Nexus october 2014

Nexusonline

OCTOBER 2014 CONNECTING THE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY

Designed and Activated by: The Gatehouse - Design & Print Consultancy at RGU

A Word From The Principal

Health and Wellbeing Strategy

You Are What You Eat

Right Click Reloaded

Energy After The Oil & Gas Institute Referendrum Director appointed

Rgu: Union Bike Hire Scheme Launch

Saipem

ABS Creativity Workshop

News In Brief

Events

SPE RGU Student Chapter Award

Fit For The Future Fayre

Freshers Week Round Up

Northern Star Business Awards

My Career Toolkit

A word from the Principal Over the past two years RGU has re-examined its strategic intentions and ambitions, and has adopted a new strategic framework that includes the general plan contained in ‘A Clear Future for a Leading University in a New Era’, and the strategic priorities identified in oil and gas, health and wellbeing, big data, arts and creative industries, employability, and our role in the region.

This framework recognises and celebrates what the university has achieved over many years, and charts a course that will allow us to be recognised globally for our excellence in key areas of focus.

To place all this within a planning environment that will keep our priorities in view and allow us to assess how we are progressing year by year, we are now also proposing to adopt a university business plan. This will draw together the key strategic strands and set targets for us to achieve over the planning period.

We will also use the business plan to ensure that our actions are sound, that they will provide us with a sustainable and robust financial model, and that colleagues are encouraged to develop enterprise and initiative.

Of course universities are not businesses. We are a not-for-profit organisation with both charitable status and intentions, and our work is designed to support our students and give value to the local, regional, national and global community. None of that will change. But we intend to behave in a businesslike manner in order to ensure that this university, and its staff and students, will thrive into the future and lead the way in advancing knowledge.

I attended a meeting recently with a number of academics from different institutions. The discussion turned to whether individual universities could have their own ‘ethos’.

The consensus amongst a number of those present was that, on the whole, they could not. The academic profession more generally could and did - an ethos of independent critical inquiry and learning - but individual universities should not.

I confess I dissented from this conclusion. I agree of course that we must all be committed to independent critical inquiry, but beyond that we can tackle it in various ways and engage with the wider society according to our own strategies and outlook.

RGU has for some time emphasised its capacity to work closely with employers and others to ensure that our students leave us ready for their professional lives; and our research is often directed specifically at social or economic needs.

In an academic world in which it has become increasingly important to be distinctive, and to demonstrate excellence in one’s chosen priorities, Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski

RGU outlines plans for new remote healthcare research centre RGU has outlined plans for a new research centre for remote healthcare as part of a new Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

a new Centre for Remote Healthcare Research and the continued development of RGU:Wellness, which offers a number of benefits to companies.

The centre is a key component of the university’s new strategy which was launched at RGU’s Garthdee campus last month.

“Working with partners, including the IRHC, NHS Grampian, the Scottish Royal Colleges and Oil & Gas UK’s Health Committee, we aim to influence and inform the competence levels recognised as essential for medics and other healthcare professionals in the workplace.”

The centre will be of particular interest to the oil and gas industry and also to others concerned with healthcare in inaccessible places.

The Health and Wellbeing Strategy aims to maintain and enhance the university’s existing strengths, and ensure that all graduates in relevant courses continue to prioritise patient safety and person-centred compassionate care in their practice.

RGU’s Principal, Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, hosted the launch with support from university colleagues and distinguished guests.

Professor von Prondzynski said: “RGU enjoys a long-established reputation for producing graduates with fit-forpurpose skills and knowledge, highly regarded by employers in the health and social care sectors.

“Our ambition is to play a leading role, in the UK and internationally, in developing health care for those in the workplace by ensuring that the health needs of workers are met by practitioners who have the relevant knowledge and skills.

“The strategy will outline a number of key areas we will focus on including

Professor Valerie Maehle, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Care, has overseen the development of the university’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy with her colleagues.

She said: “We’re delighted to share our plans for the Centre for Remote Healthcare Research and the development of RGU:Wellness as part of our ambitious Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

“It will ensure that our existing high quality of provision, particularly in relation to practice-focused activity and interprofessional working, is maintained and enhanced through further innovation in teaching and learning.

“We aim to lead the way in developing learning experiences that will equip healthcare practitioners with the required competencies to operate in a range of remote environments.

This work will shape the educational landscape, ultimately enhancing clinical assessment, decision-making, the use of telehealth and other related skills in remote environments.

“Using a range of innovative teaching and learning practices, the centre will also define the competence levels recognised as essential for offshore medics and other healthcare practitioners working in remote and hostile environments in the UK oil and gas sector and internationally.”

