make up a substantial part of Police Scotland’s workforce. They also offer valued skills and unique perspectives that enhance our police service.

“As Police Scotland’s lead for neurodiversity and, as a neurodivergent leader in the public sector, it is a subject I am passionate about.

“Our refreshed Policing Together vision and programme is aimed at learning and improving. It is about creating a working environment where people know they belong. This vision is underpinned by a human rights approach to policing, focused on delivering the highest standard of service for our diverse communities.

“This landmark and extremely important conference provided the opportunity to share knowledge, lived experiences and help understand what neurodiversity is and allow those attending to access support, where it is required.”

Dr Inga Heyman from the School of Health and Social Care at Edinburgh Napier University, said: “Along with our partners, we were delighted to host this important knowledge exchange event.

“We have a strong history of partnership working at the intersect of policing and public health. We recognise that no one organisation is adequately skilled, equipped and resourced to support people and communities to make lasting change.

“It is crucial we come together across sectors, to explore the academic evidence, practice and lived experiences of police officers who may be neurodivergent to recognise the challenges they face, but also the strengths their neurodivergence brings to their work.

“It is equally important that we learn from people who come in contact with police who are neurodivergent to better understand how practice can be enhanced to support them.”

The event was hosted by Edinburgh Napier University in partnership with Police Scotland, the Global Law Enforcement and Public Health Association and the Scottish Institute for Policing Research.

Students come together for biggest ever nursing and midwifery careers day at Edinburgh Napier

More than 450 attend annual event

More than 450 students and almost 100 healthcare professionals have come together at Edinburgh Napier University’s biggest-ever nursing and midwifery careers day at its Sighthill campus.

Hosted in the University’s ENGAGE sports facility this week (4 Feb 2025), the event gave attendees the opportunity to meet with employers and learn more about available graduate roles in both nursing and midwifery.

Alongside the NHS, the range of healthcare professionals in attendance was wide and varied with organisations such as the Royal Navy Medical Branch, Royal Air Force, Marie Curie, CHAS, The Royal College of Nursing, William Quarrier Scottish Epilepsy Centre and private healthcare providers represented at the event.

Also in attendance were a range of Edinburgh Napier services including its Student Futures careers team – who helped organise the event – the University’s Alumni team, Bright Red Triangle, Edinburgh Napier’s hub for enterprise practice, a postgraduate recruitment team and a School of Health and Social Care research team.

Exhibitors were also able to undertake tours of the learning facilities at the University’s Sighthill campus, including its purpose-built Simulation and Clinical Skills Centre.

Students studying undergraduate and postgraduate Nursing, Midwifery, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Social Work programmes at Edinburgh Napier are taught within the centre, benefitting from realistic environments and NHS ward-like settings.

Professor Susan Dawkes, Dean of Edinburgh Napier’s School of Health and Social Care, said: “It was great to welcome so many employers on campus to meet our students and showcase the wealth of career options open to graduate nurses and midwives, from joining the NHS to opportunities to join the health and medical teams in the armed forces, or exploring some of the many other career options now open. 

“Employers too were delighted to join tours of our Simulation and Clinical Skills Centre, which remains at the forefront of practical training for our student nurses and midwives.”

Adam Watling, Head of Edinburgh Napier’s Student Futures team, said: “Our nursing and midwifery careers day has been one of the biggest and best yet, and we are so pleased with the reach it has had and the experience of our students and visiting health care professionals across the day. 

“The success is thanks to the effective collaboration between Student Futures and School of Health and Social and the planning and focus on securing a range of exhibitors for our many students to meet throughout the day.

“As a University, Edinburgh Napier is dedicated to ensuring that our students have the best possible careers support before and after graduation, and these types of events are a critical part of that commitment.

“We are looking forward to sharing success stories from across the day as we start to review the many insights that emerge from attendees, in the weeks and months to follow.”

Edinburgh Napier University is one of the largest providers of nursing and midwifery education in Scotland offering courses in a variety of nursing specialisms including adult nursing, child health nursing, learning disability nursing and mental health nursing.

The programmes are part of the University’s School of Health and Social Care which is home to a vibrant academic community of more than 3,000 students and 120 staff.

More information on the School itself can be found at:

https://www.napier.ac.uk/about-us/our-schools/the-school-of-health-and-social-care.

New project to study sharks and skates in Scottish waters

EDINBURGH NAPIER UNIVERSITY TO LEAD AMBITIOUS STUDY

The Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland (MASTS) has secured funding for a groundbreaking project studying sharks and skates in Scottish waters – the SharkScape project.

Sharks and skates play a crucial role in marine ecosystems around Scotland but are often misunderstood. Edinburgh Napier University will lead the ambitious study which aims to enhance our understanding of these species.

