Latest news with #UniversityofSussex
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Could India-U.K. trade deal be a template for other FTAs?
There has been a lot of excitement around the India-U.K. trade deal — PM Narendra Modi termed the deal a 'historic milestone' while announcing that both countries 'successfully concluded an ambitious and mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement', and U.K. PM Keir Starmer recently called it a fantastic deal. India enjoys a trade surplus with the U.K., the deal could help India maintain its competitive edge. Under the deal, India will cut tariffs on 90% of British goods, with 85% becoming duty-free over ten years. In return, the U.K. will abolish duties on selected products, leaving 99% of Indian exports tariff-free. The deal talks about streamlining regulations, which could make India's exports cheaper to the British. Trade between India and the U.K. has grown over the past few decades, and trade relations between the two countries are set to become stronger due to this agreement. The U.K.'s government believes that the FTA will give bilateral trade an annual boost of £25.5 billion by 2040, while India has set a target to double trade to $100 billion by 2030. Given that India is negotiating trade agreements with other countries, can this FTA serve as a template for other deals? Guest: Amrita Saha, Research Fellow, Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex. Host: Nivedia. V Edited by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian. Listen to more In Focus podcasts:
BBC News
23-05-2025
- Science
- BBC News
Plastic in every level of food web, say Sussex scientists
Plastic pollution is now contaminating insects at the base of terrestrial food chains, raising fresh concerns about the long-term impact on wildlife, according to a new study by the Universities of Sussex and have discovered fragments of plastic in the stomachs of beetles, slugs, snails and earthworms, with the pollutants making their way up the food chain to birds, mammals and study, described as the most comprehensive of its kind, analysed more than 580 invertebrate samples from 51 sites across Fiona Mathews, an environmental biologist at the University of Sussex, said microplastics were now "ubiquitous at every level of the food web". A food web is a complex network made up of all of the food chains in an were detected in nearly 12% of specimens, with earthworms showing the highest contamination rate at 30%, followed by slugs and snails at 24%, said the commonly shed from clothing, was the most frequently detected plastic researcher Emily Thrift, from the University of Sussex, said the findings were "surprising and deeply concerning"."This is the first study to find plastics consistently turning up across an entire community of land invertebrates," she said."Similar plastic types have previously been found in hedgehog faeces and appear to be entering the diet of birds, mammals and reptiles via their invertebrate prey."The research team warned that plastic pollution should no longer be seen as solely a marine issue. The team said the chemicals released by degrading plastics in soil pose serious risks to biodiversity, with previous studies linking ingestion of plastic to stunted growth, organ damage and reduced fertility in and decomposers – such as worms and slugs – were found to be the most heavily contaminated. However, carnivorous insects like ladybirds were also affected, often ingesting larger plastic particles through their prey. Co-author of the study Prof Tamara Galloway, from the University of Exeter, said: "To reduce the uptake of microplastics into the food web we first have to understand how it is getting there. "Emily's results are a crucial first step to understanding this process and its consequences for wildlife."Prof Mathews said the focus has often been on plastics in "visible litter" but added the findings "suggest multiple hidden sources – from clothing fibres to paint particles". "There is now an urgent need to understand how different types of plastics are affecting ecosystems, and to take steps to reduce their release into the environment," she said,The researchers say their work, which spans six invertebrate groups and four levels of the food chain, highlights the need for broader environmental monitoring and stronger measures to limit plastic pollution.
The Herald Scotland
16-05-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Freedom of Speech in Higher Education: Where does Scotland stand?
