Queen Margaret University – The NEN

Ashley Jensen returns to QMU as university prepares to launch new Acting and Performance degree

Award-winning actress and Queen Margaret University (QMU) graduate and honorary graduate Ashley Jensen returned to campus on Monday 26 October to share her experiences of working in the creative industries with the next generation of performers.

Ashley, who studied Drama (Acting Studies) at what was then Queen Margaret College, took part in a Q&A with third and fourth year acting students at QMU, reflecting on her career across theatre, television and film.

Known for roles in ‘Extras’, ‘Ugly Betty’, ‘Agatha Raisin’, ‘Afterlife’ and leading in popular crime drama TV series ‘Shetland’, Ashley has built a highly successful career spanning a wide range of screen and stage productions.

Her visit comes as QMU prepares to welcome a new generation of actors through its new four-year BA (Hons) Acting and Performance degree, with the first students due to begin in September 2027. Drawing on QMU’s highly respected teaching expertise and strong connections with the profession, the course builds on more than 50 years of actor training at QMU, and its existing two-year Acting and Performance degree for students who have completed an HNC.

Ashley said: “Acting is such an exciting career, and it’s also one where you’re constantly learning and discovering new things about yourself.

“There isn’t one set route into the industry, and you never really stop developing as a performer. You have to be curious, take risks and be prepared to put yourself out there, even when things feel uncertain.

“My time at Queen Margaret was such an important part of my journey, so it’s great to see QMU continuing to broaden its course portfolio. Having the chance to explore different approaches to acting, gain practical experience, and learn alongside other creatives can give aspiring actors a really valuable foundation to build on.”

Aside from Ashley’s impressive professional achievements, she has remained a passionate advocate for the arts in Scotland. She has used her platform to support emerging talent, promote diversity in casting, and champion mental health awareness within the creative industries.

Her commitment to these causes reflects values cherished at QMU, and in 2025, the University awarded the Scottish actress and narrator with an honorary degree to mark her contributions to the arts.

Marion Scott, Programme Leader for the new BA (Hons) Acting and Performance course at QMU, said: “Ashley’s career is a great example of the many directions an actor’s training can take them.

“For our students, hearing directly from someone who has built an established and thriving career is a valuable opportunity to understand what working in the industry really involves. Ashley’s visit gives them the chance to learn from her experiences and reflect on how they can develop their own careers as performers.

“Our new undergraduate Acting and Performance degree reflects how we want to prepare actors for the industry today, offering intensive, practical training in acting, voice, movement, textual analysis and screen practice, with theatre and film in equal measure.

“Students will also have opportunities to write, devise and develop their own work, collaborating with peers across QMU’s wider creative community. We’re building on QMU’s long-established history of performing arts while creating a course that reflects the range of opportunities available to performers now.”

Small class sizes, individual feedback and teaching staff with professional experience across the creative industries will support students as they develop their skills and prepare for professional practice.

The four-year course will be open to students applying directly from school, while retaining a direct-entry route for applicants with an appropriate college qualification.

More information on QMU’s new BA (Hons) Acting and Performance course.

QMU student wins national Converge Award for performing arts analytics business

A Queen Margaret University (QMU) student has won a national entrepreneurship award and £5,000 in funding for a business designed to help artists and theatre producers make better decisions using data.

Aisha Josiah, who is studying MA Arts, Festival and Cultural Management at QMU, received the Converge Performing & Production Arts Challenge Creative Fusion Prize 2026, sponsored by Mark Logan, for her business, ‘Stage Analytics’. The platform brings together information such as ticket sales, audience trends and reviews to give performing arts organisations real-time insights that can help with decisions on marketing, pricing and scheduling.

The idea was partly inspired by Aisha’s experience at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where thousands of shows compete for audiences each year. Stage Analytics aims to address the lack of accessible data available to independent artists and producers, while supporting the sustainability of Scotland’s creative economy.

The £5,000 prize will help Aisha take the next steps in developing Stage Analytics and exploring its potential as a business supporting artists and producers across the sector.

Carolyn Low, Knowledge Exchange Manager at QMU whose role involves providing startup support to students, staff and graduates through QMU’s Startup Studio, said: “Aisha has taken an idea rooted in her own experience of the performing arts and developed it into a business with the potential to address a real challenge facing the sector.

