Tag: Edinburgh Napier University

First large-scale study shows success of 20mph speed limit across Scottish Borders

Edinburgh Napier report highlights significant reduction in speeds, as Wales implements country-wide change at the weekend 

A study by Edinburgh Napier University has shown that the rollout of 20mph speed limits across the Scottish Borders has reduced average speeds by 3mph. 

With previous research showing that there is an average 4% reduction in collisions with each 1mph reduction in average speed on rural roads, the study demonstrates the significant knock-on effect the new speed limit is likely to have, particularly when seen within the context of the national Road Safety Framework to reduce deaths and serious injuries to zero by 2050. 

The trial, which took place across 97 villages and towns in the Borders since October 2020, showed that 85% of drivers dropped their speed by 3mph. It also showed that the largest speed reductions were observed in locations where higher speeds had been seen in the past – with those areas seeing an average reduction of 5.4mph.  

Significantly, the report also concluded that the change in driver behaviour continued well after the beginning of the trial, with average speeds still well below previous levels eight months after the start of the trial.  

The trial in the Borders is the first one in the world to look at the effects of a 20mph speed limit on such a large, rural area and the results will be studied by governments, local authorities and organisations across the UK and the world.  

The study also comes just days before the Welsh Government made Wales the first nation in the UK to adopt 20mph as the default speed limit on restricted roads – generally roads that are located in residential and built-up areas where there are significant numbers of pedestrians. 

Professor Adrian Davis of Edinburgh Napier’s Transport Research Institute who led the research said: “Previous research has shown that 20mph speed limits are effective in large towns and cities in both reducing speed driven and in reducing casualties.

“Our work looking at speed changes reveals that speed reduction to 20mph from 30mph in rural settlements produces similar results for speed reduction as in urban areas.

“Communities which have been asking for action to reduce speeding have been given a response, in this case by Scottish Borders Council who have taken action to address the dangerous and anti-social impacts of inappropriate speed.

“Our research findings consequently support the switch in Wales on Sunday from default 30mph to default 20mph speed limits.” 

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Vote of confidence: Edinburgh Napier Uni to work with Democracy Counts to improve trust in elections

The Knowledge Transfer Programme will look at new ways to identify voters

Edinburgh Napier University and Democracy Counts, a company which runs elections around the world, are teaming up in a joint effort to give people more trust in their voting systems in the digital age.

The University’s Blockpass ID Lab will work with the firm over two years as part of a new Knowledge Transfer Programme, funded by Innovate UK.

While many electoral operators still rely on paper and pen to recognise voters, the partnership will look at developing new ways of identifying citizens, while keeping their personal information safe.

It is hoped that this will make elections more secure, transparent and reliable in future.

Professor Bill Buchanan OBE, who leads the Blockpass ID Lab at Edinburgh Napier University, said: “This collaboration will bring forward new methods, using our expertise in advanced cryptography, to properly identify voters at each of the key stages of an election.

“We will aim to replace our paper-based signatures with a more reliable and trustworthy digital approach. Through advancements like this, and digital wallets, we hope to provide more convenient and accessible ways for citizens to take part in the democratic process.”

Simon Verdon, CEO of Democracy Counts, said: “We run elections around the world, and each one differs in their scope and implementation.

“This collaboration will allow us to build the next generation of trusted voter registration and election systems which can integrate different levels of digital trust, and should make voting more transparent, more resilient, and more trustworthy.

“The opportunity is thus for the UK to continue to be an international leader in the setup of elections.”

Paul Keating, Technical Director of Democracy Counts, said: “Digital trust plays an ever-increasing role in our lives, especially as we move towards digital signing.

“As elections have to have high levels of trust and transparency, this work will bring forward the current state-of-the-art in digital trust.

“But there are challenges around using citizen data, and so the collaboration will bring forward the latest research in the preservation of privacy and make sure it has high levels of trust from citizens.”

Established in 2009, Democracy Counts is a market-leading provider of electoral management software, support services and training to the UK Government and local authorities across Scotland, England and Wales – as well as managed referendums and ballot services to public, private and community organisations.

Edinburgh Napier University’s Blockpass ID Lab has spent the last five years researching ways in which blockchain technology can protect personal data from online scammers and hackers.

Double award success for Napier PhD student as Army at the Fringe show recognised

Everything Under the Sun has won two prestigious prizes

An Edinburgh Fringe show produced by an Edinburgh Napier University PhD student has claimed two prestigious awards.

