Education (Colleges & Universities)
Here's a look at documents from public, private and community colleges in the U.S.
Education (Colleges & Universities)
Featured Stories
University of Manchester: Experts Call for National Connected Data Model to Transform Children's Services and Boost British Economy
MANCHESTER, England, July 11 (TNSxrep) -- The University of Manchester issued the following news release:
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Experts call for national connected data model to transform children's services and boost UK economy
A new report shows how proven approaches already working in Northern England can be scaled nationally to address the urgent need for better data sharing across children's services.
Published by Child of the North and partners, the new 'Connecting data: Intelligent and informed delivery to support every child to succeed' report provides a clear case for a national devolved approach ... Show Full Article MANCHESTER, England, July 11 (TNSxrep) -- The University of Manchester issued the following news release: * * * Experts call for national connected data model to transform children's services and boost UK economy A new report shows how proven approaches already working in Northern England can be scaled nationally to address the urgent need for better data sharing across children's services. Published by Child of the North and partners, the new 'Connecting data: Intelligent and informed delivery to support every child to succeed' report provides a clear case for a national devolved approachto connected data.
The report reflects consensus across researchers, policymakers, public service leaders and practitioners and warns that children are being left unsupported, unseen and exposed to avoidable harm because services do not safely and lawfully share and link the information they already hold. It argues that effective data sharing, enabled by connected data infrastructure, is "literally a matter of life and death". The report identifies a major national opportunity to strengthen public services, accelerate research and drive economic growth whilst retaining data sovereignty.
The report builds on a Manchester workshop held earlier this year, which brought researchers from across the North of England together with policy teams and scientists from across Whitehall to discuss connected data practices and opportunities, with a particular focus on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Challenges in children's lives span health, education, social care and wider family circumstances, but services and systems continue to operate in silos. The report highlights how the disconnect makes it harder to identify vulnerability early, coordinate support, and prevent escalation.
The report highlights the urgent need for a new approach to connecting data, drawing on previous analyses conducted by Child of the North and the Children's Commissioner:
* More than 2 million children in England live in families facing complex needs
* 760,000 vulnerable children were seen by children's services but received no formal support, while another 830,000 were not even on the radar of services.
* In 81% of serious incidents where a child died or suffered serious harm, lack of coordination between services was driven by poor information sharing, delayed responses and fragmentation.
The report highlights that poor connection between public services remains a persistent challenge. It argues that the challenge is not a lack of data, but a lack of a firm political commitment until now to use the infrastructure, mandates, governance, and delivery models that would allow data to be used safely and meaningfully across organisational boundaries.
The report sets out a clear solution and calls on the government to adopt a national "Connected ICB (Integrated Care Board)" model, using NHS infrastructure to link data across health, education, social care and other services. Crucially, this is not a single central database, but a devolved model where local systems (and communities) retain control of their data while contributing to a connected national ecosystem that enables shared learning, improved services, and stronger evidence for improving the health of children.
The report concludes that:
"The goal is not a single central database, but an interconnected ecosystem in which trusted local systems generate insight, improve services, and support research and innovation at national scale."
The report draws on real-world examples, including Connected Bradford, which has demonstrated how linked data across health, education, social care and policing can reveal patterns of need across populations, support earlier intervention, improve coordination between services, and enable research and evaluation at scale. These examples show that connected data can be delivered safely, lawfully and with public trust when a devolved model is adopted.
The report highlights a significant opportunity for the UK. Connected data infrastructure is described as "an asset for science, innovation, and economic growth." A national model could strengthen the UK's position as a leader in data-driven research and public service innovation, while improving outcomes for children and families.
The report stresses the current costs of treating symptoms late rather than addressing causes early and argues that connected data for connected services safeguards the sustainability of the state, the cohesion of communities, and the path to enduring national prosperity while retaining data sovereignty.
Its ten recommendations include a national mandate for lawful data linkage, a Connected ICB programme, long-term investment, trusted governance, practical frontline information sharing, education as a full partner, and stronger accountability for shared outcomes.
The authors urge the government to move from isolated local innovation to a nationally backed, regionally delivered model for connected data. This should begin with children and families, given the cross-cutting nature of their needs. The evidence, expertise and practical examples already exist; what is now needed is the leadership, investment and mandate to scale what works.
The report makes clear that connected data is not a technical upgrade but a foundational shift in how public services operate.
The report states:
"Connected data must be seen as core public-service infrastructure: essential if we are serious about prevention, earlier intervention, public trust and better outcomes."
Without it, the report warns, the government will continue to respond to problems too late and with only partial visibility.
Haroon Chowdry, Chief Executive of the Centre for Young Lives, said:
"Children's lives don't fit neatly into the silos that services are built around. Whether it's education, healthcare or child protection, if services can't see the full picture then children fall through the gaps, and opportunities to help them are missed. This means worse outcomes, wasted potential and sometimes devastating harm.
This report shows that the solutions already exist. Connected data can transform how we identify the needs of children and families, enabling better and earlier support - not just keeping children safe, but also delivering a better deal for children, public services and the economy.
If the next Prime Minister wants to ensure all young people can do well, they must seize this moment to break up the silos holding back public services. Now is the time to be much more ambitious about using connected data to boost life chances for all children, wherever they are growing up."
Professor Steve Turner, President of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health said:
"The shift from analogue to digital is key to helping the Westminster government achieve their ambition to raise the healthiest generation ever. By connecting data safely across health, education and other children's services, we can identify need earlier, intervene sooner and help ensure every child, regardless of where they grow up, has the opportunity to thrive."
Dr Mike McKean, Vice President for Policy, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health said:
"Far too many children growing up in our most deprived communities experience worse health and poorer life chances simply because of where they live. Whether through an increased risk of obesity, tooth decay, respiratory conditions caused by poor housing and air pollution, or delayed access to the care and support they need, these stark health inequalities are unacceptable."
Dr Camilla Kingdon, Paediatrician and former President of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health said:
"As an NHS paediatrician I have learnt that so much of children's health and wellbeing lies beyond our health services. If we genuinely want to improve the life chances of all children in this country and put their futures onto a secure footing, it is imperative that we are able to see the whole picture - not just through one narrow lens. All the services involved in supporting our children need to be linked and we know from groups like Born in Bradford how this can be done safely and put to critically important use to help children flourish. Now is the time for action."
Professor Mark Mon Williams, Director of the Born in Bradford Centre for Applied Education Research said:
"The UK has a remarkable opportunity to harness its data assets in an ethical way that directly benefits all children and young people and places the UK at the vanguard of the data and AI revolution sweeping the world. The Child of the North model shows how the UK can control its destiny and grow its economy by leveraging our existing assets, including the NHS, by adopting a regionally devolved approach to connecting data."
* Connecting data: Intelligent and informed delivery to support every child to succeed, is available here (https://www.n8research.org.uk/media/CotN_Connecting-Data-Report-2026.pdf).
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Original text here: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/about/news/experts-call-for-national-connected-data-model-to-transform-childrens-services-and-boost-uk-economy/
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Experts call for national connected data model to transform children's services and boost UK economy
A new report shows how proven approaches already working in Northern England can be scaled nationally to address the urgent need for better data sharing across children's services.
Published by Child of the North and partners, the new 'Connecting data: Intelligent and informed delivery to support every child to succeed' report provides a clear case for a national devolved approach ... Show Full Article MANCHESTER, England, July 11 (TNSxrep) -- The University of Manchester issued the following news release: * * * Experts call for national connected data model to transform children's services and boost UK economy A new report shows how proven approaches already working in Northern England can be scaled nationally to address the urgent need for better data sharing across children's services. Published by Child of the North and partners, the new 'Connecting data: Intelligent and informed delivery to support every child to succeed' report provides a clear case for a national devolved approachto connected data.
The report reflects consensus across researchers, policymakers, public service leaders and practitioners and warns that children are being left unsupported, unseen and exposed to avoidable harm because services do not safely and lawfully share and link the information they already hold. It argues that effective data sharing, enabled by connected data infrastructure, is "literally a matter of life and death". The report identifies a major national opportunity to strengthen public services, accelerate research and drive economic growth whilst retaining data sovereignty.
The report builds on a Manchester workshop held earlier this year, which brought researchers from across the North of England together with policy teams and scientists from across Whitehall to discuss connected data practices and opportunities, with a particular focus on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Challenges in children's lives span health, education, social care and wider family circumstances, but services and systems continue to operate in silos. The report highlights how the disconnect makes it harder to identify vulnerability early, coordinate support, and prevent escalation.
The report highlights the urgent need for a new approach to connecting data, drawing on previous analyses conducted by Child of the North and the Children's Commissioner:
* More than 2 million children in England live in families facing complex needs
* 760,000 vulnerable children were seen by children's services but received no formal support, while another 830,000 were not even on the radar of services.
