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The Taliban returns - what's next for Afghanistan?

As the era of occupation ends in Afghanistan, it was with record speed and precision that the once defeated Taliban have returned to cease near total control of Afghanistan. The Taliban has begun the process of forming a government in Afghanistan, after taking control of the capital Kabul and declaring that the war is over as Afghan forces surrendered and President Ashraf Ghani fled the country. Despite two decades of U.S. military presence in Afghanistan, and a war that cost more than $1 trillion, Taliban insurgents arrived at the gates of Kabul on Sunday and took the capital, including the presidential palace, with little resistance. “Today is a great day for the Afghan people and the mujahideen [Taliban],” said Taliban spokesman Mohammad Naeem. “They have witnessed the fruits of their efforts and their sacrifices for 20 years. Thanks to God, the war is over in the country.” August 16 - The Guardian For many, there is much speculation about what the country faces in its short and long term future. Is it possible for a peaceful transition? What will happen to all of the advances for women that occurred over the last two decades? Will the punitive measures taken against those who worked for or assisted of coalition forces? And how will these recent events alter how foreign policy and how America engages in the rebuilding of countries? This is news and events that are unrolling in real time and if you are a journalist covering this topic - then let us help. Robert Rabil, Ph.D., is an expert in political Islam, terrorism, U.S. foreign policy, and U.S.-Arab relations. He is available to speak with media about the current situation in Afghanistan, simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.

As Afghanistan falls – what comes next?

After 20 years of war, trillions spent and thousands of casualties, the Taliban claimed control over most of Afghanistan this weekend with little resistance, just a few weeks after withdrawal of American and allied forces. And questions are already being raised: How could this have happened so quickly? Did no one see this coming? What revenge and havoc will the ruling Taliban seek on those who assisted coalition forces? What will happen to the Afghan refugees who are attempting to flee the country? And sadly, was this all for nothing? There will be a lot of coverage as the future unfolds for the people of Afghanistan and how the Taliban’s control will reshape the country and the region. And if you are a reporter covering this ongoing topic – then let us help. University of Mary Washington Political Science and International Affairs Professor Jason Davidson is an expert in American foreign and security policy, and international security. He is also the author of the Brown and Boston universities commissioned study, "The Costs of War to United States Allies Since 9/11," which focuses extensively on the contribution of America's allies in Afghanistan. If you’re looking to arrange an interview with Dr. Davidson, simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.

Three Aston University STEM pioneers shortlisted for Women in Tech Awards

• Three finalists from Aston University shortlisted for prestigious Women in Tech Awards • Two academics are up for the award which will be announced in October • A degree apprentice has also been nominated in the category Three STEM pioneers from Aston University are celebrating after being shortlisted for the prestigious Midlands Women In Tech Awards. Aston University’s Reham Badawy and Lucy Bastin have picked up nominations for the academic category while Jessica Morgan has been put forward for the apprentice category for the awards. The Midlands Women in Tech Awards are an opportunity to highlight and recognise the ongoing contribution of women in the tech sector. The aim of the awards is to raise the visibility of women in the tech space and enable the next generation to ‘see it and therefore aspire to it’. Jessica Morgan is studying a Digital Technology Solutions apprenticeship with Cap Gemini and Aston University, with experience working on projects within the public sector. She is in the final year of her degree apprenticeship and has been balancing work, studying and volunteering, while being on track for a first class honours. Reham Badawy is part of the Undergraduate Teaching Team at Aston University. Her research work has used smart tech to detect and monitor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. She is a strong advocate for women in STEM and is a UK Ambassador for Women are Boring. Lucy Bastin has a Masters in GIS and a PhD in Urban Ecology. She is a senior lecturer in Computer Science and was recently on secondment to the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission. She developed web-based biodiversity information systems that support accessible and user-friendly reporting by the international community against policy and conservation targets such as the Sustainable Development Goals. Professor Kate Sugden, deputy dean for the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Aston University said: “We are delighted to see so many Aston University shortlisted candidates for the Women in Tech Awards. “In our eyes they are all winners and are great examples of our ongoing commitment to making significant contributions to the region and wider society.” Voting closes on August 20 and more details about the finalists can be found here: www.womenintechawards.co.uk The ceremony takes place on 7 October where the winners will be announced.

