Tag: Edinburgh Napier University

New graduate Charlotte wins the Simon Pullin Award

A student nurse has been honoured for her outstanding caring skills on the day she graduated from university with distinction.

Charlotte Milliken was presented with her Bachelor of Nursing (Mental Health) degree at the Usher Hall on Thursday and was also named the winner of Edinburgh Napier University’s Simon Pullin Award for 2021.

The award was established to recognise the human side of nursing and midwifery, and the judging panel agreed Charlotte was a worthy winner after reading her insightful account of her experiences on placement with community mental health teams at different stages of her degree.

Mother-of-one Charlotte, 31, of Uphall, West Lothian, underlined the importance of compassionate care and wrote of techniques she had learned to empower patients and build their independence and self-worth.

She told how an experienced nurse showed her mental health improvement is always possible by introducing her to a patient who had turned his life around, established a supportive network of family and friends, and was maintaining a home.

Charlotte, who as a first year won a Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland prize for her work on a placement, also wrote of another patient who used new skills they had worked on together to defuse an anxiety attack.

Her submission for the award was reinforced by glowing tributes from a less experienced placement student she had supported and a community psychiatric nurse who had mentored her.

Simon Pullin Award Winner Charlotte Milliken EDINBURGH NAPIER UNIVERSITY

Charlotte, who is married to Tom, a staff nurse in oncology who supported her through her degree, and has a three-year-old daughter named Niamh, said: “It has been a challenging but enjoyable five years, including maternity leave.

“I am thrilled to be graduating with distinction but to also be named as the winner of the Simon Pullin Award, having read about the achievements of some of the University’s previous winners, is just the icing on the cake.”

The new graduate, who currently works at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, added: “I am proud of the skills I have learned over my years as a student. I have worked hard to develop my practice to be person centred and holistic, practicing the techniques I have been taught by my mentors and colleagues, and I hope to continue to learn more as I progress through my career as a mental health nurse.”

Edinburgh Napier’s Simon Pullin Award was created in memory of Senior Nurse Simon Pullin, who played a key role in the university’s Compassionate Care Programme up until his death from cancer in July 2011.

Pam Logan, Charlotte’s Personal Development Tutor at the University, said: “Charlotte has been well respected by practice colleagues due to her commitment to delivering compassionate, person-centred care and her ability to establish and maintain therapeutic relationships that are based on shared understanding and respect.

“Practice feedback has commended Charlotte on consistently working in a non-judgmental manner, approaching ethical challenges appropriately and for her support of junior students.”

Dr Stephen Smith, from Edinburgh Napier’s School of Health & Social Care, who led the awarding panel, said: “Charlotte’s ability to intrinsically value each person in her care and adopt a consistently positive approach to individual recovery was a key factor in her winning the award this year.”

New graduate says the teenage brother she lost will be her lifelong inspiration

“Hopes were fading for Calum but he wouldn’t let me give up on my degree“

A STUDENT who lost her younger brother to cancer has vowed to use his zest for life as a neverending source of inspiration as she graduated with honours.

Kate Turner’s final year at Edinburgh Napier was turned upside down after her only sibling Calum was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma, a fast growing cancer of the lymphatic system.

The brave 16-year-old urged his big sister not to give up on her studies and said he would be at her graduation whatever happened, but as the disease took its cruel toll he lost his fight for life in January.

Motivated by his words of encouragement, Kate pushed on with her course work, seeking only a deferral for her dissertation which she dedicated to “Calum, my inspiration in life and my best friend”.

And as the 23-year-old reached the end of her academic journey today, walking across the Usher Hall stage to collect her BA (Hons) in Psychology with Sociology, she said Calum’s courage and love of life would continue to motivate her – starting with the ‘bucket list’ of activities he had asked his family to perform in his memory.

Kate, of Sauchie, Clackmannanshire, said: “Calum was so true to himself and unapologetic for it. His passion was music and art, and at 6ft 4ins he already stood out and with the tartan docs, bright coloured beanie hats and ever-changing hair colour, he always made a statement. He was quick-witted, loved a debate and had the ability to make us laugh for hours and hours. For one so young he did so much in life.”

