QMYOU Alumni Magazine Issue 85 | Page 2

Principal’s Introduction Welcome to this issue of QMYOU which, as ever, offers us a wonderful opportunity to share with you news about the support we offer our students, graduate successes, and highlights of our work at home and abroad. We are delighted that our hard work in the area of graduate employment is paying off. The latest figures from the Higher Education Statistics Agency confirm that QMU is top in Scotland and third in the UK for employment of our undergraduate leavers. 98.2% of them are in work or further study six months after graduation. Our award-winning ‘STARS’ project, featured on page 5, is just one of our initiatives to enhance student and graduate employability. Other articles showcase awards and scholarships which are bolstering students’ skills and knowledge, ensuring that our graduates are prepared for successful careers. In the autumn, we celebrated the 10th anniversary of our move to our purpose-built campus. Much has been achieved in the last decade at QMU. Our student numbers have grown and we now have a rich international community with representation from over 90 countries. Alongside expanding our international partnerships, we are deeply engaged locally, and are seen as a real community asset in East Lothian. We have leapt up the national research rankings,have greatly expanded the range and depth of such work, and are now widely acknowledged as a thought leader. We are truly fulfilling our vision of being recognised as a university of ideas and influence. You can read more about our 10th anniversary (page 7) and about the graduates who have experienced life at our current campus in our 'Where are you now?' feature (pages 26 – 29). We are always pleased to share stories about our graduates who are pursing interesting career paths and positively impacting on organisations at home and abroad. On pages 12-13, the spotlight is on Sheila Burns, who has used her postgraduate degree in global health to direct nursing provision in some of the county jails in the USA. In addition, our story about Harry Jackson (pages 20-21) is an example of the enterprising nature of some QMU students. The feature on Daniel Pauley (page 22), who spent much of his life in foster care and is now excelling on his Podiatry degree, is testament to the determination of individual students. His story also pays tribute to QMU staff who are dedicated to helping our students reach their full potential. We always aim to demonstrate how our research is having a practical impact in the world. Find out more about our work in fragile states (page 11), our research into facial recognition and the criminal justice system (page 17), and the impact of TV on child development (page 10). Your association with QMU is important to us. We hope that you will stay connected with the University, perhaps by sharing the magazine with others, volunteering as a student mentor, donating to the Student Development Fund or working with us to develop scholarships, awards and donations which will help to change lives. Professor Petra Wend, PhD, FRSA, FRSE Principal and Vice Chancellor Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh 2 QMYOU / Principal’s Introduction