“Being able to support students as they develop ideas like this is an important part of what we do at QMU. Converge gives them the opportunity to take those ideas further, gain valuable business experience and connect with people who can help make them a reality.”

Aisha was one of four QMU innovators to reach this year’s Converge final, with QMU originally having 11 entrepreneurs selected to take part in the 2026 programme. The four finalists represented the breadth of entrepreneurial activity at the University, spanning data and technology, theatre, cultural inclusion, sport and community development.

QMU also had a particularly strong showing in the Performing & Production Arts Challenge, with three of the six finalists coming from the University. Alongside Aisha, the finalists were QMU graduates Mirren McIver, founder of Four Door Theatre, and Lok Pui Lo, founder of ESEA Creatives.

This year, 123 participants entered the competition, with 34 finalists representing 15 Scottish universities. The 34 finalists were selected from across 15 of the 18 universities taking part in the programme, the widest pool of institutions represented in Converge’s 15-year history.

Converge Executive Director Adam Kosterka said: “This year’s finalists represent one of the strongest and most diverse cohorts in our history, spanning industries from healthcare to climate tech.

“Being selected among such a competitive field is a testament to the skill, creativity and commercial potential of all our winners.”

The Converge programme is supported by the Scottish Funding Council, universities and corporate partners. Since launching in 2011, it has trained more than 1,000 aspiring entrepreneurs and supported the creation of more than 500 companies.

Aisha’s success builds on a strong year for QMU in the Converge programme, highlighting the range of entrepreneurial ideas emerging from the University’s creative and cultural community.

Her achievement was announced at the Converge Awards ceremony at Barony Hall in Glasgow, which celebrates promising university entrepreneurs and business ideas from across Scotland.

To find out more about the programme and the projects it supports visit Converge.

QMU’s Gaelic football success helps build a thriving student community

Queen Margaret University’s growing reputation for Gaelic football is helping create a strong sense of community for students from across the UK and Ireland, with the University’s successful teams offering a welcoming home away from home alongside opportunities to compete at a high level.

The 2025/26 academic year has been another successful season for QMU Ladies Football Club, with the club growing to more than 70 members and securing its fifth consecutive Scottish Championship League title.

The team also celebrated winning the British Championship Shield in Birmingham in 2025, competing against university teams from across the UK.

The men’s Gaelic football team has also enjoyed significant success in recent years, winning the Scottish University Championship in both 2023/24 and 2024/25 and finishing both seasons as unbeaten champions.

Following some time away from competition, the team’s re-establishment has been supported by the large Irish community studying at QMU, while also providing an opportunity for students from Scotland and elsewhere to get involved in the sport and Irish culture.

The success of QMU’s Gaelic football clubs is also helping attract prospective students, particularly those from Ireland who are looking to continue playing the sport while studying in Scotland.

For some students, the opportunity to join a successful Gaelic football club is an important factor when choosing where to study.

Nicki Carr, an MSc Speech and Language Therapy student from Dublin, said: “The QMU Gaelic Football team has been a big part of my first year at QMU and has really helped me settle into university life.

“Moving to a new country and starting a busy postgraduate course was a big change, so being part of the club gave me a great way to meet people, make friends and feel more settled.

“I really enjoyed being able to continue playing a sport I love without there being too much pressure around performance. The team was a good balance of football and socialising, and I got to meet people from different courses and years that I probably wouldn’t have met otherwise.

“Having a thriving Ladies Gaelic Football Club team was actually one of the things that attracted me to QMU when I was applying, as I knew it would be a good way to meet people and get involved in university life. Looking back, joining the team has been one of the best parts of my first year and has given me so many good memories and friendships that I’m really grateful for.”

Although Gaelic games are deeply rooted in Irish culture, QMU’s clubs welcome students from all backgrounds and experience levels. Whether students have played Gaelic football or camogie (an Irish stick-and-ball team sport played by women) for years, are new to the sport, or simply want to try something different, everyone is encouraged to get involved.

The men’s team has seen first-hand how quickly new players can take to Gaelic football, with students with little or no previous experience able to develop their skills alongside more experienced players. For the 2025/26 squad, creating a “home away from home” has been an important part of the club alongside building on its recent success on the pitch.

