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.

Category: Awareness (Page 1 of 3)

International Women in Engineering Day image of woman doing some engineering

International Women in Engineering Day

23/06/2026 / / 1 Comment

International Women in Engineering Day

Celebrating Women Engineers: Breaking Barriers, Building Futures

Every year on 23 June, we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day. First launched in the UK by the Women’s Engineering Society, it’s now a global movement. It shines a light on the achievements of women in engineering and encourages more girls and young women to see this as a path for them.

The numbers are improving, but slowly. According to EngineeringUK, women make up 16.5% of the engineering workforce. In 2010, it was just 9%. There’s progress, but much more work is needed.

So, why does it matter?

Diverse teams are better at solving problems. They bring fresh ideas, challenge assumptions, and drive innovation. In engineering, where solutions shape lives—that matters. Gender diversity isn’t a tick-box exercise; it’s essential for future-ready industries.

The UK is home to many trailblazers. Dr. Nike Folayan MBE, co-founder of the Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE-UK), champions inclusion across STEM fields. Professor Sarah Hainsworth, a forensic engineering expert and senior leader at the University of Bath, is another standout figure. Their stories are powerful. But for many young women, engineering still feels out of reach.

Education

To get women into engineering, we need to start with early education. A 2022 WISE report showed that girls are much less likely to choose A-level physics, despite doing just as well as boys in GCSE science. Why? A lack of role models. Limited exposure. Persistent stereotypes.

This is where schools, universities, and employers can make a real difference.

Edinburgh Napier University and Women in STEM

At Edinburgh Napier University, change is happening. The School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment offers strong support for women entering technical fields. From dedicated mentoring schemes to outreach in schools, the university actively promotes gender balance. Female lecturers and researchers at Napier lead projects in sustainable energy, transport systems, and digital engineering.

Take for example, the work of female PhD students at Napier who are developing smart materials for construction or working on green transport solutions. Their research not only contributes to global challenges but also inspires the next generation of engineers.

Sarah Taylor, a lecturer at Edinburgh Napier University, has been conducting research in smart, light-emitting textiles since 1995. Her work involves integrating optical fibres into woven textile structures, contributing to advancements in smart materials applicable in various fields, including construction.

In 2023, a team of Edinburgh Napier University students participated in a pioneering construction project in Guangxi, China. They collaborated with local universities to build the world’s first bamboo-timber composite gridshell structure. This innovative project aimed to explore sustainable building methods to combat climate change. Among the participants were female students like Devika Vijayan, Alice June Davyson, and Zara Anam Rafiq, who contributed their expertise in architectural technology and civil engineering. The project was led by PhD student Yanghao Pei and supervised by faculty members, including Dr. Ahmed Mohamed.

Women in Engineering  campaigns

Elsewhere in the UK, campaigns like Tomorrow’s Engineers Week, run by EngineeringUK, and events such as She Can Engineer at UCL, continue to highlight female success in the field. INWED itself is packed with virtual events, talks, and case studies—many of them accessible to teachers, students, and parents.

At the same time, the industry is evolving. Companies like Arup, Rolls-Royce, and AtkinsRéalis are investing in inclusive hiring, leadership development for women, and mentoring programmes. But culture still matters. A welcoming workplace—where all voices are heard—makes it easier for women to succeed and lead.

And it’s not just about big firms. Start-ups and SMEs across Scotland and the UK are building inclusive teams, often led by women who studied at universities like Edinburgh Napier.

So, what can you do this International Women in Engineering Day?

  • Share a story of a woman engineer who inspires you.

  • Encourage a girl to explore STEM subjects.

  • Attend a local or virtual event through WES or your local university.

  • Support or volunteer with STEM outreach programmes.

  • Thank the mentors, colleagues, and leaders who make a difference.

Small actions lead to big changes.

Because the future of engineering isn’t defined by gender—it’s built by collaboration, creativity, and courage. Edinburgh Napier University and institutions across the UK are proving that when you back women in engineering, you’re backing innovation for everyone.