The guest speaker at the strategy launch was RGU visiting Professor James Ferguson who is Clinical Lead at the Scottish Centre for Telehealth and Telecare (SCTT), and Consultant Surgeon in Emergency Medicine at NHS Grampian.

The event marked the progress of RGU’s Healthy University initiative which takes a strategic, whole systems approach to improving the health and wellbeing of staff and students across campus.

Also outlined in the strategy is the continued development of RGU:Wellness which is a specialist service that provides a unique and effective offering for companies primarily, but not exclusively, in the energy sector.

RGU’s Principal, Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, and Professor Valerie Maehle, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Care

to support effective treatment and assessment of fitness for work.

Elizabeth Hancock, Head of RGU’s School of Health Sciences, has worked with colleagues to develop RGU:Wellness from its initial stages to the full range of health and fitness services it now offers.

“It encompasses expertise in health improvement, ergonomics, nutrition advice, personal training and stress reduction to constitute a definitive workforce health programme.

She said: “Combining our specialist facilities and the professional knowledge of our academic staff, RGU:Wellness can provide a specialist diagnostic and fitness testing service

“Strong links with our colleagues at RGU: SPORT further enhance the effectiveness of these interventions through the provision of individually tailored fitness and self-management programmes.”

Delegates were also welcome to attend a Public Health seminar which followed immediately after the launch, entitled “The Future is Now: Health Challenges in a Shrinking World.”

Guest speakers at the event included Professor Richard Parish, National Pharmacy & Public Health Forum Chair, Duncan Selbie, Chief Executive of Public Health England, Dr Steve Boorman, Chief Medical Advisor at Capita PIP Assessment Services, and Malcolm Wright OBE, Chief Executive of NHS Education for Scotland.

RGU re-launches ‘Right Click’ social media campaign RGU has re-launched an awardwinning campaign to support and encourage positive use of social media across campus.

The ‘Right Click’ campaign was originally launched in 2013 to communicate the benefits and potential pitfalls of social media to students and staff.

The aim was to encourage positive use of social media in a safe and responsible manner and also to reduce the potential for disciplinary issues caused by their misuse.

The campaign, which was originally developed in partnership with the Student Association, has been updated to take in to account changes in the social media landscape.

Launched at the start of the new academic year, advice is available on RGU’s website on how to use social media accounts including: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube as well as a variety of hints and tips on issues such as privacy and responsible publishing.

RGU has an active social media presence through a number of official accounts with more than 42,000 likes on Facebook, 11,000 Twitter followers and 480 YouTube subscribers.

Each channel is used to communicate the work of the university and promote the courses and opportunities which are available through studying or working at RGU.

Earlier this year, Times Higher Education ranked RGU’s Twitter account as the eighth most influential university account in the country, based on a high ‘Social Authority’ ranking.

The original incarnation of ‘Right Click’ won a gold award in 2013 at the annual Heist Awards for Education Marketing, which recognise and celebrate professionalism, expertise and innovation in the sector.

Martyn Spence, Director of Marketing, Communications and Student Recruitment at RGU, said: “The Right Click campaign was an outstanding success when it was originally launched and was a first for a Scottish university.

“We’ve developed the campaign for the new academic year with updated advice and also provided guidance on positive and responsible online communication from both a student and staff perspective.

“Social media is an important part of daily life for many of our staff and students and the university offers countless opportunities to share information and interact with friends and colleagues online.”

For more information about the ‘Right Click’ campaign and to view the social media advice, please visit www.rgu.ac.uk/rightclick

Experts explore future of energy in Scotland after ‘No’ vote Energy experts gathered at RGU to explore the future of energy in Scotland after the referendum.

The Scottish Government’s Minister for Energy Economy and Tourism, Fergus Ewing, spoke at the conference, which considered how more energy powers for Scotland can increase Scottish influence over renewable energy, antifuel poverty measures and consumer electricity prices.

The possibility of establishing a Scottish Energy Regulator was discussed, as well as the challenges and opportunities surrounding future investment in oil and gas, at the event which was organised by Professor Peter Strachan, Strategy and Policy Group Lead within the Department of Management at RGU, and Dr David Toke, a Reader in Energy Politics at the University of Aberdeen.

Energy experts including; Fergus Ewing, Minister for Economy, Energy and Tourism for the Scottish Government; Andrew Faulk, former Senior Policy Advocate at Scottish Consumer Focus; Roger Cook , Research Director at the Scotland Institute; and Martyn Tulloch, of Tulloch Energy, spoke at the conference which ended with a round table discussion.

Introducing the event, Professor Strachan said: “Energy had been political and economic dynamite, and a key battleground on which the independence debate had been fought.

“Following the outcome of the referendum there is now universal agreement that Scotland should have a more significant voice when it comes to energy policy, and national energy security, in the United Kingdom.”