Calum, a volunteer worker with local charity Sauchie Community Group, was diagnosed with cancer two months before Kate began her final year. He had been losing weight fast and was unable to walk even a short distance without sitting down. He was admitted to Forth Valley Royal Hospital and then moved to the Beatson Centre in Glasgow where he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Burkitt lymphoma.

Over six gruelling roller-coaster months in hospital, including intensive chemotherapy, there were moments when his family were told to prepare for the worst but by October he had been given the all-clear.  However, the cancer returned and on December 23 last year medics told his loved ones there was no more they could do.

Kate said: “Calum insisted on coming home to spend Christmas with us, and we just spent the next two weeks as a family until he passed away on January 5.”

During his illness, Calum had encouraged Kate to keep going and get her degree.

She said: “My graduation was something we had discussed a lot along with his prom in June this year – they were things we were both holding on to. When he was first admitted, he phoned me telling me he didn’t want to miss my graduation, and that he would be there no matter what. As things got worse, university didn’t seem a priority but Calum told me it was and I wasn’t allowed to quit.

“When he passed away it was an immediate reaction to leave and not face going back to my studies, however his words kept going round in my mind and I knew I had to finish it for both of us.

“Edinburgh Napier teaching staff were incredibly sympathetic and supportive, and I was given a deferral for my dissertation which really saved me from not being able to continue. I made it over the line and I am now looking for a job in the third sector where I can use my experience working with the community and my knowledge from my degree for a good cause.”

In her University dissertation, Kate wrote the following in the Acknowledgements; “To my brother, Calum, thank you for teaching me that creativity can be expressed in a million different ways and for always reminding me that staying inside the box is boring.

“At 16 years young, you taught me life has no limits when you are fearless and brave and accept yourself for who you are. Thank you for being the motivation for absolutely everything I do and will continue to do in the future.

“This is the finish line you always encouraged me to reach, although it’s not together, this one’s for you Calum, my inspiration in life and my best friend.”

Kate said yesterday that, despite the age difference of five and a half years, she and Calum had been best friends and his relentless enthusiasm and selfless attitude would continue to inspire her as she makes her way through life.

She added: “Calum gave us a bucket list of things to do in his memory like going to Japan to see the cherry blossoms. I plan to start working through that as soon as we can and celebrate his life while I do.”

Dr Elli Drake, Kate’s Personal Development Tutor at Edinburgh Napier, said: “Kate had already shown herself to be an exceptional student well before her brother’s diagnosis. 

“As a student she brought her home community and the Napier community together.  Her family had long been involved in Sauchie Community Centre.  On the Volunteering and Employability module at Napier, she designed and conducted a consultation process for the centre which contributed to significant funding being awarded for the benefit of the people of Sauchie – an amazing achievement. 

“The strength of character, determination to find the positives and community-spiritedness that Kate demonstrated during that project were brought home when she faced the illness and loss of her brother. 

“She continued to be an inspiration throughout that time, with a life-affirming spirit that lives on today in testament to Calum, herself, her family and the communities to which she continues to contribute.”  

‘Earn while you learn’ scheme produces first Napier graduates

A groundbreaking initiative which allows students to study for a university degree while in paid employment yesterday (October 27) produced its first graduates at Edinburgh Napier University.

Twenty-nine students graduated from the university’s School of Computing under the Graduate Apprenticeships scheme, with their degrees including BSc (Hons) IT Management for Business, BSc (Hons) Software Development and BEng (Hons) Cyber Security.

A graduation ceremony at the city’s Usher Hall saw the university’s first intake complete their degrees four years after the university began offering Graduate Apprenticeships, an initiative developed by Skills Development Scotland in partnership with industry and the higher education sector.

Graduate Apprenticeships drive economic growth by offering employers the chance to train and develop new and existing employees through a fully funded university degree.

The apprenticeships combine academic knowledge with skills development, and Edinburgh Napier now offers GA courses in its School of Computing, Business School and School of Engineering & the Built Environment.

