Latest news with #QMU
Scotsman
3 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Queen Margaret University named Higher Education Institute of the Year
Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh has been crowned Higher Education Institute of the Year at the prestigious Herald Higher Education Awards 2025, held in Glasgow on 29th May 2025. Coming in QMU's 150th anniversary year, this accolade celebrates the institution's enduring commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, inclusion, innovation and student support. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The university impressed judges with its outstanding achievements across multiple categories, securing wins for 'Outstanding Contribution from a Staff Member' - honouring podiatry lecturer Evelyn Weir for her decades-long service to Scotland's homeless community - and 'Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community' for its pioneering Wooden Spoon Frame Running Equipment Hub, the first of its kind in Scotland. QMU was also shortlisted in four additional categories, reflecting the University's innovative approach to education, inclusivity, and public service. The judging panel praised in particular the University's holistic impact. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Queen Margaret University's Principal, Sir Paul Grice, said: 'We are over the moon to be awarded Higher Education Institute of the Year – particularly in the year that we celebrate our 150th anniversary. This accolade is a testament to the passion and dedication of our staff, students, and partners, and reflects our mission to make a real difference in the world, enabling people and communities to flourish.' QMU team win Institution of the Year Sir Paul continued: 'It was particularly pleasing to see Evelyn Weir, Senior Lecturer in Podiatry, recognised for her outstanding contribution. Evelyn has dedicated 30 years of her life to supporting the homeless community and has encouraged our students and graduates to work alongside her in the running of specialist foot clinics for people living on the streets. She is also a staff member who goes 'above and beyond' - particularly for our care experienced students. She has never wavered in her personalised support of students – providing the extra care, encouragement and financial guidance required to ensure students have a transformative university experience, reaching their potential during their time at QMU and beyond graduation. She epitomises the values of QMU in her education and support of students, and in her drive to be a force for good within the university, the wider community and the podiatry profession.' QMUs pioneering role in advancing Frame Running for disabled athletes was formally recognised with the Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community Award. Frame Running, a sport that utilises specially designed three-wheeled frames, empowers individuals with limited or no walking ability to experience the freedom of independent movement. The Wooden Spoon Frame Running Equipment Hub, based at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow, is the first of its kind in Scotland - and is believed to be the first dedicated facility of its kind anywhere in the world. This ground-breaking initiative has been made possible by support from the Wooden Spoon charity, and is the result of a collaborative partnership between QMU, Neil's Wheel Charity, Frame Running Scotland, and ACE Frame Running, in conjunction with Scottish Athletics and Scottish Disability Sport. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Hub forms part of QMU's wider commitment to shaping the future of Frame Running. Through its research into athlete classification for para sport, the University is helping to build the foundations for fairer, more inclusive competition. The creation of the Hub reflects this broader ambition - translating academic insight into real-world impact for athletes and communities. QMU team winning Institute of the Year Sir Paul concluded: 'In such a special year, we are delighted that a record number of our entries made it into the finals of the Herald Higher Education Awards. The Award of Higher Education Institute of the Year allows us to honour our past, celebrate our present, and continue to lead with purpose - demonstrating that education can be a powerful force for good. 'Our thanks go to the Herald Scotland, and all of the college and university award winners, who together showcase so much of what is good about the education sector.'