Mr Ewing outlined the challenges and opportunities surrounding future investment in oil and gas, the need for fiscal and regulatory reform to promote innovation, and the significant financial contribution that oil and gas service sector was providing to the UK economy.

He stated that in the post referendum settlement he was looking for Scotland to have a more equal footing when it comes to UK energy policy and other decisions.

Professor Strachan added: “It is a complete disgrace that despite being one of the most energy rich countries in the world, far too many people in Scotland are still affected by fuel poverty. Following the recent outcome of the referendum Scotland requires more powers to bring down electricity bills and to introduce far reaching energy efficiency measures.

“Scottish electricity is the most secure and reliable supply available, with Scotland exporting a large surplus to the rest of the United Kingdom. The recent news that the two EDF-owned nuclear power stations at Heysham 1 and Hartlepool in Lancashire are to stay closed until the end of the year, is an illustration of the fragility of UK supplies.”

Dr David Toke made a call for the Scottish Government to be given control over a substantial proportion of money allocated by Westminster to fund renewable energy.

He said: “Scottish and Westminster energy policies diverge, with Westminster wanting to give money for new nuclear power whilst Scotland wants to focus on renewable energy.

“Scotland needs to be insulated from Conservative plans to dictate what low carbon energy sources should be allowed in Scotland. The Scottish Government needs to be given control over spending a sizeable proportion of funds earmarked by the Treasury for spending on renewable energy.

“In addition a Scottish Energy regulator should be established that could allow grid upgrades to be implemented more speedily to help community renewable schemes.”

Other important issues explored included how Scotland could exert more influence over renewable energy issues, and whether the UK should establish a national sovereign oil fund.

Finally, Professor Strachan and Dr Toke stated that the final conclusion arising from the event was that a Scottish energy regulator should be established, thereby allowing grid upgrades to be implemented more speedily and to better help establish community renewable schemes.

Professor Peter Strachan with the Scottish Government’s Minister for Energy Economy and Tourism, Fergus Ewing.

RGU community enjoys all the fun of the Fayre More than 200 visitors attended RGU’s first ‘Fit for the Future Fayre’ which was held at Garthdee on Saturday, September 27.

The family Fayre is the latest health and wellbeing event at RGU organised by the university’s Healthy University initiative, ‘Fit for the Future’.

A number of fun activities at the Fayre showcased the values of the Healthy University approach and promoted physical activity and mental wellbeing.

Gil Barton, Senior Lecturer at RGU, plays a key role in the Healthy University project and co-ordinated the organisation of the event.

She said: “We are delighted at the numbers who attended the Fayre and clearly enjoyed the different activities on offer. It was great to see so many families at the Fayre and the feedback we have received has been very positive.”

Attractions on the day included a bike road show presented by the GetAbout team highlighting a wide range of bikes that attendees could try out, including a penny farthing. The Edinburgh Bicycle Co-operative also brought their Smoothie Bike.

There were also guided walks along the medal routes which were unveiled earlier this year to mark 100 days until the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Organisers also laid on family yoga, Mindfulness sessions, climbing wall taster sessions, desk aerobics, face painting, bouncy castle and a variety of stalls. University caterers, Aramark, also hosted a very popular and informative ‘Heaven or Hell Cook Off’ inside the Riverside East building.

A unique aspect to the Fayre was the launch of RGU’s ‘Modern Munro’ challenge which aims to encourage people to take the stairs rather than the lifts.

The initiative sets out how many complete ascents of RGU buildings participants must complete to climb the equivalent of a 3,000ft Munro.

RGU Lecturer and Physiotherapy Clinic manager Nicholas Summersgill completed the first Munro with an amazing time of one hour and twenty five minutes to complete the Aberdeen Business School.

For more information about RGU’s Healthy University initiative, please visit: www.rgu.ac.uk/healthyuniversity

RGU welcomes new students with a fun filled Freshers’ Week A raft of activities took place across the city last month to welcome new and returning students to RGU. More than 2500 new undergraduate students enjoyed a jam packed Freshers’ Week which was organised by RGU’s Students’ Union to help the new cohort settle into university life before starting their first year of studies.

“A lot of planning and organisation has gone into preparing for Freshers’ Week, ensuring it was filled with a variety of events so that there was something to suit everyone.

new friends and being introduced to university life to help the new students, some of whom have left home for the first time, feel supported and comfortable in their new environment.

“Freshers’ Week is not just about exploring the city’s nightlife, it’s about settling into halls, making

“It is a very special time for the thousands of first time students who have been waiting all summer

Kicking off the week on Monday, September 22 was a silent disco at the Woolmanhill Halls, and the Big Student Quiz at Campus bar and club which tested students on their knowledge of Harry Potter for a chance to win £200.