Among today’s first Edinburgh Napier graduates from the scheme was Craig Potter, 38, a Detective Sergeant with Police Scotland, who graduated with a first class BEng honours degree in Cyber Security.

Craig, of Edinburgh, said: “It has been four years of hard slog in addition to my full-time work as a police officer, but I feel a real sense of achievement in completing my degree.

“It has helped me get promoted and has helped Police Scotland in terms of upskilling staff. A lot of my work-based projects and my dissertation have been around improving the force capability in relation to the investigation of Cryptocurrency, so there are tangible benefits to both employers and employees in going down this route.”

Graduate Apprenticeships are available to businesses of any size in Scotland, with apprentices typically spending 80 per cent of their time in the workplace and 20 per cent at university. They are available for people looking for a new job with a participating employer as well as those looking to upskill through their current job, and tasks and projects apprentices carry out in work can count towards their degree.

Professor Sally Smith, Head of Graduate Apprenticeships at Edinburgh Napier, said: “We’re delighted to see our first ever graduate apprentices crossing the stage this year. Graduation is a time to reflect on personal achievements and celebrate all that hard work paying off.

“We also acknowledge the support provided by employers, the early adopters who recognised the strengths of the Graduate Apprenticeship model. From that first day four years ago, the apprenticeships have gone from strength to strength, expanding into new subjects.”

Scott Killen, the university’s employment liaison and recruitment manager, said: “In order for a Graduate Apprentice to succeed their employer must be dedicated to supporting them in their university work, professional development and work-based learning. 

“The employers of the class of 2021 took a big risk in enrolling their staff into a brand new degree programme in September 2017. 

“They have been instrumental in the graduating cohort’s success.  Their contribution and feedback has also helped us continually improve how we support employers and apprentices to deliver positive learning experience both in university and the workplace.”

Mira Thow, Global HR Manager with KAL, a leader in ATM software, said: “Graduate profiles are an invaluable part of the future of our business. Each year KAL ATM Software Gmbh hires a cohort of at least 12 talented, driven students from the best universities in the world.

“After four years of intensive training and development in our graduate program, it is truly inspiring to see our first cohort of Graduate Apprentices blossom into fully fledged engineers who we are also confident will become the next generation of business leaders.”

Happy Anniversary! Elsie and Bulabari celebrate a degree each and 14 years of marriage

Usher Hall ceremony is added to couple’s list of October milestones

BEAMING Elsie Francis today celebrated with her husband as she emulated his achievement of graduating from Edinburgh Napier – on their wedding anniversary!

Elsie collected her MSc in Business Information Technology 15 months after the university awarded her other half Bulabari an MBA in Leadership Practice.

But with his graduation ceremony being lost to Covid-19-related restrictions, like so many public events in 2020, they decided to turn her big day today at the Usher Hall into a joint celebration as they also marked 14 years of married life.

Elsie said: “What a wonderful day this is. It was disappointing for Bulabari and other 2020 graduates not to be able to walk across the stage at the Usher Hall to get their degrees last year.

“But the way things have turned out we can now celebrate both of us becoming graduates on what was already a special date in our diaries!” 

Elsie and Bulabari, of Kirkcaldy, first met in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, in October 2006 and were married there exactly one year later.

Bulabari was first to move to Scotland, to study for his MBA at Edinburgh Napier, in January 2018 while Elsie stayed in Nigeria to juggle her post-graduate studies with a busy job as an Executive Assistant and caring for their three children.

However, they all spent a wonderful family Christmas together in Scotland the following December and decided that was where their future lay.

Elsie said: “We decided I would not be going back to Nigeria. Career-wise it was a very difficult decision for me; however, in the end family and love won.”

At first Elsie stayed at their then home in Rosyth to look after the children while Bulabari continued with his studies, basing his dissertation on the use of digital marketing to promote small African businesses in Scotland.

She soon decided though that she wanted to build on her flair for IT and business and management experience by applying to study for an MSc in Business Information Technology.

Elsie, 40, said: “I chose Edinburgh Napier firstly because of my husband’s experience, but also because they offered the modules that suited my career goals, and naturally I got a lot of support from my husband since he already knew how to use all the online facilities.”

