A talented medical student from the University of Newcastle has come out on top in a prestigious national surgical competition.
It is the 2nd year running that a student from the University of Newcastle has taken home the top prize.
The acclaimed competition, run by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) in partnership with Medtronic and now in its seventh year, sees medical students from across the UK and Ireland demonstrate their surgical talents in a series of challenges.
Tom Adamson, a keen climber and violinist, came first in RCSEd’s celebrated competition, which saw over 1300 students apply to take part, with 40 qualifying for the Grand Final.
Tom said: “I think all those hours of bouldering and violin have finally paid off.”
“I was thrilled to take home the top prize on the day, especially when considering I’m amongst some incredibly impressive peers from across the country’s top medical colleges.
“The RCSEd reps were incredibly insightful and patient with us on the day. I learned a lot throughout the process, and it has really got me considering surgery as a specialism. I’d strongly urge any medical students to give next year’s competition a go.”
Eric Dos Santos a final year Venezuelan student at the University of Liverpool, finished in second place, while Natalie Mojica, fourth year Canadian student at the University of Birmingham, finished in third.
Professor Angus Watson, Member of the RSCEd Council and organiser of the Surgical Skills competition, has taken inspiration from his recent deployments to the Ukraine and Gaza, introducing two new humanitarian surgical skills tests, with the aim of inspiring the students to consider humanitarian healthcare as a profession.
The competition comprised three stages, with the first round consisting of an online quiz and virtual surgery challenge, which whittled down the top performers from each medical school to move onto the next stage.
In the second round of the competition, organisers decided to keep the innovative virtual stage that was implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, when RCSEd partnered with artificial body part manufacturer OrganLike and medical technology leader Medtronic to create a special “surgical theatre in a box” which students used to carry out a variety of surgical challenges.
The final was held in RCSEd’s distinguished grounds on Nicholson St in the Scottish Capital’s Old Town, where the 40 finalists competed in a series of challenges such as suturing bananas, anatomy tests, laparoscopic skills, and opportunity to practice with a combat tourniquet and orthopaedic trauma.
Professor Angus Watson commented: “Another thrilling final – the response we received from students across the UK last year was incredibly heartwarming.
“This past year, our primary aim was to widen the competition’s horizon to welcome all medical students, fostering a keen interest in the surgical field. Our goal was to highlight the critical role of basic surgical skills, not just for those on a surgical path but for a broad spectrum of medical careers.
“The enthusiasm and calibre of entries we received was truly inspiring. It’s my hope that we’ve encouraged numerous students to contemplate surgery as a viable and rewarding career option. Considering the exceptional quality of submissions, our winners have every reason to be exceptionally proud of what they’ve achieved. I extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in making this event a success.”
On 26th February, a coalition of student groups, including the Edinburgh University Justice for Palestine Society (EUJPS), the Staff-Student Solidarity Network (SSSN), Edinburgh University Kehillah, Youth in Resistance, and Vegans for Animal Liberation and Ethical Revolution in Edinburgh (VALERIE) reclaimed the Gordon Aikman Lecture Theatre.
The protesters have called for a complete and immediate divestment from all companies complicit in Israeli war crimes.
The students’ demands to university management are as follows:
Recognition of and explicit condemnation of Israel’s continuing acts of genocide, which includes the destruction of all of Gaza’s universities and the targeted erasure of its entire educational infrastructure.
Reduction of police presence on campus surrounding our demonstrations and empty naming of our protests as “threatening”.
The removal of the IHRA definition of antisemitism that inhibits any criticism of Israel in its conflation of anti-Zionism to antisemitism.
Severing all research ties with Leonardo and Anyvision, the latter responsible for operating the facial recognition surveillance system of Palestinians in the West Bank, essential for the perpetuation of Israel’s apartheid and illegal settler-colonial violence.
Finally, and most importantly, the complete and immediate divestment from those companies previously mentioned, in line with the continuing campaign from the Justice for Palestine Society
The investments amount to £39 million each year, including Blackrock (£30.5 million), Amazon (£3.6 million), Booking.com (£2.6 million) and Albermarle (£2.2 million), the latter involved in the production of white phosphorus to be used in weaponry.
