Read all the current news from the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Keep up to date with the College's news with our RSS feedSubscribe to our feed using your favourite RSS reader HTML College News archive Search Struggling pet owners feel pain of hard choices Pet owners in financial difficulty can face ‘heart-wrenching’ dilemmas about how to help animals that need unexpected veterinary care, a study suggests. Graduate show set to sparkle at art festival exhibition A talented group of graduating students have transformed Edinburgh College of Art into a visionary exhibition at this year’s Art Festival. Higher energy costs impact poorer households People living in poorer households are more likely to face higher energy costs than those who do not, a study shows. Anniversaries and AI take top billing at International Book Festival Edinburgh International Book Festival returns with a stellar lineup blending literary tradition with innovative global projects and marking the 900th year of the capital. Creative programme worth potential £78.5m to Scottish economy A 900-year-old church and a theatre group for disabled artists are some of the beneficiaries of an initiative expected to return more than £18 for every pound invested. Concern for children is a driver of advert complaints Care for the wellbeing of children is a commonly cited reason for people making a formal complaint about an advert, a study shows. Feelgood factor shaped by traits more than events, study finds Feelings of satisfaction with life are shaped more by people’s personalities than by their circumstances, a study suggests. Olympics can aid fast-track diplomacy, experts say The Olympics and Paralympics present an unmatched opportunity to build international relations and Scotland can learn from the Paris experience, a study suggests. Historian elected as Fellow of prestigious academy An Edinburgh academic has been elected as a Fellow of the British Academy for their distinguished contribution to research. Adults face health threat from lack of physical activity Almost 1.8 billion adults are at risk of illnesses such as heart disease, type-2 diabetes and some cancers owing to a lack of physical activity – and the situation is getting worse, a report suggests. Eric Liddell awarded honorary degree 100 years after Olympic Gold win A century on from his gold medal-winning triumph at the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris, sporting hero Eric Liddell has been awarded an honorary degree from the University of Edinburgh. Data experts urge action on children’s sport Data science specialists are shaping a Scotland-wide initiative that encourages more young people to take up sport and exercise. £25m policing boost for global child safety bid An international research alliance that seeks to safeguard vulnerable children has been boosted by a record investment in cross-border policing. Gardening linked to staying sharp in later life, study finds Taking up gardening is associated with improved thinking skills in older age, research shows. Progress needed on mental health care in pregnancy Gaps remain in the understanding of women’s psychological needs during and after pregnancy, despite recent improvements in clinical practice, research suggests. Music archive embraces fresh takes on tradition Dynamic contemporary works by Scottish folk musicians are to be widely shared, thanks to a recently launched initiative informed by Edinburgh researchers. Fellowships recognise outstanding research talent A group of outstanding early career researchers have been awarded one of the University’s most prestigious fellowships. A celebration of exceptional contributions and impact The 2024 People of CAHSS Award winners were announced and presented at the annual award ceremony held on 28 May at McEwan Hall. Graduate showcase spotlights creative talent An array of inspired creations from more than 550 Edinburgh College of Art students are on show at the highly-anticipated Graduate Show 2024. Fresh Fashion Collections shine at Museum Show A dramatic mix of designs drawing upon influences including empowering sportswear for women and surrealist art feature in this year’s Edinburgh College of Art Fashion Show. Tales of real and imagined lives win book awards A vivid tale set in a fictional town in northern Australia, an exploration into the work of a writer who took their own life, and a snapshot of a post-Second World War culture of sex, drugs and rock and roll have won the UK’s longest-running literary awards. Global pairing aims to thwart child exploitation An international research partnership has been launched to step up the worldwide effort to safeguard vulnerable children. Research initiative to build collaborative and creative AI futures A £2.4 million initiative has been launched to help organisations develop solutions for pressing questions around the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI). Creative costumes bring characters to life in thrilling show Designs inspired by Norse mythology and The Chronicles of Narnia are among the enchanting creations that will take to the stage for Edinburgh College of Art’s Performance Costume Show. Inherited traits can be overstated, study shows Behavioural similarities between parents and their offspring are less marked than is often suggested, a study shows. £20m boost for drive to improve child safety World-leading researchers have been given a major boost in the battle to safeguard vulnerable children. Gaelic bard’s book brings together four languages A collection of poetry which is presented in four languages has been created by the University’s first Gaelic Writer in Residence. Clocks going forward can catch investors napping Clocks losing an hour in spring significantly affects how investors respond to companies that reveal unexpected levels of earnings, research shows. Survey sizes up Forth Valley’s very own Versailles It was a bold initiative that transformed a rural backwater into a commercial powerhouse, bringing flourishes of French Baroque to Scotland’s smallest county. Inspiring course set to empower Ukrainian women Ukrainian women living in Scotland are being invited to apply to join a new scheme that aims to