After completing his studies last year, Bulabari, 48, is now working as a Project Planning Specialist with an English-based gas distribution company.

Elsie had a part-time job as a customer service advisor with the Royal Voluntary Service while she studied, but now she too has finished her studies she is looking to pursue a career in Business Analysis.

Today’s Edinburgh Napier autumn graduation ceremony is the first to take place at the Usher Hall since the pandemic struck.

Elsie said: “October is a truly significant month for me, and for us as a couple. I was born in October. Bulabari and I first met in October. We got married in October. Now I am graduating in October with my husband and fellow Edinburgh Napier graduate at my side which really makes our story complete.”

The couple – whose children are Glenn, 13, Collins, 11, and Valerie, seven – are in no hurry to leave Scotland now they have completed their degrees. Bulabari said: “We have moved from Rosyth to Kirkcaldy but we really love it in Scotland and are looking forward to growing old together here.”

Moderator visits Edinburgh Napier’s Sighthill campus

Lord Wallace meets teaching, research and professional services staff

Edinburgh Napier yesterday hosted a visit across a number of departments and teams by the Moderator of the Church of Scotland’s General Assembly. The Rt Hon Lord Wallace of Tankerness QC spent the morning at the Sighthill campus as part of a 10-day programme organised by the Presbytery of Edinburgh.

He was welcomed to the University by Professor Andrea Nolan, Principal & Vice Chancellor, and toured the purpose-built simulation and clinical skills centre where student nurses, midwives, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and social workers develop their skills in an authentic environment.

Lord Wallace met School of Health & Social Care students and the staff who run the centre, which includes practice areas ranging from community and critical care to general wards and birth environments.

He also met Professor Gary Hutchison, Dean of Applied Sciences, and the Sighthill-based School’s Dr Liz Aston, who is Director of the Scottish Institute for Policing Research, whose work helps police meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Lord Wallace also chatted to representatives of the University’s Chaplaincy Service, the Wellbeing and Inclusion team who work to make students feel safe, supported and healthy, and the Student Futures team who support their professional development and prepare them for the world of work.

Professor Andrea Nolan said: “It was an absolute pleasure and delight to host Lord and Lady Wallace.

“The visit gave them a flavour of what we do at Edinburgh Napier – they saw our modern teaching facilities and heard about the real world applications of our research, while also getting to meet the teams whose pastoral and support work underpins our progress as a university.

“I hope they found the visit interesting and informative.”

Lord Wallace, a QC and former MP and MSP, who went to university, trained as a lawyer and sat in the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, said he was grateful to the Presbytery for putting together a comprehensive programme which allowed him to engage with a range of people who reflect his interests.

The 10-day programme will see Lord Wallace carrying out a wide range of engagements visiting churches, hospitals, universities and Edinburgh prison.

Test centre role inspires Heather to switch to nursing

Mother-of-two, 42, wins place on Edinburgh Napier course

MUM-of-two Heather Griffin has embarked on a completely new career path after forging a close relationship with the student nurses she worked with at a Covid-19 testing centre.

Former financial services worker Heather was so fascinated by what she heard from the Edinburgh Napier undergraduates that she has now enrolled in the University’s Bachelor of Nursing (Adult) degree course.

Heather, 42, lost her job in finance during the pandemic but found work at the testing centre at The Pleasance in Edinburgh through a temping agency. The facility was opened by the University of Edinburgh and Edinburgh Napier to provide mass testing for students before they travelled home last Christmas and remained open in the New Year to provide ongoing testing for asymptomatic students.

Heather worked first of all on the registration desks, then as a test processor and results recorder, and she developed a close working relationship with the student nurses on duty at the centre.

She said: “I had never really considered a role in nursing before but I learned about the Edinburgh Napier course through the student nurses. I was surprised at how many of them were mature students who had families, and who also wanted a change in their life direction.

“They spoke highly of the course, were excited by their career choice, and had inspiring stories to share from their placements. Once they had instilled in me the idea that I would also apply for the course, they were also able to address my concerns and answer my many questions about it.”

