10 things for July 2019
This month's essential news, events and opportunities for alumni.
1. Voices of the planet
Following on from our Planetary Health Alumni Commitment initiative, the University's Department for Social Responsibility and Sustainability is highlighting the impact of climate change by sharing the first-hand experiences of staff, students and alumni as part of their campaign #VoicesofthePlanet. They are particularly looking to hear from alumni in the global south, as these countries are disproportionately affected by the climate emergency. Do you want to contribute? If so, email srs.department@ed.ac.uk for more information.
2. Edinburgh offers UK's first MicroMasters programme
Edinburgh has become the first university in the UK to offer a MicroMasters programme, giving learners access to short online masters-level courses for free and without the commitment of a full degree.
3. Eclectic show tells story of female innovators
The lives and work of female pioneers in movement, dance and physical education are to be celebrated at a new University exhibition. The show features fascinating films, photographs and costumes from dance pioneer Margaret Morris, the Scottish Gymnastics team and the first college in Scotland to train female teachers in physical education.
4. Hub offers sustainable slant for Festival-goers
Workshops that encourage people to consider their environmental impact will be held at a new pop-up hub during Edinburgh’s Festival Fringe.
5. Appeal to save works by Darwin’s mentor
A campaign to save the notebooks of an influential scientist admired by Charles Darwin has been launched. The University and more than 800 of its supporters have pledged in excess of £600,000 to help purchase a collection of notebooks by the Scottish geologist Sir Charles Lyell. A further £314,000 is now needed to save them for the nation. The works, which are currently in private ownership, were subject to a government export bar until 15 July in a bid to keep them in the UK. The strength of the University’s campaign means the bar has been extended until 15 October.
6. University makes positive pledge
The University of Edinburgh has signed a pledge to make a positive social impact through its work with the local community. The Social Impact Pledge from Communities Channel Scotland challenges organisations to define how they will make a positive impact in local areas.
7. Business School opens 'Human Library'
The Business School recently hosted a multicultural 'Human Library' event. Students and staff could 'borrow' local and international 'human books',who shared experiences of being unemployed, overweight, and of different national identities, among other perspectives. Part of a mini-festival on 'Internationalisation at Home', the event was designed to foster an international experience without even boarding a plane.
8. Oor Wullie adds colour to quad for charity trail
An eye-catching sculpture of much-loved national icon 'Oor Wullie' is taking centre stage in the University’s Old College quad this summer.
9. A hot bed of genius
Gala Albas (a 4th year Social Anthropology with Social History student) is behind an exhibition to mark the 300th anniversary of the appointment of a Professor of History at the University of Edinburgh. 'A Hot Bed of Genius' showcases the best and most interesting material on the Scottish Enlightenment held in the Main Library, and was curated by Gala.
10. Our partnership with Nagoya University
As an international institution the University continues to strengthen partnerships across the world. Our partnership with Nagoya University in Japan is a testament to the benefits of creating strong international links.
Enlightened
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