Queen Margaret University – The NEN

QMU hosts third Osteoporosis Community Café to address rising demand for support

Queen Margaret University (QMU) is set to host its third Osteoporosis Community Café, reflecting the growing need for supportive spaces where people affected by osteoporosis can connect, share experiences and access reliable information.

Building on the success of previous cafés, the event will offer a warm, inclusive environment for individuals living with osteoporosis – and those who care for them – to discuss challenges, celebrate progress and learn practical ways to live well with the condition.

In the UK, osteoporosis affects over 3 million people, including 250,000 in Scotland, and contributes to approximately 527,000 fractures each year. Although often associated with postmenopausal women (affecting 1 in 2 women over 50), evidence shows that around 1 in 5 men over 50 are also affected. Because the condition can progress silently until a fracture occurs, many people remain undiagnosed until the disease is already advanced.

Osteoporosis gradually weakens bones due to a loss of bone mass, often without symptoms. A minor fall or sudden impact can lead to a significant fracture, commonly in the wrist, hip, or vertebrae. Spinal compression fractures can occur with little or no trauma, causing back pain, loss of height, and changes in posture, including the noticeable stooped or curved back.

The café will bring together individuals from across Edinburgh, the Lothians and beyond, offering light refreshments and the chance to connect with others, as well as members of the research team at QMU. At the meeting in February, participants will have the opportunity to hear a short talk from a pharmacist.

The Lydia Osteoporosis Project team – established in 2011 by a group of nurses at QMU – conducts research, education, and awareness raising activities around osteoporosis.

Victoria Waqa, Nurse Lecturer for the Lydia Osteoporosis Project, is committed to creating opportunities for people living with osteoporosis to come together and engage in supportive conversations.

Victoria explained. “People are often blindsided by an osteoporosis diagnosis and they may not know how to access helpful information, or make the necessary lifestyle choices that can help in the management of the condition.

“People can feel isolated and often very frustrated by the lack of help that may seem to be available, but there is so much that can be done to live well with osteoporosis. It’s vital to foster communities where people can come together, share experiences and empower one another to manage their condition.

“Sadly, despite affecting so many people, osteoporosis is not a priority for health services in the UK or internationally, and we need to work together to change that. There is a lack of public awareness about the condition – how to prevent it and how to manage it after diagnosis.

“The purpose of the Osteoporosis Community Café at QMU is to create a welcoming space where people can come together, connect, and share their experiences, while helping us better understand what matters most to them and what they would like to learn more about. We aim to support people with practical, accessible information to help them live well with osteoporosis. This may include guidance on safe exercise, healthy lifestyle choices, and other aspects of day-to-day management.

“We also look forward to sharing updates from our research and keeping attendees informed about our plans for the Osteoporosis Symposium, a national event, which will be held on 20 May at Queen Margaret University.”

The next café will take place on Wednesday 18^th February from 2pm – 4pm at Queen Margaret University.

To secure a place, email: lydiaosteoporosisproject@qmu.ac.uk and if you are arriving by car, please provide your car registration number when booking. Access to the QMU car park is via the A1.

Please include any dietary or accessibility requirements when booking your place at the café.

See details about travelling to the QMU campus www.qmu.ac.uk/location-and-getting-here/get-to-qmu-general-information

QMU’s Chartered Management Institute Accreditation will empower next generation of business leaders

Queen Margaret University’s suite of undergraduate Business Management degrees has gained Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Level 5 Dual Accreditation, helping students develop the skills, and professional recognition to succeed in exciting graduate roles, and the confidence to secure future leadership opportunities.

This new partnership with the CMI – the UK’s only chartered body for management and leadership – will provide QMU students with an outstanding opportunity to gain a dual qualification, combining academic study with an internationally recognised professional credential.

Through this accreditation, QMU students studying one of the undergraduate Business Management courses will not only earn their degree, but will also achieve a CMI Level 5 qualification in Management and Leadership at no additional cost, giving them a competitive edge in the job market.

