Nikki Mcleod graduated with a bachelor degree in veterinary nursing just 10 days before her 50th birthday, having received her Registered Veterinary Nurse badge 22 years ago.
When Nikki received a diagnosis of autism at the age of 45, much of what she had struggled with throughout her life began to make sense. The neurodiverse disability affected her social skills as well as multiple aspects of her life, Nikki found her calling in caring for Animals and has excelled in her career and education.
Graduations July 2022 – Graduations July 2022 – Nikki Mcleod, Veterinary Nursing
Nikki completed her degree in 4 years alongside a busy career, and has been awarded the Meghan Ambrozevich-Blair Prize in recognition of her incredible achievements as a student at Edinburgh Napier University.
Nikki has a particular love for cats and achieved the silver certificate from the international society of feline medicine.
Having been told for much of her school life that she wasn’t good enough and could try harder, Nikki has overcome this and excelled in her career. Her autism diagnosis helped her understand her personal daily struggle and she has excelled in her career and education.
Graduations July 2022 – Graduations July 2022 – Nikki Mcleod, Veterinary Nursing
Nikki said: “With the university allowing me to take all the top-up modules over four years instead of two, it made it a lot easier to continue working in a busy small animal practice and study for my other certificates.
“Napier’s disability service was super supportive with regards to my autism and what help I could get. I’m proud to have walked across that stage – even if I’m twice the age of my fellow graduates”
This year’s ceremony saw over 2,000 students graduating from the university’s 6 schools.
Twins Tosin and Toyosi Oye studied PhD Engineering together at Edinburgh Napier University. They both decided to study at the same university and chose Napier due to its track record of achievement and the great support they provide for students.
Prior to applying to Edinburgh Napier University, Tosin and Toyosi spent a hours researching the research facilities on offer at the university and which lecturers would teach them during their studies. Napier ticked all the boxes for what the twins were looking for in their education and also the environment in which they wanted to study in.
Tosin said:“The student experience encompasses many aspects of academic and intellectual development; social and emotional life; and growth. We’re proud to say we have all these at Edinburgh Napier University.”
Toyosi added: “Our university experience was great, and we enjoyed every bit of it. We’re really looking forward to graduation and our plan after graduation is to continue with postdoc and thereafter be lecturers.”
Tosin and Toyosi have always supported each other from their childhood to their university career.
During their time at Edinburgh Napier University, they assisted each other with their university work, for instance by taking the time to discuss the best ways to solve technical areas of their studies.
Building on a commitment to cultivate a highly-trained workforce that will drive future innovation, Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB) and Edinburgh Napier University are celebrating the expansion of Scotland’s state-of-the-art Trimble Technology Lab with an inaugural conference hosted by Edinburgh Napier.
The expansion includes the official opening of the new Merchiston Campus Lab and coincides with the Trimble Technology Lab Conference. The new lab will be showcased as the University welcomes over 50 leading construction, geospatial and natural resources academics from around the world to Edinburgh Napier.
The conference features three days of knowledge exchange and global community building by sharing best practices for teaching using advanced technologies including many Trimble solutions.
Edinburgh Napier was the first UK education institution to establish a prestigious Trimble Technology Lab—now with facilities at its Merchiston and Seven Hills sites. The labs serve students studying engineering, construction and the sustainable built environment.
Thanks to Trimble’s generous gift, students enrolled in Edinburgh Napier’s Schools of Computing and Engineering & the Built Environment, including architectural technology, civil engineering and construction management, can enhance their studies with hands-on experience of Trimble solutions.
These include scanning buildings and sites, design and 3D printing of architectural building models, and digital fabrication to implement construction cost estimating and scheduling to improve productivity, reduce costs and drive sustainability.
Amy Northcutt, Director of Education & Outreach at NASDAQ-listed Trimble, said: “Our collaboration with Edinburgh Napier University is impactful. The shared focus on education and sustainability aligns with Trimble’s mission of transforming the way the world works.
“Scotland is no stranger to important conversations around climate action and sustainability, which is why we’re so excited to bring together thought leaders from around the world who are equipped with Trimble technology to ideate and collaborate on empowering the future leaders of our industries.”
