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News and Current Events 2011
News and Current Events 2010
News and Current Events 2009
News and Current Events 2008
News and Current Events 2007
News and Current Events 2006
News and Current Events 2005
News and Current Events 2004
News and Current Events 2003
If you have any items for publication on the news pages please email details to: seenews@see.ed.ac.uk
Professor Harald Haas |
Prof. Harald Haas ‘LiFi’ listed among 50 Best Inventions of 2011 by Time magazine
The visible light communication (VLC) research spearheaded by Prof. H. Haas of IDCoM is listed among TIME magazine’s 50 best inventions of the year 2011. The VLC technology is all about using LED light bulbs meant for illumination to also send data simultaneously. This is achieved by subtly encoding the data on the intensity of the light in a manner that does not produce flickering. When the data in question is internet traffic, we have LiFi - a term coined by Prof. H. Haas himself when presenting his work on VLC during the TED Global Conference in the summer. The future light bulb not only acts just like the traditional wireless internet access point, but it also doubles as the illumination source. With LiFi, the world’s over 14 billion lightbulbs, implanted with an electronic chip, could all potentially be turned into internet access points. The technology is safe from all sorts of electromagnetic radiation and very secure as light has a very well defined footprint and does not penetrate through walls.
January 2012
Research Institute: IDCoM |
Members of the Scottish Science Advisory Council with First Minister Alex Salmond MSP
(Prof Underwood is on the far left of the photograph) |
First Minister Hosts a Dinner for Members of the Scottish Science Advisory Council
Professor Ian Underwood from the School of Engineering was one of the members of the Scottish Science Advisory Council attending a dinner hosted by First Minister Alex Salmond MSP in Bute House on the 8th November 2011.
The dinner provided an opportunity to discuss how best to take forward the science agenda in Scotland and how recent scientific advances can best be exploited.
Background
The Scottish Science Advisory Council (SSAC) is a body providing independent advice and recommendations on science strategy, policy
and priorities to the Scottish Government’s Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland (CSA). It is a broadly-based group, including both practitioners
and users of scientific innovation. The SSAC advises on a broad range of scientific issues and science-related policies that will contribute to
growing the economy and raising quality of life in Scotland.
December 2011
Research Institute :IMNS |
From left to right:Samual Pickard, PhD student at the University of Leeds; Ahmed Aboudheir, Chief Technology Officer for HTC, Regina; Chris Huhne, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change; Olivia Errey PhD student at the University of Edinburgh |
Launch of UK's Largest Carbon Capture Plant
The largest carbon capture pilot plant in the UK was launched 30th November at the Ferrybridge power station in Yorkshire. Known as the CCPilot 100+, the unit captures 100 tonnes of carbon dioxide per day, the equivalent of 5 megawatts of coal-fired power generation. The pilot plant, developed and constructed in just two years, is a joint venture of SSE, Doosan Power Systems, and Vattenfall, supported by DECC, the TSB and Northern Way. The University of Edinburgh is one of four universities associated with the project, and Engineering students working on carbon capture will have the opportunity to visit the plant, with some post graduate researchers spending longer periods of time on site.
The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Chris Huhne, who attended the launch, described the flagship test programme as “an important milestone in the UK’s plans to develop carbon capture and storage, and a critical bridge to meeting our long term aim of cost competitive CCS deployment by the 2020s”.
Edinburgh PhD students from Scottish Carbon Capture and Storage (SCCS) due to spend two months based at the plant met with the Energy and Climate Change Secretary at the plant to explain their research on aspects of post combustion carbon capture and discuss the importance of the real power station project data to verify small scale experiments and modelling work.
December 2011
Research Institute: IMP |
Rt Hon David Willetts, George Cunningham and the Rt Hon Lord Butler of Brockwell, Master of the Salters' Company
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George Cunningham, one of our graduates from June this year has won a prestigious Salters' Graduate Prize. These prizes are given to first class graduates in who show the potential to be future leaders.
The Salters’ Institute Annual Awards Ceremony
This prestigious annual event held at Salters’ Hall celebrates high levels of excellence within the science education sector. This year the Ceremony took place on Friday 18 November 2011.
