Newsroom University of ��۴�ý

Microplastics found in the reproductive system of sea turtles

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 15:33:00 +0100

University of ��۴�ý scientists have discovered significant concentrations of microplastics in the male reproductive system of sea turtles.

The scientists also found slightly less, but still significant levels of microplastics in other organs of both male and female turtles, including the heart, kidney, liver and spleen, as well as skeletal muscle, subcutaneous fat, stomach and intestines.

They studied the bodies of 10 stranded loggerhead sea turtles, recovered by the Oceanogràfic Foundation of Valencia, that suffered drowning and exhaustion when they were accidently caught up in commercial fishing nets.

The findings, published in the journal , could spell disaster for the majestic creatures already found in declining numbers in the world’s oceans.

It is the first study to show that microplastics from the gut can translocate in sea turtles, opening up the possibility of different organs especially the reproductive system - being directly affected.

The scientists believe microplastics may also lead to systemic inflammation in the animals.

The largest median particle size of around 25 microns was found in the intestines and fat, and the smallest median particle size - of around 15 microns was found in the stomach and reproductive organs.

Lead author Leah Costello, a PhD researcher from The University of ��۴�ý was funded under a Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council Doctoral Training Studentship.

She said: “Microplastics are a pervasive marine environmental pollutant, on a par with other global threats such as climate change and ozone depletion.

“Our study is the first to show direct evidence of the presence of microplastics in the reproductive and other organs of loggerhead sea turtles.

“Sea turtles already face many pressures from human activity and although we have been aware that they ingest plastic throughout their range, the finding of microplastics in almost every tissue sample was quite shocking.

“These findings show that even seemingly healthy individuals could be under physiological stress, impacting the reproductive success of vulnerable and recovering populations.”

Foreign microparticles were identified in 98.8% of all samples, of which around 70% were microplastics.

Analysis revealed that polypropylene, polyester fibres, and polyethylene were the most common microparticle types.

Polypropylene is used in include food packaging, clothing, bottle caps, ropes, personal care products, fishing gear and twine.

Loggerhead turtles are regularly reported to ingest plastic bags - made from polyethylene - who misidentify them as jellyfish and algae.

Polyester is another dominant microfiber releasing large numbers of microfibres into the oceans and seas.

And further analysis provided direct visualisation of cotton microfibres embedded in loggerhead heart tissue.

Three million tonnes of primary microplastics are released into environment every year, with a further 5.3 million tonnes of larger plastic items that can degrade into secondary microplastics over time.

Because plastics can remain in the gut for up to four months in sea turtles, the scientists speculate that microplastics can cross biological barriers from the gut to organs via the circulatory system contributing to a suite of adverse biological effects.

Co-author Professor Holly Shiels from the University of ��۴�ý added: “Microplastic accumulation is likely to be associated with organ damage and toxicity in these incredible marine reptiles that can live for 70 years.

“Of particular concern is the impact on reproduction, with implications on growth, development and viability of offspring which could spell trouble for the stability of these already vulnerable sea turtle populations.

“However, further studies are required to more broadly assess the biological and health impacts of microplastic on sea turtle reproduction.”

Image: fibre lodged in sea turtle heart
Microplastics accumulate in all major organs of the Mediterranean loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is publushed in Marine Environmental Research

University makes Health Service Journal awards final

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 11:03:00 +0100

The University of ��۴�ý academics are celebrating their appearance at the final of the Health Service Journal Partnership award category for the ‘Most Impactful Use of Technology on Clinical Practice’.

Working in partnership with ��۴�ý University NHS Foundation Trust and Roche, the team developed the project - REVISE-HCC.

The REVISE-HCC project, funded by SBRI Healthcare /NHS England, was established to explore the use of an innovative test for liver cancer, which will help patients access earlier care and potentially save lives.

This project focused on implementing an improved strategy for liver cancer surveillance in patients who are at high risk by using the GAAD algorithm developed by Roche.

GAAD is an accurate test that combines blood tests with gender and age to indicate the presence of HCC (Hepatocellular carcinoma), which is the most common cause of cancer affecting the liver and a leading cause for cancer-related deaths worldwide. The test is used alongside routine HCC surveillance tests to see how it can benefit patients.

With the combined purpose to improve the detection rate for this deadly cancer at curable stages and improve the quality of life for these patients, we’re thrilled to receive this recognition.

Healthcare is rapidly shifting, towards more personalised care that’s more in tune with patients, embracing digital technologies that enable new possibilities. We’re excited to be at the forefront of this new class of diagnostic algorithms that our teams are helping to shape.

Programme Manager Oliver Street said: “��۴�ý has some of the highest rates of liver disease and liver cancer in the UK and is a significant healthcare and societal burden. Far too many people are diagnosed too late when curative treatment is not possible.

“We were thrilled to be recognised at this year’s HSJ Partnership Awards for our partnership with Roche and ��۴�ý University NHS Foundation Trust that implemented this innovative technology at MFT and allows for more patients with liver cancer to be detected an early stage when their cancer is potentially curable.”

Mayor Andy Burnham visits The University of ��۴�ý to discuss the future of devolution in Greater ��۴�ý

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 09:28:55 +0000

The University of ��۴�ý hosted the Mayor Andy Burnham for a discussion on The Future of Devolution for Greater ��۴�ý on 21 March at the Royce Hub.

Opening remarks were delivered by Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of ��۴�ý, who spoke about the devolution model in ��۴�ý and how the city is reimagining the architecture of the British state.

The discussion between the Mayor and Mark Morrin from thinktank ResPublica, which launched the pivotal report Devo Max – Devo Manc in 2014 and organised the event with the University’s Policy@��۴�ý team, explored the origins of the role of Mayor of Greater ��۴�ý.

Mr Burnham outlined the initial blueprint for the position and how the role has evolved since he took office. He highlighted how homelessness was one of his priority issues from the outset, and how dealing with these forefront problems paved the way to looking at bigger picture, longer-term issues in the region.

He compared the Greater ��۴�ý Combined Authority (GMCA) to a unified government department and criticised the siloed nature of certain national government institutions. He credited the powerful ‘place first’ nature of ��۴�ý’s political structure and the abundance of community-led initiatives in the region like Live Well, which focuses on health and wellbeing.

During the discussion, Mr Burnham outlined his bold ambitions for skills development in Greater ��۴�ý and highlighted a wider need to link local labour markets to schools. He also discussed his ultimate aim for an employer-driven, all-age, integrated technical education system and his personal pursuit of a Greater ��۴�ý Baccalaureate qualification.

During the conversation, Mr Burnham noted the contribution universities make to Greater ��۴�ý and how The University of ��۴�ý’s research helps to influence strategies and policies that make a real difference in people’s lives.

He also cited the wave of innovation the University has catalysed through initiatives like Unit M, which aims to connect the innovation ecosystem in ��۴�ý and the wider region to accelerate inclusive growth. He also mentioned the University of ��۴�ý’s partnership with the University of Cambridge, and how ��۴�ý can catalyse economic growth through research and innovation.

Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor at The University of ��۴�ý said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Mayor Andy Burnham for this timely conversation on the future of devolution in Greater ��۴�ý.

“Andy’s vision for the region is inspiring and highlights continuing opportunities to work together - whether that’s equipping our future workforce with essential skills, or driving inclusive growth through initiatives like Unit M. As we continue developing the University's 2035 strategy, these discussions remind us of the power of collaboration and the positive impact we can make together for our communities.”

Mr Burnham noted how the education system underserves people who choose not to go to university. He appealed to all local businesses and institutions in the region to prepare 45-day work placements for young people, citing how 50% of young people given these placements go on to work for the employer.

Reflecting on the event, Mr Burnham said: “It has been a rollercoaster for Greater ��۴�ý over the last 10 years in a really positive way. I believe the changes we will see over the next decade will be even more dramatic than the last, and the architecture of the British state will seismically change too. We are looking back at a decade of above-average growth, and across the city we have worked collaboratively to get to the great place we are now.

“Universities have been some of our most instrumental partners over the years, helping us to build an intellectual case for our strategy. I look forward to our continued work with The University of ��۴�ý as we look to upskill and develop our talent across the city-region.”

Mark Morrin, Head of Research at ResPublica said: “Greater ��۴�ý has been at the vanguard of place-based devolution since securing its first breakthrough deal over 10 years ago. Progress has been incremental and there is still some way to go before the depth of powers outlined in our Devo Max – Devo Manc report are realised; not least fiscal devolution. But the devolution revolution is clearly under way and mayoral authorities are set to be the strategic place makers and power brokers of the future.”

Face-to-face GP appointments linked to higher patient satisfaction

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 00:05:00 +0000

GPs who conduct their surgeries in the flesh are more likely to have satisfied patients according to a new study by University of ��۴�ý researchers.

According to their study published today (25/03/25), satisfaction levels were lower in practices that rely more both on telephone appointments and consultations with non-GP staff.

Advanced nurse practitioners, physician associates, practice-based pharmacists and even paramedics, are among the roles who over the past few years have increasingly worked in place of GPs.

The study also theorises that patient satisfaction could increase by 1% when 10 additional face to face GP appointments per 1000 patients per month are added.

The findings are released amid recent changes to Government policy which aims to place more emphasis on non-GP roles to fill gaps in primary care provision.

However, critics of the policy argue that the new roles can be a cheap substitute which blur the lines between doctors and non-doctors.

The study is the first to use national appointment data to investigate the complex relationships between patient satisfaction, access, preference for a specific GP, and support for managing long-term conditions against appointment volume, modality (telephone or face-to-face), and practitioner type.

The data set of over half a million English patients from 5,500 practices was taken from the General Practice Patient Survey (GPPS) and NHS Digital's practice level appointment data, covering August 2022 to March 2023.

The study found that 69.5% of appointments were face-to-face and 27.2% were on the telephone. Only 29.6% of appointments were face-to-face with a GP and 18.4% were GP telephone appointments.

The researchers also found that practices with a larger amount of telephone consultations had less satisfied patients. This dissatisfaction was still present and decreased only slightly when telephone calls were carried out by GPs, rather than non-GP staff.

The correlation coefficient between face-to-face appointments and overall satisfaction was 0.096, showing that practices with a greater percentage of face-to-face appointments were more likely to have patients with higher overall satisfaction.

However the figure for GP face-to-face appointments was 0.167 showing that GP face-to-face appointments have an even stronger correlation.

The study also found that:

Practices offering more on the day appointments had reduced satisfaction with access compared to practices that offered appointments days or weeks in advance.
Greater numbers of appointments of any type with any staff member overall resulted in improved patients satisfaction.
Greater numbers of GP appointments at a practice were associated with reduced unmet health needs.

Dr Patrick Burch is an academic clinical lecturer at The University of ��۴�ý and a practising GP.

He said: “This study of appointments from over 5,500 practices showed that more appointments, particularly with face-to-face with GPs, tended to be associated with more satisfied patients who were better able to meet their health needs.

“While telephone and IT assisted appointments have an important role to play in general practice, we would cautiously welcome an overall increase in the proportion of face-to-face consultations.

“Until recently, simply employing more GPs was not seen as feasible. However, given six out of 10 job-seeking GPs have to find a vacancy to apply for over the past year, this may now be a potential option.

“We would also welcome measures that free up GP time to enable more patient appointments.”

He added: “A greater proportion of telephone appointments were associated with decreased satisfaction in general, especially when provided by non-doctor roles.

“Non-GP clinicians employed in primary care since 2019 has increased by 21,600 full time equivalent staff members.

“As primary care funding has not gone up significantly, arguably this cash is now being used to pay other less expensive clinicians rather than GPs.

“The reasons for the findings behind this study are likely to be complex, but there is undoubtedly an important role for non-GP clinicians in primary care.

“Patient satisfaction is not the only measure of success in general practice but it is important that policy makers take note of the link between patient satisfaction and numbers of appointments with GPs.”

In the paper, appointments were only divided into GP or non-GP, with no other categories used. As a proportion, if one goes up, the other goes down.

The paper What is the relationship between the volume and type of appointments in general practice and patient experience? An observational study of general practice in England is published in the British Journal of General Practice . DOI:

Experts call for urgent bus network reforms to reconnect communities

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 11:24:55 +0000

Leading experts have called on the government to make urgent changes to the UK’s bus network in an appearance at a Transport Select Committee inquiry. The group – including Professor Karen Lucas, Head of the Transport and Mobilities Group at The University of ��۴�ý – spoke about the detrimental impact of poor bus connectivity and the need for immediate government action.

Buses are a lifeline for many communities, providing access to jobs, healthcare and education. However, when networks are unreliable, expensive or fail to meet demand, the most vulnerable groups - including low-income individuals, women, the elderly, disabled people and minority communities - are disproportionately affected.

Professor Lucas joined Silviya Barrett (Campaign for Better Transport), Stephen Frost (IPPR) and Paul Miner (CPRE) to give evidence to the committee, where they urged policymakers to address the growing transport inequalities across the country.

Research presented to the inquiry revealed that nearly 10 million people live in areas with a high risk of transport-related social exclusion, with the North East of England being the most affected. Poor public transport connectivity exacerbates existing inequalities, creating ‘transport deserts’ that leave residents isolated from employment opportunities, essential services and social connections.

To secure the future of bus services, the expert panel has put forward a series of recommendations including investment in more frequent and reliable buses, long-term funding settlements, a new statutory requirement to provide socially necessary services and continued support for affordable fares.

The panel urged the Transport Select Committee to ensure their report to the Government includes a focus on the ‘four As’ - Availability, Accessibility, Affordability, and Acceptability. Without addressing these key issues, they point out that millions of people will continue to face transport-related exclusion.

“Buses are an essential public service, yet too many communities are cut off from the bus network - this needs to change,” said Silviya Barrett from Campaign for Better Transport. “The Government must identify gaps in the current network, provide targeted funding to plug those gaps and introduce of a ‘bus service guarantee’ to ensure all communities have access to a good, affordable and reliable bus service in the future.”

“There is an urgent need for reform,” added Professor Lucas. “If the Government takes action now, we can create a sustainable, well-connected bus network that benefits communities, the economy, and public health.”

Research to support young brain tumour survivors

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0000

A research study conducted by The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in ��۴�ý and The University of ��۴�ý aims to improve the quality of life for young people who have survived a brain tumour.

The research looks, for the first time, into how to assess the range of ongoing needs after having a brain tumour for young people between 16-39 year olds.

Using a questionnaire designed with the help of nearly 130 patients, detailed information is now going to be gathered from 100 brain tumour survivors as part of their follow-up consultation. Researchers will then assess the impact the survey has on providing personalised care to improve the long-term support after treatment. If this trial improves the experience for patients at The Christie, then the plan is to roll it out at to other hospitals around the UK.

Dr Kate Law, a research fellow and specialist nurse at The Christie and honorary research associate at The University of ��۴�ý, who is leading on the research study known as YOU-CAN said: “A third of all childhood cancers are brain tumours and survival is highest for 15 – 39 year olds. Currently there is no assessment tailored specifically for young people with a brain tumour. We have identified an unmet need, and want to address this to make life better for young brain tumour survivors in the future.

“At The Christie alone we see approximately 550 patients who were diagnosed with brain cancer as a child or young adult every year on long-term follow-up. What is fantastic is that people are living longer and recovering from brain tumours, but we are aware that often these very determined and resilient young people need help with independent living, forming relationships and friendships, starting a family and managing the emotions associated with the long-term effects of a brain tumour. They want to make the most out of life and we need to support them in doing this.

“It is hoped that the evidence gathered from the YOU-CAN study will be a step towards a change in clinical practice in the future where every young person has access to a multi-disciplinary team for on-going support after being treated for a brain tumour.