build leadership skills and boost the recovery of the war-torn country. Love and loss illuminates book prize shortlist A captivating selection of books urging readers to ruminate on themes of grief, identity and environmental loss have been shortlisted for Britain’s longest-running literary prizes. Gum and old fridges aid bid to cut plastic waste Discarded chewing gum and old fridge parts are to be recycled in an Edinburgh-led initiative to improve sustainability in the healthcare sector. Eminent artist and educator gives keynote talk A renowned American artist and theorist is the latest cultural figure to take part in a prestigious public lecture series. Children may overestimate smart speakers’ abilities Children overrate the intelligence of smart speakers – such as Alexa, Siri or Google Home – and are uncertain if the systems can think like humans or not, research suggests. Group show shines light on rising stars of art world A collection of dazzling and challenging works by some of Scotland’s most exciting up-and-coming artists forms the centrepiece of a new exhibition. Historical musical innovator awarded science prize A researcher who uses gaming technology to recreate historical music performances has won the University’s annual prize for raising public interest in science. Trust in NHS advice key to Covid vaccine uptake People’s trust in the NHS was linked to increased uptake of the Covid-19 vaccine during the pandemic, a study suggests. Edinburgh secures £24 million boost for AI innovation The University is set to establish two research hubs that will focus on developing AI tools to help revolutionise the fields of electronics and healthcare. Extreme weather influencing mortgage payments When cyclones and floods hit populated areas, people’s ability to pay their mortgage differs depending on the type and intensity of the extreme weather, research suggests. Shipwrecks offer insights into subsea ecology Monitoring marine life around shipwrecks can provide scientists with a trove of data to better understand changing underwater environments, research suggests. Experts urge global action on child sex offences The global nature of child sexual exploitation and abuse demands it be treated as an international public health emergency, a landmark report suggests. Projects using data for good awarded medals A group of Edinburgh academics whose research has shed light on global questions have been honoured by the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Screen team plays starring role in £75.6m deal The UK’s burgeoning screen and performance industries are to be boosted by a major research and development initiative involving University experts. LinkedIn triggers feelings of imposter syndrome The use of professional social networking sites such as LinkedIn can stir up feelings of self-doubt, research suggests. Events shed light on portrayals of belief in books Acclaimed speakers will explore the relationship between literature and many aspects of belief at a festival hosted by the University’s world-renowned School of Divinity. Lifelong wellbeing is research festival focus Robots as carers, the impact of reading on wellbeing, and the secrets of healthy relationships are among topics being explored at a major research showcase. Hands-on artwork grapples with ideas of beauty An art installation based on Edinburgh-led research is to feature in a major exhibition that challenges established ideals of beauty. Rousing events explore the joy of sound The power of sound is to be celebrated at the first UK-based UNESCO Week of Sound, organised in partnership with the University. Champions of book prizes to share their craft A visiting writers programme has been launched to celebrate the stellar line-up of authors recognised by the UK’s longest-running literary awards. Welfare supporters better informed than sceptics, study suggests People who support greater state involvement in delivering services know more about economics and welfare provision than those favouring smaller government, research suggests. Sound installation brings historic story to life A new installation at Edinburgh Castle will take visitors on a sound walk through the historic site to map Scotland’s involvement in the creation of Zimbabwe’s streetscapes. Power trip promises to be journey of discovery Thought-provoking questions about the dynamics of leadership will shape a season of University events seeking to engage people on pressing socio-political challenges. Digital crime fight carries risk, experts say Digital advertising and surveillance tools are giving UK law enforcement agencies ‘powerful and potentially risky’ new capacities to influence the public, research suggests. Students’ creativity flourishes at Graduate Show A new generation of design and artistic talent are set to reveal their stand out creations at the celebrated Edinburgh College of Art’s Graduate Show. Sign language glossary goes for green growth Experts at Edinburgh have helped created a glossary of environmental terms to make climate science and biodiversity research more accessible to deaf people. New music research volunteer database launched Professor Katie Overy, Reid School of Music, is collaborating with Dr Judith Okely, Psychology, Edinburgh Napier University, to set up a nationwide music research volunteer database. Milestone book festival shares a joy of words University students, staff and alumni are part of a line-up of exceptional events as Edinburgh International Book Festival celebrates its 40th anniversary. Campus is centre stage as festival buzz returns Edinburgh’s campus is yet again playing a pivotal role in the dazzling arts extravaganza that transforms the city every August. Fan survey upbeat about Scotland women’s team Edinburgh-led research into football fans’ engagement with the Scotland Women’s National Team (SWNT) reveals growing positivity towards the side and the match-day experience. Tales of grit and glamour win oldest book awards A reimagining of Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield and a memoir about the New York literary scene in the 1970s and 1980s have won the UK’s longest-running literary awards. British Academy recognises academic talent Two University