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ERA is a digital repository of original research produced at The University of Edinburgh. The archive contains documents written by, or affiliated with, academic authors, or units, based at Edinburgh that have sufficient quality to be collected and preserved by the Library, but which are not controlled by commercial publishers. Holdings include full-text digital doctoral theses, masters dissertations, project reports, briefing papers and out-of-print materials.

Information on current research activity including staff, projects and publications is available via the Edinburgh Research Explorer.

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Livestock futures: worldviews, values, and the framing of sustainability pathways
(2026-05-27) Blair, Kirsty; Moran, Dominic; Alexander, Peter; MacDonald, Fraser; Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC); Scottish Graduate School of Social Science (SGSSS) Doctoral Training Partnership, University of Edinburgh (ES/P000681/1)
The livestock sector both drives and faces complex sustainability challenges associated with the production and consumption of animal-sourced foods, highlighting the need for system-wide transformation. Despite mounting evidence of impacts, political inertia and conflicting interpretations of sustainability have polarised debate and fragmented action, constraining how future pathways are imagined and pursued. This thesis examines how diverse perspectives shape understandings of sustainable livestock futures, linking research on worldviews, values and framing to show how future pathways are constructed, legitimised and contested. The first study explores how environmental worldviews, values and demographics shape perspectives on the future of the livestock sector. Using mixed methods, it combines survey and interview data from 307 livestock representatives. Results reveal statistically significant variation in preferred sustainability pathways. Respondents with higher pro-environmental, ecocentric and relational worldviews and values favour behaviour-oriented solutions, while those with lower pro-environmental and higher techno-centric orientations prefer technological innovations to improve efficiency and maintain current consumption patterns. Results also highlight the need to recognise cultural and geographic nuance, as well as the gap between preferred and expected futures. This study advances understanding of how perspectives on livestock futures are formed, supporting the development of more holistic and pluralistic approaches to sustainable livestock futures. The second study analyses academic discourse on sustainable livestock futures using topic modelling and framing analysis to identify thematic trends and regional distributions in global research. This approach offers a replicable way to navigate complex and contested debates. The analysis shows that literature remains dominated by techno-scientific and economic framings focused on emissions reduction, environmental management, productivity and efficiency. Such framings narrow interpretations of sustainability, often neglecting equity, justice and demand-side considerations. The study also highlights the strong influence of the US, UK and China, as well as certain funding bodies and journals that reinforce dominant narratives. Alternative framings and regionally tailored approaches remain underexplored and underfunded, revealing a structural imbalance in research priorities. The study calls for more inclusive and systemic approaches to better reflect the complexity of livestock transitions. The third study focuses on the UK livestock sector, which faces a distinctive mix of socio-economic, political and environmental challenges. Addressing these complexities requires tools that help explore future pathways and understand the trade-offs they involve. The study develops the UK Livestock Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (UK-Livestock-SSPs) through an iterative, co-design process adapting the SSP framework to UK livestock contexts. Engaging actors from industry, policy, academia and civil society, the study produces five pathways supported by narratives, visual summaries and semi-quantitative trends that capture sector-specific dynamics. These pathways highlight the governance, societal and production drivers underpinning the range of plausible futures, uncertainties and trade-offs facing the sector. Visual and interactive methods enhanced engagement and reflection on values and priorities. The outputs provide a flexible framework for exploring alternative futures, with potential to inform future policy and research and to support integration into modelling frameworks to assess vulnerabilities and resilience strategies. The fourth study examines how collective action frames and framing processes shape the construction, contestation and negotiation of meaning within two participatory co-design workshops for the UK-Livestock-SSPs, drawing on observational notes and post-workshop reflections. The results show that participants expressed a wide range of diagnostic and prognostic frames across social, economic, political and sustainability concerns, along with motivational frames linked to responsibility, pride, justice, collective agency and economic survival. The study also presents examples of frame amplification, contestation, alignment and reframing, highlighting both emerging shared priorities and tensions in visions of change. Overall, the study demonstrates the value of examining framing processes in participatory scenario co-design, showing how awareness of these interactional dynamics can deepen understanding of collective meaning-making and reveal how participation can both open up and constrain which futures gain legitimacy. These studies provide an integrated understanding of how worldviews, values and framing shape perceptions of, and pathways towards, sustainable livestock futures. By moving across scales from individual perspectives and global academic discourses to sectoral scenario co-design and interactional framing dynamics, the thesis offers empirical evidence that livestock futures are inherently contested and value-laden, and that dominant framings can narrow the perceived problem-solution space. The thesis advances conceptual and methodological innovation by integrating worldviews, values, framing and futures thinking within a mixed-methods design, showing how sustainability problems and pathways are negotiated in practice. Overall, the research highlights the importance of holistic and pluralistic, framing‑aware approaches, with participatory, values‑led, and imaginative futures‑oriented methods helping to surface assumptions and widen the range of pathways considered.