QMU’s new CMI Dual Accreditation offers:

A dual qualification: Students will earn both a QMU Business Management degree and a respected CMI Level 5 professional qualification, boosting employability and career readiness.
Chartered status: Graduates can progress towards Foundation Chartered Manager (fCMgr) or the prestigious Chartered Manager (CMgr) status – the highest professional accolade in management.
Exclusive CMI membership: Students receive complimentary CMI membership throughout their studies, gaining access to professional development resources, career tools, networking opportunities, and leadership events.

Thomas Peschken-Holt, Head of the Queen Margaret Business School, said: “Accreditation from CMI is a powerful addition to our Business Management offering.

“It aligns perfectly with QMU’s focus on employability and real-world learning, ensuring our graduates not only understand management theory, but also demonstrate professional competence and leadership in practice.

“We look forward to continuing to enhance the curriculum and learner experience.”

The CMI supports over 230,000 members worldwide and collaborates with more than 1,000 businesses and education providers. With over 75 years of expertise and a Royal Charter, CMI equips people at every career stage to develop the confidence and skills to lead effectively.

Research from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) highlights the strong impact of CMI accreditation on student outcomes and employability. According to CMI, 87% of students say that CMI dual accreditation makes them more employable, and graduates with CMI Dual Accreditation see average salary increases of around 8%. In addition, nine out of ten university partners agree that CMI accreditation improves overall student satisfaction, demonstrating the value of this recognition for both learners and institutions.

This partnership with the CMI confirms the University’s commitment to preparing students for successful, impactful careers in the business industry.

QMU’s final-year Business Management students have already been briefed on the CMI accreditation during on-campus sessions and are enthusiastic about accessing CMI support materials, participating in industry events, and expanding their professional networks.

Further follow-up sessions will be held later this semester, with CMI inductions for third-year students scheduled to roll out later this year.

Queen Margaret University launches three-year nursing degree to fast-track students into healthcare

Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh has announced the launch of a new three-year full-time BSc Nursing programme, offering students a faster route into the nursing workforce at a time of growing demand for qualified healthcare professionals.

For several years, QMU has offered courses which are studied over 4 years – a BSc Honours and a Master of Nursing – but this new 3 year degree expands QMU’s current provision, providing students aspiring to become qualified nurses with more routes to registration.

QMU’s new BSc Nursing provides an accelerated pathway to registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), enabling graduates to enter the workforce a year earlier, while still benefiting from the University’s renowned high-quality teaching and person-centred approach to nurse education. Eligible students will also benefit from the £10,000 annual bursary for the full three-year duration of the course, alongside tuition fees covered by the Scottish Government.

Fast-track into nursing

The new BSc Nursing (three-year fulltime) offers:

Accelerated registration with the NMC, allowing graduates to join the workforce sooner.
Shared learning opportunities with students across QMU’s Division of Nursing and Paramedic Science, including those on the BSc Nursing (Hons), Master of Nursing, and BSc Nursing (Earn as you Learn) programmes.
Financial support, with eligible students receiving the £10,000 annual bursary for each of the three years, alongside tuition fees covered by the Scottish Government.
A condensed timetable with shorter summer breaks, ensuring students remain on track to graduate within three years.

Students will benefit from QMU’s strong partnerships with NHS Health Boards and other healthcare providers, gaining hands-on experience in a wide range of clinical settings.

The programme emphasises person-centred care, leadership development, and interprofessional learning, preparing graduates to deliver safe, compassionate, and effective healthcare.

On successful completion of the degree, graduates will have the option to enter the nursing workforce with the NHS or private sector. Subject to approval, this course will commence on 14th September 2026.

Meeting the needs of healthcare

Ruth Magowan, Head of the Division of Nursing at QMU, commented: “This new accelerated programme reflects QMU’s commitment to innovation and flexibility in healthcare education.

“By offering students the chance to qualify in three years instead of four, we are helping to strengthen the nursing workforce while ensuring our graduates are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and compassion needed to deliver excellent person-centred care.