Professor Andrea Nolan, Principal and Vice Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, said: “We are honoured to be continuing to grow our ground-breaking work with Trimble to extend our Trimble Technology Laboratory facilities, as well as host the inaugural Trimble Technology Lab Conference.
“As home of difference makers, welcoming leading academics from around the globe to Edinburgh Napier celebrates how we strive to support our students with the best ideas and tools to help them design and build the decarbonised future built environment we all need.”
Professor Robert Hairstans, Head of Edinburgh Napier’s Centre for Offsite Construction & Innovative Structures, said: “We are already seeing the tremendous benefit partnering with Trimble makes to Edinburgh Napier students, whether it is using hardware to showcase their new ideas for our human habitats at COP26, to reimagining and rebuilding schools and university campuses to achieve net zero using biogenic materials like timber.
“With the new Trimble Technology Lab facilities ready for action, the next generation of engineering and construction leaders will have every chance to excel in addressing the construction industry’s 21st century challenges by harnessing technological innovation.
“Tech tools that help professionals to increase productivity and decarbonise the built environment.”
The lab will include a broad range of Trimble’s industry-leading solutions such as the Trimble® XR10 HoloLens with hardhat, Trimble robotic and mechanical total stations, and a Trimble TX8 3D Laser Scanner.
Advanced software solutions include RealWorks® scanning software, Trimble Business Center, Tekla® Structures, Tekla Structural Design Suite, Sefaira Energy Analysis, Trimble Connect and the company’s popular 3D modeling software, SketchUp.
Scottish Government welcomes study, co-authored by Edinburgh Napier University academic, that highlights the societal advantages of walking and cycling
A new report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) shows that swapping driving for cycling just one day a week saves the equivalent emissions of a flight from London to New York – about half a tonne of carbon dioxide.
The report, co-authored by Dr Adrian Davis, Professor of Transport and Health at Edinburgh Napier University, provides the latest evidence on the benefits and risks of active travel. It clearly shows that for individuals and societies, promoting active travel is good for population health and the environment.
For example, if just one in five urban residents can be convinced to permanently swap the driving seat for the saddle one day a week, it would cut emissions from all car travel in Europe by about 8%.
The health benefits of active travel are also laid bare with the report showing that active travellers have as much as a 40% lower risk of dying from cancer and a 52% lower risk of dying from heart disease compared to those commuting by car or public transport. They also have a 46% lower risk of developing heart disease and a 45% lower risk of developing cancer at all. This means a poorer quality of life.
The report also contains the latest evidence on the benefits of e-bikes which are bringing more people to cycling, including older adults for whom there is a positive impact on their health and wellbeing.
The report has been warmly welcomed by the Scottish Government. Minister for Active Travel Patrick Harvie said: “I’m pleased to welcome this new report from the World Health Organisation on the many benefits of active travel.
“This peer-reviewed publication – co-authored by Dr Davis from Edinburgh Napier University – provides the latest evidence base for policy makers across the globe on why investment in walking, wheeling and cycling is so important for our health, our cities and our environment.
“The vital role active travel can play in building healthier and happier lives is well recognised in Scotland. That’s why I’m proud the Scottish Government has committed to spend at least 10% of the transport budget on active travel by 2024/25, enabling a transformational investment in communities across the country. This report sets out all the benefits that we will see as we make that shift.”
Professor Adrian Davis outside the Scottish Parliament with his Transport Policy Paper.
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Co-author Dr Adrian Davis said: “This report clearly shows that for individuals and societies active travel is good for health and that we can all play our part in tackling climate change. As Individuals, we can take actions which benefits our own health and that of others.
“People who walk or cycle as well as use cars have lower carbon footprints from all daily travel. More people switching some of their journeys to active travel would lower carbon emissions from transport on a daily basis.
“The report provides timely evidence to support policy makers and practitioners, coming as it does shortly after the Scottish local government elections.”
A new partnership between ENABLE Scotland, Edinburgh Napier University and global professional services firm, EY, has set out to create equality across those accessing higher education opportunities.