Ciara Brady, Social Secretary for QMU Ladies Gaelic Football Club, said: “The inclusive culture created within the clubs means that members quickly become part of a close-knit community, with friendships formed through training sessions, matches, travel and social events throughout the year.

“The success on the pitch reflects the commitment and dedication of players, coaches and committee members, but the clubs’ impact extends far beyond trophies. They provide opportunities for students to grow in confidence, meet new people and create memories that last well beyond graduation.”

The club’s achievements have also been recognised through the QMU Students’ Union Excellence in Sport Award, with the Ladies Gaelic Football Club receiving the award for two consecutive years.

Joe Agnew, QMU’s Student Union President of Activities, said: “Sport plays an important role in the student experience at Queen Margaret University, and our Gaelic football clubs are a fantastic example of how extracurricular activities can help students build connections.

“The achievements of our women’s team, alongside the continued success and growth of our men’s team, demonstrate the strength and enthusiasm for Gaelic games at QMU. The clubs give students the chance to compete at a high level while developing skills and connections that can last throughout their time at university and beyond.”

With both clubs continuing to grow, QMU’s Gaelic football teams are combining sporting success with opportunities for students to try something new, develop their skills and become part of university life.

Love Music secures funding for play based singing

Love Music has been awarded funding from Paul Hamlyn Foundation Teacher Development Fund

Love Music has been awarded major funding from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation Teacher Development Fund for a two year active learning partnership project, Sing for Wellbeing Schools.

The programme is a partnership between Love Music and eight City of Edinburgh Council primary schools, supported by experts from Queen Margaret University and Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Sing for Wellbeing Schools will empower upper primary school teachers to use inclusive play based singing confidently in their classrooms to foster equity, belonging and wellbeing for children.

Love Music will work in eight Edinburgh primary schools for two years, with classes from P4-P7, working with both teachers and their pupils through a regular supported workshop programme, mentoring and professional development sessions.

The Right Honourable Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Councillor Robert Aldridge said: “Singing plays a vital role in supporting children’s wellbeing across Scotland. It helps build confidence, encourages self-expression, and brings young people together through creativity and community.

“Every child should have the opportunity to experience the joy and benefits that singing can bring. I am proud to see the Sing for Wellbeing Schools teacher development programme taking place in Edinburgh, bringing new possibilities for children and their wider communities, and our primary teacher workforce.”

MP welcomes opening of £40 million Edinburgh Innovation Hub backed by UK Government investment

Chris Murray MP has welcomed the official opening of the Edinburgh Innovation Hub at Queen Margaret University, a major new centre for innovative businesses which has received £28.6 million in UK Government funding.

Chris Murray MP attended the launch of the new Hub, opened by Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland Melanie Ward and Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport Stephen Flynn.

The £40 million Edinburgh Innovation Hub is a joint venture between East Lothian Council and Queen Margaret University (QMU), and forms the first phase of the planned Edinburgh Innovation Park.

It is part of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal. It is supported by £28.6 million from the UK Government, £1.4 million from the Scottish Government and £10 million from East Lothian Council.

The new facility provides specialist laboratory, office, meeting and conference space for innovative businesses, with a particular focus on life sciences, food and drink, technology, start-ups and related sectors.

The Hub has already welcomed companies including Forge Minerals, Aurora Avionics and Riverwood Ecology, with a further life sciences company recently signing a lease to move around 40 employees into the facility.

The opening represents a significant investment in Edinburgh and the region’s innovation economy and is intended to support the growth of high-value businesses and create highly skilled employment.

Chris Murray MP said: “It was fantastic to be at the opening of the Edinburgh Innovation Hub and to see the businesses already making use of this impressive new facility.

“This part of Scotland has been short-changed for too long, with not enough Government support to create the jobs of the future.

“So as the local MP, I am delighted to see such significant UK Government investment, driven by our brilliant Scottish Labour Ministers. This money will help to create opportunities for innovative businesses to scale up and deliver high-skilled jobs right here in Edinburgh and East Lothian.

“Andy Burnham and the Labour Government are determined to deliver growth and invest in good jobs in the industries of the future, and the Edinburgh Innovation Hub is a great example of what that ambition looks like in practice.

