This month's essential news, events and opportunities for alumni. 1. Alumni and staff awarded Future Leader Fellowships Image 1. Dr Paul Donaldson is one of the Edinburgh alumni named as a Future Leader Fellow Several alumni and University scientists have been awarded government fellowships to help them become leaders in research and innovation. They are to become Future Leaders Fellows under a newly announced UK Government programme. The awards form part of the Government’s modern industrial strategy, which aims to secure the UK as world-leading in scientific research and innovation. Among the alumni recipients is Paul Donaldson (Physics 1999) who is an Instrument Scientist within the Molecular Structure and Dynamics Group at the Science and Technology Facilities Council. He told us: "My time at the University of Edinburgh still means a lot to me, and definitely took me in a number of different ways to where I am today." Meet the Future Leader Fellows (external) Article about staff recipients 2. Alumna wins Man Booker International Prize Image 2. Congratulations to Jokha Alharthi The Omani author and 2011 PhD Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies graduate Jokha Alharthi has won the prestigious Man Booker International Prize. Jokha is the first author from the Arabian Gulf to win the £50,000 prize, which celebrates the finest works of translated fiction from around the world. ‘Celestial Bodies’ tells of family connections and history in the coming-of-age account of three Omani sisters. It was translated from Arabic to English by joint winner Marilyn Booth and published by Sandstone Press. Jokha's Alumni Profile 3. Sporting champions inducted into the Hall of Fame Image 3. This year's sporting heroes In 2008 the University launched the Sports Hall of Fame to recognise and celebrate the achievements of our most distinguished sports people and today it remains the highest sporting honour the University can bestow. This year we are delighted to honour and salute three exceptional sporting champions, Judy Murray OBE (Tennis), Chloe MacLean (Karate) and Corrie Scott (Swimming) as they join other current and former students in our Hall of Fame. Find out more 4. Calling alumni in Peru Image 4. A new group for Peruvian alumni A new official group has been established for Edinburgh alumni living in Peru, and an inaugural event will take place on 19 June in Lima. All alumni in the area are invited to join in. The group on Facebook The inaugural event 5. InterConnect: a concert of new student works Image 5. Students attended workshops with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra Enjoy a special InterConnect performance by Scottish Chamber Orchestra (SCO) musicians at the Edinburgh College of Art Degree Show! Seven final-year BMus Composition students have been working alongside SCO musicians to workshop and rehearse new pieces written especially for the ensemble, and we invite you to celebrate the results of this collaboration at a concert and drinks reception on 2 June. Book your free tickets 6. Alumni to explore African links Image 6. Join other alumni to explore the University and Africa In June, the General Council will host a special event to mark the University's connections to the African continent - past, present and future. Taking place from 11am until 3pm on 15 June in McEwan Hall, the programme includes formal presentations, a panel discussion and exhibitions and will explore the University's vital and ongoing influence in Africa through its students, alumni and research. More information 7. PhD Horizons: a careers conference for PhD students Image 7. Hear from PhD graduates The Careers Service hosts an annual one-day PhD Horizons Career Conference dedicated to showcasing the breadth of career opportunities outside academia which are open to PhD graduates of the University of Edinburgh. This year's conference takes place on 17 June. More information Booking: Those who graduated up to two year ago: via MyCareerHub Those who graduated more than two years ago, email beth.munro@ed.ac.uk Get involved: If you would like to get involved and help inspire students like those at PhD Horizons, please email beth.munro@ed.ac.uk 8. PG alumni volunteers needed for Welcome Week Image 8. Could you be part of Welcome Week? Are you a recent postgraduate who would be willing to give a 5-10 minute talk to 500+ new students about your experiences at Edinburgh? Find out more 9. German event highlights strong European partnerships Image 9. European collaboration in focus Edinburgh’s important research and study links with Europe – and opportunities to strengthen them – were the focus of a high-level meeting in Berlin. Find out more and watch a film of the event 10. EUBC retain the Scottish Boat Race title Image 10. And congratulations to the Boat Club The University of Edinburgh completed a clean sweep of victories on Saturday 25 May claiming their seventh successive Scottish Boat Race title. Despite the weather, the event, which took place along a 2km stretch of the Clyde, saw hundreds of supporters from both Glasgow and Edinburgh, line bridges along the river to cheer on their respective crews. Find out more Enlightened 'Enlightened', the alumni newsletter, is delivered to email inboxes every month. You can make sure you receive yours by updating your details on the MyEd alumni portal. More information: Enlightened Publication date 22 May, 2019