Research Fellow in the Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Dr Michael Heaney, has recently featured in a variety of media outlets discussing his research. 

On 14 February he was interviewed by CBC in Canada about the anti-pipeline protests which are obstructing railway transport across Canada. Michael said that the Wet'suwet'en protest against the Coastal GasLink Pipeline has been more effective than typical protests.  The protesters have coordinated actions across the continent, sustained their actions over a period of time, and created disruption of transportation.  These factors have enabled them to gain the attention of decision makers, such as the Prime Minister.  Now the question is whether the protesters can draw public opinion to their side.

More locally, his research was the front page story of The National as his study found that Nicola Sturgeon’s leadership of the SNP has brought more women into the independence move-ment. His study found that her ascent to leader has changed the demographic of the independence movement. He reported 'We don’t see any gender division at all in these three levels of mobilisation –  support for the cause, attendance at demonstrations, and membership in movement organisation' 

Michael's social movement expertise on Scottish independence was also featured in the Indypram podcast

 

 


First published: 26 February 2020

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