What does the latest federal ruling mean for DACA? A UConn expert weighs in.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, more commonly known as DACA, was introduced in 2012, and ithas enabled roughly 828,000 eligible young adults to work, attend school, and live out their lives in the United States, the only country they know as their home, according to the American Immigration Council. DACA is back in news, though, after a federal judge in Texas ruled that the program was unconstitutional, a decision that attorney, scholar, and expert Jon Bauer from the UConn School of Law says is shaky:  The decision in federal court wasn’t a surprise to Jon Bauer, who directs the University of Connecticut Law School’s Asylum and Human Rights Clinic. Because Hanen is known for his conservative judicial philosophy, according to Bauer, the ruling was expected to interfere with DACA in some capacity. But Bauer said the ruling could be overturned. “The reasoning of the decision is very weak, in my opinion. The judge, I think, misconstrued the scope of the Department of Homeland Security's authority to engage in what's called deferred action, which is what the DACA program is,” Bauer said. Connecticut has 3,560 residents who have DACA, as of March 2020, according to the Department of Homeland Security which administers the policy. Current recipients aren’t in immediate danger of losing their status, since the ruling as of now only prevents first time applicants from getting DACA. Bauer said that non-citizens have long been allowed to work with deferred action. While the federal government can conceivably attempt a legislative path to citizenship for DACA recipients, the road ahead to any permanent solution is uncertain due to the divisive nature of the current Congress. July 31, 2021 – Hearst Connecticut Media The fate of DACA is important not just to the individual recipients, but to the immigration system and economy of the United States more broadly.  If you are a journalist looking to know more, then let us help. Jon Bauer is a clinical professor of law and is the director of the UConn School of Law’s Asylum and Human Rights Clinic. He is a go-to expert in the areas of asylum and refugee law, immigration law, employment and housing discrimination, and legal ethics. Professor Bauer is available to speak with media regarding this most recent DACA ruling – simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.

