Nexus Summer 2017

Nexusonline

SUMMER 2017 CONNECTING THE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY

D e s i g n e d b y : T h e G a t e h o u s e - D e s i g n & Pr i n t A g e n c y a t R G U

A Word from the Principal

Summer Graduations

PDM Graduates

Hononary Graduates

Teaching and Learning Conference

Fukushima Fisheries Research

Scottish Heads of Planning

Computing Prizegiving

Tennessee Exchange

Scott’s End of Year Show

NIB

Nursing Summer School

EU Transparency Directives

Events

Kingswells Comic

A WORD FROM THE PRINCIPAL In recent years one of the more hotly debated topics in higher education has been how we should see our students.

As university funding methods and patterns have changed, particularly in England, it has become common to suggest we should see students as customers buying a service from us and expecting us to deliver this service to agreed standards. The whole architecture of higher education is changing in England to reflect that outlook.

Scotland of course has not followed suit in the matter of funding, and here university tuition is still financed by the state. This has meant that we have not tended always to use the same language to describe the relationship with students, but in practice we are experiencing similar policies regarding student satisfaction.

All of this is significant as governments and their agencies develop new frameworks for the assessment of quality and the assurance of satisfactory performance by universities and their staff. Whatever the political outlook may be at any particular time, it is (rightly) now expected that we will treat students with care and respect. We may not want to see students as customers and consumers (and I for one don't), but we do need to see them as partners in the educational journey. Therefore it is important that we recognise and address legitimate student concerns as they arise and that we work with them constantly to improve our educational mission.

RGU is a university that sees the quality of the student experience as a key driver of success.

As our strategy continues to evolve, this must always remain one of our very top priorities.

Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski

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Aberdeen’s city centre was filled with celebrations last month as more than 1800 students graduated with degrees and qualifications at RGU’s summer graduation ceremonies.

Students from a wide range of subjects took to the stage at His Majesty’s Theatre to collect their certificates in front of a packed audience of proud families and friends.

Among those who graduated was Lara Seymour. Lara looked back on her celebrated university career after completing her Masters in Pharmacy at RGU. Having been selected to receive a bursary from The Robertson Trust, Lara made the most of her time at RGU by acting as an inspiration to her fellow students.

Lara, who won a number of accolades during her studies, says: “It shows that hard work is recognised within the pharmacy profession. I can now look back at my university career with immense pride and memories that will last a lifetime.”

Graduation provided a building block for a career in architecture for Amy Bruce who received an BSc (Hons) in Architectural Technology and has secured a job with a local firm.

Amy, who won the Simpson Shield of Technology for outstanding academic performance, says: “To be in a job so quickly after all the hard work at university is just brilliant, and I look forward to putting all I have learned into practice in my new venture.”

Tom Sadler, who was instrumental in setting up RGU: Nightline and RGU: LGBT + Society also graduated this summer with a BA (Hons) in Law and Management. During his time at RGU he clocked up more than 1,200 hours of volunteering and won six awards including a Full Scarlet.

Tom, who has secured a position with the Supreme Court in Edinburgh, says: “My time at university helped me develop from a quiet teenager with little confidence to a confident graduate. Volunteering developed a lot of skills that directly helped me secure an exciting opportunity in the justice sector.”

RGU awards honorary degrees at summer graduations

The university awarded honorary degrees to two distinguished individuals at the summer graduation ceremonies last month.

his distinguished football career and he continues to achieve tremendous results through his work with The Denis Law Legacy Trust.

Internationally renowned footballer Denis Law CBE received an honorary award of Doctor of Laws (Hon LLD), while Ellis Watson, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Scottish media group DC Thomson, was conferred with an honorary award of Doctor of Business Administration (Hon DBA).

“Denis Law has maintained close links with the North-east and the university is immensely proud of the success of the Streetsport initiative, which was founded with The Denis Law Legacy Trust on our shared belief in investing in young people and helping them harness their energy to reach their full potential.”

The university chose to confer the degree on Denis Law CBE in recognition of his achievements throughout his distinguished football career and his work with The Denis Law Legacy Trust.

The university works closely with The Denis Law Legacy Trust through RGU’s Streetsport initiative, which aims to reduce instances of youth crime and anti-social behaviour while helping develop the employability and aspirations of young people in Aberdeen through sport.

