Our alumni-oriented round-up of news, events and opportunities for August 2018, updated throughout the month. 1. Weekend of celebrations for Engineering Image 1. The School of Engineering is having a celebration 2018 is a special year for the School of Engineering as it marks 150 years since Queen Victoria bestowed the first Regius Chair of Engineering in the UK to the University of Edinburgh. To celebrate, alumni are being invited to a weekend of events on 5-7 October 2018 to celebrate the achievements, innovations and people that have contributed to the School's history, and to discover the exciting developments taking place today. And you don't have to have to studied at the School to join in: the highlight of the weekend will be a special dinner at Our Dynamic Earth for all alumni and friends. Find out more about the celebrations or email alumni.eng@ed.ac.uk 2. Sir Malcolm Rifkind in the Playfair Image 2. Sir Malcolm Rifkind will discuss China's place in the world The University will welcome Sir Malcolm Rifkind to Edinburgh on 4 October when he will present 'China: The New Superpower?’ at the Playfair Library. A graduate of the University, Sir Malcolm was one of only four ministers to serve throughout the whole premierships of both Margaret Thatcher and John Major, and served as UK representative on the Commonwealth Eminent Persons Group 2010-2011. He was also chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament, which provides oversight of the UK’s intelligence agencies, from 2010-15, and is currently a member of the OSCE’s Eminent Persons Group, which will report on relations between Russia and the West. Follow the link to book your place, using the code ALUMNI to claim free tickets. Book your free place 3. Scottish Varsity Match Image 3. An ancient rivalry will be revived at Murrayfield The much-anticipated Royal Bank of Scotland Scottish Rugby Varsity Matches 2018 will take place at BT Murrayfield on Saturday 22 September from 2.45pm. The event, which sees the men’s and ladies' first teams from the University of Edinburgh and the University of St Andrews play out their ancient rivalry, is a brilliant community event and alumni are encouraged to come and along and cheer for the Edinburgh team. Find out more (external) 4. Boost for brain tumour research Image 4. A boost for cancer esearch Cancer experts at Edinburgh have received £1.5 million for research to better understand brain tumours. The investment from Cancer Research UK will fund a new Centre of Excellence to help find new treatments for both childhood and adult brain tumours. Find out more In depth: A revolution in cancer research 5. The state of digital transformation Image 5. A masterclass will explore how to cope in the digital age Ahead of his masterclass on Digital Leadership (4 October in the University's Business School, George Square), Dr Jim Hamill, director of Future Digital Leaders, has written a blog discussing the challenges that companies and their personnel face in the age of digital transformation. Read Jim's blog on LinkedIn The masterclass 6. James Tait Black Prizes awarded Image 6. Tanika Gupta wins the James Tait Black Prize for Drama Acclaimed authors Craig Brown and Eley Williams join the illustrious list of authors who have won the James Tait Black Prizes, awarded annually by the University, while Tanika Gupta’s Lions and Tigers is the sixth play to win the James Tait Black Prize for Drama. Literary duo join oldest book prizes’ hall of fame Powerful play scoops drama prize 7. First alumni event for Singapore Image 7. Alumni will gather in Singapore The University will host an alumni reception to celebrate the first year of the Southeast Asia Office in Singapore on Monday 10 September. As part of the event, Professor Charlie Jeffery give an update on the latest developments at the University, including the new Edinburgh Futures Institute. More information 8. Scans cut heart attack rates and save lives Image 8. Encouraging new research for heart health Our first pick of this month's top research news suggests that heart scans for patients with chest pains could save thousands of lives in the UK. Find out more about the study 9. Great Barrier Reef coral bleaching on the rise Image 9. Coral is threatened by bleaching Over in the School of GeoSciences, researchers have found that coral bleaching across Australia’s Great Barrier Reef has been increasing since the late 18th century, and may threaten its long-term survival. More about this threat to the ecosystem 10. Calling all thrill seekers Image 10. Zorbing in the Pentland Hills Fancy an adrenaline rush while raising money for a good cause? They why not register for our zorbing challenge in the Pentlands on 8 September? More about zorbing and how to register Enlightened Be sure to receive Enlightened - the alumni newsletter - in your email inbox every month by updating your details on the MyEd alumni portal. More information: Enlightened Publication date 16 Aug, 2018