Evaluating wind load simulation methods in wave basin testing of floating offshore wind turbines while balancing complexity and test objectives
(2026-05-27) Leite, Anita; Dai, David; Pillai, Ajit; Bruce, Tom; Davey, Thomas; Yuan, Yuan; EPSRC and NERC Centre for Doctoral Training in Offshore Renewable Energy (IDCORE); FloWave Ocean Energy Research Facility
The development of floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) has accelerated in recent years, drawing heavily on experience from the oil & gas and naval architecture sectors. Numerical modelling tools originally developed for these industries are now being adapted for floating wind applications. However, to ensure their reliability, these tools require experimental validation, typically through wave basin testing. Basin testing of FOWTs presents unique challenges due to the scaling incompatibility between aerodynamics experienced by the rotor and hydrodynamics experienced by the floater, making the accurate representation of both loads particularly difficult. In basin testing, various methods for simulating the wind loads have been proposed, ranging from simplistic to highly complex. Yet, no consensus exists on which method is most appropriate for different testing objectives or technology readiness levels (TRLs). This thesis investigates how the complexity of wind actuation systems influences test outcomes and whether simpler alternatives to Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) methods may suffice depending on test goals. A dedicated methodology was developed to compare three actuation approaches: static weight, constant thrust, and SIL, using the same FOWT model, the UMaine VolturnUS-S platform with a 15 MW IEA wind turbine, tested at the FloWave basin. The three campaigns differed only in their wind actuation approach, enabling a direct comparison of their influence on system response. Additional considerations included metocean condition selection and the adaptation of the mooring system for physical testing. Results show that while SIL enables full coupling between aerodynamic and hydrodynamic responses, its effectiveness depends on the responsiveness and fidelity of the control implementation. Insufficient tuning can introduce negative damping effects or overly amplified motions. The proportional–integral (PI) control method yielded the best agreement with the numerical model across most degrees of freedom, particularly pitch and surge, while the Static Weight approach introduced the largest discrepancies, especially in dynamic scenarios, though it offered reasonable agreement in mooring tension predictions. Directional wave–wind misalignment tests further demonstrated the importance of reproducing asymmetries in yaw and sway, where differences in applied thrust orientation (e.g., via winch angle shifting during large yaw excursions) can introduce additional discrepancies. Based on these findings, preliminary guidance is proposed for selecting wind actuation strategies according to the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of the system under test. For early-stage development (TRL 2–3), the Static Weight method may be sufficient for basic hydrodynamic characterisation and capturing mooring line tensions. At intermediate stages (TRL 3–4), the PI method offers greater fidelity and improved agreement with numerical models, particularly when the primary focus of the test remains on hydrodynamic behaviour. For high-fidelity testing and validation at advanced TRL (5 and above), the SIL method is recommended, provided the actuation system is responsive enough to avoid introducing amplifications. Moreover, for testing and validating control methodologies, SIL is the only approach capable of capturing the dynamic interaction between the controller and the platform.
