Community Stories

Dr Pauline Bremner, Teaching Excellence Fellow and Head of Year 4 Fashion Management, writes about SISA and ensuring that graduates and all young people are more innovative and resilient in the changing job market.

Deborah Reid, BSc (Hons) Computer Science student, is the first of RGU’s students to break into the top 100 on ImmersiveLabs. She writes about what inspired her to get started and keep going.

Dr Paul Arnell, Reader in Law at The Law School, writes about the success of the school's webinar series, which has attracted around 1000 alumni, students, staff and members of the public to register and take part.

RGU’s Aberdeen Business School has been named as the Business School of the Year at the Times Higher Education 2020 Awards. Professor Elizabeth Gammie, Head of Aberdeen Business School, speaks of the collaboration and commitment behind the school’s innovative approaches.

We talked with Occupational Therapy lecturer Fiona Anderson and Physiotherapy Lecturer Craig Walker about a pilot befriending scheme, created in collaboration with NHS Grampian and Aberdeen City Council, that their students took part in to support older adults experiencing isolation as a result of COVID.

Brian Webb, Access Pathways Lead at RGU, writes about his role and the importance of widening access within higher education.

RGU graduate Lucy Fisher who created Knit It with the aims of making knitting easier, more accessible and fun for younger generations has won a national innovation award from Innovate UK.

Dr Nadimul Faisal was invited to be a member of the RSE Young Academy of Scotland (YAS) in 2020. He was one of 44 applicants to have been invited to join YAS for a membership of five year. He writes about his motivations behind joining YAS and what he hopes to accomplish.

Melina Dimitrova, an RGU student who has been awarded the ‘Student of the Year’ accolade from Amazon Web Services writes about her accomplishment.

At RGU, we are working towards creating a Hedgehog friendly campus and like lots of us, hedgehogs are now in hibernation and keeping cozy until spring. Some of them will occasionally venture out over the winter though, and there are lots of ways you can help them!

Michael Turnbull is a Market Insight Analyst in the Strategy, Planning and Policy Development at RGU, and he recently graduated with distinction from the university after completing his MSc in Data Science.

Facts about your festive fuel supplied by Lecturers Harriet Young and Lindsey Masson. The not-so poetic wrapping for those facts provided by Jack Stott.

Dr Pauline Bremner, Teaching Excellence Fellow and Head of Year Four of BA (Hons) Fashion Management within the School of Creative and Cultural Business, writes about how she had to alter teamwork within her teaching to reflect recent challenges.

RGU’s Professional Mentoring Programme is one way alumni can support each other as they embark on their careers post RGU. The programme is open to those who study, or have studied with the university, and involves being matched with a career mentor who can offer valuable career advice and experience.

To mark 16 Days of Activism, Fiona Hall from RGU Student Life, reflects on the work which has gone on, and is planned, at the university to combat Gender Based Violence and support survivors.

Valdone Auksoriute graduated in Fashion Design from RGU in 2019 and has since developed Valdone Au, a sustainable fashion brand based on key values such as social equality and transparency. Valdone took part in the RGU Startup Accelerator programme, where the initial proposition for the business came to fruition. Read her community story to find out more.

Senior Web and Applications Developer Stephanie Baxter is the brain behind the design of RGU’s self-check-in procedure for staff and students to use when entering and leaving campus buildings. In her community story, Stephanie shares a behind the scenes look at its production and possible additional uses.

As part of our Global Entrepreneurship Week activity we reflect on how our programmes have supported aspiring entrepreneurs to develop ideas, collaborate with others, and launch new businesses.

Edward Pollock, Startup Coordinator and Lecturer in Event Management at RGU, writes about how RGU’s latest accelerator programme reflects on the challenges exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic and opens opportunities for impactful innovations to participate.

Ivor Ferguson, who has had a long and successful career in the oil and gas industry in the UK and Australia, has established the Bill and Nancy Ferguson scholarship and here he writes why he decided to donate to the university.

Care Experienced Week takes place between Friday 23 to Saturday 31 October 2020. Brian Webb, Access Pathways Lead at RGU, shares his thoughts on the week and how RGU supports its students.

Third year RGU student Louise Freeborn has been undertaking a year-long placement with startup company Legasea. She has been working as a digital marketing intern in a bid to support their marketing, to boost the company’s profile. In this latest Community Story, she writes about the benefits of the collaboration.