Harry Ross, who studies at ENU’s Centre for Military Research, Education & Public Engagement, put on Everything Under the Sun in his role as Creative Director of Army at the Fringe.

As the theatre production’s 2023 run heads towards a conclusion, it has won the Scottish Theatre Awards Leading Light Prize, awarded to the best Scottish theatre production at the Fringe.

The show also collected a Scotsman Fringe First Award, an accolade marking its 50th anniversary which is designed to encourage performers to bring new work to Edinburgh in the spirit of adventure and experiment.

In addition, the show’s writer and director, Jack MacGregor, was shortlisted for the Bright Spark prize, for Scottish theatre artists embarking on their career.

Presented by Harry’s production company O’Neill/Ross, Everything Under the Sun tells the story of an interpreter attached to the UN’s peacekeeping mission in Mali, following an insurgency in the country in 2012.

Harry is now hoping to use the experience of this year’s production to inform his research at ENU, which examines the work of Army at the Fringe through a critical events lens. The organisation was set up in 2017 to spark conversations about the role of the armed forces in Scottish society.

Reacting to the awards, Harry said: “It’s really pleasing. It’s been good to take stories from the army and connect with very good young artists to tell them.

“Putting on these productions is pretty much a joint effort, so it’s satisfying to see them come together. The Army delivers the venue, and being a reservist myself has given it that extra personal connection.

“Working with Edinburgh Napier, it has been really helpful to lean upon expertise from across the University. For example, with the knowledge of festivals at the University, or even when it comes to acting.”

Harry’s Director of Studies, Professor Gerri Matthews-Smith, and second supervisor, Dr Gary Kerr, attended Army at the Fringe to see some of Harry’s creative works.

Professor Gerri Matthews-Smith said: “We are delighted to have Harry join us as a PhD student here at the Centre for Military Research, Education & Public Engagement.

“Harry is part of a vibrant Gold Covenant University research centre with multidisciplinary at the heart of our research.

“Army at the Fringe was thought provoking and I encourage people from all walks of life to go along to challenge their views on the role of the Army in Scotland. I am delighted that Harry has won these awards.”

Dr Gary Kerr said: “The Edinburgh Festival Fringe provides the opportunity for us all to share moments with each other, and the power of the arts allows us to challenge our thinking.

“Army at the Fringe is diverse, creative and hugely inspiring – the performances are a must-see!”

Army at the Fringe performances take place at Venue 358 – Drill Hall, Hepburn House, until 28 August 2023.

Evaluation of trail therapy finds mountain biking helps to improve wellbeing

The social prescription programme is designed for people with a mental health diagnosis

Edinburgh Napier University research into a mountain biking programme for people with a mental health diagnosis has found participants benefitted from the experience.

Researchers carried out an evaluation of Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland’s Trail Therapy programme, which has been running for more than a year. Participants are either self-referred or recommended through community and social prescription services.

Trail Therapy aims to help them grow in confidence, improve social interactions, establish skills of self-regulation, and accelerate their road to wellbeing. Having been hosted in Dundee, Perthshire and Lanarkshire, organisers hope to roll it out to other parts of the country.

Through interviews with participants and mountain bike leaders, the qualitative study found the unique challenges and settings posed by mountain biking contributed towards a holistic impact on their overall wellbeing.

Riders spoke highly of being able to take part in therapy in an informal, non-clinical environment, while also feeling part of a community.

The research was carried out by Dr Hollie Fountain, Dr Lesley Ingram-Sils, and Dr Tony Westbury from Edinburgh Napier University’s School of Applied Sciences.

Dr Ingram-Sills said: “The evaluation describes themes that emerged through an analysis process and uses the voices of the riders and their own words to express their experiences.

“Overall, those involved with the Trail Therapy programme were enthusiastic to share their experiences and reflected on their involvement in an extremely positive way.

“The stories and narratives that emerged from the analysis largely emphasised a holistic impact of the programme on riders’ overall wellbeing and skill development, underpinned by three main interrelated characteristics; challenge (physical, psychosocial, and exposure to the natural environment), MTB experiences, and support.

“There are still opportunities to further evaluate the programme and we know DMBinS are keen to learn how they can make it even more impactful. We look forward to working with them to source the funding for this important research.”

