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Community Highlights
Professor Liz Bacon announced as next Principal of Abertay University
Professor Liz Bacon is to be appointed the next Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Abertay University in Dundee.
Currently Abertay's Deputy Principal and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bacon joined the University in September 2018 and has led the University's activities in the areas of partnerships, teaching and learning, and research and knowledge exchange, while also pioneering a new Digital Strategy.
Professor Bacon said: "It's been a hugely satisfying experience to work alongside our students, staff and stakeholders in my time at the University so far, and I'm delighted to now have the opportunity to further develop our shared vision for success, both in the UK and overseas, in the years that lie ahead."
Abertay alumnus Laura Baxter recognised in New Year Honours
We're thrilled to share the news that BSc (Hons) Sports Development and Coaching Alumnus Laura Baxter has been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the New Years Honours list.
Laura, who is based in Perth, graduated from the University in 2004 and received the award for her services to the Special Olympics.
Laura Baxter, Interim CEO of Special Olympics GB said: "My time at Abertay really solidified my career pathway in the Sports Development industry and my learning throughout the course exposed me to a number of different facets of the industry that really intrigued me."
North Sea Games wins a place on professional development scheme
Abertay University start-up North Sea Games has been accepted onto the Roblox Accelerator Programme, a professional development scheme that allows games developers to produce and release an original game.
North Sea Games will have access to advice and support on game design and best practices tailored for the Roblox platform as well as funding towards their unannounced Roblox experience, currently in development.
Brenton White, Co-Founder and CEO of North Sea Games said: "To be validated for our efforts by one of the industry's largest players is very humbling, especially given their leading role in the emerging metaverse that dominates today's gaming discussions."
Abertay Carbon Capture game gets Royal treatment at BAFTA HQ
Net Carbon, a game developed by four Abertay University students for energy company SSE Thermal, has been demonstrated to HRH Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, at BAFTA's headquarters in London.
Second-year BA(Hons) Game Design and Production student Harry Petch travelled to the UK capital to celebrate the refurbishment of BAFTA's Piccadilly headquarters and to demonstrate the game originally created for SSE Thermal to showcase at COP26 in Glasgow.
Harry created Net Carbon alongside fellow Games Design and Production students Cameryn Tuliao, and Jaime Williams and BA (Hons) Computer Games Application Development student Jordan Han.
Harry said: "It was great to see the investment BAFTA have put into their games division so more young students like me can have the best start possible within the industry."
Abertay expands its international footprint into Asia
A professional training institute in Hong Kong is now able to award Abertay University degrees after reaching an agreement with the School of Applied Sciences to deliver its civil engineering programme.
The Social Resources Development Institute (SRDI), which is based in Hong Kong, will run the third year of the Civil Engineering degree programme in the country, the School's first such franchising arrangement in Asia.
Ms Andrea Cameron, Dean of School of Applied Sciences, said: "This new franchising arrangement with SRDI is a significant milestone in Abertay's determination to expand our connections. It demonstrates the international appeal of an Abertay degree and the quality of the education we offer"
Dundee video game makers share £90,000 prize money
A R&D project led by Abertay University has awarded a £90,000 prize pot to two Dundee video game developers as part of a project to build virtual neighbourhoods that will test ways to increase the availability of healthy food.
Built using real-time 3D game engines and incorporating elements of popular resource management video games, such as Minecraft and SimCity, Konglomerate Games and Biome Collective, will use the money to develop their initial ideas into playable proof of concept games.
The prize money comes from a joint project between Dundee-based R&D central InGAME (Innovation for games and Media Enterprise) and Nesta - the UK's innovation agency for social good.
Abertay's cyberQuarter aims to tackle security problems from across the globe
Cheryl Torano: Why now is time to cement Dundee's reputation as top cyber hub.
Cheryl Torano is the Business Development Manager at Abertay's cyberQuarter and is a graduate of the University's ethical hacking programme. She writes about the cybersecurity challenges facing the UK and how Dundee can help businesses to cope.
Cheryl says: "Prior to the pandemic, society had already reached a point where the overwhelming majority of us were using online technology, be it for work, leisure, or organising personal lives. Fast forward two years and Covid-19 has rapidly pushed us from regular use to heavy dependence on connected devices. And at a pace nobody could previously have predicted."
Abertay ranked in world top 10 for postgraduate video games education
Abertay University has been ranked in the global top ten for postgraduate video games education by the prestigious Princeton Review.