Whilst 45% of all Scotland’s school leavers go to university, only 8.6% of school leavers who have a learning disability go on to higher education. Now, ENABLE Scotland’s Breaking Barriers programme is working with young people who have a learning disability to ensure they have the support required to access university life, can undertake work experience opportunities with a leading global employer, and graduate with a university qualification from a world-class academic institution.
Breaking Barriers, a ground-breaking initiative established by ENABLE Scotland in 2018, has partnered with some of Scotland’s highest profile corporate employers and has named EY as its newest official partner alongside Edinburgh Napier University – expanding its reach across the East of Scotland.
A cohort of young people from the East of Scotland are already undertaking studies and will now start work placements at EY. Anna Taylor (17) and Jaymes Doyle (18) from Edinburgh are working towards obtaining an Accreditation in Applied Business Skills from Edinburgh Napier University.
On her experience with Breaking Barriers so far, Anna Taylor said: “It has been really refreshing to meet different people who have the same anxieties and barriers as I do and who understand how you feel.
“It is a very unique experience; I have the support I need but also get to pursue something that was previously outside of my comfort zone.
“I am looking forward to my work placement with EY to see how the topics we have covered with Edinburgh Napier apply in a real life work setting.”
James Doyle added:“Breaking barriers has benefited me a lot as I have learned how to be in a university environment and have found a new interest in banking and business. I feel like I have been helped with my confidence and social skills a lot.”
ENABLE Group CEO and co-founder of the Breaking Barriers programme, Theresa Shearer, spoke at the 2022 Harkin International Disability Employment Summit in Belfast yesterday, discussing the Breaking Barriers programme and the charity’s goal to ensure further education is made more accessible for those with a learning disability.
Theresa Shearer said:“I am delighted that we are building on the success of the Breaking Barriers programme and making it possible for even more students who have a learning disability to access the life-shaping experience of university that is a rite of passage for so many, yet it is currently available to so few disabled young people.
“Breaking Barriers demonstrates how the public, private and third sectors can work collaboratively to improve diversity, equity and inclusion in education and the workplace, and I am excited to welcome Edinburgh Napier University and EY as the programme’s newest partners, advancing our shared ambition of a truly inclusive society for all.”
Professor Nazira Karodia, Vice Principal of Learning and Teaching at Edinburgh Napier University said: “We are delighted to welcome our ENABLE students to The Business School, where our vision is to be the Business School for empowerment, enterprise and employability for all.
“Our ethos as a university is to be the home for difference makers and our position as the number one modern university in Scotland reflects our success in providing students with a positive learning experience, and our close industry links.
“Not everyone has an opportunity to change the world, but everyone can make a positive difference to the world around them: working with fantastic partners like ENABLE and EY is truly helping break barriers faced by young people with learning difficulties.”
Ally Scott, EY Scotland Managing Partner, said: “Breaking Barriers is an inspiring initiative that EY is delighted not just to support, but to work with to give these remarkable young people the skills for a successful and fulfilling career.
“This is a great example of Scotland’s strong ecosystem between education, industry and the civic community in action, and I look forward to celebrating their graduation with them in the summer.”
The Breaking Barriers programme originated in the West of Scotland and has entered its fifth consecutive year, delivered in a partnership between ENABLE Scotland, the University of Strathclyde Business School, ScottishPower and STV.
Such is the success of the programme that many former graduates have gone on to shape their chosen career path and secure employment and additional training opportunities in fields such as filmmaking, para-medicine, cyber security, financial services, digital music, and fashion.
The expansion of the programme is supported by Edinburgh City Council through the Young Person Guarantee.
Edinburgh Napier forms new Tourism Research Centre to help tackle environmental and social impact concerns
A new research centre that aims to support the ‘new normal’ in tourism has been launched by Edinburgh Napier University.
The Tourism Research Centre (TRC) was launched last week at the 30th Council for Hospitality Management Education (CHME) conference hosted by the University’s Business School.
The TRC – chaired by Edinburgh Napier’s Prof. Anna Leask – sees a number of academics from the University as well as visiting professors and industry personnel collaborating to produce relevant research for Scotland’s recovery and development as a top tourism destination.
