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.
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?
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.
The unfinished business of colonialism
How do you return ancestral remains looted during the height of the British Empire in a way that brings genuine healing? A project involving Naga artefacts is underway to do just that.
Culture is bad for you
Research conducted at the University of Edinburgh is helping challenge inequalities in the creative and cultural industries (CCIs).
How Chagos Islanders are fighting to keep their culture alive in…
After the forced removal of the inhabitants of the Chagos Islands in the 1960s and 1970s, displaced Chagossians have sustained their culture by sharing their music, dance, and cuisine – and created a rallying call in their fight to return.
When women modernised the military
The courage and sacrifice of the women drafted into the armed forces during the Second World War changed the military forever. Their wartime heroism opened the door to a vocation that was historically a no-woman's land.
Revisiting the crucifixion
Two thousand years of retelling the Easter story may have obscured some fascinating details. Is it time to reassess the archvillains of the crucifixion and see Jesus’ women followers as the key to this pivotal historical event?
Kids awaiting neurodivergent diagnoses need more help
Many neurodivergent children across the UK are waiting for up to three years for assessment and diagnosis. More must be done to provide early support for these children.
Russia’s war against its own future
One year on from its invasion of Ukraine, how has the conflict affected Russia's view of its leaders and place in the world? Disinterest is rife, dissent is scarce, and a dictatorship is settling in.
Food price rises could see millions go hungry in 2023
Soaring fertiliser costs could see food prices rise further in 2023, leading to millions more people being undernourished. Is this the end of an era of cheap food?
Vote earlier in life, vote more often
Supporters of reducing voting ages to 16 say it helps embed the habit of visiting the ballot box earlier in life. New evidence from Scotland suggests they may have a case.