Higher Education

:

An der Hochschule für Grafik und Buchkunst Leipzig wurde der Lichthof zum temporären Runway mehr...

10 May 2026

Natural rubber prices soar on Iran tensions, boosting Asian suppliers

10 May 2026

Fiscal policy response to Iran war risks worsening inflation: BIS chief

10 May 2026

Exiting OPEC, UAE seeks greater flexibility and growth led by its own oil

10 May 2026

Governments keep trying to make childcare safer. Could a new ‘national commission’ make a difference?

Maskot/ Getty Images Governments have spent about a year announcing new policies to make early education safer for Australian children. In the wake of reports of shocking abuse and neglect in daycare centres , there have been moves to improve training and screening of educators, as well as more centre inspections. All of these measures have been implemented in response to a crisis. Amid significant community concern about childcare safety, early childhood experts and peak bodies have also been calling for a commission to drive long-term strategic reform. Ahead of the 2026 federal budget, Education Minister Jason Clare announced plans for a new national commission for early education and care. He told reporters , the idea is to build on the safety reforms that we’ve already implemented, and help to make sure that the system works better than it does today. If designed well, there is potential to go beyond addressing the immediate crisis. A national commission could fundamentally reshape the early childhood sector. What has been announced? Before anyone gets too excited, the commission is still at the “consideration” stage. The federal government says it will consult with state governments and stakeholders about how a commission would work. This follows a 2024 Productivity Commission report , which recommended a national independent early education and care commission. The report noted while there are a number of government entities and peak bodies across the sector, “there is no dedicated body that monitors the system’s performance against its objectives”. It said a new commission should be an independent watchdog and evidence hub, to complement current regulatory efforts at both national and state levels. In 2023, the South Australian Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care similarly noted the need for a national long-term vision for the sector. What could a commission do? The safety and quality problems we are seeing right now cannot be addressed through tighter regulation alone. Current concerns around safety and quality are tied to the sector’s ongoing workforce challenges . This includes concerns about workforce shortages , pay and conditions , training quality , heavy workloads , and educator wellbeing . A national commission could focus on how all these issues connect – and impact on child safety and education quality. It could gather consistent data to inform long-term planning, monitor progress against national commitments, and provide governments with independent advice that cuts across jurisdictional boundaries. What is needed to make this work? To be effective, the commission would need to be legislated, independent and adequately resourced. The Productivity Commission report noted a commission could hold governments to account for the performance of the sector. Professor Deborah Brennan, associate commissioner of the 2024 Productivity Commission inquiry, has also called for a commission to “give detailed consideration to the most effective ways to expand not-for-profit provision”. This call is grounded in evidence that large for-profit services tend to provide lower quality education and care. The commission would also need to cover the entire sector, across all service and provider types and all jurisdictions. This includes private, public, not-for-profit and for-profit services. It requires a clear mandate, particularly in how it would interact with other government bodies and support national data collection. If it is going to work – and use the best information available – it also needs to meaningfully involve educators’ experiences and voices . What now? Establishing a commission is not the entire answer. There is also an urgent need to improve educator-child ratios . And educators need to be paid and treated like professionals who provide quality early childhood education and keep children safe. If given the right powers and within its mandate, a commission could support these goals. Done right, a national commission could represent a genuine shift from reactive policy and “bandaid solutions” to a long-term, whole-of-system vision for a sector more than one million families depend on every day. Marianne Fenech receives funding from the Australian Research Council. Erin Harper does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

10 May 2026

NVIDIA Founder, CEO Jensen Huang to Carnegie Mellon University Graduates: ‘Shape What Comes Next’

Carnegie Mellon University conferred more than 5,800 undergraduate and graduate degrees at its 128th Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 10. Bridging the gap between technological innovation and the transformative power of the arts, these new alumni are ready to address society’s most urgent needs with the bold, collaborative spirit that defines the Carnegie Mellon experience.

10 May 2026

Headlines

Beyond graduation rates: How rural community colleges are rewriting the story of student success Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond (blog) The Richmond Fed’s Center for Rural Economies recently convened three community college leaders from very different rural corners of America who shared how they’re navigating unique challenges and opportunities. Oregon’s tuition-free community college aid program could be on its last legs Oregon Public Broadcasting State leaders hoped that the Oregon Promise Grant would entice more high school graduates to enroll in community college. So far, its impact has been limited. ACC’s free tuition program is growing. So are the college’s funding concerns. Austin American Statesman Though Austin Community College leaders are confident they can adjust to a projected $10 million shortfall before trustees vote on the budget in July, the shifts raise questions about how ACC can sustain important programs like the free tuition pilot in the years ahead. Valley community colleges tackle teacher shortage with affordable degrees Arizona PBS Maricopa County Community College is tackling the state’s teacher shortage by offering scholarships and affordable bachelors degrees in education. What this unique community college model achieves to boost student outcomes University Business A small but growing cohort of community colleges has found the blueprint for supporting underserved students through the early rungs of higher education and toward earning a bachelor’s degree. The post Headlines first appeared on Community College Daily .

10 May 2026

M squared CEO Karim Malash named to Forbes Middle East real estate leaders list

Forbes Middle East has named Karim Malash, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of M squared, to its Most Impactful Real Estate Leaders 2026 list. Forbes selects its award recipients based on their role and contributions to accelerating the growth of the real estate market in the Middle East. The 2026 list highlights leaders at real estate development companies that are shaping cities and major projects across the region. It features a diverse range of companies, from established firms to emerging developers working in residential, commercial, hospitality, and mixed-use projects. The list includes 47 leading companies from the United Arab Emirates, followed by Saudi Arabia with 21 companies, and Egypt with 17 companies. According to the IMARC Group, the Middle East real estate market has seen significant growth, driven by increasinginfrastructure projects and rising investment in non-oil sectors. Its value reached $420.5bn in 2025 and is expected to reach $849bn by 2034. Malash brings 30 years of global experience in operations management, including five years in the real estate industry. Since joining M squared in 2021, his experience has been instrumental in accelerating the company’s growth within Egypt’s expanding real estate market. He oversees a portfolio of real estate projects that combine sustainability and design to meet client needs while achieving operational excellence. Under Malash’s leadership, M squared has launched projects including Masyaf Ras AlHekma inthe North Coast; MIST, a mixed-use urban community in New Cairo; and 31WEST, designed for luxury living and sustainable development in the 6th of October City. Before transitioning into real estate development, Malash spent 25 years in the oil and gas sector at oilfield services company Schlumberger. He joined as a junior field engineer in 1996 and rose to hold key roles, including Vice President of Global Supply Chain and Shared Services. He also served as President of Testing Services Product Line, where he oversaw worldwide operations. Through these roles across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, he led diverse teams, optimised large-scale global projects, and delivered results under challenging market conditions. His ability to manage multidisciplinary projects and navigate regulatory and market complexities across various countries has positioned M squared in creating sustainable, customer-driven communities. Malash holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alexandria and an Executive MBA from Erasmus University. He also received advanced executive training at Harvard University, IMD Business School, and the London School of Economics, academic achievements that bridge his technical expertise with strategic leadership. The post M squared CEO Karim Malash named to Forbes Middle East real estate leaders list first appeared on Dailynewsegypt .

10 May 2026

Astrophysiker über außeridrisches Leben: „Intelligente Schildkröten sind auch etwas Lustiges“

Auf Planeten in anderen Sonnensystemen gibt es dauerhaft flüssiges Wasser. Deshalb ist dort auch Leben möglich, sagt Wolfgang J. Duschl. mehr...

10 May 2026

KI und Journalismus: Ein Monster namens Künstliche Intelligenz

Medienschaffende schaufeln sich mit der Nutzung von KI selbst ein Grab. Rette, wer kann, kritisches Urteilsvermögen und Glaubwürdigkeit. mehr...

10 May 2026

Obesity: You are not alone

'Get well soon' — these are the words that people who suffer with diabetes, heart disease or cancer hear too often. Not so if you suffer with obesity or overweight, where people closest to you will point the finger of blame, suggesting you should eat less, exercise more, and that you are just lazy. And yet, obesity, which affects over one billion people worldwide, and where in Qatar over 70% of the population are suffering with obesity and overweight, is as much a chronic disease as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. If anything, obesity is the root cause behind over 200 diseases, including physical, mental and mechanical (see references 1, 2, 3). Guidelines worldwide agree that obesity is a chronic, progressive and relapsing disease. Its impact on people will differ depending on the distribution and function of the fat involved. Our appetite is driven by our brain, which controls three aspects of eating — eating because you are hungry; emotional eating because you are feeling sad, or even eating for the pleasure of eating; and finally, the part of your brain that exercises control over emotional eating. Studies have shown that the link between the control part and the emotional part of eating is not working in people with obesity. Biology and brain have a big part to play in explaining the science behind obesity (see reference 4). Obesity has traditionally been assessed through measurement of the body mass index, which relates to height and weight, and where a measurement above or equal to 30 indicates obesity (see reference 5). New staging methods such as the Edmonton Obesity Staging take into consideration the complications of obesity as well. Like many other chronic diseases, obesity requires long-term management to ensure that the weight you lose stays off. Your body fights weight loss; if you thought losing those few kilograms was a challenge, then maintaining the weight loss is an even bigger challenge. Start your journey with your doctor — it's a partnership. Set short-, medium- and long-term goals, and not just for weight loss but more importantly for health gain. You will be part of a team who will give you dietary advice and encourage you to do regular physical activity. Your doctor might recommend using medication or other medical interventions. You may start to notice gradual and positive changes in your life, and the health improvements that you don't even see are as important. So remember, obesity is not simply due to an individual's choice or lack of willpower — it is a chronic disease. Seek treatment from a qualified healthcare professional and remember the focus is on long-term health gains. ·The writer is Professor of Health Sciences, Medical Manager, Novo Nordisk, Qatar References: Prevalence of Obesity | World Obesity FederationWorld Obesity Atlas 2025Horn et al. Postgrad Med 2022;134:359–75.Lau D et al. Canadian Adult Obesity Clinical Practice Guide-lines: The Science of Obesity. Available from https://obesitycanada.ca/guidelines/science.Adult clinical practice guideline | Obesity Canada

10 May 2026

Obesity: You are not alone

'Get well soon' — these are the words that people who suffer with diabetes, heart disease or cancer hear too often. Not so if you suffer with obesity or overweight, where people closest to you will point the finger of blame, suggesting you should eat less, exercise more, and that you are just lazy. And yet, obesity, which affects over one billion people worldwide, and where in Qatar over 70% of the population are suffering with obesity and overweight, is as much a chronic disease as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. If anything, obesity is the root cause behind over 200 diseases, including physical, mental and mechanical (see references 1, 2, 3). Guidelines worldwide agree that obesity is a chronic, progressive and relapsing disease. Its impact on people will differ depending on the distribution and function of the fat involved. Our appetite is driven by our brain, which controls three aspects of eating — eating because you are hungry; emotional eating because you are feeling sad, or even eating for the pleasure of eating; and finally, the part of your brain that exercises control over emotional eating. Studies have shown that the link between the control part and the emotional part of eating is not working in people with obesity. Biology and brain have a big part to play in explaining the science behind obesity (see reference 4). Obesity has traditionally been assessed through measurement of the body mass index, which relates to height and weight, and where a measurement above or equal to 30 indicates obesity (see reference 5). New staging methods such as the Edmonton Obesity Staging take into consideration the complications of obesity as well. Like many other chronic diseases, obesity requires long-term management to ensure that the weight you lose stays off. Your body fights weight loss; if you thought losing those few kilograms was a challenge, then maintaining the weight loss is an even bigger challenge. Start your journey with your doctor — it's a partnership. Set short-, medium- and long-term goals, and not just for weight loss but more importantly for health gain. You will be part of a team who will give you dietary advice and encourage you to do regular physical activity. Your doctor might recommend using medication or other medical interventions. You may start to notice gradual and positive changes in your life, and the health improvements that you don't even see are as important. So remember, obesity is not simply due to an individual's choice or lack of willpower — it is a chronic disease. Seek treatment from a qualified healthcare professional and remember the focus is on long-term health gains. ·The writer is Professor of Health Sciences, Medical Manager, Novo Nordisk, Qatar References: Prevalence of Obesity | World Obesity FederationWorld Obesity Atlas 2025Horn et al. Postgrad Med 2022;134:359–75.Lau D et al. Canadian Adult Obesity Clinical Practice Guide-lines: The Science of Obesity. Available from https://obesitycanada.ca/guidelines/science.Adult clinical practice guideline | Obesity Canada

10 May 2026

Data centers, air pollution, climate math: Lessons from a climate and education conference

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Students who attend schools near data centers are more likely to see their math performance decline than those who don’t. Attending school near noisy airports is also associated with declines in math scores. After participating in a math lesson incorporating information on renewable energy, U.S. students were more likely to say they knew about climate change and felt some hope about combating it. Children in India who learned about air pollution in arts lessons were more likely to understand the environmental problem, but not necessarily to change their behavior in ways that might alleviate it. Those were among the research findings, many of them preliminary, discussed at a conference I attended last week on climate change and education organized by SustainableED , a Brown University program. It was started last year by Matthew Kraft, an education and economics professor, to support research on schools, learning and climate change — and get that work in front of policymakers. At the event, Kraft said it was important to expand the conversation around climate change by connecting it to other issues people care about — such as students’ health, their success in school, and their “sense of community and belonging.” “We can talk about it in terms of dollars and cents, and operational expenditures, and potential savings,” he added. “We can talk about it in terms of operational performance, keeping school buildings open and functioning.” Here are some research highlights and other takeaways from the conference: Universal schooling is climate policy , according to Harry Patrinos, a professor at the University of Arkansas, who presented research on whether schooling drives pro-environmental behavior. His review of existing studies, including on the effects of compulsory education laws in Europe, suggest that people who spent an additional year in school were more likely to be aware and concerned about climate change and to align themselves with green political parties. Math scores for students in schools within a mile of data centers declined more than for students in schools between one and two miles away, according to Samantha Kane, a postdoctoral research associate at Brown. Her preliminary findings suggest that there is a statistically significant drop in the math scores of third graders who attend schools near the centers, which emit harmful pollutants linked to asthma and other health problems. Children in schools near more than one data center saw even sharper declines. It’s not just air pollution — noise pollution was also associated with declines in math scores , according to research by Josh Aarons, a doctoral student at the University of California San Diego. He looked at schools in “noise corridors” near the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, and found that the math scores of students there saw a significant decrease. That suggests schools need to invest in noise insulation in classrooms, he said. Even relatively small doses of instruction can increase students’ understanding and sense of hope around climate issues. The study in India, a randomized control trial, found that after just three, 60-minute lessons, students were more likely to understand air pollution issues, according to Ashutosh Bhuradia, a Ph.D. candidate at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education. After participating in several roughly 60-minute climate-related lessons in one of four subject areas — art , algebra , English and science — students said they knew more about climate change and had a greater sense of purpose around climate action, according to research presented by Margaret Wang, a cofounder of SubjecttoClimate, which connects teachers with climate lessons. Prompting students to change their behavior is possible too, though it may be harder to achieve. Students in Bhuradia’s study were no less likely to take a climate-related action — in this case, to choose an environmentally friendly incense instead of a regular one, and to donate to a classroom “clean air fund” — after participating in the lessons. In the study from Wang, though, participating students did report a greater willingness to take actions like buying energy-saving lightbulbs, washing clothes at lower temperatures, and writing to elected officials. Sixty of the nation’s 200 largest school districts have adopted environmental and sustainability policies , compared with 51 in 2020, according to Carine Verschueren, a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign. A growing share of the policies discuss climate change and climate justice, often because of activism from students, whose role was mentioned in many of the documents, Verschueren said. School districts were motivated to adopt the policies for a variety of reasons — including conserving resources, promoting student and staff health, saving money and empowering students. Contact editor Caroline Preston at 212-870-8965, via Signal at CarolineP.83 or on email at preston@hechingerreport.org. This story about climate education in schools was produced by The Hechinger Report , a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education. Sign up for Hechinger’s climate change newsletter . The post Data centers, air pollution, climate math: Lessons from a climate and education conference appeared first on The Hechinger Report .

