The Library Blog

Edinburgh Napier University Library blog. Filled with useful and fun blog articles on using the Library, the University, Edinburgh and many other fun topics.

Month: March 2026

World Poetry Day blog post image of pens resting on a book

World Poetry Day 2026

21/03/2026 / / 0 Comments

World Poetry Day 2026

World Poetry Day takes place annually on the 21st of March and was first established and adopted by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) in the year 1999. This was finalised during the 30th General Conference, which they held in Paris during that year, with the fundamental goal being to promote and bring about a fresh awareness, appreciation for and love of poetry and poetic works globally. It also promotes linguistic diversity fostered in many different forms of poetry, which helps to bring together various cultures and traditions. Poetry takes a range of different forms, some of which include:

  • Sonnets: Poems consisting of 14 lines of text with a set rhyme scheme in place.
  • Free Verse: Poetry without a specific or strict rhyme scheme, allowing the poet more freedom in terms of poetic rhythm and expression.
  • Ballad: A narrative piece of work which is often musical and highly expressive. This type of poetry is usually made up of four-line stanzas.
  • Villanelle: This type of poem usually consists of 19 lines of text with a very particular, repetitive refrain.

The History of Poetry

Poetry as a form of literature, art and expression goes back as far as the prehistoric age, with some of the earliest poetry being thought to have emerged from the “Epic of Gilgamesh” which dates back as far as 2000 BC and consists of five individual Sumerian poems dedicated to the King of Urk (c. 2100 BC) as well as focusing on themes such as friendship and mortality. In fact, poetry is very likely to have existed well before this historical era. Poetry from both this prehistoric age up until the present day has also addressed similar themes as well as many others, such as love, passion, ambition, hope, wonder and family, to give a few examples. Poetry also often addresses, expresses and explores more negative themes such as grief, loss, sadness, disappointment and anger (to give a few examples here too)! Many different forms and varieties of poetry and poetic works exist as well, such as sonnets and rap lyrics, but the primary objective of poetic literature is often the same, and that is to explore human emotions, experiences, as well as invoke similar emotions through words and expression.

How to celebrate World Poetry Day

If you are a poetry lover or curious about the world of poetic literature, there are several ways in which you can engage with and celebrate this national day…

  • Write a poem of your own: Why not give it a go! Use this international day as an opportunity and let it inspire you to write your very own poem and share it with others if you wish to.
  • Support poets by sharing and purchasing their work: Take this opportunity to share a favourite poem (or set of poems if you feel you can’t just pick one!) with family and friends, as well as on social media platforms to promote and encourage engagement with the works of various poets, and poetry in general. Purchasing poetic works and even donating to poetry organisations is also a great way of supporting poets and poetry communities.
  • Open-mic nights, poetry events and readings: Attend local events and readings nearby – whether you are just going to listen to others share their work and even read out some of your own!
  • Visit the Poetry Library in Edinburgh: Located on Crichton’s Road, the Scottish Poetry Library in Edinburgh is a central hub and national resource hosting a range of poetic works as well as promoting poetry as an art form. Their current opening hours are 10am-3pm Monday to Thursday, and they host a range of poetic works and books from all over the globe, with a specific focus on their Scottish collection. There are many ways to support the Scottish Poetry Library: you can become a donor, friend of the library or register as a borrower, which is free of charge!

Recommendations

You can find a range of poems and poetic works in our LibrarySearch catalogue. We also have an institutional subscription to the Literature Online database, where you can find and access a huge variety of full-text poetry, prose and plays.

Photo credit goes to Ghinzo at Pixabay

By Rachel Downie

Read more on Poetry on our blog with this article on Robert Burns

dog in st patricks day hat for blog post St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick’s Day

17/03/2026 / / 2 Comments

St. Patrick’s Day

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all our Irish students and staff.

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on 17th March. St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, but there are parades and parties worldwide due to the large numbers of people with Irish heritage spread across the world.

