In 2023, the University has emerged with a renewed commitment to getting out and about, working in collaboration with communities across the city. We've been delighted to participate in prominent local events like the Meadows Festival and Doors Open Days. These events highlight our dedication to building close connections with communities and residents of Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Borders, a central theme in our five-year Community Plan. Meadows Festival 2023 The Meadows Festival in Edinburgh serves as a vibrant platform for building community bonds and celebrating the diversity and creativity that defines the city. In 2023, the University's Centre for Open Learning, our Community Team, and Edinburgh Futures Institute staff hosted a stall with badge-makers, bubbles and science-based activities to create interest and excitement. We spoke to so many of you and formed some great connections for future collaboration. We are delighted to support and participate in community events, big and small, because we believe that true growth is achieved when the roots of education extend deep into the heart of the communities we call home. Gemma GourlayHead of Social Impact, University of Edinburgh Image Meadows Festival 2023 University of Edinburgh stall Doors Open Days 2023 Doors Open Days, a popular event that allows members of the public to explore significant buildings and spaces, took place in September. The University's participation this year was bigger than ever: we opened the doors of 16 iconic buildings including McEwan Hall and the Playfair Library, offering people an opportunity to explore our shared cultural heritage. Among the new additions were the Nucleus at Kings Buildings and buildings on our Holyrood campus, providing fresh and exciting experiences for visitors. Our buildings attracted an impressive 10,375 individual visits. We like to think that this substantial footfall demonstrates local communities’ eagerness to connect with the University and explore its diverse offerings and resources we have available for residents. It’s so important for a global university to be active in its local community.” Andrew GardinerSenior Lecturer, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies Doors Open Days Image Doors Open Day 2023 - hyperloop stall New connections The University's active involvement in community events supports our aim to build close connections with the city and continues to foster a sense of shared identity. Through supporting and participating in community activities throughout the year, we hope to open up avenues for dialogue, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas. We want to make sure that the University remains an integral part of the community fabric and are always looking for events we can take part in or collaborate on. Community Plan 2020-2025 Our Community Plan Our Community Plan Our Community Plan: build close connections This article was published on 2024-07-22