As the university marks Black History Month we caught up with Dr Ibiye Iyalla, the Academic Strategic Lead for Corporate & Postgraduate Programmes at the School of Engineering and Programme leader for Subsea Engineering.

In her community story, social work student and member of the RGU Black Liberation Network, Emma-Lee Davidson, looks at how to be a good ally and support the BIPOC community, both at university and further afield.

In her community story, Jordan Moore, President of Sport and Physical Activity at RGU, reflects on the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle for a healthy body and mind.

To mark World Mental Health day, RGU student counsellor, Katy Yule, looks at some of the many support services and resources available to students at the university.

RGU Sport Team Lead Carol Baig wants to welcome customers back to RGU Sport where they can improve their fitness, keep fit and healthy and do so in a way that is extremely hygienic, safe and socially distanced.

A group of student activists at RGU have led the creation of the BLack Liberation Network, which will reject all forms of racial injustice and inequality and deliver meaningful change to combat racism in the community.

In his community story, Student President for Education and Welfare, Emmanuel Akerele, looks ahead to Black History Month, which begins on October 1.

Adam Matthew, an International Tourism Management student at RGU, was set to go on what he hoped to be an experience of a lifetime – a six month placement in New York. Unfortunately, it was cut short. Read how he turned a negative situation into a positive by joining the NHS to take part in the fight against Covid-19.

Jennifer Laffan is about to begin her Master’s in Architecture at the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment, after spending the last year on placement. As if studying was not enough, Jennifer undertook the challenge of a lifetime and swam the English Channel.

The Physiotherapy Clinic at RGU was one of the university’s services which was significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the nature of what was involved in providing such a hands-on service to clients.

John Little is a maths and statistics tutor within the Department for the Enhancement of Learning, Teaching and Access. He switched to remote delivery of learning back in March prior to lockdown and shares his tips on RGU’s teaching technology for our continued blended teaching approach.

The exiting Vice-President for Student Welfare at RGU:Union, John Gbabo, shares his take on the importance of getting involved in extracurricular activities like Student Voice and working in partnership to improve the student experience.

Dr Paul Arnell, Reader in Law, and David Christie, Senior Lecturer, discuss how they have been reaching out to the RGU law community through live discussions and conversations in a bid to share knowledge in a way that retains a personal connection with staff and fellow students.

The School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences staff write about an innovative placement experience which provided students a chance to develop their personal and professional skills for future practice.

RGU student Presidents, Jordan Moore, Emmanuel Akerele and Ross Leven, lead the welcome to new and returning students as we prepare for the new term.

Dr. Dallia Ali, an Associate Professor at the School of Engineering and a member of the university’s Energy Working Group writes about what we can learn from the environmental impact of the lockdown.

At RGU, we recognise how important it is to develop our staff because ultimately, we as an institution depend on skilled employees at all levels for our continual growth and innovation.

During lockdown, vulnerable groups have become more isolated and simple acts of kindness can make a significant impact. Painting student Avril McKie is developing an ‘Art from the Heart’ project to reduce social isolation and was awarded with the Inspirational Idea Prize in the COVID-19 Student Innovation Challenge for her efforts.

Adult Nursing Student Robyn Ward won an Inspirational Student Prize in the COVID-19 Student Innovation Challenge after setting up the Aberdeen City Mutual Aid Volunteering Group as the country went into lockdown, bringing together and supporting member of the local community.

Katy Yule is one of the Student Counsellors based at RGU who has been working throughout the period of lockdown to assist any students who require support. In her community story, she outlines a bit about her specific role and the work of the counselling team during the pandemic and beyond.

Sarah Hillyear, Head of Business Development, reflects on the work that is being done by RGU to support businesses as they deal with the challenges of the global pandemic.

International Hospitality Management students Naomi Morris and Lauren Mckay together won an Inspirational Student Prize in the COVID-19 Student Innovation Challenge after being inspired by the Black Lives Matters movement to develop a Help Schools Teach Children About Race campaign.

International Hospitality Management Student Jemma Stephen won an Inspirations Student Prize as part of the COVID-19 Student Innovation Challenge for shifting her business model online to supply delicious treats to people during the pandemic.

Pharmacy student Vivien Yu is co-president of RGU’s Pharmacy Society and RGU president of Aberdeen’s IPE society. Read her thoughts on the importance of Interprofessional education and a new inter-university IPE campaign coming in September.