* In 81% of serious incidents where a child died or suffered serious harm, lack of coordination between services was driven by poor information sharing, delayed responses and fragmentation.
The report highlights that poor connection between public services remains a persistent challenge. It argues that the challenge is not a lack of data, but a lack of a firm political commitment until now to use the infrastructure, mandates, governance, and delivery models that would allow data to be used safely and meaningfully across organisational boundaries.
The report sets out a clear solution and calls on the government to adopt a national "Connected ICB (Integrated Care Board)" model, using NHS infrastructure to link data across health, education, social care and other services. Crucially, this is not a single central database, but a devolved model where local systems (and communities) retain control of their data while contributing to a connected national ecosystem that enables shared learning, improved services, and stronger evidence for improving the health of children.
The report concludes that:
"The goal is not a single central database, but an interconnected ecosystem in which trusted local systems generate insight, improve services, and support research and innovation at national scale."
The report draws on real-world examples, including Connected Bradford, which has demonstrated how linked data across health, education, social care and policing can reveal patterns of need across populations, support earlier intervention, improve coordination between services, and enable research and evaluation at scale. These examples show that connected data can be delivered safely, lawfully and with public trust when a devolved model is adopted.
The report highlights a significant opportunity for the UK. Connected data infrastructure is described as "an asset for science, innovation, and economic growth." A national model could strengthen the UK's position as a leader in data-driven research and public service innovation, while improving outcomes for children and families.
The report stresses the current costs of treating symptoms late rather than addressing causes early and argues that connected data for connected services safeguards the sustainability of the state, the cohesion of communities, and the path to enduring national prosperity while retaining data sovereignty.
Its ten recommendations include a national mandate for lawful data linkage, a Connected ICB programme, long-term investment, trusted governance, practical frontline information sharing, education as a full partner, and stronger accountability for shared outcomes.
The authors urge the government to move from isolated local innovation to a nationally backed, regionally delivered model for connected data. This should begin with children and families, given the cross-cutting nature of their needs. The evidence, expertise and practical examples already exist; what is now needed is the leadership, investment and mandate to scale what works.
The report makes clear that connected data is not a technical upgrade but a foundational shift in how public services operate.
The report states:
"Connected data must be seen as core public-service infrastructure: essential if we are serious about prevention, earlier intervention, public trust and better outcomes."
Without it, the report warns, the government will continue to respond to problems too late and with only partial visibility.
Haroon Chowdry, Chief Executive of the Centre for Young Lives, said:
"Children's lives don't fit neatly into the silos that services are built around. Whether it's education, healthcare or child protection, if services can't see the full picture then children fall through the gaps, and opportunities to help them are missed. This means worse outcomes, wasted potential and sometimes devastating harm.
This report shows that the solutions already exist. Connected data can transform how we identify the needs of children and families, enabling better and earlier support - not just keeping children safe, but also delivering a better deal for children, public services and the economy.
If the next Prime Minister wants to ensure all young people can do well, they must seize this moment to break up the silos holding back public services. Now is the time to be much more ambitious about using connected data to boost life chances for all children, wherever they are growing up."
Professor Steve Turner, President of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health said:
"The shift from analogue to digital is key to helping the Westminster government achieve their ambition to raise the healthiest generation ever. By connecting data safely across health, education and other children's services, we can identify need earlier, intervene sooner and help ensure every child, regardless of where they grow up, has the opportunity to thrive."
Dr Mike McKean, Vice President for Policy, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health said:
"Far too many children growing up in our most deprived communities experience worse health and poorer life chances simply because of where they live. Whether through an increased risk of obesity, tooth decay, respiratory conditions caused by poor housing and air pollution, or delayed access to the care and support they need, these stark health inequalities are unacceptable."
Dr Camilla Kingdon, Paediatrician and former President of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health said:
"As an NHS paediatrician I have learnt that so much of children's health and wellbeing lies beyond our health services. If we genuinely want to improve the life chances of all children in this country and put their futures onto a secure footing, it is imperative that we are able to see the whole picture - not just through one narrow lens. All the services involved in supporting our children need to be linked and we know from groups like Born in Bradford how this can be done safely and put to critically important use to help children flourish. Now is the time for action."
Professor Mark Mon Williams, Director of the Born in Bradford Centre for Applied Education Research said:
"The UK has a remarkable opportunity to harness its data assets in an ethical way that directly benefits all children and young people and places the UK at the vanguard of the data and AI revolution sweeping the world. The Child of the North model shows how the UK can control its destiny and grow its economy by leveraging our existing assets, including the NHS, by adopting a regionally devolved approach to connecting data."
* Connecting data: Intelligent and informed delivery to support every child to succeed, is available here (https://www.n8research.org.uk/media/CotN_Connecting-Data-Report-2026.pdf).
* * *
Original text here: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/about/news/experts-call-for-national-connected-data-model-to-transform-childrens-services-and-boost-uk-economy/
University of East Anglia Celebrates 10-year Partnership With Hong Kong Metropolitan University
NORWICH, England, July 11 -- The University of East Anglia issued the following news:
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UEA celebrates 10-year partnership with Hong Kong Metropolitan University
The University of East Anglia (UEA) and Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) have celebrated the 10-year anniversary of a "flagship" partnership between their business schools.
Colleagues and alumni from Hong Kong joined a special event on the UEA campus via live video link for welcome speeches, student and staff testimonials, and a document signing and 'virtual handshake' to recognise the continuing partnership between Norwich ... Show Full Article NORWICH, England, July 11 -- The University of East Anglia issued the following news: * * * UEA celebrates 10-year partnership with Hong Kong Metropolitan University The University of East Anglia (UEA) and Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) have celebrated the 10-year anniversary of a "flagship" partnership between their business schools. Colleagues and alumni from Hong Kong joined a special event on the UEA campus via live video link for welcome speeches, student and staff testimonials, and a document signing and 'virtual handshake' to recognise the continuing partnership between NorwichBusiness School and HKMU's School of Business and Administration.
Since 2016 UEA has welcomed HKMU students to Norwich for a two week Work Integrated Learning (WIL) programme. What started as a single visit to UEA has grown into two annual cohorts of up to 100 students each year. As of 2026, the programme has over 1,000 alumni.
Head of Norwich Business School Prof Amir Sharif, who joined the event on June 26 in Hong Kong, said: "Over the past 10 years, the partnership between HKMU and Norwich Business School has grown significantly. What began as a small summer school with just 15 students has developed into a flagship cultural immersion programme that now welcomes 80 students each year, enriching our campus and strengthening global perspectives within our community.
"This partnership has had a profound impact on Norwich Business School and UEA: enhancing the international experience we offer, building lasting academic and cultural connections, and creating opportunities for students and staff to engage in truly global learning. It reflects our shared commitment to excellence in education and to preparing students for an increasingly interconnected world."
Prof Sharif added: "Looking ahead, we are excited to deepen this relationship further through expanded staff exchange, enhanced research collaboration, and the development of new educational pathways, including Masters-level provision.
"We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved together over the last decade, and even more optimistic about what we can accomplish in the years to come. We wish all colleagues and students, past, present and future best wishes for a continued successful international partnership."
Prof Matthew K.O.Lee, Dean of the School of Business and Administration at Hong Kong Metropolitan University said: "This remarkably successful partnership started 10 years ago, marking the beginning of HKMU's vision to enable every Business School student to benefit from an immersive global experience. A decade of hard work has passed, and with the incredible help of our partners, our vision is fully realised. The Global Experience Programme is now fully embedded in our core curriculum, and every student will experience and benefit from it before graduation.
"As we renew our partnership agreement, we are not simply continuing what we started. We are strengthening, reimagining, and extending it into the next decade. We look forward to another decade of innovation, global learning, and deeper international collaboration, underpinned by the profound trust and unwavering commitment built by our partnership over the last decade."
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Original text here: https://www.uea.ac.uk/about/news/article/uea-celebrates-10-year-partnership-with-hong-kong-metropolitan-university
* * *
UEA celebrates 10-year partnership with Hong Kong Metropolitan University
The University of East Anglia (UEA) and Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) have celebrated the 10-year anniversary of a "flagship" partnership between their business schools.
Colleagues and alumni from Hong Kong joined a special event on the UEA campus via live video link for welcome speeches, student and staff testimonials, and a document signing and 'virtual handshake' to recognise the continuing partnership between Norwich ... Show Full Article NORWICH, England, July 11 -- The University of East Anglia issued the following news: * * * UEA celebrates 10-year partnership with Hong Kong Metropolitan University The University of East Anglia (UEA) and Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) have celebrated the 10-year anniversary of a "flagship" partnership between their business schools. Colleagues and alumni from Hong Kong joined a special event on the UEA campus via live video link for welcome speeches, student and staff testimonials, and a document signing and 'virtual handshake' to recognise the continuing partnership between NorwichBusiness School and HKMU's School of Business and Administration.