Claudia Laird (27), a children’s nurse from Burnley in Lancashire was diagnosed with a brain tumour in January 2022 when she was 24. Her tumour was 7cm by 5cm and doctors believed it had been growing in her head for 15 years. Claudia went to the GP several times due to headaches, fatigue, memory loss, hallucinations and sickness. She initially thought she had a virus, but a scan revealed she had an astrocytoma, a form of brain cancer.

“I was a healthy person, so it was hard at first to get a diagnosis. But when I did, from the scan to surgery was like a whirlwind and I had emergency neurosurgery. Thankfully the surgeon believed he’d removed the whole tumour. Now I just go for six-monthly scans. While I feel well physically, and no longer on treatment, you’re left with psychological trauma and you worry about what will happen if the tumour grows back. You have to pick up your life where you left off but it’s a ‘new normal’. Forming relationships is hard and I haven’t had a partner since all this happened. I’m not 100 per cent back to where I was, and have some short term memory loss and I can get overwhelmed easily. Hopefully that will improve in time and the brain can re-learn things. It’s still quite early days and it’s still hard for me but I take it day by day.

“I was discharged two days after surgery and I didn’t even take any time off work. My mum has been a massive support system, and I don’t think I’d be here without her, but having a professional like a support worker you can go to with questions would be so useful. I’ve been writing poetry which has been great therapy. I do a lot of charity work and fundraising to give back and next month I’m helping with a creative workshop for other young people who have brain injuries. I also do a lot of yoga, pilates and relaxation classes which really help. I’m enjoying life and see things differently now and appreciate everything so much more than before.”

‘Important milestone’ reached at the University of ��۴�ý’s Fallowfield Campus

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +0000

The University of ��۴�ý’s redevelopment plans for the Fallowfield Campus have reached an “important milestone” following the submission of a Reserved Matters Planning Application.

The application sets out detailed proposals relating to the appearance, landscaping, layout and scale of the scheme, which covers Owens Park, Oak House and Woolton Hall.

It builds on the Outline Planning Permission granted in January 2024.

The application will now be evaluated by ��۴�ý City Council’s planning department.

A five-week consultation and engagement exercise was completed throughout December 2024 and early January 2025 to ensure the views of the local community informed the proposals.

The ambitious redevelopment plans include the creation of 3,300 modern, high-quality student bedspaces, along with dedicated amenity space, ancillary residential dwellings and greenspaces. Five distinct neighbourhoods that celebrate local history and character, and a central hub as an anchor and heart of the campus, are features of the scheme.

Commenting on the submission of the Reserved Matters Planning Application, Dr Simon Merrywest, Director for the Student Experience, University of ��۴�ý, said: “This is an important milestone in realising our vision for the Fallowfield Campus. The plans and proposals within the Reserved Matters Application reinforce our commitment to providing new and returning students with modern, high-quality accommodation, and will help us to meet the future needs of our student population.”

The project is being delivered by the Viridis Consortium - a partnership consisting of GRAHAM, Equitix and Derwent FM.

The demolition of the Owens Park Tower and surrounding buildings is ongoing.

Enabling works are progressing in preparation for the main construction programme, which will commence in 2026. The phased handover of buildings will allow students to move into their new homes at different points from 2027 through to 2030.

GRAHAM has led the planning process in collaboration with the University of ��۴�ý, architects, Sheppard Robson, and planning consultants, Deloitte.

Neil McFarlane, GRAHAM Project Director for the Fallowfield Campus, said: “The planning submission is a further important milestone for the Fallowfield Campus project. It is the culmination of months of challenging work and an intensive programme of engagement with the University, staff, students and the local community. We believe the submitted plans will create an exemplar sustainable campus that will enhance the experience of the University’s next generation of students.”

Sustainable design and construction are embedded within the proposals. The development will be one of the largest Passivhaus developments in the world – meaning the buildings will use less energy, promote good indoor air quality and maintain comfortable temperatures year-round.

The development is also targeting BREEAM Excellent certification, a further independent sustainability assessment. The preservation of the mature landscape and enhanced green spaces are embedded within the plans.

Natalia Maximova, Associate Partner at Sheppard Robson Architects, who has managed the design process, said: “Our designs are inspired by the site's layers of history and its unique character, providing high-quality student homes and amenities in a rich parkland setting. The proposals rebuild the student community at Fallowfield and create a new generation of sustainable student homes."

Tristan Meredith, Equitix Development Director, added: “Equitix is committed to delivering best in class solutions with a core focus on sustainability. The submitted plans demonstrate our commitment to sustainable development while providing a world-class living experience for the University of ��۴�ý’s future students.”

For more information on the Fallowfield Campus redevelopment, please visit: /about/governance/corporate-documents/campus-masterplan/fallowfield-consultation

��۴�ý Academic selected as a member of the UK Young Academy

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 14:36:07 +0000

A University of ��۴�ý academic has been selected as a member of the UK Young Academy - an interdisciplinary network of early-career professionals and researchers working together to tackle pressing global and local challenges and promote lasting change.

is among 42 emerging leaders from across the UK named as the newest members of the UK Young Academy, who come from a wide range of sectors, with backgrounds in political science, engineering, government, communications and the creative and performing industries, and more.

As a member of the UK Young Academy, will have the opportunity to take action on both local and global issues. Through interdisciplinary projects and working across sectors, the members will bridge gaps, drive innovation, and develop the solutions needed to address critical challenges – all while advancing their professional development and contributing to a global network of Young Academies focused on achieving positive outcomes.

’s expertise is in nuclear reaction theories and is particularly interested in working on projects related to physics education, science communication, and supporting early-career researchers from at-risk or underrepresented backgrounds.

For the first time, a select group of emerging leaders have been chosen for membership in the UK Young Academy through a dedicated route in collaboration with the Council of At-Risk Academics (Cara). At-risk academics from Cara’s network were invited to apply for membership as part of a UK Young Academy member-led project focused on supporting at-risk early-career researchers across the UK.

Next week, the newest members of the UK Young Academy will come together for their Induction Day, where they will learn about the UK Young Academy’s activities and programmes. This will be followed by the third annual All Members’ Meeting, marking the first opportunity for this new group to connect with the wider membership.

Speaking on behalf of the UK Young Academy Membership Selection Committee, Alistair McConnell, said: “The solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges won’t come from a single field or perspective. We need to bring together expertise and insights from a range of disciplines.

“Today, we are delighted to welcome our newest members, whose diverse backgrounds and expertise will bring fresh perspectives to the UK Young Academy. These members will have the opportunity to challenge boundaries, make new connections, and work together to develop innovative solutions to the challenges that matter most.

“As we enter our third year as an organisation, the new members will be able to contribute right from the outset. Through involvement in innovative projects, work programmes, or by ensuring that early-career voices are part of key global and local debates, they’ll be positioned to make a meaningful contribution.”

The new members take up their posts from 1 April 2025, and membership runs for five years.

Lemn Sissay OBE to judge University's 2025 Micropoetry Competition

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 11:51:05 +0000

Esteemed poet and former Chancellor of The University of ��۴�ý, Lemn Sissay OBE, has been unveiled as a returning judge for the 2025 edition of the annual Micropoetry competition.

As the honorary chair of creative writing, Lemn will joined by fellow judges John McAuliffe, Professor of Poetry at The University of ��۴�ý and ��۴�ý-based poet and critic, Maryam Hessavi.

The theme for 2025 is ‘Connections’ and the challenge is simple - write a ‘micro poem’ of no more than 280 characters, and submit using the official competition entry form.

Lemn said: “The Micropoetry Competition sets a wonderful yet challenging task of translating a theme into a short work of art. It’s a craft to tell a story in such a manner and I’m looking forward to reading the 2025 entries, centred around the chosen theme. As someone who published a book of tweets in the form of quatrains, I urge you to pen your poem and enter the competition.”

Entries must be submitted by 23:59 on Saturday 21 June 2025, with winners to be announced by Friday 25 July 2025.

Prizes will be awarded for first place (£500) and the two runners-up (£250), with a £25 book token for winner of the under-18s category.

Professor of Poetry at The University of ��۴�ý, John McAuliffe, said: "World Poetry Day celebrates all that is fascinating about poetry and its manifold forms. Our Micropoetry Competition explores the art of translating a set theme into a condensed poem that captures attention and shares a story.”

For the full entry details as well as the terms and conditions,

The University of ��۴�ý Innovation Factory appoints Dr Catherine Headley as new CEO

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +0000

The University of ��۴�ý Innovation Factory (UoMIF) has appointed Dr Catherine Headley as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Catherine succeeds Andy Wilkinson, who played a pivotal role in transforming UoMIF into a dynamic force for commercialising cutting-edge technology and intellectual property (IP) originating from the University’s academics and researchers.

Catherine steps into the role full-time, having served as Interim CEO over the past year, while also fulfilling her responsibilities as Director of Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange at The University of ��۴�ý. With a wealth of experience in working with businesses, technology transfer and innovation, she brings a deep commitment to advancing UoMIF’s mission of identifying and commercialising groundbreaking research to drive social, environmental and economic impact.

Catherine will be succeeded in her previous role as Director of Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange by Dr Louise Bates, who joins from her position as Head of Strategic Partnerships at The University of ��۴�ý.

“I am thrilled to take on this role at such an exciting time for the Innovation Factory,” said Catherine. “��۴�ý has a proud and established legacy of pioneering innovation that shapes the world and I am eager to build on that tradition. My goal is to strengthen our partnerships, empower our academics, inventors and researchers, and accelerate the journey from discovery to real-world solutions that benefit society and bolster the UK’s position as a global leader in innovation.”

The appointment comes at a time when technology transfer offices (TTOs) across the UK are increasingly recognised for their economic contributions.

A 2023 report highlighted that university spinouts in the UK employ tens of thousands and generate billions in revenue annually, underscoring the critical role of organisations like UoMIF in fostering innovation ecosystems. UoMIF plays a critical role in supporting growth in the region through its spinouts and innovation, and is now perfectly placed to grow and increase the environmental, societal and economic impact that it contributes.

Over the past several years, UoMIF established itself as a vital bridge between academic research and commercial application, supporting the University’s ambition to create impact through translation of world-class research. Catherine aims to build on this foundation, driving UoMIF towards ambitious goals while reinforcing ��۴�ý’s historic role as a hub of technological advancement.

Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of ��۴�ý, welcomed the appointment, saying: “I’m delighted Catherine is stepping into the role of CEO at the Innovation Factory. Her leadership, creativity, and commitment to bringing our research to life exemplify exactly what we're about as a University.

"Her appointment will help us accelerate the journey from discovery to real-world impact, ensuring our ideas make a meaningful difference - not just here in ��۴�ý, but nationally and globally. It's an exciting step forward as we continue to push boundaries in research and innovation, and I'm truly looking forward to seeing what she'll achieve.”

Professor Richard Jones, Vice-President, Regional Innovation and Civic Engagement at The University of ��۴�ý, said: “Catherine’s leadership comes at a pivotal moment for the Innovation Factory as we seek to amplify ��۴�ý’s position as an innovation powerhouse for the region and the nation. Her appointment signals our commitment to transforming bold ideas into tangible solutions, fostering a vibrant ecosystem where research fuels regional growth and global breakthroughs.

"The Innovation Factory, under her guidance, will be a valuable asset to support the University’s world-class innovators and transformative technologies.”

For more information about the University of ��۴�ý Innovation Factory and its work, please visit www.uominnovationfactory.com.

University celebrates four prestigious research awards

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 16:30:08 +0000

Four academics from the Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health have been appointed as (NIHR) , in recognition of their leading and transformative research.

is Professor of Health Policy and is a GP by background. She leads a team of researchers in the Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care at The University of ��۴�ý. Professor Checkland’s team researches the impact of changes to NHS policy, organisation and management, working closely with policy makers at the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England to ensure that policy and organisational changes are based upon the best possible evidence.

Professor Checkland has a particular interest in primary care workforce, working with colleagues across the and to develop an evidence base to support policy in this area.

is Professor in Health Economics, Lead for the ��۴�ý Centre for Health Economics (MCHE), an applied health economist, and a UK-registered pharmacist.

Professor Elliott applies an economics perspective to better understand complex healthcare themes (patient safety and adherence, primary care, digital interoperability, diabetes, antibiotic resistance, mental health and dementia) to design effective, sustainable solutions that improve health where there is the greatest unmet need.

is a Professor of Health Psychology at the University as well as being President of the European Health Psychology Society. Professor French is a behavioural scientist who is interested in developing, evaluating and implementing complex interventions to improve health. His research focusses on cancer screening, prevention of diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease in high-risk populations, and effects of changing the built environment.

The University also celebrates , Professor in Oncology, who has been reappointed as Senior Investigator by the NIHR.

Professor Kath Checkland said: “I was absolutely delighted to have my work for NIHR recognised by this award. My research has benefitted enormously from the financial and practical support provided by NIHR, and I am delighted to have this opportunity to contribute to further to its work.

Professor Rachel Elliott said: “I am very pleased and honoured to have been given the Senior Investigator award. As a Senior investigator, I will expand my leadership in research through continued development of the economics of safety work programme, augmented by my role in NIHR-Greater ��۴�ý-Patient Safety Research Collaboration.

“I will enhance public, patient, and community engagement in health economics through expanded training and funded projects, while promoting inclusion in the academic workforce by proactively reaching out to underrepresented professions, regions, and institutions, supported by my role as Post-doctoral Award Chair in the NIHR Academy.”

Professor David French said: “I am delighted to be appointed as an NIHR Senior Investigator, and the opportunities this provides to provide leadership in developing and evaluating complex interventions to promote health, especially those with high reach.”

The NIHR funds Senior Investigators every year. Those appointed to the role help to guide research capacity development and play a leading role in guiding strategy and tackling challenges in the health and social care landscape.

The position is awarded to those who make an outstanding leadership contribution to the work of the NIHR. All Senior Investigator appointees receive funding for 4 years to support their research activities while undertaking a senior leadership role for the NIHR.

Working in partnership with the NHS, universities, local government, and the public, the NIHR funds, enables and delivers world-leading health and social care research that improves people’s health and well-being and promotes economic growth.

See the full list of NIHR Senior Investigators .

Read NIHR's news story .

National Graphene Institute celebrates 10 years of transformative research

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 16:03:25 +0000

The (NGI) at The University of ��۴�ý is marking its 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade of groundbreaking research.

The NGI opened in 2015 and became the home of research into the world’s thinnest, strongest, and most conductive material. Since then, the institute has established itself as a global leader in the research and development of graphene and other advanced 2D materials.

Through the translation of graphene science into tangible, real world applications, the NGI has provided the opportunity for researchers and industry to work together on a variety of potential applications. The institute has been at the forefront of numerous pioneering projects that have reshaped industries and set new benchmarks for innovation.

The NGI’s community of leading academics has played a pivotal role in advancing 2D material research, producing some of the most influential and highly cited studies in the field. Their pioneering work has accelerated the transition of graphene from the laboratory to real-world applications, driving innovation at an unprecedented pace. This collective expertise has cemented ��۴�ý’s position as the global home of graphene, ensuring it remains at the forefront of discovery and innovation.

One of the many groundbreaking innovations from the NGI is the recent advancement of graphene-based neural technologies, now entering the first phase of human trials. is using graphene-based brain-computer interface therapeutics to improve precision surgery for diseases such as cancer.

The NGI has also seen the establishment of many high-profile collaborations and spinouts founded by its academics, or as a result of NGI-based research:

A collaboration between Inov-8 and the University led to the development of the world’s first graphene-enhanced running shoes, proven to be 50% stronger and more durable than other running shoes. This demonstrates the potential of graphene to revolutionise performance sportswear.
seeks to increase accessibility to clean water and air through 2D-enhanced membranes.
is using breakthrough technology to control infrared thermal radiation, which could have applications in aerospace engineering.
are designing and building mineral recovery systems from various sources, such as brines, industrial wastewater, and used batteries.

