Public Lectures and Events at Queen Margaret - Archive


Public Lectures Archives

Edinburgh Lectures Archives


PUBLIC LECTURES ARCHIVES

To watch recordings of all past Professorial Lectures click on the link below

Professional Lectures Recordings here

THE DEATH AND REBIRTH OF TOURISM IN THE 21 ST CENTURY
(By: Professor Brian Hay, BSc, MSc, PhD, MTS, Visiting Professor, School of Arts, Social Sciences and Management)

As much a personal as a professional life journey, Brian explored the changing nature of tourism, and suggested that the increasing expectations placed on tourism have resulted in it losing its focus. Through an exploration of future trends, he challenged the existing tourism narratives by painting a picture of a new tourism model for the 21st century.

When: Tuesday 24 April 2012, 5.30pm for 6pm start
Where: Halle Lecture Theatre 3148, Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh, EH21 6UU

Powerpoint of Brian Hay's lecture (52.7MB.ppt)
View text version resume

‘PATIENT HEAL THYSELF’ – A NEW LANDSCAPE FOR DELIVERY OF HEALTH CARE IN CHRONIC DISEASE
(By: Professor Rosemary Richardson, Dip. Diet, MSc, PhD, Honorary Professor, School of Health Sciences)

The ageing demographic time-bomb, combined with an environment that demands a relentless focus on reducing costs, has acted as a catalyst for change in the management of chronic disease. Adopting an appropriate package of evidenced based system reforms, which include patient self-management, has the potential to improve outcomes and infer cost savings. Reflecting on personal engagement with this agenda, this lecture charted the improvement journey of one service which others may replicate, adapt or criticise.

When: Wednesday 22 February 2012, 5.30pm for 6pm start
Where: Halle Lecture Theatre 3148, Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh, EH21 6UU

Powerpoint of Rosemary Richardson's lecture (27MB.ppt)
View text version resume

Film of Rosemary Richardon's lecture



‘WHAT ARE UNIVERSITIES (FOR)?’
(By Petra Wend, PhD, FRSA, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh)

Where do universities come from, how have they developed over the years and what are they really for?

The last few centuries have witnessed much change in the shape and purpose of universities. In Britain, the last decades, and particularly recent years, have seen the university at the centre of political debate, with far reaching consequences.

This lecture guided us through the history of universities throughout the world. It concentrated on the modern role of universities in Britain, exploring their purpose, and the way they are managed and financed.

During the lecture, Professor Wend drew on her research background in institutional strategies that underpin successful leadership, enhance the student experience and influence university performance indicators. She provided insights from her experience in the senior management teams at Queen Margaret, Middlesex, Oxford Brookes and London Metropolitan Universities - all of which have undergone substantial change - as well as her roles within relevant UK and international committees and boards.

When: Monday 24th October 2011, 5.30pm for 6pm
Where: Royal College of Physicians, Queen Mother Conference Centre, 9 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JQ

Petra Wend - Text of Lecture (pdf)

Powerpoint of Petra Wend's lecture (1.94MB.ppt)
View text version resume

Film of Petra Wend's lecture
Apple Mac Version (m4v)

NURSING SHORTAGES AREN’T WHAT THEY USED TO BE
(By Jim Buchan, MA (hons) Phd DPM, Professor School of Health Sciences)

The focus of this lecture was on historical trends and recent experiences of shortages of nursing staff, in the UK and internationally. Professor Buchan looked at the international policy solutions that have been tried, and considered what the NHS funding constraints of the next few years will mean for the UK nursing workforce.

When: Tuesday 15 March 2011, 5.30pm for 6pm
Where: The Halle Lecture Theatre 3148, QMU

Powerpoint of Jim Buchan's lecture (1.48MB.ppt)
View text version resume

Film of Jim Buchan's lecture

ALCOHOL: DIETARY ENHANCER, CRAFTY DRUG
(By Jonathan Chick, Consultant Psychiatrist, and Honorary Professor, School of Health Sciences)

Alcohol, a tiny molecule, predated mammalian existence. It is ubiquitous. Creatures that adapted to it did well, but still today genetic variation can compromise that adaptation; industrial mass production is the other challenge.  We know how humans can maximise its good effects and quite a lot about how to minimise its toxicity, so where next?