“QMU has a longstanding reputation for excellence in nursing education, preparing students for rewarding careers in healthcare. With strong links to clinical practice, a focus on person-centred care, and a supportive learning environment, QMU graduates are highly sought after across Scotland and beyond.

“We are delighted to support the Scottish Government’s ambition to bolster the country’s healthcare workforce by playing a pivotal role in strengthening Scotland’s nursing profession.”

Research highlights barriers to reusable period product uptake in Scotland

Despite progressive legislation guaranteeing free access to menstrual products in Scotland, research reveals that reusable period products remain significantly underused, with only 3% of people in Scotland who menstruate relying on them exclusively.

Dominique Haig, a master’s student at Queen Margaret University (QMU), has explored why uptake of reusable menstrual products remains low, despite the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act 2021 encouraging their distribution.

The findings point to a complex web of barriers – institutional, educational, and infrastructural – that prevent organisations fully understanding and complying with the Act’s goals around equity, sustainability, and choice.

Dominique, a student in QMU’s Institute of Global Health and Development explained: “We found that while reusable products are technically available across colleges, universities and public organisations, they’re often out of sight – sometimes hidden behind reception desks or restricted to student unions.

“This type of gatekeeping, combined with poor signposting and limited education, means many students, who may be particularly vulnerable to period poverty, don’t even know they have the option of accessing the free sanitary products.”

The research has identified that students most likely to benefit from reusable products – such as low-income, disabled, and trans/non-binary individuals – face disproportionate barriers. These include:

inconsistent menstrual education and limited teacher training, leaving students unaware of their entitlements and product options.
parental influence, which can shape attitudes toward menstruation and product choices, especially when stigma or misinformation has shaped communication.
inadequate washing facilities and lack of private spaces, which make using reusables impractical in many institutions.

“One teacher told us that students often don’t receive menstrual education until halfway through the school year,” Dominique explained. “By then, their understanding is shaped mostly by what their parents have told them.”

In addition, student input rarely shaped procurement practices which resulted in the purchase of reusable produced that didn’t meet the needs of students in terms of quality and aesthetic preferences – resulting in wasted budgets and a continual reliance on single use sanitary wear.

“We spoke to one university procurement officer who confirmed that students had to go to a specific location to collect reusable products,” Dominique added.

“That alone can be a deterrent, especially if the space isn’t welcoming or inclusive.”

Dominique Haig concluded: “The availability of free sanitary wear across Scotland has been an excellent way of improving equality for women across the country.

“However, without targeted interventions, Scotland risks entrenching its dependence on single-use menstrual products, which ultimately undermines the environmental and social equity goals of the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act 2021.

“We are therefore calling for improved menstrual education and teacher training; inclusive procurement processes that reflect student preferences; better infrastructure to support reusable product use; and clearer signposting and more accessible distribution methods.

“This will help protect the dignity of everyone who menstruates and the sustainability of service provision, ensuring every student has real choices.”

Read the full research brief on the QMU website

QMU graduate to champion new talent at Gateway Writing Festival

Queen Margaret University graduate James Wood is set to champion a new wave of Scottish theatre talent as he leads the fourth annual Gateway Writing Festival across 3 – 5 November 2025.

Founded by James in 2022, the Gateway Writing Festival celebrates bold new writing and supports early-career artists in developing their work for the stage. This year’s event will feature nine brand new plays and engage around 70 emerging creatives, offering a vital platform for collaboration and creativity within Scotland’s theatre community.

James developed the idea for the festival while studying at QMU, where he credits the University’s supportive and collaborative environment for giving him the confidence and skills to bring the project to life.

He also received funding through QMU’s Vice-Chancellor’s Fund, the Santander Universities Enterprise Fund and the Emerging Creatives Fund -support that enabled him to establish and grow the festival and his theatre company beyond graduation.

James said: “Without this generosity, the Gateway Writing Festival, a project I started at QMU, or any of my companies’ commissioned shows would not have had a chance to flourish.”

