Gas distribution network SGN has been encouraging students to learn about the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) through an innovative augmented reality campaign in a university coffee shop.
Students moving into rented accommodation, attending festivals and having BBQs are at an increased risk of CO poisoning. Lack of awareness of the risks of the colourless and odourless gas and how to prevent CO harm are major contributing factors to the number of CO-related deaths and injuries.
We’ve partnered with technical consultancy Egnida to create the campaign with a unique incentive scheme, creatively designed to engage and educate this hard-to-reach demographic.
Bespoke drinks coasters with QR codes have been placed in the main coffee shop at the University of Edinburgh campus.
After scanning the QR code with their smartphone, the student is taken to our campaign webpage to take part in a three-minute training course. The course uses augmented reality animations to explain the dangers of CO, how to spot the symptoms of CO poisoning and what students can do to keep safe.
Students use their phone’s camera to scan a symbol printed on to the coaster, which transforms into a series of 3D models that appear as if they are on the table in front of them.
As a reward for completing the course, students receive a discount voucher to put towards a drink in the coffee shop where the coaster is located.
We’ve purposefully chosen this small, instant incentive to engage students with our campaign, rather than an opportunity to win a larger incentive, to engage time-poor students with our campaign at the point they see our coasters.
Dan Edwards, Social Impact Programme Lead at SGN, said: “We’re always looking for new and innovative ways to teach people about the dangers of CO.
“By making use of exciting technologies such as augmented reality, we’re hoping to break through to students and reach up to 5,000 young adults in Edinburgh to engage and educate them with potentially lifesaving information.”
The campaign is also available at the University of Birmingham, Sunderland University and Cardiff University campuses, run by gas distribution networks Cadent, Northern Gas Networks and Wales & West Utilities respectively.
Winners of Annual Scottish Chefs Nespresso Professional Student Coffee Challenge revealed
Scottish Chefs, Scotland’s official National Organisation for all chefs in Scotland and member of The World Association of Chefs Societies, has once again teamed up with Nespresso Professional for the student coffee challenge to help find the next generation of culinary stars.
The winning team from Edinburgh College, Milton Campus each received an invite to Scottish Chefs 30th anniversary celebration lunch where they met Andy Cuthbert, World Chefs newly elected President, and were presented with a Nespresso M100 coffee machine for their college.
This year, Scottish Chefs will also release a special anniversary cookbook as it celebrates its 30th year, where the winning recipes will also be included.
Teams were made up of three students, all in full time catering and hospitality college courses, and were given two hours to produce an afternoon tea selection alongside Nespresso coffee.
The judging panel of Joe Queen, Chair of The Scottish Chefs Culinary Committee, Kevin MacGillivray Chief Executive of Scottish Chefs & International World Chefs Accredited Judge, Derek Johnston, the first winner of BBC’s Masterchef: The Professionals and Gary Shanks, Nespresso Account Manager for the East of Scotland were looking for a well-presented table and a front-of-house server demonstrating effective communication and interaction skills with guests.
For the chefs, they sought a display of both modern and traditional cooking methods that showcased a variety of skills, as well as adherence to hygienic working practices.
The winning menu from Jenny MacLeod, Eileen Ingle and Emilia Lawandowska was made up of Leek, Mushroom & Gruyere Tart, Coffee Chicken Pie, Apple & Coffee Meringue Tart and Coffee & Chocolate Choux au Caquelon.
The judges commented on how each element of their afternoon tea was well cooked and was full of flavour which highlighted the coffee and various technical skills which ultimately made the team from Edinburgh College, Milton Campus victorious.
Gary Shanks, Nespresso Account Manager for the East of Scotland, said: “It was a privilege to once again support this competition, and help support the next generation of culinary superstars.
“It was inspiring to see the skills and imagination on display to create incredible menus to complement our coffee. When food is this delicious, being able to offer the best coffee is something we feel extremely passionate about.
“Congratulations to the winners from Edinburgh College, the standard was so high, so they should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved.”