At the heart of the National Graphene Institute’s pioneering research is its state-of-the-art 1,500m² nanofabrication facility, featuring ISO Class 5 and 6 cleanrooms spread across two floors. This advanced facility is dedicated to the fundamental research of graphene and 2D materials, and the development of cutting-edge devices that harness their exceptional properties. By providing such unique environment for precision research and innovation, the NGI continues to drive breakthroughs that push the boundaries of material science.

Reflecting on the anniversary, Professor Vladimir Fal’ko, Director of the National Graphene Institute said: “This 10-year milestone is a testament to the NGI’s relentless pursuit of excellence and the collaborative spirit that has defined our journey.

“We are immensely proud of the tangible impact our research has had across multiple sciences and industries and remain excited about harnessing 2D materials’ potential to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.”

Looking ahead, the NGI is committed to furthering its legacy of groundbreaking research and sustaining the pipeline of innovation together with its sister institute, the (GEIC), and the nurturing of the next generation of 2D materials scientists with the PhD programme.

Innovative research remains at the forefront of the NGI’s mission, with the Institute currently exploring green hydrogen technologies, next-generation batteries and supercapacitors for faster AI and machine learning, advanced quantum electronics, and the continued development of research into nanofluidics, nanocomposites, and van der Waals materials.

Police struggle to identify the riskiest domestic abuse perpetrators – here’s how they can do better

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 13:51:16 +0000

The government cannot achieve its target to if it doesn’t address the most serious perpetrators – and it isn’t anywhere near knowing how to identify them. Our shows where they are going wrong, and how they can do better.

The most recent statistics show that violence against women and girls affects one in 12 women in . A quarter of domestic abuse incidents reported to police involve known, repeat perpetrators. But despite being to identify and control the most serious perpetrators, police do not currently have systems good enough to do that.

Currently, police forces use an algorithm to determine which offenders pose the greatest risk to women and girls. This is known as the – perpetrators are propelled up or down a list based on the recency, frequency, gravity (seriousness) of reported incidents, and the vulnerability of the victim.

The gap in this approach is that it largely treats incidents as isolated, when they should be looked at as a whole. Research has also found it is used between forces.

Most police perpetrator lists contain hundreds or even thousands of people, making them difficult tools to use. They also do not seem to be able to distinguish who the most serious offenders are, with men with very similar profiles near the top, middle and bottom of the lists.

We propose an , which would assess the whole of a perpetrator’s record of incidents. This would allow police to identify not only the most dangerous perpetrators, but also opportunities to better address their offending earlier on. This might be with diversion to programmes designed to support better choices and rehabilitation, or arrest and incarceration to prevent them harming other people.

By joining together incidents recorded by police for individual perpetrators, we constructed detailed case studies using police officer’s notes. Here is a summary of two people who appear in one force’s perpetrator list.

1. Male born mid 1980s, involved in 340 incidents over 20 years

His offending begins with an indecent assault on a young teenage girl when he is 19. He is increasingly involved in drug-related offending in his 20s. He is later sentenced to six years in jail for arson endangering life. Released on conditional licence, he is re-convicted of the harassment of his ex-partner and recalled to prison.

Release is followed by further offences until the mid-2010s when he is imprisoned again. When released, his offending is erratic (low-level public order, violence, threats, drug-related offending).

Throughout his 30s, he frequently victimises partners and ex-partners. He has no settled address and is homeless at various points of his life. He is still subject to frequent mental health episodes.

2. Male born early 1980s, involved in 396 incidents over 25 years

In his teens he was involved in low-level thefts, criminal damage and breaches of an antisocial behaviour order. He was also suspected of selling drugs to schoolchildren, and imprisoned, aged 18, for drug-related violence.

In his 20s he “associates with” children and is found with a missing vulnerable schoolgirl hiding in his house. He continues to commit offences of criminal damage, drug dealing, and stealing vehicles. Another missing teenage girl is found to be living with him.

In his early 20s he very violently assaults and harasses much younger partners. He continues to commit public order offences and to threaten, harass, and assault current and ex-partners, kicking his pregnant partner in the stomach.

In the early 2020s, police attend his ex-partner’s house following abandoned 999 calls – they find him with his hand over her mouth to stop her calling out to the police. He continues to be violent to ex-partners and his involvement in drug-related offending deepens. He is currently in prison for a violent offence.

Who is the danger?

Both men pose a real and severe threat of violence to women and girls as well as the public. But the RFGV algorithm places the first man more than a thousand places higher than the second. Clearly treating the offences they commit in isolation is not sufficient to distinguish which man poses the greatest risk.

A life-course approach, which takes into account the type and pattern of offending as it develops over time, is less susceptible to fluctuations which move an offender rapidly up or down the priority lists. Therefore, it more reliably reflects who poses the greatest risk.

A better ranking system is clearly required. The RFGV algorithm provides a “score”, but a more sophisticated system would also evaluate the direction of offending of individuals – is it escalating, more frequent, more serious?

A life-course approach could be used separately or together with RFGV to allow police analysts to identify the most serious perpetrators. It may also be possible to use artificial intelligence to identify trends in offending and escalation of risk through analysis of thousands of police incident reports in real time.

The system could then identify opportunities for which have been shown to be effective in reducing re-offending against current and future victims. It could also automatically trigger warnings to neighbourhood officers, specialist domestic abuse-trained officers, mental health services and so on.

We won’t really know the full capability until new systems are tried, and evaluated. This also means including the voices of survivors and focusing on the lives of persistent perpetrators – often substance use, homelessness, estrangement, imprisonment and mental health problems are at play. The possibilities of learning from artificial intelligence or other technology should not be privileged over the very sources of the data such intelligence relies upon: victims’ experiences.

, Professor of Criminology, and , Professor of Social Justice,
This article is republished from under a Creative Commons license. Read the .

The government has revealed its plans to get Britain building again - some of them might just work

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 12:57:41 +0000

The UK government has published its , a cornerstone of its strategy for growth. The bill aims to and includes the hugely ambitious target of building in England over this parliament.

The bill is ambitious in scope – 160 pages long and very technical. But what does it promise exactly?

On , it outlines reforms to limit vexatious repeat use of judicial review to block development. There are also some measures for a stronger electricity grid to ease the move towards renewable energy. While the plan to reward people living with £250 off their bills grabbed headlines, just as important are measures for energy storage to level out peaks in demand and supply.

On the side, planning departments will be allowed to charge more to those making applications. This should speed up decisions by funding more planning officer roles. But there are no measures to increase funding for drawing up local plans. This is important because councils often fall behind schedule in producing these. And where there is no up-to-date plan, there is a danger that developers will push through controversial proposals.

The bill also provides for more decisions to be delegated to planning officials rather than planning committees – this means council staff rather than elected representatives. This already happens for smaller planning applications, so is not entirely new. But it does raise concerns about democratic scrutiny.

The government argues that local democracy will not be undermined, as planning officers will be making their decisions in the context of democratically approved local plans as well as national legislation. But this could be misleading, unless planning authorities have the funds to update local plans regularly.

There are also changes to existing legislation, to support the building of new towns. Particularly welcome is the responsibility on development corporations – government organisations dealing with urban development – to consider climate change and design quality. This is in order to hit net-zero targets and avoid cookie-cutter housing estates.

Other measures are aimed at ensuring appropriate infrastructure is built to serve these new towns.

There are changes planned too on when orders can be used to buy sites that are broadly to be used for the public good. This could be for affordable homes, health or education facilities, for instance. It would work by reducing payments to the actual value of the land rather than its “hope value” (when landholders hold out for price rises once planning permission is granted).

There is also a commitment to creating a fund, which the government hopes will overcome some of the delays to approving new housing caused by potential threats to wildlife.

The fund will aim to unblock development in general rather than specific sites, as happens at the moment, and will pool contributions from developers to fund nature recovery. Where there are concerns for wildlife, experts will develop a long-term mitigation plan that will be paid for by the fund while allowing the development to go ahead in the meantime.

Will it work?

As a professor of urban and environmental planning, the question for me is will the bill encourage development to progress more speedily? Almost certainly – probably mostly in terms of bringing forward improvements to critical national infrastructure schemes such as the electric grid. For residential development, some incremental speeding up is likely as developers crave certainty in planning decisions.

But on their own, these measures are unlikely to be enough to provide the 1.5 million new homes set out in the government’s target. They offer nothing to tackle critical bottlenecks in terms of both . It is also difficult to see the target being met without much more government involvement – by building social housing in particular.

Will the bill result in better quality development? There is surprisingly little in the plans about improving design quality, other than in areas. This is disappointing, and a missed opportunity to ensure that developers raise their game in residential building and neighbourhood quality.

And might it override local democracy? Arguably yes, but in practice not as much as some critics might argue. Most of the reforms are finessing existing practices, such as delegated powers to planning officers. Much depends on what the national government guidance turns out to be.

The biggest concern is that it might increase invisible political pressures on planning officers by councillors and senior officials. It would have been good to have seen more measures to protect their independence and professional judgement.

Hopefully the bill will speed up delivery of nationally important schemes for critical infrastructure. This means things like modernising the electricity grid and removing repeated use of judicial review to block a development. These elements should create jobs sooner and support economic growth.

Where the bill will make absolutely no difference is in improving living standards for people with older homes. This bill is focused on new builds and has little to offer those hoping for support in retrofitting ageing housing stock with more energy-efficient features or creating green spaces in areas where new development is increasingly in demand.

Despite some of the ministerial bluster about , much of the content of this bill is not about removing planning regulations. It is much more about improving them. Some measures will work better than others, but overall, given the government’s electoral mandate to deliver growth and protect the environment, this is a reasonable balancing act.

It’s unlikely to deliver much growth in its own right, but as an enabler of growth, it is promising. More worrying is whether it will lead to poor-quality housing built at pace and massive scale to inadequate energy-efficiency and design standards. This would fail to deliver on net-zero and biodiversity ambitions. It is very much a minor win for facilitating growth, but for nature it is nothing more than maintaining the status quo.

, Professor, Urban and Environmental Planning,
This article is republished from under a Creative Commons license. Read the .

��۴�ý astronomers help reveal cosmic treasure trove from Euclid space telescope

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Scientists have released a new set of data from the Euclid space telescope, offering an unprecedented view of the large-scale structure of the cosmos.

The Euclid space telescope, launched by the European Space Agency (ESA), is designed to create the most detailed map of the night sky ever made, helping scientists understand the evolution of our Universe and mysterious forces like dark matter and dark energy.

Researchers at The University of ��۴�ý have played a key role in leading the Euclid scientific mission and preparing for publication the papers in this new release. This includes a preview of Euclid's deep fields, showing the capability of the mission with less than 1% of the data. These new images showcase hundreds of thousands of galaxies in various shapes and sizes – most never seen before - highlighting their expansive arrangement within the cosmic web.

Euclid Science Coordinator, Chris Conselice, Professor of Extragalactic Astronomy at the University of ��۴�ý, said: “The Euclid telescope and mission has exceeded our expectations and has produced a slew of new science investigating galaxies, stars, and the large-scale structure of the universe in a way that has never been done before. This release is only a very tiny fraction of the survey and it is a preview of things to come whereby Euclid will solve many of the existing problem in astronomy from the nature of the universe to the formation, the evolution of galaxies, and properties of extrasolar planets.”

This first set of data released in this Quick Release 1 (Q1) covers approximately 63 square degrees of the sky - the equivalent area of more than 300 times the full Moon – making it the largest area of sky ever observed with an optical/near-infrared space telescope to such depth and resolution.

Euclid’s extraordinary insights into the huge variety of shapes and the distribution of billions of galaxies are made using its visible instrument (VIS) is essential for measuring their distances and masses.

Among the discoveries reported today are vast thread-like structures known as galaxy filaments that form the backbone of the cosmic web. Scientists have also identified more than 500 strong gravitational lens candidates—rare cosmic phenomena where massive galaxies bend and magnify light from more distant sources, revealing hidden details about the distribution of dark matter.

This release represents just 0.45% of Euclid’s full survey. Over the course of the mission, the telescope is expected to capture more than 1.5 billion galaxies, transmitting nearly 100GB of data each day.

To make sense of this enormous dataset, scientists, including those at The University of ��۴�ý, are using cutting-edge AI and the power of citizen science. Nearly 10,000 volunteers helped train an AI system called ‘Zoobot’ to classify galaxies based on their features, such as spiral arms or evidence of past collisions. Their work has resulted in the first detailed catalogue of over 380,000 galaxies—an essential resource for future discoveries.

These results are described in a series of 27 scientific publications alongside seven technical reports detailing how the data is processed by Euclid’s expert teams.

The scientific papers which have not yet been through the peer-review process, but which will be submitted to the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics. .

New ‘River Rescue Kit’ empowers campaigners to tackle sewage pollution

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 20:06:00 +0000

An expert from The University of ��۴�ý has contributed to the ‘River Rescue Kit’, a groundbreaking online resource designed to empower communities to take action against the growing crisis of river pollution.

The kit - which provides expert guidance on how ordinary people can help to protect local waterways - has been launched by campaigning organisation River Action.

In a video filmed for the resource at the River Irk in Greater ��۴�ý, - who has been lauded for his pioneering research into river pollution - highlighted the devastating extent of sewage contamination in the region’s rivers, which he describes as often being ‘little better than open sewers.’ The video underscores the urgency of the problem and the critical role that local communities play in driving change.

In the clip, his analysis reveals how these pollutants degrade ecosystems, harm wildlife and pose serious risks to public health. He emphasises that while scientific research can expose the scale of the problem, real progress comes when communities unite and campaign for action.

The River Rescue Kit is designed to support individuals and grassroots organisations in holding polluters and policymakers accountable. It offers guidance on gathering water quality data, lobbying decision-makers and raising public awareness.

Professor Woodward highlights the impact of groups like Windrush Against Sewage Pollution (WASP), whose campaigning efforts have brought national attention to the issue and helped shift public and political discourse. “Community activism works,” he said. “We need more people to step up, challenge the status quo, and demand urgent action to clean up our rivers.”

River Action and Professor Woodward urge the public to engage with the River Rescue Kit and join the fight against river pollution. By equipping communities with specialist knowledge and tools, this initiative aims to drive meaningful change and restore the UK’s rivers to health.

For more information and to access the River Rescue Kit, visit .

Acclaimed author Sarah Hall joins The University’s Centre for New Writing

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 18:15:53 +0000

Internationally acclaimed novelist and short story writer Sarah Hall has joined The University of ��۴�ý as a Professor of Creative Writing.

Sarah joins a prestigious teaching team at the University’s Centre for New Writing made up of novelists, poets, screenwriters, playwrights and non-fiction writers, including Jeanette Winterson, Ian McGuire, Jason Allen-Paisant, Beth Underdown, Horatio Clare, Tim Price and John McAuliffe.

Hailed as a ‘writer of show-stopping genius’, Sarah is a two-time Man Booker Prize nominee and an award-winning author of six novels and three short-story collections. Notably, she is the only author to win the prestigious BBC National Short Story Award twice —first in 2013 with ‘Mrs Fox’ and again in 2020 with ‘The Grotesques’. Her new novel, Helm, will be published in August 2025 by Faber who describe it as a ‘wondrous, elemental new novel … about nature, people and the sliver of time we have left’.

Director of the Centre New Writing, Dr. Kaye Mitchell, said: “It feels like a tremendous coup to have Sarah Hall join the Centre for New Writing. Personally, I’ve been beguiled by her beautiful, sensuous prose since the publication of her debut novel, Haweswater, in 2002 and she is simply one of the absolute best short story writers working today. She’s also a writer rooted in the North and in northern landscapes, histories and peoples – a writer whose elemental evocation of natural environments feels passionate and timely. Our Creative Writing students will benefit enormously from her critical eye and creative influence.”