When: Tuesday 22 February 2011, 5.30pm for 6pm
Where: The Halle Lecture Theatre 3148, QMU

Powerpoint of Jonathan Chick's lecture (3.47MB.ppt)
View text version resume

Film of Jonathon Chick's lecture

TRANSLATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP….A WAY FORWARD?
(By Kirsty Forsyth, Professor of Health Sciences)

National policies advocate a collective responsibility (including practitioners, managers, educators and researchers) for developing knowledge-based health & social care services. This includes using research knowledge in the development of new practice, and the understanding of existing practice.

It has been argued that this agenda has been hampered by a lack of partnership between academia and practice. A Translational Scholarship framework is, therefore, needed which promotes both a) academic knowledge influencing practice and b) practice knowledge influencing academia. New knowledge that is created through such a framework delivers significant added value for both the academic and practice settings.

This presentation reviewed these issues through the use of illustrative national and international examples.

When: Tuesday 4 May 2010, 5.30pm for 6pm
Where: The Halle Lecture Theatre (3148), QMU

PLANNED EVENTS AND THE NEXT ENLIGHTENMENT
(By Joe Goldblatt, Professor and Executive Director, The International Centre for the Study of Planned Events)

Throughout human history, planned events ranging from small gatherings to mega events such as London 2012 and Glasgow 2014 have served and will serve as the petri dish that often advances society.

Professor Goldblatt discussed his thirty years of research in the field of planned events that includes ethnographic studies with the Batwa Pygmies of Uganda and the aboriginal people of Australia. He described how planned events such as meetings, exhibitions, sports events and the homecoming celebrations in Scotland were indeed a new frontier for the next generation.

Finally, he concluded his presentation by providing for the first time, a new model developed in Scotland for linking every event to promote societal benefits in health, education, social cohesion, wealth and the environment. The talk was illustrated with dozens of photographs taken by Professor Goldblatt during his journey to many of the world’s most spectacular events including the Olympic Games, the Super Bowl, Carnival in Rio and many others.

When: Tuesday 9 March 2010, 5.30pm for 6pm
Where: The Halle Lecture Theatre (3148), QMU

View text version resume(1.30KB.txt)

Film of Professor Joe Goldblatt's Lecture (wmv)

PERIPHERAL REGULATION OF FOOD INTAKE: PROVIDING A SENSE OF PROPORTION OR JUST A GUT FEELING?
(By Isobel Davidson, Professor, Dietetics, Nutrition & Biological Sciences)

Our ability to taste influences our acceptance and liking for food and as such has been described as the nutritional gatekeeper. A significant genetic component exists in taste sensitivity for the bitter primary taste. This dictates preference for antioxidant rich foods such as fruit and vegetables which provide protection against oxidative stress and the development and progression of disease.

Our gut senses also influence intake of food by inducing a state of fullness and stop us eating. Pathways stimulated by the type and composition of food in the gut influence eating behaviour and regulate energy intake. Genetic influences and impact of disease states on peripheral regulation of food and nutrient intake were discussed.

When: Tuesday 26 January 2010, 5.30pm for 6pm
Where: The Halle Lecture Theatre (3148), QMU

View text version resume(1KB.txt)

Film of Isobel Davidson's lecture

SUBTLE, EXOTIC, AND MYSTERIOUS: SCOTTISH ACCENTS AND THEIR VALUE TO SPEECH SCIENCE
(By James Scobbie, Professor of Speech Science)

In Linguistics, the way your neighbours talk can be as surprising and theoretically important as any source of data. This talk exemplified the techniques which literally let us look into the mouths of speakers. Ultrasound, for example, reveals the way in which some Scottish speakers produce a covert articulation of a word-final "r" consonant. This and other phenomena provide a fascinating insight into the complex dance of articulation. Its fine control structures and social variability reveal the complexity of "normal" pronunciation.