Joe Queen, Chair of The Scottish Chefs Culinary Committee, said: “It was very encouraging to see the interest from colleges throughout Scotland that participated. The support that the young chefs and servers received from their respective college lecturers was fantastic.
And then from the students came the imagination, the innovation and the team work to help produce brilliant Afternoon Teas. Scottish Chefs now hope now that this competition can go from strength to strength and help build up an array of talented youngsters.
Well done to Edinburgh Milton College campus who also were very worthy winners last year, there must be something in the Edinburgh air! We all look forward to next year.”
The Scottish Chefs 30th anniversary celebration lunch took place at Murrayfield recognising 30 years of promoting excellence in all areas of the hospitality industry in Scotland. Mairi Gougeon MSP and Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands joined as guest speaker.
Students across Lothian are encouraged to ensure their vaccinations are up to date before heading off to college or university this year.
Infectious diseases such as meningitis, septicaemia (blood poisoning) and measles can spread easily in universities and colleges. Vaccination offers the best protection against these diseases, which is why it’s important to check your vaccines are up to date.
Students are 11 times more likely to develop invasive meningococcal disease, which causes meningitis and septicaemia. The meningitis ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine helps to protect against these very serious diseases. Students who have missed having the vaccine, can get it up to the age of 25 years.
Parts of the UK and other countries in Europe have been seeing an increase in the number of people getting measles, and evidence suggests students are at higher risk. That’s why it’s important to check you’ve had two doses of the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella and has saved over 4,500 lives across the UK.
Pat Wynne, Nurse Director for Primary and Community Care, NHS Lothian, said: “These diseases can be severe and, in some cases, life threatening.
“Students are at increased risk due to the large amounts of mixing with new people in enclosed spaces. Increasing cases of measles and meningococcal disease in particular were observed earlier this year.
“Vaccines are the best way to ensure you’re protected and these are offered for free on the NHS in Scotland. These vaccines are offered as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule however if they’ve been missed, it’s not too late to catch up.
“Ideally, they should be given at least two weeks before the new semester starts.”
There is also still time to get the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. It helps protect against HPV-related cancers including head, neck and cervical cancer and also protects against over 90% of genital wart infections. Most students will have had the HPV vaccine at school if eligible but if not, students may still be able to get it up until the age of 25.
If you are under 25 years and you’ve missed any vaccinations, call the Vaccination Enquiries Line on 0300 790 6296. If you are 25 or over, call your GP practice. They can check your records and arrange a referral if it is required.
International students may be able to get additional vaccines that were not available where they lived before.
Police Scotland is engaging with students across the country to promote a range of crime prevention and personal safety advice during Freshers Weeks.
To minimise the risk of students being the victim of crime, or becoming involved in criminal activity, police will be attending various Freshers events taking place in the coming weeks to provide useful information and guidance on how to keep themselves and their belongings safe wherever they go.
Policing teams throughout Scotland will also be promoting student safety advice on their social media channels over the next month.
Chief Inspector Michelle Grant from Police Scotland’s Policing Together Division said: “Students make up a large part of populations in towns and cities across the country and make a positive contribution to our society. It is important they feel safe and supported during their studies.
“We have been engaging with numerous further and higher education establishments in the run-up to freshers weeks beginning and we’re grateful to have been given the opportunity to speak with students.
“Over the coming weeks, we will be offering advice on how to stay safe while on nights out, protecting your accommodation and personal belongings and staying safe online.
“We’ll also be discussing how to identify and report domestic abuse, as, for many, the next few years could be when they enter into relationships for the first time in their lives.
“Our advice on staying safe is relevant, whether you’re in your first or last year of your studies so please consider this when you are at home, in college or university, or out enjoying the night-time economy.”
Deliveroo today reveals the ultimate Fresher’s Week grub – The Boost Burger – to help fuel students through their first week of university.
Burger launches as data shows half (50%)of uni students worry about not having enough energy to tackle their first week, and almost half(49%) say a burger is their go-to dish when feeling run-down.
