The RSE knowledge in sound podcast is an audio transcription of the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s blog series. Featuring in-depth analyses and opinion pieces from some of Scotland’s leading thinkers. The articles offer personal views and knowledge on a variety of issues. These views are not those of the RSE and are intended to provide different perspectives on a range of current issue.
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Dr Deval Desai writes about the intersection of academic freedom and human rights, and how restrictions on one can impede the other.
Dr Dmitry Fedosov discusses John Barbour’s monumental 14th-century poem, “The Bruce,” which chronicles Scotland’s War of Independence.
Joël Reland says the subtle regulatory shifts persist post-Brexit, impacting laws, trade, and business complexity. He believes vigilance is key as new regulatory barriers emerge.
Dr John Nugent is investigating the enigma of neutrinos, abundant yet elusive fundamental particles.
Professor Jeffrey Sharkey FRSE argues that Brexit has had a negative impact on the performing arts, causing visa issues and reduced earnings, which is driving some artists to consider leaving the industry.
Professor Sarah Prescott discusses the effects of Brexit on international study, language education, and student opportunities, including the transition from Erasmus to the Turing Scheme.
Professor Murray Pittock FRSE, recaps on the 5th Scotland-Europe Initiative workshop on Higher Education.
Dr Moriba Jah, a space environmentalist, highlights Scotland’s potential to lead in space environmentalism and sustainability, emphasising the importance of addressing space debris and promoting sustainable practices.
Professor Camilla Toulmin writes about Africa-Scotland relations and her work on sound policies and substantial action.
David Gow reflects on the The EU and the Brexit Negotiations RSE and Europa Institute event with Professor Brigid Laffan and Dr. Stefaan de Rynck.
Professor Michael Keating argues that the promise of Brexit was to ‘take back control’ and establish the sovereignty and supremacy of the UK Parliament and people.
With Brexit’s impact on borders, Dr Kirsty Hughes FRSE discusses what might lie ahead for the England-Scotland border in the instance of an independent Scotland.
Lessons for Scotland’s potential EU membership. Katy Hayward discusses the Windsor Framework in relation to the Irish/Northern Irish Protocol for border management.
Professor Chris Quine considers how woodlands can provide for future generations while responding to the climate and biodiversity crises and the needs of society.
Financial services post-Brexit; Rebecca Christie remarks that the UK still expects preferential treatment, while the EU demands reciprocity.
Graham Bishop argues that three years after leaving the EU, the UK finance sector still awaits the promised gains.
Professor Rebecca Kay discusses policy options for Scotland to increase inward migration and boost economic growth and diversity.
Professor Raffaella Ocone stresses that collaboration between the UK and EU is vital for successful energy transition and reaching Net Zero goals.
There is still time to act in ways that will protect natural ecosystems, but solutions require a more nuanced understanding, argues Professor Anne Magurran
Professor Mehul Malik highlights the research making quantum leaps toward more secure communications.
Professor Sergi Pardos-Prado discusses the challenges of implementing a bespoke Scottish immigration policy.
Tackling energy security and net zero targets, Professor Peter Cameron on the importance of collaboration with the EU on energy policies.
Professor Isla Myers-Smith highlights the issue of climate change on tundra ecosystems.
As part of the RSE Scotland-Europe Initiative Professor Sarah Hall discusses Brexit and ‘missing’ financial services jobs in Scotland.
Professor Ryan Gilmour explains that while ‘synthetic’ organic chemistry may be controversial, it’s behind the development of many vitally important medicines.
Emma Congreve, Deputy Director and Senior Knowledge Exchange Fellow at the Fraser of Allander Institute discusses the impact of Brexit on trade in goods, services and labour.
Professor Gill Reid highlights the new research which could reduce the amount of radiation required in medical imaging.
Is there a way to break the constitutional deadlock in Scotland, a path forward that could unite pro-independence and pro-UK parties and supporters?
Prof Jim Gallagher on the Brown Commission’s substantial constitutional change, which lies on the horizon for an incoming labour government.
What checks and processes might be necessary to manage the Anglo-Scottish border in the event of independence in the EU?
Scottish tech sector leader Carolyn Jameson reflects on how the industry has evolved and looks to opportunities ahead to be more creative in solving economic and societal challenges.
An independent Scotland would have two viable currency choices: continued use of £GBP or the establishment of a new Scottish currency.
Dr Eve Poole considers the importance of reflecting human agency, values, and our ‘junk code’ in developing advanced artificial intelligence.
Professor Lee Cronin questions the hype around AI, highlighting some fundamental misconceptions, but looks to a future where it could have a key role in drug discovery.
Dr Atoosa Kasirzadeh contrasts the opportunities and ethical challenges with the advancement of machine learning and generative AI.
Professor Fiona Macpherson explores perceptual diversity and introduces The Perception Census.
Professor Mark Woolhouse asks were Covid-19 lockdowns really the best course of action? Justified at the time as the best way to save lives.
Professor Anne Magurran FRSE calls to protect and restore Scotland’s biodiversity.
Professor Ian Jackson on the genetics of ginger hair. The further north you were born, the more likely you are to have red hair.
Professor Sean Mckee FRSE writes about how we are constantly surrounded by applied mathematical models every day, even if we don’t know it.
Professor Devi Sridhar looks to the prevention of future pandemics and a coalition built on preparedness and innovation.
Professor Malcolm Macdonald explains the threat ‘zombie’ satellites pose on the space industry and economy.
Professor Mike Benton OBE discusses the new research that is helping shed fresh light on long-extinct species like dinosaurs.
Jan Webb and Professor Becky Lunn explore the future of domestic energy to achieve our net-zero ambitions.
Professor Clive Badman OBE details new proposals in the manufacturing process of medicines that could help solve future supply shortages.
Emojis are now an endemic part of many – most – people’s lives, yet the modern digital emoji has only been around since the late 1990s.