Canadian finances 101: What you should know as a newcomer

Canada’s financial ecosystem is made up of banks, credit unions, trusts, and other financial and insurance companies and it is considered to be one of the most sound and safest in the world. According to the Global Competitiveness Report 2019, published by the World Economic Forum, Canada ranked 9th globally for its financial system, showcasing stability and reliability. As you plan your move, familiarizing yourself with the Canadian banking and financial landscape can help provide context to key tasks like opening bank accounts, building credit history, borrowing money, and filing taxes. In this article: Types of financial institutions in Canada Getting started with taxes: The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Canada: A credit-based economy Banking, investments, and money transfers What are the types of financial institutions in Canada? Financial institutions in Canada can be classified into three main categories: 1. Banking institutions These are places where you can deposit, withdraw and borrow money. Examples of such institutions include banks, online-only banks, credit unions, trust companies, mortgage companies, etc. Banks A bank is licensed to receive deposits and make loans. Most banks are managed by the national government. The five largest banks in Canada are often referred to as the “big five” in banking. They are: Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD), Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank), Bank of Montreal (BMO), and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC). Sometimes, you may hear the term “big six,” including the National Bank of Canada – although, note that its operations are primarily focused in the provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick. Digital-only banks In addition to these banks, there are a few digital-only banks, such as Tangerine (a subsidiary of Scotiabank), Simplii Financial (a subsidiary of CIBC), and EQ Bank. They provide all services online only and do not have any physical branches. Credit unions A credit union is a smaller financial institution that is owned by its members, who are also typically account holders. They operate under provincial legislation and regulations and provide similar services as banks. The main difference between a credit union and a bank is their structure; credit unions are owned by anyone with money in the credit union. The operations are supervised by a democratically elected board of directors made up of local community members. Due to their scale of operations, note that credit unions may have fewer branches and ATMs than a big bank would. Tip: As a newcomer to Canada, you can choose any financial institution of your choice. However, it is helpful to know that the big five banks (like RBC) have newcomer banking packages that specifically cater to permanent residents and international students and are thus better positioned to assist you in your unique situation. Trust companies Trust companies are legal entities similar to banks that act as an agent (on behalf of a person or business) for the purpose of administration, management and the eventual transfer of assets to a party. Mortgage companies Money lending entities such as mortgage finance companies (MFCs) and mortgage investment corporations (MICs) provide real estate financing. MFCs are non-depository financial institutions that underwrite and administer mortgages sourced through brokers. Their lending is funded mainly through securitization or direct sales to third parties, primarily the big six banks. MICs and other private investors typically deal in uninsured, customized mortgage products that are not available through traditional channels. These products include non-prime loans, second mortgages and very short-term mortgages. Key financial authority: The Bank of Canada The Bank of Canada is the nation’s central bank. Its principal role is to promote the economic and financial welfare of Canada. The Bank influences the supply of money circulating in the economy, using its monetary policy framework to keep inflation low and stable. It promotes safe, sound and efficient financial systems, within Canada and internationally, and conducts transactions in financial markets in support of these objectives. Additionally, the Bank of Canada also designs, issues and distributes Canada’s bank notes and acts as the “fiscal agent” for the government of Canada, managing its public debt programs and foreign exchange reserves. It also sets the interest rates in Canada. 2. Insurance companies These are entities that sell insurance to cover the risk of loss in various situations, caused due to a variety of factors. They include homeowner or renter’s insurance, health insurance, car insurance, life insurance, and more. They compensate you for any loss that’s covered by your insurance policy. Once you purchase a specific type of insurance, you are required to make periodic payments, called premiums, to the insurance company to avail of the agreed-upon coverage. 3. Investment companies These are organizations that focus on investing, administering or managing funds or money on behalf of other persons. Examples of such companies are investment banks, hedge funds, underwriters, and brokerage firms. Note: There might be an overlap in the services provided by financial institutions. For instance, a leading bank like RBC offers banking services, mortgages, a wide variety of insurance options, investment solutions, and more. Tip: Beware of predatory lenders offering payday, instalment, and other types of loans with very high interest rates. These lenders often prey upon people who need cash quickly and who have run out of all other options. They usually have exorbitant interest rates, confusing and misleading representations, and a lack of transparency and documentation. Therefore, always double-check money lending claims that seem too good to be true. Note that payday loans are provincially regulated while instalment loans are unregulated. What this means is – while interest rates cannot exceed 60 per cent, lenders are effectively free to change terms and add fees and other charges almost at will. Getting started with taxes: The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) The CRA administers tax laws for the Government of Canada and for most provinces and territories. It administers various social and economic benefit and incentive programs delivered through the tax system. The CRA website is the go-to place for everything related to your taxes: filing annual tax returns, checking receipt of Government benefits and subsidies, viewing tax documents, etc. Important: To register for CRA’s “My Account,” you must have filed a tax return for the current or a previous year. Download Arrive’s free tax guide for newcomers for insights on how to file your taxes and to make sure you’re prepared to manage the expectations that come with paying taxes in Canada. Note: Beware of a long-running CRA scam with callers posing as representatives of the CRA. The CRA will never use threatening language nor ask for information about your passport, health card, driver’s license, or demand immediate payment by Interac e-transfer, bitcoin, prepaid credit cards or gift cards from retailers such as iTunes, Amazon. Canada: A credit-based economy North American countries such as the U.S. and Canada are known to be credit-based economies. This essentially means that most people use their credit cards (instead of debit cards or using cash) to make purchases and then repay the entire amount owed either at the end of their credit card billing cycle or in installments. You will need to build your own credit history, since this is essential to many aspects of life in Canada. Once you receive your first credit card, start by making payments for small expenses such as phone bills or groceries, and be sure you pay the balance in full by the end of the billing cycle. Tip: Keep in mind that credit cards have limits and do not offer free money. They can carry very high-interest rates, so your balance should be managed and paid down promptly – this will help you maintain a good credit rating. A credit score is a way for financial institutions to measure your ability to repay loans. Some scenarios where you may be asked for a credit report are while renting accommodation, applying to certain jobs, and obtaining mortgages or other loans from the bank. Additional resources Download Arrive’s free Credit guide to learn more about credit cards, credit scores, and credit ratings in Canada. For tips on staying debt-free and building your credit history in Canada, read How to build a good credit score from scratch as a newcomer. Banking, investments, and money transfers in Canada Banking Like many other countries, in Canada, you can conduct all your banking and money transfer transactions by walking into a branch or online, through internet banking. See How to open a bank account in Canada as a newcomer to know the process of opening a newcomer account. The article will also provide tips and resources to help you learn more about credit and direct deposits. Investments There are many financial products available to save and invest your money in Canada. They can be broadly classified into savings accounts, registered savings plans and investment products. Depending on your goals and your appetite for risk, you can choose one or a combination of several of these. Read Savings and investments for newcomers in Canada for deeper insights into all available investment products. Money transfers For domestic peer-to-peer payments (think: sending money to a friend, relative, co-worker, or acquaintance in Canada), there are a couple of ways to send and receive money online: Interac and Paypal. Interac is a bank-based tool, while Paypal is a non-bank, third party service. Among these, Interac e-transfers are the most popular and widely used form of peer-to-peer payments in Canada. You can send money overseas through online or mobile banking, by telephone, by email, or in-person. Banks like RBC have a simplified, affordable, and convenient process for international money transfer through online banking. If you have the recipient’s banking information handy, all it takes is a few clicks! Some popular options for international remittances are: Banks Credit unions Money transfer operators like Western Union, MoneyGram, WorldRemit, etc. Peer-to-peer transfer providers such as Transferwise (now, Wise), CurrencyFair, Paypal, etc. Currency exchange businesses When sending money overseas, the Canadian federal government tracks large sums (over $10,000 CAD) through Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) to prevent money-laundering, terrorism funding, and related crimes. Understanding financial products and regulatory agencies in Canada can make you feel overwhelmed. Start with the basics so you can build awareness and a strong foundation to manage your finances in Canada. Original article located here, published by Arrive.