The TRC covers a wide range of research themes, each with the aim of making various types of destinations socially responsible by focusing on evidence-based practical implications for managers and policymakers on sustainability and inclusivity.
Whether that be urban or rural spaces, natural resources, heritage sites or events or festivals, the goal is to enable stakeholders to maximise the positive impacts and minimise the negative ones while equally engaging local communities and looking out for staff.
Professor Anna Leask form the Business School photographed for the staff profile series.
Edinburgh Napier’s Professor Anna Leask (above) said: “In tourism and events, successful recovery from the past two years involves not only attracting enough visitors but equally tackling pre-pandemic concerns around environmental and social impacts. Scotland has set ambitious goals to meet both aspects in the coming years and become a world-leading example for others.
“The aim of the Tourism Research Centre is to support the sector in this aim by producing research for the country’s recovery and development as a top tourist destination.”
Members of the industry have already expressed their excitement about the new Centre.
Marc Crothall, CEO of the Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) said: “The intelligence gathered via the TRC, and the industry having access to it, will contribute significantly to helping Scotland achieving our collective ambition, as set out in Scotland Outlook 2030, of becoming a world leader in 21st century tourism.”
David Cochrane, MBE, Chief Executive of the Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland emphasised the TRC’s crucial role in supporting the sector.
He said: “The industry thrives on data and having the new Tourism Research Centre will add great value to the decision-making of this dynamic industry post-Covid.”
Executive director of UKHospitality Scotland, Mr Leon Thompson, also shared his enthusiasm about the Centre.
He said: “As we seek to address the challenges hospitality faces right now, it has never been more important for business and academia to work together.
“Edinburgh Napier University’s Tourism Research Centre is an excellent resource which will ensure even greater collaboration as we support our sector towards recovery.
“The TRC also enables us to highlight the great achievements of our dynamic sector and, through partnership, build a very bright future for hospitality in Scotland.”
Visitors can engage with the Centre: learn more about the researchers and research themes; keep up with the news; and read publications – including the latest output entitled, Covid and Innovation within Edinburgh’s Festivals [Festivals and Events (napier.ac.uk)] by Prof. Jane Ali-Knight, Prof. Kristen Holmes, Dr Gary Kerr and Ms Hannah Stewart
People who want to keep a close eye on the development of the Centre and get notified about publications, follow @TourismENU on Twitter.
The pub is often a destination of choice for putting the world to rights, but could it beused to get people talking about subjects that are still viewed as taboo? Graphic Design student Tegan Bryce’s final year project aims to do just that.
Tegan has designed a bar set-up – including bar top, beer pulls, beer mats and stools – that aims to raise awareness and get men talking about what are traditionally viewed as female-only issues.
Tegan’s bar is heavily led by her use of typography which asks important questions around subjects such as postpartum depression and infertility worries for males.
Studies show that 1 in 10 dads are affected by postpartum depression and anxiety and Tegan was determined to shine a spotlight on this with her exhibition which is now on display as part of Edinburgh Napier’s In Full Bloom Degree Show at its Merchiston campus.
Tegan, 21 years-old from Livingston, works as a stylist and tailor for Levi Strass & Co and has used her embroidery skills throughout the bar set-up.
Asking questions such as “Can men experience hormonal changes due to childbirth?” and “Can men suffer from post-partum depression?”, Tegan has used embroidery to score out key words to highlight the lack of conversation surrounding these issues.
Her bar also incorporates a laser-cut bar top, specifically designed for the degree show, which features more phrases and questions on these topics as well as upcycled bar stools, books, beer mats and vinyl that all come together to raise awareness of these topics and to encourage people to begin to openly talk about them.
For Tegan, her final year project has been an educational journey but one that she feels is incredibly important in helping focus on the lack of conversations around these subjects.
Tegan said: “My work across my fourth year at University has been focused on using design to tackle conversations around taboo subjects, and through reading research and conducting my own, I kept going back to certain subjects such as postpartum depression and infertility.
“We hear lots about how they affect females – and quite rightly so – but we don’t hear as much about how they affect males when they happen. Why is that?