Since 2016 UEA has welcomed HKMU students to Norwich for a two week Work Integrated Learning (WIL) programme. What started as a single visit to UEA has grown into two annual cohorts of up to 100 students each year. As of 2026, the programme has over 1,000 alumni.
Head of Norwich Business School Prof Amir Sharif, who joined the event on June 26 in Hong Kong, said: "Over the past 10 years, the partnership between HKMU and Norwich Business School has grown significantly. What began as a small summer school with just 15 students has developed into a flagship cultural immersion programme that now welcomes 80 students each year, enriching our campus and strengthening global perspectives within our community.
"This partnership has had a profound impact on Norwich Business School and UEA: enhancing the international experience we offer, building lasting academic and cultural connections, and creating opportunities for students and staff to engage in truly global learning. It reflects our shared commitment to excellence in education and to preparing students for an increasingly interconnected world."
Prof Sharif added: "Looking ahead, we are excited to deepen this relationship further through expanded staff exchange, enhanced research collaboration, and the development of new educational pathways, including Masters-level provision.
"We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved together over the last decade, and even more optimistic about what we can accomplish in the years to come. We wish all colleagues and students, past, present and future best wishes for a continued successful international partnership."
Prof Matthew K.O.Lee, Dean of the School of Business and Administration at Hong Kong Metropolitan University said: "This remarkably successful partnership started 10 years ago, marking the beginning of HKMU's vision to enable every Business School student to benefit from an immersive global experience. A decade of hard work has passed, and with the incredible help of our partners, our vision is fully realised. The Global Experience Programme is now fully embedded in our core curriculum, and every student will experience and benefit from it before graduation.
"As we renew our partnership agreement, we are not simply continuing what we started. We are strengthening, reimagining, and extending it into the next decade. We look forward to another decade of innovation, global learning, and deeper international collaboration, underpinned by the profound trust and unwavering commitment built by our partnership over the last decade."
* * *
Original text here: https://www.uea.ac.uk/about/news/article/uea-celebrates-10-year-partnership-with-hong-kong-metropolitan-university
Stakeholders of Mastercard Foundation Initiatives at Makerere University Convene to Review Progress and Strengthen Collaboration
KAMPALA, Uganda, July 11 -- Makerere University issued the following news:
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Stakeholders of Mastercard Foundation Initiatives at Makerere University Convene to Review Progress and Strengthen Collaboration
By Damali Mukhaye
On 9th July 2026, the Mastercard Foundation-supported initiatives at Makerere University convened the 2nd Partnership Development Breakfast meeting at Mestil hotel in Kampala, to review progress, share experiences, and explore opportunities to strengthen collaboration and advance education, research, innovation, and youth empowerment.
The partnership development meeting ... Show Full Article KAMPALA, Uganda, July 11 -- Makerere University issued the following news: * * * Stakeholders of Mastercard Foundation Initiatives at Makerere University Convene to Review Progress and Strengthen Collaboration By Damali Mukhaye On 9th July 2026, the Mastercard Foundation-supported initiatives at Makerere University convened the 2nd Partnership Development Breakfast meeting at Mestil hotel in Kampala, to review progress, share experiences, and explore opportunities to strengthen collaboration and advance education, research, innovation, and youth empowerment. The partnership development meetingbrought together Makerere University leadership, government officials, Mastercard Foundation representatives, development partners, private sector actors, and other key stakeholders to reflect on ongoing interventions and identify areas for deeper collaboration.
The engagement highlighted the progress and impact of key Mastercard Foundation initiatives at Makerere University, including the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme, the Africa Climate Collaborative (ACC), and the e-learning initiative, which are promoting increased access to education, research development, climate resilience, skills enhancement, and preparing young people for future opportunities.
Delivering the opening remarks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Makerere University, Prof. Sarah Ssali, stated that stakeholder engagement was vital in building stronger links between the University, students, academic staff, employers, and other parties involved in shaping graduates' futures.
"You have been chosen for a purpose because it was not just about engaging with the students and stakeholders, but also with those involved in developing knowledge products and those who train and mentor our students," Prof. Ssali said.
She emphasised the significance of partnerships in widening access to higher education, especially for students from marginalised backgrounds, highlighting that through scholarship programmes and inclusive education initiatives, Makerere University continues to attract and support talented students who might otherwise face obstacles to university access.
Prof. Ssali acknowledged the contribution of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alongside other university initiatives, including the Africa Climate Collaborative, fee waiver schemes, and Council scholarships, which offer opportunities for students--especially those from vulnerable communities and talented female learners.
"Your investment in these young people is not charity, but a shared national development priority," she said.
She explained that Makerere University's partnership with the Mastercard Foundation aligns with the University's strategic aim to enhance human capital development, research, and innovation in support of national development priorities under Uganda Vision 2040 and the Fourth National Development Plan.
Prof. Ssali noted that the University has, over the years, transformed into a research-focused institution, with partnerships enabling it to address critical societal challenges.
She urged stakeholders to continue supporting young people through mentorship and guidance as they prepare for employment and entrepreneurship.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Mr Aggrey David Kibenge, praised the collaboration between Makerere University, the Mastercard Foundation, and other stakeholders, emphasising that teamwork is vital in tackling Uganda's youth unemployment problem.
He observed that Uganda's youthful population presents both an opportunity and a responsibility, with more than 70 per cent of the population under 30 years.
Mr Kibenge said the government alone cannot address youth unemployment and welcomed partnerships that support young people with relevant skills, employment pathways, and opportunities for entrepreneurship.
He highlighted government interventions, including the National Apprenticeship and Graduate Volunteer Programme Management Information System (NAGVPMIS), which links graduates with potential employers via a digital platform.
The platform enables young people to upload their qualifications and skills, while employers can find suitable candidates based on available opportunities.
"By digitising the matching and recruitment process, we are making the system more transparent, efficient, and merit-based," Kibenge said.
The Permanent Secretary also emphasised the need for education institutions, employers, and the government to work together to address the skills gap affecting many graduates entering the labour market.
He noted that stronger partnerships with initiatives such as those supported by the Mastercard Foundation will help young people acquire skills that respond to changing labour market needs.
He reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to collaborating with the Mastercard Foundation and other partners to create more opportunities for young people to access dignified work.
Mastercard Foundation Highlights Young Africa Works Progress
Representing the Mastercard Foundation, Ms Maria Mugerwa, the Finance Lead at the Foundation, provided an update on the Young Africa Works Strategy, which seeks to enable 30 million young people, 70 per cent of them women, across Africa to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030.
She explained that, in Uganda, the strategy aims to reach 4.3 million young people aged 18 to 35 through initiatives centred on entrepreneurship, enterprise development, education, and skills enhancement.
The strategy supports key areas, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), agriculture, the digital economy, creative industries, and inclusive opportunities for young people.
Ms. Mugerwa noted that the Foundation's approach is built on partnerships that bring together universities, government, private-sector actors, and communities to create pathways for young people to transition from education to employment.
"Closing this gap will require stronger collaboration among all stakeholders, including linking universities and graduates to opportunities created under the Young Africa Works Strategy." She said.
She emphasised that ongoing collaboration will be essential in widening access to employment opportunities, finance, markets, and entrepreneurship support for young people.
Highlights of Mastercard Foundation Initiatives at Makerere University
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University continues to transform the lives of academically talented but economically constrained young Africans by expanding access to quality university education and nurturing the next generation of transformative leaders.
In a presentation by Prof. Justine Namaalwa, the Program Director, the initiative was emphasised as a comprehensive support model that extends beyond scholarships to offer academic assistance, leadership growth, psychosocial well-being, community involvement, and pathways to dignified employment, entrepreneurship, and further education.
The Program has supported 971 Scholars and alumni, with many transitioning into formal employment, entrepreneurship, and advanced studies.
Guided by the values of listening, humility, kindness and respect, co-creation, and impact, the program promotes inclusion, belonging, and agency among young people.
Africa Climate Collaborative at Makerere University
The Program Director of the Africa Climate Collaborative, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, said that the programme, which kicked off in 2025, is a transformative eight-year university-wide initiative designed to empower young people and strengthen Africa's capacity to develop inclusive, equitable, and innovative responses to climate change.
Implemented in collaboration with global and regional partners, including the University of Cambridge, the University of Cape Town, the University of Ghana, and the Association of African Universities, the Collaborative focuses on four interconnected pillars: workforce development, entrepreneurship, research and innovation, and networks, policy, and learning.
Through its workforce development pillar, ACC will expand access to quality education by providing comprehensive scholarships to 250 Master's students and 40 PhD students, while strengthening research capacity through academic mentorship and support.