Dr Christine Fox, the DMBinS Mountain Bike Health Programme Manager, said: “We can visibly see the difference in participants on our Trail Therapy programme.

“This research from Edinburgh Napier University confirms that the programme has an impact on improving the health and wellbeing of those involved.

“Mountain biking connects us with nature in a unique way that combines physical challenge, positive risk taking, skill development, and unique opportunities for therapeutic experiences.

“We also take great pride in our Trail Therapy MTB leader, Paul MacFarlane, and volunteers in their approach that provides support, embeds therapeutic activities, whilst gauging the skill level and motivations of each individual.

“We currently run the programme in areas where we can source local or regional funding and we hope we can use the research to roll the programme out to other areas of Scotland and increase donations to the Scottish MTB Health Fund.”

The Trail Therapy evaluation was produced by Edinburgh Napier University as part of Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland’s programme of work on fostering mental health and wellbeing through mountain biking, funded by NatureScot, Trek, and Scottish Government.

It was based on interviews conducted by the research team at ENU in October and November 2022.

Edinburgh Napier University unveils pathway college for international students 

ENU will work with Oxford International Education Group

Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) has launched an international pathway college, to offer students from around the world a new route into undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes. 

The collaboration with Oxford International Education Group (OIEG) will provide prospective overseas students teaching in areas such as English language, academic purpose, and subject knowledge skills, which will then give them access to existing ENU courses. 

Edinburgh Napier University International College (ENUIC) will be based at the University’s Merchiston campus and will welcome its first students in January 2024, with applications opening through OIEG in summer 2023. 

ENUIC students will be fully integrated into ENU campus life from day one, with access to support services and facilities. Two undergraduate pathway courses and one postgraduate pathway course will be available initially.

After successfully completing their chosen pathway course, students can progress to one of 24 undergraduate degrees or one of 12 postgraduate degrees at ENU. The initial courses on offer will be in The Business School and the School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment. 

To support the growth of the college, OIEG will provide recruitment expertise, leveraging its global reach through its 250 recruitment and conversion specialists, strategically located in over 50 locations worldwide, and an established network of agents.  

OIEG has a track record of successfully running embedded colleges in the UK and North America, having opened their first embedded college in 2015. ENUIC marks their second partnership in Scotland, adding to existing partners across the UK and the US.  

Professor Andrea Nolan, Vice-Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, said: “I am very pleased that we’ll be welcoming international pathway students again from the start of next year.

“With Oxford International’s experience in embedded college operations, combined with the support and knowledge of our staff, I’m confident that international pathway students will know they are part of the Edinburgh Napier community from their very first day with us.”  

Lil Bremermann-Richard, CEO of Oxford International Education Group, said: “By adding a new partnership to our portfolio, even more international students will have the chance to study in the UK and achieve their dreams.

“You can feel the energy around the Edinburgh campus generated by both staff and students. It’s exciting that students at ENU International College are going to add even more energy from the start of next year!”  

Pictured:

  • Professor Andrea Nolan, Vice-Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University (left) and Lil Bremermann-Richard, CEO of Oxford International Education Group
  • Edinburgh Napier University’s Merchiston campus

School song created as part of project between Edinburgh Napier and Echline Primary

Project fosters creativity alongside leaving legacy for Primary Seven pupils

A project involving pupils from Echline Primary School and students and staff from Edinburgh Napier University has hit the right note with the creation of a new school song.

Echline Feels Like Home has been written, performed and recorded by primary seven pupils at the school, supported by staff and students from Edinburgh Napier’s music department.

The song – which is now available on Spotify – was devised over a number of writing sessions within the primary school before being recorded by around 50 pupils in June at a studio within the University’s Merchiston-based School of Arts and Creative Industries.

The project – which was the brainchild of Edinburgh Napier music academic Dr Zack Moir and his brother Jude Moir, headteacher at Echline Primary School – saw the pupils work with Edinburgh Napier music education students and embrace their creativity to write and produce the song which will now be left as a legacy gift to the school to be sung for years to come.

The song itself features lines such as ‘We are friends ‘til the very end, and we’re always there to show we really care’ as the primary seven pupils were encouraged to reminisce on their time at the school and sing about some of their favourite experiences from throughout the last seven years.

The project gave Edinburgh Napier music education students a valuable opportunity of working in a school setting and teaching pupils about writing songs and producing music.