The festival will run from 3–5 November 2025 at Capital Theatres’ Studio Theatre, offering audiences a chance to experience a dynamic programme of new writing and connect with the next generation of Scottish theatre talent.

Book tickets: The Gateway Writing Festival – Capital Theatres

Local community invited to QMU’s online forum

Local residents and community representatives are warmly invited to Queen Margaret University’s online Community Forum on Tuesday 18 November 2025 from 6:30pm to 7:45pm.

This twice-yearly event offers a unique chance to hear University updates, explore partnership opportunities, and share ideas about how QMU can best serve and collaborate with its surrounding communities.

This autumn’s Forum will take place on Microsoft Teams and will feature a presentation from Ann Turner, Senior Lecturer and Programme Lead in QMU’s Media Communication and Performing Arts Division.

Ann will showcase ways that local organisations can benefit from working with QMU students and share examples of impactful projects delivered in partnership with community groups and businesses.

In particular, she will highlight opportunities for collaboration with undergraduate and postgraduate students in marketing and communications, who can support organisations by:

Developing promotional strategies to reach target audiences;
Designing digital assets such as social media content;
And creating short promotional films or podcasts.

The event will also provide space for open discussion, inviting attendees to share their perspectives on QMU’s role in the community and explore how relationships can be deepened for mutual benefit.

Jane Scott, Director of Marketing and Communications at QMU, said: “The Community Forum is a chance for us to listen as much as we share.

“We want to hear directly from our neighbours, learn about their priorities, and explore how QMU can work alongside the community to make a positive difference in East Lothian and beyond.

“By working together, we can strengthen relationships, support local organisations, create opportunities and ensure that QMU continues to play an active role in the life of our community.”

QMU welcomes both regular participants and new members of the community to join the Forum. To attend, please register by emailing marketing@qmu.ac.uk. A Microsoft Teams link will then be sent to you, giving access to the meeting on the day.

Cutting-edge Digital and Graphic Design degree launches at Queen Margaret University

Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh has launched an innovative BA (Hons) Digital and Graphic Design course, which is set to welcome its first cohort of undergraduate students in September 2026.

Created in consultation with leading design companies, the course will ensure that QMU graduates have the contemporary skills, experience and attributes that employers value most.

This exciting new course has been designed to meet the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the creative industries and other industry organisations, blending artistic expression with advanced digital technologies.

Students will gain hands-on experience in visual communication, branding, web design, motion graphics, and strategic storytelling, preparing them for exciting dynamic careers in design studios, advertising agencies, media companies and freelance practice.

Dr Dave Wood, Programme Leader for the new BA (Hons) Digital and Graphic Design, brings decades of experience in design education and industry to the role. He explained: “There has never been a more exciting time to work in digital and graphic design, particularly when the development of AI is allowing designers to take their creative work to a whole new level.

“It’s a growing and exhilarating area to work in, and with all sectors requiring graphic and design specialists, graduates can follow their passion by developing their careers in their chosen field – whether that be in business, healthcare, public sector, education, the creative industries or the charitable sector – in the UK or internationally.

“Our industry colleagues across Scotland and the UK have been incredibly supportive about the development of this course. We’ve worked hard to build a curriculum that responds to the evolving needs of the creative sector, with input from leading design companies across Scotland and the UK.

“We are excited about empowering students to become confident, thoughtful designers who can shape the visual culture of tomorrow.”

The course will be a creative, fun and exhilarating experience for students who will have the chance to develop their skills in visual storytelling, visual strategy and innovation, which will allow them to create their own unique design voice.

The programme will be delivered by the Division of Media, Communication and Performing Arts and draws on QMU’s strong reputation in media and creative industries. Students will benefit from real-world projects, industry-standard software, and opportunities to collaborate with professionals through industry workshops, guest lectures, and work-based learning.

There will be lots of practical experience so that graduates will be able to hit the ground running when they enter the world of work. This includes the opportunity to work on live briefs and the chance to build a professional portfolio during the four years of study at QMU.