'Dear Ellyn': a creative-relational inquiry into intergenerational resonance from a transgender, Jewish descendant
(The University of Edinburgh, 2026-05-27) Smith , Han Ezra; Murray, Fiona; Levitanus, Mariya
The ghostly presence of my late grandmother, Ellyn, who died four years before I was born, has been a constant source of curiosity and insight in my life. Through exploring this link to her over my lifetime, I have come to understand myself, Ellyn and the history which precedes us both more profoundly. In this body of work, I write letters to my late grandmother and engage with theorists, such as Stephen Frosh, Galit Atlas and Jack Halberstam, to better understand this bond. As a transmasculine person, I dialogue with my grandmother about my transition and work to make sense of the beginnings, endings and transitions we have both endured. I introduce the term intergenerational resonance – a transgenerational connection between two people which seemingly disrupts normative notions of space and time. Additionally, I formulate two concepts – inherited wisdom and retroactive redemption – as a means of exploring the material which moves backwards and forwards in time as a result of the intergenerational resonance. I bring in my work as a psychotherapist and explore the ways in which these intergenerational dynamics are relevant to counselling and psychotherapy. This dissertation seeks to recognise the haunting nature of intergenerational transmissions while troubling the prevailing notion that the lingering material must be understood, felt and then released. I, thinking and feeling with Ellyn, carve a new way forward in which an ongoing dialogue may be forged with the past.
Natural therapeutics: cross-kingdom microRNA and its potential to target the RNA landscape of glioblastoma
(2026-05-27) Fentor, Amanda Vanessza; Hupp, Ted; Rajan, Ajitha; Medical Research Council (MRC)
GBM is the most common and lethal primary brain tumour, characterized by rapid growth and a high propensity for recurrence. Despite advancements in surgical, chemotherapeutic, and radiotherapeutic interventions, the median survival time for GBM patients remains low, often less than 15 months post-diagnosis. This underscores the urgent need for innovative research to unravel the molecular underpinnings of GBM and identify novel therapeutic targets. Glioblastoma Stem Cells (GSCs) play a pivotal role in enhancing the stem-like state of tumour cells, promoting pro-migratory and pro-invasive factors that fortify the tumour’s immunosuppressive microenvironment. This immunosuppression facilitates tumour maintenance, progression, recurrence, and resistance to conventional therapies, posing substantial challenges for immunotherapy and novel drug development. GSCs are commonly used to model GBM due to their ability to reciprocate key features of the disease. However, in this study, which integrates both cell line and tissue transcript expression analyses, demonstrates that this approach might not fully capture the complexity of the disease. The discrepancies between cell line models and actual tissue samples highlight the need for more representative models in GBM research. Cell adaptation to external and internal stressors is fundamentally governed by modifications in gene expression, which can be quantitatively assessed at the transcriptomic level. Hypoxic stress, a hallmark of Glioblastoma (GBM) tumorigenesis, has profound effects on brain cells, contributing significantly to the disease's aggressiveness and poor prognosis. In my PhD research, I employed comprehensive transcriptomic analyses to uncover both novel hypoxia-induced RNA transcripts in both GSCs and primary GBM tissues with particular focus on those implicated in tumour recurrence. This study integrated bulk RNAseq data and bioinformatics pipelines to map hypoxia-associated transcriptomic alterations in GSC models and recurrent GBM samples. Strikingly, tissue-specific analyses revealed distinct molecular signatures that were not detect in the cell lines: collagens associated with tumour recurrence, and HOX family alleles linked to tumour grade progression. These findings underscore the limitations of cell line models and emphasize the need for systems that better recapitulate the spatial and molecular heterogeneity of GBM. Utilizing a pathological approach, I conducted tissue microarray (TMA) staining to validate the presence and spatial distribution of these identified transcripts within tumour samples. These validated genes were subsequently subjected to medicinal microRNA target