22 Feb 2018
Study uncovers literacy challenge among teenagers due to lack of reading focus in secondary school
Reading habits of 29,524 Scottish young people analysed Secondary school pupils still lag behind primary in reading in relative terms David Walliams and Jeff Kinney among Scotland’s most-read authors, while Roald Dahl’s classics retain their popularity A UK-wide study of children’s reading habits has found that Scottish secondary school pupils, like their peers in other countries, are not reading challenging enough books. The What Kids are Reading Report, analysed by the University of Dundee’s Professor Keith Topping, was written using data compiled by literacy and a...
21 Feb 2018
Aerial photos reveal alpine climate change
New photographs from a researcher at the University of Dundee have revealed a huge reduction of glacier ice in the Alps, putting into stark focus the effect of climate change in the region. Kieran Baxter from the University’s Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design (DJCAD) took the photos in mid-air, from the exact elevation that 20th century balloonist Eduard Spelterini took his famous alpine photographs in 1909. This has allowed a direct visual comparison of the landscape now and then, and documents the effects of a century of climate change on the Mer de Glace glacier in France. Using...
20 Feb 2018
Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell appointed Chancellor of the University of Dundee
The University of Dundee has appointed Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell as its new Chancellor. The role of Chancellor is the most senior in the University and involves acting as its ceremonial head, presiding over Academic Ceremonies and acting as President of the Graduates’ Association. Dame Jocelyn is an astrophysicist, best known for her discovery of ‘pulsars’ — rotating neutron stars that appear to pulse as the radio beam they emit sweeps repeatedly across the Earth. Her observation, made together with her supervisor, Antony Hewish, is considered to be one of the greatest astronomica...
19 Feb 2018
Graduate to climb Kilimanjaro in memory of mentor
A University of Dundee graduate will take on Africa’s tallest peak this month, in memory of her University supervisor and colleague, Dr Garry Sime. Zoe Paterson, who graduated with a degree in Dentistry in 2014, will set off to scale Kilimanjaro next week in memory of Dr Sime, who sadly died due to a stroke in 2016. Looking forward to taking on the 19,000ft ascent, Zoe said, “I actually wanted to take on Everest, but seeing as I’ve never climbed a mountain before I figured the tallest in Africa might be more achievable. “I’m climbing Kilimanjaro in memory of Dr Garry Sime w...
16 Feb 2018
£26,000 up for grabs at Venture 2018
More than 50 business ideas from students, staff and graduates of the University of Dundee will be scrutinised by judges responsible for awarding £26,000 of entrepreneurial support funding next week. The Venture 2018 competition will mark the culmination of the University’s annual Entrepreneurship Week on Friday 23 February. The challenge gives members of the University community the chance to put their ideas to leading business innovators and potential investors as they compete for cash prizes across seven categories. They will also be inspired by world record-breaking adventurer and Univers...
