Opinion

Comment and analysis on today’s biggest issues from Edinburgh's world-leading experts. The views expressed in this section are those of the contributors, and do not necessarily represent those of the University.

Growth is the government’s goal, but is all growth the same?

Dr Katherine TrebeckJan 20, 20256 min read
The UK has made economic growth its goal. But by making GDP the ultimate metric of progress, are we stunting growth of more important things?

The formula for the perfect Christmas

Dr Ana Rita PiresDec 19, 20243 min read
What matters most to you in your Christmas celebrations? This formula invites everyone to reflect on what truly brings joy and meaning to their festive season.

Reflections on COP29

Professor Luca TaschiniDec 11, 20244 min read
The billions committed to tackling climate change at the annual summit are still not enough. However, green shoots can be found elsewhere.

COP29 must renew momentum on the path to net zero

Professor Gabi HegerlNov 13, 20246 min read
As the COP29 climate summit gets underway in Azerbaijan, it is important we recognise that the path to net zero will have benefits to our health as well as the environment.

ME – the origins of a modern medical ‘scandal’

Professor Chris PontingOct 29, 202412 min read
Ignored, blamed, and sometimes left to die – those with ME remain hidden among society. Why is such a devastating disease continually dismissed?

Why daylight savings should be put to bed

Dr Maria GardaniOct 23, 20245 min read
Changing time twice a year affects our wellbeing, our safety and the economy, experts say. So, should we stop the clocks?

Infected blood scandal – is financial compensation enough?

Anne-Maree FarrellMay 23, 20245 min read
The UK government has announced its plan to compensate thousands of infected blood victims and families but will justice be done?

Conflicts cast shadow over Olympic tradition of peace

Dr Jung Woo LeeMar 27, 20245 min read
Current conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East threaten to turn the Paris 2024 Games into a geopolitical battleground.

OpenAI corporate chaos reveals the war between AI ‘doomers’ and ‘boomers’

Dr Gina HelfrichNov 27, 20236 min read
Creating two camps in discussions of AI's future - those seeing opportunity versus those seeing a threat - is overly simplistic and could actually be a distraction.

Will selling Covid boosters on the high street improve uptake?

Neil MabbottOct 4, 20235 min read
Next year Covid boosters will be available to buy from pharmacists and private healthcare providers. The potential effect on the the virus's spread is unclear.

Is compassion something we can ever expect in the economy?

Dr Katherine TrebeckSep 28, 20236 min read
Corporate scandals make greed seem an inevitable outcome of the economy. Can compassion take root in such a hard-nosed system?

The history behind Orkney’s vote to ‘join Norway’

Mathew NicolsonJul 20, 20236 min read
By flirting with joining a North Sea neighbour, the islands are drawing upon a millennia-old connection worthy of a Nordic saga - and for political attention.

Why we need to SHAPE innovation

Professor Christina BoswellApr 12, 20236 min read
For technological innovation to be our salvation, we need to bring social sciences, humanities and the arts for people and the economy (SHAPE) into research much earlier on.

Beyond football’s elite, survival can seem like success

As Europe’s top clubs take time out for the World Cup, most of Scotland’s professional teams – financially, on a different planet – will keep playing regardless.

Are some languages more difficult than others?

Antonella SoraceApr 4, 20234 min read
The level of similarity between adopted and mother tongues governs how tricky a new language is to learn. But there's good news for babies with bilingual aspirations.