News & Events

Bernhard Blumenau Lecturer, School of International Relations, University of St Andrews Henry Lovat Lecturer in International Law & Politics, University of Glasgow Debate is an integral element of international affairs, given the prevalence of negotiation and the premium placed in this sphere on the peaceful…

Dr Leslie Mabon – YAS’ Zero Carbon by 2045 Grand Challenge Theme Lead – examines the relationship between Scotland’s most popular sport and climate change. First thing’s first – going to watch the football, in Scotland at least, is probably going to be a very…

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…