By Juliet Kinsey

Read more on women in Science on our blog here: Scottish Women in Science

World refugee day

World Refugee Day

20/06/2026 / / 0 Comments

World Refugee Day

This year on the 20th of June the UK will celebrate the 25th annual World Refugee Day, a day in which we honour the bravery of refugees who have had to flee their country in search of a better life, and we celebrate the contributions they make to society. Organised by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, World Refugee Day consists of events hosted by volunteer organisations, government groups, and refugee communities, with over 100 countries around the world taking part in the festivities.
These events can take the form of talks, workshops, exhibitions, or general community gatherings, with some being educational, others entertaining, but all are built around a spirit of solidarity and community.

This year’s celebrations are focused on the right of all people to seek safety and on how this safeguard protects everyone by ensuring that we all have the legal right to seek sanctuary in times of persecution. This right was enshrined by the United Nations in the 1951 Refugee Convention, which defines a refugee and sets the minimum standard of treatment to which refugees are entitled under international law.
World Refugee Day is also celebrated alongside Refugee Week, a wider celebration of the resilience of refugees worldwide, which draws attention to their contributions and creativity. The week is coordinated among several groups, including the British Red Cross, Amnesty International, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and features a range of events similar to those I’ve mentioned above.

World Refugee Day and Universities

Universities across the United Kingdom have a long and proud history of supporting refugee communities, and this continues to this way with the Universities of Sanctuary creating a network of higher education institutions that are committed to maintaining a safe and accepting environment of refugees.
Here at Napier, we’re proud to carry on that tradition. The library is one of the most open and welcoming spaces at any university, and indeed in society as a whole. Being a peaceful and open environment where anyone can come and have free access to our catalogue of knowledge, equipment, or even just a quiet area to sit and think for a while.

World Refugee Day and Edinburgh Napier Library

We here at the Edinburgh Napier library team have done our best to ensure that all libraries across our three campuses meet the standards of inclusiveness and acceptance that all libraries should uphold. We do this through our work with the Disability & Inclusion team, ensuring that the library environment and materials meet the requirements for easy accessibility, and by keeping our library catalogue stocked with materials that support and represent our students. This latter point is achieved through our library’s Wellbeing Collection, a curated collection of books that can offer advice and support to members of the university. This covers practical advice on university life, discussions of personal and group identity, and mental health support.

Along with this, we have a variety of other resources in our catalogue that can provide support to members of the refugee community and raise awareness and understanding of their struggles. For example, over on our virtual bookshelves, we have the BIPOC bookshelf, curating books in our collection that tackle issues of race in Britain, a topic that frequently overlaps with refugee issues.
Also in our library catalogue, you’ll find online access to the Journal of Refugee Studies, an academic journal that examines refugee communities and issues worldwide.

By Matthew Ferrie

Photo By Ricardo Gomez Angel Unsplash 

Loneliness awareness week library support

Loneliness Awareness Week

15/06/2026 / / 0 Comments

Loneliness Awareness Week

 

Being alone and feeling alone can be two very different experiences altogether. Loneliness can manifest in various stages, events, and occurrences in our lives – even when we are surrounded by others. Life’s experiences and stages where we may be vulnerable to feeling lonely can include going through a break-up, bereavement, becoming a parent, moving to a new city or place, developing a chronic illness, suffering from declining physical or mental health, or even starting university.

Loneliness can affect any one of us at any point in our lives, which is a small part of why Loneliness Awareness Week was launched to raise awareness of this matter whilst trying to reduce the stigma and silence that often surrounds loneliness as an individual and wider social experience. This year, loneliness awareness week commences from the 15th of June to the 21st of June. Whether you or someone you know is experiencing loneliness or feeling alone in what they may be going through, there is help and support out there. Edinburgh Napier University also offers a wide range of resources and services to support students and staff who may be struggling with loneliness and their mental health as a result.

