University of Edinburgh – The NEN

Edinburgh scientists shaping international conservation

Scottish scorecard for wild species goes global

A Scottish-developed conservation tool to protect land-based animals and plants has been expanded to include marine species such as fish, dolphin, porpoise, sharks, skate and birds for the very first time.

Scientists at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, the University of Edinburgh and NatureScot created the low-cost tool for tracking the genetic diversity of wild species, which has traditionally been difficult and expensive to monitor.

It scores how well species threats are being managed, and the conservation actions in place, from the work of land managers to conservation efforts in botanic gardens and zoos.

First published in 2020, the scorecard has already given animals and plants a better chance of coping with changing weather, new diseases and food shortages.

It has since been updated and expanded to cover a wider range of terrestrial animals, plants and fungi, and the latest version, reflecting new research, now extends that protection to marine species for the first time.

Maintaining genetic diversity is vital for nature’s survival. Helping species adapt to change helps give us things we need, such as food to eat and materials to build with, and can even help soak up pollution from the air.

The Scottish approach is already being used for species management in South Africa, and in a joint project with the University of Benghazi in Libya. A site-based version has also been developed, working with farmers and land managers in Scotland, Libya, Mexico and Australia.

Speaking ahead of a two-day attendance at COP17 on Biodiversity in Armenia, the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs Gillian Martin said: “I want to thank the scientists at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, the University of Edinburgh and NatureScot who developed this low-cost tracking tool.

“The fact that this Scottish resource is now being used internationally, and can support marine species for the first time, demonstrates the global value of expertise developed here in Scotland as well as underlining just how impressive Scotland’s scientific community is.

“Biodiversity is in crisis, both globally and at home, so maintaining genetic diversity is essential if species are to adapt and survive. This innovative tool helps conservationists make better decisions in order to better protect nature.

“The groundbreaking work by Scottish scientists shows we have a strong story to tell, and we should tell it with confidence, using our voice at events like COP17 to push for ambitious biodiversity and climate action.”

Dr Isa-Rita Russo, ConGen Africa, an initiative dedicated to the conservation and genetic management of African wildlife, said: “The scorecard has been a brilliant addition to the wildlife management guidelines used across Africa. It takes complicated genetic science and turns it into something practical that conservationists can actually use day to day.

“Instead of needing specialist genetics expertise, people managing wildlife can now easily understand the genetic health of a population, spot problems early, and decide what action to take.

“This has made genetic diversity far more visible and useful in real-world conservation work across African wildlife and beyond.”

Professor Tarek Mukassabi, University of Benghazi, Libya, said: “The Scottish scorecard has effectively helped in demonstrating genetic biodiversity in Libya. The structure and contents of the scorecard have organised scattered local biodiversity literature and guided national research to build a useful, effective national database.

“This direct, clear scorecard will help us make the right decisions about conserving biodiversity. We are now working with NatureScot to develop a site-based version of the scorecard called ‘GenDivA’.

“In Libya, we have conducted the first trial of GenDivA, assessing the genetic biodiversity of one of the rare native plant species of the south-eastern Mediterranean.

“The procedure was highly organised and focused, and in a short time addressed biodiversity issues that could significantly change conservation policy in the territory.”

The Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17) takes place in Armenia from 19 to 30 October 2026, bringing together governments, international organisations, scientists, civil society, Indigenous Peoples, youth and the private sector.

Military Intervention on Trial: Veteran Diplomats and Frontline Journalists to debate at the Edinburgh Union

TONIGHT (Monday 19 October), the Edinburgh Union will host a debate on international affairs and tackle one of the most consequential foreign policy issues with the motion: This House Believes Military Intervention Has Done More Harm Than Good.

From the fallout of the Iraq War to ongoing crises across the Middle East and Eastern Europe, the efficacy and cost of foreign military intervention remain contested. The proposition that armed involvement stabilises regions is challenged by arguments that it generates further instability and humanitarian disaster.