Sarah’s work has been published in more than 15 languages, worldwide. In the UK, she is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, and has won a clutch of prizes – including the Society of Authors Betty Trask Award and Commonwealth Writers Best First Novel (for Haweswater, 2002), the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize (for The Carhullan Army, 2007), and the Portico Prize (for How to Paint a Dead Man, 2010). She has also served on the judging panels of The Booker Prize, The John Llewellyn Rhys Prize, The Northern Writers Awards, and the Commonwealth Short Story Award. In 2025, she is Chair of the judging panel for the Forward Prize for Poetry.

In addition to her fiction, Sarah frequently publishes journalistic reviews, op-eds and provocations; she has written feature length radio plays and scripts and adapted her own work for radio. She commentates for culture programmes including primetime shows on BBC Radio 3 and 4 and has presented radio and television documentaries for the BBC and Sky Arts. Currently, Sarah is working on a film adaptation of The Wolf Border with AC Chapter One/Climate Spring and an original TV series concept for Bonafide Films.

Sarah was previously Professor of Practice at the University of Cumbria, and has taught masterclasses and workshops for The Arvon Foundation, The Faber Academy, The Guardian, and universities including Cambridge and St. Andrews.

Simons Observatory Large Aperture Telescope achieves first light milestone

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 16:24:25 +0000

The (SO) has completed the installation of its Large Aperture Telescope (LAT) near the summit of Cerro Toco in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile.

The telescope joins the observatory’s three Small Aperture Telescopes (SAT) at the site and of the universe’s oldest light — the cosmic microwave background — to help determine what happened just after the universe’s birth.

The University of ��۴�ý is a key partner in SO, playing a leading role in the SO:UK project, which is funded by United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI). SO:UK is currently constructing two additional SATs for the observatory, significantly enhancing its observational capabilities. The University also hosts a major data centre dedicated to processing the wealth of data generated by all four SO telescopes.

Professor Michael Brown, Head of Cosmology at the Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics and Principal Investigator of the SO:UK project, said: “After eight years of design and construction work, first light for the SO LAT telescope is a major milestone for SO and paves the way for a huge range of exciting science to come over the next decade. Together with data from the first three SO SATs, we are excited to start searching the first LAT observations to reveal new secrets of the Universe.”

The LAT receiver camera, measuring 2.4 by 2.6 metres, was carefully installed last year, with the final step being the placement of its two six-metre mirrors. Shortly after completion in late February 2025, the telescope obtained its first celestial image—an observation of Mars. With this successful test, the LAT is set to begin collecting observations in the coming months.

SO Co-Director Mark J. Devlin, said: “This work is the culmination of eight years of effort by dozens of SO researchers to make the world’s most capable ground-based cosmology telescope.

“At the moment the second mirror went in, we moved to make the first observations with the telescope, and all initial indications point to a huge success.”

SO Co-Director Suzanne Staggs, added: “In the space between design and proof of success, there are many sleepless nights, so the LAT’s first light observations are a highly satisfying first step toward proof of the remarkable design.”

“To achieve the gamut of the SO science objectives, the SO team designed the LAT and its camera to have unprecedented sensitivity and excellent optical quality.”

The LAT and the three SATs will closely measure the cosmic microwave background, which is essentially the afterglow of the Big Bang, as well as observe other targets such as the universe’s most massive black holes and our solar system’s asteroids.

“It’s wonderful to have this last major piece of our observatory in place,” says SO Spokesperson Jo Dunkley, the Joseph Henry Professor of Physics and Astrophysical Sciences at Princeton University. “We are excited to find out what the suite of SO telescopes will reveal to us about the universe.”

With all four telescopes now online, the software behind SO is now hard at work operating the observatory’s mechanics and managing the influx of data.

“The LAT coming online means so is the software that runs it,” says SO Data Manager . “The software is now controlling the movements of the telescopes, analysing the incoming data and backing everything up to two sites in North America and another in the UK.”

Future upgrades to the Simons Observatory are already in the works, including enhancing the sensitivity of the LAT and adding new SATs. These upgrades come thanks to funding from the National Science Foundation, U.K. Research and Innovation, and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.

The new milestone coincides with the launch of , which will help communicate the project’s incredible science and technological advances to the public. The SO team also chronicling the SO progress through March 2025.

New research centre for the North of England aims for a sustainable future

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 16:25:14 +0000

A new research centre led by The University of ��۴�ý has been launched which aims to promote socially just, people-centred sustainability transformations by collaborating with communities, governments and businesses to develop low-carbon living initiatives.

The People’s History Museum hosted the launch of the , which featured a discussion on creating a sustainable and fair future in the UK through a place-based strategy that tackles political and social obstacles to reaching net zero.

The University’s Vice-President for Social Responsibility, Professor Nalin Thakkar, opened the event, during which researchers, policymakers and community leaders gathered to discuss effective strategies for low-carbon living (LCL).

The ESRC-funded centre brings together leading academic institutions across Northern England including the Universities of ��۴�ý, Lancaster, Leeds, Liverpool, and Newcastle, and The Institute for Community Studies at The Young Foundation.

With the UK’s target to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and the recent seventh carbon budget announcement by the UK’s Climate Change Committee (CCC), attention now shifts to ensuring a just transition. This means sharing the benefits of net zero and the green economy fairly across UK regions and households. Achieving net-zero emissions is essential, but if the results widen inequality or cause some local areas to stagnate while others thrive, the UK will have missed the chance to create equal opportunities for all households, claims the Centre.

The JUST Centre is dedicated to exploring innovative, coordinated strategies to achieve a just transition, emphasising the need to tailor solutions to each location and individual's unique needs and circumstances.

The Young Foundation’s 2022 study revealed that while 97% of the UK population wanted to participate in achieving net zero, 64% lacked confidence in the government's ability to deliver without leaving people behind. In response, Sherilyn MacGregor, Director of the JUST Centre; Mat Paterson, Deputy Director; and Emily Morrison, the Centre’s Impact Lead at the Institute for Community Studies, joined representatives from various community initiatives across the UK. Together, they showcased diverse approaches to mobilising local communities towards decarbonisation.

Fuel poverty was at the forefront of the discussion, with those experiencing it being most likely to lose out if there is not a just transition to green, clean energy, following the initial presentation from Rossendale Valley Energy. This community-led renewable energy group aims to bring residents warmer and healthier homes at no extra cost. The group recently received the Energy Innovation Award 2024 for its Net Zero Terrace Streets project, which aims to decarbonise terraced houses using insulation, ground-source heat pumps, and solar panels. If successful, the project could make the energy system greener and more affordable in Rossendale Valley.

Guests also heard from the Climate Sisters project by the Women’s Environmental Network. Working with women’s groups in the London boroughs of Tower Hamlets and Hackney, the initiative empowers racialised and marginalised women to use their voices to explore climate justice through a 12-week Feminist Climate Leadership programme. The programme not only provides an opportunity to join the important debate but also contributes ideas and solutions to climate change, ensuring that all community voices are heard when shifting to LCL.

Another community initiative, Project Collette from the Green Finance Community Hub, aims to make energy ownership accessible to everyone. As the UK’s first large-scale, part-community-owned offshore wind farm, Project Collette has identified that communities face even greater barriers when competing with businesses for renewable energy projects. Located on Cumbria’s coast, known as ‘Britain’s Energy Coast’, this project seeks to power a million homes yearly with a proposed 1.2GW of offshore wind. It strives to radically rethink community involvement in offshore wind by enabling communities to become part-owners and investors in the wind farm.

Additionally, guests heard about E.ON’s ‘Homes for Living’ scheme. The programme is an extension of E.ON’s existing offer of free or partially funded home solutions. The three-year scheme has helped make homes more energy-efficient and inclusive for vulnerable populations. By providing energy-efficient home upgrades and mobility aids to older people living independently, the scheme has helped reduce energy consumption while improving residents' physical and mental health.

In their remarks, the JUST team emphasised the importance of taking a place-based approach to addressing political and social barriers to achieving net zero by 2050. With £8.5 million invested by the ESRC over the next five years, the centre will develop new ways of generating evidence about what works where, why, and for whom in sustainable living, enabling meaningful conversations between communities and decision-makers.

Professor Sherilyn MacGregor, JUST Centre Director and Principal Investigator, comments: “There are many challenges facing the UK on the road to net zero, and it is a challenging time for this kind of work. We know a lot about the dangers of not accelerating the transition, and we do have the technological know-how to get it done."

For more information about the centre, please visit

New £6.2 million programme to build and test new capabilities for sensitive data research

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 14:56:42 +0000

The University of ��۴�ý will collaborate on a new £6.2 million programme, TREvolution, to advance the development of key technical requirements and capabilities for UK .

The programme will be jointly led by five leading research institutions in the UK: the Universities of Dundee, ��۴�ý, Nottingham, Swansea and West of England, and will address challenges associated with enhancing data access and analysis within TREs – secure environments where approved researchers can access sensitive data for research to benefit the public, such as national public health and population-level surveys.

The in the Department of Computer Science at The University of ��۴�ý is leading the TREvolution approach to (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) and transparent analysis of sensitive data. The eScience Lab is expanding on its effort in the programme in , building on two decades of experience providing computational analysis and data infrastructure to internationally support open research practices in life sciences and other disciplines.

The programme was awarded £4.94 million from under the .

TREs in the UK are internationally renowned for establishing the, but they have some limitations for researchers. The manual application processes and disclosure checks make it challenging to keep up with today's scientific needs, like federated learning, analysis across sectors and research domains, and large-scale correlation studies.

TREvolution will address these challenges to evolve UK TRE capabilities across three themes:

TRE reference architecture and implementations: Standardising UK TRE architectures to enable seamless interoperability.
AI and semi-automated output checking: Enhancing research output review processes to ensure non-disclosure of personal information.
Federated analysis: Enabling secure analysis of datasets stored in multiple TREs located across the UK.

The work will be delivered in collaboration with NHS Scotland, Lancashire Teaching Hospital, Durham University, Lancaster University, University College London, University of Queensland, University of Basel and University of Cape Town.

It builds on existing work done by the delivery partners, with experience across the themes, as well as the , which developed initial versions of some of the key components of TREvolution.

In the first collaboration, The University of ��۴�ý established : a mechanism of structurally documenting the evidence of computational processes, along with the chain of human reviews for legally accessing sensitive data. Five Safes RO-Crate is based on open Web standards and wider community efforts and has been adopted by several research projects in the European Open Science Cloud () including , and forms the basis for the common metadata standard of TREvolution.

TREvolution is the first of three initiatives under the DARE UK (Phase 2) Transformational Programme, advancing the further development and testing of core TRE components and capabilities developed in the first phase of the DARE UK programme.

Further funding will also be provided to support the early adoption of these capabilities by UK TREs and data services and to demonstrate their application through real-world research exemplars. The goal is to showcase the potential for a connected and efficient national network of secure data infrastructures.

DARE UK Interim Director, Professor Emily Jefferson, said: “TREvolution marks a step change in our efforts to transform the UK’s secure data research ecosystem. This important work will ensure that key capabilities—such as federated analysis and enhanced output checking supporting the training of AI models—are not just theoretical advancements but practical, real-world solutions that enhance the UK’s ability to do impactful research. We look forward to working closely with the TREvolution team to advance these innovations and drive meaningful progress in how sensitive data is accessed and used for the public good."

The TREvolution team will work closely with the DARE UK Delivery Team and early adopter TREs, fostering stronger collaboration and synergy as these critical capabilities are integrated into the UK’s secure data research infrastructure ecosystem.

Follow DARE UK on and , and to follow TREvolution’s progress.

Dentists warn Government on dangers of antibiotic over-prescribing

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 15:21:00 +0000

In an to Health Secretary Wes Streeting, dentists have warned that a failure to fully meet demand for urgent dental care can only increase the pressures on our health service, as antibiotics become a substitute for treatment.

The chances of a dental appointment resulting in an antibiotic prescription increased dramatically during the pandemic, and new led by Dr Wendy Thompson from The University of ��۴�ý shows prescribing levels across each of the UK’s four nations have been slow to return to where they would have been if the pandemic hadn’t happened.

Though the Government has begun commissioning 700,000 urgent appointments, the British Dental Association says the total unmet need is far higher.

Dr Thompson also leads on antimicrobial stewardship for the College of General Dentistry and chairs the FDI World Dental Federation's Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Infections task team.

She said: “Too many people have been unable to access urgent dental treatment for toothache, and have ended up with antibiotics. The best way to protect us all from the existential threat of antibiotic resistance is to ensure patients have timely access to urgent care.

“Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, we knew that dentistry was responsible for around 10% of antibiotic prescriptions and that rates of unnecessary use were high. During the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic, the amount of antibiotic prescribing by NHS dentists

“Our research has shown how were at this situation which UK Health Security Agency researchers have linked to the use of , where care is given remotely. Our latest shows just how slowly antibiotic prescribing in NHS dentistry is returning to its pre-pandemic pattern.

“Antibiotics don't cure toothache although our research shows that many people wrongly believe they are necessary. Unnecessary use puts patients and the public at risk from the spread of infections which don't respond to antibiotics. The for toothache and dental infections is generally a procedure rather than a prescription, although sometimes antibiotics are vital. found that appointments where dentists provide procedures take more time than just giving antibiotics.”

“That is why FDI World Dental Federation argues that to the right oral health care at the right time to prevent and treat toothache and dental infection should be an essential part of national efforts to tackle antimicrobial resistance by reducing the unnecessary use of antibiotics.”

She added: “Routine monitoring of antibiotic prescribing by dentists providing care to NHS patients is key, but until prescribing by dentists is digitised, this will be impossible. Integrating high-street dentistry into NHS digital systems will be an important part of national efforts to help keep patients safe by ensuring antibiotics are only prescribed when strictly necessary.”

The University of ��۴�ý to lead national review of offshore wind farm projects

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 14:09:38 +0000

The University of ��۴�ý has been awarded funding to lead a 12-month research project to improve understanding of the energy yield from offshore wind in UK waters, as capacity increases.

The new project, POUNDS (Prediction Of UnqualifieD losseS from offshore wind farm wakes), aims to provide a national-scale assessment of interactions between wind farms, supporting policymakers and industry leaders to optimise offshore wind energy production in the drive to net zero.

The UK government has set a target to reach 43-50 GW of offshore wind by 2030. Rapid progress has already been made with 16 GW now in operation and further projects are ongoing development under the recent Contract for Difference Allocations. Nevertheless, achieving the 2030 target requires an up to three-fold increase of capacity, potentially reaching over 100 GW installed capacity by 2050.

Such substantial expansion of offshore wind farms means they must be built closer together, making it crucial to understand how this affects predictions of annual energy production.

When large groups of turbines are built in close proximity, they create ‘wakes’ where wind slows down behind them. and are increasingly impacting the performance of neighbouring farms, reducing the efficiency of the turbines in producing energy and causing conflicts between wind farm operators.

Project Lead , Research Fellow in the Department of Civil Engineering and Management at The University of ��۴�ý, said: “Achieving the target of 43-50 GW of deployed offshore wind farms by 2030 is crucial for NetZero and energy security, but reduction in energy prediction due to wind farm wakes must be addressed.”

“Our POUNDS project is key to overcoming these challenges, informing policy makers and project developers about strategies to better quantify these losses. Similar initiatives of national importance have been developed in Germany, The Netherlands and the US, and our project aims to support the whole UK offshore wind industry.”

POUNDS, funded by Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC) Supergen Offshore Renewable Energy Impact Hub, will be carried out in partnership with the UK’s leading Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) institutes, industry experts, and policymakers, including ORE Catapult, Arup, EDF, RWE, and The Crown Estate.

The project’s key aims include:

Assessing how offshore wind farms affect each other’s energy production, and the revenue implications of these impacts.
Helping to identify the best locations for future offshore wind farms to minimise these losses and ensure the UK’s renewable energy targets are met.
Validating modelled performance data against operational data.
Improving model accuracy in forecasting wind farm energy production.