The project team includes researchers from the University of Edinburgh, the Scottish Association of Marine Science, the University of the Highlands and Islands, the Orkney Skate Trust, the University of Aberdeen, Marine Directorate Science, and NatureScot.

The first project stage will bring together existing data on sharks and skates and identify knowledge gaps. The second stage will use advanced and innovative methods – such as tagging technology, environmental DNA, and underwater video – to map distribution, migratory patterns, population dynamics, and interactions of these fish with their environment.

The findings are expected to provide valuable insights into the conservation needs of the species, helping to inform sustainable management practices and nature-positive solutions that will help protect and enhance the delicate balance of our marine ecosystems.

This initiative underscores the commitment of MASTS members to understanding the marine environment and informing decision making that positively affects the sustainability of our seas and oceans.

Lead researcher Dr James Thorburn, Associate Professor of Marine Ecology at Edinburgh Napier University’s Centre for Conservation and Restoration Science said: “The impact of this research extends far beyond scientific curiosity.

“As apex predators, sharks and skates are essential for maintaining the health and diversity of marine life. By shedding light on the behaviour and health of these species in Scottish waters, we hope to enhance our ecological knowledge and strengthen efforts to safeguard marine biodiversity.

“Securing this funding marks a pivotal moment in our quest to understand and protect these fish in Scottish waters. They are among the most threatened vertebrates on the planet because of factors such as historic overfishing, habitat removal, and climate change.

“Our research will provide the data needed to develop effective conservation strategies, ensuring the overall stability of oceanic ecosystems. We are excited to embark on this crucial journey and look forward to our findings having a positive impact on marine biodiversity and sustainability efforts.”

The funding for this project has been provided by Shell U.K. Limited to support research related to species and habitat conservation in the marine environment under its ambition to have a positive impact on biodiversity.

The funding agreement is for £1 million over three years.

Napier Student Film Festival Winners Announced

Edinburgh Napier University celebrated student films from around the world at the inaugural Napier Student Film Festival, held from 13 – 15th November 2024.

The event brought together student filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts in a dynamic celebration of creativity and storytelling through the art of filmmaking. 

Award Winners: 

  • Best Film: “Yeehaw” by John Kelbie (Edinburgh Napier University) 
  • Best Documentary: “New Town” by Campbell Anderson (Northern Film School) 
  • Best Animation: “Someone Else’s Story” by Michal Lustig (Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design Jerusalem) 
  • Best International Film: “Son of Happiness” by Dominik Mirecki (Warsaw Film School) 
  • Best Napier Film: “Yeehaw” by John Kelbie (Edinburgh Napier University) 

Evans Eghan, President of Edinburgh Napier Students’ Association (ENSA), said: “The Napier Student Film Festival is more than just a platform for showcasing student films; it’s a hub for creativity, collaboration, and growth.

“By bringing together filmmakers, academics, and industry professionals, we aim to foster a community where emerging talents can thrive and build connections that will shape their future careers.” 

The festival, organised by ENSA, featured an array of engaging activities, including: 

  • A masterclass on “Film as Therapy” facilitated by Dr Amy Beddows, exploring the transformative power of storytelling in fostering mental health and well-being. 
  • An industry panel discussion on “How to Get a Job in Film”, offering valuable insights into career pathways within the creative sector and connecting students with industry leaders. 
  • Film screenings. A total of 25 films were shortlisted out of over 200 entries from talented student filmmakers from different universities across the UK and globally. The line-up of film screenings also included 4 films from students at Napier’s international partner universities. 
  • Networking opportunities, fostering connections between emerging filmmakers, departments within the university, and industry professionals. 

The festival culminated in an exciting awards ceremony, celebrating outstanding achievements in student filmmaking. 

The events not only highlighted the immense talent of student filmmakers but also encouraged collaboration across departments and with external partners. Attendees and participants offered resounding praise, commending the festival’s impact on fostering talent, creating networking opportunities, and elevating the role of film in education and community building. 

Looking ahead, the festival aims to become a cornerstone event within the university and the wider Edinburgh community. Plans for future editions include expanding the festival’s reach, enhancing collaborations with local creative industries, and positioning Edinburgh Napier as a leading institution for nurturing creative talent.

ENU student Sophia travels to celebrate graduation following recovery from colon cancer

A resilient Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) student has celebrated her graduation after recovering from colon cancer – and thanked the staff who supported her along the way.

Sophia McIntosh studied for a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from her home in Kingston, Jamaica, alongside her work as a university lecturer there.

She took time out from her studies after receiving her cancer diagnosis in 2019 but was later able to return to and complete the course.

Sophia crossed the stage at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall on Wednesday to collect her degree, having travelled from the Caribbean with her mum for the ceremony.

Sophia said: “I am just so full of joy, not just for me but for all of my family members and friends who have supported me.

“I am happy that I went on this journey, I am liberated and more confident. The doctorate is the icing on the cake, but the journey has transformed me.