How to build a good credit score from scratch as a newcomer in Canada

Having a credit rating or a credit score is essential for life in Canada. A good credit score can ensure you qualify for better interest rates on mortgages and other loans down the line. To get started with building your credit history, having and using a credit card is essential. In this article, we will outline what a credit score is, share valuable tips to help you build a good credit history as a newcomer in Canada, and provide information on how to check your credit score and order a credit report. What is a credit score? When you borrow money from a bank (or lender), certain information is shared with a credit bureau. Over time, additional information, such as whether you’ve paid your bills on time, whether you’ve missed payments, and how much debt you have outstanding, will get shared with the credit bureau. These factors go into calculating your credit score – a three-digit number that indicates to lenders your capacity to repay a loan – as reported on your credit rating report. Credit scores range from – 300: The lowest score or the starting point; to 750: The magic middle number, which will likely qualify you for a standard loan; all the way up to 900: The highest score awarded for excellent credit history. The higher your score, the lower the risk is to the bank, and vice versa. A score under 750 will likely make it more difficult to acquire loans or credit cards – you may receive a lower credit limit and get charged higher interest rates. For newcomers to Canada, however, most banks offer a credit card when you open a newcomer account with them – this usually suffices to get you started on your journey of building a good credit history in Canada. Learn more about credit scores in Canada See Credit in Canada: What every newcomer needs to know for information on the different types of credit in Canada. Get insights on the factors that affect your credit score, understand why building a good credit history is important, and dive into how a credit score is calculated. Who can see and use your credit report? Credit bureaus follow rules that define who can see your credit report and how they can use it. Those allowed to see your credit report include: banks, credit unions and other financial institutions, credit card companies, car leasing companies, retailers, mobile phone companies, insurance companies, governments, employers, and landlords. These businesses or individuals use your credit report to help them inform lending decisions about you. Generally, you need to give permission or your consent, for a business or individual to access your credit report. In the provinces of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan, a business or an individual only needs to tell you (verbally) that they are checking your credit report. Other provinces require they obtain your written consent to check your credit report. Some provincial laws allow government representatives such as judges and the police to see parts of your credit report without your consent. 5 tips to build a good credit score 1. Make payments on time and pay off your balance in full each month When lenders review your credit report and request to see your credit score, they want to know how reliable you are with paying your bills – because usually, past payment performance is considered a good predictor of future performance. To build a good credit history, it’s important to make all your payments on time. While your credit card bill will always indicate the minimum amount owed, as someone just getting started with building credit in Canada, it’s best to pay off the balance in full each billing cycle. Paying the entire balance each month also helps you avoid racking up credit card debt. 2. Use credit wisely Always stay within your credit limit. If you have a credit card with a $2,000 CAD limit, try to not go over that limit. You should spend only what you can afford to pay back. Spending more than the authorized amount on a credit card can lower your credit score. As a rule of thumb, try to use less than 35 per cent of your total credit in each billing cycle. This includes all your credit products such as: line of credit, credit card from Canadian banks/lenders, loans, etc. For example, if you have a credit card with a $2,000 CAD limit and a $5,000 CAD line of credit from a bank, you should limit your total spending to approximately $2,450 CAD (35 per cent of 7,000) or less, while also maintaining the 35 per cent rule (in this case, $700 CAD) specifically for your credit card. Tip: Start small – use your credit card for groceries, monthly utility payments, phone bills, etc. Over time, this will help you build a strong credit history. If you max out your credit limit each month, lenders perceive you to be a greater risk. This holds true even if you pay your balance in full by the due date. 3. Limit your number of credit applications and/or credit checks As you settle in Canada, it is normal and expected that you’ll apply for credit from time to time. A lender or other organization offering credit-based products may ask to “check your credit” or “pull your report”. When they do so, they are asking to access your credit report at the credit bureau. This results in an inquiry in your credit report. Tip: To build a good credit history faster, it is recommended that newcomers to Canada start off with a single credit card (avoid holding multiple credit cards) and keep paying the balance in full. There are two types of credit checks: hard hits and soft hits. Hard hits: These are credit checks that will appear in your credit report and can impact your credit score. Anyone who views your credit report will see these inquiries. Examples include an application for a credit card or mortgage, some rental applications, and some employment