As for its methodology, POUNDS will use state-of-the-art mesoscale models – a type of advanced numerical weather forecasting model – to model the performance of wind farms spanning UK waters at a resolution of 1 km. It will assess both the wind farms operational in 2023, and the thousands more wind turbines that are planned by 2030.

The analysis will evaluate accuracy of the model relative to real-world data and quantify the effects of inter-farm wakes on predicted energy yield. It will also capture wind-farm wakes and wind-farm performance in comparison to energy export grid data.

This combination of advanced modelling and collaboration with leading stakeholders is designed to support delivery of the UK’s target to become NetZero by 2050.

, Energy Economist with Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, said: "The UK Government's recent identification of inter-farm wind wakes as an area of focus highlights this issue's importance. This study could make important contributions towards better understanding and planning around them."

, Wind Skills Leader, UKIMEA, Arup, added: "As the UK continues to expand its offshore wind capacity, balancing the need for security and affordability of supply is becoming increasingly complex. To ensure a just transition, which balances private and public interests, it is critical that we take a collaborative approach to advance our scientific understanding of inter-farm wakes and our ability to quantify the impacts."

By modelling the interactions between wind farms more precisely, the team hopes to provide better guidance for developers and policymakers, reduce investment risks, and resolve conflicts between wind farm operators.

POUNDS could ensure that both the UK’s offshore wind expansion, and 2030 target, remain on track.

The project POUNDS will be officially launched at the , which will be held at The University of ��۴�ý on 15th April 2025 and is open to academic colleagues.

Further information on the Supergen ORE Impact hub is available .

The University of ��۴�ý maintains strong global standing in QS Subject Rankings despite challenges

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000

The University of ��۴�ý continues to demonstrate academic excellence across a wide range of subjects as revealed in the latest . While the University has experienced some shifts in individual subject rankings, it ranks among the best universities across the world.

The University of ��۴�ý has been ranked in the top 40 in the broad subject rankings in this year's measurements. Four out of five broad subjects fell from last year’s position, while Natural Sciences showed resilience, improving by two places to 31 globally.

The University’s Nursing and Petroleum Engineering courses both earned their places in the top 10 globally as significant areas of impact among the ranked subjects. Meanwhile, ��۴�ý School of Architecture, a collaboration between The University of ��۴�ý and ��۴�ý Metropolitan University (MMU), also held on to its spot as the fifth best architecture school in the world.

Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University, said: "While some of our subject rankings have declined slightly, we continue to have a strong performance across a wide range of disciplines. Our focus remains on enhancing student experience, improving teaching and learning environments and fostering innovative research to enable us to further our reputation as a leading global institution.”

The QS World Subject Rankings highlight the world’s top performing universities across 55 narrow subjects and five broad subject areas. The rankings are a key measure of global success for higher education and in 2025 involved an analysis of the reputation and research output of over 5,200 institutions.

Professor Colette Fagan, Vice-President for Research, said: “Despite fluctuations in rankings, The University of ��۴�ý remains committed to delivering world-class education, research and positive societal impact. The latest rankings highlight both areas of strength and opportunities for our continuing future growth.”

Performance at the Detailed Subject Level

Three subjects ranked in the top 10 globally.
31 subjects ranked in the top 50 globally.
11 subjects ranked between 50-100.
A total of 44 subjects ranked in the top 100 worldwide.

Top 10 Subjects

The University continues to hold a strong position in the top 10 for three subjects:

Nursing – ranked 10 (down four places from last year).
Petroleum Engineering – ranked =10 (down one place).
Architecture – ranked 5 (Collaboration with MMU)

Subjects Ranked 11-25

The University has maintained 11 subjects in this range, with some fluctuations:

Development Studies – 11 (down one place).
Chemical Engineering – 16 (down two places).
English Language & Literature – 18 (up one place).
Geography – 18 (up one place).
Library & Information Management – 20 (up three places).
Sociology – 20 (down four places).
Materials Science – 21 (down two places).
Anthropology – 21 (up eight places).
Chemistry – =22 (down three places).
Accounting & Finance – 23 (down one place).
Pharmacy & Pharmacology – 25 (down eight places).

Subjects Ranked 26-50: The University has maintained a strong presence in the top 50, with 18 subjects ranked between 26 and 50 globally.

Subjects Ranked 50-100: Beyond the top 50, 11 subjects are ranked between 50 and 100 in the world, reinforcing the University's broad academic excellence.

Published annually, the QS World Subject Rankings are compiled according to academic reputation, employer reputation and research impact and help prospective students to identify leading universities in particular subjects.

The University of ��۴�ý is also ranked at number 34 in the world in the and is in the top ten globally in the , placing at number 9.

Find out more about The University of ��۴�ý’s current rankings.

The University of ��۴�ý and Saraco Industries Limited celebrate knowledge transfer project at annual Bionow Awards

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 16:42:24 +0000

The University of ��۴�ý and Saraco Industries Limited has won the Project of the Year Award at the prestigious annual Bionow Awards 2024.

A highlight of the life sciences calendar, the awards dinner was held at the Concorde Conference Centre on 6 March, with over 340 attendees gathering for an evening of celebration and achievement.

The University and Saraco Industries received the Project of the Year Award in recognition of taking a major step forward in the area of research, by demonstrating an innovative and novel approach for a collaborative project - marking a breakthrough in sustainable healthcare products.

An interdisciplinary team from ��۴�ý comprising of materials science, biological physics and microbiology experts collaborated with Saraco Industries, a UK-based SME wet wipe manufacturer, to achieve a breakthrough first – a plastic-free wet wipe meeting EN standards against bacteria, yeast, and viruses under dirty conditions with a 1-minute contact time. This innovative clinical disinfection wipe has now been commercialised and submitted against an NHS tender.

The collaborative partnership has continued to develop and grow, including securing a 3-year Centre for Doctoral Training PhD project in Advanced Biomedical Materials, a follow-on UKRI IAA Advance Fund project to further optimise the existing wipe formulation, and a recent second Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) submission to develop bacteriophage-infused wipes for healthcare applications.

Sarah Cartmell, Professor of Bioengineering, The University of ��۴�ý said: “We are so proud to be recognised for our achievements in this important interdisciplinary project. Our progress is a result of the synergy of University and industry collaboration. We look forward to building on our success with our continuing teamwork.”

Andrew McBain, Professor of Microbiology at The University of ��۴�ý said: “KTP has enabled The University of ��۴�ý to make a tangible, positive contribution to a highly dynamic local business. It has been so rewarding to see the KTP Associate, Carolina Angulo Pineda, develop through considerable talent and tenacity, into a mature scientist who is now employed full-time as a Senior R&D Materials Scientist at Saraco.”

Dr Carolina Angulo Pineda, KTP Associate and now Senior R&D Materials Scientist, Saraco Industries, commented: “I will always be honoured and grateful to have been part of this fantastic KTP Team. This opportunity allowed me to grow both personally and professionally, and I look forward to continuing to work together on innovative solutions for real-life challenges.”

Idris M Bapu, Managing Director, Saraco Industries, added: “This is a wonderful honour and acknowledgment of all the hard work put in by the KTP team, the Academics at The University of ��۴�ý and our Saraco team members. This award will be prominently displayed in our offices with great pride.”

The project was funded through an Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnership; celebrating its 50th year in 2025 of bringing together forward-thinking businesses and organisations, academics, and graduates to solve complex innovation challenges which help our economy, society, and environment. Delivered through the Knowledge Exchange Partnerships team, part of Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange, The University of ��۴�ý has collaborated on more than 300 KTPs and in the last five years alone, has supported 42 KTPs with a total research value of £11 million.

If you would like to discuss how KTP can help your business innovate for growth, please contact collaborate@manchester.ac.uk.

Study reveals teenage girls’ own views on why low mood and anxiety is increasing

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 10:10:44 +0000

New research published in has shed light on adolescent girls’ own views on why their demographic is experiencing increasing rates of low mood and anxiety.

The study by researchers including The University of ��۴�ý’s Dr Ola Demkowicz engaged directly with girls aged 16-18 in England to explore their perspectives on this growing public health concern.

It found that many girls feel that experiencing low mood and anxiety is ‘normal’ for their age group, but particularly for their own generation. The girls identified several interconnected factors contributing to these feelings:

• Gendered Expectations: From a young age, girls face constant pressure to conform to strict and narrow stereotypes about how they should look and behave. This includes pressure to be quiet, polite, and beautiful according to very specific standards, which can lead to feelings of insecurity and worthlessness.

• Educational Pressures: The girls described intense academic pressure to achieve top grades and behave perfectly, leaving little room for mistakes. The girls said they felt this pressure may be even greater for girls, who can feel like they are expected to excel.

• Peer Relationships: Challenges in friendships - including comparison, competition and conflict - contribute to stress and lower self-esteem.

• Social Media: Girls suggested that platforms – particularly ones that focus on visual content like Instagram and TikTok – can magnify insecurities by promoting unrealistic standards of appearance and achievement, and create opportunities for excessive comparison that can feel hard to navigate.

The study emphasises that these issues are complex and interwoven, with no easy solutions. Participants themselves cautioned against oversimplifying the problem and highlighted the need to consider individual differences and social contexts.

University of ��۴�ý establishes new partnership with University of Texas at Austin as ��۴�ý and Austin become sister cities

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 09:27:51 +0000

The University of ��۴�ý has signed a new university-wide strategic partnership with the .

The partnership paves the way for collaborative research and teaching initiatives between two world-leading universities. Both universities recognise the importance of global engagement and the shared research expertise across the disciplines including engineering, nanotechnologies, cancer research, digital humanities, social sciences and creative industries.

The partnership builds upon joint research projects already in progress, with a view to expanding and fostering new initiatives.

The signing took place at a ‘Meet the Mayors’ event at the University of Texas LBJ School of Public Affairs in Austin, Texas, attended by Mayor of Greater ��۴�ý, Andy Burnham. Mr Burnham signed the Austin-��۴�ý ‘Sister Cities’ Memorandum of Understanding with the Mayor of Austin on 7 March, officially forging a friendship between the two cities.

Also in attendance at the signing was Bev Craig, Leader of ��۴�ý City Council and an alumnus of The University of ��۴�ý.

Professor Angelia Wilson, Faculty of Humanities Associate Dean for International, led the delegation from The University of ��۴�ý which included senior academics and leads for business engagement. The delegation joined other colleagues from The University of ��۴�ý at the South by Southwest Expo 2025 where the University hosted two panels on: ‘Second Cities: Culture Beyond the Capital’ and ‘Art Not Evidence: Free Expression on Trial’.

Professor Stephen Flint, Associate Vice-President International, said: “I am delighted we have signed this strategic partnership with the University of Texas at Austin, a powerful and innovative university in a creative city that draws parallels to The University of ��۴�ý and the powerhouse city we call home.

“This new relationship with the University of Texas at Austin will make an impact across all of our faculties. We look forward to driving forward collaborative research and enhanced opportunities for two-way student and staff mobility, as we work together to tackle key global challenges."

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater ��۴�ý, said: “The new partnership between The University of ��۴�ý and the University of Texas is really exciting and a valuable outcome from Greater ��۴�ý’s visit to Texas.

“Both institutions are powerhouses of innovative research, and contribute a great deal to their regional economies – through commercialising start-ups and spin-outs and wider business support. Combining their expertise can only lead to significant economic and educational benefits for both places.”

Sonia Feigenbaum, Senior Vice Provost for Global Engagement and Chief International Officer at The University of Texas at Austin said: "The University of Texas at Austin is proud to formalize this partnership with The University of ��۴�ý, a renowned institution in a city that mirrors Austin’s creative energy and spirit of innovation. By bringing together our expertise across disciplines, this collaboration will spark groundbreaking research and new opportunities for students and faculty on both sides of the Atlantic."

The University of ��۴�ý is recognised globally for its pioneering research, outstanding teaching and learning, and commitment to social responsibility. We are a truly international university – ranking in the top 50 in a range of global rankings – and our community includes more than 44,000 students, 12,000 staff, and 550,000 alumni from 190 countries working together to tackle the world's biggest challenges.

Sign up for our e-news to hear first-hand about our international partnerships and activities across the globe.

The passing of Professor Margot Brazier

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Margot first came to The University of ��۴�ý to study Law as an undergraduate, graduating in 1971. Her initial career plan was to go to the Bar, but given her relative youth at the time, she decided she would wait a couple of years. In this interim period, she joined the (then) Faculty of Law as a Lecturer.

This career decision would also have a key impact upon Margot’s personal life, as she would subsequently marry one of her colleagues, Rodney Brazier, in 1974. Together the Braziers have remained at the heart of Law at ��۴�ý for over 50 years.

Margot began as a tort scholar and this expertise led her to become co-editor of two key textbooks in the field. Research in this area then led her into reading North American case law on medical malpractice, which began her interest in the link between the law and healthcare. She published widely in this field to international acclaim. In recent years, Margot explored the history of medicine and its links with law, the topic of her most recent book.

In the early 1980s Margot met John Harris, a philosopher, also working at ��۴�ý. They discovered shared interests and, together with other colleagues, decided to set up a Masters degree in . Margot also taught undergraduate students, inspiring many to continue their studies to postgraduate level. She supervised many PhD students who have benefited from her knowledge, wisdom and guidance.

In 1986 Margot and John also set up the (CSEP) which has become a leading research centre.

The current Co-Directors of CSEP (Sarah Devaney and Alex Mullock) reflect:

Margot also used her expertise in public service. Not only an outstanding scholar who made a pioneering contribution to her field, she has also made an equally outstanding contribution as a public intellectual and leader in policy debate and law reform. Margot Chaired the Animal Procedures Committee (1993-98), led a review into surrogacy for UK Health Ministers (1996- 1998), Chaired the Retained Organs Commission (2001-2004) and Chaired a Working Party ‘The Ethics of Prolonging Life in Foetuses and the Newborn’ for the Nuffield Council on Bioethics (2004-2006).

Margot was an incredible mentor to so many students and academics and has been acknowledged as a ‘paradigmatic female role model’. Her enormous contribution has been recognised in many awards including an OBE (1997), Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (1993), Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences (2007), Queen’s Council (honoris causa) (2008), Halsbury Legal Award for Academic Contribution (2013), University of ��۴�ý Medal of Honour (2012) and Fellow of the British Academy (2014).

Alison Wilson, former Head of School Operations, and Sarah Tiffany-Dodman, Engagement and External Relations Manager, on behalf of all the Professional Services staff who knew and worked with Margot reflect:

13 women from The University of ��۴�ý make annual list of innovators

Sat, 08 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Thirteen academics from the University of ��۴�ý have made have made the annual list of innovative women put together by , for International Women’s Day.

The NHSA has published a list of almost 400 women who are pushing the boundaries of innovation in their sectors and fields to mark International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025.

Entries from The University of ��۴�ý include:

Anna Wilding, Research Fellow
Cath O'Neill, Professor of Translational Dermatology
Dr Dunni Druwa, Coach and doctor
George Moulton, Professor of BioHealth Informatics and Education
Holly Hope, Head Behavioural Scientist at So-Mo and Research Fellow
Joanne Summers, Knowledge Exchange Manager
Kathryn Abel, Research Explorer
Lily Mott, Workplace Health PhD Researcher
Lisa McGarrigle, Research Fellow
Margaret Kingston, Director of Undergraduate Medical Studies
Sorrel Burden, Senior Clinical Lecturer in Dietetics
Susan Cochran, MPharm Programme Director
Tine Buffel, Professor of Sociology and Social Gerontology

The #NorthInnovationWomen campaign, back for its eighth year, provides an informal and supportive platform for women to be acknowledged and celebrated. This year, inspiration has been taken from the NHSA’s Health Equity North , with the report’s themes being used to inspire suggestions of women working to address regional inequalities that women face.