 

How ENU can support students and staff…

 

Loneliness as a feeling and emotion is very complex and subjective. It is fundamental when an individual feels an uncomfortable absence of their desired level of social connection and belonging. All age groups and demographics are at risk – if prolonged or chronic, it also carries an increased risk and susceptibility of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and various other chronic illnesses. This is fundamentally because prolonged periods of loneliness and isolation can significantly elevate cortisol levels and negatively affect your immune system and sleep. Edinburgh Napier University recognises the severe impact that loneliness can have on our student and staff community, particularly on physical health and wellbeing. If you are struggling with loneliness and even your mental health as a result, here are some ways in which we can help:

  • Edinburgh Napier Students Association (ENSA): ENSA is Edinburgh Napier University’s student union. Every student registered and enrolled with us is automatically a member as well. Through ENSA, you can join societies and sports clubs, and get tickets for any upcoming ENSA events. It’s a great way to meet new people and engage with the wider student community, and maybe even build your own! They also offer opportunities for growth and personal development, such as the chance to become a part of the student council, a student representative or even a co-president. Visit the ENSA Homepage for more information.
  • Wellbeing and Inclusion Team: More often than not, experiencing loneliness and feeling isolated is not plain sailing, and deeper internal or external factors may be at play. These can range from financial and health issues to caring responsibilities and many other complex reasons, which you may feel alone in experiencing and feel like you have no one to talk to about. Our university counsellors, as well as our wellbeing and inclusion team, are here to listen and offer a wide variety of support if you are struggling with mental health, personal circumstances or academic pressure. Find out more about available help and support on our Wellbeing Support and Inclusion My Napier webpages.

 

How the library can help…

 

Edinburgh Napier University libraries have a range of resources that can support your wellbeing. Our Wellbeing Collection is curated to offer a vast range of materials and resources covering topics such as depression, anxiety, stress management, finances, neurodiversity, relationships, university life, and more. In our Wellbeing Collection Libguide, loneliness appears as a subcategory under Mental Wellbeing, and it reveals recommended reads, a podcast recommendation, and a website that can be borrowed or accessed institutionally. Whilst social connection and community significantly alleviate loneliness, sometimes reading or listening to someone else’s story, experiences, or perspectives can make you feel less alone, particularly if you are going through similar experiences, circumstances and stages of life. This page of our LibGuide also points students and staff to useful contacts and helplines such as TogetherAll and Breathing Space.

 

Some of the recommended titles we have on loneliness are as follows:

 

  • The cure for loneliness: how to feel connected and escape isolation. Howatt, William A. author. 2021. Available at Craiglockhart Wellbeing Collection.
  • Lonely: learning to live with solitude. White, Emily, 1980- author. First Harper Perennial edition.; 2011. Available at Merchiston Wellbeing Collection.

 

To facilitate group study and encourage collaboration, Edinburgh Napier University campus libraries also offer a mix of social and silent study spaces. We also have bookable study rooms which can accommodate more than one person. These study rooms can be booked through Resource Booker.

 

Combatting loneliness whilst living away from home…

 

As well as A – Z of Societies ran by ENSA, the City of Edinburgh often has a wide range of social clubs and events focused on bringing people together and fostering a sense of community within the city. There are a wide range of book clubs, such as the Edinburgh Book and Pudding Club, Brunswick Book Club, Chapter 25 Book Club and many more that are often hosted by public libraries and independent book retailers. There are also many sports clubs and fitness classes hosted within the city, such as running clubs, yoga classes and walking groups. Social groups such as Go&Glow are wellness and wellbeing clubs that host weekly socials, often featuring a leisurely, creative, or fitness-oriented activity. All of these social groups and community events are fundamentally a great way to meet new people, particularly if you have moved to Edinburgh from another city or place.

 

By Rachel Downie

 

 

Have a look at our wellbeing collection today

 

 

 

 

world blood donor day

World Blood Donor Day 2026

14/06/2026 / / 0 Comments

World Blood Donor Day 2026

World Blood Donor Day is held on 14th June each year and aims to highlight the need for safe blood and blood products. These products include red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma and platelets. The theme for World Blood Donor Day 2026 is One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives., reminding us that each donation is an act of support, kindness and compassion for humankind.

14th June is also the birthday of Karl Landsteiner, who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1930 for discovering the ABO blood group system, which transformed modern medicine. Landsteiner discovered the ABO blood group system in 1901, and it is still crucial for blood transfusions today. The ABO blood group system classifies human blood types based on the presence or absence of two antigens, A and B, on the surface of red blood cells. People can have type A, B, AB (both antigens), or type O (neither antigen), and this decides who they can safely donate blood to or receive blood from.