The debate brings together experts in war, diplomacy, and investigative reporting. Arguing for the proposition will be Frances Guy, Chief Executive Officer of Scotland’s International Development Alliance and former British Ambassador to Yemen and Lebanon, and Dr Iain Overton, award-winning investigative journalist and Associate Professor at SOAS.

On the opposition, they will face Sir Hew Strachan, a leading Scottish military historian, Pritzker Literature Award laureate, and Professor of International Relations at the University of St Andrews, as well as Tim Ripley, a British defence journalist who has reported from active conflict zones in the Balkans and the Middle East.

This event will take place in Rainy Hall at New College, with doors opening at 6:30 pm and the debate commencing at 7 pm. Continuing with Edinburgh Union tradition, audience members will have the opportunity to challenge guest speakers and deliver speeches during the debate.

Euan Morgan, President of the Edinburgh Union, said: “The question of whether military intervention creates peace or perpetuates suffering is at the forefront of most contemporary clashes. As these conflicts dominate headlines, we must scrutinise the true impact of foreign military strategies.

“A panel of this calibre, featuring a former British Ambassador, a Pritzker-winning historian, and journalists who have exposed the realities of modern warfare from the frontlines, truly elevates this discussion.

“We are proud to give students the chance to step into the room with those who have shaped and reported on these interventions, and to challenge their perspectives.”

Jeremy Corbyn to speak at University of Edinburgh

THE GAZA TRIBUNAL: BRITAIN’S COMPLICITY IN GENOCIDE

Join @jeremycorbyn, Neve Gordon and Shahd Hammouri for a very special event at University of Edinburgh for The Gaza Tribunal on Thursday 29 October.

Register: https://eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-gaza-tribunal-britains-complicity-in-genocide-tickets-2002058448714?aff=oddtdtcreator

Foysol Choudhury: Students must not become collateral damage

GOVERNMENTS AND UNIVERSITIES MUST ACT NOW TO PROTECT OUR STUDENTS, SAYS FORMER MSP

The commencement of a five-week strike at the University of Edinburgh, planned to run until 30th October, is deeply alarming for students, families, and our wider Lothian community (writes FOYSOL CHOUDHURY MBE).

While I fully respect university staff and support their fight against compulsory redundancies and excessive workloads under proposed £140 million budget cuts, we cannot allow our students to become collateral damage in this ongoing crisis.

There is a common misconception that all home students in Scotland attend university completely free. The reality is that thousands of local Scottish students enrolled in Postgraduate Diplomas, professional qualification courses, and specialized diploma programs are paying thousands of pounds directly out of their own pockets. Many exhaust life savings or take on heavy personal debt to gain these essential qualifications for their future careers.

At the same time, international students pay exorbitant tuition fees alongside steep visa and living costs to study in our capital city. Whether local diploma students or international postgraduates, these individuals have invested enormous amounts of money with the expectation of receiving top-tier, uninterrupted education.

To expect students to pay premium fees, or exhaust life savings, while losing over a month of core lectures, seminars, and academic support is unjust and unacceptable. Their degrees, financial livelihoods, and future career prospects are being placed at serious risk through no fault of their own.

University management must urgently return to the negotiating table with staff and trade unions to resolve this dispute fairly. Crucially, university leadership must immediately put protections in place, including academic remediation and financial compensation or tuition fee rebates for lost teaching time.

However, the burden does not rest solely on the university. The Scottish Government must also take accountability for the systemic funding crisis across our higher education sector.

Throughout my tenure in the Scottish Parliament representing the Lothian region, I have continuously raised parliamentary questions, challenged Ministers, and worked on parliamentary committees to champion student welfare, from campaigning against spiraling student housing costs to advocating for hardship support and fair education funding.

Our universities cannot fix institutional budget deficits at the expense of staff security and student futures.

Emergency action is required now from both university leadership and government ministers to step in, protect our staff, and ensure our students get the education and fairness they have paid for.

Five-week strike at Edinburgh University starts today

Members of the University and College Union (UCU) Scotland at Edinburgh University will strike for 25 days over five weeks from today (28 September) in a long running dispute over £140m cuts and 1,800 job losses.