Inspired by a student staple, dissolvable vitamin C tablets, the tasty innovation has been created in partnership with registered nutritionist Jenna Hope (RNutr)* and features nutrient-packedingredients
Students in London, Bristol, Manchester and Edinburgh can get their hands on the burger from 17th-23rd September for just 99p when they sign up to Deliveroo Students.
Love Island star and University of Liverpool grad Chloe Burrows delivered the first batch to hungry uni students.
Deliveroo Students has created a new food innovation to fuel hungry freshers like never before. Introducing the Boost Burger**,a lean beef burger loaded with kimchi, cheddar cheese, gochujang cabbage and carrot slaw, and curly spring onions packed in a bright orange sweet potato bun, specially designed to help uni students get through their first week.
Gearing up to burn the candle at both ends, with late nights spent socialising followed by early-morning lectures, freshers are prone to feeling run down as they start the new year. The Boost Burger aims to fuel the half (50%) of uni students who are worried about not having enough energy for Freshers Week.
It also comes at the perfect time with two in five (41%) uni students admitting that a takeaway is their go-to way to cheer themselves up when feeling run down, with half (49%) usually craving a burger.
When it comes to picking a takeaway, four in five (80%) uni students consider the price when picking what to order, and around half (48%) think about the quality, making the Boost Burger the affordable comfort food for freshers concerned about starting the year on the right foot.
The burger’s ingredients will excite the three-quarters (75%) of uni students who say they enjoy trying out the latest food trends they’ve discovered on social media channels.
The eye-catching nutrient-packed burger, available to students for just 99p, is inspired by the ultimate student-saviour – dissolvable vitamin C tablets – something almost two-thirds (65%) of uni students plan to take to help them get through the start of uni – and has been created in collaboration with registered nutritionist Jenna Hope (RNutr).
Jenna Hope helped develop the recipe, which incorporates healthy and nutritional ingredients, selected with busy uni students in mind.
A protein and iron-richbeef patty is sandwiched between a homemade ‘effervescent orange’ coloured bun, infused with whole food-based ingredients such as sweet potato, turmeric, and pumpkin. The creation is packed with nutritional ingredients including protein to support energy requirements.
It also contains vegetables and spices like chia seeds picked for texture and nutty flavour, red and white cabbage, spring onion, and pumpkin powder for an added crunch, earthy and sweet taste, whilst fermented ingredients such as kimchi and Korean gochujang give this Freshers Week must-have a satisfying ‘swicy’ flavour.
Love Island legend and ex-University of Liverpool grad Chloe Burrows kicked off festivities this week by hand-delivering the first batch of Boost Burgers to hungry uni students in London during their Freshers Week, who got a takeaway fix and fuel boost in one.
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Arabella Jenkins from Deliveroo said:“What better way to kick off Freshers than to announce that our university student club, Deliveroo Students, is back with a bang, bringing bigger and better member deals to students than ever. To celebrate, we’re dropping a 99p ‘Boost Burger’ packed full of nutrients to help fuel student members across the UK – the ultimate saver meal for uni students in more ways than one!
“We hope this is great news for freshers as our research reveals around a third (31%)of uni students don’t have time to cook meals during Freshers Week, with over a quarter (28%) admitting they don’t eat enough fruit and veg in the first week of uni, while a further quarter (29%) say they tend to feel tired after week one.”
Chloe Burrows said: “I WISH I had the Boost Burger when I was at university. It’ll come as no surprise that I was the queen of burning the candle at both ends, so it would’ve really come in handy during my time at the University of Liverpool.
“I had so much fun delivering the first batch of burgers to Freshers with Deliveroo – there’s nothing like a juicy burger to please tired uni students, so I personally think I really saved the day!”
Dropping in London (17th September), Bristol (19th September), Manchester (21st September), and Edinburgh (23rd September), uni students can get their hands on the Boost Burger for just 99p (vs the non-student price of £9.90), saving them an incredible 90% when they sign up to become members of Deliveroo Students.