“I think good strides have been taken to increase conversations around subjects such as periods and the menopause but there are still subjects that are viewed as “taboo” and I wanted to shine a spotlight on these.
“The bar set-up was a lot of work. I’ve put my heart and soul into it, utilising my graphic design skills and my embroidery skills to hopefully create something that does get people – specifically males – talking more about sensitive subjects.
“If it helps just one people speak out, ask for help and understand better what a friend or family member has been going through, then it has been totally worth it.”
Tegan’s project, alongside hundreds of others, is currently on display at In Full Bloom, Edinburgh Napier’s Degree Show which runs from 26 May to 2 June at the University’s Merchiston campus.
More information on the degree show can be found here.
Results of Research Excellence Framework 2021 published
Edinburgh Napier University’s research power has been highlighted in a wide-ranging assessment of research quality in UK universities.
The activity at the University assessed as “internationally excellent” and “world-leading” by the Research Excellence Framework (REF) has leapt from 53 to 68 per cent since the last time the exercise was carried out in 2014.
And the University’s research power metric, which takes into account the overall quality of the submission and the number of researchers whose work was submitted, rocketed from 250 to 718. The feat gave the University top ranking among the Scottish modern or post-1992 universities.
Edinburgh Napier was also the top Scottish modern for research impact.
The improved ratings are all the more remarkable after the University chose to submit the work of more than 250 researchers, up from under 100 last time around, showing the strength and depth that now exists across research areas.
The REF – the UK’s system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions – is undertaken by the four UK higher education funding bodies: Research England, the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW), and the Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland (DfE).
A total of 157 UK institutions participated in the exercise, which is used to inform the allocation of around £2 billion of research funding per year. The thoroughness of the exercise is designed to provide accountability for public investment in research, demonstrating its benefits and impact.
REF 2021 – for which submission deadlines were extended due to the Covid-19 pandemic – assessed 21 per cent of Edinburgh Napier’s activity as world-leading and 47 per cent as internationally excellent.
The University’s improved power rating should now see research funding increase as it takes significant strides to grow its reputation as a research-focused institution as well as a teaching one.
The research submitted covered a wide range of academic disciplines, from environmental science and computer science to built environment and social policy. It included projects focusing on mangrove and seagrass conservation, cybercrime-busting technology, offsite construction solutions, cardiovascular health and police stop and search policy.
Of the 13 units of assessment (UoAs) submitted, Edinburgh Napier improved in every single one.
ULT portrait – Nick Antonopoulos, Vice Principal of Research and Innovation
Professor Nick Antonopoulos, the University’s Vice Principal of Research and Innovation, said: “I am delighted to see these REF results firmly placing Edinburgh Napier as the Number One Modern in Scotland, both in research power and impact. This is the outcome of the tireless, collaborative efforts of our academic and professional services staff over the past seven years, for which I am truly grateful.
“These outcomes, and in particular the fact that nearly 70 per cent of our research has been evaluated as internationally excellent or world-leading, provide the best possible confirmation that Edinburgh Napier delivers excellent research with substantial real impact, nationally and internationally.
“These achievements are even more remarkable when we consider the funding that Edinburgh Napier has been receiving, and clearly illustrate that as an institution we deliver considerable additional value for money in research and innovation.”
Radio ENRG is delighted to present the return of its annual 24-hour Charity Broadcast Extravaganza, with funds raised going to support those affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Student journalists at Edinburgh Napier University will be on air from 12pm on Wednesday 4th May right through until noon on Thursday.
A range of dynamic and exciting shows will keep listeners entertained right through the night, with dedicated slots for musical lovers, indie fans and dance ravers.
There will also be special quizzes, live phone-ins and fierce debate, all produced by current journalism students.
Radio ENRG’s sister websites will also contribute to the broadcast, with political discussion from ENRG Debrief and all sporting needs catered for by the team at the award-winning ENRG Sport.
This will be the first time since 2019 that Radio ENRG has been able to hold its annual charity broadcast, due to the pandemic.