Heather, who is married with two sons, aged 14 and nine, said there had been a strong sense of camaraderie within the test centre workforce. “The team was welcoming and supportive, and we used a lot of humour to help us through those tough times. In addition, we felt proud to be part of a project that was dedicated to the health and safety of the wider community.”

Heather, who has a degree in Russian Studies, applied for the Edinburgh Napier nursing course and after an online group interview was offered a conditional place subject to passing online modules taken over the summer.

With all hurdles successfully negotiated, she has now been accepted on to the course and has joined classmates at the University’s Sighthill campus as she pursues the next step on her new career ladder.

Heather, from Canonmills, said: “It’s early days and I am still settling into my new routine and just beginning to appreciate the amount of work that needs to be done but I have been enjoying myself so far.

“I am raring to go, and am excited by the opportunity to go on placement in January and put the skills into practice.”

Edinburgh Napier’s Joanne Nethercott, who ran the Covid-19 testing centre and supported Heather as she applied for a place at the university, said: “Test centre staff were trained in a variety of roles to develop skills which they could add to their CV, and Heather approached every new role with enthusiasm and passion, and was keen to learn.

“I was surprised when she told me she was thinking of applying for the nursing course because it was so far from her work in finance and a big commitment, but of course, I supported her as much as I could and I was over the moon when she told me she had been offered a conditional place.

“I am delighted that the test centre work brought us a new student, and I am sure Heather will make a fantastic nurse.”

New Dean at Edinburgh Napier driving industrial engagement to align research and education to the Industry 4.0 revolution

University aims to strengthen ties with commercial partners

An academic with a strong interest in information processing in complex systems, artificial intelligence and data science will lead two key Schools at Edinburgh Napier into the post-pandemic era.

Professor Peter Andras has joined the University’s Senior Leadership Team as Dean of the Schools of Computing, and Engineering & the Built Environment.

Earlier this year, it was agreed by the University’s Academic Board that there were clear synergies and benefits in developing a more collaborative relationship between the two Merchiston-based Schools. Michael Greenhalgh took on the role of Interim Dean of both.

Mr Greenhalgh has now joined the University on a permanent basis as the new Director of Strategy & Planning, and will lead on the annual planning processes.

Professor Andras takes the reins at the Schools of Computing and Engineering & the Built Environment, and will continue the work of developing stronger ties across the two Schools. 

The University also aims to strengthen its collaborations with industrial partners, particularly in the context of cyber security, timber and sustainable and smart construction and transport policy, and will continue its strong engagement with professional societies relevant to its educational and research portfolios.

Professor Andras comes to Edinburgh from Keele University, where he headed up the School of Computing and Mathematics, and has a wealth of experience in leadership, education portfolio development and governance roles.  He is an active researcher with significant results in the areas of artificial neural networks, invertebrate neuroscience and modelling of evolution of social institutions.

Prior to starting at Keele seven years ago, he had various academic roles over a 14-year period at Newcastle University, and earlier held teaching posts at universities in the Netherlands and Romania.

He is a member of a number of scientific societies, encompassing computer science, biology, artificial intelligence and neuroscience, and has been involved in setting up three start-up companies and a series of collaborations with industry.

A keen stamp collector, he also has a strong interest in politics, having served as a city councillor in Newcastle and campaigned for investment in renewable energy sources.

Professor Andras said: “The Schools of Computing, and Engineering and the Built Environment, have an excellent reputation in cyber security, timber research and sustainable construction, social informatics, transport policy research, evolutionary optimisation and renewable energy.

“We have increasingly popular programmes and very active and wide-ranging engagement with industry. These provide a fantastic foundation to grow our research strength, educational portfolio and industry engagement in areas aligned with the Industry 4.0 revolution.”

Professor Andrea Nolan, Principal & Vice Chancellor at Edinburgh Napier University, said: “We are delighted to welcome Peter to the Senior Leadership Team at Edinburgh Napier as we look forward with excitement to the new academic year and beyond. 