Scotsman
3 days ago
- General
- Scotsman
Queen Margaret University named Higher Education Institute of the Year at Herald Awards 2025
Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh has been crowned Higher Education Institute of the Year at the prestigious Herald Higher Education Awards 2025, held in Glasgow on 29th May 2025. Coming in QMU's 150th anniversary year, this accolade celebrates the institution's enduring commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, inclusion, innovation and student support. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The university impressed judges with its outstanding achievements across multiple categories, securing wins for 'Outstanding Contribution from a Staff Member' - honouring podiatry lecturer Evelyn Weir for her decades-long service to Scotland's homeless community - and 'Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community' for its pioneering Wooden Spoon Frame Running Equipment Hub, the first of its kind in Scotland. QMU was also shortlisted in four additional categories, reflecting the University's innovative approach to education, inclusivity, and public service. The judging panel praised in particular the University's holistic impact. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Queen Margaret University's Principal, Sir Paul Grice, said: 'We are over the moon to be awarded Higher Education Institute of the Year – particularly in the year that we celebrate our 150th anniversary. This accolade is a testament to the passion and dedication of our staff, students, and partners, and reflects our mission to make a real difference in the world, enabling people and communities to flourish.' Evelyn Weir wins Outstanding Contribution from a Staff Member Sir Paul continued: 'It was particularly pleasing to see Evelyn Weir, Senior Lecturer in Podiatry, recognised for her outstanding contribution. Evelyn has dedicated 30 years of her life to supporting the homeless community and has encouraged our students and graduates to work alongside her in the running of specialist foot clinics for people living on the streets. She is also a staff member who goes 'above and beyond' - particularly for our care experienced students. She has never wavered in her personalised support of students – providing the extra care, encouragement and financial guidance required to ensure students have a transformative university experience, reaching their potential during their time at QMU and beyond graduation. She epitomises the values of QMU in her education and support of students, and in her drive to be a force for good within the university, the wider community and the podiatry profession.' QMUs pioneering role in advancing Frame Running for disabled athletes was formally recognised with the Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community Award. Frame Running, a sport that utilises specially designed three-wheeled frames, empowers individuals with limited or no walking ability to experience the freedom of independent movement. The Wooden Spoon Frame Running Equipment Hub, based at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow, is the first of its kind in Scotland - and is believed to be the first dedicated facility of its kind anywhere in the world. This ground-breaking initiative has been made possible by support from the Wooden Spoon charity, and is the result of a collaborative partnership between QMU, Neil's Wheel Charity, Frame Running Scotland, and ACE Frame Running, in conjunction with Scottish Athletics and Scottish Disability Sport. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Hub forms part of QMU's wider commitment to shaping the future of Frame Running. Through its research into athlete classification for para sport, the University is helping to build the foundations for fairer, more inclusive competition. The creation of the Hub reflects this broader ambition - translating academic insight into real-world impact for athletes and communities. Wooden Spoon Frame Running Equipment Hub wins Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community Sir Paul concluded: 'In such a special year, we are delighted that a record number of our entries made it into the finals of the Herald Higher Education Awards. The Award of Higher Education Institute of the Year allows us to honour our past, celebrate our present, and continue to lead with purpose - demonstrating that education can be a powerful force for good. 'Our thanks go to the Herald Scotland, and all of the college and university award winners, who together showcase so much of what is good about the education sector.'
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Herald Education Awards recognise university and college achievements
Colleges and universities submitted entries in 16 individual and group categories. The judging panel named Queen Margaret University (QMU) the Higher Education Institute of the Year for 2025, based on its winning submissions in two categories and its nods on the shortlist in three more categories. QMU won the Outstanding Contribution from a Staff Member award for the work of Evelyn Weir, who has been a leading figure in podiatry for 30 years and Senior Lecturer in Podiatry, Clinical Lead for Podiatry, and Collaborative Academic Link for two podiatry programmes with QMU's Greek partner institution. Colleagues highlighted Evelyn's volunteer efforts to help homeless people and singled her out as the staff member who goes 'above and beyond' to support care-experienced students. 