Tag: Edinburgh Napier University

Five of the Best: Napier University honours inspirational figures

From cinematographer to illustrious military career, the five honorary graduates celebrated for making a positive difference

Five leading figures making a positive difference in their respective fields and communities had their achievements recognised with an honorary degree from Edinburgh Napier University last week.

Accomplished cinematographer and Primetime Emmy winner Neville Kidd was awarded with an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Arts for his contribution to the creative industry.

Responsible for overseeing several of Netflix’s popular science-fiction series, including Travels and The Umbrella Academy, this is not the first time Neville has been awarded an Edinburgh Napier degree after studying for a BA in Photography and Film in 1989.

Serving across the globe in his illustrious military career, former CEO and producer of Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, David Allfrey MBE, received an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Business Administration.

During his 10-year stint leading the Tattoo, David worked tirelessly to promote its mission to be the world’s greatest immersive event whilst highlighting the value and importance to Edinburgh’s cultural heritage.

David has used this experience to support Edinburgh Napier’s tourism, festival and event students by delivering annual lectures as well offering internships and work experience.

A fellow Edinburgh Napier student, composer and performer Anna Meredith MBE received an Honorary Degree of Doctor for Music in recognition of her services to industry. Defined by her traversing genre and style, Anna has been a composer in residence for the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and RPS/PRS Composer in the House with Sinfonia ViVA.

Former chief executive of Wood Group, Robert Keiller CBE, was presented with an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Enterprise for commitment to the humanity of business, after being at the helm of some of the world’s largest multi-national organsations as well as supporting innovative SMEs.

Also in receipt of an Honorary Degree is former Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland Gill Imery QPM for leading substantial improvements in policing for the benefit of the public and was the first woman to take command of policing Edinburgh divisions as well as Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary.

The honorary graduates will become doctorates of the University, alongside 2000 students graduating from the universities six faculties this week.

Professor Andrea Nolan, Principal & Vice Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, said: “It’s a real privilege to be presenting these five outstanding individuals with an honorary degree at this year’s ceremony.

“Each one has not only exemplified significant contributions to their chosen fields but made a positive impact on society as a whole. We hope their achievements will continue to play an inspiring role to those attending and graduating Edinburgh Napier University.”

Honorary graduates

Robert Keiller CBE, Doctor of Enterprise

Bob attended Jedburgh Grammar School and then went on to graduate from Heriot-Watt University with a Master’s in Engineering. Over the course of a 30-year career in the oil and gas industry, he held no less than 18 different roles in 10 different organisations, a varied career trajectory that provided him with a wealth of valuable perspectives on the impact of leadership style on organisational culture.

He has earned distinction and eminence at the helm of large multi-national organisations, as well as innovative, small and medium sized enterprises, by developing and nurturing the right organisational culture and putting people first. Today Bob is an inspirational TEDx speaker, a LinkedIn influencer with more than 160,000 followers, Chief Storytelling Officer at The Lens, and a Business Advisor through his consultancy firm, AB15.

Anna Meredith MBE, Doctor of Music

After studying at Edinburgh Napier University, Anna went on to receive a first-class honours degree in Music from the University of York, before gaining her master’s degree from the Royal College of Music. In recognition of her services to music, Anna was named a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2019 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

She has presented for BBC Radio 3 and 6Music and is a regular radio and TV guest, judge and panel member. She has created original music for numerous films, television productions, documentaries and installations, and has performed at pop festivals and classical concert halls worldwide.

Anna’s debut album, Varmints, was released in March 2016, achieving both Pitchfork’s coveted Best New Music and the Scottish Music Industry Association Scottish Album of the Year awards.

David Allfrey MBE, Doctor of Business Administration

David’s strong ability to co-ordinate and motivate, and his enthusiasm and skill for running large scale events led him to be awarded an MBE for delivering the commemoration events for D-Day. Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel he became Director of Studies for technical training and became involved in army recruiting, with a focus on increasing diversity. A further promotion to Brigadier led him to work with the Scottish regiments and command the 51 Brigade.

David is also dedicated to making international connections. He has visited 55 countries and one of David’s greatest achievements was to take the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo brand overseas. In 2016 and 2017, the Tattoo, under his directorship, delivered sell-out shows in New Zealand and Australia, selling more tickets than events featuring AC/DC and One Direction.

Gill Imery QPM, Doctor of the University

Gill has led substantial improvements in policing for the benefit of the public and was the first (and so far the only) woman to take command of policing Edinburgh division, as well as the first (and only) female Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary.