applications. If there are too many (hard) credit checks in your credit report, lenders may think that you’re urgently seeking credit and/or trying to live beyond your means. Soft hits: These are credit checks that appear in your credit report but only you can see them. These checks do not affect your credit score in any way. Examples include requesting your own credit report or businesses asking for your credit score to update their records about an existing account you have with them. To control the number of credit checks in your report: Limit the number of times you apply for credit; When shopping around for a car or a mortgage, get your quotes from different lenders within a two-week period. Your inquiries will be combined and treated as a single inquiry for your credit score; Apply for credit only when you really need it. 4. Report any inaccuracies on your credit report Once you get your report, check for: Errors in credit card and loan accounts, such as a payment you made on time that is shown as late – this could impact your credit score negatively; Mistakes in your personal information, such as a wrong mailing address or incorrect date of birth; Accounts listed that you never opened, which could be a sign of identity theft; Negative information about your accounts that is still listed after the maximum number of years it’s allowed to stay on your report. Any inconsistencies or incidents of fraud should be reported to the respective credit bureaus without any delay and get it corrected. Monitoring your credit on a regular basis can help you spot inaccuracies before they impact your credit rating. Note: A credit bureau can’t change accurate information related to a credit account on your report. For example, if you missed payments on a credit card, paying the debt in full or closing the account won’t remove the negative history. 5. Use different types of credit: card, loan, line of credit The number of credit products you have (such as a credit card, line of credit, loans, etc.) affects your credit score. For newcomers to Canada, it is recommended to start off with a single credit card and gradually apply for other credit products at a later stage. As you become more established in Canada, diversifying your credit and having a mix of credit products may improve your credit score. However, make sure you can pay back any money you borrow, otherwise, you could end up hurting your score by taking on too much debt. How to check your credit score It takes at least a few weeks to a month for newcomers to receive their first Canadian credit card and a few additional months of credit transactions to generate a credit history. You can check your credit score in the following ways: 1. Through credit bureaus: EQUIFAX and TransUnion are the two major credit rating organizations in Canada, and you can choose either one to get your credit report. Detailed instructions to obtain the report are available on the respective websites. Your credit score on each credit bureau may slightly differ as each organization may consider different factors while calculating your credit score. Equifax refers to your credit report as “credit file disclosure” while TransUnion refers to it as “consumer disclosure”. Remember: Ordering your own credit report has no effect on your credit score. 2. Through select banks: If you have an account with the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), you can view your credit score for free, anytime, through online banking. 3. Through third-party companies: Some companies offer to provide your credit score for free. Others may ask you to sign up for a paid service to see your score. Make sure you do your research before providing a company with your information. Carefully read the terms of use and privacy policy to know how your personal information will be used and stored. For example, find out if your information will be sold to a third party. This could result in you receiving unexpected offers for products and services. Beware of fraudsters who offer free credit scores in an attempt to get you to share your personal and financial information. Tips: Consider requesting your report from one bureau/company, then wait six months before you order from the other organization. By spacing out your requests, you may be able to detect problems sooner. Always check to see if a website is secured before providing any of your personal information. A secured website will start with “https” instead of “http.” How to order a credit report in Canada You can get a physical or a virtual copy of your credit report. A physical copy may take some time to be delivered to you while a virtual copy can be obtained immediately. You usually need to pay a fee when you order your credit score online from the two credit bureaus: TransUnion and Equifax. Tip: TransUnion allows you to order your credit report online once a month for free. Note: A free credit report is only available as a physical copy and cannot be ordered online; separate processes exist for both Equifax and TransUnion. You must place your order by phone, mail or fax. How long does information stay on your credit report? Positive information in your credit report stays indefinitely, from the time the report was created. Negative information (that affects your credit score) such as late payments or defaults generally stays on your credit report for six years. However, some information may remain for a shorter or longer period of time. Learn more about the timelines for specific cases on the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada website. Credit is essential to life in Canada and building a good credit history takes time, so, be patient. Being aware of factors that affect your credit rating can help you make better financial choices. Original article located here, published by Arrive.