White phosphorus is illegal under international law and there is photo evidence of it being used on Gaza. Investment in this would break Edinburgh’s own policy of sustainable investment.
Furthermore, the University also maintains research collaborations with Leonardo, a company that produces laser systems used for fighter jets; and, of disturbing significace, with AnyVision, an Israeli startup that built and operates the facial recognition system resposible for the ceaseless surveillance and subjugation of Palestinians in the West Bank, integral in maintaining the Israeli apartheid and illegal settler-colonial violence.
Over the last 5 months, unprecedented Israeli attacks have killed over 38,000 people and injured more than 70,000 people in Gaza (Figures from EUROMED monitor).
A statement from the protesters states: “we have occupied Gordon Aikman lecture theatre to make it clear to the University’s management that we will maintain the pressure until our demands of divestment are met“.
This action follows months of weekly demonstrations held on the Edinburgh University campus, where large crowds of students have gathered to protest the attacks on Gaza and demand Edinburgh’s divestment from Israeli arms.
A petition from the Justice for Palestine Society has also reached over 1800 signatures calling for divestment across the student body.
The statement continues: “The occupation of Gordon Aikman lecture theatre is not an action we take lightly, however the urgency of the situation in Gaza and the university’s continued silence regarding the genocide and our demands has compelled us to take this escalated action.”
General statement on the reclamation of the Gordon Aikman Lecture Theatre
We, students at the University of Edinburgh, have for months been protesting our university’s direct complicity in the ongoing genocide in Gaza, demanding the divestment from companies that have been profiting from Israeli apartheid for years and that are presently complicit in genocide.
Shamefully, our university has struggled to even acknowledge the magnitude of the unfolding genocide whilst repeatedly avoiding or dismissing our demands concerning divestment.
As students representing Edinburgh University Justice for Palestine Society (EUJPS), the Staff-Student Solidarity Network (SSSN), Edinburgh University Kehillah, Youth in Resistance, and Vegans for Animal Liberation and Ethical Revolution in Edinburgh (VALERIE), we have occupied Gordon Aikman Lecture Theatre to make it clear to the University’s management that we will maintain the pressure until our demands of divestment are met, the details of which are below.
We also want to continue to raise awareness around campus among fellow students and staff, emphasising that university activity cannot operate business as usual when our tuition fees are funding genocide. In lieu of the latter we will also be hosting various educational events and teach-ins.
The occupation of Gordon Aikman Lecture Theatre is not an action we take lightly, however the urgency of the situation in Gaza and the university’s continued silence regarding the genocide and our demands has compelled us to take this escalated action.
Furthermore, in light of the recent ruling in the International Court of Justice and in compliance with the Genocide Convention, the University has an obligation to divest immediately and completely from all funds with ties to apartheid Israel. As long as divestment does not occur, the University is contravening Article III , para. (e) of the Genocide Convention, which prohibits complicity in genocide.
Currently the University of Edinburgh invests over £39 million each year in companies complicit in Israel’s genocide and its longstanding apartheid; namely, Blackrock (£30.5 million), Amazon (£3.6 million), Booking.com (£2.6 million) and Albermarle (£2.2million), the latter involved in the production of white phosphorus to be used in weaponry which is illegal under international law and is proven to be used on Gaza and breaks the University’s own policy of sustainable investment.
When Russia began its invasion of Ukraine two years ago, this University was quick to withdraw all its stocks in Russian companies and was proud to have done so, we call upon those same people to divest once more from the aforementioned companies.
Furthermore, the University also maintains research collaborations with Leonardo, a company that produces laser systems used for fighter jets; and, of disturbing significance, with AnyVision, an Israeli startup that built and operates the facial recognition system responsible for the ceaseless surveillance and subjugation of Palestinians in the West Bank, integral in maintaining the Israeli apartheid and illegal settler-colonial violence.
We continue to demand:
Recognition of and explicit condemnation of Israel’s continuing acts of genocide, which includes the destruction of all of Gaza’s universities and the targeted erasure of its entire educational infrastructure.
Reduction of police presence on campus surrounding our demonstrations and empty naming of our protests as “threatening”.
