Report on Scottish higher education sector’s support for conflict settings
A new report, commissioned by the Royal Society of Edinburgh in its role as a convening body, addresses the timely and pressing question: How can the Scottish higher education sector support colleagues and institutions in conflict settings?
Scottish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have a long history of providing educational and humanitarian support to institutions affected by conflict, both domestically in Scotland and internationally through longstanding relationships.
The origins of this report began with the convening of a roundtable of Scottish Higher Education participants at the RSE, chaired by Professor Mona Siddiqui as former RSE VP International, and supported by the RSE International Committee.
Through desk research and interviews with key stakeholders across HEIs in Scotland, this scoping report offers an overview of the current initiatives supported by Scottish HEIs and practical advice for next steps. It aims to support and inform the Scottish higher education sector to address gaps in coordination, funding, and information around current educational support provision to conflict settings.
Introducing the report, Professor Alison Phipps OBE FRSE, said:
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights includes the Right to Education. It is easy for those in the sector to focus on children and on schooling, particularly focused on the damage done by schooling that is interrupted. It is clear, however, that tertiary education is a vital element in both continuity of resource and education at the highest level, during conflict and for those experiencing a well-founded fear of persecution.”
Report recommendations:
- Ongoing advocacy and dialogue within the Scottish HE sector leveraging the collective willingness to enhance and implement the Universities UK International and Halpin education and humanitarian framework for future education support to HEIs conflict settings.
- Explore establishment of a Scottish HE sector working or coordination group to facilitate collective responses to conflict settings, and could be hosted by a group such as the RSE, Scottish Government, or Universities Scotland.
- Explore establishment of Scottish HE sector information sharing fora. Organisation such as the RSE and Young Academy of Scotland can play facilitation roles.
- Explore allocation of grants directly to researchers or staff at international institutions in conflict settings to facilitate knowledge production and support ongoing capacity development.
- Advocate for improved visa processes to enable at-risk individuals and explore sector frameworks to aid transition to study and work in Scottish Institutions working with partners such as the Scottish Government and Cara.
Download the report
