Latest news with #HeriotWattUniversity
The Guardian
10-07-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Black people in England four times as likely to face homelessness, study finds
Black people in England are almost four times as likely to face homelessness as white people and substantially less likely to get social housing, according to the first major study into homelessness and racism in more than two decades. A three-year research project by academics at Heriot-Watt University found that ethnicity affects a person's risk of homelessness, even when controlling for factors such as geography, poverty and home ownership rates. They recorded evidence of people resorting to changing their name, accent and hairstyle to try to gain access to housing and other services, and being told by housing officers to be grateful because 'you don't have this back in your country'. The report's lead author, Prof Suzanne Fitzpatrick, said: 'There are long-term forms of structural disadvantage, rooted in historic racism, which are impacting on risks of homelessness. But the data indicates present-day discrimination is also playing a role. We heard reports of really overt racism from private landlords – refusing to house people because they're black, particularly if they're refugees, or imposing rules or restrictions on them that they don't impose on other tenants.' The team from the university's Institute for Social Policy, Housing and Equalities Research analysed 750,000 household outcome records from official homelessness data from 2019-20 to 2021-22 and found that 10% of black families in the statutory homelessness system gained access to social housing, compared with 24% of white families. They also found 11% of migrant-headed households accessed social housing, compared with 17% of all households. Analysis of English Housing Survey data found that Pakistani-Bangladeshi households were more than seven times more likely and black households six times more likely to be overcrowded than white households. Data obtained via freedom of information requests by Shelter found black-headed households were more likely to be stuck in temporary accommodation (TA) for long periods of time. They found 43% of black-headed households in TA had been there for more than two years, compared with 25% of white-headed households. Almost a fifth (18%) of black-headed households in TA had been there for more than five years, compared with 8% of white-headed households. Mairi MacRae, the director of campaigns and policy at the charity, said inequality 'remains hardwired into our housing system'. She said: 'The evidence is clear – devastatingly, Black people are more likely to become homeless and less likely to have a safe and secure home. Racial stereotyping, culturally insensitive communication and unjust treatment from housing officers, as well as excessive questioning around eligibility in the application process, leave Black people feeling unheard, neglected and dehumanised.' Shelter's separate report, My Colour Speaks Before Me, describes people's experiences of stereotyping, judgment and stigma, and facing an 'uneven burden of proof', with excessive questioning and heightened scrutiny when applying for social housing. Black social housing applicants reported being treated more poorly than white applicants, facing longer delays and receiving support that was not culturally aware. One of the report's 16 peer researchers, Uchenna Eneke, 43, spent 15 years living in a one-bedroom flat with her children while bidding for a social home in east London, and struggled to get basic maintenance repairs or speak to housing officers. 'It makes you question everything – is it because I'm black? Is it because I'm a woman? Is it because I'm a single mum? I was seeing people getting rehoused around me, and I came before them,' she said. 'Especially with a name like mine. Sometimes I had to change my name to an English name – I used to call myself Gillian – just to get through to speak to someone.' Her children, now 17 and 10, spent most of their childhoods sharing a room with their mother, and one developed chronic rhinitis due to persistent mould in the property. 'I tried asking for help but nothing happened. You just keep to yourself, keep your head down, don't get your kids taken off you. I ended up having a bit of a nervous breakdown,' she said. She now volunteers with Shelter and advocates on behalf of other people struggling with housing. 'We need the laws to change because people are going crazy. People are losing their lives, losing their families, losing their jobs,' she said. 'Imagine someone being homeless but still having a job at the same time. That's not normal.' Fitzpatrick said their research was designed to 'fill a longstanding gap in knowledge about race and homelessness in the UK', particularly after the widely condemned Sewell report on racial disparity in 2021, which made little reference to housing. She said their recommendations included using the private rented sector landlord ombudsman proposed in the renter's rights bill to tackle racism by landlords, and rejecting ethnicity-blind approaches in housing departments. 'It's really unacceptable that people who are already in a crisis situation are sometimes traumatised by their treatment at the hands of local authority homelessness officers that are there to assist them,' Fitzpatrick said. 'If you've got people coming into a system with structural disadvantage, you have to be aware of that.'