Source

History of St.Patrick’s Day

Although there are no exact dates of his birth, it is believed that Patrick was born in the Roman-occupied north of England. and that he died on 17th March. His autobiographical work “Confessio” claims that when he was around 16, Patrick was taken from his home in Britain by Irish pirates who took him to Ireland as a slave. There he looked after animals for around six years and converted to Christianity. He fled captivity after hearing a voice telling him he would soon go home. He found passage on a ship and after several days walking he returned home. Following his return, Patrick studied Christianity in Europe-mostly in Auxerre, France and was ordained into the priesthood there. He later returned to Ireland as a missionary, and by the 7th century was already revered as the patron saint of Ireland.

The Irish Potato Famine

There are many people throughout the world with Irish ancestors due to the large numbers who emigrated because of the Irish Potato Famine. It started in 1845 when a fungus ruined around 75% of the annual potato crop, which most of the population relied on for food. Around one million Irish died before the end of the famine in 1852. Another million emigrated to countries such as Great Britain or the United States, and therefore you will find St. Patrick’s Day celebrated in many countries worldwide.

Celebrations

Today descendants of the immigrants celebrate their Irish heritage by dressing up in colourful clothing in green and gold (the colours of the Irish flag), joining parades of pipe bands, cheerleaders, and floats. One of the biggest parades outside Ireland is in New York which held its first parade in 1762. This was a time when the wearing of green was a sign of Irish pride but was banned in Ireland. The parade gave participants the freedom to speak Irish, wear green, sing Irish songs and play the pipes to Irish tunes that were meaningful to the Irish immigrants of that time.

Aside from parades, many pubs and restaurants host events with live music and singing, and you shouldn’t have to look too hard to find one in Edinburgh!

By Vivienne Hamilton

Read more on world festivals and traditions with our articles:

Chinese New Year

Scottish Traditions: Burn’s Night

The Ethiopia Timkat Festival,

New Year Traditions from Around the World

Also, don’t forget you can find out more about everything mentioned in this article at Librarysearch.napier.ac.uk

 

 

Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2026 logo of colourful brain

Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2026

16/03/2026 / / 0 Comments

Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2026

Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2026 takes place from 16th to 20th March 2026. This global initiative continues its mission to challenge stereotypes and transform how society views neurological differences.

Founded in 2018 by Siena Castellon, the week now reaches thousands of schools, universities, organisations, and communities across the world. Its purpose remains clear. It encourages everyone to recognise the strengths and talents of neurodivergent individuals and to build cultures where different minds thrive.

This year introduces two major changes. The first is an invitation for community‑led webinars. Neurodivergent people can now share their lived experiences, research, or ideas directly with a global audience. The second change shifts the conversation toward action. Organisations are encouraged to go beyond awareness and take steps that build sustainable, inclusive environments.

Celebrating Different Minds

Neurodiversity encompasses many ways of thinking and learning. It includes conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and more. The week highlights the value of these different thinking styles. It also offers resources to help workplaces and schools become more inclusive.

Across sectors, organisations are recognising the importance of psychological safety, flexible communication, and equitable systems. These principles help neurodivergent people contribute their best skills. And they also benefit everyone. Diversity of thought leads to stronger teams, more creative problem‑solving, and healthier working cultures.

Events That Inspire Action

The central theme for 2026 is “From Awareness to Action.” The official schedule includes daily sessions aimed at practical organisational change. These events focus on leadership, equity, universal design, and embedding neuroinclusion throughout the employee journey.

On 16 March, the week begins with a session on building the case for equity. It explores legal, economic, and human‑centred arguments for meaningful inclusion. On 17 March, another session looks at universal design and how flexible environments reduce barriers. The events on 18 and 19 March highlight leadership and practical tools for managers and HR teams. The final event on 20 March explores the future of neuroinclusion, including technology and data‑driven approaches.

These sessions are open to organisations everywhere. They offer a simple way to learn from experts and adopt strategies that make a real difference.