RGU Professor Peter Reid has been awarded funding to explore Scottish Public Libraries and their role in community cohesion and resilience during lockdown. In his latest community story, he writes about the current issues public libraries in Scotland are facing as they have been closed during the current Covid-19 pandemic.

Creative Entrepreneurship Student Barry Robertson won an Innovative Idea Prize from the COVID-19 Student Innovation Challenge for supporting creatives who were left struggling as a result of lockdown as venues shut and the curtains closed on theatre opportunities.

Laura Chalmers, who will lead the new Centre for Collaborative and Interprofessional Practice writes about why this centre is vital for student development.

Former and current university staff highlight how RGU's community orchard contributes to the "Healthy University" approach.

RGU’s very purpose is to be innovative, inclusive, impactful and professionally-focused. Enter the COVID-19 Student Innovation Challenge to perfectly embody this mission, and bring to life our cultural values of ambition, innovation and collaboration.

STAR Awards are a chance for students to thank staff members from all across the University who have gone above and beyond to support them, especially over the past few months. Read about some of the winners.

In her community story, student counsellor, Elina, gives some advice on developing a self-care toolkit, which you can tailor to suit your needs and interests.

Dr Pauline Bremner, lecturer and head of year four of the BA (Hons) Fashion Management course at the School of Creative and Cultural Business, and Laura Ginsberg, Academic Quality Officer, write about advancing their leadership skills through a recent collaboration project.

The culmination of three years’ work by talented Architecture students to reimagine waterfront areas in Aberdeen and Orkney will be virtually exhibited in a collaboration with Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museums (AAGM) and The Pier Arts Centre in Orkney. Find out more from Head of School, Professor David McClean, in his community story.

RGU has received a donation of £100,000 from The Cormack Family Foundation, established by AFC Chairman Dave Cormack, which will allow students from underrepresented backgrounds to study at the university. He writes in a Community Story about how delighted he and his family are to support this worthwhile initiative.

Dr Andrew Martin, senior lecturer and Director of the Scottish Centre of Tourism at RGU, writes about how jump starting tourism in Scotland and Aberdeen will be a huge challenge for the in-dustry and how our graduates will have a stake in making that happen.

Attendr won the Most Innovative award on Startup Sunday, Kyle Martin, COO, writes of his personal journey as part of the RGU Startup Accelerator programme.

Professor John Harper, Principal of RGU and Emmanuel Akerele, Student President for Education and Welfare, reflect on the global movement to combat racism and the action we have planned at RGU to deliver meaningful change for staff and students.

Hear all about what you can expect from this year's fully immersive Virtual Degree Show from Head of School, Libby Curtis,

Lucy Fisher, an RGU Alumni, was part of the Startup Accelerator programme this year. She writes of her experience of working with family to create a global community of knitters.

A group of 4th year Communication Design students from Gray’s School of Art who spent the whole year fundraising to attend D&AD New Blood Festival London, will donate a large sum of their funds to charity.

Each year, teams of first year students from the School of Creative and Cultural Business design and organise a fashion exhibition event. Dr Madeleine Marcella-Hood, lecturer and Head of Year 1 BA (Hons) Fashion Management, discusses how the students turned their cancelled event into a valuable learning experience.

Storical won the Best Pitch Award during Startup Sunday Live 2020. Rachael Ironside speaks of her experience while working the RGU Startup Accelerator programme.

Dr Pauline Bremner Head of Year Four BA (Hons) Fashion Management and lecturer within the School of Creative and Cultural Business writes about the success of the Scottish Innovative Student Awards (SISA) within RGU.

Students have had a significant impact on enhancing their learner experiences during the pandemic and Ursula Ojiji, Student President for Communication and Democracy, shares how that was celebrated through the recent achievement awards.

Joanne Lancaster and Louise McDowell write about their experiences as mentee and mentor respectively and why they found it valuable.

Gray's student, Joanna Robertson, is looking ahead to returning to university after an accident which left her unable to walk.

Rebecca Wright, lecturer at the School of Pharmacy & Life Sciences writes about her round trip to Orkney in RGU's Kangoo.

Paula Sledzinska compiles top tips on writing from Graduate Students and Early Career Researchers.

Hamish Walker is the RGU student immigration manager and a member of the Rainbow Network. In his community story, he outlines his feelings on the importance of Pride during the current pandemic.