Zawya
04-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
ERRA strengthens global leadership with the signing of the UAE's first blanket reprographic rights licensing agreement
Sharjah – Building on its growing international presence in intellectual property protection while reinforcing the UAE's standing as a regional and international hub in this field, the Emirates Reprographic Rights Management Association (ERRA) has announced the signing of the country's first-ever blanket reprographic rights licensing agreement with Heriot-Watt University Dubai. This pioneering step sets a new benchmark for regulating the use of intellectual works within academic institutions. This agreement is the outcome of ERRA's ambitious and strategic path since its establishment. In less than three years, the Association has successfully established a strong international presence in the field of collective reprographic rights management, having concluded six landmark agreements with counterpart organisations in the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Argentina, Malaysia, and Hong Kong, in addition to an ongoing collaboration with India. ERRA has also secured membership in the International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organisations (IFRRO) and obtained Observer status with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). These recognitions reflect the confidence of international institutions in ERRA's capability to regulate the use of intellectual works and protect the rights of authors and publishers in accordance with global best practices, granting it an influential position in shaping intellectual property policies worldwide. The licence granted to Heriot-Watt University Dubai provides lawful, organised access to a vast repository of books and academic materials under reprographic rights. It also reinforces the university's institutional commitment and academic leadership in upholding the rights of authors and creators. From Foundation to Empowerment Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Honorary President of ERRA, praised this achievement as an important milestone that reflects a clear vision and a strong institutional will to build a comprehensive framework for the protection of authors' rights in the UAE. She also highlighted it as a practical model of what can be achieved through collaboration between educational institutions and intellectual property stakeholders. She said: 'We take great pride in the strategic strides made by ERRA towards strengthening the legislative and cultural infrastructure for reprographic rights protection. The signing of the blanket licensing agreement with Heriot-Watt University Dubai marks a pivotal moment, underscoring the Association's organisational maturity and its ability to swiftly move from the foundational phase to a stage of empowerment and tangible influence across educational and cultural institutions.' She added: 'We believe that respect for creative rights is the cornerstone of any sustainable knowledge-based renaissance. We hope this model will inspire more educational institutions to adopt this approach, one that fosters a fair knowledge environment that honours intellectual contributions and values creative effort.' International Recognition This milestone has also received international acclaim. Anita Huss, Secretary General and CEO of the International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organisations (IFRRO), stated: 'We are pleased to see ERRA making steady progress in the effective implementation of collective rights management principles. The signing of the first blanket university licence of its kind in the UAE—at such an early stage in the Association's development—is a commendable achievement among emerging RROs in the international community. It reflects a clear and responsible vision towards the protection of authors' rights. At IFRRO, we regard ERRA as a proactive partner contributing to the establishment of fair and globally aligned practices in reprographic rights management. We encourage more of these partnerships, which play a vital role in ensuring equitable and secure access to knowledge content.' An Operational Milestone Mohamed Bin Dakhen, President of the Board of the Association, commented: 'The signing of this agreement with Heriot-Watt University Dubai marks a significant operational phase in the ERRA's journey, following a period of institutional development during which we established effective international partnerships that now enable us to represent a vast body of literary and scientific works. We are committed to embedding a culture of respect for intellectual property within the educational environment and aspire to build a fair knowledge ecosystem that honours the efforts of creators and ensures sustainable content production.' 'We hope this agreement will serve as a launchpad for broader partnerships with universities and academic institutions across the UAE, ensuring safe and regulated access to knowledge resources and contributing to the growth of the country's creative economy.' A Strategic Step For his part, Anas Abu Ghoush, Head of Information Services at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, stated: 'At Heriot-Watt University Dubai, we believe that true knowledge is built upon respecting those who create and share it with the world. Our partnership with the Emirates Reprographic Rights Management Association is a strategic step that enhances the quality of academic content we offer our students. This licence enables us to legally access and utilise thousands of works, which positively impacts our academic credibility and institutional ranking.' 'We are proud to be the first educational institution in the UAE to adopt this advanced model of reprographic rights respect, and we hope to serve as a role model for other academic institutions striving to establish a fair and sustainable learning environment.'
Daily Mail
19-06-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mail
Climate change is coming for your G&T! Global warming could change the taste of gin, scientists warn
If there's one thing the Brits take seriously, it's their gin and tonic. It requires a precise blend of the spirit, mixer, lime wedge and – of course – ice. But the subtle fusion of flavours is at risk, experts have warned - with climate change to blame. Juniper berries are what give gin its distinct piney, woody and citrus-y notes. Now, scientists have found that volatile weather patterns – made more likely by climate breakdown – could make the botanical sweeter and spicier in some years and less intense during others. Experts from Heriot-Watt University's International Centre for Brewing and Distilling (ICBD) warned changing weather might be altering the flavour compounds in the berries. Like grapes, the climate and environment that junipers grow in can influence their intensity and dominant flavours. 'A wet harvest year can reduce the total volatile compounds in juniper by about 12 per cent compared to a dry year,' Matthew Pauley, an assistant professor at the ICBD told The Guardian. 'This has direct implications for the sensory characteristics that make gin taste like gin.' For their research, scientists distilled juniper berries from different regions across Europe including Albania, Bosnia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Kosovo and Italy. Analysis of the resulting spirits revealed berries from each region had distinct chemical profiles which gave them slightly different tastes. For example, gin from Albania has a higher abundance of orange and citrus compounds, while gin from Bosnia might have a more woody, pine-y taste. The team distilled juniper berries from varying harvest years and discovered the amount of rainfall in a given year could significantly impact the flavour of the berries. Wetter weather meant longer drying periods for the berries were needed, which changed the abundance of chemicals within them. They found the abundance of Alpha-humulene, which contributes to the berry's spicy and peppery notes, drops during rainy years. Beta-Caryophyllene, which provides citrus, floral and sweet attributes to juniper, also declines. And levels of Beta-myrcene, which helps provide a 'minty' taste to the berries, also decreases during wet harvest years. The countries involved in the study, which are located around southern and southeastern Europe, are expected to be significantly impacted by climate change. Experts predict this area of Europe will experience increased heatwaves and droughts – along with periods of intense rainfall that can vary drastically from year-to-year. The study showed that across all six countries the total harvest rainfall in 2017 was 1,218mm, which dropped to 774mm the following year. If this pattern continues then hotter, drier years could produce juniper berries that are especially sweet and spicy, while wetter seasons could results in a product that has markedly less intense flavour. Professor Annie Hill, the study's supervisor, said: 'For distillers, this means the flavour profile can shift depending on harvest conditions. 'For a multibillion-pound industry, which is increasingly focused on consistency and quality for its discerning customers, this represents a risk.' The study, published in the Journal of the Institute of Brewing, reads: 'Juniper berries and other plant botanicals are used in the production of beverages and contribute signature flavour and aroma. 'Inconsistent or inferior quality of botanicals is a concern and result in consumer dissatisfaction, and reduced sales. 'This work will be of interest to distillers, suppliers of botanicals and juniper farmers, and will inform drying regimes consequent on climate change.' The team said that the most likely outcome of the impact of climate change would be that gin distillers would choose to harvest their juniper berries from a different area. In a similar way to champagne companies buying vinewards in the south of England, previously non-suitable areas for growing juniper berries may be considered.