When: Monday 27 April 2009, 5.30pm for 6pm
Where: Royal Society of Edinburgh, 22-26 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2PQ

PDF of James Scobbie's lecture (2625KB.pdf)
View text version resume(1KB.txt)

Film of James Scobbie's lecture

ACCOUNTABILITY: ENABLER OR INHIBITOR OF INNOVATION IN SCOTTISH PUBLIC SERVICES?
(by Eddie Frizzell, Professor of Public Service Management)

What are the key elements of public sector reform in devolved Scotland? What does risk taking mean in public services, and can it ever match the reform rhetoric? What contribution does risk management make to the reform agenda? Is public accountability an enabler of, or an obstacle to, risk taking and reform?

Focusing on central government services, Eddie Frizzell reviewed the public sector reform agenda since 1999, and asked whether developments in public accountability will help or hinder further reform.

When: Tuesday 17 March 2009, 5.30pm for 6pm
Where: Lecture Theatre 3148, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh ’s new campus at Craighall, EH21 6UU

Powerpoint of Eddie Frizzell's lecture(992KB.ppt)
View text version resume(1KB.txt)

Film of Eddie Frizzell's lecture

IF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY REALLY IS THE “BEST BUY” FOR PUBLIC HEALTH,
WHY DO SO FEW “BUY IT”?
(by Tom Mercer, Professor of Clinical Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation, School of Health Sciences)

What are the actual health benefits of a physically active lifestyle? How much do I need to do? What is the least amount I can get away with? Why should I follow guidelines? Which guidelines should I follow?

In this lecture, Tom Mercer considered why so few people actually adopt and/or maintain a physically active lifestyle and explored whether “established” exercise/physical activity promotion recommendations are a help or a hindrance.

When: Wednesday 14 January 2009, 5.30pm for 6pm
Where: Lecture Theatre 3148, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh ’s new campus at Craighall, EH21 6UU

View text version resume(1KB.txt)

Film of Tom Mercer's lecture

CHANGING SCOTLAND – CAN CREATIVITY AND COMMON SENSE PREVAIL?
(By Susan Deacon, Professor of Social Change)

How can we lead and influence in an uncertain and rapidly changing globalised world? Are we using time, energy and public money wisely? Do more data and measurement mean a better society? Can we move beyond silos and specialisation? What more can be done to prepare the next generation for the future?

In this lecture, Susan Deacon critically assessed aspects of politics, policy and decision making in Scotland and argued that it is time to develop a more creative and common sense approach.

When: Tuesday 4 November 2008, 5.30pm for 6pm
Where: Royal Society of Edinburgh, 22-26 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2PQ

View text version resume (2KB.txt)

Film of Susan Deacon's lecture

COMPLEXITY, CHOICE AND IGNORANCE: PUBLIC SERVICES MANAGEMENT IN SCOTLAND
(By Professor Mike Donnelly, Dean of the School of Business, Enterprise and Management)

This lecture critiqued the roles, purposes and functions of public services and the historical success public sector managers have had in delivering top quality services for the Scottish public under different political regimes. It described the current context of public services management which is now characterised by complexity, choice and ignorance.
Complexity arising from (amongst other things) partnerships and collaborative working, emerging technologies and the diversity of service stakeholders;

Choice in terms of changing/conflicting priorities, options appraisal and the current focus on citizens as 'customers';

Ignorance on the part of customers, providers, commissioners and politicians about the changing need for and availability, performance and governance of public services.
This lecture outlined propositions to analyse and help cope with this complexity, and to develop the competencies needed by future public service managers and leaders.