10 May 2026

Data centers, air pollution, climate math: Lessons from a climate and education conference

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Students who attend schools near data centers are more likely to see their math performance decline than those who don’t. Attending school near noisy airports is also associated with declines in math scores. After participating in a math lesson incorporating information on renewable energy, U.S. students were more likely to say they knew about climate change and felt some hope about combating it. Children in India who learned about air pollution in arts lessons were more likely to understand the environmental problem, but not necessarily to change their behavior in ways that might alleviate it. Those were among the research findings, many of them preliminary, discussed at a conference I attended last week on climate change and education organized by SustainableED , a Brown University program. It was started last year by Matthew Kraft, an education and economics professor, to support research on schools, learning and climate change — and get that work in front of policymakers. At the event, Kraft said it was important to expand the conversation around climate change by connecting it to other issues people care about — such as students’ health, their success in school, and their “sense of community and belonging.” “We can talk about it in terms of dollars and cents, and operational expenditures, and potential savings,” he added. “We can talk about it in terms of operational performance, keeping school buildings open and functioning.” Here are some research highlights and other takeaways from the conference: Universal schooling is climate policy , according to Harry Patrinos, a professor at the University of Arkansas, who presented research on whether schooling drives pro-environmental behavior. His review of existing studies, including on the effects of compulsory education laws in Europe, suggest that people who spent an additional year in school were more likely to be aware and concerned about climate change and to align themselves with green political parties. Math scores for students in schools within a mile of data centers declined more than for students in schools between one and two miles away, according to Samantha Kane, a postdoctoral research associate at Brown. Her preliminary findings suggest that there is a statistically significant drop in the math scores of third graders who attend schools near the centers, which emit harmful pollutants linked to asthma and other health problems. Children in schools near more than one data center saw even sharper declines. It’s not just air pollution — noise pollution was also associated with declines in math scores , according to research by Josh Aarons, a doctoral student at the University of California San Diego. He looked at schools in “noise corridors” near the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, and found that the math scores of students there saw a significant decrease. That suggests schools need to invest in noise insulation in classrooms, he said. Even relatively small doses of instruction can increase students’ understanding and sense of hope around climate issues. The study in India, a randomized control trial, found that after just three, 60-minute lessons, students were more likely to understand air pollution issues, according to Ashutosh Bhuradia, a Ph.D. candidate at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education. After participating in several roughly 60-minute climate-related lessons in one of four subject areas — art , algebra , English and science — students said they knew more about climate change and had a greater sense of purpose around climate action, according to research presented by Margaret Wang, a cofounder of SubjecttoClimate, which connects teachers with climate lessons. Prompting students to change their behavior is possible too, though it may be harder to achieve. Students in Bhuradia’s study were no less likely to take a climate-related action — in this case, to choose an environmentally friendly incense instead of a regular one, and to donate to a classroom “clean air fund” — after participating in the lessons. In the study from Wang, though, participating students did report a greater willingness to take actions like buying energy-saving lightbulbs, washing clothes at lower temperatures, and writing to elected officials. Sixty of the nation’s 200 largest school districts have adopted environmental and sustainability policies , compared with 51 in 2020, according to Carine Verschueren, a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign. A growing share of the policies discuss climate change and climate justice, often because of activism from students, whose role was mentioned in many of the documents, Verschueren said. School districts were motivated to adopt the policies for a variety of reasons — including conserving resources, promoting student and staff health, saving money and empowering students. Contact editor Caroline Preston at 212-870-8965, via Signal at CarolineP.83 or on email at preston@hechingerreport.org. This story about climate education in schools was produced by The Hechinger Report , a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education. Sign up for Hechinger’s climate change newsletter . The post Data centers, air pollution, climate math: Lessons from a climate and education conference appeared first on The Hechinger Report .

10 May 2026

Data centers, air pollution, climate math: Lessons from a climate and education conference

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Students who attend schools near data centers are more likely to see their math performance decline than those who don’t. Attending school near noisy airports is also associated with declines in math scores. After participating in a math lesson incorporating information on renewable energy, U.S. students were more likely to say they knew about climate change and felt some hope about combating it. Children in India who learned about air pollution in arts lessons were more likely to understand the environmental problem, but not necessarily to change their behavior in ways that might alleviate it. Those were among the research findings, many of them preliminary, discussed at a conference I attended last week on climate change and education organized by SustainableED , a Brown University program. It was started last year by Matthew Kraft, an education and economics professor, to support research on schools, learning and climate change — and get that work in front of policymakers. At the event, Kraft said it was important to expand the conversation around climate change by connecting it to other issues people care about — such as students’ health, their success in school, and their “sense of community and belonging.” “We can talk about it in terms of dollars and cents, and operational expenditures, and potential savings,” he added. “We can talk about it in terms of operational performance, keeping school buildings open and functioning.” Here are some research highlights and other takeaways from the conference: Universal schooling is climate policy , according to Harry Patrinos, a professor at the University of Arkansas, who presented research on whether schooling drives pro-environmental behavior. His review of existing studies, including on the effects of compulsory education laws in Europe, suggest that people who spent an additional year in school were more likely to be aware and concerned about climate change and to align themselves with green political parties. Math scores for students in schools within a mile of data centers declined more than for students in schools between one and two miles away, according to Samantha Kane, a postdoctoral research associate at Brown. Her preliminary findings suggest that there is a statistically significant drop in the math scores of third graders who attend schools near the centers, which emit harmful pollutants linked to asthma and other health problems. Children in schools near more than one data center saw even sharper declines. It’s not just air pollution — noise pollution was also associated with declines in math scores , according to research by Josh Aarons, a doctoral student at the University of California San Diego. He looked at schools in “noise corridors” near the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, and found that the math scores of students there saw a significant decrease. That suggests schools need to invest in noise insulation in classrooms, he said. Even relatively small doses of instruction can increase students’ understanding and sense of hope around climate issues. The study in India, a randomized control trial, found that after just three, 60-minute lessons, students were more likely to understand air pollution issues, according to Ashutosh Bhuradia, a Ph.D. candidate at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education. After participating in several roughly 60-minute climate-related lessons in one of four subject areas — art , algebra , English and science — students said they knew more about climate change and had a greater sense of purpose around climate action, according to research presented by Margaret Wang, a cofounder of SubjecttoClimate, which connects teachers with climate lessons. Prompting students to change their behavior is possible too, though it may be harder to achieve. Students in Bhuradia’s study were no less likely to take a climate-related action — in this case, to choose an environmentally friendly incense instead of a regular one, and to donate to a classroom “clean air fund” — after participating in the lessons. In the study from Wang, though, participating students did report a greater willingness to take actions like buying energy-saving lightbulbs, washing clothes at lower temperatures, and writing to elected officials. Sixty of the nation’s 200 largest school districts have adopted environmental and sustainability policies , compared with 51 in 2020, according to Carine Verschueren, a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign. A growing share of the policies discuss climate change and climate justice, often because of activism from students, whose role was mentioned in many of the documents, Verschueren said. School districts were motivated to adopt the policies for a variety of reasons — including conserving resources, promoting student and staff health, saving money and empowering students. Contact editor Caroline Preston at 212-870-8965, via Signal at CarolineP.83 or on email at preston@hechingerreport.org. This story about climate education in schools was produced by The Hechinger Report , a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education. Sign up for Hechinger’s climate change newsletter . The post Data centers, air pollution, climate math: Lessons from a climate and education conference appeared first on The Hechinger Report .

10 May 2026

Romania backs African education with Bitdefender donation to Senghor University in Egypt

The Romanian government, through cybersecurity firm Bitdefender, has provided a financial contribution to fund computer equipment for Senghor University’s newly inaugurated campus in Borg El Arab, Egypt, the Embassy of Romania in Cairo announced on Sunday. The donation, facilitated by Romanian authorities, aims to strengthen academic excellence programmes in fields essential to the sustainable development of the African continent. The embassy noted that further avenues of cooperation, including in the area of cybersecurity, may be explored in the future depending on the university’s needs. The initiative marks the symbolic May 9 inauguration of the new campus, an event attended by Egyptian President Abdelfattah El Sisi, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Romania’s Ambassador to Egypt and President of the Francophone Ambassadors Group (GAAF), Olivia Toderean. Built by the Egyptian state, the new facility is designed to support the expansion of Senghor University’s academic activities and double its student capacity over the coming years. The equipment donation echoes the bilateral relations between Romania and Egypt, which will celebrate 120 years in 2026, and reflects Romania’s decision to support the campus built with Egyptian state resources. It also aligns with the country’s strategic framework, “Romania – Africa: A Partnership for the Future through Peace, Development and Education.” Romania, which has become the seventh-largest financial contributor to the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), views international development cooperation among Francophone countries as a key priority. Romanian authorities have stated their goal of strengthening the academic, scientific, and economic dimensions of the Francophonie as drivers of sustainable development and stability. In line with this political vision, Romania has reconfirmed its commitment to the Francophonie—with an emphasis on Africa and balanced engagement across all regions—by officially supporting the candidacy of Dacian Cioloș for the position of OIF Secretary-General. Dacian Cioloș, former Romanian prime minister and candidate for secretary-general of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) “I am grateful for this contribution to the education of the new generations of African elites,” said Cioloș, a current presidential adviser and candidate for the OIF leadership. “Romania is proving, once more, that we can bring together our strengths and energies, beyond borders and continents, in support of a shared vision of a flourishing Francophonie, with Africa at its heart and with the engagement of all regions.” Răzvan Mureșan, Director of Global Corporate Communications at Bitdefender, highlighted the company’s involvement. “For 25 years, supporting education and academic initiatives has been a constant priority for Bitdefender,” Mureșan said. “We believe that investing in the next generation of talent is essential for building a more secure and resilient digital future, and we are proud to contribute to institutions such as Senghor University in Alexandria that are shaping tomorrow’s leaders.” Senghor University was founded following the 1989 Senegal Summit as a direct operator of the Francophonie dedicated to African development. The institution currently welcomes students from more than 20 African countries, as well as from Haiti and the Indian Ocean region. It offers master’s programmes in health, management, environment, and culture, alongside professional specialisation programmes in sustainable development, aiming to train future African decision-makers and drivers of change. Cioloș, whose candidacy was officially launched by the President of Romania, previously served as Prime Minister of Romania from 2015 to 2017, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development from 2010 to 2014, and President of the Renew Europe Political Group in the European Parliament. A Francophone by education, he graduated from the École nationale supérieure agronomique de Rennes and holds a postgraduate degree (DEA) from Montpellier. He is acknowledged for his experience in multilateral negotiations, agricultural policy, food security, and his ability to build compromise in complex political and institutional contexts. The post Romania backs African education with Bitdefender donation to Senghor University in Egypt first appeared on Dailynewsegypt .

10 May 2026

Hun vender ryggen til universitetet: — Jeg er mer nyttig på utsiden

Akademikeren Esra Mungans kamp for fred, demokrati og akademisk frihet i Tyrkia har kostet, men hun lar seg ikke tvinge til taushet.

10 May 2026

Nota sobre processo de reintegração de posse do prédio da Reitoria

A Universidade divulga comunicado sobre os acontecimentos envolvendo a desocupação do prédio da Reitoria

10 May 2026

The Toronto-born lawyer fighting for Jews — and the rest of us too

When a Toronto café posted “No Zionists allowed,” and when Jewish students at Canadian universities faced discrimination, Brooke Goldstein did not write a press release. She filed lawsuits, setting out to make Jew‑hatred legally costly. Read More

10 May 2026

Black man shoots five; U. Iowa community upset at subsequent online racist comments

‘Dehumanized Black people … created a hostile and hateful atmosphere’ Late last month, three University of Iowa students were the victims of a shooting at a local mall, the suspect of which is a 17-year-old black man who injured a total of five people during a melee. A report from the university student paper The Daily Iowan notes that racist comments posted online following the incident… Source

10 May 2026

Class of 2026 Celebrates Success at University-wide Commencement

Graduates from this year’s class heard from Longhorn legend Colt McCoy on Saturday evening at the University’s 143rd commencement The post Class of 2026 Celebrates Success at University-wide Commencement appeared first on UT Austin News - The University of Texas at Austin .

10 May 2026

AI app to detect drunk drivers through Cantonese speech analysis in the works

Hong Kong researchers say they are developing what would be the world’s first AI app that detects intoxication through real-time Cantonese voice analysis, helping users decide whether they are fit to drive after drinking. A team from the Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) said on Sunday that the self-assessment tool could not only help safeguard road safety but also potentially monitor language abnormalities linked to medication or fatigue. Funded by a HK$3.4 million (US$434,251) grant...

10 May 2026

There are 'vast opportunities for investment' in Pakistan, Naqvi tells Bangladeshi state minister

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi conveyed to Bangladeshi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam on Sunday that there were “vast opportunities for investment”, as the two sides agreed to increase cooperation in trade and business. Naqvi, who is on an official visit to Bangladesh, called on Islam in Dhaka, where the two held “detailed discussions on bilateral relations, the regional situation, and Pakistan’s conciliatory role ”, according to an official statement released by the Ministry of Interior. The Bangladeshi state minister appreciated Pakistan’s efforts aimed at resolving the Iran-US conflict , it said. Pakistan has been leading the efforts for the resolution of the conflict, which began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, and hosted the first round of face-to-face talks between Washington and Tehran in April. The interior ministry’s statement said that during Nqavi’s meeting with Islam, both sides agreed to increase cooperation in the fields of trade, business, and culture and “on maximum mutual exchange of delegations to promote trade and cultural relations”. “Discussion was also held regarding the visit of Bangladesh’s foreign minister to Pakistan,” it added. Bangladesh Foreign Ministry Secretary Mohammad Nazrul Islam, Pakistani High Commissioner Imran Haider and other officials were also present at the meeting. The meeting comes a day after Naqvi signed an anti-narcotics memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Bangladesh Interior Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and offered cooperation on the Safe City Project. Relations between Islamabad and Dhaka have improved since the ouster of former Bangladeshi premier Sheikh Hasina, during whose tenure ties between the two countries remained shaky.