 

Why give blood?

Blood donations are essential to health systems everywhere. Every donation acts as a lifeline, helping to support patients during emergencies, childbirth, surgeries, cancer treatment and the lifelong care of many other serious conditions. A minimum requirement of 1–2% of the population donating blood is essential to meet national needs – this level has yet to be reached in many countries. Safe blood relies upon people being willing to donate blood voluntarily and regularly, but countries still face shortages and access to safe blood and blood products. Every drop of blood donated can save a life. One unit of blood can save up to 3 lives, having a tremendous impact on the recipients and their families. World Blood Donor Day provides an opportunity to thank the countless unpaid voluntary donors who generously give blood to help save lives every day.

 

Who can give blood?

Most people can donate blood if they are healthy. There are some essential conditions which must be met to become a blood donor. Some simple eligibility guidelines are:

  • You should be aged between 18 and 65.
  • You should weigh at least 50 kg.
  • You must be in good health when you donate.
  • If you have a cold, flu, sore throat, cold sore, stomach bug or any other infection you will not be able to donate blood.
  • You must have a minimum haemoglobin level to donate blood. You will be tested for this when you donate blood.

There are several other eligibility criteria relating to health, travel, behaviours, pregnancy and breastfeeding. You can find more information on the Who can give blood pages of the World Health Organisation website. Eligibility criteria will vary in different countries so check for specific details with national/local blood services.

 

How is World Blood Donor Day celebrated around the world?

World Blood Donor Day is observed by many countries. Blood transfusion services throughout the world mark the day with a wide range of activities including hosting blood donation sessions in hospitals, schools and community centres; running campaigns to inform the public about the importance of safe blood; advertising promotions to recruit more donors and thank-you events for regular donors.

 

How can you support World Blood Donor Day?
  • Discover your blood type and register to donate blood.
  • Become a regular donor and donate blood throughout the year.
  • Inspire others by encouraging your friends and family to become regular blood donors.
  • Volunteer with your local/national blood service and support your community, offer care to donors, and assist with blood donation sessions/drives.
  • Use your social networks to promote World Blood Donor Day to others.

 

World Blood Donor Day is not simply a date – it represents universal recognition of compassion and unity. Every donation gives the gift of life, and every donor counts.

So, whether you’re a first-time donor or a regular lifesaver, 14th June is a day for you. Thank you for giving blood.

If you have never donated blood, please consider donating. Remember – every drop can save a life!

 

Find out more about giving blood:

World Health Organisation

Scotblood

By Sharon McMichael

 

photo by Victoria Druc

Butterfly on a flower

Butterfly Education and Awareness Day (BEAD)

07/06/2026 / / 0 Comments

Butterfly Education and Awareness Day (BEAD)

Butterflies. Such beautiful creatures are also fascinating and very important members of the insect kingdom. This is ultimately what inspired a whole day each year being dedicated to learning more about them, the fundamental role they have in our ecosystems, their conservation and ultimately their significance in the world and why they need to be protected. It was also launched to raise awareness of declining butterfly populations and the endangerment of specific butterfly species, and to underscore the need to conserve this insect group.

 

Some fun and interesting facts about butterflies…

 

How much do you know about butterflies? If you would like to learn a bit more about this fascinating member of the insect kingdom, keep reading on for some fun facts about them below.

  • Butterflies can taste through their feet.
  • A butterfly’s lifecycle consists of four different phases: Egg, Larva, Pupa and Adult.
  • There are over 18,000 named species of butterflies.
  • Butterflies are cold-blooded and cannot fly in cold temperatures and climates below ten degrees.
  • Their skeleton is outside of their bodies!
  • The word ‘Butterfly’ emerged from ‘Butter-coloured fly.’
  • Some butterfly species in the UK have gone extinct.