Students raised £625 for Endo Warriors West, a charity supporting women with endometriosis, in the most recent edition of the 24-hour charity broadcast.
This year’s event has been organised by ENRG Editor Seán McGill and Radio ENRG Station Managers Jessica Matthewson and Arran Proctor.
All four year groups will be represented on the event, with some fourth year students using it as a way to bow out of their radio shows ahead of their graduation.
Editor of ENRG, Seán McGill, said: “The decision to send this year’s money to Ukraine was an easy one. By the time the 24-hour broadcast is live, we’ll have passed 70 days since Russia’s invasion began, and more and more people are suffering every day because of it.
“Being on the radio is great fun, but if we, as a group of students, can also do some good while being on air, we see that as a real privilege.”
Co-Station Manager, Jessica Matthewson, said: “Due to the pandemic, we have been unable to conduct our annual charity broadcast for the last two years.
“We’re all so excited to be back in the studio this year, especially due to the fact that we are raising money for such a worthy cause.”
Co-Station Manager, Arran Proctor, said: “Radio ENRG is an amazing source of gaining skills in broadcast journalism. Doing this charity broadcast means that student journalists are advancing their talents for good!”
A social media team will be working hard throughout the night, taking song requests and posting updates at @RadioENRG.
Radio ENRG’s Charity Broadcast Extravaganza will be live from 12pm-12pm tomorrow (Wednesday 4th May into Thursday 5th May) on the Radio ENRG website radioenrg.net.
New fund to investigate international best practice in the built environment for healthcare
Edinburgh Napier University to administer £1million budget
Administration of a £1m research budget focused on developing international best practice in the built environment for healthcare has been awarded by NHS Scotland Assure to Edinburgh Napier University.
The fund, launched on 1 April, is open to researchers who are looking to work collaboratively to identify ways to deliver safe healthcare environments that are free from avoidable risk.
NHS Scotland Assure has been designed to improve the management of risk in the built environment across Scotland, providing greater confidence to stakeholders, and a key focus is to develop opportunities for multi-disciplinary working within the healthcare-built environment.
This fund aims to provide opportunities to explore development of a consortium of different disciplines which delivers research in line with the identified needs of NHS Scotland Assure. The service will share best practice case studies in standards and models for the built environment.
The buildings and environment in which healthcare is delivered play a large part in preventing and controlling the risk of transmission of infection and other harms, and it is essential that buildings are safe, resilient and not vulnerable to these risks, where these can be prevented.
The guidance and advice generated by NHS Scotland Assure helps to ensure that patients, their carers and those delivering healthcare are in an environment which is not only safe but also effective and person centred. Research plays a pivotal part in supporting this as it ensures that produced guidance and given advice are based not only on best practice but also on best evidence.
It will also ensure that the most up-to-date and robust research is translated into practice to improve future health outcomes.
Over the next two years, the research programme will focus on eight healthcare environments:
· Water systems, including drainage (Design, Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance (DICM))
· Ventilation systems (DICM)
· Pathogens, the microbiome, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), transmission risks and burden of disease in the hospital environment
· Hospital design, including size and single room provision
· Lessons learned from Covid-19
· Human factors/Ergonomics and Infection Prevention and Control
· Climate change requirements and the unintended consequences on built environment risks
· The role of safety and harms in relation to medical gases, electrical systems and fire safety.
The closing date for the first round of funding applications, based on research meeting one or more of the eight themes above, will be set for July 2022.
Professor Nick Antonopoulos, Vice Principal, Research & Innovation, Edinburgh Napier University, said: “We are very excited to announce this award, which is a good fit for the University’s experience and ongoing strategy, and reflects our commitment to develop our well-established research and teaching expertise in health and wellbeing.
“The success of the fund will be a priority for our Schools of Applied Sciences and Engineering & the Built Environment, and the University’s Research, Innovation and Enterprise department, who will all play their part in supporting the research programme.”
The Research Service at Edinburgh Napier will also be running regular events over the next two years, to nurture an inclusive approach between professional roles within the built environment and across infection prevention & control (IP&C); healthcare providers; academia; and research institutions.
Further information and relevant pro formas for application can be found here.
