Category: University (Page 2 of 2)

Discovering the Future: Research at Edinburgh Napier University

05/07/2025 / julietkinsey / 0 Comments

Discovering the Future: Research at Edinburgh Napier University

When you think of cutting-edge research, you might picture sprawling labs, scientists in white coats, and complex algorithms running on glowing screens. You’ll find all that—and much more—at Edinburgh Napier University (ENU).

Whether it’s developing AI systems to solve real-world problems, helping veterans reintegrate into civilian life, or leading the charge in sustainable construction, ENU is quietly making a big impact. It’s not just a place to study—it’s a place where ideas come to life.

Let’s take a look at some of the exciting research happening across the university—and how you can get involved.

Research with Purpose

One of the things that makes research at ENU so dynamic is its clear focus on real-world challenges. The university’s work is guided by four key themes:

AI & Advanced Technologies
Health
Culture & Communities
Environment

These aren’t just buzzwords. They shape everything from collaborative projects to the kinds of PhDs being offered. You can read more on our research webpages.

Cutting-Edge Tech on Campus

In 2024, ENU took a big leap forward by launching ENUCC—a brand-new high-performance computing (HPC) and AI cluster. It gives researchers and students serious computing power to run simulations, analyse big data, and build AI models.

It’s part of a wider push to make sure students and staff have access to the kind of tech that fuels innovation. Read more about it here: ENU launches new HPC and AI cluster

Cool Projects You Should Know About

ENU is home to some seriously innovative projects and research centres. Here are just a few standouts:

Swarmchestrate: An EU-funded project using swarm computing and blockchain to develop smart, autonomous digital systems. Think of it as nature-inspired tech!

In 2023, a team of Edinburgh Napier University students participated in a pioneering construction project in Guangxi, China. They collaborated with local universities to build the world’s first bamboo-timber composite gridshell structure. This innovative project aimed to explore sustainable building methods to combat climate change. Among the participants were female students like Devika Vijayan, Alice June Davyson, and Zara Anam Rafiq, who contributed their expertise in architectural technology and civil engineering. The project was led by PhD student Yanghao Pei and supervised by faculty members, including Dr. Ahmed Mohamed.

Research into supporting Scotland’s armed forces at the Centre for Military Research and Public Engagement: Housed at the historic Craiglockhart campus, this centre explores topics like PTSD, military transitions, and veteran education.

Innovation Support & Opportunities

If you’re a student, early-career researcher, or even an entrepreneur, ENU has support for you through its Innovation Hub. From Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) to funding for start-ups and seed grants, the university is serious about turning ideas into action.

You can check out what’s on offer here:
ENU Innovation Hub
Research, Innovation & Enterprise Blog

Events & Community

From the ENclusion Conference on equity and inclusion to innovation meetups, ENU offers loads of opportunities to get involved, network, and learn.

One highlight is the annual ENclusion Conference, a day-long event packed with talks, panels, and practical sessions.

The Library

Libraries are essential to research because they provide access to high-quality, credible resources—books, journals, databases, and archives—that researchers need to build on existing knowledge. They offer expert support in information literacy, data management, and referencing, helping researchers work efficiently and ethically. Libraries also preserve knowledge and ensure long-term access to scholarly work, including open-access materials and institutional repositories. Simply put, libraries are the backbone of academic research, connecting people with the information and tools they need to discover, question, and innovate. Start your research journey at one of our campus Libraries or by using our wealth of online resources found at librarysearch.napier.ac.uk.

Don’t forget all the useful information on our Library webpages, including study guides and lists of resources.

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Edinburgh Napier University is fast becoming a major leader in Research. Whether it’s AI, sustainability, social justice, or health tech, ENU’s research is focused on creating a better future.

So if you’re curious, creative, and ready to make a difference, this is a great place to start.

Want to know more? Dive into ENU’s Research and Innovation pages or explore funding and partnership opportunities through the Innovation Hub.

