By Dr Irina Kuznetsova, Associate Professor, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity of Birmingham The UK’s defence secretary is warning European countries that ‘a huge number of refugees’ may flee Ukraine if Russia attacks the country. There is definitely a risk, but it is essential to remember that since the 2014 annexation of Crimea and the … Continue reading “Ukraine’s hidden tragedy, and what the media will soon forget”
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How consumerism stole Valentine’s Day
By Dr Sophie King-Hill, Senior Fellow in the Health Services Management Centre (HSMC) University of Birmingham Valentine’s Day is upon us, and with it, many of us are buying gifts and cards for others to proclaim our love, care and affection for them. On face value, this seems like an innocent and pleasant thing to … Continue reading “How consumerism stole Valentine’s Day”
LGBTQ+ History Month 2022: Media Transphobia and Democratic Inequality
By Dr Charlotte Galpin, Associate Professor and Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, School of Government and Dr Gina Gwenffrewi, Co-Director of SUISS at the University of Edinburgh The climate for minorities in the U.K. at the moment is fearful, and febrile. LGBT History Month provides an opportunity to shine a spotlight on an increasingly … Continue reading “LGBTQ+ History Month 2022: Media Transphobia and Democratic Inequality”
Volunteering And Service For A Common Good
By Dr David Civil, Research Fellow, and Joe McDowell, Engagement Officer, The Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues We are often told that we live in polarised times. Citizens with different political views and communities with different ideals are often regarded as enemies to be vanquished rather than as fellow citizens with legitimate perspectives to … Continue reading “Volunteering And Service For A Common Good”
LGBTQ+ History Month 2022: The Legacy of Section 28
By Dr Sophie King-Hill, Senior Fellow in the Health Services Management Centre (HSMC) The Local Government Act 1988 included a clause that became synonymous with LGBTQ+ discrimination, especially within the education system. The notorious Section 28 stated that: ‘A local authority shall not— (a) intentionally promote homosexuality or publish material with the intention of promoting … Continue reading “LGBTQ+ History Month 2022: The Legacy of Section 28”
Explore the magic of reading this National Storytelling Week
By Dr Nicola Smith, Lecturer in Primary and Early Years Education and Laura Martin, Alumni Relations ManagerSchool of Education, University of Birmingham We know that reading for pleasure is important for children’s wellbeing and attainment (e.g. see https://ourfp.org/) This National Storytelling Week, , we want to take the opportunity to inspire young readers with some recommendations for … Continue reading “Explore the magic of reading this National Storytelling Week”
Levelling up requires pathways through education and work throughout life, not separate routes
By Chris Millward, Professor of Practice in Education Policy, School of Education This week’s levelling up White Paper is reported to be inspired by the Medici rulers of renaissance Italy. One issue not mentioned, though, is their handling of the local university in Florence, the Studium Generale, which they exiled to Pisa. The government’s plan … Continue reading “Levelling up requires pathways through education and work throughout life, not separate routes”
Leadership: style without substance is a road to nowhere
By Steve Gulati, Director of Healthcare Leadership, Health Services Management Centre, University of Birmingham The current crisis engulfing Boris Johnson’s leadership has been long in the making and in some ways, has been a matter of ‘when’ and not ‘if’. Putting aside the immediate political dimension, what can it tell us about leadership – how … Continue reading “Leadership: style without substance is a road to nowhere”
Assessing sexual behaviour in children and young people
By Dr Sophie King-HillHealth Services Management Centre, University of Birmingham Sexual behaviours in children and young people (CYP) aged 13-18 is an unexplored research area within the UK context, and no assessment tools for these behaviours currently exist that are underpinned by UK-focussed research. The national conversation taking place around sexual harassment in UK schools … Continue reading “Assessing sexual behaviour in children and young people”
Braille: a powerful practical tool and symbol of empowerment
By Professor Graeme Douglas, Department of Disability Inclusion and Special Needs School of Education, University of Birmingham “Louis Braille invented his eponymous code nearly 200 years ago. The tactile reading and writing system has transformed the lives of many blind people. More recently, computers and the internet have introduced new opportunities for accessing precious information. Braille, … Continue reading “Braille: a powerful practical tool and symbol of empowerment”