David Christie, academic strategic lead, and Dr Andrey Kotelnikov, law lecturer, write about how The Law School adapted to the online delivery of workshops when role playing and face to face contact had seemed integral.

The Student President for Communication and Democracy, Ursula Ojiji, shares how the many mechanisms through which students can work in partnership to improve their university experience are still available after the switch to online learning.

Look Again's Hilary Nicoll and EIG's Sally Charles share their thoughts on the new Creative Entrepreneurship course, which had to very quickly move to online delivery.

Academic Support Lead Rachel McGregor shares why the university is well placed to support students with their studies online, and shows that CampusMoodle is the university in virtual form.

Although many staff members may be slowly getting accustomed to working from home, it is useful to turn to tips and techniques that will help us optimise our time, achieve work life balance and be efficient with the way we manage our tasks. Tina McGregor, Leadership Development Specialist at RGU, provides tips on how to get the best out of working from home.

Since the start of government lockdown many of the university's students have continued to stay at RGU's accommodation sites to pursue their education. These include students in the RGU ResLife team who are supporting the residents during this incredibly challenging period. ResLife Advisers write about how their role has changed significantly since the start of the pandemic.

Laura Chalmers is leading a collaborative project between RGU and NHS to deliver training for key staff in the fight against coronavirus. She believes that this is an example of the university at its very best, creating a workforce for right now, and tomorrow

Bill Somerville, Director of Estates & Property Services, writes about the challenges the Estates team have overcome to ensure staff and students are supported during the lockdown period.

This feature story highlights how the university community is jointly supporting the government in its fight against the COVID-19.

Events Management students demonstrated incredible creativity, innovation and resilience when faced with having to cancel their Main Event programme. Course Leader, Dr Rachael Ironside blogs about how the students successfully transformed their events to a digital format.

Online learning student, Karena Valentine, shares her top tips for studying from home.

Chris Hardie is a Visiting Professor of Architecture at RGU. He is currently based in Shanghai where he is Principal and Design Director at Schmidt Hammer Lassen & Perkins and Will. Chris recently caught up with RGU Comms for a short chat about his experience during the Coronavirus outbreak, and how things have developed where he is.

RGU lecturers in mental health, Scott Macpherson and Dan Warrender, look at techniques and tools for dealing with anxiety and challenges during this crisis and why the behaviours of ourselves and others may not be the same as normal.

Chris Moule, Head of Entrepreneurship & Innovation, shares the advances taking place in social connectivity through video conferencing as we push to not let social distancing measures get in the way of work and fun.

Dr John Isaacs, Head of the School of Computing, discusses the technology his team is utilising which enables them to remain open and accessible to their students.

Clinton Grant, RGU’s Head of Occupational Health and Environmental Safety, shares advice on creating an office away from the office, that is still comfortable and healthy.

RGU alumna Louise Herd is hoping to make a difference to children and young people in Scotland through her fellowship with specialist outreach legal representation service Clan Childlaw.

Careers Consultant Helen Scott recommends that students attend experiences like our Employers Live, Careers Event, during lockdown to boost their employability, and gives five top reasons why.

Cursty Mackin writes about what we could to make our homes and the university campus Hedgehog Friendly.

Fiona Hall is a project coordinator within the Student Life team. She reflects on her additional role as one of a network of Gender Based Violence (GBV) First Responders, who are still there to support staff and student during the crisis.

Occupational Therapy Lecturer Lisa Paul describes her experience of working through lockdown and wants your help to prepare others in case of ongoing or future periods of isolation by taking part in her research.

President of Sport and Physical Activity, Kieran Matthews, reflects on his role and how he has helped to keep the many sport clubs at RGU active and engaged throughout the lockdown period.

Dr Rachael Ironside, course leader for Events Management, writes how our students have brought communities closer together while making a difference and raising much needed funds for local charities.

Edward Pollock, Startup Coordinator for the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Group at RGU, gives his top tips for being innovative in isolation.

Dr. Amy Robertson from DELTA provides her top tips to academic staff for providing online feedback.

Laura Pollock, ResLife Coordinator, writes about a new campaign to celebrate the RGU community and how we can support each other.

Director of IT and Digital, Scott Matthew, shares some top tips for safe IT working and studying from home, after his team supported the very quick transition to this new way of operating.

Calvin Park, a second year Cyber Security BSc (Hons) student at RGU and Events and Workshop coordinator at the RGU Computing Society writes about how they are using virtual games and tools to build a sense of community.