“We have an enormous amount of talent and potential across Edinburgh and Musselburgh, across life sciences, technology, aerospace, environmental innovation and more. This Hub will allow this talent to build the businesses of the future right here in Musselburgh.

“I look forward to working with the Hub, Queen Margaret University, the Scottish Government, East Lothian Council and the UK Government to make sure that potential is realised.”

UK Government Minister for Scotland Melanie Ward MP said: “The opening of the Edinburgh Innovation Hub is a vital step in backing Scottish innovation and building a modern, resilient economy.

“Significant UK Government investment of over £28 million is giving start-ups the specialised lab space they need to accelerate breakthroughs, scale up quickly, and create high-skilled jobs across the region.

“This project shows the tangible impact of targeted UK Government support. While the Hub acts as a flagship engine for the regional economy, its impact links directly into communities right across Scotland.

“By connecting cutting-edge innovation with national supply chains – from Scotland’s space sector to freshwater ecology – we are using targeted regional investments to bring growth, high-skilled jobs, and economic opportunities to every postcode across Scotland.”

More information on the Hub can be found here:

https://www.edinburghihub.com/about/

Minister visits QMU as Clearing opens opportunities for prospective students

Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh welcomed Ben Macpherson MSP, the Scottish Government’s Minister for Innovation, Technology and Tertiary Education, to campus yesterday (7 August 2026) as he met staff supporting prospective students through the Clearing process.

The Minister visited QMU’s dedicated Clearing operations room, where the University’s Admissions, Recruitment, Outreach and Widening Participation teams are helping applicants explore their study options and secure places on courses starting this September.

While applications to study at QMU this year have been buoyant, the University is pleased to have places available on a number of courses through Clearing, all of which are open to and welcome Scottish applicants.

Tertiary Education Minister, Ben Macpherson, said: “Missing a university offer doesn’t have to mean missing out on going to university.

“Clearing provides many opportunities for students across Scotland to find a course and university that’s right for them, and it’s been great to see Queen Margaret University’s dedicated team offering such personalised support to prospective students.

“Our message to anyone still weighing up their options is this: search ucas.com and don’t hesitate to reach out to your school, UCAS, universities, Skills Development Scotland (SDS) or Qualifications Scotland if you need support.

“We would also encourage anyone heading to university or college this autumn to look into having both doses of the MenB vaccine, as this is one of the highest-risk times for meningococcal disease.”

During his visit, the Minister met members of the Clearing team to learn more about how they are supporting prospective students by phone and email during one of the busiest periods in the higher education calendar.

In addition to personalised support from the Clearing team, QMU is offering dedicated campus tours for prospective Clearing applicants and an ‘Ask a Student’ service, giving applicants the opportunity to speak directly with current students about life at the University.

Sir Paul Grice, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of QMU, said: “Clearing is an important opportunity for many students to find the right university and course for them, and we’re proud of the personalised support our teams provide throughout the process.

It was wonderful to welcome the Minister to campus and demonstrate how we’re helping prospective students explore the degree opportunities available at QMU, with all of our courses focused on preparing career-ready graduates.

“We know that choosing where to study is a significant decision, and we’re committed to making that journey as straightforward and supportive as possible.”

Prospective students can contact QMU’s friendly Clearing team by phone or email for advice on available courses and the application process.

They can also find information on available courses, campus tours, student stories and guidance on the Clearing process on the University’s Clearing webpages.

Alongside highlighting the opportunities available through Clearing, the Minister used his visit to highlight the importance of eligible students taking up the free MenB vaccine ahead of starting university.

Young people in Scotland, including S6 leavers born between March 2008 and February 2009 and under-25s entering higher or further education for the first time in 2026-27, are eligible for two free doses.

As moving into shared accommodation can increase the risk of infection, students are encouraged to complete the course before the start of term where possible and to check NHS Inform for more information.

Inspiring QMU graduate makes lasting impact

Aisling Thomas, a mother of five who has combined academic excellence with an unwavering commitment to advancing inclusive education, has graduated from Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh with a Master of Nursing with Distinction and a remarkable trio of awards.

