University of Glasgow, College of Social Sciences

This week's #SocSciHub bulletin: Has Labour’s mission-driven governance already stalled? Dr Ian C Elliott looks at past lessons. Plus, Prof Nasar Meer on the risks of a global retreat on climate action. #Research #UKPolitics #ClimateChange

Using Social Media for Research Impact – But with Care This week, I had the pleasure of running a session with my colleagues Connor MacLeod and Claire Martin from the Communications team in the University of Glasgow, College of Social Sciences, exploring how researchers can use social media as part of their research impact journey. For me, research impact is about long-term relationship-building - engaging meaningfully with the people who can benefit from and shape research. Social media can be a powerful tool to support this, offering new ways to share findings, invite dialogue, and build connections beyond academia. But it needs to be used with care and intention. 💡 Key takeaways from our discussion: 🔹 Know your audience: Where do they engage? What platforms do they use? 🔹 Be intentional: Social media isn’t just about broadcasting; it’s about fostering genuine engagement. 🔹 Set boundaries: Online engagement should not come at the cost of your wellbeing. Having clear boundaries can help. 🔹 It takes time to build: Growing an engaged audience doesn’t happen overnight; patience and consistency are key. We also reflected on the risks - academic discourse online can sometimes become contentious (and is worsening), and managing wellbeing while engaging online is crucial. In the College of Social Sciences, we’re fortunate to have a team who can provide support and guidance for researchers navigating this space. ✨ A key takeaway for me? Social media isn’t the strategy-it’s just one tool within a broader, thoughtful approach to research impact. #ResearchImpact #KnowledgeExchange #AcademicEngagement #SocialMedia

Last week, I had the opportunity to give a workshop on the many benefits of Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) collaborations in person at the University of Glasgow, College of Social Sciences, together with my lovely colleague (and COIL-champion!) Yvonne Benschop 🟥. COIL is an amazing way to incorporate innovative, inclusive and even interdisciplinary education within our classrooms! Yvonne Benschop 🟥 (NSM) and Marjana Johansson (Glasgow) have already pioneered our COIL Collaborations with the University of Glasgow in an amazing module called 'Advanced JEDI' (Justice, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion - now running for the 2nd year due to its great succes), so we're definitely aiming to keep this innovation going and create more COIL opportunities within the Nijmegen School of Management / Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen Should you be interested in setting up a COIL with the Nijmegen School of Management / Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen, please feel free to reach out on joyce.opdenoordt@ru.nl!

What do recent tariff announcements on trade from new US President Trump mean for the UK? 🌎 In a new blog for UofG Centre for Public Policy, Dr Maha Rafi Atal shares timely insights into: 💡 the economic impact of tariffs on the UK 💡the Trump administration's ‘national security’ argument for tariffs 💡potential consequences for UK-Europe relations 💬 "While the European Union has responded with immediate plans for retaliation, the UK has so far taken a 'wait-and-see' approach." Read in full: https://lnkd.in/eZXHZQAe #Trade #GlobalTrade #Economy

A new study by the University of Glasgow’s Adam Smith Observatory of Corporate Reporting Practices, in partnership with ACCA, explores how companies disclose their efforts to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. The report Evidence on Companies’ Biodiversity Disclosures examines corporate policies, the main drivers of biodiversity loss, the goals set by companies, and the indicators used to measure progress. While findings show that companies report on biodiversity drivers such as water pollutants and ecosystem use, location-based and direct-driver-related disclosures remain limited. The study highlights best practices in biodiversity reporting as well as areas needing improvement. From 2026, companies will be required to invest in biodiversity monitoring and reporting systems. As Scotland aims to become nature-positive by 2030, finance professionals will play a pivotal role in tracking progress and shaping sustainable business practices. Organisations like the Global Reporting Initiative and Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures could support these efforts by field-testing the costs and challenges of biodiversity reporting. Read more on the #SocSciHub: https://lnkd.in/dBFYrCXR #Sustainability #Biodiversity #CorporateReporting #ESG #SustainableBusiness

A very productive meeting with our collaboration partners from University of Glasgow formed the start of my UK tour, further strengthening the ties between Nijmegen School of Management / Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen and University of Glasgow Adam Smith Business School

Adam Smith, unicorns, and sharing knowledge with amazing colleagues. The importance and joy of international collaborations between University of Glasgow and Radboud University cannot be underestimated. More to come!

February marks LGBT History Month, a time to reflect on progress, challenges, and the work still needed to achieve true equity. This year’s theme, Activism and Social Change, shines a light on issues like housing inequality—a persistent barrier for many LGBTQ+ people. Research shows that LGBTQ+ individuals face poorer housing outcomes, higher rates of homelessness, and systemic discrimination. Up to 50% of trans people experience homelessness at some point, often due to a lack of safe, affordable housing, landlord bias, and employment challenges. While the housing sector is making strides to address these disparities, political narratives and growing anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric pose real threats. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial to amplify the inspiring work happening across research, policy, and practice. This month, we’ll share insights from experts, highlight key research, and host a webinar launching the policy brief from Edith England and Neil Turnbull’s LGBTQ+ Housing and Homelessness Survey. We’ll also launch a new HSA member network for LGBTQ+ Housing Research and Practice. Read more on the #SocSciHub: https://lnkd.in/embZSehE #LGBTHistoryMonth #ActivismAndSocialChange #LGBTQHousing #EqualityInHousing

At a glance: Your guide to the 2025 German federal election 🗳️🚨   With the election in Germany just days away and rise of radical right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) dominating the media, Dr Petar Bankov shares insights into what we might expect this weekend, from the latest polls to what the formation of the incoming government might look like.   💬 "One thing is certain - this will be a numbers game, depending on two key aspects: first, the size of the AfD parliamentary group - the larger it is, the higher its blackmail potential would be. Second, the level of fragmentation in parliament..."   Read: https://lnkd.in/ektiMFKP #GermanElection #Research

Sunbed users are often portrayed as vain or reckless, reinforcing the idea that tanning is both unnecessary and dangerous. Yet, despite the well-documented risks—including a higher likelihood of developing skin cancer—the tanning industry continues to thrive. Businesses promote sunbeds and artificial tanning products as confidence boosters, while newer solutions like Melanotan injections bring their own serious health risks. Instead of holding the industry accountable, responsibility is placed on consumers, particularly young women, working-class individuals, and metrosexual or gay men. This pattern mirrors industries like tobacco, fast food, and gambling—where companies profit from insecurity while downplaying harm. Without stronger regulations, artificial tanning will remain a risky yet profitable trend, leaving individuals to bear the consequences. Read more on the #SocSciHub: https://lnkd.in/eKXqBSY2 #TanningCulture #PublicHealth #BeautyStandards #SkinCancerAwareness