RGU’s Principal, Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, said: “Denis Law has been an inspiration throughout Ellis Watson

Denis Law CBE

Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski conferred the honorary degree on Ellis Watson in recognition of his significant contribution to and leadership in the media industry. Ellis Watson has previously headed Simon Cowell’s joint venture with Sony, and turned around the legendary Greyhound Bus business.

Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, said: “Ellis Watson is an enormously talented businessman who has made some significant achievements throughout his very successful career.

His life-long contribution to the media industries has seen him hold numerous roles which combine creativity and commerce, and showcase his passion for quality, integrity and diversity.”

Researchers complete study on community response to nuclear disaster Data from an international study is set to capture the changing image of the fishing community in post-disaster Fukushima.

The three year study was a joint research project

by RGU’s Dr Leslie Mabon and Professor Midori Kawabe from Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology.

Its aim was to examine how the local community in Fukushima Prefecture has responded to the 2011 nuclear disaster – in particular, the progress since coastal fishing resumed five years ago this summer.

Over that time, as increasing numbers of fish species have been released for consumption, there has been a concentrated effort to manage the social side of rebuilding the coastal environment.

This has included understanding the concerns and interests of the local community, but also bringing together fishers, scientists and governors to decide on the most appropriate pathways for restarting Fukushima’s fisheries.

Dr Mabon and Professor Kawabe’s research was supported through a Japan Foundation Fellowship.

The pair have visited Fukushima Prefecture a number of times throughout their study and interviewed individuals and groups connected with the fishing industry. They have also reviewed risk management documentation produced by local, regional and national governments, as well as by the fisheries themselves.

One of their predominant findings was the importance of community engagement in moving

the fishing industry forward, with local citizens establishing independent monitoring groups and tasting events to restore pride in the region’s marine produce.

Dr Mabon, a lecturer in the School of Applied Social Studies, is an established researcher with an interest in how communities understand and respond to change and risk in the environment.

He believes that data from this particular study can be adapted to lessons for coastal fishing communities around the world, including the North East of Scotland.

He said: “Although the causes of the Fukushima nuclear accident are clearly unique, large-scale environmental changes on our seas and coasts are going to become more common as the effects of climate change take hold.

“It is therefore important that we understand how these kinds of changes affect society and fully engage with industry and communities globally to respond to these new challenges.”

Speaking on the progress at Fukushima, Professor Kawabe said: “Because trial fisheries happen under strict controls, at the moment the amount of fish landed is only about 10% of what it was before the disaster.

“Every week the fisheries staff in Fukushima Prefecture carry out 200 examinations for radiation.

In this way, coastal fishing in Fukushima is steadily making its way along the road to recovery."

Dr Leslie Mabon

The work of final year students at RGU's Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment was showcased at the end of year show this summer.

The students exhibited their innovative and imaginative designs and ideas relating to three different projects – a new settlement situated beside the AWPR; an urban development within Aberdeen city centre; and a post-oil expansion to a suburb in Bergen.

e v i t va nt o n In tude e s tur ec cts t i h arc proje t a ed s a c w nd e o sh tt’s how s Sco ear y f o

approach to these sorts of locations is that often they connect to the city in a different, more permeable way, rather than just building more housing or retail parks which simply serves to push more and more cars on to the main arterial roads.”

Another group of final year students studied the Norwegian village of Eidsvåg and created a hypothetical new settlement focused on the town’s maritime industry rather than oil.

One group of students laid out their ideas for how the land surrounding Aberdeen’s new bypass can best be utilised.

Among the innovative and creative proposals include plans for a specialist dementia development, a fish farm and a new market place.

The Stage 6 students have presented ideas on how to develop the land around the A93 North Deeside Road at its intersection with the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR), with proposals including an uplifted children’s home and community sports centre, an intergenerational community and a co-operative housing development for researchers.

Student Robert Wightman, has developed a fish-farm which will help bridge the deficit in the economy with the decline of oil.

The students were set a brief of exploring developments that would challenge the cul-de-sac housing and retail park format that tend to be built around bypass intersections.

“The focus for the Fish Farm is the industrial process of salmon cultivation, however it also has a public engagement aspect to it with the addition of a restaurant, shop and an exhibition space. This acknowledges the desire from consumers to have a greater understanding of where the things we eat and drink come from and to be closer to that process.”