Migrants "forced onto even riskier paths" by UK/France deal to patrol Channel: Dr Maurice Stierl

The UK and French governments have agreed a deal to tackle the rise in people trying to cross the Channel. Read full story on BBC News here. Dr Maurice Stierl, an expert on migrants' and refugees' rights at borders from the University of Warwick (UK), offers his expert comment: "The suggested deal between the UK and France to increase police presence along the northern coasts of France may decrease Channel crossings, though merely temporarily and in no way sustainably. The history of sea migration, both in the Channel and the Mediterranean, shows that increased policing does not end crossings but merely produces lengthier, costlier, and more dangerous migration routes. "Migrants will seek to evade the police presence and be forced onto even riskier paths. In overall figures, and despite being portrayed by the government as an “invasion”, Channel migration is not a significant phenomenon, and the UK is well-equipped to adequately deal with maritime migration, care for those in need, and provide routes to asylum. "Unfortunately, the UK government has only one recipe when dealing with migration, which is to criminalise migration, reinforce border controls, and undermine the right to seek asylum. In this way, already-vulnerable people are not only placed into ever-more precarious situations but are also scapegoated for a range of social ills and policy failures that the government wants to distract the public from." For further information, contact: Luke Walton, International Press Manager, University of Warwick L.Walton.1@warwick.ac.uk +44 (0) 7823 362 150