 

Importance of Butterfly Conservation…

 

Various butterfly species have experienced population declines over the past 150 years, mainly due to significant environmental shifts and climate change. Butterfly Education and Awareness Day ultimately emphasises and promotes the significance of their conservation and their intrinsic value worldwide and as part of Life on Earth. Their value goes far beyond the intrinsic. Butterflies have a positive environmental impact within many ecosystems, including natural pest control and pollination.

Usually, a wealth of butterflies within a specific environment is a strong indicator of a healthy ecosystem. They are also widely used by scientists as model organisms to measure and estimate habitat degradation and climate change. They also hold significant economic value in the modern world. People from around the world as fascinated by their beauty, biodiversity and contribution within various ecosystems and travel all over the globe to study them or join eco tours which generate a valuable source of income for many countries throughout the world.

 

How to get involved…

 

  • Read and learn more about butterflies: Which you have already done by reading through this blog post! Nevertheless, there is still much to learn about butterflies with regards to their habitats, life cycle stages and their species as a whole.
  • Go to Butterfly Gardens and Nature Reserves: Pay a visit to one of these gardens or reserves to observe butterflies in their natural habitats and learn more about them first-hand.
  • Get involved with Citizen Science Projects or volunteer with Butterfly Conservation Charities: These organisations and movements contribute significantly to the conservation of butterfly populations by tracking and monitoring butterfly migrations and movement for essential research purposes, preserving and safeguarding their natural habits and also to promote awareness of the importance of butterfly conservation on a global scale.

 

Library Recommendations…

 

If you would like to learn more about butterflies and butterfly conservation, our libraries have a wealth of material on these fascinating insects which you can find in our LibrarySearch catalogue.

 

  • Butterflies, Vane-Wright, R. I. (Richard I.) 2003. Available in Sighthill Campus Library Main Stock.
  • The butterflies of Scotland: A Natural History. Thomson, George, 1943-. C1980. Available in Sighthill Campus Library Main Stock.
  • Butterflies and moths in Britain and Europe. Carter, David. 1982. Available in Sighthill Campus Library Main Stock.

 

By Rachel Downie

 

 Photo by Krzysztof Niewolny unspash

Have a look at more nature posts 

Turtle

World Turtle

23/05/2026 / / 0 Comments

World Turtle Day

World Turtle Day 2026 is celebrated on Saturday, 23rd May this year. It aims to raise awareness of the threats faced by turtles and tortoises and their disappearing habitats around the world as well as encouraging human action to help them survive and thrive.

Researching and protecting the turtle and tortoise populations is essential. By feeding on dead fish that have washed up on the shores, they help to keep our beaches clean and preserve the ecological balance of our oceans. As turtles travel between their coastal feeding grounds and beaches, they transport vital nutrients, helping these ecosystems thrive.

Turtles

Turtles are known as amniotes because they breathe air and lay their eggs on land. They must return to the surface to breathe as they cannot breathe underwater. Of the 300 species of turtles in the world,129 species are endangered. There are seven species of marine turtles: hawksbill, loggerhead, leatherback, olive ridley, green, flatback, and Kemp’s ridley. The largest turtle species is the leatherback, which can reach up to 180cm long and weigh 500kg, competing with crocodiles and Komodo dragons for the title of the largest reptiles in the world. Kemp’s ridley is the smallest marine turtle, measuring about 70cm long and weighing up to 40kg. Six of these seven species are at risk of extinction. This is due to the rise in human activity and increased plastic waste found in our oceans.

As part of one of the oldest reptile groups in the world, dating back to the time of the dinosaurs – over 200 million years ago – turtles are considerably older than snakes, crocodiles and alligators. They are cold-blooded animals, meaning they can live much longer. Tu”i Malila was the longest-living turtle and lived on Tonga Island, passing away at the ripe old age of 128! However, only 1 in 1,000 marine turtle hatchlings reach adulthood due to the time it takes to reach maturity and threats from predators and marine plastic pollution. They often get caught in fishing nets and plastic waste, leading to drowning.

A bony shell, made from cartilage, protects turtles from predators – some can even tuck themselves in their shells for extra protection. Turtle shells consist of 50 different bones which have fused together. They also have light, spongy bones that help them float. Turtle shells are popular as jewellery and collectable items which has threatened their survival since the 18th century.