Beyond the official programme, communities are also hosting local celebrations. For example, the University of York will mark the week from 16 to 22 March. Their events include panel discussions and information stands designed to support staff and students. These activities encourage people to share experiences, ask questions, and connect with one another.

Global Community, Local Voices

Around the world, people celebrate Neurodiversity Week in different ways. Cornell University plans a full week of sensory‑friendly events, storytelling, and community activities. Their programme invites volunteers, researchers, and students to participate. It highlights the joy, creativity, and curiosity that neurodivergent people bring to their communities.

Meanwhile, grassroots organisations continue to share tools and resources. The 2026 Social Media Pack offers banners, graphics, and sample messages. These help individuals and organisations spread positive stories and raise awareness throughout the week.

This combination of local and global engagement shows the strength of the movement. It is no longer just a week of awareness. It is a growing network of people who believe in fairness, opportunity, and inclusion.

A Call to Reflect and Act

Neurodiversity Celebration Week reminds us that inclusion is not a single action. It is a continuous mindset. It requires openness, empathy, and a willingness to change systems that limit people.

Short conversations can spark reflection. Small adjustments can reshape workplaces. Listening can shift perspectives.

Everyone has a role to play.

Teachers can create supportive classrooms. Managers can encourage flexible working styles. Parents can advocate for their children. Communities can celebrate the strengths of every mind.

Why This Week Matters

When we understand neurodiversity, we open doors for people to contribute fully. When we value different ways of thinking, we create spaces where everyone feels safe to be themselves. And when we act with intention, we help build a future where neurodivergent people thrive.

Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2026 gives us a chance to do all of this.

And above all, it reminds us that the world needs all kinds of minds.

Edinburgh Napier Support

If you’re a neurodiverse student or member of staff, you can contact our Wellbeing and Inclusion Team to see how the university can support you during your studies. Information about how to contact the Wellbeing and Inclusion Team can be found on MyNapier.

Read more on Neurodiversity here on the blog by visiting our Neurodiversity Bookshelf

By Juliet Kinsey

University mental health Day

University Mental Health Day

13/03/2026 / / 0 Comments

University Mental Health Day

University Mental Health DayThe twelfth of March 2026 marked the 18th annual University Mental Health Day, a day dedicated to raising visibility of mental health issues among student communities, and to combat stigma associated with discussions of mental health.

Originally started by members of the University Mental Health Advisers Network (UMHAN). University Mental Health Day has been held every March since 2008 and has grown to cover campuses across the UK, with mental health activist group Student Minds officially becoming involved since 2012.

So, to mark this year’s University Mental Health Day, we’re going to talk a little about this year’s UMHD theme and tell you about all the ways that Edinburgh Napier can support your mental health during your time studying with us.

This Year’s Theme

Every year, a new theme is selected to focus that year’s University Mental Health Day events. For example, 2024 was centred around the theme of anxiety, with an emphasis on the scenarios students encounter that can cause them to feel anxious, and discussing the techniques students can learn to manage their anxiety.

This year’s theme is human connection, focusing on the issue of university students reporting increased feelings of isolation, and the role of student communities in combatting these feelings of isolation. Despite how large the student population is, government reporting indicates that many students have experienced increased feelings of loneliness over the past few years, along with a fear that they would be judged by others if they express these feelings. This is despite the same government studies indicating that the vast majority of students wouldn’t want to judge others for feeling lonely, highlighting how important it is to reassure students of the support they can get in their own community.

University Mental Health Day at Edinburgh Napier

SMHA

Here at Napier, we have our Student Mental Health Agreement (SMHA) created in collaboration between our Counselling and Wellbeing staff and the members of the Edinburgh Napier Student Association (ENSA) to lay out the goals and activities for both teams and to guarantee the mental health services the university provides to the student population.

You can learn about the SMHA (and read it for yourself!) on the NapierStudents website.