Aston University graduates among highest paid in the country, new data reveals

"We continue to regularly meet with industry to ensure that the content of our courses meets the needs of the labour market, which is reflected in these findings." Saskia Loer Hansen, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Engagement Median earnings of employed Aston University graduates are £33,400 five years after graduation - the 20th largest in the UK Range of subject disciplines offered at Aston University have high median salaries Graduates from allied health subjects had the 5th largest median salary five years after graduation at £37,200. Graduates of Aston University are among the highest paid in the country five years after graduating, according to new data released by the Department for Education. The 2021 Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) data shows that employed Aston University graduates have the 20th largest median salary overall five years after graduation at £33,400, compared with £24,900 sector average Subject level data in the LEO reveals that graduates from allied health subjects at Aston University had the fifth-largest median salary five years after graduation at £37,200, which is over £11,000 more than the sector average. It’s also good news for sociology and social policy graduates, with the median earnings in those subjects at £32,500 five years after graduation, the fourth largest in the country. Graduates from the materials and technology courses at Aston University earn a median salary of £42,000 five years after graduation which reflects the performance of the University’s logistics graduates. Speaking on the LEO data, Saskia Loer Hansen, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Engagement at Aston University, said: “We are delighted to see this recognition that our graduates are highly employable and go on to secure fulfilling and well-paid jobs once they have graduated. “It is fantastic to see the University appearing in the top 20 when it comes to median salaries five years after graduating, with an increase of £200 compared to last year’s results. “This is the 5th year of LEO and Aston University has always fared well and is among the top 20 largest median salaries five years after graduation for the 2nd year in a row. “We continue to regularly meet with industry to ensure that the content of our courses meets the needs of the labour market, which is reflected in these findings. It once again shows Aston University offers great value for money when it comes to employability. “We also work hard to ensure that students have a positive learning experience when they study with us and I am confident that the quality of this experience contributes to the great longer-term employment outcomes for Aston University graduates as measured by LEO.” The LEO analysis also shows that the University’s new graduates quickly earn good incomes with a median salary of £23,000 one year after the end of their courses, which is £4,400 higher than the sector average of £18,600.

Aston University cyber security experts shape government policy around resilience of supply chains

"Cyber security of any organisation, inclusive of its supply chain, should be promoted in conjunction with other organisational targets, such as profitability, productivity and financial/operational risk management" Professor Vladlena Benson, Aston University Researchers from Aston University’s Cyber Security Innovation (CSI) Research Centre have been invited to respond to the call for evidence by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) The centre works with businesses to help improve resilience to cyber attacks It comes after a series of high-profile attacks on managed service providers affecting thousands of firms and compromising government agencies. Experts from the Cyber Security Innovation (CSI) Research Centre at Aston University have responded to a call for evidence by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) on cyber security in supply chains and managed service providers. The CSI centre works with businesses to help improve their security posture and develops state-of-the-art solutions for supply chain resilience and business continuity. Recent research1 from the centre explored organisational approaches to supply chain management in the West Midlands, specifically in the times of remote arrangements and when traditional business continuity practices in supply chain management have been challenged. It comes as two high profile attacks (SolarWinds and Kesya) on managed service providers threatened the world and brought to a standstill credit card processing for major retail chains in Sweden, while US government officials' personal data was compromised. The €6.9m TRACE project, an EU-funded scheme of which Aston University is a key partner, addresses these issues and kicked off on Friday 9 July 2021. Professor Vladlena Benson, director of the CSI at Aston Business School, recently attended a round table by the Minister of Digital Infrastructure. She said: “Based on the conclusions of our research, we make a recommendation that cyber security of any organisation, inclusive of its supply chain, should be promoted in conjunction with other organisational targets, such as profitability, productivity and financial/operational risk management. “The identification and promotion of synergies between cyber security, profitability and productivity is a strong driver to ensure that, at a senior level, organisations take responsibility and accountability for effective cyber risk management. Dr Donato Masi, from the CSI Centre at Aston University, said: “Profitability or productivity are close to the competitive advantage of the firm and security of the supply chain of any organisation underpins its longevity on the market it operates in. “Investment in cyber security measures, including supply chain risk assessment and counter-threat controls, should be viewed as a ‘cost of doing business’ and business success and/or longevity.” 1Find out more about the research of the CSI Centre here

Environmental scientist on heat wave in western U.S.

Jonathan Gilligan, Associate Professor of Earth & Environmental Science and Civil & Environmental Engineering at Vanderbilt University, is available for commentary on the recent heat waves and how climate change plays a role. Professor Gilligan's research focuses on global climate change and environmental policy. He also serves on Vanderbilt's Climate Change Research Network, which focuses on the reduction of carbon emissions from individuals and households. He can speak to how climate change is affecting our temperatures and future related trends we might see.