While some of the recent legislative and regulatory action has taken place in England, Scottish universities are not immune to the wider cultural, legal and sectoral shifts; indeed, the well-publicised NHS Fife changing room dispute and For Women Scotland's recent supreme court appeal show that Scotland is on the front-line of varying disputes in this space and its universities are far from immune from that. Scottish universities are proud of their history and commitment to freedom of speech, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to inclusivity and safe environments for expression of thought; however, seismic cultural shifts and legislative changes must make all Scottish universities pause for thought and consider whether their policies and procedures are fit for purpose in protecting the institution they treasure. Case in point: the recent high-profile case involving the University of Sussex — culminating in a £585,000 fine imposed by England's higher education regulator, the Office for Students (OfS) – has raised urgent questions for institutions across the UK. What obligations do universities have to protect academic freedom and free expression? Where should the line be drawn between inclusion and open debate? And what lessons, if any, should be applied in Scotland? A Distinctive Scottish Framework Scotland's higher education system operates under a distinct set of laws, governance structures and values. Scottish universities are accountable to the Scottish Funding Council, not the OfS, and the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023, passed at Westminster, does not apply here. That said, Scottish universities are still subject to a range of legal duties that affect how they manage speech on campus: Human Rights Act 1998 and ECHR rights: Protect freedom of thought, conscience, and expression (Articles 9 and 10), subject to limits necessary in a democratic society. Equality Act 2010: A UK-wide statute that prohibits discrimination and harassment on grounds including religion or belief—including philosophical beliefs. Post-16 Education (Scotland) Act 2013: Reaffirms institutional autonomy and recognises the principle of academic freedom in Scotland. Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED): Requires public bodies to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations. These frameworks reflect Scotland's commitment to both inclusive education and robust intellectual enquiry. But as the Sussex case shows, striking the right balance in practice can be complex. The Sussex Decision: A Cautionary Tale? The OfS investigation into the University of Sussex focused on a Trans and Non-Binary Equality Policy introduced in 2018, and the extent to which it impacted staff and students' ability to express lawful but contested views, particularly those critical of prevailing gender orthodoxy. Four specific statements in the policy were found to have a 'chilling effect' on freedom of speech and academic freedom, leading to regulatory breaches. While the regulatory regime in Scotland is different, the substance of the issues will feel familiar to many here. Advance HE, the organisation whose template informed Sussex's policy, also works closely with Scottish institutions; many Scottish universities have adopted or adapted similar policies, often in pursuit of charter marks or DEI goals. It's therefore worth reflecting on what went wrong; this is not to mimic England's regulatory approach, but to safeguard the distinct values of Scottish higher education. (Image: Can universities truly maintain open debate in the current cultural climate?) Balancing Rights: The Scottish Way? In Scotland, there has long been a commitment to pluralism, respect for difference, and academic rigour. But even here, universities are facing increasing challenges in holding space for disagreement, particularly on issues such as gender identity, race, climate justice and international conflicts. Three principles emerge from the Sussex case that are relevant for Scottish institutions: 1. Freedom of speech and academic freedom must be given real and substantive protection. This means being cautious about policies or practices that could discourage staff or students from expressing legitimate, lawful views — even when those views are controversial or unpopular. 2. Legal boundaries matter. Universities cannot redefine what constitutes harassment or unlawful speech based on internal values or strategic priorities. Overreach – even in pursuit of inclusion – can carry legal risk and reputational damage. 3. Context, clarity and consultation are key. The Sussex policy was criticised not simply for its content but for how it was introduced. In Scotland, a transparent, inclusive process that encourages open dialogue may help pre-empt conflict. What This Means for Policy and Practice Scottish universities are not expected to walk away from their commitments to diversity, equality and inclusion. Nor should they. But they must ensure that DEI policies do not unintentionally undermine legally protected speech or create an environment where certain viewpoints are effectively excluded from academic life. This doesn't mean giving a platform to hate or harm. There remains a legal and moral obligation to prevent harassment and ensure safe learning environments. But lawful speech, no matter how uncomfortable, must be protected if academic freedom is to mean anything. Institutions may also wish to revisit how they manage controversial events, speaker invitations, and internal debates. While universities can impose proportionate time, place, and manner restrictions, any attempt to limit the content of lawful speech, directly or indirectly, should be approached with extreme caution. A Time for Reflection The OfS decision regarding Sussex is a product of the English regulatory context, but it offers a valuable opportunity for reflection here in Scotland. Are our policies appropriately balanced? Do they protect dissent as well as dignity? Do they foster open enquiry alongside inclusivity? These questions deserve serious attention—not because they are easy, but because they go to the heart of what a university is for. Scottish higher education has long been proud of its distinctive identity, rooted in Enlightenment values and intellectual independence. As debates around speech and academic freedom intensify, that identity may well become the sector's greatest asset, if we are brave enough to uphold it. Melanie Steed is a Principal Associate in the employment, pensions and immigration team of Weightmans This article was brought to you in partnership with Weightmans
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
£1.2 million pledged to help save dolphins in seascape restoration project