She has had an impressive career in policing and was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal for distinguished service in 2017. Gill also has a Master of Arts degree in English Literature and Language and a postgraduate certificate in Child Protection.

In 2016, Gill was seconded to Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland as an Assistant Inspector and then in 2018 she was appointed as Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland. There, she set the strategic direction for the inspectorate.

Neville Kidd, Doctor of Arts

Neville is an accomplished cinematographer, working at the highest level of the global screen industry as a Director of Photography, DoP, in which role he is responsible for the visuals, the camerawork and lighting, for high budget international television programmes.

By the early 2000s, Neville had become the ‘go-to’ cameraman when producers needed a distinctive versatile visual approach. He made a significant contribution to the way television cooking programmes are filmed.

He was the cameraman when Jamie Oliver, then an unknown junior chef at London’s River Café, made his debut; and Neville filmed the pilot and many successful series with Nigella Lawson, perfecting the art of framing close-ups of both the food and presenter.

Producers from North America approached Neville to work as DoP on projects for Hollywood studios. One of his first American projects was the Outlander series made in Scotland. For his work on an episode entitled The Battle of Prestonpans he was inducted into the American Society of Cinematographers.

Kael set to spice up the Scottish street food scene after award win

Inaugural winner of Appin Entrepreneurship Award announced

Appin Entrepreneurship Awards 2022 at the new Bright Red Triangle space in Bainfiled. accomodation complex

An Edinburgh Napier student that aims to spice up the Scottish street food scene has been announced as the inaugural winner of the University’s Appin Entrepreneurship Award.

Student Kael Begbie – known as The Hoagie Man – scooped the top prize of £2,000 after coming out top in the competition held at Edinburgh Napier’s Bright Red Triangle last month.

Kael – who will this week graduate with a degree in Business Management from Edinburgh Napier – pitched his way to success, pipping three other Edinburgh Napier student finalists to the top prize as he impressed judges with his plans to launch his new food business later this month (22 July) at the popular Pitt Market in Leith.

Kael’s food outlet specialises in wraps, with his signature dish – the hoagie – putting a Scottish spin on the classic burrito by substituting the regular meat ingredient of chicken or beef with haggis.

Alongside the prize money that he will use to help support the launch of his business, Kael will also now receive 1:1 business advice and support from Bright Red Triangle – a free resource for Edinburgh Napier students, staff and alumni to develop enterprise skills and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Appin Entrepreneurship Awards 2022 at the new Bright Red Triangle space in Bainfiled. accomodation complex

Kael Begbie said: “It was a special day; I really appreciate it and I am truly grateful for the support and encouragement offered to me by Damien and Bing as well as my Edinburgh Napier colleagues and fellow contestants.

“I’m very proud to be the first winner of this competition and it’s given me a fantastic opportunity to grow my business with a generous investment. I hope to return for future competitions and see a new wave of young entrepreneurs boldly exploring new ideas and developing their businesses.

“Until then I’m excited to keep working on The Hoagieman and to see where this journey takes me next!”

In its inaugural year, the Appin Entrepreneurship Award has been led by the University’s Bright Red Triangle alongside support from its Development and Alumni Relations team. It has been established to encourage and support the development of entrepreneurial ideas and concepts within the University’s student and graduate community.

The award has been made possible thanks to the generous support of two trailblazing entrepreneurs, Damien O’Looney and Bing Li, who met whilst studying Marketing and Entrepreneurship at Edinburgh Napier.

The pair have donated the award and prize money to celebrate and recognise outstanding student and graduate entrepreneurs each year at the University.

As young entrepreneurs Damien and Bing Co-founded UK-China Trading Ltd (UKCT), a product sourcing business in 2010, but didn’t stop there.

Damien and Bing’s entrepreneurial journey has seen the pair launch a number of successful businesses, including an English school in China, a property letting agency, a holiday letting agency, a Sportswear supplier – Appin Sports – for mass sports events and custom football apparel and a business which responded to the Covid-19 pandemic to source and supply PPE to the NHS and to various outlets internationally.

On Kael’s award win, Damien O’Looney said: “We are both very much looking forward to hearing about all the new business ideas coming out of Edinburgh Napier. The Centre for Entrepreneurship was instrumental in bringing Bing and I together and gave us the knowledge and confidence we needed to try and run a business ourselves.

“It also gave us practical tools (finance, budgeting, marketing and promotion, business planning and pitching) which are needed in every business. We hope our Appin alumni award can help fledgling businesses with the cash they need to start their business.”

“I hope Kael is successful – he seems to have all the right ingredients (pun intended) to make it a success!” 

