Alumni Services

Things to share - 12 August 2020

Keeping alumni up-to-date with news, events and opportunities.

1. Artificial Intelligence centre stage in new take on Festival Fringe

Since the Edinburgh Festival Fringe began, its events listings have paraded an eclectic mix of shows. In the absence of a physical version of the world’s biggest arts festival, this year researchers at the University have used Artificial Intelligence to analyse a digital archive of Fringe listings, and to imagine a series of mind-bending online spectacles.

ImprovBot imagines festival events listings

2. More from ECA's Summer 2020

Writing effective proposals and funding applications

Thursday 13 August 2020, 3 - 4pm

Do you work in the arts and creative industries? Looking to develop a winning application? Applying for funding can be a daunting task, but it is one that many creatives will need to do at some point. In this online panel session you will hear practical advice and insights from the industry professionals who decide which applications do and do not receive funding.

Insight into writing successful proposals and funding applications

Virtual jewellery try-on

Friday 14 August 2020, 10am - 7pm

An interactive Instagram event from ECA's Jewellery graduates. Virtually wear their jewellery designs by trying out their Instagram filter.

Virtual jewellery try-on event

3. Cell batteries offer clues to multiple sclerosis (MS)

Scientists have discovered a way that the body can protect itself from damage linked to multiple sclerosis, accelerating the search for treatments. 

The research shows that cells recruit mitochondria – the cell’s main source of energy – to damaged areas to aid repair. Findings in animal studies further suggest that a common diabetes drug could help boost this natural mechanism and prevent the disease worsening.

Multiple sclerosis research

4. Edinburgh 4th in UK for industrial engagement

The University has risen five places in the annual UK survey of business and community engagement, according to figures from Research England’s Higher Education Business and Community Interaction (HE-BCI) survey. 

Edinburgh's industrial engagement

5. Open call for emerging artists based in Scotland

Talbot Rice Gallery invites applications for the Talbot Rice Residents programme which runs from January 2021 to January 2023.

The programme provides time and support for emerging, or re-emerging, artists based in Scotland within the unique context of Talbot Rice Gallery, Edinburgh College of Art and the University of Edinburgh. Residents receive year-round curatorial and technical support from the Talbot Rice team, as well as access to workshops, libraries and collections, and contact with the vast academic community within the University.

Deadline: Friday 28 August, 5pm

Talbot Rice Residents 2021–23

6. Blood iron levels could be key to slowing ageing

Genes that could help explain why some people age at different rates to others have been identified by scientists.

The international study using genetic data from more than a million people suggests that maintaining healthy levels of iron in the blood could be a key to ageing better and living longer. The findings could accelerate the development of drugs to reduce age-related diseases, extend healthy years of life and increase the chances of living to old age free of disease, the researchers say.

Blood iron levels research

7. Students launch new international press with poetic response to Covid-19

Scottish Literature students Patrick Jamieson and Daniela Silva talk about Taproot Press and its origins in Scotland's radical publishing scene. Their first title, Plague Clothes by Robert Alan Jamieson, was released on 1 August 2020. The book offers an immediate and intimate response to Covid-19, a voice of protest against the ageism and ecological destruction of our times.

Students launch TaprootPress