Climate change presents a major threat to turtle habitats. Approximately half of the world’s coral reefs no longer exist, and scientists believe the remaining reefs could disappear by 2050 if climate change is not effectively managed. The sex of a turtle is dependent on the temperature when it is born – if the egg is warmer than 28 degrees Celsius, it is born female. Higher sand temperatures can produce more females than males, affecting sex ratios. Rises in sea levels can flood nests, and increased storm events can affect hatchling survival.

Turtles use the Earth’s magnetic field to navigate their way around the oceans. Using their built-in navigation system, they can cross thousands of miles of ocean and still remember their way back to the beach where they laid their eggs. Turtles return to the beach where they hatched to nest their own young. This increases their chance of survival when moving around the ocean. Female leatherback turtles make some curious noises when they are nesting – some of which sound like a human belch!

Turtles travel extensively within the oceans in large groups and are highly sociable creatures. A female leatherback holds the longest known record for swimming nearly 13,000 miles over 647 days from Indonesia to the west coast of America – that’s more than 20 miles a day! Turtles are highly sought after, with a huge illegal trade in their meat, eggs, and shells, and are kept as exotic pets. They are also used for traditional medicines. These, along with climate change, fishing nets, and plastic waste, are the most significant threats to turtles today.

 

Celebrating World Turtle Day

World Turtle Day is celebrated worldwide in various ways. A variety of events and activities are organised to help preserve turtles. People often rescue turtles from roads and highways and return them to their natural habitats.

There are many fun and easy ways to celebrate World Turtle Day. Dress up as a turtle, wear something green, do a sponsored walk or host a bake sale to raise money for a charity that helps turtles.

Use World Turtle Day to learn more about turtles and share what you learn with others to raise awareness and knowledge of the species.

Learn how turtles are threatened by the exotic pet trade and how this impacts their survival.

Join a conservation organisation which campaigns to protect turtles and their habitats.

 

Find out more about turtles in this video from Box of Broadcasts.

A Slow Odyssey: A Turle’s Journey

Experience an immersive journey into the world of turtles. Ride with a green sea turtle as it swims in the beautiful waters of its coral reef home in Sipidan, Malaysia.

By Sharon McMichael

Photo by David Courbit Unsplash 

World Goth Day

World Goth Day

22/05/2026 / / 0 Comments

World Goth Day 

May 22nd is World Goth Day – a chance to celebrate all things gothic from music and film to fashion. It all began in 2009 when BBC Radio 6 Music ran a series which spotlighted different subcultures. Goth music was featured on 22nd May, and the event has taken place on that date each year since. There will be events locally, such as Midnight Solar Market, and more worldwide. 

In the beginning.. 

Musically, the goth subculture started out as a movement celebrating a style of music that followed punk, new wave, and the new romantic movements of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Some bands, such as Siouxsie and the Banshees, tweaked their sound and style to appeal to a new audience, and along with emerging bands such as Bauhaus, soundtracked the new subculture. Clubs began opening, playing the music of the new genre, and fashion fans began refining their look with their own style of make-up, hair, and clothes. Goth subculture also embraces literature, film and art. 

Fashion 

Many subcultures have their own fashion style, and the goth movement is no exception. Influenced by the Victorian cult of mourning, it combines black clothing with the odd flash of purple or red, black dyed hair, black eyeliner, nail varnish and lipstick. The clothing fabrics used are often lace, velvet, fishnet, and leather, with long dresses, corsets, frock coats, and top hats. 

Film and tv 

There’s a wealth of goth films and tv series which explore the themes of love, loss, and the supernatural that define the genre. They are typically set in strange, eerie locations with an air of mystery such as a gothic mansion or in areas like Transylvania. If you dare, here are some recommendations to view to get a feel for the subculture: 

Dracula (1931) 

Beetlejuice (1988) 

The Crow (1994) 

Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992) 

Sleepy Hollow (1999) 

Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) 

The Addams Family (1964-1966) 

 

Literature 

Gothic literature has been around a bit longer than the music and subculture we are used to today. Its origins are in the late 18th century and there are key elements: 

Typical settings are castles, mansions, ruins, isolated landscapes. 

