Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Reposted by Erdem Avşar

Alison Phipps አሊሰን @alisonphipps.bsky.social · 2d

Happy Monday to UK academics

politicalquarterly.org.uk/blog/where-n...

UK higher education now faces a very bleak future, retreating in the face of little public sympathy and limited political interest.

politicalquarterly.org.uk

1 2 7

Reposted by Erdem Avşar

Harvey Humphrey @harveyhumphrey.bsky.social · 7d

If you are a @uofglasgow.bsky.social staff or student interested in intersex, non-binary and trans studies join us for our GLINTS launch event later this month on October 21st: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/glints-lau... also enjoy this image of some our publications (books and zines!) from our stall.

A stall featuring books and zines written by co-directors and members of GLINTS. Also features our own zine beautifully crafted by Kirstie Ken. The table also has a trans flag on.

7 11

Reposted by Erdem Avşar

Sociological and Cultural Studies, University of Glasgow @uofgsociology.bsky.social · 12d

2/ '...one that seeks to explore and celebrate the connection between our capacity to engage in critical resistance and our ability to experience pleasure and beauty'. From 'An Aesthetic of Blackness - Strange and Oppositional'.

1 1

Reposted by Erdem Avşar

Sociological and Cultural Studies, University of Glasgow @uofgsociology.bsky.social · 12d

1/ Here, to close out the week, is a word from bell hooks, whose 73rd birthday would have fallen yesterday: 'I remain passionately committed to an aesthetic that focuses on the purpose and function of beauty, of artistry in everyday life, especially the lives of poor people...'

1

Reposted by Erdem Avşar

Giovanni Picker @giopicker.bsky.social · 12d

If you are an academic based in the UK, please consider signing and circulating this letter. It's important. cc @ophiragamliel.bsky.social @cairsti.bsky.social @erdemavsar.bsky.social @uofgsociology.bsky.social

Academic Sign-On Letter: Support for Gazan Students with UK University Offers

This form is to collect signatures from academics at UK universities in support of an urgent open letter addressed to the UK government. The letter highlights the critical and ongoing barriers faced b...

docs.google.com

2

Erdem Avşar @erdemavsar.bsky.social · 15d

"I trust that the UK Government will take the right decision. Please, don't let me choose between my family and my education, because it's impossible for me to be separated from them."

www.thenational.scot/news/2548316...

Gaza student hoping for Glasgow PhD in urgent plea as family blocked from entering UK

A student from Gaza hoping to study in Scotland has issued a plea to the UK Government urging them not to "make her choose" between her…

www.thenational.scot

4 6

Reposted by Erdem Avşar

Feena van @feenavan2099.bsky.social · 15d

"Italian labor unions led a massive 24-hour general strike on Monday to protest Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza, with estimates of hundreds of thousands of demonstrators rallying in dozens of cities across Italy."

Italy's Unions Lead General Strike for Gaza | Common Dreams

"Meloni should take a stand with the facts against those who have slaughtered 20,000 children, rather than limiting herself to saying 'I do not agree,'" said one critic of Italy's right-wing prime min...

www.commondreams.org

3 90 310

Reposted by Erdem Avşar

Alison Phipps አሊሰን @alisonphipps.bsky.social · 16d

Dawn

Today we inaugurate the Peace Bench, round the Peace Tree @uofglasgow.bsky.social

Reflections with and for the whole University Community - from the youngest in our Nursery to those serving the longest.

A yearning for peace in our heart, lives and universe.

@uofgunescorila.bsky.social

2 17 64

Reposted by Erdem Avşar

Identities: Global Studies in Culture and Power @identitiesjournal.bsky.social · 26d

Still time to register for our next #IdentitiesEvent!

'Race, Gender and Misogynoir Stereotypes within the Constructions of Digital Women Footballers'

23 Sep, 1-2.30pm (Online)

@uofgsociology.bsky.social @uofgsps.bsky.social @uofgsocsci.bsky.social

www.eventbrite.co.uk...

