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Issue 07 2021
Events
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News
Durham University Alumni Magazine
Cosin’s Library
A New Home for Mathematical Sciences and Computer Science
The new building provides state-of-the-art facilities for students and researchers alike, and offers a dedicated space for enterprise and entrepreneurship, so our talented students can bring their ideas to reality.
We’re celebrating the launch of the latest addition to our campus – a new, world-class hub for our Mathematical Sciences and Computer Science departments.
It has been designed to bring students and staff even closer together, fostering further collaboration between the two departments, while also acting as a focal point for their engagement with industry.
Integration and collaboration The £42 million building provides cuttingedge learning, teaching and study spaces. It will enable both departments to more than double in size, welcoming more undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as researchers, academics and support staff.
Local tech consultancy Scott Logic is one such industry partner, whose collaborations have been recognised in the naming of the new Scott Logic Lecture Theatre in the new building.
Enterprise and entrepreneurship The building is also home to the Hazan Venture Lab, a first-of-its-kind space at Durham, dedicated to supporting student enterprise. Managed by our Careers & Enterprise Centre, it will host everything from business advice sessions to events where students can pitch their business ideas. It is named after Durham University graduate Jonathan Hazan, who donated £500,000 to support the development of the Venture Lab.
Virtual launch, tangible benefits In line with Covid-19 restrictions, the launch was a virtual event, featuring a special guest talk from celebrated tech pioneer and philanthropist Dame Stephanie Shirley. Check out the virtual opening here: youtube.com/watch?v=I_9zGdlIQzY We are looking forward to welcoming students, researchers and staff to this fantastic hub for teaching and innovation, which gives our students and researchers the ideal platform for success.
“It will enable both departments to more than double in size” Math Sciences and Computer Sciences Building
Take a Peek at One of Our Hidden Treasures The doors may be closed right now, but there are other ways to experience Cosin’s Library, a hidden gem in the heart of Durham City. The Cosin’s Library Project has launched a series of free online workshops, allowing people to learn more about one of the oldest public libraries in North-East England. Run by Durham University’s Archives and Special Collections, the Cosin’s Library Project was awarded funding in 2019 by Arts Council England under its Designated Development Fund to share Cosin’s Library – located on Palace Green and founded in 1669 by Bishop John Cosin – with the public.
Free online workshops Due to Covid-19, the project has developed a programme of online events, hosted by a range of incredible artists, writers, musicians and actors. Featuring everything from poetry and quilting, to Shakespeare and zine-making, these free and accessible sessions will enable you to experience the library’s history and contents from your own home.
‘All the World’s a Stage’ The last workshop, ‘All the World’s a Stage’, was hosted by local actor and theatremaker Alice Byrne. Inspired by the iconic Shakespeare First Folio, Alice introduced Shakespeare’s most famous stories, characters and language through creative and drama-based exercises.
Following conservation work, Cosin’s Library is set to reopen in autumn 2021.
Find out more Visit the Cosin’s Library website to learn more: sites.durham.ac.uk/cosinslibrary 10 Dunelm
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