Aisling’s outstanding achievements include the Dean’s Student Citizenship Award, the Joan and Muriel Burnside Award for care of persons living with dementia, and the Students’ Student Award, recognising her invaluable contributions to the university community.

Aisling began her higher education journey in 2022 in her thirties after years spent balancing family responsibilities and caring roles. As the first person in her family to attend university, she has transformed personal experiences of caring into a passion for nursing and educational leadership.

Growing up in Prestonpans, university was not something Aisling had always envisaged for herself. However, after completing Edinburgh College’s Routes to Health Professions programme, she enrolled at QMU and quickly became one of the University’s most engaged and influential students.

Her aspiration to become a nurse was shaped by her own experiences of healthcare, particularly the exceptional care she received from NHS staff when her daughter was born prematurely.

Reflecting on her journey, Aisling said: “The care my family received during some of our most difficult times had a profound impact on me. It inspired me to pursue nursing and to support others in the same way. Studying at QMU has given me opportunities I never imagined possible, and I’ve been able to use my own experiences to help other students find confidence and succeed.”

As well as excelling academically, Aisling has made an outstanding contribution to university life through a wide range of leadership and representative roles. These include serving as a Peer Assisted Learning Scheme (PALS) Leader, Class Representative, Academic Board member, Student ChangeMaker, Widening Participation Ambassador and Clinical Skills Teaching Volunteer.

As one of the first Nursing students to become a PALS Leader at QMU, Aisling played a key role in establishing and developing peer learning within the nursing course. Her sessions have been widely praised for creating supportive, inclusive environments where students feel empowered to ask questions, build confidence and develop academically.

Aisling has presented at international conferences focused on peer learning and student support, and her work exploring neurodiverse leadership has helped inform the development of training resources for future peer leaders.

Committed to widening participation and ensuring higher education is accessible to all, Aisling has also worked extensively with prospective students through outreach activities, induction programmes and mentoring initiatives. Her efforts have helped students from underrepresented backgrounds feel welcomed, supported and confident in their transition to university.

As a Student ChangeMaker, Aisling co-developed QMU’s Neurodiversity Affirming Learning and Teaching Guides, helping to shape more inclusive educational practices across the institution. Drawing on both research and lived experience, the project has contributed to creating learning environments where all students can thrive.

Aisling’s commitment to professional development has also seen her participate in an international nursing exchange programme in Canada at Trent University, made possible by QMU’s Vice Chancellor’s & Student Development Fund.

The exchange allowed her to explore person-centred nursing approaches across a range of healthcare settings, broadening her understanding of global healthcare systems and contributing to ongoing work examining the value of international learning opportunities in nursing education.

Ruth Magowan, Head of Nursing at QMU, said: “Aisling has overcome personal adversity while balancing significant family responsibilities to make an exceptional and lasting contribution to QMU.

“Her hard work, leadership and unwavering commitment to supporting others led to her being named a finalist in the Outstanding Contribution from a University Student category at the Herald Higher Education Awards 2026.

“Aisling’s story is a powerful example of how one student’s dedication can make a real and lasting difference to the experience of others across our University. We are incredibly proud of everything Aisling has achieved during her time at QMU. As she joins our graduating class of 2026, we know she has a very bright future ahead of her, and we look forward to seeing all that she goes on to achieve as a nurse.”

Aisling was able to celebrate her graduation success with her family, who enjoyed being part of an impressive graduation ceremony at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall, followed by a reception on the University’s campus.

Aisling said: “When I decided to return to education and pursue a career in nursing, I knew I needed a university that aligned with both my personal and family commitments.

“What really sold me on QMU was how well the course structure fitted with my family’s needs and how supportive the university’s ethos felt. QMU has always championed accessible education, and I felt that the nursing programme lived up to that legacy by offering a course structure that recognised the complexity of students’ lives.

“For me, QMU wasn’t just the right choice, it was the best choice.”

Aisling has recently secured a full-time role in District Nursing in East Lothian, a position she earned following a highly successful placement she completed during her time at QMU – a fitting start to what promises to be a rewarding nursing career.

Edinburgh graduate helps advance menstrual health and period product choice in Scotland

Having just celebrated her graduation from Queen Margaret University (QMU) last week, Dominique Haig is already making an impact through research that is helping to inform policy and practice around menstrual health and period poverty in Scotland.