The removal of the IHRA definition of antisemitism that inhibits any criticism of Israel in its conflation of anti-Zionism to antisemitism.
Severing all collaborative research ties with Leonardo and AnyVision, the University’s work with the later directly contributing to the surveillance and categorisation
Finally, and most importantly, the complete and immediate divestment from those companies previously mentioned, in line with the continuing campaign from the Justice for Palestine Society.
This is a time of urgency that the University needs to react to.
Edinburgh Pentlands SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has welcomed the news higher education students can now apply to spread their student financial support package over a 12-month period for the first time this coming academic year.
The year-long package of support will be available for eligible undergraduate students from August 2024. The change will ensure that payments of relevant student loans and bursaries can continue throughout the summer months. This follows a successful two-year programme, which saw care experienced students being given the option of 12-month support.
Care-Experienced students will continue to receive additional support for their living costs under the Summer Accommodation Grant from Summer 2024. Students eligible for the grant – which will replace the Care-Experienced Accommodation Grant – will be entitled to a payment of up to £1,330 to help ensure they do not fall into rent arrears over the summer.
These changes will coincide with the £2,400 increase to the annual support package, which sees the main undergraduate funding package rise up to £11,400.
Commenting on the announcement Mr Macdonald said: “Coping financially as a student in Edinburgh can be extremely difficult but the changes announced to the way students can receive their funding will make a huge difference across the summer months.
“This is another example of the actions being taken by the Scottish Government to support students through the cost of living crisis. Scotland already has the lowest student debt levels in the UK, thanks to the commitment to free tuition and enhanced student support.
“We have a record number of students from Scotland’s most deprived areas applying to study at university and these changes to the student support package will contribute further in breaking down barriers and ensuring that access to our world-class institutions is not denied to anyone, whatever their background.”
Heriot-Watt University and Napier University join forces to accelerate health technology innovation and improve patient outcomes
A first-of-its-kind research collaboration between Heriot-Watt University and Edinburgh Napier University is bringing together engineering and nursing students to develop cutting-edge health technologies tailored to addressing real clinical needs.
The Edinburgh-based universities have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalising a joint programme which will see Heriot-Watt engineering students visit Edinburgh Napier’s specialised clinical simulation facilities to gain first-hand understanding of real healthcare scenarios and challenges.
These learnings, together with insights from Edinburgh Napier’s nursing students into patient needs and care, will drive collaborative projects focused on co-designing novel health solutions that target clinical issues.
“Nurses are an untapped reservoir of innovative solutions for the health and care sector,” explains Cathal Breen, Professor of Simulation and Clinical Skills at Edinburgh Napier, which is Scotland’s only university to offer pre-registration training in all four nursing specialties and midwifery.
“However, the health sector workforce is not currently incentivised to come up and come forward with solutions. In our new agreement with Heriot-Watt, our students will identify potentially suitable clinical problems and work with engineering students at Heriot-Watt to design solutions to real-life clinical problems. It is hugely exciting.”
Maïwenn Kersaudy-Kerhoasis a Professor in Microfluidic Engineering at Heriot-Watt University and the lead academic for the university’s new global research institute in Health and Care Technologies. She said:“It has already proved to be a fantastic and fun learning experience for students from both the nursing and engineering programmes.
“This collaboration will ensure an excellent student experience and we are very enthusiastic about the interface between nursing and engineering. Nurses are the closest to patient needs on a daily basis, by championing this first-hand knowledge and expertise, we enable nurses to co-create and help deliver innovation.
“Alongside this, our engineering students benefit from detailed real-world feedback on their health and care engineering concepts. The professional advice of nursing practitioners and their network of patient engagement opportunities is invaluable as we continue to create the health and care technologies needed for the future.”
Professor Breen adds:“While nursing students are exposed to engineering innovation, when they are given the opportunity to contribute to development they are empowered to innovate in their future career.
“There is no doubt that technology is going to play a vital role in delivering health care solutions in the future.
“In September, Edinburgh Napier is launching a new Masters programme for clinicians trying to understand the opportunities and challenges that new technologies will bring – The MSc Clinical Healthcare Technology.