The new students then got to put their fitness levels to the test at the Freshers’ Sport Day at RGU: SPORT on Tuesday September, 23 which featured a selection of mini tournaments including basketball, dodgeball and football.

Freshers also enjoyed their very own ‘live lounge’ at Campus bar which will featured the best acoustic talent that the city has to offer including Kyle Paterson, Daniel Mutch, Lizabett Russo, Emma Hay and Nicky Aitken.

A comedy night was also organised at Downstairs which featured a number of stand-up comedians including Mark Nelson, Jellybeen Martinez, Owen MacGuire, Gareth Mutch and Obie.

The Freshers’ Fayre is an annual highlight during the week which attracts a huge audience of new students looking to bag a free giveaway from the many retailers, bars, banks, shops, clubs and societies which were present at RGU: SPORT on Thursday, September 25.

Paul Greene, Student President for Democracy and Communication, said:

Students flock to the Freshers’ Fayre looking to bag a freebie

to start university life so we wanted to ensure we give them a welcome to remember.”

The week culminated with RGU’s Healthy University initiative’s inaugural ‘Fit for the Future Fayre’.

RGU launches ‘My Career Toolkit’ RGU’s online career education offering has been significantly enhanced to provide a more interactive and comprehensive resource to help students better plan for successful employment.

Students now have access to an improved informative online careers environment that supports career planning at RGU as a result of a collaborative project between the Careers and Employability Centre and the Department for the Enhancement of Learning, Teaching and Assessment (DELTA).

Christine Buchanan, Dean of Students at RGU, says: “RGU is the top university for graduate employment and that leading reputation comes not only from the way our courses are tailored to meet industry needs but also how we prepare our graduates for the workplace.

“We recognised the need to engage students early on in their studies about their future careers and provide them with an accessible and interactive online environment to learn how to increase their employability.”

The project has involved the upgrading of existing subjects on the Careers Centre’s ‘Preparing to Succeed’ web pages to make them more interactive including quizzes to increase and clarify student learning.

Alan Davidson, Dean of DELTA, said: “The subjects were upgraded using e-learning software called Articulate Storyline which allows us to build animations and interactivity into the subjects, include video clips and links to external sources so that the user experience is enhanced. The software also allows the subjects to be easily viewed on mobile devices, increasing their accessibility.”

The two departments worked together to develop RGU’s ‘My Career Toolkit’, a comprehensive online careers education resource which features a number of key learning topics to help students prepare for employment.

“My Career Toolkit features a series of employability topics to support students in developing the skills needed to manage the career ladder and encourage them to be more proactive with their employment planning,” says RGU Careers Consultant, Lorraine Amies, who has been seconded to DELTA to develop the resource.

Alan Davidson, Dean of DELTA, RGU Careers Consultant, Lorraine Amies, and Christine Buchanan, Dean of Students at RGU

events such as the annual RGU Autumn Careers Fair, and manage their expectations.

The ‘employability topics include ‘Writing your CV’, ‘Preparing for Interviews’, ‘Utilising Social Media for Career Planning’ and ‘Assessment Centre Expectations’.

“There are currently 15 employability topics which have been developed and tailored to meet the demands of students including providing a mixture of resources from reading material to video clips so that the toolkit is fully accessible,” continues Lorraine.

New topics have also been created which address the demands of students such as ‘Making the Most of Careers Fairs’ to support students in preparing for key employment

The toolkit was formally launched at the start of the academic semester and students are being introduced to the online resource with a chance to win an

ASUS 7 tablet by taking part in the ‘My Career Toolkit’ competition.

“We’d encourage all students at any stage of their studies to familiarise themselves with the toolkit and complete at least one module which will automatically enter them into the prize draw,” adds Lorraine.

‘My Career Toolkit’ is now a recommended resource for all schools to put into their student handbook and we are currently working with academics to utilise and integrate the resources of ‘My Career Toolkit’ within the curriculum.

The deadline for the ‘My Career Toolkit’ competition is Sunday 30 November so make sure to check it out for a chance to win an android tablet.

Visit www.rgu.ac.uk/mycareertoolkit The full suite of the university’s Careers resources can be accessed by all staff and students via CampusMoodle. Visit www.rgu.ac.uk/careersonmoodle.

Don’t miss the 2014 Autumn Careers Fair which is taking place on 30 October. Visit http://www.rgu.ac.uk/ current-students/news/autumncareers-fair-2014 for more information including how to prepare for the Fair.

RGU helps to educate that you are what you eat Nexus hears from Dr Myra MacKenzie and Dr Morag McFadyen of RGU’s School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences on the university’s involvement with ‘You are What You Eat: Aberdeenshire’s first food science festival’.

