Bulletin schedule update
This is our last Bulletin issue before the University’s winter break.
The Bulletin team would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy holiday and we hope you all have a restful break.
We’ll resume our regular fortnightly schedule in the new year, with our next issue planned for Tuesday 18 January 2022. As always if you have any suggestions for stories please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at bulletin@ed.ac.uk.
For more information on the 2021 festive period, visit the University website.
Features
In-depth stories and longer reads
Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts
Reading time: 5 minutes In the last issue of Bulletin, we shared a number of student societies helping to feed the community, but of course, it’s not just our students who are involved in this vital work.
Read more "Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts"
Christmas in the collections
Reading time: 4 minutes In acknowledgment of the upcoming winter break, the experts at the Centre for Research Collections (CRC) take a look at some unusual items with a Christmas theme or connection.
Read more "Christmas in the collections"
Celebrate 100 Ideas at King’s Buildings
Reading time: 3 minutes In 1919, the University purchased West Mains Farm for the relocation and expansion of its science departments. King George V laid the foundation stone for the first building; the Department of Chemistry, in July 1920, and so began the life of King's Buildings.
Read more "Celebrate 100 Ideas at King’s Buildings"
You can’t be what you can’t see: growing science literacy
Reading time: 7 minutes University experts are helping school pupils critically engage with the climate crisis through science outreach linked to COP26.
Read more "You can’t be what you can’t see: growing science literacy"
Need to know – 14 December
Top updates from across the University.
1. More Town Hall answers available
Following the all staff Q&A session last month, hosted by the Principal and other members of the Senior Leadership Team, more responses to live questions from the event have now been published. You can find them on the Academic Year Planning 2021/22 SharePoint site.
2. Coronavirus updates
The Scottish Government continues to monitor the emergence and spread of the new Omicron variant of Covid-19, with an update expected today from First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon. The University will continue to follow Scottish Government guidelines through the winter to keep our community safe. For the most up to date information on the latest guidance, check the What you need to know (WYNTK) SharePoint site, which will be regularly updated: WYNTK SharePoint.
3. Industrial action continues
You will be aware that industrial action is already underway, with the first round of strike action having taken place and continuous Action Short of a Strike taking place from 1 December. UNISON is also now balloting its members on strike action, in a ballot which opened on Monday 6 December until 10am Friday 28 January.
Information and support for staff is available below, whether you are choosing to take part in the industrial action or are looking for further information on how this may affect University operations: Industrial Action 2021.
Community corner
Sharing highlights and news
One regret, one hope with Tom Lea
Reading time: 4 minutes In this series, Professor Mona Siddiqui, Assistant Principal Religion and Society, chats to members of our community to find out more about them. Each fortnight she’ll be asking, what is the one regret that has shaped their past, and what is their one hope for the future.
Read more "One regret, one hope with Tom Lea"
More staff counselling available through EAP
Reading time: 2 minutes A new Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is now available for all staff as well as staff partners and dependents who are living in the same household aged 18 and over.
Read more "More staff counselling available through EAP"
Volunteer for PairED Up
Reading time: < 1 minute Last year over the winter break, lockdowns across the world meant people were isolated from their friends and families across the country.
Read more "Volunteer for PairED Up"
Learning and Teaching Conference 2022
Reading time: 3 minutes The University’s popular Learning and Teaching Conference will return in June 2022, with the theme Shaping our Futures.
Read more "Learning and Teaching Conference 2022"
Appy now to the EIE Investor Readiness Programme
Reading time: < 1 minute The EIE Investor Readiness Programme is an intensive preparation for start-up and scale-up founders and leaders, providing training worth more than £14,000.
Read more "Appy now to the EIE Investor Readiness Programme"
Edinburgh Winter Run returns
Reading time: 2 minutes Saturday 15th January will see the return of the popular Edinburgh Winter Run.
Read more "Edinburgh Winter Run returns"
Celebrating colleagues
Recognising your achievements
A starring role for catering
Reading time: 2 minutes The University's Accommodation, Catering and Events teams have recently achieved a three-star rating from the Sustainable Restaurant Association’s Food Made Good initiative, the only University in Scotland to do so.
Read more "A starring role for catering"
Celebrating our colleagues – 14 December
Reading time: < 1 minute Each fortnight, bulletin highlights and celebrates the latest prizes awarded to our fellow staff members. Congratulations to all involved.
Read more "Celebrating our colleagues – 14 December"
2021 Chancellor’s winners announced
Reading time: 3 minutes The University has honoured four staff members with Chancellor’s Awards for their teaching and research excellence and outstanding contribution.
Read more "2021 Chancellor’s winners announced"
2021 Principal’s Medals awarded
Reading time: 3 minutes Five members of staff and the TestEd Team have been named as winners of the 2021 Principal's Medals.
Read more "2021 Principal’s Medals awarded"