By Juliet Kinsey

Read more on research at Edinburgh Napier University here on our Blog, with our latest post on Women in Stem

International Women in Engineering Day

23/06/2025 / julietkinsey / 1 Comment

International Women in Engineering Day

Celebrating Women Engineers: Breaking Barriers, Building Futures

Every year on 23 June, we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day. First launched in the UK by the Women’s Engineering Society, it’s now a global movement. It shines a light on the achievements of women in engineering and encourages more girls and young women to see this as a path for them.

The numbers are improving, but slowly. According to EngineeringUK, women make up 16.5% of the engineering workforce. In 2010, it was just 9%. There’s progress, but much more work is needed.

So, why does it matter?

Diverse teams are better at solving problems. They bring fresh ideas, challenge assumptions, and drive innovation. In engineering, where solutions shape lives—that matters. Gender diversity isn’t a tick-box exercise; it’s essential for future-ready industries.

The UK is home to many trailblazers. Dr. Nike Folayan MBE, co-founder of the Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE-UK), champions inclusion across STEM fields. Professor Sarah Hainsworth, a forensic engineering expert and senior leader at the University of Bath, is another standout figure. Their stories are powerful. But for many young women, engineering still feels out of reach.

Education

To get women into engineering, we need to start with early education. A 2022 WISE report showed that girls are much less likely to choose A-level physics, despite doing just as well as boys in GCSE science. Why? A lack of role models. Limited exposure. Persistent stereotypes.

This is where schools, universities, and employers can make a real difference.

Edinburgh Napier University and Women in STEM

At Edinburgh Napier University, change is happening. The School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment offers strong support for women entering technical fields. From dedicated mentoring schemes to outreach in schools, the university actively promotes gender balance. Female lecturers and researchers at Napier lead projects in sustainable energy, transport systems, and digital engineering.

Take for example, the work of female PhD students at Napier who are developing smart materials for construction or working on green transport solutions. Their research not only contributes to global challenges but also inspires the next generation of engineers.

Sarah Taylor, a lecturer at Edinburgh Napier University, has been conducting research in smart, light-emitting textiles since 1995. Her work involves integrating optical fibres into woven textile structures, contributing to advancements in smart materials applicable in various fields, including construction.

Women in Engineering campaigns

Elsewhere in the UK, campaigns like Tomorrow’s Engineers Week, run by EngineeringUK, and events such as She Can Engineer at UCL, continue to highlight female success in the field. INWED itself is packed with virtual events, talks, and case studies—many of them accessible to teachers, students, and parents.

At the same time, the industry is evolving. Companies like Arup, Rolls-Royce, and AtkinsRéalis are investing in inclusive hiring, leadership development for women, and mentoring programmes. But culture still matters. A welcoming workplace—where all voices are heard—makes it easier for women to succeed and lead.

And it’s not just about big firms. Start-ups and SMEs across Scotland and the UK are building inclusive teams, often led by women who studied at universities like Edinburgh Napier.

So, what can you do this International Women in Engineering Day?

Share a story of a woman engineer who inspires you.
Encourage a girl to explore STEM subjects.
Attend a local or virtual event through WES or your local university.
Support or volunteer with STEM outreach programmes.
Thank the mentors, colleagues, and leaders who make a difference.

Small actions lead to big changes.

Because the future of engineering isn’t defined by gender—it’s built by collaboration, creativity, and courage. Edinburgh Napier University and institutions across the UK are proving that when you back women in engineering, you’re backing innovation for everyone.

By Juliet Kinsey

Read more on women in Science on our blog here: Scottish Women in Science

ENUSEC’s Le Tour Du Hack 2025

08/05/2025 / mayagreen / 0 Comments

ENUSEC’s Le Tour Du Hack 2025

This weekend, Edinburgh Napier University’s Craiglockhart Campus will be buzzing with energy as ENUSEC (Edinburgh Napier University Security Society) hosts Le Tour Du Hack 2025 – the flagship cybersecurity conference that’s become a cornerstone of Scotland’s student-led tech scene. But this year, it’s not just any conference…2025 marks 10 years of ENUSEC, and we’re celebrating with a special edition of Le Tour that brings together students, alumni, industry professionals, and hackers (the good kind!) from across the UK and beyond.