The current edition of the SMHA has been in place since 2024, ensuring that the university offers a range of services through our Counselling & Wellbeing team to support students during their studies. These include counselling services, single session therapy services where students can discuss a specific issue they are having, as well as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy aimed at helping you tackle unhelpful thought patterns.

You can learn all about these services on the MyNapier Wellbeing, Support & Inclusion page, where you’ll also find contact details for our Wellbeing support teams and links to pages that will explain our wellbeing resources in greater depth.

Togetherall

Also, as part of the SMHA, the university provides all our students with access to Togetherall. A 24/7 online community where you’ll have access to free online support, allowing you to talk with others and receive advice in a safe and anonymous environment.

Fittingly for this year’s theme, one of the main goals of the 2024-2026 SMHA is to help nurture a sense of community and belonging in the student population through increasing participation in student-run events and student clubs/societies.

Clubs & Societies

Speaking from experience, becoming involved in a university club or society can be a great way to connect with students who have similar hobbies and interests to you. Some of the greatest friendships I have come from my own participation in different university clubs during my undergraduate studies. I’ve no doubt that many of you who aren’t currently involved in any clubs would benefit from doing so.

You can see what clubs and societies are on offer at Napier at the ENSA website. I’d also recommend the ENSA Events Calendar to see if there are any upcoming student events that might catch your interest.

The Library

Additionally, we have our Wellbeing Collection at each of our campus libraries, with books advising you on how to look after your mental, emotional, and physical health. Furthermore, several members of our library team are trained mental health first aiders, prepared to offer you support whenever you need it.

So please, if you’re ever feeling lonely during your time at Napier, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

By Matthew Ferrie

Read more about wellbeing on the blog with our article: Wellbeing in the library

Image of lady playing the bagpipes for International Bagpipe Day

International Bagpipe Day

10/03/2026 / / 0 Comments

International Bagpipe Day

What comes to mind when you think of Scotland? Whisky? Tartan? Or perhaps it’s bagpipes with their unique sound and playing method. This instrument is synonymous with Scotland’s culture and identity. It is known for rousing tunes at events and parades and haunting laments at funerals and memorials. Although we tend to think of bagpipes as a Scottish instrument, there are actually many variants to be found across the world.

Composition

Bagpipes today exist in many forms throughout the world, but the ones we see here in Scotland consist of the following:

Mouthpiece – This attaches to the bag and sits on the top of it to allow access for the player.

Bag – All other parts of the instrument are attached to the bag. Traditionally, the bag was made of cowhide or sheepskin, but is now often made of synthetic materials.

Drones – Scottish bagpipes have three drones, which determine the pitch of the instrument. They have small holes at the tips to allow the air to escape. By applying pressure to different areas of the bag, players can control the airflow and produce varying sounds.

Chanter – This section of the bagpipes produces the melody. It protrudes from the bag, pointing downwards. The player can use both hands up and down the chanter to produce different notes.

Playing method

Bagpipes are a musical woodwind instrument with reed pipes and an air bag. The player inflates the bag by blowing into a blowpipe. They then squeeze the bag under their arm, emitting air into the pipes to play them. The drone pipes make a continuous droning sound, while the higher-pitched chanter pipe produces the melody. This creates a unique sound that is instantly recognisable.

Origin and history

Prior to the 13th century the origins of the instrument are uncertain, but a Hittite slab sculpture provides visual evidence that bagpipes may have been around at least 1000 years BC. It is thought that they may have originated in Egypt or the Middle East. Starting out with just one drone and a chanter. From there, they appear to have spread through Europe. The Greeks and Romans had the earliest written references. In the 13th century, references to bagpipes appear in Europe. The earliest reference in a British text seems to be in the Canterbury Tales, written around 1380.