Staff at Edinburgh have already taken multiple days of strike action and participated in a marking and assessment boycott because of the refusal of management to rule out compulsory redundancies. The latest action starts today and will continue through to 30 October.

The dispute centres on £140m cuts announced by the principal, Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, in early 2025 and an estimated 1,800 job losses. The scale of cuts are the largest cut in staff seen in Scottish higher education and is happening at one of the wealthiest institutions in the country and which, earlier this year, confirmed that there was no deficit.

Hundreds of staff have already lost their jobs through hidden redundancies including by fixed term contacts not being renewed as would normally happen and hourly-paid staff having their hours reduced.

Despite 18 months of campaigning and industrial pressure, including three ballots and strikes, the threat to jobs and student education remains while staff continue to face increased workloads because of ongoing restructures.

UCU members voted to undertake the five-week strike earlier in the summer. Since then the union has been pressing senior management to make a serious proposal that could avoid the strike.

The union has called for management to commit to no compulsory redundancies; to address hidden redundancies and workloads; engage in meaningful negotiation to avoid redundancies; and to reconsider the balance between staff and non-staff cuts.

UCU Edinburgh branch co-president Lena Wånggren said: “Our members have been clear that compulsory redundancies must not be the university’s answer to its financial challenges.

“Five weeks of strike action is not what anyone wants, but members are prepared to take action to protect jobs. UCU members are prepared to take action for our colleagues and our students – we want to safeguard students’ education not just for five weeks in Autumn but for the future.”

UCU Edinburgh branch co-secretary Nik Matheou said: “Staff are facing increased workloads, the threat of redundancies, and continuing uncertainty created by restructures and cuts.

“We have given management another opportunity to avoid the strikes. We need a commitment to no compulsory redundancies, meaningful consultation and action to address hidden job losses and increased workloads. We are ready to continue to negotiate and hope management will now come forward with a serious proposal.”

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: “The unprecedented cuts and job losses at Edinburgh are forcing members to take five-weeks of strike action.

“I previously called the cuts at Edinburgh ‘academic vandalism’ and nothing I’ve seen during this dispute gives me any reason to change that view. Even at this late stage, it’s not too late for the principal to rule out compulsory redundances, engage meaningfully with the union and take action to end this dispute.”

2300 children take part in Scotland’s biggest outdoor learning event

Children stand in a park with their arms raised in a yoga pose

Over 2300 children took part in Scotland’s biggest outdoor learning event in Edinburgh this week.

Primary six pupils from 49 schools across the city enjoyed over 40 activities delivered by 30 partner organisations, each giving their time for free.

The Outdoor Learning Challenge took place over September 8-9 at Holyrood Park, and saw pupils try their hand at activities including mountain biking, archery, drumming, survival skills and campfires.

The event was organised and led by the City of Edinburgh Council’s Outdoor Learning and Adventure Education Team and delivered in partnership with Dynamic Earth Science Centre and Planetarium, Historic Environment Scotland Ranger Service in Holyrood Park, and Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh.

Organisations including Edinburgh Zoo, Royal Botanical Gardens Edinburgh and Holyrood Palace led workshops with the activities altered to suit children of all abilities, including those with physical or learning disablities.

Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convener, said: “The Outdoor Challenge is a fantastic event, I had a great time today learning new skills and meeting lots of children, teachers, staff and partners.

“We were lucky to have a sun-filled two days at Holyrood Park and thousands of young people enjoyed dozens of activites, many pushing themselves out their comfort zones.

“Bringing learning outdoors is vital to improve mental and physical health as well as help our young people learn how nature and the outdoor connects to their lives.

“I was particularly impressed with how the activities were altered to allow children of all abilities to take part and the teamwork on show from our young people was stellar.

“Thanks to the partners and providers who brought their skill and expertise to Holyrood Park for a brilliant couple of days for all involved.”

FREE event – What can people in Scotland learn from the Indian Left?

FREE event – What can people in Scotland learn from the Indian Left?