If you’ve never heard of Le Tour Du Hack before, at its heart, it’s a weekend-long event dedicated to cybersecurity, technology, and learning by doing. It’s a mix of technical talks, hands-on challenges, and panel discussions, all designed to spark curiosity and inspire the next generation of cyber professionals. Whether you’re deeply embedded in the world of tech or just curious about what it’s all about, this event is designed to be welcoming, accessible, and good fun.

This year’s event features:

A three-track technical conference with sessions from top professionals, researchers, and students,
A jam-packed Capture the Flag (CTF) competition designed for all skill levels,
Some classic lockpicking, and some nostalgic surprises, reflecting back on ENUSEC’s journey so far.

Thanks to the incredible support from our sponsors, speakers, and volunteers, this year’s event is shaping up to be the biggest and most community-focused Le Tour yet. Alumni will be returning to share their stories, advice, and (in true ENUSEC fashion) maybe even a few cybersecurity war stories. Plus, we’ve got plenty of swag, food, and interactive side quests planned to make sure the fun doesn’t stop between sessions.

More than anything, Le Tour Du Hack is a celebration of community and collaboration. Over the last decade, ENUSEC has grown from a small student group in 2015 into a vibrant network of technologists and learners now. This event is a thank you to everyone who’s been part of that journey – and an invitation to those who might want to join in, because the next ten years? They start now.

Want to know more about the event?

You can find all the details you need at https://ltdh.enusec.org/

By Joyee Bashir

Our School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment is hosting its Green Horizon Sustainability exhibition/

Celebrating Tartan Day and the Declaration of Arbroath

04/04/2025 / julietkinsey / 0 Comments

Celebrating Tartan Day and the Declaration of Arbroath: Scotland’s Legacy of Freedom

Every year on April 6th, Scots and their descendants celebrate Tartan Day. It honours Scotland’s rich heritage and the lasting impact of its people worldwide. But the date is no accident. April 6th marks the anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath, a historic document that shaped the fight for Scottish independence.

The Declaration of Arbroath: A Bold Statement of Freedom

On April 6, 1320, Scottish nobles sent a letter to Pope John XXII. It declared Scotland’s right to exist as an independent nation. The letter, now known as the Declaration of Arbroath, was addressed to the Pope because he had the power to influence King Edward II of England. Scotland had fought for decades to break free from English rule. This document was a plea for recognition and support.

Written in Latin, the declaration made a passionate case for self-rule. It stated that Scotland had always been free and would remain so. The most famous line reads:

“As long as but a hundred of us remain alive, never will we on any conditions be brought under English rule. It is not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom alone, which no honest man gives up but with his life.”

This was a radical statement for the time. Kings ruled by divine right, but here was a document saying a king’s authority depended on the will of the people. If he failed to protect their freedom, they could choose another leader.

The Lasting Impact of the Declaration of Arbroath

The Declaration of Arbroath didn’t immediately win Scotland’s independence. But it strengthened the country’s resolve. Eventually, in 1328, England recognized Scotland’s sovereignty through the Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton.

Centuries later, the declaration’s words still inspire. Some historians see echoes of it in the American Declaration of Independence. The idea that government exists by the will of the people resonates strongly today.

A History of Tartan

Tartan has a deep history. The Celts wove early versions over 3,000 years ago. By the 16th century, Scots wore it widely. Each region had its own patterns. Families later claimed unique designs.

In 1746, the British banned tartan after the Jacobite uprising. The law aimed to weaken Highland identity. Scots defied the ban in secret. In 1782, the government lifted it. Tartan returned stronger than ever.

By the 19th century, Queen Victoria embraced tartan. It became a symbol of Scottish pride. Today, designers use it worldwide. From kilts to catwalks, tartan remains iconic.