The entrepreneurship pillar will equip 500 youth not in education, employment, or training with green entrepreneurship skills, provide incubation support, and promote youth-led green innovations.
The Collaborative will also establish a Climate Resilience Support Centre to drive interdisciplinary research and innovation while fostering partnerships, policy dialogues, and knowledge exchange to support climate-resilient communities.
e-Learning Initiative Phase II
In a presentation by Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda, Director of the Institute of Open, Distance and eLearning (IODeL) at Makerere University, the progress and future direction of the Mastercard Foundation e-Learning Initiative Phase II were highlighted.
Building on the successful completion of Phase I in December 2024, Makerere University secured participation in the second phase, which aims to accelerate digital transformation and strengthen inclusive, learner-centred, and scalable e-learning systems across the institution.
The initiative seeks to enhance access to quality digital education by developing 10 fully online academic programmes and 10 micro-credentials by 2030. It will also establish integrated digital learner support services, strengthen digital infrastructure, and promote digitally empowered leadership and governance within the University.
A key component of the initiative is building institutional capacity in learning design and technology.
Since January 2026, 35 Makerere University staff members have been undertaking graduate-level training at Arizona State University, with 13 pursuing Master's programmes and 22 enrolled for graduate certificates in Learning Design and Technology.
Through strategic partnerships and innovation, the initiative will position Makerere University as a leader in digital education, expand opportunities for inclusive learning, and strengthen resilience in higher education.
The second stakeholder engagement session concluded with several stakeholders, including DFCU Bank, the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA), the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), and Finn Church Aid, among others, committing to building stronger pathways that will enable students and graduates to contribute meaningfully to Uganda's social and economic transformation.
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Damali Mukhaye is the Communication, Public Relations, and Branding Officer for Africa Climate Collaborative at Makerere University.
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Original text here: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2026/07/stakeholders-of-mastercard-foundation-initiatives-at-makerere-university-convene-to-review-progress-and-strengthen-collaboration/
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Stakeholders of Mastercard Foundation Initiatives at Makerere University Convene to Review Progress and Strengthen Collaboration
By Damali Mukhaye
On 9th July 2026, the Mastercard Foundation-supported initiatives at Makerere University convened the 2nd Partnership Development Breakfast meeting at Mestil hotel in Kampala, to review progress, share experiences, and explore opportunities to strengthen collaboration and advance education, research, innovation, and youth empowerment.
The partnership development meeting ... Show Full Article KAMPALA, Uganda, July 11 -- Makerere University issued the following news: * * * Stakeholders of Mastercard Foundation Initiatives at Makerere University Convene to Review Progress and Strengthen Collaboration By Damali Mukhaye On 9th July 2026, the Mastercard Foundation-supported initiatives at Makerere University convened the 2nd Partnership Development Breakfast meeting at Mestil hotel in Kampala, to review progress, share experiences, and explore opportunities to strengthen collaboration and advance education, research, innovation, and youth empowerment. The partnership development meetingbrought together Makerere University leadership, government officials, Mastercard Foundation representatives, development partners, private sector actors, and other key stakeholders to reflect on ongoing interventions and identify areas for deeper collaboration.
The engagement highlighted the progress and impact of key Mastercard Foundation initiatives at Makerere University, including the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme, the Africa Climate Collaborative (ACC), and the e-learning initiative, which are promoting increased access to education, research development, climate resilience, skills enhancement, and preparing young people for future opportunities.
Delivering the opening remarks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Makerere University, Prof. Sarah Ssali, stated that stakeholder engagement was vital in building stronger links between the University, students, academic staff, employers, and other parties involved in shaping graduates' futures.
"You have been chosen for a purpose because it was not just about engaging with the students and stakeholders, but also with those involved in developing knowledge products and those who train and mentor our students," Prof. Ssali said.
She emphasised the significance of partnerships in widening access to higher education, especially for students from marginalised backgrounds, highlighting that through scholarship programmes and inclusive education initiatives, Makerere University continues to attract and support talented students who might otherwise face obstacles to university access.
Prof. Ssali acknowledged the contribution of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alongside other university initiatives, including the Africa Climate Collaborative, fee waiver schemes, and Council scholarships, which offer opportunities for students--especially those from vulnerable communities and talented female learners.
"Your investment in these young people is not charity, but a shared national development priority," she said.
She explained that Makerere University's partnership with the Mastercard Foundation aligns with the University's strategic aim to enhance human capital development, research, and innovation in support of national development priorities under Uganda Vision 2040 and the Fourth National Development Plan.
Prof. Ssali noted that the University has, over the years, transformed into a research-focused institution, with partnerships enabling it to address critical societal challenges.
She urged stakeholders to continue supporting young people through mentorship and guidance as they prepare for employment and entrepreneurship.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Mr Aggrey David Kibenge, praised the collaboration between Makerere University, the Mastercard Foundation, and other stakeholders, emphasising that teamwork is vital in tackling Uganda's youth unemployment problem.
He observed that Uganda's youthful population presents both an opportunity and a responsibility, with more than 70 per cent of the population under 30 years.
Mr Kibenge said the government alone cannot address youth unemployment and welcomed partnerships that support young people with relevant skills, employment pathways, and opportunities for entrepreneurship.
He highlighted government interventions, including the National Apprenticeship and Graduate Volunteer Programme Management Information System (NAGVPMIS), which links graduates with potential employers via a digital platform.
The platform enables young people to upload their qualifications and skills, while employers can find suitable candidates based on available opportunities.
"By digitising the matching and recruitment process, we are making the system more transparent, efficient, and merit-based," Kibenge said.
The Permanent Secretary also emphasised the need for education institutions, employers, and the government to work together to address the skills gap affecting many graduates entering the labour market.
He noted that stronger partnerships with initiatives such as those supported by the Mastercard Foundation will help young people acquire skills that respond to changing labour market needs.
He reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to collaborating with the Mastercard Foundation and other partners to create more opportunities for young people to access dignified work.
Mastercard Foundation Highlights Young Africa Works Progress
Representing the Mastercard Foundation, Ms Maria Mugerwa, the Finance Lead at the Foundation, provided an update on the Young Africa Works Strategy, which seeks to enable 30 million young people, 70 per cent of them women, across Africa to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030.
She explained that, in Uganda, the strategy aims to reach 4.3 million young people aged 18 to 35 through initiatives centred on entrepreneurship, enterprise development, education, and skills enhancement.
The strategy supports key areas, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), agriculture, the digital economy, creative industries, and inclusive opportunities for young people.
Ms. Mugerwa noted that the Foundation's approach is built on partnerships that bring together universities, government, private-sector actors, and communities to create pathways for young people to transition from education to employment.
"Closing this gap will require stronger collaboration among all stakeholders, including linking universities and graduates to opportunities created under the Young Africa Works Strategy." She said.
She emphasised that ongoing collaboration will be essential in widening access to employment opportunities, finance, markets, and entrepreneurship support for young people.
Highlights of Mastercard Foundation Initiatives at Makerere University
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University continues to transform the lives of academically talented but economically constrained young Africans by expanding access to quality university education and nurturing the next generation of transformative leaders.
In a presentation by Prof. Justine Namaalwa, the Program Director, the initiative was emphasised as a comprehensive support model that extends beyond scholarships to offer academic assistance, leadership growth, psychosocial well-being, community involvement, and pathways to dignified employment, entrepreneurship, and further education.
The Program has supported 971 Scholars and alumni, with many transitioning into formal employment, entrepreneurship, and advanced studies.
Guided by the values of listening, humility, kindness and respect, co-creation, and impact, the program promotes inclusion, belonging, and agency among young people.
Africa Climate Collaborative at Makerere University
The Program Director of the Africa Climate Collaborative, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, said that the programme, which kicked off in 2025, is a transformative eight-year university-wide initiative designed to empower young people and strengthen Africa's capacity to develop inclusive, equitable, and innovative responses to climate change.
Implemented in collaboration with global and regional partners, including the University of Cambridge, the University of Cape Town, the University of Ghana, and the Association of African Universities, the Collaborative focuses on four interconnected pillars: workforce development, entrepreneurship, research and innovation, and networks, policy, and learning.
Through its workforce development pillar, ACC will expand access to quality education by providing comprehensive scholarships to 250 Master's students and 40 PhD students, while strengthening research capacity through academic mentorship and support.
The entrepreneurship pillar will equip 500 youth not in education, employment, or training with green entrepreneurship skills, provide incubation support, and promote youth-led green innovations.
The Collaborative will also establish a Climate Resilience Support Centre to drive interdisciplinary research and innovation while fostering partnerships, policy dialogues, and knowledge exchange to support climate-resilient communities.
e-Learning Initiative Phase II
In a presentation by Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda, Director of the Institute of Open, Distance and eLearning (IODeL) at Makerere University, the progress and future direction of the Mastercard Foundation e-Learning Initiative Phase II were highlighted.