10 May 2026

China's EcoFlow to sell solar panels in British supermarkets soon

10 May 2026

No more ‘just say no’ — Canadian schools will soon have a roadmap to address student substance use

The message to students used to be simple: “Just say no.” But in today’s schools, that message is not only outdated, it may be part of the problem. Across Canada, student substance use is a growing concern. According to the most recent national student survey , 15 per cent of students in Grades 7-12 reported vaping in the past month, and 18 per cent identified using multiple substances at the same time. Many Grade 7 students could not identify the health risks of substances they can easily access. Schools want to respond more effectively. But many are doing so without a clear roadmap. New standard based on evidence A new cross-Canada standard , to be officially launched soon, aims to change that. It sets out what evidence-informed substance use prevention, education and intervention should look like from kindergarten through Grade 12 (K-12). Rather than prescribing a single program, it provides a shared, evidence-informed framework, outlining the principles, practices and structures that are most likely to make a difference. And it’s designed to complement what provinces, territories and districts are already doing. But the standard on its own won’t change what happens in schools. Without system-level support, even the best guidance risks sitting on a shelf. Our national survey of more than 200 K–12 administrators highlights the gap. Nearly 90 per cent reported frequent student substance use challenges in schools, with vaping as the top concern. While almost two-thirds said they were willing to change their approach, far fewer felt they had the evidence, resources or support to do so effectively. Without clear alternatives, many schools default to familiar responses, particularly zero-tolerance policies that can lead to suspension or expulsion — approaches that can sever the very connections that help buffer young people from substance use harms in the first place. This isn’t a failing of individual educators. It’s a systems problem. The new standard responds to the realities young people are navigating today, including the proliferation of vaping, the legalization of cannabis and an increasingly toxic drug supply. Without shared guidance, current approaches vary widely, and many still rely on scare tactics and abstinence-only messaging, which decades of research show don’t have a lasting impact . The challenge extends beyond the classroom. Our analysis of nearly a decade of Canadian news coverage found that youth substance use is often framed as an individual problem, with young people portrayed as a threat to themselves. Missing from these narratives are the broader social and structural factors that shape their substance use. This framing makes it harder for schools to adopt approaches that are more supportive, and ultimately, more effective. How the new standard is different The new standard was developed through a national partnership between Wellstream: The Canadian Centre for Innovation in Child and Youth Mental Health and Substance Use at the University of British Columbia, the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction and the Canadian Association of School System Administrators . Physical Health and Education Canada and the Students Commission of Canada joined to support a robust implementation strategy. Educators, researchers, health professionals and Indigenous interest holders all contributed. Young people also helped shape this work from the beginning. Youth were part of the technical committee and student voices are embedded as a guiding principle. Research shows that youth-partnered approaches are more relevant, more effective and better aligned with real-world experiences. Different ages, different strategies At its core, the standard recognizes a simple but often overlooked reality: What works for a 10-year-old will not work for a 17-year-old. The new standard is organized around developmental stages and tiers of support. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all program, it outlines what effective practice looks like in terms of prevention, education and intervention — from building foundational social-emotional skills in early grades to providing targeted supports for older students who are already using substances. The evidence is clear that effective approaches must evolve with development. Younger children benefit most from building personal competencies. Early adolescents respond to social norms approaches. Older adolescents require strategies focused on social influence and navigating life transitions. Our own overview of systematic reviews and meta-analysis confirmed that existing programs tend to produce only modest effects, partly because success is often defined too narrowly as abstinence. The new standard broadens this lens, emphasizing outcomes such as well-being, school connectedness and help-seeking. Read more: Vaping in schools: Ontario’s $30 million for surveillance and security won’t address student needs It also calls for a shift away from punitive responses. When a student is found vaping, suspension may remove the behaviour temporarily, but it doesn’t address the underlying issue and can push them further away from help. In fact, long-term research shows that practices such as exclusionary discipline and increased police presence in schools are associated with higher rates of substance use over time. Instead, the new standard emphasizes restorative approaches and support plans that prioritize health, safety and continued engagement in school. What schools need to make this work Even the strongest standard cannot succeed without the right conditions for implementation. Educators are already stretched thin . Without dedicated time, resources and training, this risks becoming another well-intentioned but underused initiative. Read more: Solving teacher shortages depends on coming together around shared aspirations for children To support implementation, the standard is accompanied by a self-assessment tool that helps schools identify where their existing practices align with the evidence and where there are opportunities to grow. Rather than functioning as an audit, it’s designed to support continuous improvement, allowing schools to set priorities based on their own context. But meaningful change will require new tools and investment: time for professional learning, dedicated staff roles and stronger partnerships between education and health systems. Supporting materials are in development to help bridge this gap. They include training resources, informational materials for school boards, families and students, a network of experienced practitioners and briefs showing how the standard connects to existing international, national and provincial frameworks. The message to students can no longer be reduced to “just say no.” Supporting young people today requires approaches that reflect the complexity of their lives — grounded in evidence, connection and care. Schools are ready to move beyond outdated responses. Now education systems must support them in doing so. Reg Klassen, executive director at Canadian Association of School System Administrators and Ryan Fahey, manager, programs and education, at Physical and Health Education Canada co-authored this story. This initiative was supported by funding from the Canadian Institutes for Health Research and the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction through its federal funding. The standard was developed under the management of CSA Group. Emily Jenkins receives funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research through their Canada Research Chairs program.

10 May 2026

Is an A still an A? The truth behind grade inflation

Recently, a spate of news coverage has raised concerns about grade inflation in schools across Canada . These concerns stem in part from policies stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, when there was widespread cancellation of large-scale tests, freezing of grades during school closures and “compassionate” grading practices that accounted for students’ personal situations. Read more: What will happen to school grades during the coronavirus pandemic? Together, these changes led to a spike in average student grades and spurred ongoing worries about grade inflation. But these concerns aren’t new. Grades have been steadily rising in the United States and Canada for decades. Harvard University’s grade point average, for example, has risen almost every year since the 1950s. So just how serious is post-pandemic grade inflation? What is grade inflation? Grade inflation refers to the tendency for students to receive higher grades over time, on average. Put simply, work that might have been awarded an 85 per cent in 1990 might now receive 90 per cent. The implicit assumption is that this rise in grades is unearned and that student performance has not actually improved. If grades lose their signalling power — that is, if students, families, universities and employers cannot trust grades or no longer know what they mean — then selection, promotion and other important decisions get undermined. The facts behind grade inflation Most studies about grade inflation find that students’ average grades have increased steadily over time . Grade increases during the pandemic are also well-documented. For example, between 2019 and 2021, average grades for Grade 12 students in the Toronto District School Board increased six per cent . Between 2016 and 2021, the percentage of A-level students taking the ACT, a standardized test for U.S. college admissions, rose more than 13 per cent . Our search for published studies that document grade inflation in Canada since the pandemic did not yield any findings: there has been no concrete data from Canadian elementary or secondary schools on grades being inflated since 2021. Current conversations about grade inflation often zero in on the role of grades in college and university admissions because most post-secondary programs use students’ grades in the admissions process . As a CBC investigation of data from the Council of Ontario Universities has shown, entry averages for Grade 12 students have been rising for some time. Data from the council show that across 16 universities, the median entry grade rose from 81.4 per cent in 2006 to 88.2 per cent in 2021 . The Winnipeg Free Press reports that at the University of Manitoba, 40 per cent of high school students admitted in 2024 had a grade of at least 95 per cent . Post-secondary supply and demand But a rising admissions average is different than grade inflation in elementary and secondary school. Increases in university admission averages are a function of multiple factors, most directly supply and demand. Let’s take the Ontario data as an example. Between 2005 and 2022, the number of applications to Ontario’s universities rose 86.5 per cent. That’s 344,000 more applications. At the same time, the number of students who went on to register also rose, but only by 31.2 per cent. That means that even if average grades had stayed the same, students with lower grades were increasingly less likely to get admitted because they are competing with more applicants. Demand is outpacing supply. Avoiding difficult courses The current supply and demand issue has real consequences on students’ pressure to get higher grades in secondary school. Sixty-one per cent of American teenagers say they feel pressured to get good grades . That focus on grades increases student anxiety and makes students more likely to avoid difficult courses . Teachers and university instructors also report pressure to give good grades, especially when grades and graduation rates are used to evaluate performance. These pressures are longstanding — there has always been pressure on students to perform and on teachers to award high grades — but the increased competition for seats in post-secondary provides additional fodder for grade inflation. Providing additional provincial funding to increase spaces at universities and colleges could help address these pressures. Why have grades increased? There are multiple reasons grades increase. First, in almost every province, the share of people graduating high school has been increasing for years . More high school graduates means more passing grades, which typically results in higher average grades. And we want students to learn and achieve. On average, secondary school graduates live longer , earn more money and are less likely to be incarcerated . Shifts in assessment policies, teaching Second, teachers’ use of evidence-based teaching and assessment strategies is supporting better learning. Shifts in school assessment policies over the past 20 years help students better understand what the learning goals are and what success looks like. These also encourage feedback to close the gap between where students are and their learning goal. Assessment policies have also separated assessing learning skills and habits from assessing curriculum content knowledge. Manitoba’s assessment policy , for example, tells teachers to base grades on students’ actual achievement, not on things like effort, participation or attitude. Such policies acknowledge that docked marks or zeroes are sometimes needed for late or missing work, but caution that such practices may misrepresent student achievement. If grades and behaviour aren’t reported separately, it becomes difficult to know what a “B-” grade represents, for example. It may mean proficient achievement, or it may mean “C-level work with A-level effort,” “A-level work that’s late” or something else. Schools have also made evidence-based teaching advances, such as using differentiated instructional strategies and culturally responsive teaching . One expected result from these changes should be higher grades. Is an A still an A? The purpose of grades is to communicate student achievement . While that purpose is less important than the main purpose of assessment — to improve student learning — students, parents and other stakeholders still depend on grades to make decisions. Importantly, and contrary to many people’s understanding, teachers don’t grade on a bell curve . There is no limit to the number of As and the quality of learning it represents . In fact, having more students achieving higher grades is good, if the grades are warranted and accurately reflect what students know and are able to do. Should we be concerned? Even though the pandemic created a spike in grades, the lack of research since means we do not accurately know the current state of grade inflation or how grades may be assigned differently across different groups of students (for example, across family income, race or gender). Read more: Are ‘top scholar’ students really so remarkable — or are teachers inflating their grades? While grades are increasing, they continue to hold their signalling power. Grades can still be trusted alongside other measures to make important decisions. Even when grades rise, we shouldn’t assume that every rise is unearned or indefensible. The full picture is messier than that. The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

10 May 2026

A convocation is not an ending; it is the commencement of the rest of your life: Scindia

Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, held its 17th Convocation Ceremony with Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia as chief guest. He urged graduates to contribute to Viksit Bharat 2047, viewing convocation as a new beginning. Honorary Doctorates were awarded to Dr. (Brig.) Amarjit Singh (Retd.) and Dr. A. L. Kakrani. A total of 18,720 students received degrees, including PhD, postgraduate, undergraduate and diploma students, along with 30 gold medalists, celebrating academic excellence institutional growth.

10 May 2026

Qué revela el mayor mapa en 3D del universo que jamás se haya hecho (y qué nuevas pistas da sobre la misteriosa energía oscura)

Carlos Serrano - BBC News Mundo Un poderoso instrumento con 5.000 ojos de fibra óptica ha revelado un mapa del universo que cuestiona nuestras ideas sobre el cosmos. Más de 47 millones de galaxias y cuásares y 20 millones de estrellas componen la imagen sin precedentes que logró el Instrumento Espectroscópico para el Estudio de la Energía Oscura (DESI por sus siglas en inglés), instalado en el telescopio Mayall, ubicado en el Observatorio Nacional Kitt Peak, en Arizona, EE.UU. Eso es más de 6 veces el número de galaxias y otros objetos cósmicos que hayan registrado todas las mediciones anteriores juntas. La imagen que logró el DESI abarca una distancia de 11.000 millones de años luz, es decir, logró capturar galaxias en etapas muy tempranas, cercanas al origen del universo, que se calcula que tiene unos 13.700 millones de años, según le dice a BBC Mundo la investigadora Luz Ángela García, PhD en astronomía de la Universidad ECCI, en Colombia. Este hito permite entender mejor la estructura de las galaxias y cómo se formaron, pero también da nuevas pistas sobre la materia oscura, uno de los mayores misterios de la ciencia. Esta animación muestra cómo se completó el mapa del universo de DESI a lo largo de cinco años. Comienza con las imágenes de DESI sobre el cielo nocturno y da paso al mapa en 3D. La Tierra se encuentra en el centro de las secciones y cada punto representa una galaxia. Rastreando el cielo Durante cinco años, DESI ha mapeado un tercio del cielo, con una capacidad de medir más de 100.000 galaxias por noche. Con sus detectores de fibra óptica, el instrumento puede medir el espectro de las galaxias, y así calcular cuánto se ha expandido el universo a medida que la luz de esas galaxias viaja hasta la Tierra. Pero el otro gran logro de DESI es que apunta a una nueva forma de entender la energía oscura, un ingrediente que compone el 70% del universo y que actúa como una fuerza que acelera su expansión. Más allá de eso, sin embargo, es muy poco lo que los científicos saben con certeza sobre la energía oscura. Hasta ahora, se cree que la energía oscura se comporta como una "constante cosmológica". Esa "constante cosmológica" es un factor que Albert Einstein añadió a las ecuaciones de su teoría general de la relatividad y que explica por qué el universo se mantiene en un estado estable de expansión, según explica Claire Cameron en un artículo de la revista Scientific American. Energía en evolución Las nuevas observaciones, sin embargo, refuerzan una idea que DESI ya venía notando hace un tiempo, y es que la energía oscura no se mantiene estable, sino que va evolucionando. En 2025, DESI ya había anunciado que el efecto antigravitacional de la energía oscura podría estar debilitándose. A medida que el espacio se expande aumenta el espacio entre las galaxias, y, a su vez, la energía oscura acelera esa expansión. Pero si la energía oscura en realidad se está debilitando, podría influir en la forma en la que entendemos el universo. Hasta ahora, la visión más aceptada es que la energía oscura se mantiene casi inalterable. Por eso, estas nuevas pistas "auguran un futuro diferente para nuestro universo al que se venía pensando desde que se introdujo la energía oscura en nuestro presupuesto cósmico", explica García. Los anuncios de DESI sobre la energía oscura podrían implicar un cambio radical en el modelo de cómo se explica el funcionamiento del universo, el balance que hay entre energía y materia y cómo sería su final. Algunos científicos creen que una energía oscura que se debilita implica "un nuevo paradigma para la cosmología moderna", según le dijo a la BBC en 2025 Young Wook Lee de la Yonsei University, en Corea del Sur. Si eso es así, incluso existe la posibilidad de que llegue un momento en el que la energía oscura sea tan débil que la gravedad comience a halar a las galaxias entre sí, hasta causar lo que los astrónomos llaman la Gran Implosión (Big Crunch). Mapa ampliado Los investigadores del DESI ahora planean aumentar el mapa un 20%, hasta cubrir 17.000 grados cuadrados, que es la medida que se usa para saber qué área ocupa un objeto en el cielo. "Si extiendes la mano con el brazo extendido, la uña del dedo meñique cubre aproximadamente 1 grado cuadrado", explica el astrofísico Ethan Siegel en el portal Big Think . La luna, por ejemplo, ocupa unos 0,2 grados cuadrados. Esa versión ampliada del mapa cubrirá áreas cercanas a la Vía Láctea, o zonas donde el brillo de las estrellas o la atmósfera dificultan la observación de objetos lejanos. También planean explorar galaxias enanas, y corrientes estelares, que son bandas de estrellas arrancadas de galaxias más pequeñas por la gravedad de la Vía Láctea. Según DESI, el objetivo es comprender mejor la materia oscura, la forma invisible de materia que constituye la mayor parte de la masa del universo, pero que nunca se ha detectado directamente. "No sabemos qué encontraremos, pero creemos que será bastante emocionante", dice Michael Levi, director del DESI. Haz clic aquí para leer más historias de BBC News Mundo . Suscríbete aquí a nuestro nuevo newsletter para recibir cada viernes una selección de nuestro mejor contenido de la semana . También puedes seguirnos en YouTube , Instagram , TikTok , X , Facebook y en nuestro canal de WhatsApp . Y recuerda que puedes recibir notificaciones en nuestra app. Descarga la última versión y actívalas . Qué es la Gran Implosión, la teoría sobre la misteriosa energía oscura que predice el fin del universo y divide a los astrónomos Cómo es Roman, el telescopio que en apenas un año puede revelar secretos del cosmos que al Hubble le tomaría milenios Por qué los científicos creen que están cerca de resolver el misterio del "Planeta 9" (y cuál es el rol de Chile en esta búsqueda)

10 May 2026

Naturkatastrophen: Wenn „El Niño“ zur Bestie wird

Die Anzeichen verdichten sich, dass das Wetterphänomen El Niño dieses Jahr besonders heftig wird. Das macht Klimakatastrophen noch gefährlicher. mehr...

10 May 2026

Hauptgebäude der TU Berlin gesperrt: Wenn Kontrolleure ihren Job machen

Wegen Baumängel ist das Hauptgebäude der Technischen Universität Berlin an der Straße des 17. Juni seit Samstag dicht. Senatorin: „Mittlere Katastrophe“. mehr...