Course leader David Vila Domini said: “The project is a way of exploring what might be possible for this site between Milltimber and the bypass by taking into account a holistic approach to the city.

“The benefit of having a more coherent

He said: “It is clear that salmonfarming can form part of the solution for Norway, but crucially it can have a positive impact on a new settlement in Eidsvåg.

Caring pupils inspired by RGU Nursing Summer School North-east secondary school pupils who are considering a career in nursing have been given the chance to try it out firsthand at RGU’s Nursing Summer School.

“Nursing is a challenging and rewarding profession and we are giving pupils the opportunity to see if it is something they can see themselves doing in years to come.

A total of 27 pupils from secondary schools across the north-east attended the programme at the end of July for a week-long taster of what is involved in nursing.

“At the Summer School we try to show the diversity of the profession and the potential of very exciting career pathways.

The experience involves adult, children and young people’s nursing, as well as mental health, midwifery and learning disabilities.

It also reflects care that is delivered both in hospital and community settings.

The programme, which is open to 16 to 18-year-olds, is a free educational experience to help interested pupils make more informed decisions about whether nursing is the right career choice for them.

During the week, participants took part in various nursing activities which gave them an insight and contribute to core skill required in the profession.

Pupils not only practiced these skills within the university’s Clinical Skills Centre, but also observed work within real clinical and theatre settings at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin.

Jane Mair, lecturer in the School of Nursing and Midwifery, co-ordinates the Summer School with university colleagues, in collaboration with NHS Grampian.

She said: “The Summer School sessions are designed for senior pupils so they can make a more informed decision about their career choice as their time at school comes to an end.

“We were very impressed with the RGU Nursing Summer School – Class of 2017 and hope to see many of the pupils back at the university as they continue their studies.”

A popular element of the programme saw participants undertaking simulated nursing practice when they put their new skills to the test with members of the public who acted as volunteer patients.

Held at RGU’s Clinical Skills centre, the session provided an opportunity for the pupils to step into the shoes of a nurse and deal with a variety of healthcare issues.

Both RGU staff and the volunteer patients were impressed by their enthusiasm and communication skills.

Nursing Summer School participants

GRAY’S STAFF AND STUDENTS HELP KINGSWELLS SCHOOL LAUNCH COMIC IN TRIBUTE TO AUTHOR

Pupils at Kingswells School unveiled a unique and lasting memento to their work with the school’s outgoing reading patron, illustrator and author, Nick Sharratt…a school comic.

Kingswells School has been participating in the Patron of Reading scheme for the past three years with Nick as Patron.

Kingswells Comic was developed by collecting artwork from pupils throughout the school and with the help of a parent who lectures at Gray’s School of Art and two students from the Communication Design course, they developed the work into a lasting memento for Nick.

Nick, who is best-known for his illustrations for the work of Jacqueline Wilson, Jeremy Strong and Kes Gray and his own works ‘Elephant Wellyphant’ and his first novel ‘The Cat and the King’ was paying his final visit to the school today to celebrate his time as Patron.

Elma Hampton, Principal Teacher at Kingswells School, said: “Nick has visited the school two or three times a year over the three years of our partnership, working with classes at all stages from nursery to P7 to promote reading for enjoyment and creativity. We really have been privileged to work with such a talented author and illustrator.”

Nick said: “It's been a privilege to have been Patron of Reading at Kingswells School over the past three years.

I've thoroughly enjoyed visiting the school on a regular basis and having had the opportunity to form a real relationship with the pupils and staff.

“My mission was to encourage reading, writing and drawing teamed with imaginative thinking and the children always rose to the challenge of the many projects that we worked on together. The Kingswells Comic is a testament to their amazing creativity.”

Marie Simpson, from Gray’s School of Art, added: “As a parent of children at Kingswells Primary School it has been an absolute pleasure to see how much they have enjoyed working with Nick, who really has fulfilled his role as Patron helping and encouraging the youngsters at every step of the way.

Marie Simpson, from Gray’s School of Art, with author and illustrator Nick Sharratt and the children from Kingswells Primary School

“Working with our two students from Gray’s on the comic has given them a great experience and the opportunity to learn from one of the country’s best illustrators.”

