Riding the wave: Smart charities vs The pandemic vs The post-pandemic

By Dr Roshan Boojihawon, Senior Lecturer in StrategyDepartment of Strategy and International Business, University of Birmingham The notable rise in charitable giving is welcomed news but is it sustainable or just a momentary burst in charitable giving? There is no doubt that the pandemic has brought together several factors that have contributed to this rise. … Continue reading “Riding the wave: Smart charities vs The pandemic vs The post-pandemic”

Home education: a better choice or the destruction of socialisation?

By Dr Jing Du The Department of Finance, University of Birmingham Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, schools in many countries had to close and move from classroom-based to remote/online teaching since early 2020. According to BBC research, the number of children registered for home education increased by 75% in the first eight months of the … Continue reading “Home education: a better choice or the destruction of socialisation?”

Diverse or inclusive? The importance of fair recruitment

By Steve Gulati, Senior Fellow, Health Services Management Centre, University of Birmingham A recent Resolution Foundation briefing paper exploring the economic impact of COVID-19 on youth unemployment told a blunt story, finding “…that 16-24-year-olds have accounted for a disproportionately large share (57 per cent) of the fall in employment that’s occurred over the past year”. When … Continue reading “Diverse or inclusive? The importance of fair recruitment”

Playing with Fire and Fish? No-Deal and the Wider Impacts for the EU and the UK

By Professor John Bryson Department of Strategy and International Business, University of Birmingham I have spent many days in Brussels working with the European Commission providing advice that shaped European policy outcomes. This included working on the Services Directives, service innovation policy and services and trade negotiations. Trade negotiations are complex. Each partner to the … Continue reading “Playing with Fire and Fish? No-Deal and the Wider Impacts for the EU and the UK”

The Queen’s Speech and Our Character

By Jason Metcalfe, Research Associate  Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues, School of Education, University of Birmingham In all that we presently do, we must desire to, and act with, deliberation and reflection, to maximise the greatest good for all those around us, be it our neighbours, nation or the global community. On the 5th … Continue reading “The Queen’s Speech and Our Character”

How to bridge the gap between theory, research and what’s unravelling in the everyday life of individuals with autism?

Dr Lila Kossyvaki Department of Disability Inclusion and Special Needs (DISN), School of Education, University of Birmingham April is the month when autism comes to the forefront and many people work on raising awareness. Although, beyond any doubt autism should be visible all year long, establishing international days or longer periods of time to mark … Continue reading “How to bridge the gap between theory, research and what’s unravelling in the everyday life of individuals with autism?”

Sexual violence and empowering survivors in Kenya

By Laura Stevens and Dr Heather Flowe School of Psychology, University of Birmingham As we walked into the Ruben Centre, Mukuru, Kenya, one of the poorest places in the world, we were greeted with the glorious sound of children’s voices filling the air. Their voices were so free and full of joy despite their circumstances. Never … Continue reading “Sexual violence and empowering survivors in Kenya”

Happiness is in a good book

By Rachael Hunter, Research Fellow at the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues The child, through emulation, can develop the love of reading that the adult possesses. On the other hand, the child can enhance the adult’s virtues of open mindedness, optimism and courage, which come from a life less tainted by experience. The mental health … Continue reading “Happiness is in a good book”

UN International Youth Day: an excellent opportunity for character?

By Jason Metcalfe, Research Associate Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues, University of Birmingham The campaign aims to promote youth engagement by exploring the role of safe spaces in contributing to dialogue, freedom of speech/expression, and mutual respect. Young people have an important role to play as partners in today’s global society and in leading … Continue reading “UN International Youth Day: an excellent opportunity for character?”

Fake bonding? Will Trump and Putin’s Helsinki meeting replay Singapore?

By Nicholas Wheeler,  Professor  of International Relations Department of Political Science and International Studies, University of Birmingham Professor Marcus Holmes, The College of William and Mary If Helsinki achieves this, or at least paves the way to an eventual agreement, then Trump will have some claim that he has forged a personal bond with Putin that … Continue reading “Fake bonding? Will Trump and Putin’s Helsinki meeting replay Singapore?”