And with a strong emphasis on industry engagement and career readiness, the course includes networking opportunities and insights from experienced designers and creative agencies, ensuring that graduates understand and are equipped for roles such as UX/UI designer, motion graphics artist, digital brand strategist, and more.

Dr Wood added: “Designers don’t just make things look good – they shape how we communicate, interact, and understand the world.

“This course encourages students to think critically and creatively, using design as a tool for meaningful change and to bring stories to life!”

Prospective students are invited to attend QMU’s upcoming Undergraduate Open Day on 25 October 2025, where they can meet staff, explore facilities, and learn more about the course. It’s also a great opportunity for students to learn about the different industries and roles that might be available to them following graduation.

Applications for the BA (Hons) Digital and Graphic Design are now open via UCAS for 2026 entry. For more information, visit QMU’s course page.

Queen Margaret University marks World Osteoporosis Day

World Osteoporosis Day demands end to global neglect of osteoporosis care and treatment

Today, 20th October 2025, QMU proudly marks World Osteoporosis Day, reaffirming its commitment to addressing one of the most pressing yet under-recognised public health challenges of our time – osteoporosis.

In a bold call, the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) has deemed the response to osteoporosis as unacceptable, asking to end the global neglect in osteoporosis care and treatment.

Osteoporosis means “porous bone”. It is a condition where bones become thinner, less dense, and weaker, leading to an increased risk of fractures. It affects more than 500 million people worldwide, including approximately 250,00 people in Scotland.

Often dubbed the “silent disease,” osteoporosis develops gradually and is frequently diagnosed only after someone has had a bone fracture. Globally, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over the age of 50 will experience an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime. In Scotland, the rate is even higher, with 1 in 2 women over the age of 50 affected. With the UK’s ageing population, the prevalence of osteoporosis is expected to rise dramatically, leading to a growing concern amongst health professionals warning of an impending osteoporosis epidemic.

Alarmingly, according to the IOF, awareness of the condition remains low, even among healthcare professionals, and osteoporosis continues to be under prioritised within healthcare systems. As a result, up to 80% of individuals who experience a fracture caused by osteoporosis are never diagnosed with the condition or receive treatment for the underlying disease.

Health professionals and researchers at QMU have been working to change this narrative by promoting bone health and osteoporosis awareness through education, research and community engagement.

The Lydia Osteoporosis Plus Project (LOP) at QMU, launched in 2011, continues to lead the way in person-centred research and education. The project aims to transform how osteoporosis is understood and managed in health and social care settings.

Vicki Waqa, Nurse Lecturer with the Lydia Osteoporosis Plus Project at QMU, said: “In Scotland and across the world, osteoporosis in not treated as a priority.

“The neglect surrounding the condition can lead to devastating consequences, which include:

chronic pain;
disability;
loss of independence;
increased risk of future fractures;
premature death; and
the burden extends beyond individuals to families, healthcare systems, and economies.

“It is important that Scotland fosters a culture of proactive and preventative care that prioritises bone health and reduces the risk of fractures. It is imperative that clinicians do not neglect patients’ bone health, and that young people and adults understand how they can use diet, exercise and good lifestyle choices to create healthy bones and reduce their chances of developing osteoporosis in the future.”

More recently, the Lydia Osteoporosis Plus Project has expanded its outreach across the central belt introducing Osteoporosis Community Cafés at QMU, that warmlywelcome people living with osteoporosis and those who care for them.

Vicki explained: “We were overwhelmed by the demand to attend our first Osteoporosis Community Café this autumn, with most participants confirming that they had experienced a lack of understanding, specialist information and support from health professionals and services.

“The Lydia Osteoporosis Community Café offers a friendly, supportive environment where people can share their lived experiences, learn from one another, build connections and collaborate with the Lydia team to enhance research and education initiatives focused on bone health and wellbeing.

“It was very evident there was a very strong demand for information, connection, and person-centred support from everyone who took part.”