First cohort graduate from RGU’s PDM course A pioneering course in petroleum data management at RGU saw its first cohort of students graduate this summer with a Graduate Certificate in Petroleum Data Management.

The course, developed specifically for the energy industry, has been so successful in its first year that Common Data Access (CDA), a subsidiary of Oil & Gas UK, is providing two industry-funded scholarships for the second cohort of students.

The online distance learning course develops students’ understanding of subsurface exploration and production data management and recognises its importance to upstream oil and gas businesses.

It provides flexible entry to an education in the field of petroleum data management and has been designed as an access route for those with relevant work experience in the energy sector who do not currently have the necessary qualifications in this area.

Jo Royle, Head of the School of Creative and Cultural Business, said: “We have been delighted with the success of the first cohort

of the Graduate Certificate PDM. Feedback tells us that the course has been well received by students and employers. Students can use their new knowledge to better understand customer needs which translates into real business value.

It is therefore fantastic news that CDA is awarding two fully funded scholarship places for the 2017/2018 intake. The overall objective of course remains the same, which is to support the industry by providing it with a steady stream of qualified data managers with specific knowledge of the subsurface environment.”

Chief Executive of CDA, Malcolm Fleming, said: “The industryacademia partnership in developing this course has been a great achievement, with enthusiastic feedback across industry and the first cohort of students.

“We are very pleased to continue to enable students to undertake this valuable course, and in doing so support the industry need for skills in managing data professionally and effectively, to ensure that maximum insight and value can be extracted from data assets to help the efficient recovery of oil and gas resources.”

Course Leader Fionnuala Cousins, Professor Peter Reid and Associate Lecturer; Alexander Jewell with the graduates

RGU reflects on excellence

in learning and teaching More than 150 delegates attended RGU’s annual Learning and Teaching Conference earlier this summer, which focused on the student experience of assessment and feedback.

Now in its third year, the conference is an opportunity for the RGU community to recognise and reflect upon excellence in learning and teaching to continually enhance the student experience.

Chaired by James Dunphy, Director of Enhancement, Learning, Teaching and Access, this year’s conference was designed to encourage colleagues to reflect on, explore and present assessment and feedback practices and featured keynote speaker Phil Race who has published widely on the subject.

Phil’s keynote, which was entitled ‘Reinventing Assessment: Towards Assessment and Feedback as Learning’, highlighted that while universities spend a great deal of time and energy trying to make assessment and feedback work well for students, there are tactics to make such enhancements more effective, efficient and manageable.

Student involvement and the role they can have as co-creators of the curriculum was highlighted throughout the conference, which featured sessions from students who provided their own perspectives

on assessment and feedback. Other sessions focused on working collaboratively across the university, featuring examples of inter-disciplinary approaches.

This year’s winner of the ‘Best Poster’ prize was Laura Francabandera from the RGU Library and Credo Education for her submission which was entitled ‘Accessible by Design: The Art of Inclusive Assessments’. The ‘Best Paper’ prize went to Roger Dermot and Mark Zarb from the School of Computing Science and Digital Media for their submission, which complimented their presentation on ‘Stakeholder Perceptions of Authentic Assessment’.

James Dunphy comments: “The conference provides an opportunity for the university community to come together to recognise excellence in learning and teaching and to discuss further enhancements the student experience.

“We were delighted to have so many colleagues from across the university engage and hope the event was useful to them as they reflect on one academic session and prepare for the next.”

An overview of the conference is available on CampusMoodle, along with an archive of the 2017 sessions.

RGU’s School of Computing celebrates outstanding students

attributes will ensure their continued development in the years to come.

“I am delighted by the level of success achieved by our students and graduates. Prizes such as the ones presented at our annual ceremony mean a lot to those receiving them, so we thank our sponsors for providing them.”

The ceremony also gave staff and students the opportunity to reflect on the work being done within the school.

Professor Chrisina Jayne

RGU’s School of Computing Science and Digital Media has held its annual prizegiving, celebrating the most outstanding students of the last year and giving thanks to industry partners.

The ceremony saw prizes being presented to undergraduate and postgraduate students selected for the highest academic and personal achievements.

The School of Computing Science and Digital Media enjoys very close links with its industry partners, many of which sponsored prizes at the event and had representatives there on the day to meet with the students.

Professor Chrisina Jayne, Head of the School, commented: “The annual event is a time to celebrate the special successes of our students.