The social media campaign relies on X, BlueSky and LinkedIn users to suggest women they want to see included in the list – there are no strict criteria or voting systems. This year’s list features hundreds of women who are achieving great things and inspiring those around them across the North of England, as recommended by our Twitter followers.

Hannah Davies, NHSA Chief Executive, said: “Hannah Davies, Chief Executive of the Northern Health Science Alliance, said: "This is a record breaking number of recommendations for North Innovation Women, and I want to thank everyone who supported the campaign. This year, we used our Woman of the North work to inspire recommendations and it's clear just how hard people are working to fight the wide-ranging inequalities that women face throughout their lives. Congratulations to everyone who made the list, the breadth and range of women is not only inspirational, but is indicative of the talent we have here in the North of England."

International Women's Day is a global day, marked annually on March 8, celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. It also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Find out more about the day and how to support it .

More information .

Tyndall Centre roadmap helps deliver lowest-carbon live music event of its kind

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 14:21:09 +0000

A from The University of ��۴�ý’s Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research has revealed that their ‘ successfully supported Massive Attack in delivering the lowest-carbon live music event of its kind.

Commissioned by the band, the roadmap set out clear, measurable targets for the live music industry to significantly reduce its carbon footprint and align with the Paris Agreement.

Using this framework, Massive Attack hosted ACT 1.5 – a one-day music festival over the August bank holiday in 2024.

Analysis in the new report shows that the event had significant reductions in carbon emissions compared to a typical outdoor concert, including:

81-98% emissions reduction from power
89% emissions reductions from food/catering
70% emissions reductions from equipment haulage
73% emissions reductions from artist travel

The festival was attended by over 32,000 fans and implemented a range of climate measures, including:

The first ever 100% battery powered festival of its size
Electric trucks taking batteries offsite to recharge with renewable power
100% plant-based catering
The provision of five times extra show trains one hour after the national network had closed
Fleets of electric shuttles buses to get fans home.

To evaluate the event’s carbon impact, the Tyndall Centre team—led by The University of ��۴�ý’s Professor Carly McLachlan and Dr Chris Jones—worked with leading sustainability organisation A Greener Future (AGF). They analysed emissions data from ACT 1.5 and compared it to a hypothetical outdoor concert where environmental measures have not been prioritised.

The results revealed the concert produced the lowest ever carbon emissions from a show of its kind.

It is hoped that the roadmap and insights from the Act 1.5 show are used by other event organisers to transform the live music industry.

Professor Carly McLachlan, Associate Director at the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research at The University of ��۴�ý, said: "This proof-of-concept show could change the landscape for outdoor festivals. It demonstrated that there are real opportunities for promoters, providers, local authorities and central government to create the conditions for the UK to lead the world in super-low carbon events. A willingness to do things differently was demonstrated by the audience and crew members alike. The unwavering commitment to sustainability from senior members of the production team, including the artist, was essential for the success of the show and inspiring to see.”

While many of the attendees took advantage of incentives to travel by low carbon options such as rail – including VIP bar wristbands for rail travellers, a localised pre-sale, the chartering of trains and the provision of free electric shuttle buses to train stations – data shows that 5% of the audience chose to fly to the show. Those who flew were responsible for 64% of the overall greenhouse gas emissions of the show.

Robert Del Naja, 3D – Massive Attack, said: “Massive Attack are hugely grateful to both the team and the fans that produced a world leading event, and to the scientists and analysts who - via the huge progressive leaps made in producing the ACT 1.5 show - identified a serious emerging issue for all live music events in the context of climate emergency. If fans are encouraged to tour the world to see their favourite artists this sector can simply forget about hitting any emissions reductions targets, let alone Paris 1.5 compatibility. There's a huge question now for tour planning, but also for media and promotor marketing campaigns high on the glitz of epic summer tours that normalise leisure aviation."

Mark Donne, ACT 1.5 Lead Producer, added: “Evidently this show proved to be the cleanest, greenest festival event ever staged - but in terms of popular take up of clean practices, it feels like we and others working on this stuff are attempting to create smart productions within dumb regulation.

“Music fans showed quite categorically that they are up for taking the train if there are reliable services available and they can get to the station post-show - but those arrangements are unnecessarily bureaucratic, with dysfunctional timings that must be made simpler. High polluting power sources like diesel that dominate the festival world, creating huge amounts of greenhouse gas and toxic air pollution for those that live near festival sites, or work on them are cheap and abundant. Central and local government must address this urgently, either via regulation or a deterrent tax. Clean technology is ready – it just needs to be facilitated; fans want clean shows, that’s very clear. The challenge for promoters and government now is to meet that need.”

Chloe Fox-Robertson, PhD Researcher in Geography, recognised in Women in Fintech Powerlist

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 13:44:51 +0000

Innovate Finance, the independent industry body for UK FinTech, has announced the highly anticipated annual The Powerlist recognises the positive impact women are having across the FinTech sector, shining a spotlight on the work of over 230 women across eight categories.

, a PhD Researcher in Geography is featured in the Industry & Knowledge Champions category for her research focusing on the gender inequalities within Financial Technology (FinTech), and her work to bridge academia and industry.

Fox-Robertson's research on gender inequalities in FinTech is exemplified in her co-authored article, ‘, published by The Conversation and widely re-published by news outlets.

She has been an influential voice at popular industry events and international conferences, including FinTech North’s Liverpool Conference 2024 and FinTech Fringe’s event on practical support for female founders for International Women’s Day 2024. As the ��۴�ý lead for Women in Blockchain Talks (WiBT), she has also organised multiple events to foster knowledge exchange and build a supportive professional community.

Committed to driving meaningful change in FinTech, Fox-Robertson seeks to bridge academia and industry by providing evidence-based insights and fostering greater industry engagement. She hopes her inclusion in the Powerlist will not only spark deeper conversations about inclusivity but also inspire more women to pursue careers in FinTech.

Scientists develop hydrogen sensor that could pave the way for safer, cleaner energy

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Scientists have developed a hydrogen sensor that could accelerate the transition to clean hydrogen energy.

As the world transitions away from fossil fuels, hydrogen is considered a key player to the transition to cleaner energy. However, the clear, odourless and highly flammable gas is hard to detect using human senses and poses a challenge for its safe deployment.

The sensor, developed by a scientist at The University of ��۴�ý, can reliably detect even the tiniest amounts of hydrogen in seconds. It is small, affordable, and energy-efficient – and its results outperform portable commercial hydrogen detectors.

The research, in collaborations with the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia, was published today in the journal .

The operation of the new organic semiconductor sensor relies on a process known as "p-doping," where oxygen molecules increase the concentration of positive electrical charges in the active material. When hydrogen is present, it reacts with the oxygen, reversing this effect and causing a rapid drop in electrical current. This change is fast and reversible at room temperature up to 120 °C.

The sensor was tested in various real-world scenarios, including detecting leaks from pipes, monitoring hydrogen diffusion in closed rooms following an abrupt release, and even being mounted on a drone for airborne leak detection. In all cases, the sensor proved faster than portable commercial detector, demonstrating its potential for widespread use in homes, industries, and transport networks.

Importantly, the sensor can be made ultra-thin and flexible and could also be integrated into smart devices, enabling continuous distributed monitoring of hydrogen systems in real time.

The team is now focusing on advancing the sensor further while assessing its long-term stability in different sensing scenarios.

Study reveals uncertain future for amazing heat-resistant fish

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Despite acclimatising to one of the hottest marine habitats on earth, reef fishes still face an uncertain future, an international team of scientists has found.

The team led by New York University Abu Dhabi and University of ��۴�ý researchers show that fishes living in the Arabian Gulf reefs have - remarkably - adapted to extreme summer temperatures, which are akin to a hot bath.

When the researchers tested the difference in fish’s temperature tolerances compared to fishes from the nearby - more benign Gulf of Oman- the Arabian Gulf animals only partially compensated for their higher summer temperatures.

The study is published in the journal Global Change Biology and supported by Mubadala and Tamkeen in the UAE, and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council in the UK

It serves as a stark warning of what the future might look like for all tropical reef fishes across the world.

“Our study suggests while these coral reef fishes have evolved a remarkable ability to cope with rising temperatures, it is still limited,” said co-author Dr Daniel Ripley, a fish physiologist from The University of ��۴�ý and New York University Abu Dhabi.

“So, if the trends in rising global sea temperatures continue, at some point we anticipate these animals will start to struggle.

“The resultant loss of biodiversity- and the impact that would have on things like tourism and fisheries could devastate coastal communities.”

Though the scientists studied three species, the Arabian Monocle Bream, Gulf Blenny and the Twospot Cardinalfish, most other species would be likely to be in a similarly precarious position, the scientists argue.

Because the Arabian Gulf – also known as the Persian Gulf – is relatively shallow, averaging 35 metres deep, it heats up quickly in the hot summer months, with sea temperatures typically exceeding 36 Celsius.

This makes it an ideal proxy for what the temperature ranges of tropical seas might look like in the future.

Though the Gulf of Oman is nearby, it’s average depth of 2,700 metres means it doesn’t get as warm, with summer temperatures typically not exceeding 32 Celsius, - making it ideal for comparison.

Changes and extremes in temperatures can have profound consequences for fishes, including displacing them to cooler waters, reducing their body sizes, and changing the time they reproduce.

Co-author Professor Holly Shiels from The University of ��۴�ý added: “Our research found that the ability for the three species we studied to survive and thrive is on the brink.

“It’s impossible to know at what temperature they will cease to survive in these areas, but we can say with some certainty that they are edging closer to that situation.”

A past leading theory suggested that fishes had relatively fixed upper heat limits, but the new results suggest that they have more flexibility than previously appreciated

John Burt, Professor of Biology at New York University Abu Dhabi said: “The Gulf is not only extremely hot, but also has high seasonal variability between winter and summer, and this exposure to dramatic temperature swings may promote improved flexibility of fish physiology than we had assumed.

“As our climate continues changing, climate variability will also increase, which suggests that the situation we see in Gulf fishes is likely to be seen more widely.”

Images and videos: Please credit Rebekka Pentti and Oliver Farrell from New York University Abu Dhabi.

Genetic causes of rare condition linked to hearing loss and infertility found

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 10:01:09 +0000

Latest research led from ��۴�ý could revolutionise the diagnosis of Perrault syndrome, a rare genetic condition that results in hearing loss. In women it also leads to early menopause or infertility. Perrault syndrome can be accompanied by learning difficulties, developmental delay and nerve damage.

Researchers at ��۴�ý University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and The University of ��۴�ý, with colleagues in Newcastle, Germany and the USA, collaborated with clinicians across the world to identify changes in two different genes, that both result in Perrault syndrome.

Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) ��۴�ý Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Action Medical Research, The Royal National Institute for Deaf people (RNID) and the Medical Research Council, the results from two separate studies, which identified changes to the DAP3 and MRPL49 genes, have been published in the American Journal of Human Genetics.

Professor Bill Newman, Consultant in Genomic Medicine at MFT, and Rare Conditions Co-Theme Lead at the NIHR ��۴�ý BRC, who co-led the research, said: “Finding the causes of rare conditions like Perrault syndrome are the first steps in understanding why people are affected, providing clearer diagnosis, and developing novel treatments.

“Previously up to half of all people with Perrault syndrome could not have this diagnosis confirmed by a genetic test. These new discoveries through this research will provide an accurate diagnosis to more affected people.”

Initial research into the condition began in 2011 at The ��۴�ý Centre for Genomic Medicine, Saint Mary’s Hospital, part of MFT, when researchers led by Professor Newman undertook genetic studies on a local family with Perrault syndrome. Their research identified a novel gene and changes within the gene which led to the diagnosis of the syndrome. Further studies by the ��۴�ý group and other researchers around the world have found eight different genes that cause Perrault syndrome.

Sam’s story

56-year-old Sam was diagnosed with Perrault syndrome when she was 28 years old, after being under the care of various hospitals to diagnose her rare genetic condition.

Sam is profoundly deaf and was fitted with hearing aids before the age of one, which is a common feature of the condition. Other symptoms that led to her diagnosis include short stature, very small ovaries and the absence of periods.

Sam was identified with a DAP3 genetic change through this research in August 2024.

DAP3 is found in every cell of the body and is important in a part of the cell called the mitochondria, often referred to as the powerhouses of the cell. Some tissues in the body are very susceptible to when the mitochondria do not work properly, and it is why researchers believe hearing and ovarian problems occur in Perrault syndrome.

Sam said: “When I was told I had DAP3 gene changes I was pleased as it helped me make sense of my symptoms and better understand Perrault syndrome.

“This research is incredible and will help others who are in a similar position to me. I struggled for years not knowing what was wrong with me so, I hope it will help others too – especially those who are younger so they can get an earlier diagnosis and access to the help they need.

“I would advise anybody who is concerned to get advice as soon as possible. Thanks to this research, family members will also be tested which will provide an early diagnosis for more people potentially affected by the condition.”

This research will now be used globally to provide an accurate diagnosis for those at risk or undiagnosed with the condition.

Professor Ray O’Keefe, Professor of Molecular Genetics at The University of ��۴�ý co-led the work. Professor O’Keefe said: “Genetic testing helps families to get diagnosed earlier and to access the right care and support sooner.

“When patients – particularly children, are presenting with hearing loss or changes on their brain scan, they can be genetically tested to see if their health problems are caused by changes in these genes.

“Genetic testing removes the need for unnecessary investigations, allows closer monitoring to spot problems earlier and enables accurate genetic counselling for other family members who may be at risk.”

Dr Ralph Holme, Director of Research at RNID said: “We are delighted to have been able to support this important research.

“As ovarian problems are a key feature of the diagnosis, men are rarely diagnosed even though they have the same risk of being affected. Early, accurate diagnosis can result in improved hearing outcomes.

“Understanding rare types of hearing loss, such as Perrault Syndrome, also gives us important insights that may be relevant to more common forms of hearing loss.”

Professor Newman, who is also Professor of Translational Genomic Medicine at The ��۴�ý Centre for Genomic Medicine at The University of ��۴�ý, added: “Although genetic research into Perrault syndrome is complex, this new information provides important pieces in the jigsaw. We are continuing to look at all the genes that cause Perrault syndrome as understanding how these genes are all linked together means that perhaps it would be possible to create a treatment that would work for all of them.

“We have also started to make hearing nerve cells from skin cells of individuals with Perrault syndrome. This is exciting as testing the cells that are actually affected by the condition will help us to develop treatments targeted to the correct cell type.”

Both research papers are available to read in the American Journal of Human Genetics:

(published 2 January 2025).

Published 4 March 2025).

��۴�ý Professor named Archaeologist of the Year in public vote

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Photo (C) Adam Stanford,

The University of ��۴�ý’s Professor Joyce Tyldesley OBE has won the 2025 Archaeologist of the Year award, as voted for by readers of Current Archaeology magazine.

As Professor of Egyptology, Joyce has a career-long determination to make the past accessible to all. With support from the Egyptology team, Joyce has developed a pioneering suite of online programmes designed to reach students who, for various reasons, could not attend traditional, face-to-face lectures.

Joyce studied the archaeology of the Eastern Mediterranean at Liverpool University, then obtained a D.Phil in prehistoric archaeology from Oxford University. She holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Bolton and is a Research Associate of the ��۴�ý Museum. Joyce is also a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. In 2024, she was awarded the OBE in recognition of her services to Egyptology and heritage.

Dr Nicky Nielsen, Senior Lecturer in Egyptology at The University of ��۴�ý, said: “This is a very well-deserved honour. Professor Tyldesley has shaped the study of Egyptian archaeology here at ��۴�ý for decades, as well as her extensive work in outreach and scholarly communication, and it’s wonderful to see her get recognition from the wider field.”