10 May 2026

Carnegie Mellon Qatar celebrates Class of 2026

Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q), a Qatar Foundation partner university, celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2026 in a ceremony held at Katara Hall in Raffles Hotel Doha. Michael Trick, dean of CMU-Q, opened the ceremony with a message reflecting on the class’s shared journey and resilience. “Class of 2026, you are an extraordinary and resilient group of students. Twice in your academic careers, world events disrupted your path, and twice you found focus in times of uncertainty and purpose in moments of anxiety. I know I speak for every faculty member at CMU-Q when I say we are very proud of you.” Addressing the graduates on behalf of the global Carnegie Mellon community, CMU President Farnam Jahanian praised their steadfastness. “Amid uncertainty and geopolitical turmoil, you continued your studies while navigating disruption, distance, and concern for loved ones,” he said. “You adapted to rapidly changing circumstances with courage and care for one another. That perseverance speaks volumes about who you are and the kind of leaders you will become.” Representing the Class of 2026, two students addressed the audience. Noora Al Kuwari read an Arabic poem, “Students of Knowledge and Virtue” by Gibran Khalil Gibran, while student speaker Zeina Mahmoud reflected on the class’s four-year journey. Al Kuwari thanked parents and faculty for their support, noting their role in shaping the graduates’ belief in the power of education. Echoing this theme of resilience, Mahmoud said, “We may not have chosen all the conditions that shaped us, but CMU-Q taught us how to grow through them. Like the desert rose, we were shaped by the conditions around us, and by the people who helped us grow.” The ceremony also paid tribute to faculty and students for outstanding achievements. Outstanding Academic Achievement Awards were presented to Zhansaya Matkenova (Biological Sciences), Omar Hatem Ali Khalaf (Business Administration), Zeina Rami Halawa (Computer Science), and Fatou Sokhna Gueye (Information Systems) for achieving the highest academic standing in their respective programs. The four Qatar Campus Scholars for the Class of 2026 were recognized for their academic excellence and leadership: Gana Elnajjar, Phat Hung Diep, Zeina Rami Halawa, and Fatou Sokhna Gueye. Zeina Rami Halawa and Fatou Sokhna Gueye were named Andrew Carnegie Society Scholars. Dr. Varun Sharma, associate teaching professor of marketing, received the Meritorious Teaching Award. With the graduation of the Class of 2026, CMU-Q’s alumni community is now more than 1,500 strong, a network of young professionals driving knowledge and innovation across Qatar and around the world.

10 May 2026

Carnegie Mellon Qatar celebrates Class of 2026

Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q), a Qatar Foundation partner university, celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2026 in a ceremony held at Katara Hall in Raffles Hotel Doha. Michael Trick, dean of CMU-Q, opened the ceremony with a message reflecting on the class’s shared journey and resilience. “Class of 2026, you are an extraordinary and resilient group of students. Twice in your academic careers, world events disrupted your path, and twice you found focus in times of uncertainty and purpose in moments of anxiety. I know I speak for every faculty member at CMU-Q when I say we are very proud of you.” Addressing the graduates on behalf of the global Carnegie Mellon community, CMU President Farnam Jahanian praised their steadfastness. “Amid uncertainty and geopolitical turmoil, you continued your studies while navigating disruption, distance, and concern for loved ones,” he said. “You adapted to rapidly changing circumstances with courage and care for one another. That perseverance speaks volumes about who you are and the kind of leaders you will become.” Representing the Class of 2026, two students addressed the audience. Noora Al Kuwari read an Arabic poem, “Students of Knowledge and Virtue” by Gibran Khalil Gibran, while student speaker Zeina Mahmoud reflected on the class’s four-year journey. Al Kuwari thanked parents and faculty for their support, noting their role in shaping the graduates’ belief in the power of education. Echoing this theme of resilience, Mahmoud said, “We may not have chosen all the conditions that shaped us, but CMU-Q taught us how to grow through them. Like the desert rose, we were shaped by the conditions around us, and by the people who helped us grow.” The ceremony also paid tribute to faculty and students for outstanding achievements. Outstanding Academic Achievement Awards were presented to Zhansaya Matkenova (Biological Sciences), Omar Hatem Ali Khalaf (Business Administration), Zeina Rami Halawa (Computer Science), and Fatou Sokhna Gueye (Information Systems) for achieving the highest academic standing in their respective programs. The four Qatar Campus Scholars for the Class of 2026 were recognized for their academic excellence and leadership: Gana Elnajjar, Phat Hung Diep, Zeina Rami Halawa, and Fatou Sokhna Gueye. Zeina Rami Halawa and Fatou Sokhna Gueye were named Andrew Carnegie Society Scholars. Dr. Varun Sharma, associate teaching professor of marketing, received the Meritorious Teaching Award. With the graduation of the Class of 2026, CMU-Q’s alumni community is now more than 1,500 strong, a network of young professionals driving knowledge and innovation across Qatar and around the world.

10 May 2026

South Korea welcomes rare baby bump as population shrinks

Kim Su-jin and her husband have set aside their doubts and embraced parenthood, joining a small but notable wave of South Korean couples having children despite the country’s steep demographic decline. South Korea has one of the world’s lowest birth rates, and the government has spent billions of dollars trying to encourage citizens to have more babies and cushion the worst impacts of a shrinking population . The Asian nation is still nowhere near reversing the trend, but a modest baby bump has come after years of consistently low statistics — even as experts disagree on the underlying causes. Kim, 32, a freelance music industry worker, gave birth to her daughter in January last year despite earlier financial concerns during her four-year marriage. She shook off worries over housing, schooling and work “because we believed that having (a baby) would bring us happiness”, she told AFP . This picture taken on April 30, 2026 shows a man pushing a stroller as he visits a baby fair in Seoul. — AFP South Korea’s fertility rate hit a record low in 2023 but has picked up since then, with the number of monthly births consistently rising compared to the previous year. Nearly 23,000 babies were born in February, the most for that month in seven years, according to the statistics ministry. The on-year growth of 13.6 per cent was the highest for any February since records began in 1981. Pro-natalist policies The uptick in births has tracked a similar, though less even, rise in marriages going back to mid-2022, official figures show. Experts said the trend may reflect more positive attitudes towards family among younger South Koreans. But they differed on what was driving the shift and how important it was compared with factors such as pro-natalist policies. Hong Sok-chul, an economics professor at Seoul National University (SNU), said the programmes had been “quite effective”. “Rather than trying to force marriage or childbirth … the government focused on lowering the direct and indirect costs to make these choices more rational,” he said. Kim Woo-jin, 33, said vouchers she received from the government had “played a significant role in alleviating the financial burden” of pregnancy, childbirth and child-rearing. She cited a payment of two million won ($1,400) when her daughter was born last year, a one-million-won voucher to cover maternity fees, and subsidies for transport and post-natal care. “I believe that the significant improvements (in state support) … played a role in the recent rebound” in births, the office worker said. Money isn’t everything South Korea also pays parents a one-million-won monthly allowance during the baby’s first year, while other policies include low-interest loans for young families buying homes, expanded parental leave and subsidised fertility treatment. Some companies also hand large bonuses to staff who have children. For some couples, though, the incentives have made little difference. Kim Su-jin, the freelancer, said government support “in reality … provides little substantial assistance”. “The issue is not merely a matter of a few million won,” she told AFP , citing broader social ills like exorbitant tutoring fees, widespread school bullying and the threat of job losses due to artificial intelligence. This picture taken on April 30, 2026 shows baby clothes displayed at a booth during a baby fair in Seoul. — AFP Demographer Lee Sang-lim, also of SNU, said it was “very difficult” to conclude that the latest government policies had caused the upturn in births, noting that several initiatives only began in early 2024 — less than nine months before the increase became apparent. He said that more than a decade of policies to help boost fertility may have played a role in improving the environment for childbirth and child-rearing. Fertility or futility? South Korea’s total fertility rate — the number of children each woman will have on average — increased last year from 0.75 to 0.8, still well below the threshold of 2.1 needed to maintain the population. Other theories for the baby bump abound, with implications for how long it might last. Park Hyun-jung, a data ministry official, said in February the rise partly reflected the demographic “echo” of a larger-than-normal cohort born in the early 1990s, now in their peak childbearing years. Younger generations also appear to feel less traditional stigma around having children outside marriage, with the number nearly doubling between 2002 and 2024, according to official figures. Still, births outside marriage accounted for only 5.8pc of the total in 2024. This picture taken on April 30, 2026 shows a woman pushing a stroller as she visits a baby fair in Seoul. — AFP SNU’s Lee said the recent uptick was driven mainly by marriages and births delayed during the pandemic, though he added that people born in the 1990s appeared “more family-oriented”. He said it was “difficult to define this as a demographic turning point”, warning births could decline “rapidly” again once that group ages out of its peak period. Hong, the economist, said “continued aggressive policy support will be necessary”, adding that “the current rebound, while positive, is still insufficient for long-term population replacement”.

10 May 2026

Qatar's Higher Education System... generations build the nation, shape the future

Higher education in Qatar is a cornerstone of human development and the knowledge-based economy, as it aims to prepare national cadres with the required skills, promote scientific research, and meet labor market needs. It also fosters cultural diversity and international exchange through scholarships and by attracting international universities and students, thereby providing a global educational experience. The State of Qatar and its wise leadership's growing attention to higher education and the continuous development of its quality reflect the country’s strong commitment to human development. By recognizing education as a key driver of economic and social progress, Qatar has established numerous universities, colleges, research and training centers, while attracting international schools and universities, fostering successful global partnerships, and encouraging private educational institutions through continuous support. The establishment of the College of Education for male and female teachers in 1973, in cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), marked the foundation of the country’s first national university, Qatar University (QU), which was officially established in 1977. The institution later witnessed remarkable expansion in terms of colleges, academic disciplines, student enrollment, faculty members, and infrastructure, marking the beginning of a long and successful journey for Qatar’s higher education system. Today, the country’s higher education landscape includes a diverse range of universities, colleges, and institutes totaling around 27 entities, including eight public institutions and 19 private ones. The latest university was established this year. The Tamim Bin Hamad University for Military and Technology Sciences serves as an advanced academic umbrella integrating the expertise of military colleges while combining field professionalism with advanced technological knowledge. The move represents a strategic leap in military education by consolidating military educational institutions under one umbrella to enhance efficiency and professionalism. In the same context, HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani issued Amiri Decision No. 51 of 2022 establishing and regularizing the Police Academy. The Academy aims to train security personnel according to international standards, consolidate training and academic units under one umbrella, and integrate the Police College into its structure to advance legal and police training. The academy is part of the Ministry of Interior’s efforts to modernize and develop Qatar’s security system within the broader framework of advancing the ministry’s education and training system. The expansion of higher education institutions in Qatar coincides with the continued increase of academic programs, reaching nearly 350 accredited programs covering diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Within this framework, Qatar University offers 115 academic programs, while the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) provides 60 programs across various disciplines. Education City partner universities and Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) offer highly specialized programs such as nuclear engineering and clinical psychology. Meanwhile, the Community College of Qatar (CCQ) continues to provide diplomas, bachelor’s, and professional programs, in addition to offering cross-registration services in coordination with Qatar University for this academic year. According to data from the Higher Education Affairs Sector at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Qatar’s higher education institutions currently accommodate 52,564 students, including 47,326 undergraduate students and 5,238 postgraduate students. In remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Assistant Undersecretary for Higher Education Affairs at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE), Dr. Hareb Mohamed Aljabri, said the rapid development of Qatar’s higher education system aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, supporting the pillars of a comprehensive national development. He stressed that higher education contributes directly to human development, community development, environmental sustainability, and economic diversification, in addition to transforming scientific research outputs into startups and projects incubated within Qatar’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, thereby supporting the national economy. Dr. Al Jabri added that higher education forms the foundation for preparing qualified national cadres capable of meeting labor market demands in terms of both specializations and skills. He noted that higher education institutions also play a prominent societal role through research and studies addressing social challenges and contributing to sustainable solutions. Regarding the extent to which higher education institutions meets the aspirations of Qatari youth, Dr. Al Jabri explained that the state provides a broad range of academic options catering to different interests and capabilities, whether in engineering, medical, and applied sciences, military and security studies, humanities and social sciences, or the creative economy, in addition to overseas scholarship opportunities at leading international universities. He pointed out that establishing higher education institutions is subject to strict criteria, including the need for the institution to be ranked among the world’s top 300 universities and that the proposed academic specializations correspond to actual national needs. He also revealed that a series of coordination workshops with higher education institutions in the country had been launched last November with the aim of aligning policies and legislation governing these institutions with national priorities and labor market requirements. He said that these workshops focus on bridging the gap between educational outcomes and labor market needs through discussions on student admissions, coordination mechanisms with national service, and attracting international students in support of economic diversification. He affirmed that the workshops will continue on a regular basis to strengthen integration between higher education and national development needs. Meanwhile, graduation ceremonies are currently being held throughout May, marking the end of the academic year, celebrating student achievements, and preparing graduates for a new chapter, the beginning of their professional careers. In this context, Qatar University celebrated the graduation of its 49th cohort, comprising 4,024 students, including 3,122 female students and 902 male students. In similar remarks to QNA, Vice President for Student Affairs at Qatar University Dr. Mohammed Diab said this year’s graduation ceremony carried a significant milestone with the graduation of the first cohort from the College of Nursing, reflecting the evolution of academic programs and their responsiveness to national priorities, particularly in the healthcare sector. He added that the large number of graduates this year reflects the scale of Qatar University’s impact on society, noting that more than 2,500 graduates are Qatari nationals, underscoring the university’s central role in preparing national competencies, alongside nearly 1,500 non-Qatari graduates, which further enhances academic and cultural diversity within the university. In a related context, the eight partner and local universities of Education City celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2026, the largest in its history, with 1,100 graduates from the various universities that make up the institution's system, including 444 Qatari graduates representing 40% of the total number of graduates, and 660 graduates from 78 countries. Education City was officially inaugurated on Oct. 13, 2003, under the supervision and initiative of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), which was established in 1995, to become a global center for higher education. It now includes 8 prestigious international partner and local universities, including Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU). All of these universities offer diverse and specialized academic programs in various fields of knowledge, which has provided ample opportunities for Qatari students and other resident and international students to pursue their higher education in universities that are among the best of their kind in the world. President of Higher Education and Education Advisor at QF Francisco Marmolejo explained in a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) the role that QF plays in supporting graduates after graduation, noting that each university within the system, along with QF, works through specialized teams to follow up with them and support them in their career path. Marmolejo said the QF Alumni Office is keen to provide graduates with up-to-date information about available job opportunities, as well as the necessary guidance to prepare for job interviews and develop various professional skills. He noted that a survey conducted during the Education City Job Fair 2026 showed that about 70% of graduates feel highly confident in their readiness to enter the labor market in Qatar, while employer surveys indicated that QF graduates have a high level of competence, particularly in communication skills, professional conduct and leadership. Regarding the sectors that attract the most graduates in Education City universities, he explained that artificial intelligence (AI) fields are witnessing increasing demand at the present time, as QF is working in cooperation with its various universities to provide diverse educational opportunities in this field and others. He pointed out that Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar will offer an advanced AI program ranked among the best in the world during the next academic year, and Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar will offer a new program in motion photography, while the Media and AI major at Northwestern University in Qatar is one of the most popular majors among students. The President of Higher Education and Education Advisor at QF said AI and sustainability are among QF's priorities, noting the establishment of an institutional committee for AI at the Board of Directors level to follow up in various administrative, educational and research aspects. He explained that QF's sustainability strategy aims to transform Education City into a living environment for experimenting with innovative solutions, in addition to integrating sustainability concepts into all stages of education, from kindergarten to postgraduate studies. Regarding the future of higher education, Marmolejo said that this sector is witnessing a significant transformation globally, which carries with it both challenges and opportunities. He explained that the rapid development in AI technologies provides great opportunities to accelerate the learning process and knowledge acquisition, but on the other hand, it is reshaping many traditional concepts related to higher education and its delivery methods. Institutions that are able to adapt to these transformations, and even take the initiative in leading them, will be the most able to meet the needs of the future, including unexpected requirements, he added. He pointed out that the comprehensive university model is the most capable of facing these challenges, given its reliance on integration between different disciplines and institutions, and its combination of international universities, international students, and faculty members with diverse experiences. Amid the momentum Qatar is witnessing these days with the graduation of new batches of graduates, Doha University of Science and Technology (UDST), which replaced what was known as the College of the North Atlantic in 2022, to be the first national university specializing in applied and technical education in the State of Qatar, will celebrate on the graduation of more than 1,200 students on May 19 in various technical and professional disciplines. In a similar statement to QNA, Dr. Salem bin Nasser Al Nuaimi pointed out that the university currently has more than 9,000 students in various programs belonging to more than 86 nationalities, which reflects a diverse international educational environment. He noted that Qatari students constitute 25% of the total university student body, a figure that is an essential part of the student community, in support of national talent. He pointed out that this cultural diversity reflects the richness of the educational experience and enhances the exchange of experiences among students. Lusail University, the first private national university in Qatar, will also celebrate the graduation of its third batch of students on May 18 and 19. The first graduation ceremony will be dedicated to male graduates and high achievers, whilst the second ceremony will be dedicated to female students. All who gave statements to QNA emphasized the successful and well-thought-out expansion of higher education institutions in Qatar, and the great flexibility, opportunities, and academic and professional options it has provided for Qatari students, which enhances their motivation to learn. This results in continuous growth in qualified national cadres, in line with the state's strategy aimed at supplying the labor market with specialized competencies. Considering the development of Qatar's higher education system and its remarkable local and international scientific achievements, the State of Qatar occupies advanced positions in the Education Quality Index issued by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, as well as in other competitive indicators and prestigious Arab and international rankings. In this regard, Qatar University has maintained its position as one of the best universities in the region and the world, according to the 2026 QS World University Rankings, rising to 112th globally and second in the Arab world. This reflects excellence in the quality of its higher education and scientific research, its comprehensive learning environment, continuous progress in its academic reputation, and the efficiency and relevance of its curricula to the demands of the labor market and innovation. This ranking brings Qatar University much closer to joining the ranks of the top 100 universities in the world, especially considering its jump of 61 places compared to the 2024 ranking, in which it held the 173rd position globally. According to this ranking, some universities within Education City, such as Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, were also among the top-ranked institutions. Furthermore, scholarships play a pivotal and strategic role in strengthening the higher education system in Qatar. They are key tools for developing national talent and building a knowledge-based economy, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and national development strategies, while also meeting a significant share of the needs of the Qatari labor market. In this context, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education announced on April 21 the government scholarship plan for the upcoming 2026/2027 academic yea. This plan is based on four overarching strategic objectives: economic growth, equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion, and talent development, in alignment with the country's national vision and the Third National Development Strategy. The plan marks a significant shift in the country's strategy for building national competencies, introducing new features, most notably the Disability Track, which guarantees the right to higher education globally for this group through scholarships to universities that provide accessible environments and specialized programs that support their independence and academic excellence. Amidst this scientific and educational development and openness, through national curricula, international schools, Education City universities, and public and private higher education institutions with their diverse programs and scholarships, Qatari students have not lost their culture and national identity despite this global scientific attraction. This interaction has not even affected Qatari students studying at universities in other countries, who have remained committed to their identity, culture, and national traditions. Therefore, higher education in Qatar is no longer limited to awarding academic degrees. It has become a vital tool and driving force behind efforts to create high-quality local jobs, actively contributing to strengthening Qatar's leading regional position in this crucial sector, and building a generation capable of shaping the future and effecting positive change for the better.

