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Colleagues,

I’d like to share a few updates with you before the Easter break.

Succeeding in uncertain times

As all of you will know, article 50 was triggered by the Prime Minister on 29 March. I hope that you found Gerry’s newsletter helpful, he will keep you updated as the process of leaving the European Union progresses. At this time it’s hard to predict the outcomes of the myriad of negotiations that will take place over the next two years. Be assured that I and my fellow University Leadership Team members are contributing to discussions through a range of forums – with both the Scottish and UK Governments, MSPs, MEPs and MPs, through Universities Scotland (in my role as convenor) and through Universities UK.

The First Minister has now signed a letter formally asking for powers to hold a second Scottish Independence referendum. In due course we will know the response from the UK government, and I will update you accordingly.

Leadership: building our capacity and capability

In March I spent valuable time with leaders across the University - at our Leadership Forum and with the Senior Leadership Group (SLG). Both groups spent time reflecting on what each of us can do to lead our teams through external uncertainty and build success for individuals and the University. They were very enjoyable, challenging and inspiring days; I was delighted by the number of colleagues keen to lead boldly and imaginatively to deliver our ambitions expressed in Strategy 2020.

There was of course discussion at both of these sessions about our financial position – Andy McGoff (Finance & Commercial Director) led this discussion with information on our current position in the context of the external environment, and he will share the short and medium term projections with you once we have our final funding allocations, probably in early May.

International

Last month I was in Hong Kong to lead graduations where over 1,000 students received Edinburgh Napier awards. Read more about graduations. Graduation week ended with a dinner and ceilidh, where over 200 alumni, colleagues and friends of the University celebrated with our new graduates and danced solidly for three hours; ceilidh dancing translates well around the world!

I am delighted to announce that whilst I was in Hong Kong, over £300,000 was pledged by University Honorary Graduates Dr Lawrence Ho and Dr George Cautherley to support scholarships and research.

Our students

The annual Universities of Scotland Events Conference (USEC) took place in March at our Craiglockhart Campus bringing together students and tutors from Events Management programmes at seven Scottish universities. Students from our Festival & Event Management courses, led and organised the conference supported by Business School staff. With over 100 registrations this was the most successful USEC yet. Well done to all of our students who led this event and thank you to colleagues who supported them.

Innovation in learning and teaching

I want to share with you some developments in teaching which are supporting student learning and building our academic reputation.  Staff delivering the suite of Sport & Exercise Science courses have moved to online submission and marking of coursework using grade mark online for written work, and are evaluating its impact, while in other areas quality  feedback is being given via voice recording.

The School of Engineering & the Built Environment has recently invested in a new flexible manufacturing system which has expanded the teaching environment in the fields of industrial automation and control.

Students are taught control and software design theory using state of the art software and hardware, in our recently refurbished laboratories. They work on solving real problems by applying the theory on industrial platforms connected to sensors and actuators on small scale but realistic equipment, recently designed in house. Many students have described this as their ‘eureka’ moment as they get to apply the theoretical knowledge they have developed during their time with us.

Keep up with the latest news

A few highlights I wanted to share with you this month include:

Azad wants to lead Muirhouse's digital revolution

University’s Offsite Hub cooperative wins Collaboration Prize

Craiglockhart hosts Armed Forces Day