EDITOR’S NOTE

It is my pleasure to present the 14th Volume of the Groundings Undergraduate Journal as a publication of the Libraries Committee of the Glasgow University Union. The theme for this edition, ‘Temporal Shifts: Renaissance and Retribution’ seeks to explore key moments in time that cause change and the legacy of these changes in various aspects of society. Considering the upheaval of society through disease, debate, and decadence, the Editorial Team felt it was important to reflect on the way society has evolved and regressed over the centuries.

From inquiries in physics (Alberto Bodas Gallego) to challenging the artistic status quo (Anna Keenan, James Murdoch), this edition is a coalescence of various disciplines. Questioning the legitimacy of western intervention into indigenous communities (Sharath Nambiar) is relevant in the discussion of the colonial implications of western narratives in Singapore (Samarth Pinnamaraju). Similarly, understanding the expression of gender based violence and sexual assault (Ally Zlatar) is in tandem with the examination body geographies (Mollie Kelleher). The themes explored in this edition are able to transcend the boundaries of subject fields by examining the implications of research on society as a whole. The influence of football on socio political divides (Eva Burns) provides potential to use sport as a tool to heal society, and looking towards indigenous cultures and the use of psychedelics can have significant impacts on modern medicine and healthcare (Sophie Barcan).

Just as Volumer 14 is a meeting ground for different areas of study, Groundings has historically been responsible for bringing together those heavily involved in the Glasgow University Union and those who may have never heard of the institution before. This year is no exception. This interaction continues to be important to showcase the very best the undergraduate students of the University of Glasgow have to offer in the arts, humanities, and sciences. I sincerely hope that the passion and hardwork put into this edition of the journal, is able to inspire the editions to come.

AnanyaVenkatesan Editor-in-Chief, 2022-23