Pete McLean, Business Growth Advisor at Edinburgh Napier’s Bright Red Triangle, said: “We are delighted that the Appin Award has been launched and would like to congratulate Kael on his well-deserved win.

“We are grateful to Damien and Bing for their generous support – their contribution will allow us to help more budding entrepreneurs turn their business ideas into reality, and provides a brilliant platform for showcasing the student innovation and entrepreneurial spirit present at Edinburgh Napier.

“We had a such a great calibre of entries for the inaugural year and the BRT team look forward to continue supporting Kael and his fellow pitchers on their entrepreneurial journey.”

Dr Maggie Anderson, Lecturer in Entrepreneurship at Edinburgh Napier, said: “I’m delighted as the entrepreneurship lecturer to connect Damien and Bing – two Edinburgh Napier alumni entrepreneurs – with Kael, a current student, to fund and enable him to progress his business idea.

“The competition focussed this year on students who had studied the Starting a New Business module and it was great to have so many keen to take their ideas further- that’s what entrepreneurship is all about.

“We look forward to further completions thanks to the generous funding now in place, to enable many more students to become alumni entrepreneurs of the future.”

More details on the Appin Entrepreneurship Award and Bright Red Triangle can be found here.

Napier student lands dream role following difficult start to life

Jade Lindsay graduated Business Studies with Human Resources Management this summer at Edinburgh Napier University Business School. Jade was adopted at the age of three and is the first person from her birth family to complete school and go into higher education. 

After completing her SQA Highers and unfortunately not getting the results she needed to pursue her dreams of becoming a vet, she had to rethink her choices. Jade decided to go on my world of work, a website that helps people discover a career that matches their skills.

After completing the different skill and personality tests, Jade said she was given a new purpose as she was recommended to pursue a career in Human Resources. Jade applied to Edinburgh Napier for their business and HRM degree and got an unconditional offer.

Jade said: “I was adopted at the age of three with a very difficult start to life and was the first person in my birth family to complete all of school and enter into higher education, which was a huge achievement.

“During my years at Napier University I have experienced lots of support and made lifelong friends. Over Christmas 2021, I applied to many graduate jobs and recorded many interviews as I looked forward to life after university.

“After completing my last lot of exams in May, I received the news that I was invited down to Bristol for an assessment centre for GKN Aerospace, a global organisation which leads the aerospace technology industry. 

“I was one of only 3 business students out of over 400 applicants to get to the final stage of recruitment.

“I was successful in my endeavour and I have now accepted an offer of a position in the 27 month HR graduate programme which includes 2 global placements and specialisation in one of the HR departments at the end of the programme.

“I will be starting my new chapter in September and I look forward to graduation.”

This year’s ceremony saw over 2,000 students graduating from the university’s 6 schools.

Edinburgh Napier’s most inspiring student winner completes degree

Katerina Dufkova has overcome more than most students usually have to during her university career and has achieved a bachelor with honours in Social Sciences. She was named Edinburgh Napier University’s most inspiring student for 2019-2020 which is no surprise considering what she has had to overcome throughout her studies.

As a survivor of Complex PTSD she immigrated to Scotland by herself at the age of 18 to remove herself from the proximity of her biological family who were the primary source of her trauma. She has excelled despite this difficult start to life and began her studies at Edinburgh Napier University in 2016.

Now 35, Katerina was in the final stages of completing her degree when the pandemic started, which meant she then had to juggle home schooling her 8-year-old daughter, whilst also completing her degree studies.

On top of this Katerina was in an ongoing custody battle with her daughter’s father with the support of women’s aid. Katerina persevered nonetheless and will graduate this summer. 

Graduations July 2022 – Graduations July 2022 – Katerina Dufkova, Social Sciences

She said: “Despite facing many obstacles, I was able to complete my undergraduate degree and was pleased to be named the most inspiring student 2019/20 for always being helpful to my peers whilst going through an incredibly challenging time myself”.

This year’s ceremony saw over 2,000 students graduating from the university’s 6 schools.

Veterinary Nurse completes degree following autism diagnosis

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.

Twin doctors graduate together at Edinburgh Napier University

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.

Trimble and Edinburgh Napier celebrate facilities expansion

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.

On your feet! New WHO report shows health and environmental benefits of active travel

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. Neil Hanna Photography www.neilhannaphotography.co.uk 07702 246823

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.”

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New partnership launched to break down barriers for young people with a learning disability

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.

Find out more at: www.enable.org.uk/breaking-barriers

New research centre to support the ‘new normal’ in tourism

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.”

The TRC’s website can be accessed by anyone at www.napier.ac.uk/TourismENU.

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.