10 May 2026

Qatar's Higher Education System... generations build the nation, shape the future

Higher education in Qatar is a cornerstone of human development and the knowledge-based economy, as it aims to prepare national cadres with the required skills, promote scientific research, and meet labor market needs. It also fosters cultural diversity and international exchange through scholarships and by attracting international universities and students, thereby providing a global educational experience. The State of Qatar and its wise leadership's growing attention to higher education and the continuous development of its quality reflect the country’s strong commitment to human development. By recognizing education as a key driver of economic and social progress, Qatar has established numerous universities, colleges, research and training centers, while attracting international schools and universities, fostering successful global partnerships, and encouraging private educational institutions through continuous support. The establishment of the College of Education for male and female teachers in 1973, in cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), marked the foundation of the country’s first national university, Qatar University (QU), which was officially established in 1977. The institution later witnessed remarkable expansion in terms of colleges, academic disciplines, student enrollment, faculty members, and infrastructure, marking the beginning of a long and successful journey for Qatar’s higher education system. Today, the country’s higher education landscape includes a diverse range of universities, colleges, and institutes totaling around 27 entities, including eight public institutions and 19 private ones. The latest university was established this year. The Tamim Bin Hamad University for Military and Technology Sciences serves as an advanced academic umbrella integrating the expertise of military colleges while combining field professionalism with advanced technological knowledge. The move represents a strategic leap in military education by consolidating military educational institutions under one umbrella to enhance efficiency and professionalism. In the same context, HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani issued Amiri Decision No. 51 of 2022 establishing and regularizing the Police Academy. The Academy aims to train security personnel according to international standards, consolidate training and academic units under one umbrella, and integrate the Police College into its structure to advance legal and police training. The academy is part of the Ministry of Interior’s efforts to modernize and develop Qatar’s security system within the broader framework of advancing the ministry’s education and training system. The expansion of higher education institutions in Qatar coincides with the continued increase of academic programs, reaching nearly 350 accredited programs covering diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Within this framework, Qatar University offers 115 academic programs, while the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) provides 60 programs across various disciplines. Education City partner universities and Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) offer highly specialized programs such as nuclear engineering and clinical psychology. Meanwhile, the Community College of Qatar (CCQ) continues to provide diplomas, bachelor’s, and professional programs, in addition to offering cross-registration services in coordination with Qatar University for this academic year. According to data from the Higher Education Affairs Sector at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Qatar’s higher education institutions currently accommodate 52,564 students, including 47,326 undergraduate students and 5,238 postgraduate students. In remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Assistant Undersecretary for Higher Education Affairs at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE), Dr. Hareb Mohamed Aljabri, said the rapid development of Qatar’s higher education system aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, supporting the pillars of a comprehensive national development. He stressed that higher education contributes directly to human development, community development, environmental sustainability, and economic diversification, in addition to transforming scientific research outputs into startups and projects incubated within Qatar’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, thereby supporting the national economy. Dr. Al Jabri added that higher education forms the foundation for preparing qualified national cadres capable of meeting labor market demands in terms of both specializations and skills. He noted that higher education institutions also play a prominent societal role through research and studies addressing social challenges and contributing to sustainable solutions. Regarding the extent to which higher education institutions meets the aspirations of Qatari youth, Dr. Al Jabri explained that the state provides a broad range of academic options catering to different interests and capabilities, whether in engineering, medical, and applied sciences, military and security studies, humanities and social sciences, or the creative economy, in addition to overseas scholarship opportunities at leading international universities. He pointed out that establishing higher education institutions is subject to strict criteria, including the need for the institution to be ranked among the world’s top 300 universities and that the proposed academic specializations correspond to actual national needs. He also revealed that a series of coordination workshops with higher education institutions in the country had been launched last November with the aim of aligning policies and legislation governing these institutions with national priorities and labor market requirements. He said that these workshops focus on bridging the gap between educational outcomes and labor market needs through discussions on student admissions, coordination mechanisms with national service, and attracting international students in support of economic diversification. He affirmed that the workshops will continue on a regular basis to strengthen integration between higher education and national development needs. Meanwhile, graduation ceremonies are currently being held throughout May, marking the end of the academic year, celebrating student achievements, and preparing graduates for a new chapter, the beginning of their professional careers. In this context, Qatar University celebrated the graduation of its 49th cohort, comprising 4,024 students, including 3,122 female students and 902 male students. In similar remarks to QNA, Vice President for Student Affairs at Qatar University Dr. Mohammed Diab said this year’s graduation ceremony carried a significant milestone with the graduation of the first cohort from the College of Nursing, reflecting the evolution of academic programs and their responsiveness to national priorities, particularly in the healthcare sector. He added that the large number of graduates this year reflects the scale of Qatar University’s impact on society, noting that more than 2,500 graduates are Qatari nationals, underscoring the university’s central role in preparing national competencies, alongside nearly 1,500 non-Qatari graduates, which further enhances academic and cultural diversity within the university. In a related context, the eight partner and local universities of Education City celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2026, the largest in its history, with 1,100 graduates from the various universities that make up the institution's system, including 444 Qatari graduates representing 40% of the total number of graduates, and 660 graduates from 78 countries. Education City was officially inaugurated on Oct. 13, 2003, under the supervision and initiative of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), which was established in 1995, to become a global center for higher education. It now includes 8 prestigious international partner and local universities, including Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU). All of these universities offer diverse and specialized academic programs in various fields of knowledge, which has provided ample opportunities for Qatari students and other resident and international students to pursue their higher education in universities that are among the best of their kind in the world. President of Higher Education and Education Advisor at QF Francisco Marmolejo explained in a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) the role that QF plays in supporting graduates after graduation, noting that each university within the system, along with QF, works through specialized teams to follow up with them and support them in their career path. Marmolejo said the QF Alumni Office is keen to provide graduates with up-to-date information about available job opportunities, as well as the necessary guidance to prepare for job interviews and develop various professional skills. He noted that a survey conducted during the Education City Job Fair 2026 showed that about 70% of graduates feel highly confident in their readiness to enter the labor market in Qatar, while employer surveys indicated that QF graduates have a high level of competence, particularly in communication skills, professional conduct and leadership. Regarding the sectors that attract the most graduates in Education City universities, he explained that artificial intelligence (AI) fields are witnessing increasing demand at the present time, as QF is working in cooperation with its various universities to provide diverse educational opportunities in this field and others. He pointed out that Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar will offer an advanced AI program ranked among the best in the world during the next academic year, and Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar will offer a new program in motion photography, while the Media and AI major at Northwestern University in Qatar is one of the most popular majors among students. The President of Higher Education and Education Advisor at QF said AI and sustainability are among QF's priorities, noting the establishment of an institutional committee for AI at the Board of Directors level to follow up in various administrative, educational and research aspects. He explained that QF's sustainability strategy aims to transform Education City into a living environment for experimenting with innovative solutions, in addition to integrating sustainability concepts into all stages of education, from kindergarten to postgraduate studies. Regarding the future of higher education, Marmolejo said that this sector is witnessing a significant transformation globally, which carries with it both challenges and opportunities. He explained that the rapid development in AI technologies provides great opportunities to accelerate the learning process and knowledge acquisition, but on the other hand, it is reshaping many traditional concepts related to higher education and its delivery methods. Institutions that are able to adapt to these transformations, and even take the initiative in leading them, will be the most able to meet the needs of the future, including unexpected requirements, he added. He pointed out that the comprehensive university model is the most capable of facing these challenges, given its reliance on integration between different disciplines and institutions, and its combination of international universities, international students, and faculty members with diverse experiences. Amid the momentum Qatar is witnessing these days with the graduation of new batches of graduates, Doha University of Science and Technology (UDST), which replaced what was known as the College of the North Atlantic in 2022, to be the first national university specializing in applied and technical education in the State of Qatar, will celebrate on the graduation of more than 1,200 students on May 19 in various technical and professional disciplines. In a similar statement to QNA, Dr. Salem bin Nasser Al Nuaimi pointed out that the university currently has more than 9,000 students in various programs belonging to more than 86 nationalities, which reflects a diverse international educational environment. He noted that Qatari students constitute 25% of the total university student body, a figure that is an essential part of the student community, in support of national talent. He pointed out that this cultural diversity reflects the richness of the educational experience and enhances the exchange of experiences among students. Lusail University, the first private national university in Qatar, will also celebrate the graduation of its third batch of students on May 18 and 19. The first graduation ceremony will be dedicated to male graduates and high achievers, whilst the second ceremony will be dedicated to female students. All who gave statements to QNA emphasized the successful and well-thought-out expansion of higher education institutions in Qatar, and the great flexibility, opportunities, and academic and professional options it has provided for Qatari students, which enhances their motivation to learn. This results in continuous growth in qualified national cadres, in line with the state's strategy aimed at supplying the labor market with specialized competencies. Considering the development of Qatar's higher education system and its remarkable local and international scientific achievements, the State of Qatar occupies advanced positions in the Education Quality Index issued by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, as well as in other competitive indicators and prestigious Arab and international rankings. In this regard, Qatar University has maintained its position as one of the best universities in the region and the world, according to the 2026 QS World University Rankings, rising to 112th globally and second in the Arab world. This reflects excellence in the quality of its higher education and scientific research, its comprehensive learning environment, continuous progress in its academic reputation, and the efficiency and relevance of its curricula to the demands of the labor market and innovation. This ranking brings Qatar University much closer to joining the ranks of the top 100 universities in the world, especially considering its jump of 61 places compared to the 2024 ranking, in which it held the 173rd position globally. According to this ranking, some universities within Education City, such as Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, were also among the top-ranked institutions. Furthermore, scholarships play a pivotal and strategic role in strengthening the higher education system in Qatar. They are key tools for developing national talent and building a knowledge-based economy, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and national development strategies, while also meeting a significant share of the needs of the Qatari labor market. In this context, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education announced on April 21 the government scholarship plan for the upcoming 2026/2027 academic yea. This plan is based on four overarching strategic objectives: economic growth, equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion, and talent development, in alignment with the country's national vision and the Third National Development Strategy. The plan marks a significant shift in the country's strategy for building national competencies, introducing new features, most notably the Disability Track, which guarantees the right to higher education globally for this group through scholarships to universities that provide accessible environments and specialized programs that support their independence and academic excellence. Amidst this scientific and educational development and openness, through national curricula, international schools, Education City universities, and public and private higher education institutions with their diverse programs and scholarships, Qatari students have not lost their culture and national identity despite this global scientific attraction. This interaction has not even affected Qatari students studying at universities in other countries, who have remained committed to their identity, culture, and national traditions. Therefore, higher education in Qatar is no longer limited to awarding academic degrees. It has become a vital tool and driving force behind efforts to create high-quality local jobs, actively contributing to strengthening Qatar's leading regional position in this crucial sector, and building a generation capable of shaping the future and effecting positive change for the better.

10 May 2026

Led by industry, Japan and Taiwan plant seeds of drone cooperation

10 May 2026

Seoul Study Abroad Fair heads to Taipei in push to attract international students

The Seoul Metropolitan Government will take its annual study abroad fair to Taipei from May 30 to 31, bringing together 14 Seoul-based universities and two related institutions. Launched in 2024, the Seoul Study Abroad Fair has been held in several overseas cities, including Jakarta, Chennai, Ulaanbaatar and Ho Chi Minh City, with Taipei and Fukuoka the scheduled stops this year. With Seoul ranked No.1 in the QS Best Student Cities 2026, the city government expects strong interest from international students in both the fair and studying in Seoul. The event will serve as an information-sharing platform, offering admissions guidance from participating universities as well as administrative support on daily life and settlement in Seoul. International admissions officers from the 14 participating universities will offer one-on-one consultations at the fair, providing tailored guidance on admissions. Seoul Global Center will also provide administrative information on visas, residency, daily life and settlement in the city. On-site sessions will cover key information prospective students seek,

10 May 2026

+++ Entwicklungen zum Hanta-Virus +++: WHO-Chef: „Kein zweites Corona“

Das Kreuzfahrtschiff „Hondius“ hat Teneriffa erreicht. Die Passagiere sollen unter Sicherheitsvorkehrungen von dort abreisen. Die Entwicklungen im Überblick. mehr...

10 May 2026

Cameroon’s sacred and royal animals: could literature and futures thinking help save them?