prediction using miTAR, a deep learning algorithm, to identify microRNAs that potentially regulate these novel driver transcripts. Given that microRNAs exert post-transcriptional control by downregulating their target mRNAs, the identification of such regulatory interactions is crucial for understanding the mechanisms driving GBM pathology. Moreover, my research highlights the therapeutic potential of medicinal plant-derived microRNAs. MicroRNAs have the ability to remain stable, enabling them to traverse the harsh gut environment and exert cross-kingdom effects. This property positions them to potentially serve as natural adjuncts to patient diets in clinical settings, offering a complementary approach to traditional therapies. Specifically, medicinal plant microRNAs could be integrated as dietary supplements to enhance recovery and mitigate disease progression, providing a novel, non-invasive strategy to bolster patient health during treatment and recovery phases. In conclusion, my findings underscore the intricate relationship between hypoxic stress, gene expression, and GBM progression, while also illuminating the promising role of medicinal plant microRNAs in therapeutic interventions. These microRNAs not only represent a natural, easily integrable supplement to patient diets but also offer potential for novel therapeutic avenues aimed at combating GBM and improving patient outcomes. Given the poor prognosis and limited treatment options for GBM, advancing our understanding of its molecular mechanisms and exploring innovative treatments is of utmost importance.
Synthesis of polymers of intrinsic microporosity derived from rigid bridged bicyclic monomers for gas separation
(2026-05-27) Liu, Yuancheng; McKeown, Neil; Robertson, Neil; School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh: School Doctoral Scholarship ; China Scholarship Council
Polymers of Intrinsic Microporosity (PIMs) are a relatively new class of microporous materials, first reported in 2004. The rigid and contorted macromolecular structures provide PIMs with unique solution processability and high free volume, which support the rapid and selective transport of small molecules. PIMs show great potential in gas separations due to their high permeability with great selectivity. This project focuses on the synthesis of novel PIMs that can form self-standing films suitable for gas permeability measurements. The first part involves the preparation of a series of copolymers based on three naphthopleiadene (NP) derivatives. The substitution with various functional groups on the NP scaffold enabled modification of the polymer backbone, so that we could tune the physical and microporous properties. These copolymers exhibit ultra-microporosity and a large BET surface area. Robust self-standing films were obtained from these NP-based copolymers. In the second part, benzopleiadene (BP), a novel bridged bicyclic monomer composed of two catechol units and a single naphthalene core fused at two bridgehead carbon atoms, was designed and synthesised. The homopolymer (PIM-BP) was prepared based on dibenzodioxin formation. PIM-BP exhibits high permeability and remarkable selectivity for carbon capture (CO2/N2), natural gas purification (CO2/CH4) and oxygen enrichment (O2/N2). A series of copolymers composed of PIM-BP and PIM-1 were prepared. In particular, the copolymer PIM-BP75 demonstrates gas separation performance comparable to that of PIM-BP, along with improved solubility. The homopolymer PIM-BP was further modified via amidoxime functionalisation. As expected, amidoxime functionalised PIM-BP (AO-PIM-BP) exhibits ultra-high selectivities and high permeabilities for hydrogen recovery (H2/N2 and H2/CH4). In the third part, a novel aryl ether-bridged dinaphthalene (EDN) monomer, structurally similar to the NP scaffold, was synthesised. The EDN monomer was used to prepare the linear polymers (PEEK-EDN and PES-EDN), from which robust self-standing films were successfully obtained. Despite their extremely low gas permeabilities for all gases, both polymers demonstrate excellent H2/N2 and H2/CH4 selectivities above those of existing PEEK polymers. Finally, a novel dimethoxy-functionalised benzopleiadene (DMBP) monomer, structurally based on the BP scaffold, was synthesised via an intramolecular Friedel–Crafts cycloalkylation. Polymer PEN-DHBP based on the DHBP (the demethylation product of DMBP) was prepared. Overall, this thesis focuses on a comprehensive study of the synthesis of novel monomers, highlighting their potential applications in gas separations.