“I still have my thesis on leadership sitting on my table at home and sometimes I just open it to have a look!

“I’m so proud of myself – I never knew I had it in me to read and learn so much.”

Having felt unwell for some time, it was through a chance meeting with a doctor at church that Sophia was referred for health checks and discovered her cancer diagnosis.

She underwent surgery and chemotherapy in the autumn of 2019, followed by more treatment the following year.

She said: “When I was told the news, I just went numb. I was told we would have to move quickly and have surgery.

“All the horror stories about chemotherapy happened to me. I had complications from my surgery, and my parents came down from another part of Jamaica to look after me.

“I had two major surgeries, and we lost my adopted brother around the same time. But despite these traumatic events, I resumed my studies after the year.”

Sophia’s graduation comes after taking time out from the course because of illness and the Covid pandemic. She is now receiving checks every six months.

Now that Sophia has completed her degree, she has paid tribute to ENU staff members past and present who supported her, including Dr Ciarán McFadden-Young, Dr Janice McMillan, and Professor Gerri Matthews-Smith  – as well as Professor Alison McCleery, who sadly passed away last year.

“It was difficult going back to the doctorate, but my research supervisors helped me settle,” Sophie added. “They were patient with me and not judgemental. They were respectful and they gave me space.

“I can’t find the words to thank them – they held my hand. I never felt alone, I never felt unsafe. I had them all behind me.”

Sophia has graduated alongside fellow students from Edinburgh Napier University’s Business School today.

ENU’s autumn graduation ceremonies were held at the Usher Hall between 29 – 31 October.

New graduate Keri hopes to make late dad proud

A new Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) graduate is hoping to make her family proud – thanks to a New York internship that unlocked her passion for her studies.

Keri Kilbride, who was the first member of her family to go to university, has graduated with a BSc (Hons) Sound Design, and is now studying for an MSc User Experience Design at ENU.

The 29-year-old from Edinburgh was presented with her degree during a ceremony at the Usher Hall yesterday.

She said: “It feels amazing to graduate. No-one in my family has done it before. I lost my dad in 2019 and a lot of the things I do are in the hope that he would be proud of me.

“I also want to show to my younger cousins that studying is a great way to find something that you enjoy.

“My time at university wasn’t always easy, but the lecturers and support staff were absolutely accommodating and understanding. They just wanted the best for me.”

As part of her studies, Keri was part of a group who completed an internship in New York with counterparts from Farmingdale State College.

It was a trip which helped cement her plan to forge a career in user experience – a term used to describe how people interact with digital technology in their day-to-day life.

“The opportunity to go to the USA helped me navigate what I was wanting to focus on,” Keri added. “We were working with a baseball team out there, making things that fans could use. I helped come up with an app and reward system they could use.

“It was such a great experience being able to make something like that happen from scratch.

“If I hadn’t gone to university, I would never have experienced something like that.”

Keri was among the students from Edinburgh Napier University’s School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment who graduated during a ceremony at the Usher Hall.

ENU’s autumn graduations conclude for 2024 later today, following six ceremonies across three days.

Sports presenter Jill Douglas collects honorary doctorate from ENU – where she began her journalism career

Borderer has been honoured for her reporting and charity work

Sports broadcaster and motor neuron disease (MND) charity leader Jill Douglas has returned to her roots to collect an honorary doctorate from Edinburgh Napier University (ENU).

Best known for her on-screen coverage of rugby, cycling, snooker and athletics, Jill began her career by studying newspaper journalism at ENU while working in the Scottish Borders at her local paper, The Southern Reporter.

She would go on to become a well-recognised face in broadcast sport, covering the Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games, Rugby World Cups and British & Irish Lions tours for the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky Sports.

In a journalism career full of highlights, she was the first female to present the BBC’s Rugby Special programme, reported from cycling gold medal wins at the 2012 London Olympics, and interviewed South Africa’s Rugby World Cup winning captain Siya Kolisi on the pitch following their win in Yokohama in 2019.

As a close friend of the late rugby player Doddie Weir, Jill has been involved with My Name’5 Doddie Foundation since its inception, serving as CEO until the spring of this year. She remains a patron at the charity, which was set up in 2017 following Doddie’s diagnosis with MND and has since raised more than £20m to back research and support.

Jill now lives with her husband Carl and their two children in Cheltenham and is President of Cheltenham Tigers RFC.

Reacting to her graduation, which took place at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall today [Thursday 31 October], Jill said: “I began my life in journalism and broadcasting at Edinburgh Napier. It is where I laid the foundations for my career, and I still rely on the many skills and lessons I learned on campus at Craiglockhart and Merchiston.

“It is a great honour to be recognised by the University with an Honorary Doctorate. It is very special to share graduation day with so many students who are embarking on their own careers.

