Category: News

Alice König Senior Lecturer in Latin and Classical Studies,University of St Andrews “At one time I thought campaigning was about speaking with a loud voice, asserting your point and getting people to hear you. But actually, it’s the value of people caring and being kind…

This piece by YAS member Matthew Chrisman was originally published as an opinion piece in The Times on Friday October 01 2021. Matthew Chrisman Professor of Ethics and Epistemology, University of Edinburgh Negative, critical, angry, vague, dismissive, evasive. Just a few of the adjectives used…

Part of our #YASRoad2COP series, this article examines public discourse around climate change.  YAS member Leslie Mabon reflects on how the principles of our Charter for Responsible debate can help us create a shared understanding of climate change, and judiciously use scientific evidence to tackle…

As Scottish Parliament returns from summer recess, we are urging Scotland’s politicians and other members of civil society to sign-up to our new Charter for Responsible Debate. Already, more than 60 individuals involved in public and academic sectors in Scotland have pledged to promote responsible…

We at the Young Academy of Scotland write in solidarity with the citizens of Afghanistan, who in the past week have lived a rapidly changing situation, which has seen the displacement of millions of Afghan citizens following Taliban seizure of the Afghan capital, Kabul. As…

Using natural materials to meet the climate challenge sounds like a win-win – but it needs to be done with the environmental and social consequences in mind.Biomass – biological material derived from living or recently-living organisms – is coming under increased scrutiny over its potential…

In light of Black Lives Matter, #MeToo and transphobia in academic and research institutions, are mainstream approaches to equality, diversity and inclusion in member organisations and learned societies insufficient? The Young Academy of Scotland has initiated a bold project that intends to disrupt current thinking…

Curious times call for curious minds. Our senior academy, the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) launches its third summer events programme, Curious, a month-long series of online activity bringing together some of Scotland’s leading thinkers and practitioners, curated to make audiences question the world around…

Sandro CarnicelliAs Scotland prepares to host COP26, the RSE Young Academy of Scotland is hosting a variety of discussions about what climate change means for Scotland and what we can and should do in response. Here, YAS member Dr Sandro Carnicelli chats with Dr Ioanna…