Dr Karen Matthews, Lead for Lydia Plus Osteoporosis Project, confirmed: “The current situation is no longer acceptable. World Osteoporosis Day 2025 is not just about awareness – it’s a real demand for change.

“We are calling on the Scottish Government, GPs and other healthcare providers to recognise osteoporosis as a serious public health issue and to act accordingly. QMU will play an important part in educating future healthcare professionals and existing healthcare staff, but the powers that be must do more to tackle the impending epidemic of osteoporosis.”

During World Osteoporosis Week 2025, the Lydia Osteoporosis Plus Project team has been equipping its nursing students with knowledge and skills needed to effectively prevent, identify, and manage osteoporosis.

This initiative empowers the nurses of the future to play a leading role in reducing fracture risk and improving quality of life across all age groups. They will also share osteoporosis education provision with QMU’s paramedic science, physiotherapy and other allied health professional students.

By embedding bone health education into QMU’s undergraduate and postgraduate courses, the University is helping shape a healthcare workforce that’s equipped to address the growing global burden of osteoporosis.

Dr Matthews concluded: “On World Osteoporosis Day, we support the International Osteoporosis Foundation call for:

early diagnosis through bone density testing, especially for adults over 50 who experience fractures from minor incidents;
appropriate treatment and follow-up care to prevent future fractures; and
public and healthcare professional education to close the treatment gap.

“QMU is developing the next generation of researchers, nurses, and paramedics who are committed to delivering impactful, person-centred care and innovative solutions that make a real difference to the lives of people affected by osteoporosis.

“However, tackling this preventable crisis requires collective action — all health, research, and policy agencies must work together to prioritise bone health and improve outcomes for future generations.”

On World Osteoporosis Day 2025, we invite you to learn more about the work of the Lydia Osteoporosis Plus Project by viewing the latest initiatives on the website:

www.lydiaosteoporosis.org.

Palm Fat replacement product for food industry gets funding boost

A team of food researchers who developed an innovative new replacement for palm fat in the bakery industry has received a welcome funding boost from the Scottish Government.

The move will see the team progress commercial opportunities with new industry partners to provide healthy sustainable solutions for the food industry, and a reduced reliance on the use of palm fat in the bakery industry.  

The researchers at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh developed Palm-Alt, a new ingredient which replaces palm shortening, margarine and butter in a variety of bakery applications. Palm-Alt is considerably lower in saturated fat and carbon emissions when compared with palm, butter or margarine.

Palm shortening is widely used in a vast amount of baked goods such as biscuits, cakes and pastries, but palm cultivation is linked with tropical rainforest destruction. 

The University’s new replacement ingredient could offer significant solutions for the food industry allowing manufacturers to satisfy increasing consumer demand for tasty, lower fat, healthier food products, whilst reducing destruction of the world’s rainforests.   

Due to its composition, high yield and low production costs, the global food industry has become dependent on palm shortening, resulting in its over-cultivation. Its high saturated fat content, which allows it to remain solid at room temperature, has proven crucial to the industrial bakery sector.  

The new ingredient, which is a clean label blend of rapeseed oil, fibres and proteins, can be produced locally and at a global scale. During its initial trial period, the University’s research team demonstrated that when Palm-Alt was used as a replacement in baked goods, products such as cakes, biscuits and bread maintained their texture, flavour and colour.

When news about its initial success and its health and sustainable credentials went viral in 2023, there was a huge surge of interest from food manufacturers across the globe, all keen to know more about this exciting new replacement product and its potential to positively impact the food industry.  

More recently, the QMU team have moved testing out of the University’s labs, with successful trialling of Palm-Alt in industrial manufacturing settings, and with excellent results when tested as an ingredient in partners’ own products. The research team are currently in commercialisation and licensing discussions of PalmAlt with a number of interested UK food manufacturers.  

A new funding boost of £239k from the Scottish Government is now allowing the team to progress the development of an extended range of Palm-Alt to enable further applications. This work is set to include new collaborations with food industry partners ranging from ingredient producers to finished food product manufacturers from across the food industry.