“Journalism and broadcasting have allowed me to travel the world and experience some amazing events and I hope those graduating in 2024 have as many opportunities and great times as I have enjoyed over the years. I’d like to thank my old lecturers for their patience and the current team for this honour.”

Presenting her with her honorary doctorate, Dr Tony Westbury from ENU’s School of Applied Sciences said: “It has always been the qualities of knowledge, understanding and preparation that established Jill as an authoritative and skilled broadcaster.

“There is no doubt that her professionalism, knowledge and authentic love of sport has contributed to the enjoyment of many and inspired the next generation of journalists, both male and female.”

Edinburgh Napier University’s autumn graduation ceremonies conclude at the Usher Hall on 31 October.

Charity chief honoured for leading support of people with learning disabilities

The chief executive of the human rights charity Enable has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) for devoting her career to improving the life chances of people with learning disabilities.

Theresa Shearer was presented with the honour during a graduation ceremony for students from ENU’s School of Health and Social Care at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh today [29 October].

During her tenure, Theresa has been credited with helping the charity to inspire public policy development, provide human rights advocacy, build sustainable employment, and deliver human rights-driven health and social care.

Theresa’s work has also been widely recognised, while she provides voluntary support for third sector leadership and governance organisations across the UK and Europe.

In recent years Enable has partnered with Edinburgh Napier University to establish the Breaking Barriers programme.

In conjunction with professional services firm EY, it supports young people with learning disabilities make the transition to university and higher education through a combination of study and work placements.

Fittingly, the latest cohort of Breaking Barriers students received their qualifications during the same ceremony where Theresa was presented with her degree.

Reacting to the award of the honorary doctorate, Theresa said: “It is a real honour to receive an honorary doctorate from Edinburgh Napier University, an institution which lives by the values of diversity, equity and inclusion that have inspired and driven me throughout my career.

“From researching the interplay between disability and inclusion, to training and developing the next generation of health and social care professionals, and acting to widen access to university for disabled people as a partner in the Breaking Barriers programme, Edinburgh Napier University is a shining example to organisations and businesses across sectors.

“To be recognised for my contribution to the charity and social care sectors is truly a privilege, and I hope this will emphasise the critical contribution that these sectors make to our economy and society, now and in the future.”

Giving Theresa’s laureation during the graduation ceremony, Professor Jill Stavert, from ENU’s School of Health & Social Care said: “There are so many examples of Theresa’s achievements and her enormous contribution to improving the lives of people with learning disabilities.

“As CEO of Enable Scotland – a charity which supports the human rights of people with learning disabilities – Theresa leads 2,500 staff in supporting 13,000 people to live independently in their community.

“But her influence goes far beyond this role. Theresa’s contribution to executive leadership is recognised nationally and internationally, demonstrating her passion for social care workforce development and empowering young people to realise their potential.”

Next stop graduation for hundreds of Edinburgh Napier University students

For the first time six ENU ceremonies will be held this autumn

More than 1,800 Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) students are on track to collect their degrees during a bumper week of graduations at the Usher Hall.

The number of autumn graduation ceremonies has increased to six for 2024 – and they coincide with the arrival an ENU addition to the Edinburgh Trams network.

The Must Be Napier branded tram will be carrying new graduates, friends, and family across the city as they celebrate their achievements.

The ceremonies will also see the return of The Napier Graduate pub, which will see Shakespeare’s on Lothian Road renamed and decked out in Edinburgh Napier red for the week.

For the new graduates, it is an opportunity to reflect on the completion of their studies.

35-year-old Steven Halloren (above) from Edinburgh will be among those crossing the stage, graduating with an MSc Human Resources Management. He took the decision to go to university to study part-time while continuing his career in business consulting.

He said: “Studying at Edinburgh Napier has been an amazing experience from start to finish.

“Going to university was a transformative decision, especially as a mature student. It’s a bit of a culture shock at first to balance the commitment on top of a busy career, but it has taught me to think and challenge myself.

“I did my dissertation on mergers and acquisitions from an organisational culture perspective, so I was able to apply it to work straight away.

“I’ve just started my doctorate, which is something I thought I would never do. It focusses on the role AI can play in the business world.

“Seeing the enthusiasm and passion from the academics at Edinburgh Napier has inspired me to keep going.”

Learning Disability Nursing Lecturer Sam Abdulla, whose picture features on the side of the Must Be Napier tram, will be watching another cohort of students graduate this week.

He said: “Graduation is without doubt the highlight of our year. It’s the reason we do what we do.

“Seeing our students celebrate alongside their families, loved ones and colleagues is a reminder of all the hard work they’ve put into their journey at Edinburgh Napier.

“I can’t wait to see the difference that our latest graduates will make and the careers they go on to build.”

Edinburgh Napier University’s autumn graduation ceremonies are taking place at the Usher Hall between 29-31 October.