Sunday 26th July, 11am – 2pm

Room 2.14 St Leonard’s Land (University of Edinburgh: EH8 8AQ)

Lunch Provided

Places Limited – Book Here

The Student’s Federation of India (Edinburgh branch) and Cat’s Cradle are putting on a workshop which takes participants through the history of the post-independence Indian Left and explores the influence of student movements and protests.

From protests during the 1975–77 Emergency through economic liberalisation in the 90’s and the rise of Hindutva politics, we provide an overview of the development of student activism in India while also asking the question: Where is the Left now and what next? And what can people in Scotland learn from this?

Everyone is very welcome – whether you have no knowledge about Indian history and politics at all, or whether you have an encyclopedic knowledge.

During the workshop, participants will also work in small groups with historical materials to re‑enact pivotal moments, an interactive exercise designed to show how protest is made in India.

Royal Bank of Scotland and University of Edinburgh announce new alliance to boost Scotland’s boldest startups

The Royal Bank & the University of Edinburgh have today (24 April 2026) announced a new partnership, pooling programme expertise between the Royal Bank of Scotland Accelerator and the University’s AI Accelerator to better support Scotland’s entrepreneurs.
This new partnership brings together Scotland’s biggest bank for business and one of its largest universities to build on the Royal Bank of Scotland’s commitment to supporting 5,000 Scottish startups in 2026.

In a significant boost for Scottish startups, Royal Bank of Scotland has today (24 April 2026) announced a new partnership with the University of Edinburgh to combine entrepreneurship expertise.

The new partnership will build on the existing close relationship between Scotland’s largest bank for business and one of its largest universities. A dedicated member of Bank staff will work with the University’s AI Accelerator programme team to provide strategic coordination between University of Edinburgh entrepreneurs, academic innovation teams, and the Royal Bank Accelerator community, driving growth, insight and commercial impact.

Building on years of collaboration and a shared commitment to Scotland’s entrepreneurial and research-led growth, the new facilities and renewed partnership bring an expanded programme of support for Scottish entrepreneurs, as well as for alumni, staff and student founders.

Through practical, in-person advice as well as large-scale sessions and boutique events, the Royal Bank Accelerator team will be on hand to help businesses scale and succeed, tapping in to the University’s innovation expertise and networks.

For founders working at the intersection of entrepreneurship and advanced research, Royal Bank of Scotland has also announced today that it will provide £30,000 to the University of Edinburgh’s AI Accelerator, enabling participants to boost their offering by accessing support from academics, PhDs or other resources from across the University.

The AI Accelerator programme has supported over 100 companies so far to collectively raise over £120 million in funding and is currently recruiting for its 10th cohort.

Supporting the University’s pipeline of talent is central to the renewed partnership. Royal Bank of Scotland already engages with university students across departments, supporting initiatives that promote employability and career development.

This new partnership sees opportunity for both parties to collaborate further, enhancing student experience, employability and recruitment outcomes.

The announcement comes as part of the Royal Bank of Scotland’s commitment to supporting 5,000 Scottish startups and the broader NatWest Group’s commitment to launch Accelerator hubs in 10 Universities throughout the UK over the next three years, with the Universities of Oxford, Manchester, York, Brighton and Warwick signed up to the programme.

The University of Edinburgh partnership spans four key themes: Accelerator, Innovation, Research, and Student Experience and Recruitment. Each area is designed to strengthen the pathway from idea to impact, enabling founders across Scotland to access tailored support as well as helping research-led innovation to connect more effectively with industry.

The announcement forms part of the Bank’s new five point Growing Together plan, setting out how they will help build the conditions for UK-wide growth: supporting the innovators shaping the future economy, backing powerful regions, championing mid-market companies, supporting the country’s infrastructure, and boosting financial confidence for people and families.

Commenting on the launch, Heidi Simpson, Regional Accelerator Director, Royal Bank of Scotland said: “Scotland is full of talent and bold ideas and through our new alliance with the University of Edinburgh, we’re focused on helping founders turn them into real businesses. This partnership strengthens Accelerator support where innovation is already thriving within the university environment.