“This MoU with Heriot-Watt is another link in the chain to ensure we equip the UK’s future healthcare professionals with the skills, experiences, and opportunities they need to sustain a world-leading healthcare service.”
One of the Heriot-Watt engineering students involved in the pilot, Sree Choyathala, said:“Our visit to Edinburgh Napier University marked a significant milestone for our team, allowing us to conduct a successful test of our project prototype and derive essential conclusions.
“The impact of this experience resonated profoundly in the preparation of our design report, and we are sincerely grateful to Professor Kersaudy-Kerhoas for facilitating such a remarkable opportunity.”
Stacey Jenowska, Edinburgh Napier nursing student, said: “I found this activity very interesting and useful. It was great to hear about and see so many creative ideas on ways to improve the care we provide to patients.
“Going forward I feel this will help shape the support and care we can provide to patient groups of all ages.”
Higher education students can apply to spread their student financial support package over a 12-month period for the first time this coming academic year.
The year-long package of support will be available for eligible undergraduate students from August 2024. The change will ensure that payments of relevant student loans and bursaries can continue through the summer months. This follows a successful two-year programme, which saw care experienced students being given the option of 12-month support.
Care-Experienced students will continue to receive additional support for their living costs under the Summer Accommodation Grant from Summer 2024. Students eligible for the grant – which will replace the Care-Experienced Accommodation Grant – will be entitled to a payment of up to £1,330 to help ensure they do not fall into rent arrears over the summer.
These changes will coincide with the £2,400 increase to the annual support package, which sees the main undergraduate funding package rise up to £11,400.
Higher Education Minister Graeme Dey said: “The summer months can be a difficult period for learners when their payments stop – these changes will ensure that learners can access the vital funds they need the whole year round.
“This is another example of the actions being taken by the Scottish Government to support students through the cost of living crisis. Scotland already has the lowest student debt levels in the UK, which is thanks to our commitment to free tuition and our enhanced student support offering.
“We are already seeing a record number of students from Scotland’s most deprived areas applying to study at university. The changes made to the student support package will help to further break down barriers and ensure that access to our world-class institutions is not denied to anyone, whatever their background.”
Changes to the student support package will come into place from the next academic year.
From August this year, undergraduate students can opt to receive their financial support over the full year.
LAST weekend Leith Theatre rolled out its red carpet for an for an unforgettable celebration of the latest cohort from the BFI Film Academy Edinburgh and South East Scotland Short Course.
Screen Education Edinburgh learners spent the past few months working collaboratively towards their Preparing to Work in the Film Industry NCFE Level 2 qualification, while working together to write, direct and edit their own short films.
The result? Three phenomenal short films; “To Janice,” “To Be a Woman is To Be in Conflict,” and “I’ve Waited”, which we had the privilege of screening on the big screen at Leith Theatre.
Huge congratulations to all the learners for their outstanding films, hard work, and the remarkable stories they’ve brought to life. Your creativity and passion have left us inspired and delighted to be part of your undoubtedly incredible filmmaking journeys.
89% of 17–18-year-olds in Scotland plan to attend university
Nearly half of prospective students in Scotland said a university’s impact on the climate was important to them when choosing their university
52% said a university’s energy efficiency and its use of renewable energy sources was important to them in their university choices
Environmental consciousness has firmly taken its place in students’ minds when making decisions about the university they wish to attend, according to latest research from corporate finance advisor, Centrus.
With 89% of 17–18-year-olds in Scotland actively planning to pursue higher education, universities are increasingly under pressure to align with their expectations, that are placing a growing emphasis on sustainability and climate responsibility.
47% of prospective university students in Scotland regard a university’s impact on the climate as an important factor in their selection decision making, with one-in-five (19%) categorising it as ‘very important’.
52% of survey respondents said a university’s energy efficiency and its use of renewable energy sources was important to them when choosing, whilst 52% said how involved the institution is in the local community weighed in on their decision-making.
Educational factors of a university remain steady in prospective students’ selection process, with the appeal of the course having the highest impact on choosing which one to attend (88%). This is closely followed by the teaching style (84%), and where the university is located (84%).