When: Tuesday 18 March 2008, 5.30pm for 6pm
Where: Lecture Theatre 3148, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh ’s new campus at Craighall, EH21 6UU

OUT OF THE SHADOWS, IN FROM THE COLD: THEATRE IN SCOTLAND'S NATIONAL LIFE SINCE 1970.
(By Professor Joyce McMillan, Visting Professor in the School Drama and the Creative Industries)

A public lecture by Professor Joyce McMillan, Visiting Professor in the School of Drama and Creative Industries

The coming of the National Theatre of Scotland - which celebrates its second birthday in February 2008 - marks a key moment of change in the relationship between theatre and public life in Scotland.
In her professorial lecture, Visiting Professor and Scotsman and theatre critic Joyce McMillan drew on 30 years experience of thinking and writing about theatre and society in Scotland to reflect on the major cultural shifts that made this development possible, on the achievements of the NTS in its first two years, on what these changes mean for theatre artists, funders, and educators in Scotland, and on how they relate to the evolving global debate on culture, creativity and identity, at a time of unprecedented political crisis and opportunity in these areas.

When: 14 January 2008, 5.30pm for 6pm
Where: The Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh

EXPLORING SPEECH IN SPACE AND TIME
IMAGING TECHNOLOGY AND THE TREATMENT OF SPEECH DISORDERS
(Fiona Gibbon, Professor of Speech and Language Therapy)

Over 2.5 million people in the UK have a speech disorder that significantly affects their everyday life. This lecture shows how new approaches to imaging speech have been developed to improve the diagnosis and treatment of children and adults with speech disorders. The techniques include: computer-based tools for measuring speech production; state-of-the-art telematic technology and treatment using visual feedback of tongue movements.

When: Wednesday 21 March 2007

EXERCISE CAN SERIOUSLY IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH: FACT OR FICTION
(Professor Marie Donaghy)

Developments in science and medicine in the last century provide useful explanations as to why being physically active is healthy and improving fitness can assist in reducing the risk of cardiac disease, diabetes and stroke. More recently physical activity has been linked to mental wellbeing. However the explanations as to why exercise makes us feel good are still being explored. Professor Donaghy will look at the impact of exercise in the treatment of people with mental health problems, alcohol and drug addictions, providing an insight into the interactions between physical activity, mood, self esteem and subsequent behaviour.    

» Audio recording of Professor Donaghy's lecture

» A textual synopsis of this lecture is also available

When: Wednesday 21 February 2007

GROWING UP TALKING IN THE ASBO AGE
VULNERABILITY and CHANGE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN'S LANGUAGE
(Professor James Law)

An increase in the deterioration of oral language in school and the declining communication skills in school leavers, is becoming a cause for public concern for both employers, society and the individual, who face a lack of literacy, behaviour and socialisation skills. Professor Law will look at the way that children have been identified and treated, how this has changed over the years and the extent to which this reflects society’s changing expectations about childhood. This lecture is the first in the 2006/7 series of the Queen Margaret Professorial Lectures. Offering fresh angles on topics of relevance to a wide audience, these lectures are all open to the public.

» Audio visual recording of Professor Law's lecture

When: Wednesday 22 November 2006

GROWING OLD: STAYING YOUNG
(Dr Joan Bakewell, CBE)

An increase in the deterioration of oral language in school and the declining communication skills in school leavers, is becoming a cause for public concern for both employers, society and the individual, who face a lack of literacy, behaviour and socialisation skills. Professor Law will look at the way that children have been identified and treated, how this has changed over the years and the extent to which this reflects society’s changing expectations about childhood. This lecture is the first in the 2006/7 series of the Queen Margaret Professorial Lectures. Offering fresh angles on topics of relevance to a wide audience, these lectures are all open to the public.

» Audio recording of Dr Joan Bakewell's lecture

» A textual summary of this lecture is also available

When: Thursday 19 October 2006

HEALTH SYSTEMS RESEARCH IN LOW INCOME COUNTRIES: OF ROBOTS, ANGELS and REFLECTIVE HUMAN BEINGS
(Professor Barbara McPake)

Health systems research generates new knowledge to improve health service provision. The notion that simple solutions to health systems problems are waiting to be discovered relies on the idea that those implementing policy are ‘robots’ (that do whatever they are told) or ‘angels’ (that always serve the greater good). In contrast, Professor McPake will show how effective health systems research in low income countries is based on the idea that implementers are human beings who respond to incentives and social and psychological features of their environment.