We were very pleased to welcome the Rt. Hon. David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science who presented the Awards at the Ceremony and commented:-
“It’s been an honour to present these awards and join the Salters’ Institute in recognising the science talent we have in our schools and universities. I have been incredibly impressed by the standard of winners and hope many will go on to be leaders in the science field.”
December 2011
Research Institute: IMP |
Sir Paul Nurse at Murrayburn Primary School showing the children how he was knighted by the Queen
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VIPs from the Royal Society, including the President Sir Paul Nurse, flew in from London to visit Murrayburn Primary School to see how the Royal Society funded project “Disaster Survivor” had benefited the school. A project initiated by PhD student, Ana Vieira and Schools Liaison Officer, Dr Andrew Firth from the School of Engineering.
A year ago the school has been chosen by The Royal Society, the UK's national academy of science, to receive a Partnership Grant to fund Disaster Survivor, a new project that aimed to show the Murrayburn children the important role scientists and engineers have in a disaster situation. Constructing bio-sand filters, doing water quality testing, together with bridge and shelter building was just a few of the activities the children were involved with. Sir Paul was a big hit with the children and told them that getting a telescope as a present when he was 11 started a lifelong interest in science. He also told them that he spent some of the money from the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, which he won in 2001 with Leland H. Hartwell and R. Timothy Hunt, on a Kawasaki motor bike. |
Images of the Bing at Bogside, North Lanarkshire
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Researchers at the Universities of Edinburgh and Strathclyde have studied a burning Bing. A 30 m high waste heap at Bogside, North Lanarkshire, Scotland, started to smoulder (flameless combustion) in 2009, approximately 80 years after the closure of the pit.
Coal mining was widespread in the central belt of Scotland from 1830 until the 1970’s and created a legacy of waste heaps or ‘bings’ that still dot the landscape. High content of coal fines and carbonaceous shales, make bings very prone to self-heating and smoldering combustion.
Chemical, geotechnical and physical parameters of the Bogside Bing have been studied. A combustion front is moving from west to east along the axis of the bing at an approximate rate of 1m/month. Three well-defined zones were identified and mapped using thermal imagery and temperature probes: the undisturbed zone, the preheating plus drying zone and the combustion zone. The subsurface fire results in a detrimental effect to the vegetation and structural integrity of the heap.
October 2011
Research Institute :IIE |
Ahmed El-Rayis and Nakul Haridas co-founders of SOFANT Technologies with their award at the Convergence Challenge
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A researcher from the College of Science & Engineering at Edinburgh University has won second place in a national competition to find the best and brightest research entrepreneurs in Scotland.
At a glamorous awards dinner at Heriot-Watt University on Tuesday 27 September, and winning a prize fund worth nearly £12,000, Ahmed El-Rayis, co-founder of SOFANT Technologies, received his award from Heriot-Watt University's Principal, Professor Steve Chapman.
SOFANT Technologies has designed and patented a new smart antenna technology which will increase signal strength and reduce transmitted power by up to 90%, leading to increased battery life for smart phones and portable devices. SOFANT aims to become a world-leader in supplying green and eco-friendly wireless solutions.
Arlene Campbell, one of the Converge Challenge judges, described the company on the night as having "… significant potential for future developments. This is a great opportunity to build a very profitable business.”
October 2011
Research Institute :IMNS |
Professor Gareth Harrison |
The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE), Scotland’s National Academy, has chosen the first members of the new RSE Young Academy of Scotland, the first of its kind in the UK. Professor Gareth Harrison, Deputy Head of IES, is one of a small number of engineers among the 68 young academics, entrepreneurs and professionals chosen.
The RSE has established this Young Academy as a unique opportunity to bring together some of the most able and innovative young academics, entrepreneurs, artists and professionals in Scotland. Every year a new round of applications will be encouraged bringing in a new cohort of members. The aim of the initiative is to stimulate creative ideas and collaborative working that will help address some of the key challenges facing Scotland and contribute to solving some of the global challenges of the 21st Century.