Medieval religious carvings and sculptures depict pipers. In 1314 bagpipes were played at the Battle of Bannockburn, but in a different form from today’s pipes. Until the 1500s, a single drone was used, with a second one being added, then a third. Giving us the pipes as we know them today, from the 1700s onwards. Highland clan chiefs employed pipers to motivate their troops in battles. But after the 1745 Jacobite rising, bagpipe playing was banned in Scotland as they were seen as an instrument of war. Played in secret until the ban was lifted, bagpipes were again to find a place in warfare. Highland regiments formed after 1745 revived the tradition of pipers playing their comrades into battle in the early 19th century, and this continued throughout World War One, when they led troops “over the top” out of the trenches onto the battlefield. The death rate amongst pipers was extremely high: it is estimated that around 1000 pipers died in World War I. Pipe bands featuring drummers as well as pipers are still important in the military today, taking part in all types of parades for events and royal visits. Military pipe bands also feature in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which has taken place at Edinburgh Castle esplanade since 1950. Bands from all over the world entertain sell-out crowds during August. Over the years, the show has been enhanced with projections and visual effects, making a truly spectacular presentation.

World Pipe Band Championships

Running since 1947, the World Pipe Band Championships is currently held on Glasgow Green with pipe bands from across the world competing for the coveted Grade One title. Any pipe band can enter and take part in the qualifying rounds to make it to the final and win the competition. Until 1987, the title was won by Scottish pipe bands, but since then, bands from Canada, Ireland and Australia have scooped the title.

Events

Today, some events wouldn’t be the same without a piper or pipe band. Highland games have bands playing between events, and a single piper will play at the highland dancing competition so that the dancers have music to perform to.

At weddings in Scotland, there will often be a piper at the entrance to a church or venue providing music while guests arrive for the ceremony. They will also play as the bridal party emerges from the ceremony and pipe the bride and groom into the wedding reception. Pipers are also called upon to play at funerals, playing laments such as Sleep Dearie, Sleep, which was played at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. A lone piper concluded the queen’s funeral, playing a lament and walking into the distance through the chapel, creating a very poignant scene. Pipers also often feature in Remembrance Day parades and wreath-laying ceremonies on 11th November each year.

Another event where you are likely to see a piper is Burns suppers celebrating the birth of poet Robert Burns. Taking place on 25th January, there are readings of Burns’s poetry and a meal of haggis, potatoes and turnip. The haggis is brought out on a platter and is piped into the room.

Now, many towns in Scotland have pipe bands which turn out for local parades and events such as gala days, when there are parades along the main street of the town, which will often be led by the town pipe band with floats and children in fancy dress following behind.

Modern music

Bagpipes are usually associated with traditional music, but they have featured in modern music too. Bagpipes feature in Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney and Wings, Stingin Belle by Biffy Clyro and It’s a Long Way to the Top by AC/DC.

Taking a very modern twist on the bagpipes are the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, who play rock and pop songs along with traditional Scottish tunes.

If you would like to find out more about bagpipes or traditional Scottish music, you can use Library Search help you do so.

 

 

Healthy Eating Guide for Students image of lots of healthy foods on a plate

Healthy Eating Guide for Students

02/03/2026 / / 0 Comments

Healthy Eating Guide for Students

When preparing for exams and assignment deadlines, it is particularly important to feed and fuel your body as well as your brain. Eating well and eating satiating meals is essential for boosting your cognitive function, concentration, memory and energy levels when studying – many studies have shown that eating a satiating breakfast on the day of an exam and staying adequately hydrated can boost exam performance and results.

With regards to the basics of healthy eating, you should ultimately ensure that you are eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. As we care about your academic career and aim to help you get the best out of your studies, we have put together this blog post on how to utilise food as fuel to help maximise your chances of achieving the best grades possible, as well as get the best out of university life and your time with us here at Edinburgh Napier University, too!

