Murray Leith

Murray Leith is a Professor and Director of the Centre for Migration, Diaspora Citizenship & Identity (CMDCI) at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), School of Education and Social Sciences. Since 2007, he has held roles including Programme Leader, Head of Division, and Assistant Dean. His research focuses on Scottish/UK and US politics, nationalism, diaspora dynamics, veterans’ welfare, and social innovation. Leith has led major projects such as the Scottish Connections Framework policy for the Scottish Government and the UK Ministry of Defence’s ‘Unforgotten Forces’ initiative for veteran support. He frequently engages with global media, discussing political and social issues, and collaborates with governmental and third-sector organizations. His work addresses themes like Brexit’s impact on identity, diaspora policy, and digital inclusion.

Leith’s interdisciplinary research includes over 65 publications, with recent emphases on Scottish diaspora frameworks, post-Brexit national identities, and veteran engagement. He is currently editing a volume on the global Scottish diaspora and serves on editorial boards for journals like National Identities. His expertise spans UN Sustainable Development Goals related to social inclusion and policy innovation. Advising PhD students on topics like nationalism and diaspora politics, Leith bridges academia with public policy through actionable research and public lectures.

Key projects include an Erasmus+ funded initiative on European identity and collaborations with veteran charities. His media contributions span outlets in Australia, the US, and Europe, emphasizing contemporary socio-political analysis. Leith’s work underscores the intersection of identity, politics, and societal transformation, with a focus on policy-driven solutions.