The Young Academy will provide a platform for the best and most forward-looking people of their generation to develop for themselves a distinctive, coherent and influential “voice” to address many of the challenging issues facing society. It will provide a forum for its members to engage with talented individuals beyond their own discipline or profession.
September 2011
Research Institute: IES |
Business Secretary Vince Cable |
Business Secretary Vince Cable this week announced a £6.5 million investment into universities to deliver a new generation of engineering leaders in renewable energy was announced today. Up to 50 of the best engineering students will receive training in the UK from some of the world’s leading universities, including the University of Edinburgh, and from industry as part of a new Industrial Doctorate Centre in Offshore Renewable Energy (IDCORE).
The students will be working with some of the companies at the centre of this industry which includes world leading companies such as EDF Energy, Rolls-Royce and Shell. As part of the training they will be involved in the design, development and testing of some of the cutting edge technology in areas ranging from new wind-turbine blades to energy production from wave power in some of the UK’s foremost higher education providers.
Along with developing and strengthening their research and technical skills, the engineers involved will also work on understanding the needs of businesses in this sector and given guidance to develop entrepreneurial skills. The programme, which will begin in January 2012 will allow the graduates of this scheme to gain an Engineering Doctorate which is recognised internationally as a leading qualification in the field of renewable energy.
September 2011
Research Institute: IES
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Samuel Walpole, Rory Griffin and Gareth Herron |
Three third year chemical engineering students, Gareth Herron, Rory Griffin and Sam Walpole, made it to the final of this year’s BP’s Ultimate Field Trip challenge, a yearly team competition open to UK undergraduate students. This year students were challenged to answer the question: “What innovative, scientific ideas can you come up with to maintain the UK Continental Shelf as a global centre of marine technology and engineering excellence by extending the useful life of North Sea oil and gas infrastructure – and, potentially, the oil and gas fields – as their economically productive activity comes to an end?”
August 2011
Research Institute: IMP |
Professor Harald Haas
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Professor Harald Haas was recently invited to give a prestigious TED talk (Technology Entertainment and Design) on his new visible light communications technology.
The Harald's TED video is now available on line at : http://www.ted.com/talks/harald_haas_wireless_data_from_every_light_bulb.html. Harald gives a very compelling (non-technical) talk on visible light communications with an excellent demo.
July 2011
Research Institute: IDCoM |
Profs Steve McLaughlin, John Thompson, Mrs Connie Poor, Prof Vincent Poor and Prof Peter Grant |
On 28 June 2011 The University of Edinburgh awarded Professor H.Vincent Poor, Dean of Engineering and Applied Science, Princeton University, the Honorary degree
of Doctor of Science (DSc) in recognition of his landmark research contributions in
statistical signal processing and stochastic signal analysis and their applications in wireless networking, finance and related fields.
July 2011
Research Institute: IDCoM |
d
Dr Guillermo Rein with the Fire Service
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The unusual warn and sunny weather spell that we have been enjoying recently over most of the UK has unfortunately led to an intensification of wildfires.
Because of the sudden media attention on the topic, on 4 May I was interview by BBC Radio Wales about wildfire dynamics. You can listen to the audio here. Minutes after, I was interviewed by Nick Ferrari in LBC Radio (97.3).
June 2011
Research Institute: IIE |
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Edinburgh University students develop an innovative technology to address Malawi’s water security challenges
Over the past thirty years, much time, money and effort has been spent trying to increase access to safe drinking water in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the inappropriate use of technology and lack of community involvement means that much of this money is being wasted. Over a third of the rural water pumps in sub-Saharan Africa are in a state of disrepair because the communities have not been given the training and/or can not afford or locate spare parts to perform the maintenance.
June 2011
Research Institute: IIE |
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Congratulations to Magdalen Berns, a 2nd year undergraduate in the discipline of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, who has won the silver medal at the Scottish Amateur Open Boxing Championship earlier this year.