Members of Deliveroo Students can also get free delivery on orders over £15* and access to exclusive Freshers Week restaurant offers, alongside 10% off Wingstop, 20% off Co-op select student favourites, and 15% off National Express all year long.
The limited-edition ‘Boost Burger’ is available via Deliveroo in London (17th September), Bristol (19th September), Manchester (21st September), and Edinburgh (23rd September)—for just 99p for Deliveroo Student Members—while limited stocks last. Subject to geographical location and availability.
Search ‘Boost Burger’ to order now in the app here or online.
Students across Lothian are encouraged to ensure their vaccinations are up to date before heading off to college or university this year.
Infectious diseases such as meningitis, septicaemia (blood poisoning) and measles can spread easily in universities and colleges. Vaccination offers the best protection against these diseases, which is why it’s important to check your vaccines are up to date.
Students are 11 times more likely to develop invasive meningococcal disease, which causes meningitis and septicaemia. The meningitis ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine helps to protect against these very serious diseases. Students who have missed having the vaccine, can get it up to the age of 25 years.
Parts of the UK and other countries in Europe have been seeing an increase in the number of people getting measles, and evidence suggests students are at higher risk. That’s why it’s important to check you’ve had two doses of the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella and has saved over 4,500 lives across the UK.
Pat Wynne, Nurse Director for Primary and Community Care, NHS Lothian, said: “These diseases can be severe and, in some cases, life threatening.
“Students are at increased risk due to the large amounts of mixing with new people in enclosed spaces. Increasing cases of measles and meningococcal disease in particular were observed earlier this year.
“Vaccines are the best way to ensure you’re protected and these are offered for free on the NHS in Scotland. These vaccines are offered as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule however if they’ve been missed, it’s not too late to catch up.
“Ideally, they should be given at least two weeks before the new semester starts.”
There is also still time to get the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. It helps protect against HPV-related cancers including head, neck and cervical cancer and also protects against over 90% of genital wart infections. Most students will have had the HPV vaccine at school if eligible but if not, students may still be able to get it up until the age of 25.
If you are under 25 years and you’ve missed any vaccinations, call the Vaccination Enquiries Line on 0300 790 6296. If you are 25 or over, call your GP practice. They can check your records and arrange a referral if it is required.
International students may be able to get additional vaccines that were not available where they lived before.
The UK’s leading meningitis charity Meningitis Now is calling for students to recognise the disease as an emergency and ‘sound the alarm’ if they spot its signs and symptoms.
20-year-old University of Manchester student Sophia Speirs nearly died from meningitis in 2023, but says her life was saved thanks to her mum and her university flatmates who sounded the alarm by calling the emergency services who rushed her to hospital.
The student who is originally from Hertfordshire is joining forces with Meningitis Now to call for more people to recognise the disease as an emergency which needs swift action.
Sophia says, “I had just celebrated my 19th birthday and five days later I was fighting for my life in intensive care.
“I woke up feeling incredibly achy, which quickly turned into violent sickness. I was telling people I had a sick bug but I knew something was really wrong – I just didn’t want to believe it.”
Meningococcal meningitis is an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can be fatal and can kill within 24 hours. Its early symptoms can be mistaken for the flu or even a hangover so it’s vital for students to know when to seek help and ‘sound the alarm’.
Sophia added, “I woke up the next morning feeling even worse. I heard my mum ringing me to check I was ok, but she quickly realised I was unable to speak properly. I was slurring my words. She got me to text my flat mates asking for help.”
“Two of my flatmates then came rushing into my room. My parents also called campus security who came straight away.”
Sophia spent three nights in intensive care in Manchester Royal Infirmary, another nine days in a high dependency unit and a final three days on a regular ward.
The 21-year-old had emergency surgery for a septic joint in her hip, and had myocarditis (inflammation of the heart), as well as permanently losing hearing in her right ear.
Sophia says, “I am grateful to be alive and although I feel unlucky, I know that compared to others I got off lightly! I am really keen to spread awareness. It’s so important that university students know what to do in a case of meningitis.”