5 6

Reposted by Erdem Avşar

Alison Phipps አሊሰን @alisonphipps.bsky.social · 25d

Really touched by all the messages and comments from colleagues and friends who have read (or attended) our BERA plenary, also by the academics and academic associations choosing to share the text. 🙏🏾

#KeepTellingOfGaza
#AntiPalestinianRacism
@khawlabadwan.bsky.social @hyabyohannes.bsky.social

Out of Ashlaa’ أشلاء: Refugee Language Education in Times of Heartbreak and Failure

Keynote presented at the BERA Conference, 10 September 2025, University of Sussex, by Alison Phipps, Khawla Badwan and Hyab Teklehaimanot Yohannes.

www.gla.ac.uk

2 7 16

Reposted by Erdem Avşar

Bilge Serin @noxyin.bsky.social · Sep 2

Just City by the Med Research Network connects researchers investigating social justice and inequality in cities and exploring pathways towards just urban futures, through the context of the Mediterranean. Check justcitymed.org for details 👇

Just City by the Med

Research network exploring social justice and inequality in Mediterranean urban contexts.

justcitymed.org

1 2 3

Erdem Avşar @erdemavsar.bsky.social · Aug 29

Hehe thanks! Expect a barrage of photos, sound recordings, and maybe even a half-formed Baldwin-themed short play :D

1

Reposted by Erdem Avşar

Alison Phipps አሊሰን @alisonphipps.bsky.social · Aug 29

Perhaps I live closer to death than many, but I also live closer to life, real life, joyful moments and the things that at the end of the day really matter.

www.thenational.scot/politics/254...

10 positive stories from my 30 years of working with refugees

IN the 30 years of working with refugees worldwide I’ve never once looked back. Whilst there are many things I’d love to change in the system I…

www.thenational.scot

14 44

Erdem Avşar @erdemavsar.bsky.social · Aug 29

(I’ve also booked myself on a walking Giovanni's Room x James Baldwin tour, so double the excitement)

1 2

Erdem Avşar @erdemavsar.bsky.social · Aug 29

In Paris next week for @unesco.org's Digital Learning Week. I'm especially looking forward to conversations on the speculative and imaginative uses of AI. Grateful to @uofgunescorila.bsky.social for the opportunity to join as a delegate and affiliate artist-researcher! @uofgsociology.bsky.social

www.unesco.org

1 5

Erdem Avşar @erdemavsar.bsky.social · Aug 26

LET'S LET'S LET'S!

1

Reposted by Erdem Avşar

Sociological and Cultural Studies, University of Glasgow @uofgsociology.bsky.social · Aug 26

Here's something a bit special and a bit different - with thanks to @awtsn.bsky.social for facilitating these exciting engagements, and featuring @mindyptolomey.bsky.social, @academicdiary.bsky.social, @kenglish.bsky.social, @erdemavsar.bsky.social, @harveyhumphrey.bsky.social and more...

Harvey Humphrey @harveyhumphrey.bsky.social · Aug 26

Would you like to read a special @uofgsociology.bsky.social edition of the So Fi Zine wonderfully curated by @awtsn.bsky.social and featuring @mindyptolomey.bsky.social @academicdiary.bsky.social @kenglish.bsky.social @erdemavsar.bsky.social and more (& me)?

Thought so:
sofizine.com/latest-editi...

Edition #17

OUT NOW! So Fi Zine #17 is a special issue created with sociologists and other academic kin at the University of Glasgow in 2025 – full of new sociological fiction, poetry and visual art. Thi…

sofizine.com

3 8

Erdem Avşar @erdemavsar.bsky.social · Aug 26

Aw Harvey - that's so lovely of you to say! So happy you liked it, and yes, shitfaced fairies are massively understated. (I'm so tempted to plot a reading of these pieces. I would LOVE to hear the Egg Timer read out loud 😍😍)

1 1

Erdem Avşar @erdemavsar.bsky.social · Aug 26

The new special edition of So Fi Zine is live! A beautiful collection of sociological fiction - HUGE thanks to the legend that is Ash @awtsn.bsky.social for making this possible and including my piece, and to everyone involved.