Certain animals, like the lion, carry deep cultural and spiritual significance. But they also face extinction. Library of Congress In the grasslands and highlands of western Cameroon, some animals are believed to be sacred. Within the region’s indigenous kingdoms (fondoms), many of these animals are also considered to be royal. They include wild cats (like cheetahs, leopards, lions, tigers), buffaloes, elephants, porcupines, cowries (sea snails), and a brightly coloured bird called the Bannerman’s turaco . These species carry deep cultural and spiritual significance. They are, for example, often used to decorate royals (kings, queens and queen mothers) or to award royal distinctions to deserving individuals. Their body parts can be used to make crowns, bedding, footstools, bangles or necklaces for royalty. Red feathers from the Bannerman’s turaco are used to distinguish warriors and hunters. Bannermann’s turaco. Henrik Grönvold Here, indigenous cultural practices can both sustain and decimate biodiversity. The names of some of these animals, especially wild cats, are used as praise names for kings. But custom dictates that when these animals are found, they must be killed and taken to the palace as a tribute. Most are either locally extinct or critically endangered. Except for cowries and porcupines, all these animals are included on the red list of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Biodiversity loss caused by humans is accelerating at alarming rates around the world. This includes biodiversity hotspots like the Congo Basin in central Africa, which Cameroon is part of. Thousands of species have been identified in the basin, 30% of which are endemic (native). Read more: Nuer people have a sacred connection to birds – it can guide conservation in Ethiopia and South Sudan I am a scholar who works across disciplines. These include the arts, literature and cultural studies; environmental humanities; sustainability science; anticipatory governance and future generations; strategic foresight and futures studies. In a recent study , I explored how literary creativity combined with foresight workshops might help change how people view these animals. Could they offer more hopeful futures for these unique species? The role of literature Literary texts like plays, poems and novels offer insights into dealing with climate and ecological challenges in the Congo Basin. (Even in the case of less popular but highly important species such as insects.) This is the case in many works by anglophone Cameroonian authors, like Athanasius Nsahlai , Kenjo Jumbam , J.K. Bannavti , and John Nkengasong . Read more: ‘A healthy earth may be ugly’: How literary art can help us value insect conservation Their stories have the potential to warn against the destruction of royal and sacred animals. They can also help shape new visions for the future of biodiversity conservation. I draw on postcolonial ecocriticism (the relationship between literature, culture, the environment and history) and narrative foresight (what stories can reveal about the future) in my study. I analyse how these books engage with royal and sacred animals in ways that challenge environmentally unfriendly cultural practices, and how they propose new forms of relations between humans and other animals. Jumbam’s novella, Lukong and the Leopard , for instance, tells the story of a young man called Lukong. The son of an outcast from the Nso kingdom, he helps capture a lion. Surprisingly the king demands it be brought to his palace alive. Just as Lukong is to be decorated by the king, his father sneaks in. Fearing for his son’s life, he sets the lion free. In a sense, the story challenges the old cultural practice of killing royal animals. It invites readers to change how they see and relate with these animals in order to protect them. Workshops Stories like this can then be taken into foresight workshop sessions. Narrative foresight meets group participation to create what is called participatory foresight . Participants and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds are brought together to explore future scenarios, the challenges that shape them and what can drive change. As part of my research, I organised a day of participatory foresight workshops on #CongoBasinFutures and #RoyalAnimalsFutures in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Over 30 participants across a range of ages, genders and interests were brought together. They included teachers, researchers, environmentalists, farmers, nurses, writers, filmmakers, musicians, journalists, students, civil society workers, policymakers, and indigenous kings (fons). Using foresight tools , participants were asked to discuss motivations as well as historical barriers while envisioning more hopeful futures for royal and sacred animals. The workshops were designed to include literary narratives on the plight of these animals. They drew on current trends and signals of change, like climate change, biodiversity loss and indigenous cultural practices. They imagined new futures and then collectively proposed several policy interventions that could be practical solutions. Shaping better policies Cameroon does have environmental laws aimed at protecting biodiversity, but they are not effectively implemented. My study – and our workshop – seeks to complement these laws and contribute to their effective use in practice. Ideas coming out of the workshop include: Creative arts and education should be used to help raise awareness about protecting royal animals and biodiversity. This could include programmes like our workshop, creative competitions and updating educational curricula. Instead of decorating those who kill, local hunters should be rewarded when they spot and report the presence of royal animals for monitoring and preservation. The use of artificial animal parts for traditional ceremonies should be encouraged. Policy should encourage research into the controlled breeding of endangered royal and sacred animals and the promotion of ecotourism around these animals. Special parks and reserves could combine arts and royal animals to attract tourists. Revenue could improve livelihoods, sustain cultures, and promote environmental conservation. Environmental regulation should be strengthened through collaboration with all stakeholders, including indigenous authorities and local communities. Hunting of certain animals could be regulated. Hunting seasons and quotas for certain species could be in place. Indigenous leaders and communities could be engaged to adapt and modernise cultural practices in an era of environmental collapse. Read more: Literature from the Congo Basin offers ways to address the climate crisis But we must move from recommendations into action. Otherwise, ideas from studies like this will remain good on paper only, like most environmental laws in Cameroon. If so, royal animals and other species will continue to be threatened by extinction. Kenneth Nsah Mala receives funding from the University of Cologne (Germany), the British Council, and the School of International Futures (SOIF).

10 May 2026

Trump visits China, vote on Sara Duterte impeachment, SoftBank earnings

10 May 2026

Gulf Times adds distinguished contributors

Gulf Times has announced the addition of a distinguished group of international journalists, academics and media professionals who will contribute regular analysis and commentary, further strengthening the newspaper’s editorial offering. The move reflects Gulf Times’ continued commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful journalism, while expanding its coverage of regional and global developments across key sectors including geopolitics, energy, media and international affairs. Among the new contributors is Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, a leading scholar specialising in Gulf politics and international political economy. A fellow at the Baker Institute and co-director of the Middle East Energy Roundtable, Ulrichsen brings extensive expertise on the evolving role of Gulf states in the global order. Also joining the publication is Rory Miller, Professor of International Politics at Georgetown University in Qatar. Miller is a widely published author and commentator, with contributions featured in leading international outlets including Foreign Affairs, The Economist and The Wall Street Journal. Gulf Times will also feature the work of Jamil K Mroue, a veteran editor and media executive with decades of experience in Arab and international journalism. His column will provide strategic analysis of Middle East affairs, placing regional developments within a broader global context. In addition, Jasim al-Azzawi, an experienced news anchor, programme presenter and media instructor, will contribute opinion pieces and insights drawing on his extensive career in international broadcasting and journalism. The inclusion of these contributors marks a significant step in enhancing the breadth and depth of ’ editorial content. Their collective experience spans academia, policy, media and strategic analysis, offering readers diverse perspectives on complex global issues. This initiative aligns with the newspaper’s broader editorial strategy to provide authoritative commentary and informed analysis that supports a deeper understanding of developments shaping the region and the world. By bringing together voices with extensive international experience and subject-matter expertise, Gulf Times aims to further position itself as a platform for credible, thought-provoking journalism that connects regional insights with global perspectives. The newly appointed contributors are expected to begin publishing regularly, offering readers informed viewpoints and in-depth analysis across a range of topics critical to today’s rapidly evolving global landscape.

10 May 2026

Gulf Times adds distinguished contributors

Gulf Times has announced the addition of a distinguished group of international journalists, academics and media professionals who will contribute regular analysis and commentary, further strengthening the newspaper’s editorial offering. The move reflects Gulf Times’ continued commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful journalism, while expanding its coverage of regional and global developments across key sectors including geopolitics, energy, media and international affairs. Among the new contributors is Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, a leading scholar specialising in Gulf politics and international political economy. A fellow at the Baker Institute and co-director of the Middle East Energy Roundtable, Ulrichsen brings extensive expertise on the evolving role of Gulf states in the global order. Also joining the publication is Rory Miller, Professor of International Politics at Georgetown University in Qatar. Miller is a widely published author and commentator, with contributions featured in leading international outlets including Foreign Affairs, The Economist and The Wall Street Journal. Gulf Times will also feature the work of Jamil K Mroue, a veteran editor and media executive with decades of experience in Arab and international journalism. His column will provide strategic analysis of Middle East affairs, placing regional developments within a broader global context. In addition, Jasim al-Azzawi, an experienced news anchor, programme presenter and media instructor, will contribute opinion pieces and insights drawing on his extensive career in international broadcasting and journalism. The inclusion of these contributors marks a significant step in enhancing the breadth and depth of ’ editorial content. Their collective experience spans academia, policy, media and strategic analysis, offering readers diverse perspectives on complex global issues. This initiative aligns with the newspaper’s broader editorial strategy to provide authoritative commentary and informed analysis that supports a deeper understanding of developments shaping the region and the world. By bringing together voices with extensive international experience and subject-matter expertise, Gulf Times aims to further position itself as a platform for credible, thought-provoking journalism that connects regional insights with global perspectives. The newly appointed contributors are expected to begin publishing regularly, offering readers informed viewpoints and in-depth analysis across a range of topics critical to today’s rapidly evolving global landscape.

10 May 2026

H.eco Tech Festa 2026 casts climate tech as next growth market

Environmental challenges are no longer treated simply as matters of corporate responsibility, but as markets in their own right, creating new opportunities for companies, investors and young professionals, speakers said Thursday at H.ecoTech Festa 2026 in Seoul. Hosted by Herald Media Group at Yonsei University’s Baekyang-Nuri Event Hall, the forum brought together entrepreneurs, corporate executives, sustainability experts and students to discuss how climate solutions and circular-economy indus

10 May 2026

Climate action must sell itself: Orbit

Environmental campaigns driven by guilt and statistics alone are unlikely to change human behavior, science communicator Orbit said Thursday, arguing that sustainability must become attractive and culturally appealing to succeed in the marketplace. Speaking at H.eco Tech Festa 2026 at Yonsei University’s Baekyang-Nuri Event Hall, Orbit, who runs a science YouTube channel with more than 1.8 million subscribers, said climate action must be woven into everyday consumer choices. “From a neuroscience

10 May 2026

Advancing workforce readiness in Illinois

In spring 2026, Illinois is preparing legislation (HB 5319/SB 4034) that will authorize community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees in high-demand applied fields. Supported by Gov. JB Pritzker, the initiative aims to address workforce shortages in sectors such as healthcare, information technology and advanced manufacturing by expanding access to affordable, locally available degree pathways. Community colleges have long served as primary access points for working adults, first-generation students and those seeking affordable education. However, traditional transfer pathways often have limited completion rates due to financial constraints, credit loss and geographic barriers. In response to these challenges, Illinois is drawing on the experience of more than 24 states that have already implemented community college baccalaureate programs, with evidence of improved attainment, expanded access and stronger workforce alignment. Focus on affordability Affordability is a key feature of this approach. Community college bachelor’s degrees are offered at substantially lower costs than those at most universities, reducing the financial burden on students and limiting their reliance on loans. For example: In Iowa, annual community college tuition averages $5,600, while private institutions charge more than $37,000. In California, total tuition for a community college bachelor’s degree is about $10,560, less than half the cost of many public university programs. In Arizona, community college bachelor’s programs often cost roughly one-quarter to one-half as much as comparable four-year university degrees. These cost differences are significant, as students who earn a bachelor’s degree from four-year institutions graduate with an average cumulative debt of approximately $29,000. Geographic accessibility is essential. Many rural and underserved areas lack nearby four-year institutions, forcing students to travel long distances or relocate, thereby increasing costs and disrupting work and family life. Feather River College in California, a rural institution, has produced graduates in high-need fields, including ecosystem restoration, fire management and agricultural programs, in a region facing both environmental and economic challenges. Many students in such areas cannot pursue a bachelor’s degree elsewhere because of geographic isolation, with the nearest public four-year institution located more than 80 miles away. Clearly, locally available baccalaureate pathways are important in expanding access for place-bound students. Program design in community college baccalaureate initiatives often stress direct employer engagement to ensure alignment with industry needs. In several states, this alignment is formalized through structured partnerships with regional employers who contribute to curriculum development and workforce planning. For example, Ohio requires collaboration agreements with industry partners to support both training and employment pathways. Similar models in states such as Florida and Washington demonstrate strong outcomes, with most graduates securing employment in their field relatively soon after completion. While some industries have explored first hiring skills, labor market trends indicate that bachelor’s degrees remain a critical credential. The Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce projects that nearly 72% of jobs will require postsecondary education, with an increasing share requiring bachelor’s degrees. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show higher earnings and lower unemployment for bachelor’s degree holders. The Burning Glass Institute has further identified a pattern of upcredentialing, in which roles that once required associate degrees now increasingly prefer bachelor-level qualifications. A recent survey found that 75% of Illinois community college students said they would be much more likely to pursue a bachelor’s degree if their college offered one, and 40% who had not considered a baccalaureate degree would rethink their plans. Another reason for expanding access to bachelor’s degrees is related to Illinois’ economic growth . The state has one of the largest economies in the United States, with a gross domestic product exceeding $1 trillion and strong contributions from finance, logistics, healthcare and advanced manufacturing. Recent data show Illinois outpacing national economic growth in certain sectors, while employers continue to report hundreds of thousands of job openings across technology-driven industries. Key sectors such as healthcare, business, manufacturing and information technology are already experiencing workforce shortages in roles that increasingly require bachelor-level credentials, yet fewer than one in six community college students ultimately attain a bachelor’s degree. Advanced manufacturing requires workers with competencies in automation, data analysis and process improvement. The information technology and business sectors require advanced analytical and technical skills. This growth is closely tied to rising expectations for education and skills at both entry- and mid-level positions, particularly those involving supervision, system integration and decision-making. Without a sufficient pipeline of workers with bachelor’s-level credentials, the state risks constraining its economic potential. Conversely, a bachelor’s degree increasingly serves as a gateway to higher-wage roles and career advancement across several fields. Expanding access to baccalaureate degrees through Illinois community colleges provides a practical response to these challenges. Doing so would strengthen workforce alignment, support economic competitiveness and create clear pathways for students to achieve upward mobility in a technology-driven economy. The post Advancing workforce readiness in Illinois first appeared on Community College Daily .

10 May 2026

WEEKEND READING: ‘There’s no point wishin’ fo’ owt’’: What can we learn from Danny Scott’s 2025 book, The Undisputed King of Selston, about widening access to higher – indeed to any – education?

This blog was kindly authored by Lucy Haire, Director of Sector Engagement, UPP. Before becoming the author of the recently published The Undisputed King of Selston , Danny Scott grew up in an East Midlands mining village, serving his apprenticeship as an engineer on leaving school, before moving to London in the 1980s. After a job in counter (industrial) espionage, he became a private investigator, then a painter and decorator, then an engineer again, before becoming a journalist and interviewing people like Sir Paul McCartney, Mikhail Gorbachev, Usain Bolt and Dave Hill from Slade. The ‘Clever Bugger’ and the mining belt While the book is primarily about the culture of his mining community and the dynamics of his family, education is discussed within it at some length. Ideas about what limits educational opportunities are brought to life through vivid scenes and characters, which can easily bring a tear to your eye, yet are also somehow devoid of a sense of victimhood. The mother of all barriers Danny absolutely loved his first primary school, Selston Church of England Infants’ School, where he excelled and won prizes. But this ‘Clever Bugger’ drew the attention of one or two school bullies, like ‘Sadistic-Bus-Stop’ and later, at Baghrope Primary School, Mark ‘Grovey’ Musgrove, who would mete out sufficient taunting and violence that it was worth Danny taking a very circuitous route to school to avoid an encounter. Danny also meticulously planned, executed and got away with a judo-inspired counter-attack in the school yard. Perhaps most shockingly, however, was the relentless contempt his own mother showed for her son’s achievements, with phrases like, ‘Ah left school at fourteen an’ when t’ service. Ah canna read ‘n’ write, burr it nivver did may any ‘arm’. In response to Danny’s prize for spelling, she said, ‘Wot d’ yuh want t’ be like that for? Answerin’ questions ‘an’ showin’ off all o’ time.’ ‘Maybe university’: the weight of teacher expectations On his last day at Bagthorpe Primary School, the teacher, Mr Hallet, wandered round the class pointing at pupils and predicting their futures. He shouted ‘university’ for some bright pupils, but when he arrived at Danny, he said, ‘maybe university’. Our author had previously been asked if he wanted to sit the Eleven-Plus exam, which could lead to a place at grammar school in Nottingham, but his mum stamped on the idea with her usual care and aplomb, ‘Ow y’ goona get t’Nottin’ham every day? Ooh’s goona pay forritt?’ while dad remained silent. Escaping the ‘drip-drip’ of chaos So to the Matthew Holland Comprehensive School it was, where Danny revelled at the books he could borrow from the linked public library and where he remained a ‘Clever Bugger’ in the top sets. He was not above taking the mickey out of those in the ‘remedial’ group. He gravitated towards friends whose calm houses he could visit, even stay at, to escape his own home which was characterised by the ‘drip-drip of low-key chaos’. We are aware by now that his mum was blind but completely in denial about it, while his dad did everything he could to build a relationship with his son despite his long shifts down the pit and steadily failing health. A heritage of struggle: from D.H. Lawrence to 1984 The hero behind the name of Danny’s secondary school, Matthew Holland, had been a miner who agitated to the point where he lost his job. He then campaigned for better schooling for the underprivileged and also championed the Workers’ Education Association, rising through the ranks to become chair of the Nottinghamshire County Education Committee. The other local hero was D. H. Lawrence who also came from a mining family but won a scholarship to a ‘posh school. Somebody stumped up the money that allowed him to learn!’ The ‘no lament’ paradox Mr Hall, a teacher at Matthew Holland School tried to persuade Danny’s parents to let him stay on at Sixth Form, but Danny’s mum was having none of it. He then introduced Danny to Kev Patterson, a draughtsman at a local engineering firm, who talked about his own dad declining promotion and remaining at the coalface all his life for fear of being ostracised by his friends and community. Danny achieved excellent O Level results and his dad lined him up with an interview to be an apprentice engineer for the coal board. However, at the interview, the foreman explained that all new apprenticeships had been cancelled that year owing to the anticipated strike action by the miners and the news that many pits were deemed uneconomical. Making good use of the library and a friend’s address for correspondence – Danny was living itinerantly by now – he passed a local engineering firm’s IQ test with flying colours and started as an apprentice. In the book, Danny discusses at length what he felt about not being able to stay on at Sixth Form or have a crack higher education. I anticipated some sort of lament here – but Danny racked his brains so that he could be true to his feelings of more than four decades ago and concluded that there was no lingering sense of disappointment. Scaling Opportunities: where policy meets the pit I read Scott’s book alongside Charlotte Gleed and Charlotte Armstrong’s Scaling Opportunities published by the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI), and the two make perfect companions. Scott’s book is all about the character, culture and emotions of a bright young person whose odds of progressing to further, let alone higher education, are slim. The HEPI report provides the statistics and analytical framing for low higher education participation rates. There were one or two individuals, like teachers and librarians, who tried to provide opportunities for Danny to go further in education, but seemingly no systematic interventions of the type that Gleed and Armstrong recommend. What would have happened if Danny’s parents – especially his beleaguered mother – had been the recipient of ‘long-term engagement’ from educational professionals? While Danny’s mother is a relatively extreme example, she reminded me of some of the survey findings and comments made in the focus groups that the UPP Foundation conducted as part of its Widening Participation Inquiry last year about higher education not being an aspiration for some. Scott’s book reinforces just how powerful cultures made up of school bullies; teachers spouting careless words; communities with really tough lives; and exhausted and disabled parents can be in holding the next generation back. In this context, even the best laid scaling opportunity plans are up against it. And the book reminds us too – as autobiographies are want to do – of the roles of personal resilience and serendipity in where life takes us. Conclusion: the power of the clean break In the end, Danny escapes Nottinghamshire and gets to London through wit and drive. I learned from a podcast interview how important a step this was for him, and he is not alone in appreciating the chance to leave his hometown. Opportunities to relocate, to reinvent yourself, connect with new people and ideas, and to find and follow your passions resonate with me too. For people in closed communities like Selston, the physical act of moving away to university can be the best, and sometimes the only way, to break free. I am proud to represent UPP – a provider of on-campus student accommodation in partnership with 14 learning UK universities – which provides a stepping stone for many looking for their new chapter. The chance to go further, forge new paths and live in a different environment is an undeniable foundation for future success. 1970s Selston and a small number of modern-day focus-groups in Doncaster provide but a snapshot of views about education and are not the whole picture of course. My own grandmother hailed from Doncaster and packed fireworks for a living, yet she was keen for her daughters to do the best they could in further and higher education, for example. But negativity is strongly felt in pockets and the higher education sector cannot ignore this. Get our updates via email Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Email Address Subscribe The post WEEKEND READING: ‘There’s no point wishin’ fo’ owt’’: What can we learn from Danny Scott’s 2025 book, The Undisputed King of Selston, about widening access to higher – indeed to any – education? appeared first on HEPI .