Kinds of Tartan

1. Clan Tartan: Each Scottish clan has its own tartan. Families wear their specific patterns with pride.

2. District Tartan: These represent regions, not families. People from a certain area can wear them.

3. Hunting Tartan: Designed for outdoor wear, these use muted earth tones. They blend into nature.

4. Dress Tartan: Brighter and fancier, often with more white. Traditionally worn for formal events.

5. Mourning Tartan: Darker shades, usually black and grey. Worn to honour lost loved ones.

6. Royal Tartan: Reserved for the British royal family. The Balmoral tartan, for example, is exclusive to them.

7. Corporate Tartan: Businesses and organizations create custom tartans. They use them for branding and uniforms.

The Witches of Scotland Tartan

The Witches of Scotland tartan has recently been released. It honours those accused of witchcraft in Scotland. It features deep purples, blacks, and greys, symbolizing mourning and justice. Designed in 2022, it supports the campaign for a formal apology and pardon. The tartan raises awareness of past injustices and sparks conversations. Many wear it to show solidarity with victims of the witch trials.

Tartan Day: A Modern Celebration

Tartan Day originated in Canada in the 1980s. The idea was to recognize the contributions of Scottish immigrants and to celebrate Scotland around the world.

Parades, Highland games, and cultural events mark the day. People wear kilts and display their family tartans. Pipe bands march through cities, and Scottish heritage groups educate the public about their roots. The day is a reminder of Scotland’s influence around the world.

Why Tartan Day Matters

Tartan Day isn’t just about history. It’s about identity. Millions of people around the world have Scottish ancestry. They take pride in their heritage and in the values of perseverance, independence, and freedom.

Whether you have Scottish roots or simply admire the culture, Tartan Day is a chance to celeb

Resources

Read more on Librarysearch about Tartan and more on Scotland here on our Blog with articles like:

Bridges of Scotland or Scottish Women in Science

By Juliet Kinsey

Music and Edinburgh Napier

09/02/2025 / mayagreen / 0 Comments

Music and Edinburgh Napier

Napier University has a rich musical heritage. The university has also helped to nurture a wide array of major Scottish talent.

The Music department is noted for its range of approaches to the study of Music. Professor Zach Moir a jazz musician and improvisor, researched cochlear implants for his PhD. He researches popular music education. Dr Paul Harkins has experience working for the PRS (responsible for licensing and collecting royalties for songwriters). And has written an acclaimed study of the history of Digital Sampling. On top of this, the university also has a strong Jazz tradition. Holds the Scottish Jazz Archive in its collections.

Music Alum at Edinburgh Napier

As with its teachers, so it is with its students. Some have also branched out into music promotion. Putting on their own concerts. And making an impact in the Scottish music scene. Here is a small selection of Napier alumni. Annie Booth is a Scottish indie rock singer-songwriter and Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) awards nominee. Making waves in the early aughts, Conquering Animal Sound (Jamie Scott and Anneke Kampman) produced complex electronic pop. She earned a SAY awards nomination for their second album On Floating Bodies, released on the legendary Scottish indie label Chemikal Underground. ½ of CAS, Jamie Scott has branched into alternative rap (e.g CARBS, with Johnnie Common), and is a core part of the SAVE AS collective. Another SAY award nominee and Napier graduate is Becky Sikasa, a singer-songwriter who produces sharp, intelligent contemporary pop music. More recently, Napier alumnus Josh Mannie – under his moniker Barry Can’t Swim – has been nominated for both the BRIT awards and Mercury Music Prize in 2024. His ebullient dance pop has earned plaudits far and wide.

Euan Lyons, drums in the DIY punk/metal band Dead Pony, whilst another Napier graduate – cellist Graham Coe – is a core member of Edinburgh’s Tinderbox

Orchestra, known for their wide range of performed material across generic boundaries (and also within libraries). They also regularly work in a community music context, committed to increasing access to music regardless of material barriers – one of their initiatives is facilitating instrument lending in our local library system.

Last, but certainly not least, is Anna Meredith. An electronic music artist as well as film music composer, Anna was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize in 2020 for her album Fibs. In recognition of her achievements in music, she was granted an honorary doctorate from Napier in 2022.

Napier Graduate Mix

By Kieran Curran

Grove Music is one of our biggest databases at the library, for more information, we have a blog post

Category: University (Page 2 of 2)

International Women in Engineering Day

International Women in Engineering Day