Alumni Services

Alumni to explore African links

In June, the General Council will host a special event to mark the University's connections to the African continent - past, present and future.

General Council Africa event 2019

Taking place from 11am until 3pm on 15 June in McEwan Hall, the programme includes formal presentations, a panel discussion and exhibitions and will explore the University's vital and ongoing influence in Africa through its students, alumni and research. This includes:

  • An exhibition of photography showing the historical African alumni who form part of the UncoverEd project: UncoverEd
  • A chance to hear about African students at the University today, including the Mastercard Foundation scholars and their future plans, plus a film;
  • Discussions on 'Tackling Infections to Benefit Africa (TIBA) in medical research'  and 'Supporting Evidence Based Interventions(SEBI) for livestock';
  • Information on the work of the University's Global Justice Academy in Africa

The aim of the event is to consider the progress, prospects and challenges for the University’s work with Africa, and to discuss how the General Council and alumni can support this work. It follows the General Council Half-Yearly Meeting.

More information and booking

World leader

The event, which also includes lunch, will take place in the iconic McEwan Hall and will be chaired by Ann Henderson, Rector of the University:

I’m delighted to be chairing this exciting event that will showcase the University’s connection and commitment to Africa through its students, graduates and vital research. The University has a long historical connection with Africa, from early pioneering graduates to current research and teaching. The first African to graduate at Edinburgh was James Africanus Beale Horton, who gained a medical degree in 1859, and more recently our Centre of African Studies has become a world leader of multi-disciplinary research on Africa. The General Council event promises to celebrate and probe these connections, which have never been more relevant, and I’m looking forward to meeting the alumni who attend.

Ann HendersonRector

The General Council

The General Council is the formal voice of  graduates of the University of Edinburgh, and plays an active role in the University's governance, prosperity and well-being. The Half-Yearly Meeting aims to give alumni an overview of its work and current developments at the University.

Related links

Africa: Past, Present and Future - Event details

The General Council