More than one million pounds has been pledged to a seascape restoration project, which launched in June 2024. The £1.2 million was pledged to Sussex Bay's Blue Natural Capital Lab - a project which raises funds for organisations across the county from ethical sources. As part of the new Sussex Bay initiative, the money will go towards local projects like the Sussex Dolphin Project, the Fishing Net Reuse and Recycling scheme in Worthing and the Anglers National Line Recycling Scheme. The money will also help fund marine research at the University of Sussex and the revamp of the Windsor Lawn Rotunda, so small-boat fishers can sell their fish on the Worthing seafront. Dean Spears, head of Sussex Bay, said: "The £1.2 million that has so far been pledged over the past year by our innovative and forward-thinking funders is already making a difference to Sussex's seascape recovery. "We are humbled by the support received to date. "This funding is an injection not just of cash but also of hope for our counties and communities. "This is the first step towards a coastline abundant with life once more." Sussex Bay is an independent project which is not taxpayer-funded. It serves as the central project and aims to inspire nature recovery between Selsey and Camber Sands, which is inclusive of rivers, coast and up to 12 nautical miles offshore. The project also seeks to catalyse the long-term recovery of wildlife, which has been adversely affected by trawling, overfishing and pollutants. Mr Spears added: "Our ambition is to raise £50 million in ethical funding for marine recovery projects by 2050. "We are still at the base camp of the mountain we need to climb, as Sussex's sea and wetlands have been seriously degraded in recent decades and face escalating risks from our changing climate. "But this is an optimistic start." Various sources of funding, including the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, Rewilding Britain, Novo Foundation, the Marine Management Organisation, Sea Changers, Natural England, Innovate UK and Championing Coastal Communities, were secured through competitive bids. This collective work contributes to Sussex Bay's Blueprint for Seascape Recovery, as part of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy. Thea Taylor, from the Sussex Dolphin Project, said: "Creating meaningful change in the marine environment requires meaningful collaboration. "Sussex Bay is uniquely positioned to unite and support the many organisations along the Sussex coast in a transformative partnership that has the potential to positively impact both the local marine ecosystem and the community. "We are grateful for Sussex Bay's support of our educational programme, which provides young people with valuable training and direct access to the marine environment, inspiring the next generation of ocean stewards." Libby Drew, of the Weald to Waves project, said: "You can't restore nature from a classroom - but breaking into green jobs is tough. "With support from organisations like Sussex Bay and Rewilding Britain, we are bridging the gap with hands-on learning courses, paid work placements, and the right connections to turn passion into a profession." The Blue Natural Capital Lab is the first of its kind in the UK and will support marine recovery projects looking for funding from ethical sources.
NDTV
08-05-2025
- Science
- NDTV
Scientists Discover Simple Technique To Bond With Cats
A recent study has found that humans can strengthen their bond with cats by using a specific facial expression. By narrowing their eyes and blinking slowly, humans can make cats feel more comfortable and receptive. This technique, observed in cat-human interactions, can help build trust between humans and cats, even with unfamiliar felines. The new study, The 'role of cat eye narrowing movements in cat-human communication', published online in the Nature journal Scientific Reports, has shown for the first time that it is possible to build rapport with a cat by using an eye narrowing technique with them. This eye narrowing action by humans generates something popularly known as a cat smile - the so-called "slow blink" - and seems to make the human more attractive to the cat. Eye-narrowing movements in cats have some parallels with the genuine smile in humans (the Duchenne smile), as well as eye-narrowing movements given in positive situations in some other species. Dr Leanne Proops from the University of Portsmouth's Department of Psychology co-supervised the work. She said, "It's definitely not easy to study natural cat behaviour, so these results provide a rare insight into the world of cat-human communication." As per a news release, the team, led by Dr Tasmin Humphrey and Professor Karen McComb, animal behaviour scientists at the University of Sussex, undertook two experiments. The first revealed that cats are more likely to slow blink at their owners after their owners have slow blinked at them, compared to when they don't interact at all. The second experiment, this time with a researcher from the psychology team, rather than the owner, found that the cats were more likely to approach the experimenter's outstretched hand after they'd slow blinked at the cat, compared to when they had adopted a neutral expression. Taken together, the study shows that this slow blinking technique can provide a form of positive communication between cats and humans. Professor Karen McComb, from the School of Psychology at the University of Sussex, who supervised the work, said, "As someone who has both studied animal behaviour and is a cat owner, it's great to be able to show that cats and humans can communicate in this way. It's something that many cat owners had already suspected, so it's exciting to have found evidence for it. "This study is the first to experimentally investigate the role of slow blinking in cat-human communication. And it is something you can try yourself with your own cat at home or with cats you meet in the street. It's a great way of enhancing the bond you have with cats. Try narrowing your eyes at them as you would in a relaxed smile, followed by closing your eyes for a couple of seconds. You'll find they respond in the same way themselves, and you can start a sort of conversation." Dr Tasmin Humphrey, first author of the study, said: "Understanding positive ways in which cats and humans interact can enhance public understanding of cats, improve feline welfare, and tell us more about the socio-cognitive abilities of this understudied species. "Our findings could potentially be used to assess the welfare of cats in a variety of settings, including veterinary practices and shelters. "In terms of why cats behave in this way, it could be argued that cats developed the slow blink behaviours because humans perceived slow blinking as positive. Cats may have learnt that humans reward them for responding to slow blinking. It is also possible that slow blinking in cats began as a way to interrupt an unbroken stare, which is potentially threatening in social interaction."