10 May 2026

Hanoi medical students secure Q1 journal slot with gastric cancer study

A group of students from Hanoi Medical University has successfully published an international study on stomach cancer in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.

10 May 2026

Village boy arriving in US with 'one small suitcase' becomes first Chinese head of major university

Born in a poor Chinese village, a former international student has become the first mainland Chinese undergraduate alumnus to lead a major U.S. public university.

10 May 2026

China's aggressive squid fishing linked to sharp drops in catches

10 May 2026

How Sony leveraged data to make the Demon Slayer film a hit

10 May 2026

Nuclear disaster can unfold any moment, experts fear

KARACHI: “When I think of Gaza and what happened there, I think of international efforts. Would all this have happened if international efforts worked properly. I also think about the United Nations and wonder if it has become weak in front of Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel? But it was strong when imposing sanctions on Iraq, Iran, Libya and other small ‘Third World’ countries,” said Governor of Sindh Syed Nehal Hashmi. He was speaking at the inaugural session of the two-day conference on ‘Living on the Threshold of Global Crises’ organised by the Pakistan Institute of International Affairs (PIIA) at a local hotel here on Saturday. “What is war? What is genocide?” The Governor asked aloud. “Our neighbouring country also tried playing with us a similar game as what Netanyahu is playing these days, but grace to Allah, the brave soldiers of Pakistan, under the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir, and the Government of Pakistan, under the leadership of Shehbaz Sharif, who taught them a great lesson,” he added. “True, without successful international effort or a successful international treaty or bindings, we won’t be able to live on this globe. But there is also a higher power. Today, we hear things such as the Indian Prime Minister planning to block Pakistan’s water. But air and water has been promised to us by God Almighty. No one can stop it from reaching us,” he concluded. Two-day PIIA conference on global crises opens Earlier, PIIA’s Honorary Chairperson Dr Masuma Hasan said that as the world shifts from unipolarity to an emerging multilateral order, in which middle powers are beginning to play an important role, global politics is marked by violence. “Big and small wars are taking place across the globe, wars in Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar, the Sahel, among others, leading to loss of life, displacement and immense human suffering, including the unprovoked attack by Israel and the United States on the Islamic Republic of Iran,” she said. “Millions of people across the world have been displaced and are on the move because of these conflicts and crises. But the most outstanding, however, in brutality is the suffering inflicted by Israel on the people of Palestine. This is a civilisational war, aimed at eliminating the very identity of the Palestinian people, which has not only killed and maimed thousands in Gaza and the West Bank but has also bombed their material and spiritual assets, universities, schools, hospitals and healthcare facilities. It has perversely used starvation as a weapon of war and blocked access to humanitarian aid, food, sanitation and water. It will take many generations to remove the rubble and restore life and dignity to Gaza. We have witnessed a grave moral tragedy,” Dr Masuma added. The first keynote address was delivered by Adviser to the Strategic Plans Division, Government of Pakistan, Ambassador Zamir Akram, who said that we are living on the precipice of an abyss because what we are confronting is a perfect storm. “We are confronting the collapse of the international system that evolved after World War II. Even though it was imperfect, it still maintained some modicum of security and stability around the world. But this order is now collapsing and it reminds me, as a student of history, of such a collapse that took place with the concept of Europe leading to World War I and of the league of nations that led to World War II. “The only difference is that this time around, unlike in the previous systems, which were based around, unlike in the previous systems, which were based on a balance of power, exercised through conventional forces and conventional means, we are today in a situation, after the use of nuclear weapons in Japan by the United States, living in a state of a balance of terror exercised by nuclear weapons. It is this balance of terror that led to a group of scientists, including Albert Einstein and J. Robert Oppenheimer, belonging to the University of Chicago, to set up what is now known as the Doomsday Clock. “The Doomsday Clock was set up in 1947 and it measures how close the world is towards Armageddon. And the closer you get to midnight, the closer the world is to catastrophe. The measurement is done on the basis of three basic issues: the potential use of nuclear weapons, the advancements of technology and the changes in climate. The farthest the world has been from Armageddon or midnight on this clock was 17 minutes, which was in 1991 when the Soviet Union collapsed. “Now as of January 2026, the clock has moved to 85 seconds to midnight. We were that close to disaster. Why is this the case? First, because of wars and crises that have taken place between countries that are nuclear weapon states or are potential possessors of nuclear weapons. We have seen for the last three odd years the war in Ukraine, which is not just a war between Russia and Ukraine but a war between Russia and the Nato alliance, both of which are nuclear weapon entities. The possibility of a nuclear exchange, even by accident, is just one miscalculation away. In 2025, we witnessed a short conflict between two nuclear powers, Pakistan and India. Fortunately, the war did not last for more than four days but the potential of a miscalculation always remained. Again now, we are seeing two nuclear powers, the US and Israel attack Iran and try to destroy its nuclear facilities, which apart from the potential release of radioactivity, can also push Iran towards acquiring its own nuclear weapons. So this is the situation that we are confronting in the world today,” he said. The second keynote was delivered by the Founder and President of the Centre for China and Globalisation, a leading Chinese non-governmental think tank, Dr Wang Huiyao, via Zoom from Beijing. He said that big powers such as the US and China need to act together and look towards constructing instead of destructing. “China and the US have to find a way to co-exist peacefully as major powers need to take on major responsibility,” he pointed out. Published in Dawn, May 10th, 2026

10 May 2026

Erika Kirk encourages grads to seek ‘the good, the true, and the beautiful’ in Hillsdale speech

Protest in downtown Hillsdale with ’86 47′ banner precedes Kirk’s commencement speech at Hillsdale College HILLSDALE, MI — Erika Kirk headlined Hillsdale College’s commencement on Saturday, encouraging graduates to emulate the virtues of her late husband Charlie Kirk, citing a pursuit of wisdom, a fidelity in the small choices, and a constant devotion to Christ. “What you seek in life… Source

10 May 2026

‘There must be reasons’: Cantopop star Hins Cheung’s apology for past political comments sparks fan theories

An engineer by day, Thomas spends most of his time inspecting building projects on construction sites. At night, he unwinds by performing in bars and restaurants across Hong Kong. Cantopop singer Hins Cheung. Photo: Hins Cheung, via Facebook. The 35-year-old has always had a passion for singing – in particular, he loves performing songs by Hins Cheung, his favourite Cantopop artist. “When I have a gig, one-third or even half of my songs are Hins’ songs,” Thomas told HKFP. “I love how he expresses himself through singing. He’s very creative, and he’s humorous too.” Last year, he even signed up for Hins Academy music seminars , personally taught by Cheung. They were not cheap, Thomas said, costing around HK$800 or $900 per seminar. Cheung, 45, whose music career in Hong Kong has spanned more than two decades, was born and raised in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou. He moved to Hong Kong in 2002 to pursue music. His hits, from old-time favourites like “Tremor” to newer songs like “Imaginary Fairground,” are karaoke staples. He has also won multiple high-profile awards , and his concert tickets sell out notoriously quickly. Hins Cheung’s interview in Wen Wei Po’s newspaper on April 11, 2026. Photo: Wen Wei Po. Last month, Cheung made headlines after he apologised for his past criticism of the government. His comments were published in a full-page interview with state-backed newspaper Wen Wei Po, in which he said he had been “impulsive” and “ignorant” in his younger years. A pass for a Hins Academy music seminar attended by Thomas. Photo: Supplied. The out-of-the-blue repentance contrasted with the pro-democracy stance that Cheung had been associated with. While he – like most public figures in the city’s post-security law environment – has not commented on politics in recent years, his fans remember his support for social movements dating back to the anti-national education protests in 2012. Cheung also said in the interview that he would serve as a mentor for a Security Bureau programme targeting young people arrested for their involvement in the 2019 protests and unrest. He would lead them on trips to mainland China so they could learn more about the country, he said. Thomas – who requested to use a pseudonym due to the sensitivity of the topic – said the recent news did not change his perception of Cheung, as he did not think the statements were made of his own free will. “This is a 180-degree difference” from what Cheung used to be, Thomas said in Cantonese. “I think there must be reasons behind the scenes.” Hins Cheung gives a music seminar to fans in 2025. Photo: Supplied. His reaction echoed many comments left on Cheung’s social media posts, some of which said the Wen Wei Po interview felt “bizarre” and suggested that something “had happened.” Political pressure A political scientist at a university in Hong Kong, who declined to be named, said he believed there was some merit in fans’ theories. Cheung’s dramatic turn showed the increasing political pressure that artists had to cave in to in order to succeed in their field, he said. He speculated that the government wanted a popular public figure to step forward and “admit their mistakes” to encourage others to rethink their political views. Cheung was a “suitable candidate,” the academic said. He opined that while Cheung was believed to have a pro-democracy stance, he was not as anti-establishment as other singers who have engaged in political activism. A Weibo post made by Hins Cheung marking China’s National Day on October 1, 2019. Screenshot: Hins Cheung, via Weibo. In fact, while the Cantopop star has expressed support for the city’s social movements, he has also made posts on Weibo celebrating China’s National Day. “He has the brand of being anti-government in some sense, but he’s not that extreme,” the scholar said. “He’s the ideal type for the government to work with.” The apology and collaboration with the government are also beneficial for Cheung from a business perspective, the academic added. In the past, artists worried that anti-establishment political statements could limit their opportunities across the border. Mainland China has been known to bar singers perceived as pro-democracy, making it difficult for them to hold concerts there. But now that fear could be felt right at home, too, the academic said. In recent years, singers who are outspoken about their pro-democracy stance have faced difficulties securing concert venues in the city. Ex-district councillor Lester Shum, who was jailed in the 47 democrats case but has completed his jail term, outside West Kowloon Law Courts Building on February 23, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP. Outside of Cheung’s fan circle, however, criticism is not hard to come by. Lester Shum, a pro-democracy activist who was released from jail in January after serving a four-and-a-half-year sentence for a landmark national security case, said on Threads that Cheung was doing it “for the money.” He appeared to downplay concerns that Cheung was under any pressure. “Don’t say he’d get arrested if he didn’t do this lmao,” Shum wrote in Chinese. “I think the chances of that happening are close to zero.” Another Threads user accused Cheung of “playing the victim” and trying to fish for sympathy. ‘For his music’ Comments like that do not faze long-time fan Brian, who said he has been listening to Cheung since his late primary school days. Brian’s Hins Cheung concert ticket from 2018. Photo: Supplied. The 29-year-old said he had been to Cheung’s concerts eight or nine times, a feat made possible by the fact that he could buy internal tickets through a friend’s relative who worked at Emperor Entertainment Group, Hong Kong’s talent management behemoth that manages the artist. Tickets are too difficult to purchase during public sales, said Brian, who declined to disclose his full name. “I have liked him for so many years for his music, not because of things he has said about politics in the past,” Brian told HKFP. “So I won’t stop liking him because of what he’s said about politics now.” He told HKFP he himself is not a political person and that he does not support “either side.” “But in Hong Kong, if you say you support the government, you will have more opportunities,” he said. “If [Cheung] still wants to develop in Hong Kong, to hold shows and appear in films, his stance must be supportive of the government.” Cantopop singer Hins Cheung. Photo: Hins Cheung, via Facebook. According to local media, Cheung appeared at a Security Bureau event at the Hong Kong Museum of History at the end of April, where he and other speakers gave talks to about 300 people. The event was aimed at young people who were arrested during the protests and unrest in 2019. The singer shared the ups and downs of his career, including being scammed by a record company in mainland China when he was 17. In his talk, he did not mention national security. Afterwards, participants were brought to the national security exhibition in the museum. Then, there was a lucky draw, with tickets to a star-studded concert featuring Emperor Entertainment Group’s singers among the prizes, an attendee told local media. Thomas said he did not think that Cheung wanted to collaborate with the government on its event, but perhaps he had to as a favour to his music company, which is reportedly experiencing financial difficulties. Last year, Emperor Group actress Michelle Wai also gave a talk at a similar Security Bureau event targeting former 2019 protesters. A Hins Cheung concert in May 2019. Photo: Hins Cheung, via Facebook. He also said it was “abnormal” that Cheung unfollowed many accounts on Instagram around the time the Wen Wei Po interview came out, including some of his closest artist friends like Terence Lam and Tyson Yoshi. Thomas said he believed Cheung would not do that on his own. He added that while Cheung had not spoken about politics in recent years, his music video for “Imaginary Fairground” – filmed in London in 2023 and depicting Hongkongers’ struggle to adapt to a new life in the UK – was interpreted by fans as a message of encouragement for those who had emigrated because of the city’s political developments. Thomas’ friends who are also Cheung fans share his continued support for the artist, the hobbyist singer said, but some members of his own audience seem less forgiving. Thomas had come across restaurant customers at his gigs who, upon hearing him perform Cheung’s songs, said they no longer listened to the Cantopop star. “I think those are not his real fans,” Thomas said. “All they’ve seen are the news reports.”