Dominique, from Edinburgh, received her MSc in Sexual and Reproductive Health after completing a dissertation that examined institutional barriers to the uptake of reusable period products following the introduction of the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act 2021. Her findings were subsequently developed into policy briefs for educational settings and policymakers and published in the journal ‘Women’s Reproductive Health’.

During her studies at QMU’s Institute for Global Health and Development (IGHD), Dominique developed a strong interest in menstrual health and equity. Her research focused on improving awareness, accessibility and choice around reusable period products, recognising the importance of menstrual autonomy and ensuring that everyone who menstruates can access products and support that meet their needs.

Reflecting on her time at QMU, Dominique said: “Studying at the Institute for Global Health and Development at QMU was an incredibly rewarding experience. I was constantly inspired by my lecturers and fellow students, and I valued the opportunity to explore areas of global health that genuinely interested me, with a particular focus on menstrual health.

“The research-informed and experience-based teaching provided a strong foundation for my future work. IGHD created a real sense of community and truly embodied the idea of a global department, bringing together diverse perspectives and experiences.

“The support I received from across the university throughout my studies, and beyond completing my degree, has been invaluable. I learned so much during my time at QMU, and I am incredibly grateful that it was the place where I began my professional journey.”

Dominique’s dissertation explored how institutions are implementing Scotland’s world-leading legislation on free period product provision and identified factors that can affect awareness and uptake of reusable products. By translating her findings into practical policy recommendations, she hopes to support organisations in offering greater choice and improving access to sustainable menstrual health options.

Alongside her menstrual health work, Dominique is currently completing a placement with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), contributing to a thematic group focused on substance use in emergency settings – an important but under-researched area of global health.

Looking ahead, Dominique hopes to continue working across research, advocacy and policy, bringing together her interests in menstrual health, equity and global health to improve health experiences and outcomes for people in diverse contexts.

Maria Bertone, Reader in the Institute for Global Health and Development at QMU, said: “Dominique’s work demonstrates the power of research to address real-world challenges and contribute to meaningful policy discussions.

“Her commitment to improving menstrual health equity and her ability to translate academic research into practical recommendations exemplify the values of the Institute for Global Health and Development.

“We are delighted to see her research reaching audiences beyond the university and wish her every success as she continues her career in global health, research and advocacy.”

Dominique and her classmates were in good company at the QMU graduation ceremony on 6th July.

They celebrated their success alongside human rights activist Fatou Baldeh MBE, who was awarded an honorary degree in recognition of her campaigning work to protect women and girls from violence and discrimination, and to eradicate female genital mutilation (FGM).

Fatou is also a graduate of QMU’s Institute for Global Health and Development.

QMU honours global campaigner leading fight to end female genital mutilation

Today (6 July 2026), Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh awarded an honorary degree to leading human rights activist Fatou Baldeh MBE, whose work has helped drive the global fight against female genital mutilation (FGM).

As an educator and campaigner, Fatou has received international recognition for her work, including being named one of ‘TIME’ Magazine’s Women of the Year 2025, honoured by the Clooney Foundation for Justice, and a member of the Obama Foundation’s Girls Opportunity Alliance Network, led by Michelle Obama.

In recognition of her outstanding achievements, Queen Margaret University was delighted to award her a Doctor of the University, honoris causa, at the first of QMU’s 2026 graduation ceremonies at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall.

Fatou’s courage, scholarship and unwavering commitment to justice have transformed lives in Scotland, The Gambia and beyond. She has turned lived experience into leadership, using her voice and expertise to challenge inequality and deliver lasting social change.

A graduate of QMU, Fatou completed an MSc in Sexual and Reproductive Health in 2013. She went on to work with the Dignity Alert Research Forum in Edinburgh, later becoming Director, where she amplified the voices of marginalised women and strengthened advocacy for minority ethnic communities across Scotland.

In 2013, Fatou spoke publicly about FGM in Scotland, challenging stigma and denial. The following year, her evidence to the Scottish Parliament helped shape policy and practice, contributing to Scotland’s leadership in prevention and survivor‑centred safeguarding.