Building on the successful completion of Phase I in December 2024, Makerere University secured participation in the second phase, which aims to accelerate digital transformation and strengthen inclusive, learner-centred, and scalable e-learning systems across the institution.
The initiative seeks to enhance access to quality digital education by developing 10 fully online academic programmes and 10 micro-credentials by 2030. It will also establish integrated digital learner support services, strengthen digital infrastructure, and promote digitally empowered leadership and governance within the University.
A key component of the initiative is building institutional capacity in learning design and technology.
Since January 2026, 35 Makerere University staff members have been undertaking graduate-level training at Arizona State University, with 13 pursuing Master's programmes and 22 enrolled for graduate certificates in Learning Design and Technology.
Through strategic partnerships and innovation, the initiative will position Makerere University as a leader in digital education, expand opportunities for inclusive learning, and strengthen resilience in higher education.
The second stakeholder engagement session concluded with several stakeholders, including DFCU Bank, the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA), the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), and Finn Church Aid, among others, committing to building stronger pathways that will enable students and graduates to contribute meaningfully to Uganda's social and economic transformation.
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Damali Mukhaye is the Communication, Public Relations, and Branding Officer for Africa Climate Collaborative at Makerere University.
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Original text here: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2026/07/stakeholders-of-mastercard-foundation-initiatives-at-makerere-university-convene-to-review-progress-and-strengthen-collaboration/
Research for the Gut: 3 Ways Baylor University Researchers Promote Microbiome Health
WACO, Texas, July 11 -- Baylor University issued the following news:
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Research for the Gut: 3 ways Baylor researchers promote microbiome health
At first glance, it's not a pleasant image to consider: Billions of bacteria, fungi and viruses live in the gut of every human. While that may sound bad, these collections -- unique to every human -- play an oversized role in human health. Their sheer scope makes them challenging to study, but the benefits of understanding them can help individuals with ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, cancer and more.
It's a field of knowledge that Baylor ... Show Full Article WACO, Texas, July 11 -- Baylor University issued the following news: * * * Research for the Gut: 3 ways Baylor researchers promote microbiome health At first glance, it's not a pleasant image to consider: Billions of bacteria, fungi and viruses live in the gut of every human. While that may sound bad, these collections -- unique to every human -- play an oversized role in human health. Their sheer scope makes them challenging to study, but the benefits of understanding them can help individuals with ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, cancer and more. It's a field of knowledge that Baylorresearchers are expanding through a focus on different aspects of the human microbiome -- the overall collection of microorganisms found throughout the body in areas such as the gastrointestinal tract. Baylor's strength in the field of microbiome research is rapidly growing, promoting ways to help humans enjoy healthier guts, which in turn promotes healthier people.
Here are three questions Baylor professors seek to answer through their research:
Can the microbes in your gut help prevent colorectal cancer? With early-onset colorectal cancer on the rise, Dr. Leigh Greathouse, associate professor of nutrition sciences and affiliate professor of biology, is digging into the connection between vitamin D, the gut microbiome and cancer prevention. Her research explores why vitamin D appears to protect against colorectal cancer and which beneficial microbes may play a role in that protection. By uncovering those biological clues, Greathouse (herself a cancer survivor) hopes to lay the groundwork for future probiotic-enhanced, food-based approaches that could help reduce cancer risk, particularly for people who are vitamin D-deficient.
What if a child's gut bacteria could help identify malnutrition before the effects become visible? That possibility is studied by Dr. Jake Minich (pictured above), assistant professor of biology, who pursues ways to combat childhood undernutrition around the world. Using a first-of-its-kind approach to capture complete gut microbiome genomes, Minich and his team analyzed children in Malawi over the course of nearly a year, recovering almost 1,000 bacterial genomes. Their findings showed that children with healthy growth maintained more stable bacterial communities, while children experiencing slower growth saw those populations change over time. The work suggests the gut microbiome may one day serve as an early warning system for children at risk of undernutrition.
Why do the same treatments work well for some patients with digestive disorders but not for others? According to Dr. Aaron Wright, Baylor's Schofield Endowed Chair in Biomedical Science, part of the answer may lie in the unique collection of microbes living inside each person's gut. Because every microbiome is different, treatments for conditions such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome can produce very different results from one patient to the next. Wright is part of a $5.6 million National Institutes of Health-funded team, collaborating with researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine to develop personalized microbiome-based therapies tailored to an individual's specific gut environment. Their goal is to help move medicine beyond one-size-fits-all treatments and toward therapies designed for the patient, not just the disease.
These are just a few examples of microbiome research at Baylor, with more to come as researchers like these three (two of whom have joined Baylor in the last four years) continue to expand their work, collaborate and address these challenges.
Sic 'em, Baylor microbiome research!
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Original text here: https://www2.baylor.edu/baylorproud/2026/07/research-for-the-gut-3-ways-baylor-researchers-promote-microbiome-health/
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Research for the Gut: 3 ways Baylor researchers promote microbiome health
At first glance, it's not a pleasant image to consider: Billions of bacteria, fungi and viruses live in the gut of every human. While that may sound bad, these collections -- unique to every human -- play an oversized role in human health. Their sheer scope makes them challenging to study, but the benefits of understanding them can help individuals with ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, cancer and more.
It's a field of knowledge that Baylor ... Show Full Article WACO, Texas, July 11 -- Baylor University issued the following news: * * * Research for the Gut: 3 ways Baylor researchers promote microbiome health At first glance, it's not a pleasant image to consider: Billions of bacteria, fungi and viruses live in the gut of every human. While that may sound bad, these collections -- unique to every human -- play an oversized role in human health. Their sheer scope makes them challenging to study, but the benefits of understanding them can help individuals with ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, cancer and more. It's a field of knowledge that Baylorresearchers are expanding through a focus on different aspects of the human microbiome -- the overall collection of microorganisms found throughout the body in areas such as the gastrointestinal tract. Baylor's strength in the field of microbiome research is rapidly growing, promoting ways to help humans enjoy healthier guts, which in turn promotes healthier people.
Here are three questions Baylor professors seek to answer through their research:
Can the microbes in your gut help prevent colorectal cancer? With early-onset colorectal cancer on the rise, Dr. Leigh Greathouse, associate professor of nutrition sciences and affiliate professor of biology, is digging into the connection between vitamin D, the gut microbiome and cancer prevention. Her research explores why vitamin D appears to protect against colorectal cancer and which beneficial microbes may play a role in that protection. By uncovering those biological clues, Greathouse (herself a cancer survivor) hopes to lay the groundwork for future probiotic-enhanced, food-based approaches that could help reduce cancer risk, particularly for people who are vitamin D-deficient.
What if a child's gut bacteria could help identify malnutrition before the effects become visible? That possibility is studied by Dr. Jake Minich (pictured above), assistant professor of biology, who pursues ways to combat childhood undernutrition around the world. Using a first-of-its-kind approach to capture complete gut microbiome genomes, Minich and his team analyzed children in Malawi over the course of nearly a year, recovering almost 1,000 bacterial genomes. Their findings showed that children with healthy growth maintained more stable bacterial communities, while children experiencing slower growth saw those populations change over time. The work suggests the gut microbiome may one day serve as an early warning system for children at risk of undernutrition.
Why do the same treatments work well for some patients with digestive disorders but not for others? According to Dr. Aaron Wright, Baylor's Schofield Endowed Chair in Biomedical Science, part of the answer may lie in the unique collection of microbes living inside each person's gut. Because every microbiome is different, treatments for conditions such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome can produce very different results from one patient to the next. Wright is part of a $5.6 million National Institutes of Health-funded team, collaborating with researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine to develop personalized microbiome-based therapies tailored to an individual's specific gut environment. Their goal is to help move medicine beyond one-size-fits-all treatments and toward therapies designed for the patient, not just the disease.
These are just a few examples of microbiome research at Baylor, with more to come as researchers like these three (two of whom have joined Baylor in the last four years) continue to expand their work, collaborate and address these challenges.
Sic 'em, Baylor microbiome research!