The innovative new palm substitute has been developed by Dr Julien Lonchamp, Reader in Food Science, and Catriona Liddle, Head of the Scottish Centre for Food Development and Innovation at QMU. 

Catriona explained: “We set out to develop a new ingredient that would not only be better for the environment but also healthier than palm fat and current alternatives.

“Our trials at the University and now in industry settings have demonstrated that Palm-Alt works successfully as a replacement for palm-based shortening in baked goods.

“With up to 25% less fat and 89% less saturated fat, it is healthier, and as it can be produced locally, it could significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the impact of food miles and deforestation of global rainforests associated with palm production.” 

Catriona continued: “After seven years of research and development it is exciting to see the level of interest and enthusiasm from the food industry and our current partners. We are delighted that the Scottish Government is recognising the commercial potential of Palm-Alt as an effective replacement ingredient which offers significant health and sustainability benefits.” 

Dr Julien Lonchamp confirmed: “Today, the focus on nutrition and on identifying and developing more sustainable food and food sources has never been higher.

“This Proof of Concept funding from the Scottish Government will allow us to continue our work in commercialising Palm-Alt, seeking out new applications and solutions for the food industry in, for example, the use of Palm-Alt in pastry and confectionery products.

“It will help bridge the gap between groundbreaking research and commercial applications, which is essential in helping bring Palm-Alt to the global marketplace.” 

The research team are currently being supported by Edinburgh Innovations, the commercialisation service at the University of Edinburgh, who are managing the patent and commercial development of Palm-Alt, including engaging in license discussions with a number of interested UK food manufacturers.  

Queen Margaret University has been carrying out commercial trials at Opportunity North East (ONE) SeedPod, Scotland’s dedicated food and drink innovation hub in Aberdeen.

Gary McDonald, Senior Market Development Manager at ONE, said: “Delighted to see this project come to fruition at ONE SeedPod.

“The team at the Scottish Centre for Food Development and Innovation have been such a joy to work with on what is such an innovative project for the industry.”  

QMU Black History Month event explores the lasting impact of the Windrush Scandal

Queen Margaret University will mark Black History Month with a thought-provoking panel led by the Home Office Windrush Engagement Team, shining a spotlight on the history and lasting impact of one of Britain’s most significant political scandals.

On Wednesday 8 October, the University will welcome speakers to unpack the history and far-reaching consequences of the Windrush Scandal. The event will also examine the Windrush Compensation Scheme, offering valuable insights for those directly affected and for anyone seeking to understand this pivotal moment in British history.

The Windrush generation refers to people who came to Britain from the Caribbean between 1948 and 1971, named after the ship HMT Empire Windrush.

In 2018, it was revealed that thousands of these individuals and their descendants – who had the legal right to live and work in the UK – were wrongly denied basic rights, including access to work, housing, healthcare, and banking.

Some were even detained or deported, while many faced severe financial hardship. In response, the Government established the Windrush Compensation Scheme to support those affected.

Paola Tisi, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Adviser at QMU, said: “Black History Month is not only about celebrating achievements, but also about confronting difficult truths. We are honoured to welcome the Windrush Engagement Team to lead our annual event this year – and, for the first time, open it up to the wider public.

“The Windrush Scandal is one of the most significant injustices in recent Black history in the UK, and it continues to affect lives today. By creating space for open discussion, we can honour the resilience of the Windrush generation, raise awareness of their experiences, and ensure lessons are learned for the future.

“As a university with social justice at the core of our values, we are committed to advancing race equality both within and beyond our own institution.”

The event will take place on Wednesday 8 October 2025 from 16:00 – 17:30 in Queen Margaret University’s Halle Lecture Theatre.

It’s open to anyone who would like to learn more about the Windrush Scandal and the work of the Windrush Engagement Team. Following the talk, there will be an opportunity to ask the Windrush Engagement Team any questions.

Book your place on Eventbrite – https://ow.ly/2XBP50X543r.