of Edinburgh academics have been elected Fellows of The British Academy. History expert thrives in the art of gaming An Edinburgh art historian has helped build an immersive, digital recreation of ninth century Baghdad for a bestselling video game series. Art shows offer fresh takes on marginalised lives Compelling artworks by major artists, which detail lives lived on the margins, are being showcased in three University exhibitions. Acclaimed author is latest Writer in Residence Award-winning poet and author Michael Pedersen has been appointed as the newest Writer in Residence at the University of Edinburgh. Leading publisher launches open access initiative Edinburgh University Press has announced a new Open Access initiative to support authors in the College and to help ensure their books reach the widest possible audience. Fellowships recognise College research talent A group of outstanding early career researchers have been awarded one of the University of Edinburgh’s most prestigious fellowships. Archive voices offer a renewed sense of Scotland’s past Haunting sound and video installations inspired by archive recordings spanning 70 years are offering exhibition audiences fresh perspectives on Scotland’s rich oral tradition. Graduate Show celebrates fresh creative spirits The bold and creative spirit of more than 550 Edinburgh College of Art students is being showcased at the highly-anticipated Graduate Show 2023. Book prize shortlist is a time-travelling feast A compelling collection of books offering inspirational takes on themes such as belonging, travelling across borders and overcoming personal struggles form the shortlist of Britain’s longest-running literary prizes. Event highlights jailed wildlife experts’ plight An event co-hosted by an Edinburgh researcher is to focus on Iran’s threatened wildlife and the vital work of its environmental scientists. Experts assess Covid’s effect on children’s sport Data science specialists are supporting efforts to gauge how Covid-19 has impacted on young people’s involvement in sport and exercise. Fashion talent sparkles at St James Quarter Magnificent designs drawing upon an eclectic array of influences including the Hebrides, dissected bodies and Lord of the Flies are set to feature in this year’s Edinburgh College of Art Fashion Show. Stunning costumes revealed at spectacular show Magical costumes inspired by The Wombles, the film Chicken Run and a Stephen King novel are among the creations being showcased by Edinburgh College of Art students. AI initiative gives Gaelic a foothold in the digital age Linguists and Artificial Intelligence specialists are embarking on an ambitious programme designed to help Scottish Gaelic flourish in the digital age. Experts assess demand for kerbside mini parks University experts are gauging if there is public support for plans to transform kerbside parking spaces into mini-parks with benches and planters. Music could be key to curbing cybersickness Listening to music could reduce the dizziness, nausea and headaches virtual reality users might experience after using digital devices, research suggests. Team honoured with esteemed Royal Society medal A team of experts have been recognised for their exceptional achievements in peace and conflict research. Tech team helps music duo find their bearings Backing from a University-led tech support initiative has helped an Edinburgh-based start-up beat the drum for Scottish innovation at a global showcase event. Commonwealth event spotlights power of sport A team of experts from Edinburgh are supporting an initiative to promote the role of sport in addressing some of society’s biggest challenges. Scientists take steps to tackle women’s rugby injuries head on Injury prevention measures designed to boost male rugby players’ resilience are to be reassessed so they can better support the women’s game. Artworks invite us to weigh up debt’s burdens Thought-provoking works by artists from four continents feature in a university exhibition offering wide-ranging perspectives on the crushing effects of debt. Climate change concern reduces support for gas The public’s concerns about climate change could reduce support for natural gas as an alternative fuel source, research suggests. Covid rule fines peaked in latter stages of lockdown Most fines for Covid rule breaches were issued when England was in its third national lockdown and Wales was in its second, research shows. Exercise helps mental health in pre-teen years Regular physical activity can improve adolescents’ mental health and help with behavioural difficulties, research suggests. Violence was widespread in early farming society Violence and warfare were widespread in many Neolithic communities across Northwest Europe, a period associated with the adoption of farming, new research suggests. Lower voting age boosts participation in elections Younger first-time voters in Scotland retain a habit of voting in elections and participate in greater numbers than older first-time voters, a study suggests. Young people want trustworthy mental health apps Young people may not be receiving the mental health support they need because of a lack of trust in the smartphone apps that deliver such services, a study suggests. Edinburgh Professors to lead AHRC Programme on AI Two Edinburgh researchers will lead a project to ensure artificial intelligence (AI) and data are used responsibly and ethically across society and industry. Social media aids quest for beauty perfection Influencers on social media have contributed to an uptake of people using cosmetic procedures to enhance their appearance, research suggests. Elite sport linked with osteoarthritis risk Competing at elite level in sport is linked with an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis and joint pain in later life, a study suggests. Experts urge action on medical test kit waste Spiralling use of throwaway medical testing kits is having a major environmental impact that must be urgently addressed, experts say. Health experts target ambitious Olympic goals Sports scientists and medical researchers from Edinburgh are to jointly lead an initiative focused on athlete health and injury prevention at elite level. Artists