'Evelyn provides the extra care, encouragement and financial guidance necessary to ensure students have a transformative university experience – ensuring they reach their potential, during their degree and beyond.' QMU also won in the Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community category for their Wooden Spoon Frame Running Hub. Frame running uses purpose-built three-wheeled frames to allow individuals with limited or no independent walking ability the freedom of independent movement. QMU's hub is the first of its kind in Scotland and perhaps the first in the world. New College Lanarkshire (NCL) impressed this year's judges with the breadth of its submissions: NCL was shortlisted in eight categories and won for Outstanding Contribution from a College Student (Chloe Sandilands), Widening Access achievement in partnership with the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), and NCL Deputy Principal Ann Baxter took home the Lifetime Achievement Award. Judges were impressed by Chloe's work at the college to extend support and a welcoming hand to her fellow students. After beginning her college career while she was homeless, Chloe became a passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion and student wellbeing. Chloe also capitalised on the ability to enrol in NCL's Undergraduate School, Scotland's first undergraduate school located on a college campus developed in partnership with UWS. The Undergraduate School won the 2025 Widening Access Award, demonstrating an ability to create useful new routes to degrees for communities that are typically below the Scottish average for degree achievement. Chloe was joined in the category by co-winner Jorja Boyd from City of Glasgow College. College staff said that Jorja struggled to receive full support during her school career due to her autism. Despite limited opportunities for qualifications, Jorja applied to the college's free support learning programme in bakery in 2019. This proved a crucial stepping stone, as Jorja went on to SCQF levels 4, 5, 6, and 7 and pursued her HNC in Legal Services. Read more: She advocates for students with additional support needs (ASN), particularly through biweekly basketball sessions for ASN youths. Meanwhile, Ann Baxter was recognised with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her 30 years in the college sector. Before starting in education, Ms Baxter worked as a nurse and Matron in Northern Ireland, serving as a frontline healthcare worker at the height of The Troubles. After moving to Scotland and beginning work in the college, she battled sexism and under-resourcing to create a variety of new programmes meant to connect students with employment opportunities. Other awards on the night included colleges and universities scooping honours for technological innovations, community service projects, inclusion, and top-shelf marketing campaigns. One of the standouts for the judges was Glasgow Clyde College's 'Swiftie Masterclass,' which won for Marketing/PR Campaign of the Year. With Taylor Swift's Eras tour coming to Scotland in Summer 2024, the college decided that it would provide an opportunity to create an 'authentic and meaningful' campaign that would capitalise on the natural buzz surrounding the pop sensation's arrival. The result was a free, one-off 90-minute masterclass, which targeted parents and plus-ones who would be attending the concert but may not be on the same level of fandom as their fellow ticketholders. From background information on songs and lyrics to essential concert choreography and attire, a Taylor Swift expert walked attendees through everything they would need to know to fit in and make the most of the night. The college received over 200 pieces of media coverage for its project, generating millions of views globally. Less glitter but no less impactful for students, the University of St Andrews' Common Extension Request System took home the Innovative Use of Technology Award Sponsored by Jisc for creating a system to streamline student extension requests and ensure fairness and efficiency in the process. The project makes it easier for students to access the support they are entitled to and gives the university better tracking abilities to create and implement more useful policies. Jason Miles-Campbell, Director of Scotland and Northern Ireland for award sponsor Jisc, said: "Congratulations to all the winners at The Herald Education Awards for 2025, and, in particular, to the University of St Andrews. 'The winning project streamlines requests for coursework deadline extensions, improving the student experience, and allowing staff to spend more time on student support rather than bureaucracy. The innovative introduction of a relatively simple system has addressed what is often a long-standing issue, to everyone's benefit." Full list of winners at The Herald Education Awards 2025: Enhancing Student Learning Award – Sponsored by QAA City of Glasgow College – Inclusive Cross College Sports Development Project Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award – Sponsored by Theorise University of Glasgow Adam Smith Business School – Pause Together: Work, Live Thrive: Kirsteen Daly and Professor Kathleen Riach Innovative Use of Technology Award – Sponsored by Jisc University of St Andrews – Common Extension Request System Marketing/PR Campaign of the Year Glasgow Clyde College – Swiftie Masterclass Outstanding Business Engagement in Colleges Glasgow Kelvin College on behalf of Glasgow City Regional Colleges – College Local Innovation Centres (CLIC) Outstanding Business Engagement in Universities Heriot-Watt University – GRID – Global Research Innovation Discovery Outstanding Contribution from a College Student (Joint winners) City of Glasgow College – Jorja Boyd New College Lanarkshire – Chloe Sandilands Outstanding Contribution from a Staff Member Queen Margaret University – Evelyn Weir Outstanding Contribution from a University Student University