Principal’s Introduction
We are delighted to share with you some of our ground-breaking initiatives
and our student and graduate success stories.
Since its inception, QMU has addressed the most pressing issues affecting
society, and our pioneering initiative to deal with the culture of teenage
drinking reflects that commitment. QMU’s AlcoLOLs project, led by dialogue
experts, is showing that peer to peer dialogue can have a significant positive
influence on how teenagers respond to alcohol related pressures. The work
of our experts is having such a powerful positive impact on Edinburgh
secondary school pupils that we believe the AlcoLOLs project now has the
potential to be rolled out to schools across Scotland. Ultimately, it could help
tackle Scotland’s unhealthy relationship with alcohol thereby improving the
future lives of many people in our communities. You can read more about
the AlcoLOLs on page 12 and 13.
QMU aims to be a university of ideas and influence. Many of the QMU events which
have been held over the last few months have shared research that will influence and
inform policy and decision making. For example, our Institute for Global Health and
Development recently held a briefing session for MSPs at the Scottish Parliament
which shared academic research on the resettlement of refugees. The information
is helping MSPs, council and housing officials, and voluntary sector organisations
formulate an appropriate response to receiving Syrian refugees in Scotland. Page
18 and 19 shares more information on this briefing event. You can also find out how
Sarah Ssali, a graduate of the Institute of Global Health and Development, is using
the skills she learned at QMU to influence teaching and international health projects
in Africa (page 20 and 21).
We always enjoy hearing about the influence our graduates are having in their
specialist fields. This issue shares an interview with graduate Samantha Hamilton,
Brand Manager of Dakota Hotels. Since graduating, Samantha has built an impressive
career and has continued her relationship with QMU by establishing scholarships and
awards through Dakota Hotels for current hospitality and tourism students (page 24).
Please do continue to stay connected with the University. For example, you might
be able to fund a student scholarship and award, or maybe you could become one
of our student mentors. Other options include offering an internship, supporting our
research, donating to the Student Development Fund, remembering us in your will or
simply sharing your news via our alumni team.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Professor Petra Wend, PhD, FRSA, FRSE
Principal and Vice-Chancellor
Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh
2
QMYOU / Principal’s Introduction
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon
meets the Principal and health
professionals during a visit to QMU