* * *
Original text here: https://www2.baylor.edu/baylorproud/2026/07/research-for-the-gut-3-ways-baylor-researchers-promote-microbiome-health/
Johns Hopkins: Declining Gun Homicides, Record Gun Suicides in 2024
BALTIMORE, Maryland, July 11 -- Johns Hopkins University issued the following news:
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Declining gun homicides, record gun suicides in 2024
Analysis of CDC data by the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions finds increases in rates among certain demographics, particularly Black females
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Nearly 45,000 people in the U.S. died by gun violence in 2024--one person every 12 minutes, on average--and an all-time high of 27,593 died by firearm suicide, according to the latest annual firearm mortality report from the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg ... Show Full Article BALTIMORE, Maryland, July 11 -- Johns Hopkins University issued the following news: * * * Declining gun homicides, record gun suicides in 2024 Analysis of CDC data by the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions finds increases in rates among certain demographics, particularly Black females - Nearly 45,000 people in the U.S. died by gun violence in 2024--one person every 12 minutes, on average--and an all-time high of 27,593 died by firearm suicide, according to the latest annual firearm mortality report from the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions at the Johns Hopkins BloombergSchool of Public Health.
The report, "The Firearm Mortality Epidemic: Examining the U.S. Data from 2024", analyzes 2024 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It finds that guns were involved in the deaths of 44,447 people in the U.S. in 2024--down 5% from 2023. The overall decrease in gun fatalities in 2024 was largely due to a 15.8% drop in the homicide rate, with 15,364 homicides in 2024.
The vast majority of gun deaths--about 86% total--were among males. The report also highlights the increasing rate of gun deaths among females over the past decade, especially among those who are non-white. The report finds the gun homicide rate for Black females--measured as the number of cases per 100,000 population--rose by 63% from 2015 to 2024.
"As this report highlights, deadly gun violence is happening at a large rate affecting all populations," says study lead author Rose Kim, assistant policy advisor at the Center for Gun Violence Solutions.
The center issues an annual report analyzing the latest available CDC death-certificate data on gun-related causes of death for U.S. residents. The report uses the CDC's categories: suicides, homicides, legal intervention (police-involved gun fatalities), unintentional, or undetermined intent.
* * *
Key Takeaways
* Nearly 45,000 people in the U.S. died by gun violence in 2024, down 5% from 2023.
* An all-time high of 27,593 died by firearm suicide.
* The vast majority of gun deaths--about 86% total--were among males.
* The overall decrease in gun fatalities in 2024 was largely due to a 15.8% drop in the homicide rate, with 15,364 homicides in 2024.
* * *
Gun deaths per year in the U.S. peaked at 48,830 in 2021, amid the social disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, and have been decreasing slowly since then. The 2024 figure of 44,447 gun deaths represents a roughly 9% decline from that peak. However, gun deaths remain higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Overall, gun violence remains the leading cause of death for young people ages 1-17 in the U.S. for the fifth consecutive year, with 2,214 gun deaths total, according to the report. For some specific youth age groups, firearms were among the leading causes, but not always the top cause: There were 119 deaths among ages 1-4, 98 among ages 5-9, 450 among ages 10-14, and 1,547 among ages 15-17.
Certain demographics have experienced much higher increases in gun violence over the past decade. For Asian or Pacific Islander and Hispanic/Latino females, gun homicide rates increased from 2015 to 2024--39% and 31%, respectively, compared to with a 2% increase among white females. Gun suicide rates also increased over that period, by 169% among Black females, 57% among Hispanic/Latino females, and 51% among Asian or Pacific Islander females--compared with just 4% for white females.
The Center for Gun Violence Solutions recommends a mix of evidence-based policy measures, including community violence intervention programs focusing on high-risk individuals, and stricter laws on firearm purchaser licensing and domestic violence protection orders to prevent deaths from gun violence.
"We can save lives and address this crisis through a comprehensive public health approach pushing for equitable, evidence-based policies and programs that address multiple forms of gun injury and death," says Cassandra Crifasi, co-director of the center and senior author of the report.
"The Firearm Mortality Epidemic: Examining the U.S. Data from 2024" was co-authored by Rose Kim, Elizabeth Wagner, Nandita Somayaji, Silvia Villarreal, and Cassandra Crifasi.
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Original text here: https://hub.jhu.edu/2026/07/10/declining-gun-homicides-record-gun-suicides-2024/
* * *
Declining gun homicides, record gun suicides in 2024
Analysis of CDC data by the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions finds increases in rates among certain demographics, particularly Black females
-
Nearly 45,000 people in the U.S. died by gun violence in 2024--one person every 12 minutes, on average--and an all-time high of 27,593 died by firearm suicide, according to the latest annual firearm mortality report from the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg ... Show Full Article BALTIMORE, Maryland, July 11 -- Johns Hopkins University issued the following news: * * * Declining gun homicides, record gun suicides in 2024 Analysis of CDC data by the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions finds increases in rates among certain demographics, particularly Black females - Nearly 45,000 people in the U.S. died by gun violence in 2024--one person every 12 minutes, on average--and an all-time high of 27,593 died by firearm suicide, according to the latest annual firearm mortality report from the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions at the Johns Hopkins BloombergSchool of Public Health.
The report, "The Firearm Mortality Epidemic: Examining the U.S. Data from 2024", analyzes 2024 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It finds that guns were involved in the deaths of 44,447 people in the U.S. in 2024--down 5% from 2023. The overall decrease in gun fatalities in 2024 was largely due to a 15.8% drop in the homicide rate, with 15,364 homicides in 2024.
The vast majority of gun deaths--about 86% total--were among males. The report also highlights the increasing rate of gun deaths among females over the past decade, especially among those who are non-white. The report finds the gun homicide rate for Black females--measured as the number of cases per 100,000 population--rose by 63% from 2015 to 2024.
"As this report highlights, deadly gun violence is happening at a large rate affecting all populations," says study lead author Rose Kim, assistant policy advisor at the Center for Gun Violence Solutions.
The center issues an annual report analyzing the latest available CDC death-certificate data on gun-related causes of death for U.S. residents. The report uses the CDC's categories: suicides, homicides, legal intervention (police-involved gun fatalities), unintentional, or undetermined intent.
* * *
Key Takeaways
* Nearly 45,000 people in the U.S. died by gun violence in 2024, down 5% from 2023.
* An all-time high of 27,593 died by firearm suicide.
* The vast majority of gun deaths--about 86% total--were among males.
* The overall decrease in gun fatalities in 2024 was largely due to a 15.8% drop in the homicide rate, with 15,364 homicides in 2024.
* * *
Gun deaths per year in the U.S. peaked at 48,830 in 2021, amid the social disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, and have been decreasing slowly since then. The 2024 figure of 44,447 gun deaths represents a roughly 9% decline from that peak. However, gun deaths remain higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Overall, gun violence remains the leading cause of death for young people ages 1-17 in the U.S. for the fifth consecutive year, with 2,214 gun deaths total, according to the report. For some specific youth age groups, firearms were among the leading causes, but not always the top cause: There were 119 deaths among ages 1-4, 98 among ages 5-9, 450 among ages 10-14, and 1,547 among ages 15-17.
Certain demographics have experienced much higher increases in gun violence over the past decade. For Asian or Pacific Islander and Hispanic/Latino females, gun homicide rates increased from 2015 to 2024--39% and 31%, respectively, compared to with a 2% increase among white females. Gun suicide rates also increased over that period, by 169% among Black females, 57% among Hispanic/Latino females, and 51% among Asian or Pacific Islander females--compared with just 4% for white females.
The Center for Gun Violence Solutions recommends a mix of evidence-based policy measures, including community violence intervention programs focusing on high-risk individuals, and stricter laws on firearm purchaser licensing and domestic violence protection orders to prevent deaths from gun violence.
"We can save lives and address this crisis through a comprehensive public health approach pushing for equitable, evidence-based policies and programs that address multiple forms of gun injury and death," says Cassandra Crifasi, co-director of the center and senior author of the report.
"The Firearm Mortality Epidemic: Examining the U.S. Data from 2024" was co-authored by Rose Kim, Elizabeth Wagner, Nandita Somayaji, Silvia Villarreal, and Cassandra Crifasi.
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Original text here: https://hub.jhu.edu/2026/07/10/declining-gun-homicides-record-gun-suicides-2024/
James Cook University: Modelling Reveals Sydney's 1789 Smallpox Outbreak Killed as Many as 220,000 Indigenous Australians
TOWNSVILLE, Australia, July 11 (TNSjou) -- James Cook University issued the following news release:
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Modelling reveals Sydney's 1789 smallpox outbreak killed as many as 220,000 Indigenous Australians
Groundbreaking new modelling has revealed that up to 220,000 Indigenous Australians may have died in a devastating smallpox epidemic that began in Sydney in 1789, shortly after the arrival of the First Fleet.
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The research, led by the ARC Centre of Excellence for Indigenous and Environmental Histories and Futures (CIEHF), which is hosted by James Cook University Cairns, traces the origins ... Show Full Article TOWNSVILLE, Australia, July 11 (TNSjou) -- James Cook University issued the following news release: * * * Modelling reveals Sydney's 1789 smallpox outbreak killed as many as 220,000 Indigenous Australians Groundbreaking new modelling has revealed that up to 220,000 Indigenous Australians may have died in a devastating smallpox epidemic that began in Sydney in 1789, shortly after the arrival of the First Fleet. - The research, led by the ARC Centre of Excellence for Indigenous and Environmental Histories and Futures (CIEHF), which is hosted by James Cook University Cairns, traces the originsof the outbreak to early colonial contact.