» Audio recording of Professor McPake's lecture

When: Wednesday 17 May 2006

THE DEATH OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT: MURDER, SUICIDE or NEGLECT?
(By Professor Richard Kerley)

Negative media coverage of local government in the media may feed tension between the Scottish Executive and local government. Local government leaders argue that they are required to provide new services with inadequate central government financial support. Citizens, meanwhile, seem critical of levels of public expenditure but demand improved public services. This lecture will examine the complexities of these debates and consider whether Scottish local government is now in its death throes.

» Audio recording of Professor Kerley's lecture

» A textual summary of this lecture is also available

When: Wednesday 26 April 2006

CREATING NEW THEATRE FOR THE WORLD: NEW THEATRE FOR A GLOBAL AGE
(Professor Jo Clifford)

» Audio recording of Professor Clifford's lecture

» A textual synopsis of this lecture is also available (pdf 59 KB)

When: Monday 20 March 2006

ANDREW MOONEY, CHAIRMAN OF DISNEY CONSUMER PRODUCTS

Queen Margaret University was delighted to have welcomed Andrew Mooney, Chairman of Disney Consumer Products, to deliver a lecture on campus on Tuesday 11th November at 5.30pm. Andy is originally from West Lothian and Queen Margaret University awarded him an honorary degree at graduation the following day.

Andy oversees the worldwide day-to-day operations of Disney Consumer Products, which extends the Disney entertainment experience to a broad selection of merchandise through several business lines: Disney Toys, Disney Softlines, Disney Hardlines, Disney Publishing, Buena Vista Games, Baby Einstein and The Disney Store. The Princesses line is currently valued at $3.4 billion retail sales worldwide.

His lecture will focused on the turnround he has achieved at Disney since his appointment and he also agreed to take questions afterwards.

Immediately prior to joining Disney, Andy Mooney was chief marketing officer and head of Nike's $3 billion Global Apparel organization with additional responsibilities for worldwide marketing strategies for the Nike and Jordan brands. He led the reorganization of Nike's brand marketing activities and introduced new advertising strategies.

This was a unique opportunity to hear from one of the world's most successful businessmen and to learn more about the Disney experience.

When: Tuesday 11th November 2009 at 5.30pm
Where: Lecture Theatre 3148, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh ’s new campus at Craighall, EH21 6UU

http://erc.qmu.ac.uk/video/professorial_lecture_isobel_davidson.m4v Film of Andrew Mooney's Lecture
View text version resume (2KB.txt)

THE EDINBURGH LECTURES SERIES ARCHIVES

The Edinburgh Lectures Series - 2010/2012
Extraordinary Feats: Extraordinary People

‘The Power of Opportunity’, by Dr Olivia Giles, OBE

Until 2002, Olivia Giles was a commercial property partner with Scottish law firm, Maclay Murray & Spens. That year, she contracted meningitis resulting in both of her lower legs and lower arms having to be amputated.

Since her illness, Olivia has given presentations on different subjects but has mainly concentrated on talking about her life-changing circumstances, as well as patient centred care in healthcare. Olivia has served on the board of the National Centre for Prosthetics and Orthotics and on the Education Committee of the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics. She currently serves on the lay advisory committee of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.

Lecture title: ‘ The power of opportunity’
Being woken out of a coma to be told that your hands and feet have been amputated may sound horrific, never mind life limiting. For Olivia, it was life changing, however, it was also life enhancing. It brought new opportunities, in particular, the chance to reflect on the potential and capacity of ordinary people, such as herself, to achieve extraordinary feats when they have to - or really want to.

Olivia explained how, as a result of her own experience, her perspective on life’s opportunities has changed. Her theory is that being alive and receptive to the opportunities that present themselves in every day life, is the first step to finding the courage to grasp them and the stamina to deliver on them.  

When: Monday 12th March 2012
Time: 6pm
Where: Edinburgh Storytelling Centre, 43 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR

The Edinburgh Lectures Series - 2010/2011
Taking Cities

‘Never Let the Facts Get in The Way of a Good Story: Memory, History, Authenticity and Truth’ with guest speaker, Andy Brydon.