“These prizes are an acknowledgement of the capability, hard work and commitment that our students have shown during the last year. These

Chrisina continued: “It has been a tremendously successful year for our School.

We have developed two new Graduate Level Apprenticeship (GLAs) courses in Software Development for Business and Information Technology Management for Business; validated a second MSc course in collaboration with the Informatics Institute of Technology (IIT) in Sri Lanka on Business Intelligence; and secured over £500,000 research and knowledge transfer income for innovative projects in the area of Data Science and Artificial intelligence.

“The work which goes on behind the scenes to make these achievements possible is huge and I would like to thank all our staff and partners for their continued efforts.”

Some of the companies to have offered support and sponsorship to the School of Computing Science and Digital Media throughout the last year are - BP, BCS, CISCO, Codify Ltd, ConocoPhillips, Developers for Hire Ltd, Fugro Academy, JFD, CNOOC, Nexen, Servelec Controls, Sword IT Solutions, The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa and TOTAL.

Professor David McClean delivers presentation to Scottish Heads of Planning Professor David McClean, Head of the RGU’s Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment, recently gave a presentation to the Chief Planner for Scotland and more than 30 other Heads of Planning from across the country.

David delivered his presentation at the annual Heads of Planning Conference, which was held at Elsick House on June 22-23.

The event, a consultation on the Scottish planning system, gave high profile figures in the industry the opportunity to reconsider how planning can help move the country forward to achieve economic and social targets.

The agenda for this year’s conference considered the role of planning for effective and efficient delivery and David talked about holistic approaches to housing, incorporating issues of land supply, financial models, planning approaches, and landscape design in addition to architectural and urban design considerations.

He said: “I presented a number of innovative models from the international arena, as well as work which our Masters students in Architecture have been doing in this area.

“Essentially, what I was talking about is what exactly it is which makes successful places, communities and neighbourhoods.”

Among the other speakers at the two-day event were - James Bream, Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce; Mark Lappin, Oil and Gas Technology Centre; John McNairney, Scottish Government; and Arne Eik, Statoil.

The venue for this year's conference was the historic, Elsick house, which provided the location for a project for students at Scott Sutherland School earlier in the year.

The year two Architectural Design students were tasked with developing plans for a bespoke ballroom venue in the walled garden of Elsick Estate, capable of hosting up to 200 people.

Working closely with the Duchess of Fife, whose family own the estate, the students worked hard to develop a variety of creative proposals which went on public display in the city centre.

Professor David McClean

RGU researchers publish report on EU Transparency Directives Researchers from RGU have published a report following an investigation into the first batch of reports, filed in the UK under Chapter 10 of the European Union (EU) Accounting Directive.

The research team spent six months analysing the country-by-country disclosures of more than 50 UK-listed oil and gas and mining companies and carried out a number of interviews with a wide range of stakeholders.

Under the Directive, large listed companies in extractive industries are required to report payments they make to governments on a country-bycountry and project-by-project basis.

Natural resources across the world are worth billions of dollars and make substantial contributions to the budgets of many developing countries however the citizens of these countries often remain extremely poor. The legislation aims to make information about payments more transparent and available to citizens in order to increase their ability to hold their governments and the extractive companies to account.

Professor Louise Crawford and Martyn Gordon from Aberdeen Business School worked with colleagues from Sheffield and Westminster universities and University College London (UCL) to explore the development and early operation of the UK’s transposition into legislation of parts of the EU Directive as well as the interpretation of the law adopted by companies required to report.

The research was commissioned by Publish What You Pay (PWYP), a global group of civil society organizations that advocates for financial transparency in the extractive industry.

Professor Crawford, who co-led the research team said: “Our research has generated several evidence-based recommendations to preparers, civil society users and regulators of the newly implemented UK transparency reporting requirements for extractive companies. These recommendations include introducing assurance reporting and/or reconciling transparency disclosures to the audited annual accounts of reporting entities.

Our research has generated several evidence-based recommendations to preparers, civil society users and regulators...

“Mandatory transparency disclosures make clearer the socio-economic impact of extractive activities upon resourcerich countries, enabling civil society to hold their national governments to account for revenues received in return for oil, gas and mineral extraction”.

The report can be downloaded here.