The 5 key elements of healthy eating

There are at least five key elements of eating a healthy diet:

Water

After all, we are made up of 70% water! Particularly, our brains and blood which is 90% water. A typical guideline for staying adequately hydrated is to drink at least 2 litres of water a day. It helps us to flush out toxins from our bodies, aid our digestion and avoid experiencing the often-debilitating side effects that come with dehydration, such as fatigue, dizziness, impaired concentration, lower energy levels and headaches. You can get roughly 30% of your required daily fluid intake by consuming lots of fruit and vegetables; however, it is recommended that you also drink lots of fluids as well, with water being the most efficient and cost-effective option. Herbal and fruit teas are also a good source of hydration.

Fibre

This is essential for your gut health, a healthy digestive system and regulating bowel movements as well as your blood sugar levels. Since a majority of your immune system is based in your gut as well, this makes fibre a stable part of keeping your gut bacteria healthy, as well as your immune health. Most of us generally do not get enough fibre in our diet – you need at least 30g to reach the recommended daily intake. Nevertheless, a diet high in fruit and vegetables can help reach this, followed by foods such as brown rice, brown pasta, wholegrain or rye bread, beans, pulses, lentils, nuts and seeds. Most of these can be incorporated into a variety of meals, such as curries and casseroles.

Fats

Fat is a fundamental element of a healthy diet – we need it for our bodies to produce hormones, which reduce inflammation. Examples of good-quality fats include olive oil, nuts such as almonds and peanuts, oily fish such as salmon and sardines, and avocados. Saturated fats are okay in moderation – these include fatty cuts of meat and poultry, butter, cream, cheese, and baked goods. These do offer some health benefits themselves, but too much can heighten your risk of stroke and heart disease.

Protein

This macronutrient is essential for maintaining muscle mass, healthy skin and bones as it acts as a vital building block which aids with growth, immune and cell function, repair and enzyme/hormone production. It also provides a satiating source of food, which keeps us fuller for longer. Some of the best quality sources of protein include the following: Milk, eggs, yoghurt, chicken, turkey, beans, pulses, nuts, seeds, fish and seafood, beef and soya (a good dairy alternative)!

Colour

As the saying goes – eat the rainbow! You should try to eat a variety of different coloured foods as they each offer a range of different benefits for your health as well as disease risk reduction. For example, orange and yellow fruits such as mangos, carrots, sweet potatoes and peaches contain carotenoids which our bodies convert into vitamin A – an essential nutrient for maintaining our eye health and vision, immunity, skin health and cell growth.

Red, blue and purple fruits and vegetables have various properties that are preventative against some forms of cancer – blue and purple ones are also thought to be preventative against dementia as well. Some examples of these fruits and vegetables consist of tomatoes, apples, black grapes, plums, blueberries, aubergine and red berries.

Then there’s green foods such as kale, spinach, broccoli and cucumber, which support your vision, keep your bones strong and can be preventative against some forms of cancer as well as blood clotting.

Recommendations

We have some great reads and recipe books if you are looking for some inspiration and to improve your nutritional intake. All of these titles can be found and requested through our LibrarySearch catalogue.

  • Cooking on a bootstrap: over 100 simple, budget recipes. Monroe, Jack (Journalist), author. 2018. Available at Craiglockhart, Merchiston and Sighthill Campus Libraries.
  • Eat Up! Tandoh, Ruby, author. 2018. Available at Craiglockhart, Merchiston and Sighthill Campus Libraries.
  • The female factor: making women’s health count – and what it means for you. Wallace, Hazel, author.; Mayson, Lizzie, photographer (expression); Food medic, associated with work. 2022. Available at Sighthill Campus Library.

You can find more recommendations in our Wellbeing Collection, and why not check out the Virtual Relaxation Space too?

By Rachel Downie

Photo by Vanessa Loring on Pexels

Image with bright reds and the word courage written in the middle for post University Refugee Week 2026: A Celebration of Courage

University Refugee Week 2026 : A Celebration of Courage

02/03/2026 / / 0 Comments

University Refugee Week 2026: A Celebration of Courage

Refugee Week

Every year in June, the UK pauses to shine a light on the importance of Refugees. Refugee Week brings people from diverse backgrounds together, celebrating the strength, creativity, resilience, and contributions of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. Refugee Week 2026 will run from 15–21 June, with the official theme of Courage.