“He brings a wealth of academic experience to what is a key role, and I know he is very much looking forward to building relationships with our staff, students and external stakeholders.”

Our pandemic accommodation was unsafe, asylum seekers tell research team

Study suggests relocations took place with little consideration of people’s needs and adversely affected their health and wellbeing

Asylum seekers who were moved to temporary accommodation during the Covid-19 pandemic have faced unsafe conditions, mobility restrictions and a lack of communication from service providers, according to a new study.

Edinburgh Napier researchers said the asylum seekers’ accounts – in which they likened their hotel-type accommodation to detention centres – “pointed to a provision that was inattentive towards their needs, vulnerability and wellbeing.”

The study, which focuses on accommodation in Glasgow, is particularly critical of a “mothers and baby” unit in the south of the city, which was opened last October.  Mothers, who were moved there by Home Office accommodation contractor Mears Group who run the facilities, criticised the cramped and noisy living conditions, unsuitable furniture and inadequate washing facilities.

The report authors call for an independent assessment of the facility to be carried out as a matter of urgency, and say no more families should be moved there until this has taken place.

Other recommendations in the interim report include calls for risk assessments for individuals in advance of any relocation, the minimising of stays in hotel-type accommodation, a review of limits on travel luggage, and the lifting of restrictions requiring residents to stay ‘on-site overnight’.

Edinburgh Napier researchers carried out the study, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, as part of UK Research and Innovation’s response to Covid-19. They worked with migrant-led grassroots organisation Migrants Organising for Rights and Empowerment (MORE) to explore the impact of the pandemic on those placed in temporary accommodation in Glasgow.

Around 350 asylum seekers were moved from their settled flats into various hotels in the city centre following the outbreak of Covid-19 in March last year, which Mears Group claimed was an attempt to curb the spread of the virus. 

Researchers spoke to more than 50 asylum seekers and followed closely the lives of 14 participants of varied ages and backgrounds from December 2020 to June 2021, during the ‘second wave’ of the virus in the UK, through weekly online meetings. 

Accommodation for asylum seekers during the pandemic has long been a controversial topic. A mass outbreak of Covid at the repurposed Napier military barracks in Kent last winter and a mass stabbing at the Park Inn Hotel in Glasgow the previous June sparked debate and criticism of the government’s handling of asylum housing from parliamentary select committees.

The interim findings of the new Edinburgh Napier study suggest relocating asylum seekers to hotel-type accommodation had a negative impact on their health and wellbeing, and that they found social distancing almost impossible in their new environment.

Individuals living in hotels also faced a number of restrictions. They were unable to cook their own food or have visitors, had their weekly allowance withdrawn, and were told they could not spend nights away from the accommodation. The food served was said to be of poor quality, and it did not reflect their religious or cultural backgrounds.

The Glasgow-based mother and baby unit, the only such facility in the whole of Scotland, was reportedly noisy – with doors frequently banging and staff knocking, and had small beds, insufficient room ventilation and furniture which was unsuitable for breastfeeding. One mum told of her humiliation when the driver taking her to the unit told her she had too many belongings for a “destitute” asylum seeker.

The report said relocations to temporary accommodation took place with little consideration of people’s needs and with no consultation with asylum seekers themselves. There were cases of people being given less than 15 minutes to get ready for their move, and of individuals being threatened with deportation if they resisted.

Dr Taulant Guma, Principal Investigator and lecturer in Edinburgh Napier’s School of Applied Sciences, said: “While issues around asylum accommodation have received a significant amount of media and public attention since the start of the Covid-19 outbreak, little attention has been paid to the experiences and perspectives of asylum seekers themselves, who are directly and mostly affected by these housing arrangements.

“As a collaboration with a grassroots organisation, our study offers a unique and in-depth insight and understanding into the day-to-day realities of asylum seekers’ housing experiences during the pandemic.

“In the context of the current Afghan crisis and discourses of ‘warm welcome’, our findings offer a timely reminder of the cold realities that may await Afghan asylum seekers and refugees once they are relocated to their accommodation across the country.”