Service to deliver an exciting, free two day event, which was a designed to be a hybrid of a farmers market and a science fair.

a training day with all the staff and student volunteers, who acted as science communicators on the day.

A ‘Myth Busters’ stand explored, among other things, how much sugar is present in juices, drinks and snacks, which generated a lot of interest by using fun hands on guessing games for children. In hindsight it was wise to locate that some distance from the chocolate stand!

The ‘Power of Plants’ stand was well received and offered an opportunity for visitors to engage with real and current medical research, as well as discover more about the plant products we come across every day without realising it.

‘You Are What You Eat’ was organised to engage with the community on the science of food, taste and healthy eating by bringing a fresh perspective to the Aberdeenshire Farming Museum at Aden Country Park, Mintlaw.

between business, heritage, science and nutrition.

Highlighting the importance of education to the rural community, the project has been shortlisted for the Arts & Business Scotland Awards 2014 - Enterprising Museum Award sponsored by Museums Galleries Scotland.

A summary video from ‘You are What You Eat’ is available to view here.

RGU’s training day

It focussed on the agricultural industry both past and present, with a central theme of the impact of food production on individuals, local communities, our social heritage and our landscape.

Staff and student volunteers from RGU’s School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences worked in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council’s Museum

Some of the RGU staff and student volunteers

The event attracted 8800 visitors throughout the two days who enjoyed a mixture of market stalls which offered the best of Aberdeenshire’s produce, entertaining cookery demonstrations using local farm produce; and fun activities exploring the history and science of what we eat, why, and where it comes from.

Our science communicators manned a number of different science stalls over the two days: we provide a flavour of these below: A ‘Supertasters Experiment’ ran over the two days, and generated a lot of interest, as did the ‘DNA Extraction from Strawberries’ challenge – 175 experiments were performed, with a satisfying 100% success rate!

The power of plants: biomedical science project posters

The event questioned our agricultural heritage in a novel and innovative manner. We were able to showcase cutting edge research, exciting live science experiments and fascinating insights into how diet affects society, landscape and community.

The packed marquee

Prior to the event, the School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences hosted

This innovative project was funded by a ‘Talking Science’ grant from the Scottish Government and the Community Food Fund from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).

Sugar contents busted

This innovative educational partnership successfully made connections

What’s that smell: investigating aromatic compounds

RGU:Union brings ‘Boris bikes’ scheme to Aberdeen A sustainable bike hire scheme for students at RGU has been officially launched.

Students are now able to hire a recycled bike from RGU’s Students’ Union, providing an affordable and environmentally friendly way of travelling to the university’s Garthdee campus and across the city.

Launched by RGU: Union’s ‘Go Green’ sustainability initiative with funding it received from the Climate Challenge Fund (CCF), the bikes, which have all been recycled and refurbished, are available to hire on a weekly basis for as little as £2 for the week.

Students are able to view and hire the bikes online from the RGU:Union website, and can pick them up every Wednesday from the bike-hire station which is based at RGU’s Garthdee campus. Each user is also provided with a lock and a set of lights.

“Students are increasingly becoming aware of the importance of sustainability and the need to protect the environment so the bike scheme allows them to make a difference while saving them money on the cost of travel fares.”

Students who choose to cycle to university instead of taking the bus can be expected to save up to seven kilograms (kg) of carbon dioxide (CO2) a week, or 280kg of CO2 over the academic year, which is enough to fill one and a half double decker buses.

“RGU:Union is committed to lowering Scotland’s carbon footprint and the bike hire scheme is one of our projects which aims to engage with students to get them involved, demonstrating how small measures can be put into place to help to help the environment while having fun, meeting new people and gaining qualifications,” adds Paul.

The bikes and safety equipment are then returned by the students to the hire-station the following week where they then receive their £10 deposit.

The scheme has various volunteering opportunities for students to get involved with. For more information on the scheme or the volunteering opportunities, please visit www.rguunion.co.uk

Paul Greene, RGU’s Student President for Communication and Democracy, said: “The bike hire scheme has been established to provide students with an affordable and environmentally friendly means of travel across the city, which can become extremely congested, especially during peak rush hour times.

The launch of the scheme complements a wider Healthy University initiative at RGU, Fit for the Future, which takes a strategic approach to health and wellbeing across campus.

Paul Greene, Student President for Communication and Democracy

RGU delivers courses to major oil and gas contractor A major international oil and gas contractor has called on RGU’s expertise to deliver training modules to its staff.

A programme giving Aberdeen school pupils an insight into what it would be like to study art and architecture at RGU has launched for the third year.

RGU’s Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment has recently delivered one bespoke short course to contract specialists at Saipem, with a second course in the pipeline.

Covering a range of topics relating to quantity surveying through classroom based workshops and online distance learning, the courses are targeted at enhancing the core competencies of contract specialists in the company.