Meningitis Now’s student awareness campaign urges parents, universities and students to know how to recognise the signs and symptoms of meningitis, to act fast if they suspect meningitis and seek urgent medical help.
Meningitis Now Chief Executive Dr Tom Nutt says, “Meningitis is an emergency so we’re asking students to make sure they know when to sound the alarm.
If you or a friend are ill and getting worse, it could be meningitis. Sound the alarm by calling 111 or your GP – you could save a life.”
Universities are also being encouraged to order Meningitis Now’s free awareness materials, with the charity aiming to have materials in every UK university over the next five years. Parents can also request a free student meningitis awareness pack at www.meningitisnow.org/students
Symptoms of meningitis include fever, headache, vomiting, muscle pain, dislike of bright lights, and a stiff neck. In cases of septicaemia (which can occur simultaneously), a rash that does not fade under pressure may also appear.
Dr Nutt added: “It’s really important that everyone is aware of the risk of meningitis because it can affect anyone at any age.
“Teenagers and young people are at an increased risk. This is because they are more likely to be carrying the bacteria that cause meningitis in the back of their nose and throats.”
“Vaccines are available to prevent some types of meningitis and most of these are available as part of the UK routine immunisation schedule. However, not all types of meningitis can be prevented by vaccines. Make sure you know the signs and symptoms and seek urgent medical help if you are concerned.”
For further information about the signs and symptoms of meningitis visit:
Number of students from most deprived areas also hits new high
A record number of Scottish students have secured places at a Scottish university this year, UCAS figures show.Acceptances to Scottish institutions for home students increased by 7% to a new high of 31,220, according to the latest UCAS statistics.
There has also been a 12% increase in acceptances from the 20% most deprived areas in Scotland (SIMD), to all UK universities, up 540 on last year to a record 5,080.
Overall acceptances to Scottish providers is 35,930. This is an increase of 1,910 (+6%) since last year.
Minister for Higher and Further Education Graeme Dey said: “It is hugely encouraging to see a record number of Scottish students from our most disadvantaged communities getting into university.
“This demonstrates the strong progress being made on widening access to higher education and ensuring every young person in Scotland has an equal chance of success, no matter their background or circumstance.
“We have also seen overall acceptances for Scottish students reach a new record high. These figures show the great strength and resilience of Scotland’s education system.
“Our resolute commitment to free tuition and our enhanced student support offering ensures that access to university remains based on the ability to learn and not the ability to pay, ensuring that the opportunity of a university education is available to everyone, regardless of their background.”
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray commented: “Worrying that attainment is at its lowest ever level, and the gap between rich and poor at its highest.
“Today’s results show the pass rate has fallen for everyone, but have collapsed for the most disadvantaged.
“Scotland’s teachers and pupils deserve much better than this.”
InnoScot Health’s last ‘lunch & learn’ session for the first half of 2024 is entitled Engaging students in healthcare innovation for an improved NHS and will provide interesting perspectives on this key facet of turning ideas into health service improvements.
Hosted on Microsoft Teams on Wednesday 26 June from 12 until 12.45pm, the free to join webinar will be introduced by Innovation Manager, Fiona Schaefer.
She will discuss InnoScot Health’s work over the past two years in providing more than 10 teams of students from Heriot-Watt University Engineering Design and Manufacture and Glasgow School of Art’s product design manufacture students with real world project briefs from NHS innovators.
Fiona will be joined by two guest speakers:
Dr Faezeh Shalchy, Assistant Professor at Heriot-Watt University’s School of Engineering and Physical Sciences who has been providing academic support to engineering design and manufacturing students working on healthcare projects
Lorraine Thomson, Business Engagement Manager at Interface who works with organisations to match them to Scotland’s world-leading academic expertise, helping to turn innovative ideas into reality
Fiona said: “Over the past couple of years, InnoScot Health has successfully engaged with students at Heriot-Watt University and Glasgow School of Art. This has resulted in enduring collaborative relationships and this webinar will provide a showcase of successes to date.
“We’re also delighted to have great guest speakers – Dr Shalchy who is a forward-thinking engineer specialising in projects which aim to enhance lives.