Andy Brydon is a curator and creative producer specialising in explorations of contemporary urban cultures that challenge the traditional museum. His hands-on, immersive approach straddles the void between curator, storyteller and artist, delving into all aspects of popular culture including music, film, photography and gardening. He is responsible for the exhibitions Haçienda 25: Fac491, HomeGrown: The Story of UK Hip Hop, and Reality Hack: Hidden Manchester with Andrew Brooks.

Andy writes of his lecture: "Memory is a curious creature.  It is at once a product of the past, reliant upon previous events or experiences, and yet temporally only present in the moment it is conjured.  It is considered privileged over detached cademic histories, because of the immediacy and authority of lived experience, and yet for its sustenance is inextricably reliant on the archives it derides."

In his lecture, he will explore how the people in cities create their memories, at once embedded in the past and yet lived, and living, in the present.  Looking to tease out the tensions between history, memory, truth and identity, Brydon will examine images of Edinburgh presented in film and literature, draw on the stories he has collected from British urban subcultures and consider the art he produces with photographer Andrew Brooks which is part of their current project Edinburgh: Secret City being previewed at the event.

When: Thursday 24th March 2011
Time: 6pm
Where: The Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR

The Edinburgh Lectures Series - 2009/2010
Creating Scotland on Film

Presented by Hannah McGill, Director of the Edinburgh International Film Festival

QMU is delighted to present Creating Scotland on Film with guest speaker, Hannah McGill, Director of the Edinburgh International Film Festival. This lecture was chaired by Dr Richard Butt, Head of Communication, Media & Sociology at QMU.

This lecture examined the two-way relationship between the arts, particularly film, and the concept of Scottish ‘national identity’ – questioning, primarily, whether creativity is hampered by the search for a definition of ‘Scottishness’ and the debate over how the nation represents itself.

Film is not only a product of shared notions of nationhood: it also helps in establishing them, and feeds them thereafter. The image of ‘Scottishness’ portrayed onscreen is therefore a complicated creation: does film channel express existing traits and tropes, or does it construct them? And how does this ambiguity relate to a more general instability in Scottish national identity?

As Scottish arts funding is reconfigured, with film being absorbed along with other art forms into the remit of Creative Scotland, these questions were fed into an analysis of how the Scottish film scene might now choose to define and develop itself.

When: Wednesday 9 December 2009, 6.30pm
Where: The Filmhouse, 88 Lothian Road, Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Lectures Series - 2008/2009

It's not all black and white
A lecture on the giant panda

The giant panda (Aliurapoda melanoleuca) elicits strong emotions from people around the world. Its image pulls on the heartstrings and the fragility of its existence in the mountainous bamboo forests of Sichuan province in China make it one of the most endangered species in the world. Only 1600 are thought to be left in the wild although the recent earthquake has put even that low number in doubt.
Because of this the Chinese government manages a substantial international programme for the conservation of giant pandas. Research into natural habitat restoration and both wild and captive populations are key areas of this programme. Recent success in artificial breeding has resulted in increased numbers of giant pandas to form a sound basis for future research and reintroductions to the wild.
For the Chinese nation the giant panda is an iconic image. It is not ‘just another animal’. The gift of giant pandas to zoos outside China is a rare and important event, symbolic of friendship between the governments of the two countries. There must be a firm foundation of co-operation and understanding before such a gift is made.
There has been a long history of scientific co-operation between Scotland and China and by Edinburgh institutions in particular. The growth of China’s influence on the world in the 21st century is accepted as fact. Conservation, global warming, biodiversity loss are also key issues for the 21st century and so it is important that the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland contributes to research in these areas. The arrival of giant pandas at Edinburgh Zoo will form a basis for this and for its interpretation to the public of Scotland and the rest of the UK.

When: Friday 27 March 2009, 1.30pm
Where:The Hub, Castlehill
Speakers: David Windmill, Iain Valentine and Stephen Woodllard
Chair: Professor Alan Gilloran