The backing track to the song was recorded and performed by a number of Edinburgh Napier music students as they too gained valuable performing, working with young people, and collaborative project experience.

Dr Zack Moir, Associate Professor of Music at Edinburgh Napier University, said: “It was great to be able to create an opportunity for our music education students to get into a school and work with these excellent young people.

“It was beautiful for me and my colleague Bryden Stillie to get to see our students running workshops, leading writing sessions, and just getting the pupils to feel excited about music and helping them to really believe that they are capable of writing songs and singing!”

Jude Moir, Headteacher at Echline Primary School, said: “The project was fantastic from start to finish. It allowed us to think deeply about our values as a school, and what aspirations we had for the future.

“Working alongside the University students gave the project authenticity and made the creative process very real and exciting. This is something the children will remember forever, and the fact we can listen on Spotify was the icing on the cake.”

The full track is now available to stream at numerous places online including Spotify.

“We have become friends by going on this journey”

Afghan students who fled their home country celebrate Edinburgh Napier graduation

A group of Afghan students who came to Edinburgh Napier University following the evacuation of their home country have spoken of their pride at graduation.

Tens of thousands of people fled Afghanistan when the country’s government fell in 2021, amid the Taliban insurgency and withdrawal of international troops.

Amin Ul Haq Majeed, Bilal Rafi, Rafi Ullah Jabarkhail, Ahmad Reshad Halimi, Allahdad Afghan, Idress Rasooly, Mujeeb Rahman Fazli, Ibrahim Anwari and his brother, Abdur Rahim Anwari, have since made Edinburgh their home and completed their studies at ENU in several different subjects, including Computing and Business Management.

They picked up degrees during the University’s summer graduation ceremonies at the Usher Hall.

Abdur Rahim Anwari already had an offer to attend ENU when the evacuation of Kabul took place two years ago.

The 29-year-old said: “Suddenly everything changed. I informed Edinburgh Napier and they replied very quickly, offering me support such as hardship funds so I could study. This was a turning point for me.

“I didn’t even have ten pounds in my pocket when I arrived.

“It was a very difficult time, but thanks to the support from the University we have made it through.

“My fellow Afghan students were in the same situation. We have become friends by going on this journey together. We’re very thankful to the University.

“It is impossible now, but one day I want to go back home to Afghanistan with what I have learned.”

Bilal Rafi said: “2021 in Afghanistan was a very big problem – we lost everything when it all happened. But when we came here, Edinburgh Napier University helped us get started, and I am very thankful for that.

“It was a very scary time. We didn’t know anyone here and our families weren’t safe back home. Everything was at risk. Everything was unstable.

“On the first day when I came to the University, I didn’t know anyone – except Amin. We didn’t know anyone and we didn’t have anything.

“But it gave us the motivation, the inspiration to complete our education, and finally complete our degree.

“You can feel it when you are here in a safe place and your family is at risk. It was very difficult, mentally, especially for the first four, six months – I couldn’t sleep at night.

“But later on, with the help of Edinburgh Napier University, especially the Safeguarding Team, we did it.”

Student graduates as a new mum and a newly minted engineer

Olabusayo’s baby daughter will watch her mum graduate thanks to support from tutors

Olabusayo was in the midst of studying for an MSc in Advanced Materials Engineering and keeping up with the busy rhythm of deadlines, lectures, and lab practicals when she discovered she was expecting a child.

Initially, she was apprehensive about how she would cope with studying alongside the demands of pregnancy and motherhood. Balancing her various university activities with hospital appointments and safety in the lab seemed daunting, and Olabusayo was keen to find reassurance that her needs would be accommodated.

Fortunately, she received an abundance of support from her tutors in the School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment. Olabusayo praises her Module Leader, Neil Shearer, explaining that Neil assured her that she would be offered any help she needed to juggle her pregnancy and progressing her studies.

She was also supported as she began writing her dissertation in January, and she felt that she always had someone to turn to for guidance.

Olabusayo says: “I got all the help I needed. It was so smooth and easy – I wasn’t left to do things alone. It was just a great experience for me”.

As Olabusayo’s dissertation presentation quickly approached, so did the arrival of her baby; her scheduled presentation date even clashed with her due date, but her project supervisor Mark Dorris helped her to have the presentation date brought forward.

Now, Olabusayo’s hard work has paid off as she triumphantly graduates with daughter Keonna in her arms. 