The research was co-led by Professor Jim Haslam, University of Sheffield and also included Dr Eleni Chatzigevri, University of Westminster and Lynsie Chew, UCL.

Professor Louise Crawford

US nursing exchange broadens students’ horizons

Nursing students from RGU and University of Tennessee Knoxville (UTK) have taken part in an international exchange programme this summer to learn more about their profession across the Atlantic Ocean.

school here, while back home we all study the same general course that gives us a bit of everything, before choosing where to go after school.”

things work with insurance in the US, which is obviously a big difference. While there is a lot of great technology there, which is a step up from us.”

The transatlantic initiative is in its fourth year and has been forged to allow students to benefit from exchanging clinical, academic and cultural experiences.

Madeline Lopez added: “We’ve also been talking about how good the handwashing guidance and hygiene technique is in Scotland and we want to take it back with us for when we go into practice.”

During their stay, the students were also able to enjoy the local culture in Knoxville, as well as join in the Fourth of July Independence Day celebrations.

American students Ashley Epperly, Madeline Lopez, Jessica James-Schulz and Chelsea Smith made their visit to Aberdeen at the end of July, where they enjoyed a programme of nursing, academic and social activities.

RGU nursing students Ashley Snaddon, Megan Walls, Laura Foubister and Rhea Halley, spent two weeks in Knoxville earlier in July, where they shadowed medical and nursing professionals in hospitals and clinics in the area.

Ashley Epperly said: “It’s interesting that you get to specialise at the beginning of nursing

Megan Walls said: “The big thing I noticed was comparing our free healthcare to the way

(L to R) Megan Walls, Ashley Epperly, Madeline Lopez, Rhea Halley, Jessica JamesSchulz, Chelsea Smith, Jackie Leith (RGU lecturer), Carrie Bailey (UTK lecturer), Laura Foubister, Leanna Will (RGU lecturer), Ashley Snaddon

Ashley Snaddon, who was featured on local Tennessee news station WRCB while on the exchange, said: “We went to Dollywood, which was a lot of fun, learned to line dance and tried a corn dog, but a real highlight was probably Megan and Rhea always falling off of their tubes when we went fly fishing!”

All of the students self-funded their trips and

the exchanges were fully facilitated by lecturers at both universities.

Jackie Leith, lecturer and US exchange coordinator at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, said: “The students involved get to experience a variety of clinical and community settings tailored to their particular nursing interests and it has been encouraging to hear their insights about the differences between Scotland and the US. “It has been particularly great to see our students and clinical staff making such an effort to welcome and host our guests from the US. They had an enjoyable time here in Scotland and we hope they will remember their time with us as their careers develop.”

news Head of Pharmacy honoured with national fellowship It is the latest honour for Professor Cairns, who is already a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, while also serving on an Expert Advisory Group of the Commission of Human Medicines.

Professor Cairns joined RGU as Associate Head of the School in 2003 and was named Head of School in January 2012.

A senior academic at RGU has been handed a prestigious honour by a national pharmaceutical body..

Over the course of his time at RGU, he has successfully attracted over £500,000 in external research funding for the university.

Professor Donald Cairns, Head of the School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, has recently been selected to be named an Eminent Fellow of the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences (APS).

Speaking on his latest appointment, Professor Cairns said: “I am very pleased and flattered to have been designated an Eminent Fellow by APS. I would like to thank my friends and colleagues for their help and support, without which I could not have reached the levels I have in my career.”

The appointment will be formally recognised at the Academy’s black tie dinner held as part of the PharmSci Conference at the University of Hertfordshire in September.

RGU to hold Postgraduate Open Evening RGU will showcase its wide portfolio of postgraduate study options at an open evening this month

Funded places on MSc in Oil and Gas Innovation up for grabs RGU and the University of Aberdeen are offering students the opportunity to study towards an MSc in Oil and Gas Innovation for free.

Both universities will offer seven fully funded places to Scottish and EU students in the next academic year, as part of an initiative by the Scottish Funding Council to fund 30 places across five Scottish universities that deliver the programme.

Co-ordinated by the University of Aberdeen, the Masters is a collaboration between the Oil & Gas Innovation Centre (OGIC) and

RGU promoting healthy eating with local school children drinks and the importance of fruit, vegetables and exercise in a healthy diet.

Scottish universities to develop new technologies in exploration, production and decommissioning.