The internationally respected ranking placed by Abertay as the seventh best university in the world to study a Masters in video games design, recognising the strength of the institution's Professional Masters in Games Development and MSc Computer Games Technology programmes.
Professor Gregor White, Dean of the School of Design and Informatics, said: "We're delighted to have been placed so highly in this important ranking. Our continued success is down to the hard work and dedication shown by the excellent teaching team in our School and reflects the excellent student experience on offer and our investment in campus facilities."
Lowdown from the Campus
Abertay and Dundee Sports Club gear up for Varsity 2022
More than 600 athletes from the Universities of Dundee and Abertay are preparing to go head-to-head and compete for the coveted Tay Varsity Challenge Trophy.
A new Abertay study shows the positive influencing power of a major golfing event
The 2021 AIG Women's Open at Carnoustie Golf Links led to increases in positive local perceptions surrounding the sport, a new impact report has found.
Love confession study shows men say 'I love you' first in heterosexual relationships
Men across the world are more likely than women to be the first to say 'I love you' in a relationship, new international research from Abertay University has revealed.
Abertay law student wins prize in final stages of national competition
Sophie Kennedy, a final year Psychology & Counselling student, was invited to chair the Global Forum for Student Success (GFSS) panel at the American Association of Colleges and Universities, Education and Social Democracy conference.
LGBT+ History Month at Abertay
Blog post from Abertay's Equality and Diversity leads.
Gender stereotypes affecting boys' education and decisions more than girls'
Boys continue to be put off traditionally 'female' career paths due to being swayed by gender stereotyping, new research has found.
Research reveals UK stem cell clinics using misleading marketing techniques
Abertay University study finds misleading website claims and lack of information on side-effects from unapproved treatments.
Abertay Law student wins prize in final stages of national competition
An Abertay University Law student came through a field of 2,000 applicants to be awarded a prize in the closing stages of a national competition.
GCAS (Graduate Career Advantage Scotland)
The GGCAS Talent Pool is a new government-funded initiative which supports recent graduates living in Scotland to find rewarding employment. It offers careers support and access to high-quality paid internships by collaborating with employers, universities, and other key agencies.
To be eligible you need to be:
- Based in Scotland
- Graduated from your latest qualification in summer 2019 or more recently
- Aged 29 or under
- Have the right to work in Scotland
Finding a next step that's right for you after university can be difficult. The pandemic has added a layer of economic and personal upheaval and uncertainty. This programme of support has your specific circumstances in mind.
DLHE (Destination of leavers HE) survey 2021 Graduates ONLY
Every year we send out a survey to our most recent graduates to find out where they are and what they're doing. We emailed out the survey to our 2021 graduates (both summer and winter) last month - thanks to those who have already taken the time to complete it.
If you've not got round to filling it in yet, that's ok! The survey is still open - the more graduates who complete it, the more we can offer support from our Careers service.
Competitions and Funding
Bell Street Ventures (BSV) is the enterprise hub on campus supporting students, graduates and staff from Abertay University. BSV can support those looking at developing an enterprising venture whether it be starting up as a sole trader, creating a limited company, or simply wanting to explore the idea of a startup.
There are a number of initiatives and support on offer at the moment so get in touch with simon.fraser@abertay.ac.uk if you want to talk over your ideas. You can book in a meeting with Simon here.
See below for some initiatives:
Converge Challenge
The Converge competition is open to those currently studying or working at the University as well as those that have graduated in the past 3 years. Cash prizes are available along with a training programme to take your startup idea forward.
But be quick as the deadline for entries is fast approaching (5 April 2022). Richard from Converge is on campus on a Thursday or you can book in an online 1 to 1 with him here.
Enterprise Grants and Enterprise Bursaries
Enterprise Grants and Enterprise Bursaries. We have grants and bursaries worth up to £500 and £2000 respectively, that are available to recent graduates up to 2 years post-graduation. These are available to help with startup costs to get your startup journey moving.
The Enterprise Grant application can be found here.
The Enterprise Bursary application can be found here.
Social Enterprise support from Social Shifters
Abertay University has partnered with Social Shifters to offer help and support to explore, research and develop ideas around starting a business with more than profit ethos. There is an online learning platform that you can develop your understanding of social enterprises as well as progress your idea with the tools on offer.
Until next time,
Abertay
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