Courage is central to the refugee experience. It shapes every journey, every decision to leave home, and every step toward a future in a new place. This year, Refugee Week invites us to reflect on what courage truly means. It asks us to recognise courage in many forms. Courage can be loud or quiet, visible or unseen. It can be the choice to speak up or the choice to simply keep going. Regardless, courage drives every story worth telling. Refugee Week connects us to millions of people across the globe who have fled war, persecution, climate disaster, and other forms of violence. It takes place around World Refugee Day (20 June), a United Nations-backed day of recognition. Together, these moments highlight not only struggle, but also hope and human potential.

What the Week Looks Like Across the UK

Across the UK, Refugee Week 2026 will feature events, talks, exhibitions, film screenings, workshops, performances, and community gatherings. Communities large and small use this week to share stories, show solidarity, and celebrate culture. Many events are free and open to everyone. Some highlight artistic expression. Others focus on community building, education, or advocacy. In every case, the aim is the same: to bring people together, to listen, and to learn.

Step by step, these activities remind us that refugees do more than survive. They enrich their communities, teach us about courage in everyday life, and remind us that courage takes many shapes, from the bold to the ordinary. It can be as grand as public resistance and it can be as simple as welcoming a neighbour.

University Refugee Week

University Refugee Week connects higher education communities across the UK in a shared moment of recognition and reflection. It celebrates the strength, talent and determination of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. At the same time, it encourages universities to think carefully about the part they play in creating environments built on welcome, opportunity and genuine belonging.

Throughout the week, campuses host lectures, panel discussions, creative workshops and open forums. These events bring students, academic staff and external partners into conversation. They create space to explore the realities of forced displacement. They also centre lived experience, ensuring refugee voices lead and inform the discussion.

Importantly, the week does more than raise awareness. It challenges institutions to act. Universities can widen access through scholarships and tailored admissions pathways. They can provide mentoring, language support and community networks. They can also shape research, policy and public debate. Step by step, these actions help turn values into practical support.

University Refugee Week will take place from 2–8 March 2026. During these seven days, higher education institutions across the UK will come together with a shared purpose: to strengthen understanding, encourage solidarity and expand meaningful opportunities for those rebuilding their lives through education.

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Women’s History Month 2026: Leading the Change Toward Sustainability image of 4 female scientists

Women’s History Month 2026: Leading the Change Toward Sustainability

01/03/2026 / / 0 Comments

Women’s History Month 2026: Leading the Change Toward Sustainability

March is Women’s History Month. Every year, we take time to celebrate the contributions of women. We also learn from their leadership, reflect on progress and the challenges still before us. This year’s official theme is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.”

Women Shaping a Sustainable Future

Sustainability means more than saving energy or planting trees. It reaches into economics, social justice, climate adaptation, technology, and culture. The National Women’s History Alliance chose this year’s theme — Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future — to highlight women whose work makes systems stronger, smarter, and fairer. Their leadership shows that people and the planet can thrive together.

Environmental Innovation and Renewable Energy

Women across the world are inventing new clean energy solutions that power homes and protect ecosystems. Inna Braverman, a co-founder of Eco Wave Power, built technology that generates electricity from ocean waves, expanding renewable energy options beyond wind and solar. Her company has installed grid-connected projects in ports and coastal regions.

Reyhan Jamalova started Rainergy while still a student. Her system harnesses rainwater to generate electricity for communities with limited power access, offering an affordable, low-emission alternative to traditional grids.

Work like this showcases how women take leadership far beyond advocacy — they create tangible technology that delivers sustainable power and expands energy access.

Engineering Resilience and Sustainable Infrastructure

Engineering for climate resilience means designing systems that withstand floods, heat, and storms. Women in fields from architecture to civil engineering are redefining resilient infrastructure.