Returning to The Gambia in 2018, Fatou founded Women in Liberation and Leadership (WILL), an organisation dedicated to protecting the rights of women and girls. Under her leadership, WILL has become a powerful force for grassroots advocacy, survivor support and systemic change.

Working with The Gambia’s Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission, she has also ensured that the experiences of women affected by sexual and gender‑based violence are recognised, and that justice and healing remain central to national reconciliation.

Discussing her time at Queen Margaret University, Fatou Baldeh said: “Taking the MSc course at the Institute for Global Health and Development has truly been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

“The course provided not only a solid theoretical foundation in gender, sexual and reproductive health, and rights, but also an eye-opening experience of learning alongside passionate students from diverse backgrounds.

“The richness of the course lies in the shared insights, lived experiences, and thought-provoking discussions that emerged from this vibrant community. I am grateful for every lesson and every perspective gained.”

Fatou’s impact has been widely recognised. She was appointed MBE in 2020 for her advocacy for Black and Minority Ethnic communities in Scotland, and has received numerous international honours, including the International Women of Courage Award and the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy’s Women’s Rights Award.

In 2025, she was named one of ‘TIME’ Magazine’s Women of the Year and listed among the ‘100 Most Influential People in the World’. Her leadership in protecting The Gambia’s ban on FGM has also been recognised by the Clooney Foundation for Justice. She is also a member of the Obama Foundation’s Girls Opportunity Alliance Network, led by Michelle Obama, working alongside global leaders to expand opportunities for girls through education.

Commenting on the award, QMU Principal Sir Paul Grice, said: “What distinguishes Fatou’s leadership is not only its global reach, but its humanity.

“She leads with empathy rooted in lived experience, intellectual rigour shaped by education, and a moral clarity that inspires collective action. She builds bridges between communities and institutions, and between local action and global change.

“Her work embodies the values at the heart of Queen Margaret University – social justice, inclusion, equality, global engagement and partnership – as well as the transformative power of education.”

Today, Fatou joined QMU Chancellor Patrick Grant to celebrate the achievements of new QMU graduates.

QMU to host Healthfest inspiring Scotland’s next generation of healthcare professionals

Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh is set to welcome more than 550 senior school pupils from across Scotland to its popular Healthfest event, designed to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals and support informed career choices.

Taking place TOMORROW Wednesday 17 June 2026, the festival-style event is aimed at pupils in S4 to S6. Now in its fourth year, Healthfest will see young people – many from schools in Scotland’s disadvantaged communities – take part in a programme of interactive workshops and campus experiences, providing valuable insight into a wide range of healthcare courses and careers.

With a strong focus on hands-on learning, pupils will have the opportunity to explore both well-known and lesser-known career roles within the health sector. These include occupational therapy, podiatry and speech and language therapy, alongside careers in radiography, paramedic science and nursing.

Suzanne Ewing, from Queen Margaret University’s Widening Participation and Outreach team, who has helped organise the event, said: “Healthfest has a real science festival feel, with lots of engaging, practical workshops for young people to get involved in.

“Activities range from using ultrasound technology to observe tongue movement during speech production, to CPR demonstrations delivered by paramedics, as well as sessions demonstrating foot injections to improve foot health and discussions around the psychology of food and eating.

“Pupils can also take part in bespoke campus tours, giving them a first-hand look at our specialist labs and clinical learning environments. This helps them understand what studying a healthcare degree at QMU is really like.”

Suzanne concluded: “Healthfest continues to grow in popularity because it opens pupils’ eyes to the wide variety of opportunities available within the health sector.

“Importantly, it supports them to make informed decisions about their future education and career pathways as they gain an insight into different professions and learn about the facilities and equipment that they would use as students on healthcare degree courses.

“In addition, it creates more equality of opportunity for Scotland’s young people – opening up the healthcare sector to a wider pool of young talent.”

Alongside the workshops, pupils can also enjoy creative activities including a themed photobooth, with props such as prosthetics, lab coats and masks, offering a fun and memorable element to the day.

QMU will host two sessions for schools to choose from: 10.00am–12.00pm and 12.30pm–2.30pm.

Schools interested in attending this widening participation healthcare festival can contact Suzanne Ewing E:Healthfestteam@qmu.ac.uk for further information.