She concludes: “My graduation journey has been such a blessing, and I’m grateful for all the help I got from my lecturers during term time”.

Gown on one knee: New Edinburgh Napier graduate says yes to post-ceremony proposal

Shannon now has two reasons to celebrate

An Edinburgh Napier University Veterinary Nursing student had an especially memorable graduation day – as her partner proposed outside the Usher Hall following her ceremony.

After collecting her degree, Shannon Ward met her family at The Napier GRADUATE Graduate pub, where Jamie Carty popped the question – and got the answer he was hoping for. The moment was captured on video by Shannon’s mum Clair and cheered by many other new graduates nearby.

Shannon, from Consett in County Durham, said she had no inkling of what her other half had planned for her big day. She said: “I had no idea! I even pointed out some jewellery I liked as we passed shops on the way here and he stayed quiet.

“My reaction … just shock and awe! Jamie has always said he wouldn’t propose to me in front of people, so it completely took me aback. “It’s been such a great day!”

Jamie, from Darlington, County Durham, said he had a tough time keeping the idea quiet. He said: “I was so nervous, but I just tried to focus on Shannon as I was saying the words – and not think about all the people around!

“I wanted it to happen somewhere which is already associated with so many wonderful memories. It made the nerves worthwhile!”

While the happy couple turn their attention to planning a wedding, Shannon is already putting her studies to good use, finding work in Northumberland.

One of Edinburgh’s oldest pubs transformed into The Napier Graduate for the class of 2023

As over 2,500 students make their way to the Usher Hall in Edinburgh to attend their graduation ceremony, one of Edinburgh’s oldest pubs, Shakespeare’s on Lothian Road, has rebranded as The Napier Graduate in honour of the university’s class of ’23.

For three days only from Wednesday 5 July to Friday 7 July, Shakespeare’s will be known as The Napier Graduate. Capturing the celebratory mood of the graduates, the pub has been decked out in red and white Napier livery, changing everything from the outdoor signs to the beermats in tribute of the new graduates and providing a welcoming space to celebrate with families and loved ones.

July 2023 marks Edinburgh Napier University’s biggest graduation celebration to date with six ceremonies spread over three full days, honoring the graduates of all five of the University’s Schools.

To mark the occasion the original Shakespeare’s signage has been replaced with the new Napier branding resulting in a complete redesign of the pub to make it the place to celebrate after graduation.

Among those graduating are Eilidh Skye Denny, an aspiring lawyer who was the first in her family to attend university. Hailing from Greenock, Inverclyde, Eilidh has completed an LLB Law degree at Edinburgh Napier University’s Business School at the age of just twenty-two   and hopes to inspire other youngsters from less advantaged backgrounds.

Eilidh said: “Coming from a socially deprived area, as well as one of the poorest areas in Scotland, has been hard, but I have been able to challenge this and prove the statistics wrong, which has been rewarding.”

“My aim is to be able to inspire others who come from a similar area or background, to show that anything is possible when you put your mind to it and put the work in.”

This is not the first time Edinburgh Napier University has pulled out all the stops to celebrate its graduates. In 2021, the University held a city takeover, which saw the name of graduates displayed across 18 billboards, 100 bus stops, an Edinburgh Tram, and a taxi, accompanied by messages underlining the University’s pride in them and offering congratulations on their success. 

Professor Andrea Nolan, Principal and Vice Chancellor at Edinburgh Napier University, said: “Graduations in the Usher Hall are the highlight of the year for me and Shakespeare’s has been synonymous with celebrations after our ceremonies for as long as I can remember.

“To support recognition of the achievements of our class of ’23, we are dedicating a special place for them to celebrate with family and friends. The warm and welcoming staff at the newly named The Napier Graduate are the perfect hosts to help raise a toast to our new graduates as they embark on their next chapter after university.”

Izzy Polson, General Manager of Shakespeare’s said: “We love welcoming the new graduates to the pub each year. It’s always such a fun and celebratory time so we were delighted to be rebranded as The Napier Graduate to make this year even more special.

“As one of Edinburgh’s oldest pubs, Shakespeare’s was built at the same time as many of the theatres of the area, so you never know, I could be serving the next Shakespeare!”

The Napier Graduate is open from Wednesday 5 July to Friday 7 July 2023 at 65 Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH1 2DJ.