reflect on how we honour the past Arresting artworks that explore how people’s remembrances of the past are more fragile than they often appear are being showcased at the University. App taps into distant past in bid to aid tolerance An Edinburgh heritage expert has helped create a digital education resource that seeks to promote tolerance by reframing how Britain’s ancient past is taught. Gene study identifies DNA variants linked to dyslexia Scientists have for the first time pinpointed a large number of genes that are reliably associated with dyslexia. Green spaces in cities linked to crime risk, a study shows Maintaining green parks and gardens in cities has the potential to lower the risk of crime, research suggests. Festival shines a light on books and belief Acclaimed authors, writers and speakers will explore belief from a range of perspectives at a literary festival organised by the University’s world-renowned School of Divinity. Tech start-ups urged to contact analysts early Start-up ventures providing services to technology companies should engage with business analysts early and strategically to maximise their chances of success, research suggests. Experts assess digital impact on Muslim lives How digital technology is shaping European Muslims’ views on a range of faith-related issues will be the focus of an Edinburgh-led research project. Research hub for student mental health launched A new network to boost research into student mental health and wellbeing in Scotland has been launched. Music in childhood boosts brains in later life Taking up a musical instrument in childhood and adolescence is associated with improved thinking skills in older age, research shows. Pitch perfect tales win James Tait Black Prizes A journey into Indian classical music by an author, performer and vocalist and an interweaving series of vignettes set in south London have won the UK’s longest-running literary awards. Graduate show aglow with students creative spark A new stream of design and artistic talent are revealing their fresh creations at the celebrated Edinburgh College of Art’s Graduate Show. Experts take long view to aid Olympians’ health Health experts from Edinburgh have launched a global research initiative to better understand how injury and illness affects Olympic athletes during, and after, their sporting careers. Historian unearths hidden Van Gogh self-portrait A previously unknown Vincent van Gogh painting has been discovered as the result of research by an Edinburgh art historian. Campus comes alive as festival audiences return Edinburgh’s campus will be buzzing with festival crowds once more this August as the city passes a significant cultural milestone. Scholar recognised with British Academy honour Professor Cristina Iannelli has been recognised by the UK’s national academy for the humanities and social sciences for a distinguished contribution to research. Research scheme to boost healthcare in Lothian Staff in Nursing Studies are to play a key role in an initiative that helps healthcare professionals advance their research careers. Natural foods appeal to children, study finds Children are more likely to prefer foods they believe to be natural to man-made options, rating them higher for tastiness, safety and desirability, a study shows. Festival of words and wonder fills College of Art University students, staff and alumni are joining a line-up of inspirational events at the Edinburgh International Book Festival to celebrate the power of sharing stories and ideas. Report examines risk factors linked to abuse Intervention programmes can help target the motivations of men who abuse their partners, a study shows. Royal Society of Edinburgh research awards boost Eleven Edinburgh academics have been announced as recipients of a Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) grant for developing research and to foster collaborative links. Expert warns of hearing-loss diagnosis crisis Failures at NHS Lothian's hearing service for children has caused an emergency situation in the area, according to an Edinburgh researcher. Firms inflate green energy claims, study finds Widespread use of renewable energy certificates – bought by companies to underscore their green credentials – is masking corporate inaction on carbon emissions, research suggests. Historian receives German Non-Fiction Prize An ‘excellently researched and brilliantly narrated’ book by an Edinburgh historian has won the German Non-Fiction Prize 2022. Graduate Show unleashes future creative talent The highly anticipated Edinburgh College of Art Graduate Show is back as a campus event after a two-year break because of the pandemic. Study sheds light on life beyond Rome’s frontier Archaeologists from Edinburgh have discovered more than 100 Iron Age settlements in south-west Scotland that date from the time of Roman occupation. Hub ignites creative spark to drive social change A new initiative that will use the arts and creativity to promote social justice in communities has been launched. Future fashion talent shines at St James Quarter Stunning designs drawing upon a dizzying array of influences including wild gardens, 18th century corsetry and the Scottish landscape are among the collections at this year’s Edinburgh College of Art Fashion Show. Experts support new tool promoting tourism A new tool to help visitors and residents enjoy the East Lothian coastline and avoid overcrowding and queues has been created by Edinburgh experts and Visit East Lothian. Related linksFor the latest news from the Business SchoolFor the latest news from the School of DivinityFor the latest news from the School of EconomicsFor the latest news from Edinburgh College of ArtFor the latest news from the School of Health in Social ScienceFor the latest news from the School of History, Classics and ArchaeologyFor the latest news from the School of LawFor the latest news from the School of School of Literatures, Languages and CulturesFor the latest news from the Moray House School of EducationFor the latest news from the School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language ScienceFor the latest news from the School of Social and Political Science This article was published on 2024-08-28