of St Andrews – Emma Hughes Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community Queen Margaret University – Wooden Spoon Frame Running Hub Partnership Award – Sponsored by QAA North East Scotland College on behalf of the National Energy Skills Accelerator (NESA) – Building Skills for a Just Energy Transition Partnership with Schools Award Edinburgh College – Modern Language Department Research Project of the Year University of Stirling – Permanently Progressing Building Secure Futures for Children - Winner Heriot-Watt University – Deaf Women's Access to Support after Experiencing Domestic Violence - Commendation Supporting Student Wellbeing Award – Sponsored by Studiosity University of Strathclyde – Early Intervention Team Widening Access Award New College Lanarkshire/University of the West of Scotland – The Undergraduate School Further Education Institute of the Year New College Lanarkshire Higher Education Institute of the Year Queen Margaret University Lifetime Achievement Award New College Lanarkshire – Ann Baxter
Scotsman
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
QMU talent set for stardom with coveted Spotlight Prize finalist spot
A graduating Acting & Performance student from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh has been named a finalist in the prestigious Spotlight Prize 2025 - one of the industry's most esteemed platforms for emerging talent. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... 24-year-old Gregor Curran from Laurencekirk is one of just 20 students to be selected from more than 65 drama schools and universities across the UK and Ireland. The Spotlight Prize is widely renowned for showcasing the very best of drama school graduates - Gregor's selection is a testament to his exceptional ability and a shining reflection of the talent QMU nurtures. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Marion Scott, Lecturer in Acting and Performance at Queen Margaret University, said: 'Over the past two years, Gregor has demonstrated exceptional commitment, collaborating with his peers to create work of outstanding quality. He is a student who perfectly embodies the spirit of QMU—intellectually curious, ambitious, creative, respectful, and genuinely supportive of others. Gregor Curran professional headshot 'When we invited professionals from the industry to help our students with audition preparation and assess both their live and digital performances, we asked them which three students stood out. Gregor consistently appeared in their top three choices, making him a clear front runner for the Spotlight Prize. Having initially stepped away from acting after his HND to pursue a career in Early Years Education, we are absolutely delighted that he had a change of heart and chose to return to acting with us at QMU.' Each year, nominated graduates for the Spotlight Prize submit a self-tape audition which is reviewed by an independent panel of experts. From this, 20 outstanding performers are selected to take part in the annual Spotlight Prize Showcase, where they will present both a screen performance (recorded in advance under the direction of Paulette Randall MBE) and a live stage performance in front of a room of casting directors, agents, producers, and other industry professionals. Gregor's nomination was announced during QMU's Acting and Performance Showcase at the end of April, where he was recognised as the University's official nominee. Gregor has now gone on to secure a place in the national final — an exceptional achievement and a testament to his dedication and talent. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Gregor said: 'I'm very honoured to have been recognised by my lecturers and external industry guests from a class with such incredibly talented people who over the past two years, I've had the privilege of working alongside. To be a finalist and to represent QMU in London is to put it simply, pretty incredible. Right now, I'm feeling a mix of gratitude, nerves, and excitement, but I know that the training I've received at QMU, along with the support of my classmates and lecturers, will help me through. The BA (Hons) Acting and Performance course provides a real sense of family, where every effort is noticed and valued, and that's something I'll carry with me well beyond this experience.' The 2025 Spotlight Prize Showcase will take place on Wednesday 2 July in London, where awards will be presented for Best Stage and Best Screen performance. Past Spotlight Prize winners and nominees include some of the most recognisable names in the industry today, such as Ben Whishaw, Gwendoline Christie, Jodie Whittaker, and Sam Heughan. The prize, which evolved from the Rodney Millington Award, continues a rich tradition of spotlighting the UK and Ireland's brightest new talent. In 2008, another QMU graduate, Chloe Thorpe, made it to the finals of the acting competition and after wowing the judges, won the prize for best female actor and £1,500 for her performance of 'Cowboy Mouth'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Matt Hood, Spotlight's Managing Director, said, 'I am thrilled to welcome the finalists for the Spotlight Prize 2025. The UK and Ireland's drama training is, rightly, world renowned and selecting the finalists from this year's nominees proved challenging and exhilarating for our judges. We're looking forward to welcoming the industry to our annual showcase in July, and to adding two more names to the long list of Spotlight Prize winners.' QMU extends its heartfelt congratulations to Gregor and looks forward to supporting him as he prepares for the final stage of this incredible opportunity. A full list of finalists and further details can be found on the Spotlight Prize website.
