QMU Podcast

Practice makes perfect - discussing creative practice research at QMU.   In this episode of the Queen Margaret University podcast series, members of the QMU Creative Practice Research Cluster [https://www.qmu.ac.uk/research-and-knowledge-exchange/research-and-knowledge-exchange-centres-and-institutes/centre-for-culture-in-society/creative-practice] discuss different interpretations of creative practice research and how art can "count" as research. Topics covered include the difference between art and research, advice for researchers and students considering working in this area, and personal experiences of balancing multiple identities such as practitioner, artist, researcher, academic, and pracademic.   This podcast features contributions from Lecturer in Media Practice and doctoral candidate Andrew Rooke [https://www.qmu.ac.uk/schools-and-divisions/mcpa/mcpa-staff/andrew-rooke], Assistant Lecturer and filmmaker Regina Mosch [https://www.qmu.ac.uk/campus-life/blogs/regina-mosch], Lecturer in Drama and Performance Bianca Mastrominico [https://www.qmu.ac.uk/schools-and-divisions/mcpa/mcpa-staff/bianca-mastrominico], and Reader of Arts Management and Cultural Policy Dr Anthony Schrag [https://www.qmu.ac.uk/schools-and-divisions/mcpa/mcpa-staff/dr-anthony-schrag].

No-one in the world knows more about the history of Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh than Dr Tom Begg, author of the book ‘The Excellent Women’. Dr Begg, a former economics lecturer at Queen Margaret College, agreed to share his encyclopaedic knowledge in the first podcast ever recorded about the history of our institution. Interviewed by Professor Richard Butt, Deputy Principal of QMU, Dr Begg gives a fascinating insight into the work of the founders of the Edinburgh School of Cookery (later to become Queen Margaret College) and discusses the contribution that the institution made to the health of the nation and women’s educational and career opportunities. This special podcast has been created specifically to mark the institution’s 150th anniversary in 2025.

Queen Margaret University (QMU) has a proud history relating to food, cooking and nutrition dating back to its inception in 1875. In this podcast, lecturer Donald Reid interviews Dr Ana Tominc, Reader in Media and Communication at QMU and Dr Kevin Geddes, QMU MSc Gastronomy graduate, about food and cooking programmes on TV – where they started in UK and across Europe, their development, and how they have grown in popularity to become an important part of modern culture. Dr Tominc specialises in food, media and communication, and in 2022, she edited a collection of essays and articles on food and cooking in early TV in Europe (Routledge), which was shortlisted for MeCCSA Outstanding Achievement Award 2023. Dr Geddes, whose recent PhD from Edinburgh Napier University looks at early food TV in Britain, was a contributor to the book.ook.

The topic of migration is one of the most challenging and divisive subjects of our time. Gianluca Palombo from the Institute for Global Health and Development at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh talks to research colleagues about how we can reframe the topic of global migration, challenge hostility in the media and politics, rediscover our humanity and create a more welcoming community. In this episode, our researchers will talk about human migration – its history; media and political messaging, what research actually tells us about migration; and how we can build a stronger, more inclusive and welcoming society now and in the future. Sharing their research, thoughts and personals experiences are Dr Arek Dakessian, from the Institute for Global Health and Development at Queen Margaret University, and Dr Hyab Yohannes, from the University of Glasgow.

We sat down with Prof. Paul Miller, the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) & Anti Racism Adviser to QMU's Principal, Sir Paul Grice, to talk about inclusive leadership. What does it mean and how does it apply specifically to QMU? In his role at the University, Paul is providing advice and guidance on the further advancement of equality, diversity and inclusion and fostering an anti-racism culture of understanding. *** This podcast recording is part of a range of initiatives across Queen Margaret University to highlight and communicate the work being undertaken by Paul in his role as DEI & Anti-Racism Adviser to the Principal and the activities of QMU's Equality and Diversity Committee and the Race Equality Steering Group. In May this year, QMU launched its first Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing (DIW) Calendar, reflecting each month on key social justice themes. The calendar highlights key dates, related events and activities taking place both at QMU and in the wider community, as well as articles and reflections contributed by staff and students. The calendar is designed to act as the focus of communications, events and initiatives associated with its themes, which for this month of August is all about Fostering an Inclusive Environment. LINKS: Paul Miller's appointment to QMU: https://www.qmu.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/2022/20220601-paul-miller-appointment/ [https://www.qmu.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/2022/20220601-paul-miller-appointment/] QMU's Equality and Diversity strategy: https://www.qmu.ac.uk/about-the-university/equality-and-diversity/ [https://www.qmu.ac.uk/about-the-university/equality-and-diversity/] QMU's Diversity, Wellbeing and Inclusion calendar: https://www.qmu.ac.uk/media/5lhbvhwh/qmu-equality-calendar-2022.pdf [https://www.qmu.ac.uk/media/5lhbvhwh/qmu-equality-calendar-2022.pdf]