10 May 2026

Footloose in Ho Chi Minh City: 5 new-ish things to do in old Saigon

10 May 2026

Rutgers cancels graduation speech by alumnus who wrote Israel ‘trains dogs to sexually assault prisoners’

Alumni ‘spotlight’ page called him an ‘impassioned champion of gender equity and social justice’ Rutgers University has canceled an engineering school alumnus’ convocation speech due to his “criticisms” of Israel on social media. Rami Elghandour, a 2001 graduate and now-CEO of the biotechnology company Arcellx, is “an impassioned champion of gender equity and social justice,” a “sought… Source

9 May 2026

A Camp Randall commencement

A Camp Randall commencement Tears of joy, words of advice, and some jumping around mark Saturday’s ceremony. ​By Charles Monroe-Kane Photos by Althea Dotzour, Jeff Miller and Taylor Wolfram ​ May 9, 2026 ​ Share this article A day to remember Pride and joy were palpable at the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s spring 2026 commencement ceremony on Saturday where a crowd of more than 64,000 soon-to-be graduates, their families and friends gathered on a bright and beautiful day in Camp Randall Stadium. So, too, was the bittersweet mix of emotions. Jackson Daniel, a native from La Crosse, Wisconsin, who will soon be applying his studies in computer science and mathematics to a career at Epic Systems, reflected on the reality that his fellow Badgers would be heading out on their own paths. “Everyone here is so smart. I always had something to learn from them, and that really compelled me to do my best. I’m going to miss that,” he said. But amidst the emotions, keynote speaker James Patterson , the world’s best-selling author and master storyteller, reminded graduates that they are deserving. A bright blue sky covers the stadium filled with graduates and their guests, marking one of the largest commencement crowds in recent years. Photo: Jeff Miller / UW–Madison “Most important today, I want every graduate to walk out of here feeling you are worthy.” “You are worthy,” he stressed before adding, “Your time here is shorter than you think. So, what can you do most beautifully?” The question struck Olakunle Oko, the senior class vice president. “With technology we get carried away. A good reminder to live in the moment, to live in the present.” Near the end of his speech, Patterson brought tears to some by asking everyone to yell, “I love you” in unison. The crowd responded with a loud shout of, “I love you” that filled Camp Randall. Paterson beamed, “That was beautiful. This is a perfect day.” The event at Camp Randall recognized students who earned bachelor’s, master’s and law degrees. Nearly 9,000 degrees were conferred. The ceremony was part of a weekend filled with commencement celebrations that also included a Friday evening ceremony at the Kohl Center for doctoral, MFA and medical professional degree candidates. Watch the speeches Chancellor Mnookin Keynote Speaker James Patterson Student Speaker Ryan Schwartz Flag bearers make their way down the aisle to mark the start of the day’s ceremony. “What can you do most beautifully?” Bestselling author James Patterson asked of the crowd of graduates during his keynote speech. It’s a great day for hockey, especially for the graduating members of the National Championship Badger women’s hockey team who show off their winning hardware during the ceremony. A day for smiles: Graduate Ryan Porter and his girlfriend Anna Beeman share a moment before the start of the ceremony. A chancellor’s parting advice Jennifer L. Mnookin, who was giving her last graduation speech as chancellor of UW–Madison, told the graduates that there was one quality she hoped they cultivated while at the UW that would help them navigate a world of change and uncertainty: a sense of purpose. “Purpose is not a perfect plan. It is a compass. It helps you decide what deserves your time, what deserves your courage, and what you may need to walk away from,” Mnookin said. “But as you pursue those purposes, I hope there will be one non-negotiable: kindness.” Mnookin added that during polarizing times, an act of kindness may seem small but more than anything it is, “the discipline of remembering the humanity of the person in front of you — perhaps especially when you disagree.” It wasn’t just a notable moment for UW–Madison students. The day marked Chancellor Mnookin’s final commencement as the leader of the university. A beautiful chaos Ryan Schwartz, who served as Saturday’s student speaker, reminisced about his first weekend on campus when he attended a concert by fellow Badger and rapper Yung Gravy. “I was met with chaos, but it was a controlled chaos. An almost beautiful chaos,” Schwartz said. He was left with, as he put it, “an overwhelming sense of awe at all these people — students, faculty community members — standing together in front of the Wisconsin State Capitol.” Fireworks mark the moment when graduates sing “Varsity” together for the last time as UW–Madison students — or first time as a Badger alum! Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–Madison “No matter where we came from, what we look like, or where we want to go, here, in Madison, we are one.” Student speaker Ryan Schwartz shared his heartfelt message with fellow grads. Photo: Althea Dotzour / UW–Madison Ryan now realizes that the chaos he experienced was not one off. “Throughout my years at this school, I continued to notice moments that were seemingly chaotic but were a true representation of the Madison collective acting in unison. In an increasingly polarizing world, where many profit by pulling us apart, this wonderful university did everything to bring us back together.” With that, Ryan paused and looked up from the podium. He then broadly smiled to his fellow graduates and introduced a song for which they needed no introduction: “Jump Around.” And the UW class of 2026 jumped! You’re about to be an alum It was 11 am. An hour before graduation. Excitement was building and it was hitting students that filled Camp Randall stadium. Here’s what they shared about becoming an alumni of UW–Madison: “I need some time to let that set in. So crazy. Me, an alum?” “Can I be sad and excited at the same time?” “Oh my god, alumni? That’s crazy!” “It’s been a really crazy journey to get here.” “I am? Oh, yeah, that’s right. Surreal.” “Do I get alumni merch?” “Joining a great group.” “Wait? Wow, that crazy? Alumni.” “I’m so excited for the next step.” “Amazing. Ready, ready, ready.” One last time: The senior class officers celebrate their years of hard work with Bucky Badger and “Jump Around.” Photo: Althea Dotzour / UW–Madison Chancellor Mnookin, with Textile and Fashion Design major Sarah Ambrosius, shows off the medallion ribbon created by Ambrosius. The School of Human Ecology student made the woven ribbon to support the Chancellor’s medallion, which was cast in 2023 by two College of Engineering students.

9 May 2026

Japan pushes for South American economic pact, eyeing energy resources

9 May 2026

MIE-Qatar marks historic first graduation with 100% success

MIE–SPPU Institute of Higher Education in Qatar celebrated its inaugural graduation ceremony, marking a historic milestone as its first cohort completed their studies with a 100% success rate. The ceremony recognised both undergraduate students, who began their academic journey in 2021, and the institution’s first Executive MBA cohort, launched in 2023, reflecting the university’s rapid academic growth in Qatar. Bimalendu B Nath, director of the institution, described the occasion as a defining moment. “Today it is a historical and momentous day ... we have conducted the inaugural graduation ceremony. This is the first cohort of MIE–SPPU Institute of Higher Education,” he said. He noted that the graduating class achieved a 100% success rate. “No one failed, everybody cleared their qualifying exam. This 100% success is definitely a matter of pride,” he said, crediting faculty, management, and the wider support system for the achievement. Reflecting on the journey, he added: “We have seen many dreams in 2021 when we started our academic operation, and today it is the realisation of those collective dreams.” Yasir Nainar, president of the institution, highlighted the breadth of academic programmes represented at the ceremony. “We have 52 graduates from undergraduate programmes ... and also our first cohort graduating from the Executive MBA batch,” he said. He emphasised the university’s focus on employability and industry integration. “We are not only giving degrees, but we are also giving them opportunities to work,” he said, noting strong partnerships with industry stakeholders in Qatar. Academic leaders underscored the significance of the milestone. Dr Pranav Raj said the graduates reflect the institution’s core values. “They represent the vision, commitment, and academic spirit with which this programme was launched. We are confident they will carry forward the values of critical thinking, creativity, and social responsibility,” he said. Faculty members also reflected on the cohort’s resilience. Dr Sabiha described the occasion as a “momentous and proud moment,” noting how students evolved into “mature individuals...academically and professionally”. Dr Saidiya pointed to the challenges faced by the cohort. “They started during the Covid pandemic and are now graduating ... they have seen unprecedented times,” she said, adding that these experiences have prepared them to navigate future challenges. Faculty member Vikas Kashid from the Science and Technology Department also reflected on witnessing the institution’s evolution from its earliest days. “This is certainly a very proud moment. I’m seeing them from the very first batch,” he said. Kashid recalled that the campus began operations during the Covid-19 pandemic, bringing unique academic and cultural challenges. “We started with a lot of struggle,” he said, noting that students came from different nationalities, academic systems and educational backgrounds. “We tried to adapt, and somehow they got adjusted with our curriculum and culture,” he said. Despite the early difficulties, he described the journey as deeply rewarding for both students and faculty. “Later on, the journey was really, really amazing. Even if today’s ceremony is very important to us, we also enjoyed the journey with them. That was something very memorable for us,” he said. From a student perspective, Fizah Shiad highlighted the university’s role in bridging theory and practice. “The biggest challenge graduates face is the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-life application. The university gave us both knowledge and opportunities... internships, workshops... to align with real-world demands,” she said. She added that the curriculum aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, enabling students to approach problems from multiple perspectives. Meanwhile, Abdul Nihal described the experience of being part of the first cohort as transformative. “Everything was new, so everything was a challenge. But it helped us become more confident and adaptable,” he said. Now pursuing further studies abroad, he credited the university for building his confidence. “Before, I didn’t have much confidence to present...but the training here helped me become stronger,” he said. As the first cohort graduates, the milestone not only marks the culmination of years of effort but also signals the emergence of a new generation of graduates equipped with the skills, resilience and perspective to contribute to Qatar’s evolving knowledge economy and beyond.

9 May 2026

MIE-Qatar marks historic first graduation with 100% success

MIE–SPPU Institute of Higher Education in Qatar celebrated its inaugural graduation ceremony, marking a historic milestone as its first cohort completed their studies with a 100% success rate. The ceremony recognised both undergraduate students, who began their academic journey in 2021, and the institution’s first Executive MBA cohort, launched in 2023, reflecting the university’s rapid academic growth in Qatar. Bimalendu B Nath, director of the institution, described the occasion as a defining moment. “Today it is a historical and momentous day ... we have conducted the inaugural graduation ceremony. This is the first cohort of MIE–SPPU Institute of Higher Education,” he said. He noted that the graduating class achieved a 100% success rate. “No one failed, everybody cleared their qualifying exam. This 100% success is definitely a matter of pride,” he said, crediting faculty, management, and the wider support system for the achievement. Reflecting on the journey, he added: “We have seen many dreams in 2021 when we started our academic operation, and today it is the realisation of those collective dreams.” Yasir Nainar, president of the institution, highlighted the breadth of academic programmes represented at the ceremony. “We have 52 graduates from undergraduate programmes ... and also our first cohort graduating from the Executive MBA batch,” he said. He emphasised the university’s focus on employability and industry integration. “We are not only giving degrees, but we are also giving them opportunities to work,” he said, noting strong partnerships with industry stakeholders in Qatar. Academic leaders underscored the significance of the milestone. Dr Pranav Raj said the graduates reflect the institution’s core values. “They represent the vision, commitment, and academic spirit with which this programme was launched. We are confident they will carry forward the values of critical thinking, creativity, and social responsibility,” he said. Faculty members also reflected on the cohort’s resilience. Dr Sabiha described the occasion as a “momentous and proud moment,” noting how students evolved into “mature individuals...academically and professionally”. Dr Saidiya pointed to the challenges faced by the cohort. “They started during the Covid pandemic and are now graduating ... they have seen unprecedented times,” she said, adding that these experiences have prepared them to navigate future challenges. Faculty member Vikas Kashid from the Science and Technology Department also reflected on witnessing the institution’s evolution from its earliest days. “This is certainly a very proud moment. I’m seeing them from the very first batch,” he said. Kashid recalled that the campus began operations during the Covid-19 pandemic, bringing unique academic and cultural challenges. “We started with a lot of struggle,” he said, noting that students came from different nationalities, academic systems and educational backgrounds. “We tried to adapt, and somehow they got adjusted with our curriculum and culture,” he said. Despite the early difficulties, he described the journey as deeply rewarding for both students and faculty. “Later on, the journey was really, really amazing. Even if today’s ceremony is very important to us, we also enjoyed the journey with them. That was something very memorable for us,” he said. From a student perspective, Fizah Shiad highlighted the university’s role in bridging theory and practice. “The biggest challenge graduates face is the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-life application. The university gave us both knowledge and opportunities... internships, workshops... to align with real-world demands,” she said. She added that the curriculum aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, enabling students to approach problems from multiple perspectives. Meanwhile, Abdul Nihal described the experience of being part of the first cohort as transformative. “Everything was new, so everything was a challenge. But it helped us become more confident and adaptable,” he said. Now pursuing further studies abroad, he credited the university for building his confidence. “Before, I didn’t have much confidence to present...but the training here helped me become stronger,” he said. As the first cohort graduates, the milestone not only marks the culmination of years of effort but also signals the emergence of a new generation of graduates equipped with the skills, resilience and perspective to contribute to Qatar’s evolving knowledge economy and beyond.

9 May 2026

South Korea heads to local elections under shadow of disgraced former president

South Korea's martial law scandal is set to loom large over local elections in ‌June that will test whether opposition conservatives can rein in the power of the ruling party of ​President Lee Jae Myung. The June ‌3 contest for mayors and governors in South Korea's 16 cities and provinces is the ‌first nationwide vote since ⁠Lee took power in a ‌snap election last year after disgraced former president Yoon ‌Suk-yeol, of the conservative People's Power Party (PPP), briefly imposed martial law in 2024. Yoon was sentenced to life ⁠in prison in February for masterminding an insurrection and faces at least seven other trials. Lee's Democratic Party (DP) already controls the presidency and parliament, so a strong showing in the local elections would leave the Democrats with the most political power of any single party since 2020. South Korea's right has been in disarray since the martial law bid and infighting over the issue has created splits within the PPP. The conservatives have barely a month to convince voters they are a credible alternative but analysts have predicted they are heading for a ​landslide defeat. Some of the right's prominent figures say the party should avoid internal conflict and try to put the Yoon scandal behind them. 'In the end, when we fought among ourselves, we couldn't pay attention to the lives of the people,' PPP ‌leader and erstwhile Yoon supporter Jang Dong-hyeok ⁠said in an interview. 'Now ​what we need to show is how we can unite and properly keep the ruling ​party and the Lee Jae Myung administration in check, and thereby protect South Korea's democracy and its future.' A spokesperson for the Democrats said the vote was about judging the 'unresolved remnants of insurrection' and building competent local governments to protect 'real democracy.' The PPP currently controls 12 out of South Korea's 16 local governments but looks unlikely to hold on to the seats. Its approval rating stood at 21% in the last week of April versus the DP's at 46% and President Lee's at 64%, according to a survey by Gallup Korea. Lee's popularity has been buoyed by a chip-led stock rally and his response to the energy crisis caused by the war in the Middle East, even though conservatives accuse him of using the courts and parliament ‌to shield himself from criminal cases. SPLIT ‌AMONG CONSERVATIVES Former PPP leader Han Dong-hoon, who ⁠opposed Yoon's martial law and broke ties with him, is a vocal opponent of Jang. Han was expelled from the ⁠PPP over allegations of opinion manipulation and is ⁠running for parliament as an independent in Busan's Buk-A district in a by-election to be held alongside the local elections. He is facing both PPP and DP candidates in a three-way contest. Han told Reuters in an interview that he believed the PPP is controlled by a 'small faction' more interested in pleasing Yoon loyalists than winning back voters, and that he hoped to rebuild South Korea's conservative movement and return to the party. 'The people have already crossed the sea ​of martial law,' Han said. 'The big problem is that conservative politics still has not crossed it.' He said the PPP could not credibly attack Lee while carrying Yoon's baggage. 'When we criticise them, the attack that comes back is, 'Aren't you the party that declared martial law?'' Han said. 'That weakens everything.' Jang criticised Han's campaign as self-serving and said he was open to uniting with other conservatives excluding Han, whom he said bore great responsibility for the party's troubles. Shin Yul, a professor at Myongji University, said the Busan race would test the possibility of a conservative realignment as well as Han's own prospects to run for president in the future. If Han wins, Shin said, ‌he could send 'a clear ​new message' to the struggling PPP and weaken the DP's argument that conservatives should be judged as an insurrection-linked force.

9 May 2026