"For decades we've known that diseases introduced by Europeans had a devastating impact on Australian First Nations people. But until now we've not understood the scale of those impacts," says Centre Director and Distinguished Professor Sean Ulm.
"The scale is confronting and heartbreaking. This is difficult knowledge. The findings challenge what we thought we knew and open up entirely new research questions"
Soon after British ships arrived, smallpox swept through First Nations communities in the Sydney area and many died as a result. This is the first evidence showing how many people may have died and how quickly the disease spread.
The study found that the epidemic caused widespread population loss and had lasting effects on how First Nations people resisted colonisation and cared for Country, with impacts still being felt today.
"Our modelling shows a rapid smallpox spread and mass mortality following colonial exposure," says lead author Dr Cody Nitschke, a CIEHF Research Associate at Flinders University. "It's important for Australians to come to terms with this traumatic legacy to inform the national process of healing".
Published today in the journal Nature Human Behaviour, the study was conducted in collaboration with the Gujaga Foundation (Dharawal Nation), whose ancestors were the people at ground zero when the epidemic hit. The findings show the disease spread quickly through Aboriginal communities in south-eastern Australia.
"We always believed that it was the First Fleet that spread the smallpox, with many families within community suspecting it was spread deliberately too but this still needs to be looked at," says David Ingrey, a senior Elder in the La Perouse Community of the Dharawal Nation.
"This paper shows that it didn't come from up north. We know it didn't start with the French visitors. It was started in Sydney Harbour with the First Fleet."
Smallpox causes fever, severe illness, scarring, and high death rates, especially in Indigenous populations with no previous exposure. The research shows that this initial outbreak of the disease followed coastlines and major rivers, but did not reach all parts of Australia.
Researchers, including Indigenous scholars, tested whether the epidemic originated from Makassan traders visiting northern Australia, or the First Fleet, to resolve decades of debate.
"Even after adding generous movement rates and idealised contact between populations, the model showed that smallpox was extremely unlikely to have reached Sydney if introduced in the north".
"The epidemic was likely limited to the south-eastern coastal regions of Australia and along major intersecting rivers such as the Murray and Lachlan Rivers. Assuming a 60 per cent lethality, the loss of between 40,000 and 220,000 people would probably have occurred in these regions" says Dr Nitschke.
"Rather than relying on assumptions about where the epidemic started, we tested both origin theories directly. The data allowed us to identify which one was most consistent with how the disease spreads" says Dr Nitschke.
"Before colonial invasion, the movement of people followed known paths -- for water, ceremony, food, trade, and family. The disease could only travel where people could realistically walk, rest, and recover."
Co-author Distinguished Professor Lynette Russell says the findings have also been welcomed internationally "I recently discussed this research in Makassar, and colleagues there have long rejected the idea that Makassan visitors were responsible for the smallpox epidemic in southern Australia."
Professor Corey Bradshaw, a Chief Investigator at CIEHF and co-author, says the findings highlight the scale of the epidemic and its long-term consequences.
"The smallpox epidemic is arguably one of the most devastating events resulting from colonial invasion, yet there remains widespread disagreement on its origin, scale, impact, and spread until this modelling gave us important new insights."
"Families, knowledge systems, and ways of caring for Country were impacted, and the effects are still felt today."
"This epidemic was concentrated and likely unfolded over many years. Elders, children, and pregnant women were especially vulnerable, meaning that knowledge, language, and culture suffered deep harm alongside population loss. Even survivors were severely compromised and could often not care for Country in the same way" says Professor Bradshaw.
While the modelling suggests the first outbreak did not spread across the entire continent, the researchers say further work is needed to understand the impacts of later epidemics and frontier violence.
"The modelling does not speak over Aboriginal knowledge, memory, or oral history." Professor Bradshaw says.
Co-author Dr Shane Ingrey of Gujaga Foundation adds that First Nations communities in Sydney persisted despite the devastation.
"It is always perceived by the wider community that everyone was wiped out and there were no Sydney Aboriginal people left after the initial outbreak, but we have First Fleet observations of our people back in the harbour within a month or so fishing and living", he says.
"We quickly regrouped and over the next century continued living in and around the Harbour, continuing our cultural ways, continuing talking our language, continuing to apply our knowledge systems right up until the 1880s where the remaining descendants were forcefully relocated on Country out to the old camp turned government reserve at La Perouse.Here we continued to practice and pass on our Dharawal culture and language and still do today. Our connections were disrupted, but they were never broken."
The research - "Stochastic models indicate rapid smallpox spread and mass mortality of Indigenous Australians after colonial exposure", by Matthew C. Nitschke, Alan N. Williams, Shane D. Ingrey, Billy Griffiths, Nicholas Pitt, Lynette Russell, Sean Ulm, Kirsty Beller, Michael I. Bird, Syeda H. Fatima, Ian J. McNiven, Frederik Saltre, Alison Bashford, Christopher Wilson, and Corey J. A. Bradshaw - has been published in Nature Human Behaviour doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-026-02504-6.
If you, or someone you know, are feeling worried or no good, we encourage you to connect with 13YARN on 13 92 76 (24 hours / 7 days) and talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter.
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Original text here: https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2026/july/modelling-reveals-sydneys-1789-smallpox-outbreak-killed-as-many-as-220,000-indigenous-australians
* * *
Modelling reveals Sydney's 1789 smallpox outbreak killed as many as 220,000 Indigenous Australians
Groundbreaking new modelling has revealed that up to 220,000 Indigenous Australians may have died in a devastating smallpox epidemic that began in Sydney in 1789, shortly after the arrival of the First Fleet.
-
The research, led by the ARC Centre of Excellence for Indigenous and Environmental Histories and Futures (CIEHF), which is hosted by James Cook University Cairns, traces the origins ... Show Full Article TOWNSVILLE, Australia, July 11 (TNSjou) -- James Cook University issued the following news release: * * * Modelling reveals Sydney's 1789 smallpox outbreak killed as many as 220,000 Indigenous Australians Groundbreaking new modelling has revealed that up to 220,000 Indigenous Australians may have died in a devastating smallpox epidemic that began in Sydney in 1789, shortly after the arrival of the First Fleet. - The research, led by the ARC Centre of Excellence for Indigenous and Environmental Histories and Futures (CIEHF), which is hosted by James Cook University Cairns, traces the originsof the outbreak to early colonial contact.
"For decades we've known that diseases introduced by Europeans had a devastating impact on Australian First Nations people. But until now we've not understood the scale of those impacts," says Centre Director and Distinguished Professor Sean Ulm.
"The scale is confronting and heartbreaking. This is difficult knowledge. The findings challenge what we thought we knew and open up entirely new research questions"
Soon after British ships arrived, smallpox swept through First Nations communities in the Sydney area and many died as a result. This is the first evidence showing how many people may have died and how quickly the disease spread.
The study found that the epidemic caused widespread population loss and had lasting effects on how First Nations people resisted colonisation and cared for Country, with impacts still being felt today.
"Our modelling shows a rapid smallpox spread and mass mortality following colonial exposure," says lead author Dr Cody Nitschke, a CIEHF Research Associate at Flinders University. "It's important for Australians to come to terms with this traumatic legacy to inform the national process of healing".
Published today in the journal Nature Human Behaviour, the study was conducted in collaboration with the Gujaga Foundation (Dharawal Nation), whose ancestors were the people at ground zero when the epidemic hit. The findings show the disease spread quickly through Aboriginal communities in south-eastern Australia.
"We always believed that it was the First Fleet that spread the smallpox, with many families within community suspecting it was spread deliberately too but this still needs to be looked at," says David Ingrey, a senior Elder in the La Perouse Community of the Dharawal Nation.
"This paper shows that it didn't come from up north. We know it didn't start with the French visitors. It was started in Sydney Harbour with the First Fleet."
Smallpox causes fever, severe illness, scarring, and high death rates, especially in Indigenous populations with no previous exposure. The research shows that this initial outbreak of the disease followed coastlines and major rivers, but did not reach all parts of Australia.
Researchers, including Indigenous scholars, tested whether the epidemic originated from Makassan traders visiting northern Australia, or the First Fleet, to resolve decades of debate.
"Even after adding generous movement rates and idealised contact between populations, the model showed that smallpox was extremely unlikely to have reached Sydney if introduced in the north".