Suspenseful atmosphere: Decay, darkness, mystery, family secrets and curses. 

Characters: Female in danger or distress, repressive male, doppelganger. 

Supernatural elements: Ghosts, vampires, strange events, shadows. 

Psychological terror: Nightmares, madness.  

Here is a list of novels which set the gothic mood:  

  • Frankenstein (1818) – Mary Shelley: The classic tale of scientific, existential horror. 
  • The Vampyre (1819) – John Polidori: The story that created the modern, aristocratic vampire trope. 
  • Wuthering Heights (1847) – Emily Brontë: Intense, brooding romance set on the Yorkshire moors. 
  • Jane Eyre (1847) – Charlotte Brontë: Features a young governess, a brooding master, and a dark secret. 
  • Dracula (1897) – Bram Stoker 
  • Rebecca (1938) – Daphne du Maurier: A young bride is haunted by the lingering presence of her husband’s first wife. 
  • The Woman in Black (1983) – Susan Hill: A young lawyer travels to a remote village and discovers a vengeful ghost is terrorizing the locals. 

 

 

Whitby 

This town in the north of England has become a destination of choice for goths. With a strong connection to Bram Stoker’s Dracula (he set the opening of the novel there after visiting in 1890), along with ruined architecture dominating the skyline, eerie fog rolling in off the sea and local legends of ghosts and witchcraft it meant that it became the perfect place to visit and celebrate their culture. It has also become the setting for the Whitby Goth Weekend. Held twice a year it attracts thousands of gothic individuals from across the globe.

This 3 day long alternative festival celebrates the goth subculture through a series of displays, stalls, and live music events. Additionally, Whitby jet, an organic gemstone formed from fossilized wood, is found in the area and during the Victorian era was fashioned into mourning jewellery. Due to its black colour and the association with mourning it became a natural choice of gemstone for goths and there are several shops in Whitby selling the gemstone jewellery. 

The Sophie Lancaster Foundation 

On 11th August 2007 Sophie Lancaster was attacked by a group of boys simply because, as a goth, she looked and dressed differently. Her boyfriend was also attacked and survived, but 13 days after the attack Sophie died. Sophie had often been subjected to abuse due to the way she looked and dressed. Her mother, Sylvia, made it her mission to promote tolerance and acceptance of others from different subcultures. In 2008 the Sophie Lancaster Foundation (SLF) got up and running with the aim of educating, celebrating and stimulating conversations about accepting alternative people in communities. 

The Foundation also campaigned to extend UK Hate Crime legislation to include people from alternative subcultures. In 2013 Greater Manchester Police (GMP) become the first police authority to record and monitor hate crimes and incidents against people from alternative subcultures. 
GMP stated: ‘Crimes against people from alternative subcultures will be recorded as a crime by GMP in the same capacity as disability, racist, religious, sexual orientation and transgender Hate Crime to provide better support to victims and repeat victims.’ 

Today, the charity works with anyone aged 7 and above, delivering workshops and presentations, raising awareness of alternative subcultures, and preventing judgment of others based on their appearance. 

Sophie’s killers were brought to justice and received lengthy custodial sentences. At present one of Sophie’s killers is due for release, but SLF feels that rather than comment on the decision they would prefer to honour Sophie’s memory by carrying on with their work to Stamp Out Prejudice, Hatred and Intolerance Everywhere (SOPHIE) and to remember all victims of hate crime. 

Sophie’s story has been turned into a stage play which in turn was made into a BBC drama which can be viewed using the Box of Broadcasts database available using Library Search 

 

 

How to celebrate World Goth Day 

Attend a local event such as an art or fashion show or a music event. 

Host your own goth party with relevant music, clothes and decorations. 

Read a classic Gothic novel. 

Watch a movie featuring goth characters. 

Listen to some goth music. 

Make a donation to the Sophie Lancaster Foundation which campaigns against image-based prejudice. 

Check out all the gothic material available to Edinburgh Napier staff and students using Library Search 

 

By Vivienne Hamilton

Photo by Alexander Grey Unsplash 

 

 

 

 

 

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 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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