Headquartered in Italy with offices in strategic locations across the world, Saipem is a leader in the provision of engineering, procurement, project management and construction services to the oil and gas industry.

The first course, ‘An Introduction to Quantity Surveying’, covered the basic processes and skills necessary for the commercial control of contracts from initial procurement, delivery and whole life performance.

The second course to be delivered, ‘Quantity Surveying Skills for Contract Administrators’, will focus on the critical evaluation of practice and performance in the delivery and procurement

Aberdeen pupils given insight into creative courses at RGU

The Saipem delegates with RGU’s Rob Leslie, Course Leader for MSc Construction Project Management; Bassam Bjeirmi, Associate Head of the Scott Sutherland School; Renne Raper, Aberdeen Business School’s Corporate Development Consultant; and Chris Moule, Business Development Manager.

of commercial assets within a contract and cost environment.

Business Development Manager at the Scott Sutherland School, Gerry Buda, said: “We are delighted to be working with Saipem SA as part of its staff development programme.

“RGU maintains close links with industry to ensure that our courses are as relevant as possible and many offer the opportunity to undertake individual modules which are a great way for companies to develop their employees.”

Aberdeen Business School also delivered mentor training to some of the Saipem employees.

The Access to Creative Education Scotland (ACES) programme is a national initiative funded by the Scottish Funding Council and delivered locally by RGU, which aims to encourage and support pupils who are often underrepresented in art, design and architecture towards studying the subjects at university.

Pupils from schools around the city, including Kincorth, Northfield, St Machar and Hazlehead Academies, attended the launch of the third year of the programme at Aberdeen Art Gallery recently, where they took part in a range of activities.

A number of pupils who completed last year’s ACES programme and successfully applied to study at RGU are now about to start their degrees.

Sabrina Bremner (16), a sixth year pupil at Northfield Academy, attended this year’s ACES launch and said: “It was really good. I like the art gallery so it was nice to get the chance to spend some more time there and analyse the paintings, as I’ve not done that before.

“I haven’t studied art since second year at school but I took it up again recently and am now doing a crash Higher. I’m excited about the rest of the ACES programme as I’ve heard good things about it from people who did it last year.”

The programme is co-ordinated by the university’s Study Skills and Access Unit and developed in partnership with Aberdeen City Council.

Study Skills and Access Unit co-ordinator, James Dunphy, said: “The ACES programme forms an important part of the university’s commitment to widening access and we are delighted to welcome a new cohort of young people to campus for the 2014/15 programme.

As well as participating in taster classes at RGU over the coming months, the pupils will be guided through the university application process by staff at Gray’s School of Art and the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment should they decide to continue their studies.

“The university is also delighted to have launched Access RGU Scholarships which support young people as they undertake their studies. One of these scholarships will be for ACES participants and we look forward to awarding the first of these soon.”

Students from around the world arrived at RGU to explore ‘DigiPreneurship’ Students from seven universities across Europe and from as far away as China descended on RGU for a Creativity Workshop aimed at turning them into ‘DigitalPreneurs’.

Held at the Scottish holiday and study retreat ‘The Burn’, the 12th annual COEUR Ideas Generation Workshop had a digital theme built around the key strengths of old Scottish industries such as tourism, food, drink and fashion. It aimed to challenge students to develop entrepreneurial ideas which will help make these important Scottish industries sustainable in a digital future.

The group was also given the opportunity to visit Edzell Golf Club for a talk on the importance of golf to the Scottish economy, a tour of Crathes Castle and a tour of Fettercairn Distillery.

Sir Ian Wood honoured at Northern Star Business Awards The Chancellor of RGU, leading oil executive Sir Ian Wood, was handed a lifetime achievement award at last month’s Northern Star Business Awards for his outstanding contribution to the region.

His work in building up one of the largest oil supply chain companies in the country, as well as his public service and charity work through the Wood Family Trust combined with his recent leadership of influential government commissions made him a popular choice as he accepted the award.

Organised by Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, the annual event celebrated innovation, success and the achievements of individuals, companies and organisations from throughout the Grampian area.

Thirty-eight finalists joined the 800 guests at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre, all eager to find out who would lift the award in each of the 14 award categories.

RGU plays it part in the awards by sponsoring the coveted ‘Student Placement’ accolade, which this year was won by KCA Deutag.

KCA Deutag was nominated for the award by Sonja Cammaert, who completed a year-long placement

with the company as part of her management course at Aberdeen Business School.

Speaking about why she nominated KCA Deutag, Sonja said: “KCA Deutag has been fully committed to my personal and professional development and provided me with the knowledge and skills which will help to further my career. My colleagues made me feel very welcome and the overall placement has been an extremely rewarding experience.”