Scotsman
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
QMU talent set for stardom with coveted Spotlight Prize finalist spot
A graduating Acting & Performance student from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh has been named a finalist in the prestigious Spotlight Prize 2025 - one of the industry's most esteemed platforms for emerging talent. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... 24-year-old Gregor Curran from Laurencekirk is one of just 20 students to be selected from more than 65 drama schools and universities across the UK and Ireland. The Spotlight Prize is widely renowned for showcasing the very best of drama school graduates - Gregor's selection is a testament to his exceptional ability and a shining reflection of the talent QMU nurtures. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Marion Scott, Lecturer in Acting and Performance at Queen Margaret University, said: 'Over the past two years, Gregor has demonstrated exceptional commitment, collaborating with his peers to create work of outstanding quality. He is a student who perfectly embodies the spirit of QMU—intellectually curious, ambitious, creative, respectful, and genuinely supportive of others. Gregor Curran professional headshot 'When we invited professionals from the industry to help our students with audition preparation and assess both their live and digital performances, we asked them which three students stood out. Gregor consistently appeared in their top three choices, making him a clear front runner for the Spotlight Prize. Having initially stepped away from acting after his HND to pursue a career in Early Years Education, we are absolutely delighted that he had a change of heart and chose to return to acting with us at QMU.' Each year, nominated graduates for the Spotlight Prize submit a self-tape audition which is reviewed by an independent panel of experts. From this, 20 outstanding performers are selected to take part in the annual Spotlight Prize Showcase, where they will present both a screen performance (recorded in advance under the direction of Paulette Randall MBE) and a live stage performance in front of a room of casting directors, agents, producers, and other industry professionals. Gregor's nomination was announced during QMU's Acting and Performance Showcase at the end of April, where he was recognised as the University's official nominee. Gregor has now gone on to secure a place in the national final — an exceptional achievement and a testament to his dedication and talent. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Gregor said: 'I'm very honoured to have been recognised by my lecturers and external industry guests from a class with such incredibly talented people who over the past two years, I've had the privilege of working alongside. To be a finalist and to represent QMU in London is to put it simply, pretty incredible. Right now, I'm feeling a mix of gratitude, nerves, and excitement, but I know that the training I've received at QMU, along with the support of my classmates and lecturers, will help me through. The BA (Hons) Acting and Performance course provides a real sense of family, where every effort is noticed and valued, and that's something I'll carry with me well beyond this experience.' The 2025 Spotlight Prize Showcase will take place on Wednesday 2 July in London, where awards will be presented for Best Stage and Best Screen performance. Past Spotlight Prize winners and nominees include some of the most recognisable names in the industry today, such as Ben Whishaw, Gwendoline Christie, Jodie Whittaker, and Sam Heughan. The prize, which evolved from the Rodney Millington Award, continues a rich tradition of spotlighting the UK and Ireland's brightest new talent. In 2008, another QMU graduate, Chloe Thorpe, made it to the finals of the acting competition and after wowing the judges, won the prize for best female actor and £1,500 for her performance of 'Cowboy Mouth'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Matt Hood, Spotlight's Managing Director, said, 'I am thrilled to welcome the finalists for the Spotlight Prize 2025. The UK and Ireland's drama training is, rightly, world renowned and selecting the finalists from this year's nominees proved challenging and exhilarating for our judges. We're looking forward to welcoming the industry to our annual showcase in July, and to adding two more names to the long list of Spotlight Prize winners.' QMU extends its heartfelt congratulations to Gregor and looks forward to supporting him as he prepares for the final stage of this incredible opportunity. A full list of finalists and further details about the Spotlight Prize 2025 can be found on the Spotlight Prize website.