“Building on a foundation of years of collaboration, we’re supercharging our partnership to support the innovators of the future. We’re putting a complete support system in one place, with hands-on coaching, expert insight and a community that founders and students can tap into.

“This is about making it easier for start-ups and scaling businesses across Scotland to move faster, think bigger and turn ambition into growth that in turn benefits the Scottish economy.”

Looking ahead to the partnership Douglas Graham, Director of Innovation Clusters at Edinburgh Innovations, the University’s commercialisation service, said: “This new alignment of entrepreneurship expertise and resources between the Royal Bank of Scotland and the University of Edinburgh is great news for the entrepreneurs across our cohorts.

“Offering our combined support to talented founders and their emerging ideas and technologies strengthens our regional and national innovation ecosystem, and helps harness data, digital and AI for the good of all.”

To join the UK’s largest community of entrepreneurs, download the Royal Bank/ NatWest Accelerator app here.

Major new £1.5m Scottish project to focus on “sabotaging” cancer cells

SABOTAGING CANCER COULD OPEN DOOR TO NEW TREATMENTS

RESEARCHERS IN EDINBURGH AIM TO ‘TRICK’ BOWEL CANCER

SCIENTISTS in Edinburgh are launching a £1.5 million Cancer Research UK-funded study to find a way to ‘sabotage’ bowel cancer cells.

Cancer cells can often disguise themselves, preventing the immune system from recognising them as a threat and destroying them. The team, at the Institute of Genetics and Cancer (IGC) at the University of Edinburgh, aims to disrupt cancer’s DNA messaging system, causing errors that make the cells visible to immune defences.

Exploring how to trigger this vulnerability, the study’s long-term goal is to identify new treatments to tackle bowel cancer more effectively.

Project leader Dr Kevin Myant, of the Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre and IGC, said: “Around 85 per cent of patients with bowel cancer find immunotherapy isn’t effective for them. Our new project aims to explore why and find new ways to make bowel cancer more responsive to this type of treatment.

“Immunotherapy is exciting as it has the potential to be curative, not just manage the disease, and has the benefit of reducing side effects to patients.

“We hope this project will find a way to shine a light on bowel cancer cells so they are no longer invisible to our immune system, by disrupting the messages telling cancer cells to grow.”

Bowel cancer kills 16,800 people in the UK (1,700 in Scotland) every year and is increasingly being diagnosed in younger people.

A recent study by the American Cancer Society published in The Lancet Oncology showed early-onset bowel cancer rates in adults aged 25-49 are rising in 27 of 50 countries studied and at a faster rate in young women in Scotland and England than in young men.

Often, in cancer, the immune system doesn’t see cancer cells as a threat as they are generated from inside the body.

This research will focus on the body’s messaging system, RNA, which takes information from DNA and tells cells when to grow and where.

The team aims to sabotage this system, through a process called RNA splicing, to disrupt these messages and introduce errors which will effectively “light up” bowel cancer cells to the immune system so it can destroy them.

Cancer Research UK Director of Research, Dr Catherine Elliott, said: “Immunotherapies, where a patient’s own immune system is harnessed to tackle cancer, are a key area of cancer research and for some patients, they are providing transformational improvements but not all patients respond to them.

“Being able to use the power of our own immune system to tackle cancer could offer more effective treatments and lead to the kind of breakthroughs which can revolutionise cancer treatment and care.

“We need more research to understand the differences in patient responses to therapies and how to improve these, and Cancer Research UK is delighted to fund this innovative and potentially transformative research.”

Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the UK. Despite this, treatment options remain limited, particularly for patients who are diagnosed at later stages of the disease.

Scotland is disproportionately affected by the disease with around 4,000 people diagnosed each year.

Scottish scorecard for wild species goes global

University of Edinburgh pledges to:

Challenge ourselves to increase the positive impact we make on our local community.

We will do the following things that we don’t do at the moment to improve our social impact.

SABOTAGING CANCER COULD OPEN DOOR TO NEW TREATMENTS