Collecting the award on behalf of KCA Deutag, Kees Sterk, Head of IT said: “To be recognised for our graduate programme is a huge honour. At KCA Deutag, we believe our people are our biggest asset and that our future success depends on attracting, developing and retaining the best graduates to secure the next generation of industry leaders.”

Chief executive of the Chamber Robert Collier said, “We are proud of the efforts of members and the contribution they make to the robust economy of our region, our enviable quality of life, and its bright future.

“The evening is an opportunity to take stock of the talent and success that abounds here in the City and Shire, and celebrate their achievements in keeping us at the heart of a prosperous country.”

Professor Rita Marcella, Dean of Aberdeen Business School with Sonja Cammaert and Kees Sterk of KCA Deutag, Student Placement

The winners in the 14 categories were as follows: Lifetime Achievement Award – Sir Ian Wood

Commitment to People Development - Bibby Offshore Excellence in Customer Service - Pentagon Freight

Achievement in International Business - Entier Ltd

Excellence in Health and Safety - Concerto Live Scotland

Best Campaign of the Year – OilCareers.com

Outstanding Contribution to Society - Saltire Energy

Commitment to Innovative Use of Research and Development - Plexus Ocean Systems Ltd

Outstanding Contribution to the Energy Sector - Bibby Offshore

Overall Business of the Year – Inoapps Rising Star – Andrew Ferguson, Eden Scott Student Placement - KCA Deutag The Business Diversity Award - Glencraft (Aberdeen) Ltd The Green Award - Elan Hair Design

SPE RGU Student Chapter bags three awards at SPE Aberdeen 40th Anniversary Celebration Dinner The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Aberdeen Section reached its landmark 40th anniversary having arrived shortly before the first drop of oil was extracted from the North Sea. To mark the occasion and acknowledge the continuous efforts made by its members over the years to enhancing the ethos of the SPE, the Aberdeen section commemorated with a black-tie dinner at Aberdeen’s Chester Hotel.

SPE Aberdeen welcomed an impressive line-up of key industry speakers from Statoil, BP, Shell, Taqa, Schlumberger and the Press and Journal, as well as numerous international guests.

The RGU student chapter was recognised at the event, bagging a hattrick of awards in acknowledgement of its contribution to both increasing the organisation’s profile on and off its campus, as well as bridging the technical know-how between students and industry professionals.

The Student chapter was awarded the SPE Aberdeen Most Outstanding Student Chapter 2014 which was collected on behalf of the Chapter by its president Abdul-Razaq Momodu, who studies oil and gas engineering at RGU. The RGU Chapter’s faculty sponsor, Ibiye Iyalla, a Senior Lecturer at RGU’s School of Engineering, was also recognised as the most outstanding faculty sponsor for his liaison between the student Chapter and the SPE Aberdeen Section, while RGU oil and gas engineering student, Vijay Anne, the Chapter’s social secretary, was awarded for his outstanding service to SPE, the local community and the industry by a student member.

Abdul-Razaq Momodu, said: “We are honoured to have received three awards which are a testament to the work and commitment of the RGU student Chapter and its members in contributing to the SPE’s Aberdeen section.”

The evening showcased the oil and gas industry’s journey over the past 40 years and the impact that the SPE Aberdeen Section has had upon the local industry and the wider Scottish community.

Anthony Onukwu, Past SPE Aberdeen Chairman, Abdulrazaq Momodu, RGU Chapter President 2014, and Helge Haldorsen, SPE International President 2015

Universities come together to combat maternal mortality in Malawi

News in Brief

Scottish experts are aiming to pass on the benefit of their experience in reducing maternal mortality to health professionals and managers from Malawi at a conference to be held in Aberdeen.

RGU and The University of Aberdeen will come together with Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) to host the event that is designed to address the challenges faced by health workers in Malawi.

Artificial intelligence explored at RGU lecture A leading computer science expert from New Zealand explored the concept of artificial intelligence at a guest lecture held at RGU. Dr Ian Watson, Associate Professor within the Department of Computer Science at the University of Auckland, delivered a public lecture entitled ‘Alan Turing and the Artificial Brain’, which drew on the work of Alan Turing, the British mathematician, logician, philosopher and computer scientist who is widely regarded as the founder of the field of artificial intelligence.

The ‘Turing Test’, for deciding whether a machine shows intelligence, continues to be inspirational up to the present day.

Professor Watson explored the concept of intelligence and looked at arguments from both sides of the philosophical debate claiming that artificial intelligence is or is not achievable.

With examples from the past and present, Professor Watson also looked at the impact that artificial intelligence will have in the future and the profound bearing it is likely to have on our society.