“Interface will also provide engaging views which draw on its role as a central hub connecting industry and academia, often leading to enhanced healthcare innovation.
“A Q&A section will round off the webinar, allowing attendees to probe and receive guidance on their own particular areas of interest.”
“While InnoScot Health is pausing its webinar series for the summer holiday season and recommencing in late August, we’re already looking to the autumn for innovation challenges which could suit engagement with engineering students to explore a new concept, test ideas, or explore solutions to a pressing problem.”
Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities (SGSAH) and the British Council have awarded 13 EARTH Scholarships to early-career researchers from 10 countries including France, Switzerland, India, New Zealand, and South Africa.
The scholars are currently undertaking their exchanges at Scottish Universities and will be here for up to 3-months working in environmental arts and humanities.
During the exchanges, recipients will come together alongside Scotland-based PhD scholars to network, collaborate, and build connections.
THIRTEEN early-career researchers from 10 nations, including India, France, South Africa, and the United States, have been awarded the EARTH Scholarships by the Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities (SGSAH) and the British Council.
These scholars are currently immersed in an induction with Universities across Scotland, meeting their peers and delving into the intersection of environmental arts and humanities.
Over the next two weeks, the scholars are visiting key projects right across Scotland, from archaeology practice in Glencoe to engaging in artistic practice workshops at Talbot Rice gallery in Edinburgh.
The EARTH Scholars will go on to collaborate with Scotland-based PhD scholars, fostering a vibrant and growing global network. In its second year, the EARTH Scholarships have been designed to confront the climate emergency from a new angle, encouraging interdisciplinary collaborations with a focus on environmental sustainability themes and the interventions of the arts and humanities.
This year their PhD research spans topics at the intersection of arts, culture, and environmental issues, from eco-archaeology and re-wilding in Scotland and around the world, to marine governance, human rights, and climate refugees, and even AI governance and environmental sustainability.
Last week, the EARTH Scholars were in Glencoe and have been sharing their excitement about the induction weeks:
Aphiwe Moshani is a PhD candidate from South Africa based at the University of Cape Town, her research centres on ocean governance, and researching oceanic and coastal conflicts. For the next few months, she will collaborate with Scotland-based peers at the University of Strathclyde.
Aphiwe says:“Being part of the Earth Scholarships Programme has been an amazing journey. Getting to tour otherwise out-of-reach locations in the Highlands with a really thoughtful group is an experience that’s opened me up to a much deeper understandings of the environment and humanity.
“My excitement for my research has been reignited through this opportunity!”
Gala Morris, originally from Aotearoa New Zealand, is one of the Scotland- cohort based at the University of Glasgow. Gala is an early career archaeology scholar researching rewilding and the historic environment.
She adds: “The Earth Scholarships Programme has been spectacular so far. Each member of the cohort brings such a unique perspective, and our discussions on topics across the environmental humanities have been so inspiring. The programme has been incredibly enriching, and I feel very lucky to be involved!”
Professor Claire Squires Director, Scottish Graduate School for Arts & Humanities welcomed the EARTH scholars saying:“We are thrilled to kick off the EARTH scholarships for the second year and to welcome this exceptional cohort of global scholars to collaborate with researchers from Scotland’s Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
“By bringing together this diverse group of scholars, we can share best practices and develop culturally informed solutions through the lens of the arts and humanities”.
Peter Brown, Director of British Council Scotland, who helped fund the programme added: “International collaboration and exchange of knowledge are crucial for tackling the global climate emergency, and we are proud to partner with SGSAH on this innovative programme.
“It’s great to see the scholars coming together to develop new environmental perspectives and creative interventions that will resonate across cultures and communities worldwide”.
The EARTH Scholars are here in Scotland to harness the power of arts and humanities to drive awareness, shift perceptions, and inspire solutions to global environmental challenges.
A key legacy of the British Council’s work at COP26 in Glasgow, the programme continues the British Council’s work building connection, understanding and trust between people in the UK and overseas.