Read here: sofizine.com/latest-editi...

Edition #17

OUT NOW! So Fi Zine #17 is a special issue created with sociologists and other academic kin at the University of Glasgow in 2025 – full of new sociological fiction, poetry and visual art. Thi…

sofizine.com

6 11

Reposted by Erdem Avşar

Bilge Serin @noxyin.bsky.social · Jul 28

Just City by the Med brings together researchers interested in investigating social injustice and inequality in a contemporary urban context; and exploring actions, approaches, and pathways towards just urban futures, specifically within the fast-evolving context of the Mediterranean.

2 2 9

Reposted by Erdem Avşar

Dee Heddon @deeheddon.bsky.social · Aug 12

If you'd like more info about resources, drop me an email at [email protected]

University of Glasgow @uofglasgow.bsky.social · Aug 12

Three Words for Forest - a filmed play exploring UK forests & climate crisis - gets new AHRC funding to expand access & spark dialogue. 🌲

@deeheddon.bsky.social

University of Glasgow filmed theatre play will help explore climate crisis impact on UK forests

A filmed theatre production has secured additional funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) to expand its reach and spark discussions about the complex challenges facing UK forests...

gla.ac

3 5

Reposted by Erdem Avşar

Duke University Press @dukepress.bsky.social · Jul 30

Save 30% on #NewBook "The Disturbing Profane," Joseph R. Winters's look at religion and hip hop.
buff.ly/MdwHj1M

Cover of The Disturbing Profane: Hip Hop, Blackness, and the Sacred by Joseph R. Winters. The cover art features an abstract pattern of black circles against a white background. Roughly half of the circles have a solid fill, leaving little of the white background visible. The other circles have a brushstroke-like texture. The title and subtitle are in bold block text, in orange and white respectively. The author’s name appears at the bottom in light yellow.

4 9

Reposted by Erdem Avşar

Alison Phipps አሊሰን @alisonphipps.bsky.social · Jul 31

Happy 40th Birthday @scotrefugeecouncil.bsky.social

Here’s to an end to the need for another 40 years and the full institution of dignity, fairness and equity as restored lives and restored communities flourish thanks to your years of tenacity. #refugeeswelcome @uofgunescorila.bsky.social

1 8 35

Erdem Avşar @erdemavsar.bsky.social · Jul 23

looking forward to this conversation next week with wonderful friends + colleagues for the Voices of Change roundtable at #ATHE2025. we’ll read from new work + talk all things playwriting, identity, and cultural resistance. come join us! july 30, 1:30-3PM MET
@uofgsociology.bsky.social

A screenshot with details of a roundtable conversation.

Playwrights and Practitioners of MENA/SWANA in Conversation: Voices of Change
July 30, 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
MET
Concurrent Session
Practice
About the Session
This panel invites prominent MENA/SWANA playwrights and actors to share insights into their creative processes, experiences in American and global theatre, and the challenges they face. These conversations will illuminate the intersection of culture, identity, and storytelling in their work while addressing broader themes of representation and inclusion. The panel examines how playwrights use their craft to amplify marginalized voices, explores how interdisciplinary approaches can foster creative forms in playwriting, and aims to highlight the transformative potential of theatre in addressing contemporary social and political issues.
Session Coordinator
Q-mars Haeri
Presenter
Burcu Seyben, Deniz Basar, Erdem Avsar, Fatma Onat
Moderator
Aycan Akcamete

1 9

Reposted by Erdem Avşar

Ames Clark @amesclark.bsky.social · Jul 21

CfP for an exciting workshop I'm co-organising at the Uni of Sheffield - Storying the Future: Queer Storytelling and Unsettling Times.

(More info below but workshop 10th sept, deadline for EOI 6th aug)

tinyurl.com/qstorytelling

Callout: Storying the Future: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Queer Storytelling

Storying the Future: Queer Storytelling and Unsettling TImes Date: Wednesday 10th September, 2025 Location: University of Sheffield, UK Organisers: Dr Ames Clark and Dr Eleanor Wilkinson, School of...

tinyurl.com

1 7 12