The degree is aimed at graduates and individuals with industry experience or companies with innovative ideas that they wish to develop.

While primarily research-led, the programme will include modules on business innovation and technical modules related to the specific areas of research being pursued by candidates.

Dr Mamdud Hossain, of RGU’s School of Engineering, added: “This MSc will focus on nurturing the innovation that the oil and gas industry needs to push it forward in the coming years and is a great opportunity for those looking to establish or develop their career in the sector.”

Harriet Young and the GoGreen Bike

A team of RGU nutritionists used their expertise to benefit the local community, through a day of health sessions at a North East school.

Harriet Young and Myra Mackenzie from the School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, were joined by pupils from Dunnottar Primary School for a series of workshops held earlier this summer.

Over the course of the day, they engaged with over 170 pupils, looking at different food groups, the amount of sugar in certain

The event is an opportunity for prospective postgraduate students, who are looking to further their education and enhance their careers, to learn about the fulltime, part-time and online study opportunities available at RGU. Taking place on Thursday 24 August from 6pm to 8pm in the Sir Ian

Wood Building, the free event is a chance to talk to experts and discuss the courses available.

Representatives from services such as Finance, the Placement Office and the RGU Library will also be in attendance to give one-to-one guidance and answer any enquiries.

Harriet Young said: “It was great to see how enthusiastic the pupils were and that across the different classes, they all took a real interest in the experience.

“We kept the interactive learning stations varied to make them more engaging, with our GoGreen blender bike receiving a very positive response from everyone who got to ride it and make their own smoothies.

“It is always a pleasure to engage with the local community and share the benefits of our work and research, especially with young people across the North East.”

Ruaridh Clark, a P6 pupil at the school, said “It was really interesting to find out all about what kind of food we should eat and what is good for you, because sometimes I don’t listen to my mum when she tells me I shouldn’t eat so many sweets.”

Jan Cutting, Director of Marketing, says: “Postgraduate study allows you to develop knowledge and expertise within a specific field, which will help to increase your employability within the current competitive jobs market.

with professionals and helps to clarify your options and next steps to enhance your career progression.”

“Our Postgraduate Open Evening is a great opportunity to network

Find out more and register for the Postgraduate Open Evening.

The university is offering a 20% alumni discount on its postgraduate course fees.

a look at rgu events 24 AUG

Postgraduate Open Evening Garthdee Campus Prospecticve students looking to enhance their careers or retrain can learn more about RGU’s w ide portfolio of postgraduate study options.

21 to 25 AUG

Architecture Postgraduate Course in Professional Practice & Management Sir Ian Wood Building RGU w ill hold a three day course in Architecture Professional Practice & Management, which is essential for candidates sitting the Part 3 exam.

28 AUG

Mental Health Movie Monthly: Her Sir Ian Wood Building RGU w ill host a free screening of 'Her' (15) as part of Mental Health Movie Monthly.

28 to 1 sep

Comprehensive Systematic Review Training Programme (CSRTP) 2017 Sir Ian Wood Building A five-day interactive training programme to develop the knowledge and skills required to conduct and publish a Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) protocol and systematic review on a topic relevant to areas of practice.

30 AUG

Sharing the Secrets of Success Sir Ian Wood Building An interactive leadership Masterclass which w ill feature speaker Ruth Davidson, Leader of the Scottish Conservative Party, and seminars from leading business entrepreneurs.

aug

V isit to East A sia Hong Kong, Korea and Taiwan Dan Bennett, Regional Manager and Daya Evans, Head of International, are visiting Hong Kong, Korea and Taiwan in A ugust to meet w ith students interested in learning more about studying at Robert Gordon University.

26 AUG to 25 sep

Techfest Sir Ian Wood Building RGU w ill hold a number of events as part of the Techfest 2017 programme, which offers people of all ages the opportunity to gain hands-on experience w ith science and technology.

2 SEP

Open Day September 2017 Garthdee campus RGU w ill open its doors to prospective undergraduate students, showcasing its range of courses, its modern campus and state-of-the-art facilities.

13-14 SEP

HEIR Conference 2017 Sir Ian Wood Building RGU is hosting the Higher Education Institutional Research (HEIR) Conference (HEIR2017), which w ill explore the role of institutional research in creating a culture of evidence-based enhancement.