The Society of Women Engineers highlights projects like Living Breakwaters in New York, which reinforce shorelines against storm damage while rebuilding ecosystems and community space.

Architect and sustainability consultant Chinwe Ohajuruka uses bio-climatic design and solar housing in Nigeria to build affordable homes adapted to local climates, making communities safer and more energy-efficient.

Landscape architect Kotchakorn Voraakhom integrates nature into cities so they handle climate risks more effectively. Her projects in Bangkok capture and reuse stormwater, reduce heat, and add public food-producing spaces, turning flood-vulnerable areas into productive urban ecology.

These real examples show how resilience is both a technical challenge and a creative one — requiring people who think beyond concrete into ecosystems and communities.

Economic Sustainability and Business Leadership

Sustainability also connects to business transformation and economic justice. Across industries, women executives drive corporate decisions that shift investment toward climate-friendly solutions.

One sustainability leader in finance, Marisa Drew, directs strategies that support renewable infrastructure investment and reduce emissions through large-scale financing commitments. This work brings needed capital to innovations around the world that fight climate change.

Female entrepreneurs like Susan Blanchet, whose company Origen Air creates plant-based rooftop systems to clean indoor air, show how sustainable products can reshape our built environment and reduce health risks from pollution.

These efforts prove that sustainability is not only technical but economic — building markets that reward environmental responsibility and enhance community wellbeing.

Education, Advocacy, and Inclusive Policy

Educators and advocates play a crucial role in preparing the next generation. Women climate scientists and climate policy experts educate global audiences and influence leaders to adopt equitable sustainability policies. A thought leader in sustainable development has helped bring systems-level climate thinking into mainstream conversations through books and global forums.

Advocates for equity ensure that climate policies include voices from historically underrepresented communities. Their work makes sustainability inclusive, emphasising that long-term environmental goals must align with social justice.

Health, Community, and Cultural Change

Social sustainability — including health, equity, and community resilience — receives increased attention thanks to women leaders pushing for better systems. Initiatives in public health and community organisation help ensure that climate impacts and economic shifts don’t disproportionately burden vulnerable groups.

Cultural influence amplifies sustainability goals. Artists, writers, and filmmakers use narrative to expand awareness about climate justice. These cultural tools help shape public values and encourage broader public participation in sustainability efforts.

Women of Edinburgh Napier University

Dr Emily Alder: Academic associated with the Centre for Conservation and Restoration Science; interests include education for sustainable development and environmental humanities (e.g., coasts/seas).

Dr Gráinne Barkess: Local lead for the Scotland Beyond Net Zero hub at Edinburgh Napier University and Head of Research Environment and Services, with involvement in net-zero/ sustainability research coordination.

Sophie Gerrard: Lecturer and documentary photographer focusing on environmental and social themes (environment-linked research and teaching).

Dr Carolina Costa Pereira: Her research interests lie in renewable energy, energy conversion systems, heat transfer problems and latent heat thermal energy storage for different applications.

Sustainability Beyond March

Women’s History Month offers a moment to recognise leadership, but the work continues year-round. Partnerships between sectors such as engineering, business, education, government, and community groups are essential.

Sustainable systems succeed when multiple voices shape how they evolve. Inclusion ensures that solutions are effective and just. Young innovators and seasoned leaders from all intersectionalities can collaborate, exchange knowledge, and scale impact together.

Toward a Balanced Future

Women leading sustainable change demonstrate that systems innovation and human wellbeing can coexist. Their achievements, whether through renewable energy technology, resilient design, economic leadership, or social advocacy, reflect a holistic approach to sustainability.

History and the present moment both show that sustainability isn’t a solo effort; it’s a collective challenge that requires creativity, courage, and collaboration. Women’s contributions, in every sector, strengthen our ability to face climate, social, and economic challenges with resilience and vision.

Women’s History Month 2026 invites everyone to participate in this work. Not just to celebrate progress, but to accelerate it.

By Juliet Kinsey

Read previous articles on Scottish women in Science here.

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