What is noteworthy however, is that a university’s environmental footprint is now considered almost as important as traditional metrics like the diversity of societies (52%), the university’s size (44%), or how old it is (33%).
Beyond the initial selection phase, students’ expectations extend to the ‘green’ credentials of their chosen university. A resounding 75% expect their university to actively engage in protecting the local environment and eco-system.
In addition, 70% expect university accommodation to use green energy, and 70% also expect all university buildings to be energy efficient. Half of respondents also confirmed that they do not want their university to invest in fossil fuels.
George Roffey, Chief Sustainability Officer of corporate finance advisor Centrus said: “There is a clear mindset among prospective university students about the importance of environmental issues and how green a university’s credentials are.
“These institutions are facing mounting pressure to meet the expectations of students, alongside other tangible social and environmental impacts. It is abundantly clear that sustainability and climate responsibility are becoming pivotal factors in the university selection process.
“For universities, this calls for a shift in some fundamental aspects of their identity. Climate change is not going away, and it must remain a core mission for higher education institutions to integrate renewable energy sources and environmental activism into their operations.
“In doing so, they will not only instil a competitive edge in attracting prospective students, but will also play a pivotal role in fostering a sustainable and responsible future, that aligns with the evolving curriculum content and the values of our new generation of students.”
Main undergraduate funding package now in line with the Living Wage
Scottish students will benefit from a £2,400 increase to their annual support package from the start of the 2024-25 academic year.
The new special support loan will mean that, per year, the main undergraduate funding package will rise to £11,400 and post-graduate to £13,900.
The uplift means funding support for the most vulnerable students is now in line with the student equivalent Living Wage.
Minister for Further and Higher Education Graeme Dey said: “We know that financial stress can be a significant barrier to educational success so it’s vital that we provide this uplift for students, helping them through what are tough economic times.
“This package of measures will help learners to fulfil their potential and delivers on our Programme for Government commitments to increase the student support package to the equivalent of the Living Wage, to introduce a special support payment and to review funding provision for postgraduate students.
“Along with free tuition, this uplift demonstrates the Scottish Government’s commitment to helping students – even as we face the most challenging financial situation since devolution.”
According to Universities UK, in 2021-2022 there were 2,185,560 studying at UK higher education providers.As another academic year approaches, the excitement of that first taste of independence will be setting in for another record number of students due to start their university journey this September.
Summer preparations will be essential – however one area that might be overlooked is the priority of electrical safety in their halls of residence.
When embarking on a new journey at university, there can be a lot to think about. And one thing that may be far from students’ minds is the potential electrical hazards and necessary precautions which need to be taken to ensure their safety.
According to data released by Electrical Safety First, electrical fires are one of the leading causes of domestic fires, with an estimated nine out of ten (89%) fires in the home caused by electrical products.[2] Faulty appliances, overloaded sockets and misuse of electrical equipment are all common culprits.
To address these concerns, NICEIC, the UK’s leading body for certified electrical businesses, is urging students to stay safe. Paul Collins, Technical Director at NICEIC, offers five top essential tips to follow when it comes to electrical safety in private university accommodation.
“Electrical safety is of utmost importance, especially in shared living environments such as university halls. By being aware, informed and responsible, students can create a safer living space for themselves and their fellow housemates.
Know the location of your consumer unit (fuse box)
It’s vital for them to be familiar with the location of the consumer unit or to give it is more common name the fuse box in their accommodation, should they ever need to point an electrician in the right direction or check if the circuit-breakers have tripped. Also, attending any induction sessions or safety briefings provided by the university or accommodation provider is recommended so they know what to do in an emergency.
Be responsible, Think Safety First
Don’t overload socket-outlets or use multiple adapters in socket-outlet’s and always unplug or switch off appliances when not in use before leaving the room or the premises – this is a good tip for keeping energy bills lower too and being more eco-friendly. It’s also advisable to carry out regular visual checks of cables and plugs and look for any signs of damage and report any issues immediately.
Stay Safe in the Kitchen
When using the kitchen, although it may seem obvious, always follow the appliance guidelines and refrain from leaving the likes of laundry appliances, toastie machines or air fryers unsupervised while in use. Avoid overloading the microwave and never put aluminium foil or metal objects in it. Always keep electrical appliances away from sources of water to prevent potential electrocution. Electricity and water DON’T mix.