April 2011 |
Mr Henry F Jeffrey |
The UK is to lead a new pan-European research project to accelerate the development of marine renewable energy, announced by the European Energy Research Alliance (EERA). The EERA Joint Programme in Marine Renewable Energy, will be set up by the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC), and will bring together leading European researchers to support the development of the emerging marine renewable energy sector. The Marine joint programme is first EERA initiative to be led by the UK.
The joint research partnership, developed and led by Supergen Marine and UKERC, involves researchers from the University of Edinburgh (UK), Wave Energy Centre (Portugal), Tecnalia (Spain), HMRC (Ireland), SINTEF/MARINTEK (Norway), IFREMER (France), Fraunhofer IWES (Germany) and ENEA (Italy). UKERC member Henry Jeffrey, a senior researcher based at the University of Edinburgh will lead the project.
April 2011
Research Institute: IES
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Pictured is Rob Hasting from Shell, meeting the team and receiving a Force Edinburgh racing t-shirt |
Force Edinburgh Racing officially became the University of Edinburgh’s first ever Formula Student team after receiving a cheque from one of the team’s sponsors, Shell, to compete in this year’s competition.
The student competition held each year at the prestigious Silverstone circuit, is hosted by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers and attracts entries from universities all over the World. The competition is described as a “breeding ground for world class engineers” and Stephen Warrington, Head of the Discipline of Mechanical Engineering in the School of Engineering is delighted that students from the university have decided to take part. “This is an interesting and challenging project that will test their team working, financial, and project management skills as much as their engineering expertise.”
March 2011 |
Professor Ian Bryden |
Congratulations to Professor Ian Bryden and our Head of College, Professor Nigel Brown, who have been elected as Fellows of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
Both are extremely well-deserved award, recognising contributions to both science and engineering and to leadership of major scientific and engineering activities.
" My principal research interests relate to the artificial extraction of energy from the sea. Most recently this has been directed towards tidal current power, with a particular emphasis on the interactions between the extraction process, the technology and the resource itself. Presently I am Management lead for the multi-institutional EPSRC funded Supergen marine research consortium as well as principal investigator in other projects funded by the Department of Trade and Industry. Outside of the University I am a non-executive director of the European marine Energy Centre (EMEC) and the only only academic member of the Scottish Government Forum for Renewable Energy Development in Scotland (FREDS)."
March 2011
Research Institute: IES
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Mairead Kelly
Story with the kind permission of beea (British Engineering Excellence Awards) |
Mairead Kelly, a former student of the School of Engineering, has been named Young Engineer of the Year by beea (British Engineering Excellence Awards).
The Judges wanted to see a demonstration of the knowledge which the young engineer has had to apply; the contribution made to a project; the degree of innovation applied and the nominee’s personal qualities, including their motivation, dedication and ability to act as an ambassador for their discipline.
From the Head of School
"Our graduates' success is always a source of great satisfaction. It's especially heartening to see our alumni succeeding at this high level in areas of work that we would regard as our specialities (in Mairead's case, analogue design).
Mairead was one of our most able students and she has gone on to show that her abilities are not simply academic. Well done, your old School is bursting with pride!."
February 2011 |
The fluoride removal team in front of the Bongo field laboratory in Ghana: Jenny Gilbertson, Marie Weckert, Ime Akanyeti, Faustina Atipoka, Profs Bryce Richards, Francis Momade and Andrea Schäfer as well as junior trainees Moana, Tane & Riko (Helen Cope joined the team later) |
Water supplies in West African villages could be made safer to drink, thanks to a project by environmental engineers.
Researchers are to travel to Ghana to test a sustainable technique for lowering dangerously high levels of fluoride and other contaminants in domestic water supplies.
Engineers will add local clay to samples of water, in which it will combine with fluoride to form particles that can be removed by membrane filtration. The filtering process also helps eliminate harmful water-borne viruses and can be powered by renewable energy.
Researchers from the Universities of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt hope the technique can be used to lower the consumption of fluoride among the population. Excess fluoride can lead to serious health problems, including dental fluorosis and the potentially crippling bone disease skeletal fluorosis.
February 2011
Research Institute: IIE |
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