BBC News
19-06-2025
- Science
- BBC News
Kayakers and paddleboarders 'unknowingly' disturbing sea life
Researchers have warned kayakers and paddleboarders may be unknowingly disturbing whales, dolphins and seals in Scottish waters. Heriot-Watt University, with support from the Whale and Dolphin Conservation, has documented hundreds of interactions between vessels and marine study included more than 400 hours of land-based observations across five marine regions, including protected areas. Researchers said disturbances caused by kayaks and paddleboards were recorded in the Moray Firth, Clyde, Forth and Tay. The study suggested disturbances from fast-moving craft such as speedboats also occurred in every area. Dr Emily Hague, of Heriot-Watt University, said: "The truth is that all of Scotland's coastline is important habitat for marine mammals."Whether you're paddling off the coast of Fife or sailing around Skye, you're likely sharing the water with sensitive species."We want people to enjoy Scotland's waters, but to do so responsibly by keeping up to date on how best to respond should you spot marine wildlife."She added: "With a little more awareness and a few small changes, we can all help ensure that sharing the sea doesn't come at a cost to the animals that call it home." What is the advice? NatureScot's Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code advises people to:Keep a distance of at least 100m (328ft) from marine mammalsAvoid sudden changes in direction, speed or noise - especially in engine-powered boatsAvoid surrounding animalsLimit encounters to 15 minutes and move on if animals show any signs of disturbanceAvoid using fast moving craft for wildlife watching due to their speed, noise and collision riskGive seals on land a wide berth
The Independent
19-06-2025
- Climate
- The Independent
How climate change could alter the flavour of your gin and tonic forever
The flavour of gin and tonic may never be the same again due to climate change, a new study has suggested. Scientists have found that volatile weather conditions, could change the taste of juniper berries – the botanical that gives the spirit its distinctive taste. It could make the drink less floral, sweet, citrus, woody, earthy or musty than its current flavour, according to scientists from Heriot-Watt University 's International Centre for Brewing and Distilling (ICBD). The same species of berry grown in different parts of the world contain different flavour compounds, just like wine. This is dependent on rainfall and sunshine, according to the study, published in the Journal of the Institute of Brewing. Researchers put this to the test by distilling berries from different regions across Europe. This included Albania, Bosnia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Kosovo and Italy all from varying harvest years. The spirits were analysed by separating the compounds of the gin using gas chromatography to measure the levels of key flavour compounds. It confirmed that each region had its own distinct chemical profile, which impacts the overall flavour of the gin. Wetter weather meant the berries needed longer drying periods, which changed the amount of water-soluble chemicals in the berries. As a result, harvest conditions can change how gin tastes. For example, meteorological data shows it rained 57 per cent more in the harvest months for juniper- September to November- in seven locations in 2017 in comparison to 2018. The juniper berries harvested in 2017 needed more drying to achieve the optimum 15 per cent moisture content in comparison to the 2018 harvest. Matthew Pauley, an assistant professor at the ICBD, said: 'A wet harvest year can reduce the total volatile compounds in juniper by about 12 per cent compared to a dry year. 'This has direct implications for the sensory characteristics that make gin taste like gin.' Study authors stress that their observations relate to the difference in moisture content at harvest and not directly to the growing conditions of the berries. Professor Annie Hill, the study's supervisor, explained this is a 'risk' for the multibillion-pound industry which has a focus on 'consistency and quality'. Gin producers select their berries from certain regions to achieve a distinctive taste, but climate change disrupting weather patterns and causing more rainfall in certain areas could change the final product.