Robert Makutsa, Community Researcher with MORE, said: “The asylum accommodation system is broken because the level of duty of care that is required does not need to be met. Think about it; what legal action can an asylum seeker raise against Mears or the Home Office in their failure to adhere to the accommodation provision? None. 

“Their lives are defined and controlled by their agents and often it is us, migrant led organisations and grassroots groups, who put pressure on Mears when asylum seekers make complaints.”

New Chancellor formally installed

Napier inauguration event marks the arrival of Will Whitehorn

Will Whitehorn has formally taken over from Dr David Eustace as Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University.

The Edinburgh-born President of industry group UKspace takes on a role which will see him confer degrees at graduations and other awards of the University, and act as figurehead at external ceremonies and official functions.

The official handover to Will, who will serve for five years, took place at a small ceremony at the University’s Sighthill campus followed by an evening function.

A former executive at the Virgin Group, his business interests include travel, technology and communication as well as leadership, marketing and product design.

He worked on a series of major Virgin projects, including the Pendolino train, and later took up the post of President at Virgin Galactic, which saw him play a central role in developing the concept of commercial space travel.

New Chancellor of ENU Will Whitehorn with previous Chancellor David Eustace. Photographed at Edinburgh Napier University’s Sighthill campus on 11 August 2021.

On being appointed to the role, Will Whitehorn said: “I am deeply honoured to have been chosen as the new Chancellor of this great University in the city I was born and raised in.”

He added: “University should be an adventure and Edinburgh Napier does a better job of fulfilling that dream for students than many educational institutions around the country can even dream of, and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to play my small part in taking the achievements of the University to new heights.”

Outgoing Chancellor Dr Eustace, an award-winning photographer who graduated with distinction from the University’s BA Photography, Film and Television programme in 1991, was appointed to the role in 2015.

Among the initiatives he introduced was the Chancellor Talk series, launched in 2016 with the aim of giving students, staff and the wider community access to high-profile people whose talent and drive had made a real difference to our world.

Dr Eustace said: “Being Chancellor was a wonderful learning process which has helped me develop. There are many things I’ll miss, especially the graduation ceremonies, but it was time for a new Chancellor and new ideas.

“Nothing stands still and it shouldn’t. The joy of education is that there is no finishing line.”

Edinburgh Napier receives funding from Turing Scheme

Study abroad opportunities will be available for students

Students from Edinburgh Napier will be able to study across the world after the University was awarded a significant level of funding from the new Turing Scheme.

The funding, which was announced this week, is part of almost £100m that was distributed to education providers following the inaugural call for bids. It will enable and increase global mobility activity in the 2021/22 academic year, supporting students in accessing a range of international opportunities, regardless of their background.

The Turing Scheme is the UK Government’s programme to provide funding for international opportunities in education and training across the world. It supports Global Britain by providing an opportunity for UK organisations from the higher education, further education, vocational education and training and schools sectors to offer students, learners and pupils life-changing experiences to study or work abroad.

As part of the new global scheme, Canada, Japan and the USA are among more than 150 international destinations where UK participants will be funded to take up placements – with 48% of places going to those from disadvantaged backgrounds. 

The Turing Scheme gives participants the opportunity to benefit from working and studying abroad, while boosting the UK education sector’s ties with international partners in the process. It also aims to improve social mobility across the UK by targeting areas which had seen lower uptake up of other mobility programmes. 

Edinburgh Napier University Principal and Vice Chancellor Andrea Nolan said: “We are delighted to have been successful in our bid to the Turing Scheme.

“We have a long history of both widening participation and global mobility at Edinburgh Napier and it will be fantastic to be able to provide yet more opportunities for students from all backgrounds to experience some time abroad as part of this exciting new scheme.”

Universities Minister Michelle Donelan said: “Our schools, colleges and universities have worked tirelessly to make this programme a success, and I am grateful to them and their global partners who have truly embraced this opportunity for international collaboration.

“I look forward to seeing the innovation and expertise our students, pupils and vocational learners bring back to this country from their journeys to every corner of the globe – from Canada to Japan, and Australia to the United States.”

More information on how students can apply to the scheme will be announced in due course.