The Current Archaeology awards celebrate the projects and publications that made the pages of the magazine over the past 12 months, and the people shortlisted have made outstanding contributions to archaeology. The awards were voted for by the public, with Joyce being named the people’s winner at the ceremony on Saturday 1 March.

"Joyce’s work and its impact are highly valued by all her colleagues in the department, and the University as a whole," said Professor Peter Liddel, Head of Classics, Ancient History, Archaeology and Egyptology. “Congratulations Joyce on another hugely deserved recognition of your achievements and contributions.”

Reflecting her interest in outreach, Joyce has published a series of books and articles on ancient Egypt, including three television tie-in books and Cleopatra, Last Queen of Egypt, which was a Radio 4 "Book of the Week". Her book Tutankhamen: The Search for an Egyptian King, won the Felicia A Holton Book Award from the Archaeological Institute of America.

Body image perceptions take shape from early childhood, psychologists reveal

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Our perceptions of body image are shaped by what we see from as early as seven years old, according to new research by Durham University, The University of ��۴�ý and Northumbria University.

These body ideals continue to be influenced by visual exposure to different body weights into adulthood, the research also found.

The results show that people’s perceptions of body weight are flexible and adult-like from seven years of age onwards and have implications for our understanding of body size and the perceptions, and possible misperceptions, of weight in health and wellbeing.

Professor Lynda Boothroyd, from Durham University’s Department of Psychology, carried out a first-of-its-kind study to examine the flexibility of body weight perceptions in children and young adults.

The study, published in the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, found that children as young as seven years old adjust how heavy or light they rate other people’s bodies after seeing a series of pictures of low or high weight bodies.

The analysis uncovered a significant shift in weight perceptions after exposure to images depicting various body weights. The results showed that the manner in which our brains represent what constitutes “heavy” or “light” develops at a very young age.

The research, which involved more than 200 individuals aged seven through to adulthood, also indicated that media influences known to shape adult body perceptions can almost certainly impact children to the same degree, starting from early childhood and continuing to evolve into adulthood.

Lead author, Professor Lynda Boothroyd said: “It has been clear for many years that we need to be wary about visual media which present only a narrow range of bodies, because this affects adults’ body perceptions.

“Now we know that’s true for children, too. Even very neutral images can adjust their ideas about what is heavy or thin if they see enough of the same kind of body.”

C-author Dr Amelia Parchment from The University of ��۴�ý said: “This was such an interesting study to work on and highlights that body-weight perceptions are shaped early on in life and continue into adulthood. Our findings have important implications, including the potential impact of unrealistic body weights, typically seen in visual media, on the lifelong body weight perceptions of children as young as 7-years old. “

Professor Boothroyd’s team at Durham has previously shown that adults’ ideas about what is an ‘attractive’ body weight or muscle mass are affected by visual experience. This includes the effect of television access on body perceptions among remote communities in Latin America and, in a separate study, finding that White Western women have lower body appreciation and experience greater pressure from the media to be thin compared to Black Nigerian and Chinese women across all ages.

Looking ahead, the team is now investigating how best to address body image concerns in young adults across the globe in a major £2 million (€2.5M) research project and developing novel play-based techniques to investigate children’s understandings of body weight and body ideals from a younger age.

Professor Boothroyd added: “Researchers often assume that children’s body perceptions and their ideas about body image work the same way as adults. We’ve shown that that’s true, down to seven years, for basic perceptual impacts on body weight perception. But there’s more to explore in how that converts into their own body image and their own feelings about weight.”

This new study included data gathered during the University’s ‘Junior Scientist’ event, which actively involves families from the local communities around Durham, UK, in various research and educational activities.

Additionally, the research involved stimuli provided by Northumbria University and contributions from a Post-doctoral Research Associate at the University of ��۴�ý.

Professor Jackie Carter highlights legacy and future of GM4Women2028

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 12:40:27 +0000

The University of ��۴�ý’s Professor Jackie Carter has delivered a compelling message on the importance of data-driven legacy and sustained action at the 7th Pankhurst-Fawcett Scorecard Reveal, hosted by GM4Women2028 at Stockport County Football Club.

Established in 2018, GM4Women2028 is a gender equality initiative focused on improving the lives of women and girls in Greater ��۴�ý. The organisation brings together activists, policymakers, and community members to push for meaningful improvements in gender equality through data-driven strategies and public engagement. It tracks progress across key sectors using the Pankhurst-Fawcett Scorecard, holding institutions accountable and advocating for systemic change.

Experts from The University of ��۴�ý lead various aspects of GM4Women2028 including Professor Jill Rubery and Dr Eva Herman (Employment), Dr Omolade Femi-Ajao (Safety) and Professor Francesca Gains (Participation).

Professor Jackie Carter - a champion of gender equality and a leader in data-driven advocacy - co-leads Communications and Operations for GM4Women2028. She introduced the at the event, a landmark publication capturing the formation, impact, and progress of the initiative since its inception.

She emphasised the importance of maintaining the momentum of change by continuously collecting and analysing data, ensuring that the lived experiences of women and girls in Greater ��۴�ý are at the forefront of policy discussions and decision-making.

Professor Carter’s remarks reinforced the essential role that data plays in driving social change. The Pankhurst-Fawcett Scorecard has been a crucial tool for measuring progress across key sectors, identifying both victories and areas where further action is needed. This year’s findings provided insights into persistent gender disparities while also highlighting positive strides towards equality.

The event featured dynamic discussions, including a keynote address from Professor Helen Pankhurst - a direct descendant of Emmeline and Sylvia Pankhurst - who echoed Professor Carter’s message, stating: “Turning data into action is our greatest challenge and opportunity.”

As the event concluded, GM4Women2028 reaffirmed its commitment to pushing for systemic change. The next Dialogue and Action Event will take place in Bolton on Saturday, July 5, providing another opportunity for communities, policymakers and activists to collaborate and plan actionable solutions.

Showcasing groundbreaking innovation at The University of ��۴�ý’s 2025 Investor Conference

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 14:31:54 +0000

The University of ��۴�ý brought together leading investors, academics and spinout founders to explore exciting new ventures emerging from The University of ��۴�ý, the University of Leeds and The University of Sheffield.

Throughout the two-day event held this month, spinout founders presented their innovative projects across Life Sciences, Science & Engineering and Next-Stage Investment categories. These sessions were followed by lively Q&A discussions, with investors and attendees posing insightful questions about the future potential of these groundbreaking technologies.

Professor Duncan Ivison, President & Vice-Chancellor of The University of ��۴�ý, delivered a keynote speech on the global impact of university spinouts and reinforced the role of research-led innovation in shaping industries worldwide.

He said at the event: “One of the things that distinguishes ��۴�ý globally is the connectivity of the city and its institutions and the ecosystem between business, universities and government in a way that is unique in the world.

“It is the superpower of ��۴�ý. I don’t know of any other city in the world in which the connectivity between the main institutions in the city are so deep, so dynamic, and so alive.”

Richard Jones, Vice President for Innovation at The University of ��۴�ý, also commended how commercialisation of university research can benefit the wider innovation ecosystem.

Break-out partnering sessions allowed for in-depth discussion and provided invaluable opportunities for spinout teams to meet privately with investors to discuss their commercialisation journeys.

Catherine Headley, CEO at The University of ��۴�ý Innovation Factory said: “The conference truly demonstrated the strength and diversity of spinout companies emerging from Leeds, ��۴�ý and Sheffield. The level of investor engagement was remarkable, reflecting the exciting momentum behind innovation across the North of England.”

The 2025 Investor Conference reaffirmed the Northern Triangle of Universities’ role as a hub fostering cutting-edge innovation collaborations that shape the future of science, technology, and business. It is hoped that fresh partnerships and investments will emerge from the event and that steps will be taken towards real world impact.

University’s Entrepreneur in Residence gets down to business

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 12:02:00 +0000

The University of ��۴�ý’s Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health is to get an injection of business acumen with the appointment of its first Entrepreneur in Residence.

Dr Lucy Buckley, a leading figure in the Greater ��۴�ý business community, will start the Royal Society , part of its , on 1 March 2025.

Dr Buckley, who has over 20 years of experience in business across diverse sectors of healthcare, will spend one day a week at the university, developing bespoke projects with university staff and students.

Her career spans the healthcare system from academic drug discovery to all aspects of the product life cycle in the pharmaceutical industry.

Latterly, she has turned her hand to digital health, launching a Care Quality Commission-registered online fertility clinic. She has also held clinical roles in both the NHS and private sector.

Throughout her professional life, Lucy has been committed to her values of strong governance, ethics and compliance and has experience of a wide range of regulations across healthcare and data security.

She will provide support and expert advice on promoting innovation and the translation of research, as well as research and development.

And she will pass on her extensive knowledge on the scientific challenges faced by industry in the health sector.

After qualifying as a pharmacist at Cardiff University, and working in community and hospital pharmacy, she went on to take a PhD in drug discovery at The University of ��۴�ý’s for applied pharmacokinetic research in 2006.

The PhD was sponsored by a major pharmaceutical company which meant she spent time in their labs, her first taste of working across academic and industry.

From 2014, she worked at a major pharmaceutical company and built relationships with both clinical and academic key opinion leaders and worked with them as advisors to help drive scientific projects and improve patient outcomes.

Soon, she was in a position to set up her own business, called Dr Fertility, the first online primary care provider for fertility to be registered with the Care Quality Commission.

The company raised over two-and-a half million pounds to make the transition from ecommerce into a digital health provider for fertility. Dr Fertility provided fertility care delivered by both Doctors and nurses for anyone trying for a baby.

Her new venture, The was launched in November 2023 to improve quality of care in digital health while supporting businesses to grow and scale.

The company has brought together a diverse range of experts and healthcare professionals with experience in academia, the pharmaceutical industry and the private and public healthcare sector.

Dr Buckley said: “I have experienced the roller coaster of raising venture capital and the challenges of being an executive.”

“So, I have lots of experience to pass on to the scientific community in the Faculty of biology, medicine and health.”

She added: “Scientists are sometimes regarded by investors as not having commercial acumen. Many often undersell themselves.”

“Academics have many transferable skills that are essential in business such as identifying problems, developing innovative solutions, testing hypotheses, gathering and analysing data and making evidence-based decisions’

“One of my key aims of this role is to help bridge that gap between academia and industry.

“If your business idea is strong, I passionately believe there are always opportunities to make that dream happen.”

Professor Allan Pacey, Interim Dean and Vice President of the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health said “It is very exciting to welcome Lucy to the Faculty though this prestigious Royal Society scheme”

“I first met Lucy over 10 years ago when I helped with the first start-up company Dr Fertility. It’s been great to see her go from strength to strength and be recognised by The Royal Society by being awarded this prestigious Royal Society scheme

“The University of ��۴�ý is a global leader in Digital Health, being ranked by the Times Higher Education as first in the UK and fourth in the world.

“I hope that Lucy will be able to help us capitalise on this and held our researchers to navigate the tricky path of commercialisation.”

Kinship carers struggling to cope despite £4.3 billion value they add to society

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 15:31:31 +0000

Dr , Lecturer in Sociology, is one of the authors of '', a new report on the huge and often under-recognised contribution made to society by kinship carers, who look after children who would often otherwise be in the care system.

The team estimate that over 132,000 children live in kinship care in England. Kinship carers contribute an estimated £4.3 billion a year to society. But unlike foster carers and adoptive parents, most have few rights to financial, practical and emotional support, and taking on the care of a child they love often pushes them into poverty, unemployment and ill health.

The report is produced by at University of Sheffield in partnership with Kinship. It is written by Maria Petrillo, Jingwen Zhang, Becky Driscoll, and Nathan Hughes.

British Heart Foundation’s Centre of Research Excellence launches at The University of ��۴�ý

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 15:04:55 +0000

The University of ��۴�ý has launched the British Heart Foundation (BHF) following an award of £4 million to support world-class cardiovascular disease from the leading charity.

The award from the is part of a £35 million boost to UK cardiovascular disease research, with the funding stemming from the charity’s highly competitive Research Excellence Awards funding scheme.

It is hoped the funding will help to break down siloes that have traditionally existed in research and encourage collaboration between experts from diverse fields, cross-discipline, to help answer some of the biggest questions in heart and circulatory disease research.

The BHF’s investment for ��۴�ý, announced in 2024, was followed by matched funding from the University - bringing the total investment into cardiovascular disease research at ��۴�ý to £8 million.

In attendance at the launch event held at the historic Whitworth Art Gallery were the BHF ��۴�ý Centre of Research Excellence Deputy Director, Professor Maciej Tomaszewski, Professor Bryan Williams, OBE, Chief Scientific and Medical Officer at the BHF, and the representatives of The University of ��۴�ý NHS Foundation Trust, Ms Toli Onon - Joint Chief Medical Officer and Professor Bernard Clarke - Associate Chief Medical Officer.

President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Duncan Ivison and Professor Tony Heagerty, Head of School of Medical Sciences in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health delivered opening remarks.

Professor Maciej Tomaszewski, Deputy Director of the BHF ��۴�ý Centre of Research Excellence and Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at The University of ��۴�ý, said: “The launch of the BHF ��۴�ý Centre of Research Excellence marks a key turning point for cardiovascular research in Greater ��۴�ý.

“Built out of a need for collaboration, inclusion and innovation in this space, the Centre will serve as a world-class research environment. Over the coming years, we will strive forward to find answers to some of the biggest questions in our field, in the hopes that our research efforts will lead to positive health changes for people in the North West, the UK and beyond.”

Professor Bryan Williams, Chief Scientific and Medical Officer at the BHF said: “��۴�ý produced an outstanding bid in a very tough national funding competition. BHF was delighted to fund their bid because the ��۴�ý research team and their research plan are outstanding, with a focus on tackling important aspects of heart disease with leading edge innovation, and a desire to make a real difference for patients.”

The BHF ��۴�ý Centre of Research Excellence will focus on key cardiovascular diseases, including:

Discover the reasons why some babies are born with heart problems (congenital heart disease) and find ways in which these problems could be better predicted, potentially avoided, and treated when they occur in families.
Better understand the genetic drivers of high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes and other chronic conditions.
Provide new insights into the causes and consequences of heart failure and identify new potential treatment strategies.
Uncover the links between inflammation and inflammatory diseases (such as certain types of arthritis) and the higher risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke these patients carry and find ways to break these links.
Use Artificial Intelligence on largescale datasets to identify how we can better identify and prevent disease in patients with cardiovascular diseases, including those suffering from other conditions such as cancer.

Heart health is a key research priority for the University’s Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health. Policy@��۴�ý, The University of ��۴�ý’s dedicated unit for influencing and challenging policymakers with research-informed evidence and ideas, is also focused on cardiovascular health through its initiative.

President and Vice-Chancellor strengthens The University of ��۴�ý’s ties with partners and alumni during China and Hong Kong SAR visit

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 09:51:41 +0000

Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of ��۴�ý, is visiting Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong this week to connect with partners, alumni and fellow universities in China.

A delegation of cross-faculty academics has joined Professor Ivison including Professor Stephen Flint, Associate Vice-President International, Professor Zhongdong Wang, Associate Dean for International in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, and Qing-Jun Meng, Associate Dean for International (Research & Innovation) in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health.

For the first stop of the visit in Beijing, the delegation met with the British Embassy, the British Council and the China Scholarship Council before visiting partners of The University of ��۴�ý, Tsinghua University and Peking University.

In Shanghai, academics met with staff and toured the facilities at the China Centre before visiting partner institutions Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Fudan University.

The trip concludes in Hong Kong, where the group will visit the East Asia Centre before spending the evening at a panel discussion held at the Asia Society Hong Kong Centre. There will also be a breakfast event with the Hong Kong Foundation for The University of ��۴�ý (HKFUM).

Alumni receptions have been organised in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, to give the visiting academics the chance to meet with former students of the University.