Originally from Poole in Dorset, Professor Watson holds a PhD in Computer Science from Liverpool University. His career has involved the practical application of many areas of artificial intelligence research and development, including knowledge engineering and expert systems which have gone on to be used commercially.

Susan Craw, a research professor within RGU’s Research Institute for Innovation, Design and Sustainability (IDEAS), said: “His guest lecture gave us a fascinating insight into the world of artificial intelligence and its influence on the digital world in which we now live.”

Professor Watson, said: “Artificial intelligence is at a tipping point where it is about to change the world we live in and how we interact with it. Now is the time to understand its origins and implications.”

A video from one of Dr Watson’s previous lectures, which mirrors the public lecture delivered at RGU, is available to view here.

In Malawi, eight women die in childbirth every day and the country has a chronic shortage of trained health workers.

The University of Aberdeen is home to Immpact - an internationally recognised maternal and newborn health research group whose members have spent time working in Malawi.

Immpact has recently led a maternal health project there in partnership with RGU’s

RGU professor’s prestigious appointment A RGU professor has been appointed to the International Accounting Education Standards Board (IAESB).

Professor Elizabeth Gammie, Head of the Department of Accounting and Finance at RGU, has been appointed to serve on the IAESB from January 1 for three years.

This adds to the already impressive list of high level education-related board appointments Professor Gammie sits on.

Professor Gammie, a chartered accountant and council member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of

School of Nursing and Midwifery and the Ministry of Health in Malawi.

Tracy Humphrey, Professor of Midwifery at RGU, said: “Strengthening the education and professionalisation of midwives in Malawi is something we are currently doing with partners in the country to improve outcomes. The seminar will also explore the potential for partnerships to be formed and volunteer schemes to be developed.”

Jacqueline Bell, the Principal Investigator for Immpact’s Malawi project said: “The aim of projects such as these is to build capacity and improve the recruitment and retention of midwives, particularly in rural areas.

Ready, steady, fire! New engineering students take aim at RGU

“We’re looking forward to welcoming the delegation from Malawi and hope we can use this event to build future collaborations.”

The newest intake of engineering students at RGU got straight down to business as part of their induction this week, as they grappled with the mechanics of medieval warfare.

Visitors from Malawi include Professor Address Malata, Principal of Kamuzu College of Nursing, Grace Massah, Dean of Nkhoma College of Nursing and Midwifery and Joyce Kamdonyo, Director of Examinations from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Malawi.

Scotland, said she was delighted to be appointed to the IAESB. She said: “I am delighted to be appointed to the IAESB and I look forward contributing to the advancement of accounting education programs worldwide, particularly where this will assist economic development.”

The IAESB is an independent standardsetting body that serves the public interest by strengthening the worldwide accountancy profession through the development and enhancement of education.

Professor Gammie is published extensively in the area of accounting education and her expertise in the area of educational assessment and benchmarking methodologies were welcomed by the nomination committee.

The Stage 1 students set to work building trebuchet models in teams, a type of catapult that was used as a siege machine in the Middle Ages.

With only a morning to design and build their models, the 25 teams were up against the clock, gathering the following day to test out their trebuchets.

A series of prizes were awarded for the trebuchet which fired the furthest distance; the best designed trebuchet; the team which worked best together and the team which designed the best corporate identity for their model.

Senior Engineering Lecturer, Graeme Dunbar, said: “It is good to kick off the academic year with a fun, ice-breaker activity like this which is all about team building, working together and communicating.

“It is a great opportunity for new students to get to know their classmates, as these are the people that they will be working with for the next few years and we’ve seen some good examples of lateral thinking and creativity.”

October

Events October Open Day 2014

08 October 2014 Riverside East The annual Open Days provides an opportunity to experience the university’s stunning buildings and facilities and learn more about our courses.

Artist talk: Strange Attractor

10 October 2014 Exhibition Space, Georgina Scott Sutherland Study Centre, David Blyth, the artist behind an innovative exhibition of reverse taxidermy called Strange Attractor, will give a lunchtime talk about his work and find out the story behind the show.

Professorial Lecture: Information Seeking and Context: Providing Search Relevance in Social Media

13 October 2014 Riverside East Ayse GĂśker, the Digital Technologies Theme Leader at IDEAS will deliver a professorial lecture which will explore the challenge of finding search relevance in social media.

Experience Aberdeen Culture Fair

15 October 2014 Aberdeen Beach Ballroom Organised by International Aberdeen Welcome Project, a joint initiative between RGU and the University of Aberdeen, the Fair provides an opportunity for international students to experience a flavour of Scottish culture.

Autumn Careers Fair 2014

30 October 2014 RGU SPORT The Autumn Careers Fair is a key recruitment event for students and graduates to talk to businesses seeking to secure the best graduating talent, as well as discuss placements, vacation, part-time and voluntary work.

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