Test Safety Alarms and Understand the Escape Route
To stay safe in case of a fire, be sure to test the smoke alarms regularly where you have been instructed to do so and report any faults immediately. If you are in a block these should be tested regularly by the estates team. It’s important to plan and know the escape route in case of a fire emergency and ensure that everyone in the flat is aware of the procedure. Don’t be tempted to tamper with or cover smoke detectors as they are crucial in providing early warning signs of a fire.
Be Smart and Always Seek a Professional
Finally, and vitally, do not attempt to fix electrical problems and be sure to report any maintenance issues such as electrical faults, flickering lights or other electrical concerns to the accommodation provider as soon as possible. Always, rely on a qualified electrician authorised by the accommodation provider.
“At NICEIC we strongly advise students to prioritise their safety and be mindful of the potential risks associated with electrical installations in university halls. Taking these precautions can significantly reduce the chances of accidents, property damage and personal injuries.”
For more information, additional electrical safety tips or to search for your nearest NICEIC certified business, visit niceic.com.
Authentic Mexican street food eatery Barburrito is getting Fresher’s celebrations off to a stylish start by offering FREE bedroom makeovers worth over £1000!
To win a university bedroom makeover students are asked to post a photo of themselves on Instagram featuring any Barburrito logo and tag them @barburritouk by October 15.
The winners will be selected at random and will get a cool Barburrito branded bedroom makeover or a food drop to their dorm for up to ten people. The makeover is top secret but think Barburrito branded everything! From bed sheets to taco shaped neon lights and everything in between.
As well as the amazing makeover prize Barburrito has launched their own Food Van offering free Loaded Nachos, (students need to download the app to receive the offers), and games with other freebies to be won such as free tacos, free sides, free desserts. The Food Van will visit Manchester University on October 3, Nottingham University on October 4 and Edinburgh University on October 5.
For Manchester students, Barburrito will also be having some fun at The Trafford Centre, taking part in a student lock-in on the evening October 3 from 6pm, with free samples, games, drinks and a Mariachi band.
Students can bag the freebies and perks through Barburrito’s app including a £1 burrito exclusively for students that are new to the app by October 8, free burrito on their birthday, access to the Barburrito loyalty programme (collect 4 stamps for free side/dessert, collect 9 for free burrito) as well as students always getting 20% off everything!
And to kick off the Fresher’s celebrations there will be a DJ event at their Glasgow Queen Street store Friday September 29 from 7pm. Everyone is welcome where there will be games with prizes, free food and entertainment.
Sophie Green, the Marketing Manager of Barburrito, said: “As we eagerly anticipate the arrival of new students, we are thrilled to create vibrant and exciting activations featuring games and free food. We can’t wait to warmly welcome everyone and make their journey with us truly unforgettable!”
Barburrito has just launched their exciting and innovative new menu influenced by some of Mexico’s most popular dishes.
The menu features the introduction of Tortas, Tacos, a new range of salsas as well as lots of recipe improvements including their cheese sauce, guacamole, pink onions and many more.
Introducing the first new dish, the Torta. A light, sweet bun is filled with all favourites (think Barbacoa Beef, Smoky Chipotle salsa, cheese, slaw, jalapeños and sour cream) – as you always choose the fillings at Barburrito.
Another new addition to the menu is Tacos, bursting with authentic flavours. You create your own tacos by choosing what goes inside but think tender Pork Carnitas nestled in warm, soft tortillas, loaded with cheese, lettuce, pink onions and a new Mango & Habanero salsa. Each bite is a fiesta of flavours as they use fresh ingredients and traditional spices to create a truly unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re a fan of classic favourites like Barburrito’s Grilled Chicken or adventurous enough to try their vegan This™ Isn’t Chicken, they’ve got something for everyone.
Customers can download the app by searching ‘Barburrito Rewards’ on the app store, where they can get exclusive access to the student discount and the loyalty stamp cards. Getting three stamps just for downloading.
Thank you to 