"The epidemic was likely limited to the south-eastern coastal regions of Australia and along major intersecting rivers such as the Murray and Lachlan Rivers. Assuming a 60 per cent lethality, the loss of between 40,000 and 220,000 people would probably have occurred in these regions" says Dr Nitschke.
"Rather than relying on assumptions about where the epidemic started, we tested both origin theories directly. The data allowed us to identify which one was most consistent with how the disease spreads" says Dr Nitschke.
"Before colonial invasion, the movement of people followed known paths -- for water, ceremony, food, trade, and family. The disease could only travel where people could realistically walk, rest, and recover."
Co-author Distinguished Professor Lynette Russell says the findings have also been welcomed internationally "I recently discussed this research in Makassar, and colleagues there have long rejected the idea that Makassan visitors were responsible for the smallpox epidemic in southern Australia."
Professor Corey Bradshaw, a Chief Investigator at CIEHF and co-author, says the findings highlight the scale of the epidemic and its long-term consequences.
"The smallpox epidemic is arguably one of the most devastating events resulting from colonial invasion, yet there remains widespread disagreement on its origin, scale, impact, and spread until this modelling gave us important new insights."
"Families, knowledge systems, and ways of caring for Country were impacted, and the effects are still felt today."
"This epidemic was concentrated and likely unfolded over many years. Elders, children, and pregnant women were especially vulnerable, meaning that knowledge, language, and culture suffered deep harm alongside population loss. Even survivors were severely compromised and could often not care for Country in the same way" says Professor Bradshaw.
While the modelling suggests the first outbreak did not spread across the entire continent, the researchers say further work is needed to understand the impacts of later epidemics and frontier violence.
"The modelling does not speak over Aboriginal knowledge, memory, or oral history." Professor Bradshaw says.
Co-author Dr Shane Ingrey of Gujaga Foundation adds that First Nations communities in Sydney persisted despite the devastation.
"It is always perceived by the wider community that everyone was wiped out and there were no Sydney Aboriginal people left after the initial outbreak, but we have First Fleet observations of our people back in the harbour within a month or so fishing and living", he says.
"We quickly regrouped and over the next century continued living in and around the Harbour, continuing our cultural ways, continuing talking our language, continuing to apply our knowledge systems right up until the 1880s where the remaining descendants were forcefully relocated on Country out to the old camp turned government reserve at La Perouse.Here we continued to practice and pass on our Dharawal culture and language and still do today. Our connections were disrupted, but they were never broken."
The research - "Stochastic models indicate rapid smallpox spread and mass mortality of Indigenous Australians after colonial exposure", by Matthew C. Nitschke, Alan N. Williams, Shane D. Ingrey, Billy Griffiths, Nicholas Pitt, Lynette Russell, Sean Ulm, Kirsty Beller, Michael I. Bird, Syeda H. Fatima, Ian J. McNiven, Frederik Saltre, Alison Bashford, Christopher Wilson, and Corey J. A. Bradshaw - has been published in Nature Human Behaviour doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-026-02504-6.
If you, or someone you know, are feeling worried or no good, we encourage you to connect with 13YARN on 13 92 76 (24 hours / 7 days) and talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter.
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Original text here: https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2026/july/modelling-reveals-sydneys-1789-smallpox-outbreak-killed-as-many-as-220,000-indigenous-australians
Honoring James Weinel's Vision for Signage Research at University of Cincinnati
CINCINNATI, Ohio, July 11 -- The University of Cincinnati posted the following news:
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Honoring James Weinel's vision for signage research at UC
Philanthropist who helped establish nationally recognized programs in signage and wayfinding
By Claudia Rebola, rebolacb@ucmail.uc.edu
The College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) mourns the passing of James "Jim" Weinel, a visionary entrepreneur, philanthropist and steadfast supporter of higher education whose generosity helped shape the future of signage and wayfinding research at the University of Cincinnati.
A titan in the ... Show Full Article CINCINNATI, Ohio, July 11 -- The University of Cincinnati posted the following news: * * * Honoring James Weinel's vision for signage research at UC Philanthropist who helped establish nationally recognized programs in signage and wayfinding By Claudia Rebola, rebolacb@ucmail.uc.edu The College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) mourns the passing of James "Jim" Weinel, a visionary entrepreneur, philanthropist and steadfast supporter of higher education whose generosity helped shape the future of signage and wayfinding research at the University of Cincinnati. A titan in thesignage industry, Weinel believed that effective signage and visual communication should be informed by rigorous, peer-reviewed research. Together with his late wife, Sharon, he invested in programs and partnerships that continue to influence designers, researchers and industry leaders around the world.
Through his philanthropy, Weinel helped establish the Terence M. Fruth/Gemini Chair of Signage Design and Community Planning at DAAP, the James S. Womack/Gemini Chair of Signage and Visual Marketing at the Carl H. Lindner College of Business, the Academic Advisory Council for Signage Research and Education (AACSRE), the Interdisciplinary Journal of Signage and Wayfinding (IJSW) and substantially supported the American Sign Museum.
His vision created a lasting platform for interdisciplinary research, education and collaboration, advancing the fields of signage, wayfinding and visual communication while strengthening the connection between academia and industry.
"His legacy extends far beyond the organizations he helped establish. It lives on through students, faculty, researchers and professionals whose work continues to advance the mission he championed throughout his life," said Vikas Mehta, professor and Terence M. Fruth/Gemini Chair of Signage Design and Community Planning in the College of DAAP.
Although widely recognized for his business success, Weinel was equally admired for his humility, generosity and genuine interest in people. Colleagues remember his thoughtful leadership, sharp sense of humor and remarkable ability to connect with others.
Even after retirement, Weinel remained deeply engaged with the work he cared about most. He continued traveling extensively, seeking new experiences, exchanging ideas and encouraging innovation through conversations with colleagues, researchers and friends.
The University of Cincinnati is grateful for James Weinel's extraordinary generosity, leadership and enduring commitment to research and education. His vision will continue to inspire future generations, and the institutions he helped build will carry forward the work he believed was essential to advancing the field.
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Original text here: https://www.uc.edu/news/articles/2026/07/uc-daap-james-weinel-signage-research.html
* * *
Honoring James Weinel's vision for signage research at UC
Philanthropist who helped establish nationally recognized programs in signage and wayfinding
By Claudia Rebola, rebolacb@ucmail.uc.edu
The College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) mourns the passing of James "Jim" Weinel, a visionary entrepreneur, philanthropist and steadfast supporter of higher education whose generosity helped shape the future of signage and wayfinding research at the University of Cincinnati.
A titan in the ... Show Full Article CINCINNATI, Ohio, July 11 -- The University of Cincinnati posted the following news: * * * Honoring James Weinel's vision for signage research at UC Philanthropist who helped establish nationally recognized programs in signage and wayfinding By Claudia Rebola, rebolacb@ucmail.uc.edu The College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) mourns the passing of James "Jim" Weinel, a visionary entrepreneur, philanthropist and steadfast supporter of higher education whose generosity helped shape the future of signage and wayfinding research at the University of Cincinnati. A titan in thesignage industry, Weinel believed that effective signage and visual communication should be informed by rigorous, peer-reviewed research. Together with his late wife, Sharon, he invested in programs and partnerships that continue to influence designers, researchers and industry leaders around the world.
Through his philanthropy, Weinel helped establish the Terence M. Fruth/Gemini Chair of Signage Design and Community Planning at DAAP, the James S. Womack/Gemini Chair of Signage and Visual Marketing at the Carl H. Lindner College of Business, the Academic Advisory Council for Signage Research and Education (AACSRE), the Interdisciplinary Journal of Signage and Wayfinding (IJSW) and substantially supported the American Sign Museum.
His vision created a lasting platform for interdisciplinary research, education and collaboration, advancing the fields of signage, wayfinding and visual communication while strengthening the connection between academia and industry.
"His legacy extends far beyond the organizations he helped establish. It lives on through students, faculty, researchers and professionals whose work continues to advance the mission he championed throughout his life," said Vikas Mehta, professor and Terence M. Fruth/Gemini Chair of Signage Design and Community Planning in the College of DAAP.
Although widely recognized for his business success, Weinel was equally admired for his humility, generosity and genuine interest in people. Colleagues remember his thoughtful leadership, sharp sense of humor and remarkable ability to connect with others.
Even after retirement, Weinel remained deeply engaged with the work he cared about most. He continued traveling extensively, seeking new experiences, exchanging ideas and encouraging innovation through conversations with colleagues, researchers and friends.
The University of Cincinnati is grateful for James Weinel's extraordinary generosity, leadership and enduring commitment to research and education. His vision will continue to inspire future generations, and the institutions he helped build will carry forward the work he believed was essential to advancing the field.
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Original text here: https://www.uc.edu/news/articles/2026/07/uc-daap-james-weinel-signage-research.html