This trip to China marks Professor Ivison’s first official overseas visit since assuming the post of President and Vice-Chancellor of the University in 2024.

Professor Ivison said: “The University of ��۴�ý has a long and proud history of collaboration with our partners in China, and it has been so meaningful to connect with our alumni, staff, fellow universities and prospective students during our visit. Their experiences, insights and ongoing connection to ��۴�ý are invaluable to us as we look to the future and continue to shape our ��۴�ý 2035 strategy.

“International partnerships will remain a key focus for our University, and we look forward to progressing our relationships with our network in China over the coming years. In today’s complex global landscape, academic collaborations and the friendships forged by these exchanges are more important than ever.”

The University of ��۴�ý is proud to have welcomed from China almost 10,000 students in 2024 and, as of 2023, 300 talented staff across academic and professional services roles.

The University is home to the which seek mutual understanding between the British and Chinese peoples through research, students, social responsibility, and inclusion. The University’s ��۴�ý Museum is home to the Lee Kai Hung Chinese Culture Gallery which offers a diverse and dynamic understanding of Chinese culture and the historical and contemporary links between ��۴�ý and China.

The University of ��۴�ý prides itself of being a truly international institution, welcoming one of the largest international student populations in the UK to our University each year. The University ranked 34th in the world (and 6th in the UK) in the , scoring highly for international student ratio (99.2), international research network (99.2) and international faculty ratio (93.1).

The University of ��۴�ý is recognised globally for its pioneering research, outstanding teaching and learning, and commitment to social responsibility. It ranks 52nd in the world (and 6th in the UK) in the . The University excels across multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is recognised second in the world in the .

Can a simple blood test spot the signs of skin cancer returning?

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 09:00:00 +0000

A BURY-BORN mum diagnosed with skin cancer after a chance encounter is helping researchers to trial a pioneering blood test that can spot signs of melanoma returning.

University of ��۴�ý Scientists are among the researchers at the Cancer Research UK National Biomarker Centre in ��۴�ý have developed a simple blood test which can tell doctors at a very early stage if the melanoma is back even if a scan looks normal.

The test is now being used as part of a Cancer Research UK funded clinical trial, led by researchers at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, for patients across the region which could mean quicker diagnosis for people at risk of a relapse.

Among those taking part is mum of two Karen Dickinson, who was at a routine appointment for her arthritic knee, when her osteopath pointed out an irregular looking mole on her lower back.

The next day, the 57-year-old IT manager, now living in Lancaster, went to see her GP, who referred her for tests which revealed that Karen had melanoma – the most serious form of skin cancer.

Unfortunately, she was also told that the melanoma – which affects 2,200 people in the North West every year* - had spread to her lymph nodes.

Karen had surgery to remove the mole including a wider area of skin as well as the affected lymph nodes and she was unable to work for a month.

She said: “It was such a shock. I had noticed the mole one day getting out of the shower and wondered if it was slightly darker. I thought it may have been due to the fact we’d been on holiday, even though it had been covered up. So, I had decided to keep an eye on it, but when my osteopath pointed it out and said I should get it checked sooner rather than later, I went straight to my GP. Then it all just happened so fast. They had removed it and diagnosed me with melanoma skin cancer all within a few weeks.

“I had no idea how serious melanoma was, and you do worry that you could die. Telling my husband Stephen and my two girls Chelsea and Alex was hard. Having cancer has changed my outlook on life. You do worry it might come back, but it absolutely doesn’t define who I am. It’s made me prioritise my time and not take my health for granted anymore. My time is precious, and I value what is most important to me more than ever.”

Now Karen is one of 50 people to sign up to the DETECTION-2 clinical trial which aims to prevent people from having unnecessary treatment if their cancer is unlikely to return.

For most people who are diagnosed with melanoma at an early stage, the cancer will be successfully removed by surgery. But in a small percentage of patients the cancer will come back.

On the NHS, patients are currently offered a one-year preventative drug treatment aimed at reducing the risk of recurrence. But with this new blood test, it could be possible to identify patients most at risk, so that further treatment is only given to those who really need it.

The blood test spot can spot small fragments of DNA shed by cancer cells - known as circulating tumour DNA or ctDNA.

The trial, which launched last month, is led by teams of researchers from The University of ��۴�ý, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and the Southampton Clinical Trials Unit.

Consultant medical oncologist at The Christie, Professor Paul Lorigan is leading on the trial. He said: “While immunotherapy or targeted therapy after surgery can help to prevent cancer returning, the majority of patients do not need this. Giving this treatment to everyone means that many patients may unnecessarily receive additional treatment, which can have serious and long-term side effects. Ideally, only patients likely to have the melanoma return would receive the additional treatment and we therefore want to see if we can use a simple blood test to spot those patients who are most at risk.”

Senior Lecturer in medical oncology at The University of ��۴�ý and Principal Investigator on the trial, Dr Rebecca Lee added: “If ctDNA is detected, then we can fast-track patients on to treatment and this would mean that only those patients who really need drug treatment receive it.”

The research team, which is working closely with the charity Melanoma Focus and its patient groups, has recently begun recruiting patients at eight hospitals across the UK, including The Royal Preston Hospital where Karen had her first blood test which has shown no signs of melanoma.

Patients who decide to take part will be randomly assigned to one of two groups, half will receive the standard NHS care and the other half will have regular ctDNA blood tests following surgery instead. The results will be compared at the end of the study and if successful, the trial will be expanded to more hospital sites and more patients.

All patients will continue to have regular scans and skin checks and will be followed up for 5 years.

Karen added: “The benefit for me of this brand-new trial is that I don’t need to go on medication, that could make feel very ill, if I don’t need it. Also, I have that reassurance that alongside the regular scans and checks, I will have these fantastic blood tests every three months that show up signs of the cancer coming back up to 12-months earlier than a scan. So for me it’s hugely beneficial both mentally and physically.”

Analysis by Cancer Research UK showed that rates of melanoma have increased by almost a third over the past decade with around 16,000 people diagnosed with melanoma every year in the UK.**

With melanoma cases in the UK on the rise, this clinical trial has come at a crucial time according to Cancer Research UK’s Executive Director of Research and Innovation Dr Iain Foulkes. He said: “Cancer Research UK is dedicated to discovery science while ensuring our findings in the laboratory have patient benefit. This project is an important step towards ensuring that our understanding of cancer can provide more personalised treatment for people diagnosed with melanoma, whilst sustaining their quality of life."

Melanoma Focus CEO Susanna Daniels added: “It’s hoped that by using these ctDNA blood tests, doctors will be able to identify very early on which patients have a high chance of the melanoma returning and treat those patients accordingly. Doctors will also be able to provide reassurance to those patients that do not have ctDNA in their blood that their melanoma is not returning, and therefore avoid unnecessary treatment and potential side effects for many patients.”

Image: Karen Dickinson

��۴�ý academic condemns Trump’s attacks on diversity initiatives

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 13:57:58 +0000

An expert from The University of ��۴�ý has strongly criticised US President Donald Trump’s recent remarks blaming a tragic aviation accident on diversity initiatives. Lecturer in Creative and Cultural Industries Dr Roaa Ali argues that these claims are not just factually baseless – they also serve to reinforce systemic racism under the guise of ‘neoliberal meritocracy’.

Following the mid-air collision between a passenger jet and a helicopter in Washington DC in January, Trump suggested that diversity programmes contributed to the crash. His remarks, which have been widely contested and refuted, reflect a broader pattern of right-wing rhetoric that Dr Ali says disguises racism as a defence of economic and social stability.

She warns that his comments are emblematic of a growing trend in which diversity is scapegoated for economic and institutional failures.

“Trump’s rhetoric is not just problematic - it is overtly racist,” she states. “His claims perpetuate the myth that racialised individuals are inherently unqualified and that diversity efforts undermine meritocracy - when, in fact, meritocracy itself is a neoliberal myth.”

She highlights that systemic barriers - not individual incompetence - shape access to education, employment and economic opportunities. “Capitalism has always been racial,” she explains, referencing Cedric Robinson’s analysis of racial capitalism. “The idea that economic decline is linked to racial equality is a dangerous falsehood that has been used time and again to justify discrimination.”

Dr Ali’s research challenges the assumption that diversity hires lack merit. In her interviews with ethnically diverse job entrants and organisations overseeing diversity initiatives in the UK, she found that these individuals are often overqualified. “They go through multiple rounds of stringent recruitment processes,” she notes, “yet their presence is still framed as a threat rather than a step towards equity.”

She further criticises the misconception that diversity schemes provide an undue advantage. “These schemes exist to address structural racism, but they do not go far enough in creating lasting change,” she says. “Instead of meaningful intervention, they serve as temporary solutions that do not dismantle the barriers faced by racialised communities.”

Dr Ali calls on policymakers, cultural institutions and the public to actively resist these harmful narratives and support genuine structural change.

Guidelines on management of fungal infections caused by Candida published

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 09:18:08 +0000

A team of international clinical experts led by Professor Dr Oliver A. Cornely and Dr Rosanne Sprute from University Hospital Cologne, including University of ��۴�ý researchers, have published the new global guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of Candida infections.

The guideline establishes new standards for managing fungal infections, which affect millions of people worldwide every year, and was recently published in Lancet Infectious Diseases.

The new guideline contains detailed recommendations on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of various forms of candidiasis – from superficial infections to life-threatening invasive infections – for clinicians, including innovative diagnostic procedures and the latest therapeutic approaches.

Particular attention is paid to new challenges such as resistance to common antifungals and the increasing spread of Candida auris, a multiresistant pathogen

“With this guideline, we have taken an important step towards improving treatment for patients worldwide,” said Professor Cornely, head of the global initiative. Co-lead Dr Sprute added: “Our aim was to pool the expertise of a global network to provide doctors and healthcare professionals with a practical and scientifically sound tool.

The document is the result of four years of intensive collaboration among more than one hundred experts from 35 countries. Supported by the expert associations ECMM (European Confederation of Medical Mycology), ISHAM (International Society for Human and Animal Mycology) and ASM (American Society for Microbiology).

Dr Cornely invited potential authors for the guideline based on speciality, geography, and gender. Six coordinators were appointed to ensure the structure of the guideline, assign topics, identify missing aspects and monitor progress.

The guideline has been endorsed worldwide by seventy six international expert associations as an important guide for practising physicians and meets the highest standards of quality and relevance to clinical care.

“Our compilation is unprecedented and provides a basis for improving the treatment and chances of survival of affected patients worldwide,” said Cornely, underlining the significance of the work.

Dr Riina Rautemaa-Richardson, Senior Clinical Lecturer in Infectious Diseases and Medical Education at The University of ��۴�ý said: “"It was a mammoth project to bring practically the world together to agree how to diagnose and manage the most common invasive fungal disease. For the first time, all continents are represented and all aspects of Candida infections covered, including the very common superficial ones (thrush).”

"It was amazing to see how much more evidence there is to support the recommendations made compared to the previous European guideline 10 years ago. Although we had over 100 expert authors in the group it was easy to agree on the recommendations.”

Trump is making false claims about Zelensky's popularity, say experts

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 14:45:06 +0000

After US President Donald Trump falsely claimed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s approval rating stands at a mere 4%, experts including Professor Olga Onuch of The University of ��۴�ý have pointed to their polling which puts his approval rating at 63% - making him the most popular politician in the country.

Trump’s remarks come at a critical moment when US and Russian officials are engaging in discussions - without Ukrainian representation - about ending the full-scale invasion. These talks are validating some of Ukrainians' worst fears: negotiations that concede to Vladimir Putin’s demands, undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty, and rewarding Russian aggression. Trump’s comments only add fuel to this narrative by attempting to delegitimise Ukraine’s leadership while strengthening Putin’s position.

Professor Onuch - alongside colleagues Professor Henry Hale of George Washington University, Volodymyr Kulyk of The Kyiv School of Economics and Gwendolyn Sasse of Humbolt University and ZOiS - has conducted extensive surveys in Ukraine since 2014. Their work, carried out in partnership with the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, offers a clear picture of Ukrainian public sentiment.

According to their latest findings, 63% of Ukrainians approve of Zelensky’s performance as president, a notable increase from the previous year. Additionally, large majorities view him as a patriot (74%), an intelligent and knowledgeable leader (73%), and a strong figure guiding the country through war (65%).

The notion that Zelensky is deeply unpopular is not only inaccurate - according to the researchers, it is a blatant attempt to distort reality in favour of Russia’s geopolitical ambitions. Trump’s suggestion that Ukraine should hold new elections ignores the fact that democratic processes in Ukraine remain intact, and that Zelensky would remain a frontrunner in the most likely electoral scenarios.

Among likely voters, he commands 32-41% support - far ahead of rivals like former President Petro Poroshenko and Dmytro Razumkov, who trail in the single digits. Zelensky's only strong contender would be Valerii Zaluzhnyi, former Commander in Chief and currently Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK, but he has not publicly voiced any political ambitions.

“Ukrainians will not react well to attempts to undermine their views and preferences and will rally behind their leaders," Olga added. "Opposition forces will also find a way to come together and show unity - everyone in Ukraine understands what is as stake - it is an existential matter. Ukrainians have been fighting to protect their independence for years, and they will not give up now.”

“By inventing low approval ratings, Trump is preparing the ground for a call for quick elections in Ukraine - in line with Putin‘s references to Zelensky as an illegitimate president and negotiation partner,” said Gwendolyn Sasse. “Our findings show that for Ukrainians, holding elections now is not a preferred priority.”

“When the war ends, we can expect normal political competition to reemerge if Ukraine remains free,” added Henry Hale. “But with the Russian threat still looming large, Ukrainians continue to rally strongly around their leader.”

As Ukraine continues to resist Russian aggression and misinformation campaigns, the researchers say these must be called out and rejected. Their findings demonstrate that Ukraine still stands with Zelensky, and they say that efforts to delegitimise him only serve the interests of Vladimir Putin.

Governments lack effective policies on fungal disease, experts find

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 09:48:30 +0000

Some Governments are lacking effective policies to tackle the global fungal crisis responsible for the deaths of around 3.5 million people per year, according to an international team of experts.

Published in the and led by David Denning, Professor of Infectious Diseases in Global Health at The University of ��۴�ý, the team analysed fungal infection management policies from the Netherlands,Italy, South Korea, China, and India.

The contrast between the countries gives a representative picture of policies around the world according to Professor Denning.

The research focussed on recognition and prioritization, awareness and education, prevention and monitoring, diagnosis and coordinated care, access to appropriate treatment, and diagnostic and treatment innovation.

They also found worrying gaps in policy coverage, including low prioritization of diagnostics and omission of fungal pathogens from antimicrobial resistance policies.

There was also a general lack of awareness, poor healthcare professional training on optimal management of the potentially deadly infection which often presents with minimal, vague, or nonspecific symptoms.

Professor Denning said: “Development of efficient and coordinated national systems to reduce avoidable deaths from fungal diseases has lagged behind other infectious diseases.

“A key element is timely and appropriate use of antifungal agents, based on diagnostic results, prevailing resistance trends and stewardship.

“We hope this article will provide a stimulus for all countries to put in place comprehensive plans for fungal diseases and monitor their implementation.”

The policy framework that was developed is summarised in 6 areas: policy recognition, awareness and education, prevention and monitoring, diagnosis and coordinated care, access to appropriate treatment and innovation.

Each item in each country was scored using a traffic light system.

Artificial human DNA study raises urgent ethical questions for society

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 10:57:52 +0000

Researchers from The University of ��۴�ý - in collaboration with the Universities of Granada, Lund, and Oslo - have conducted the first-ever ethical analysis of artificial human DNA.

The study, published in the Journal of Medical Ethics, explores how this emerging technology could impact identity, privacy and even reproduction, raising urgent questions for society.

Artificial human DNA, or synthetic DNA (synDNA), is created by assembling the chemical components of genes in a controlled process. While this technique could revolutionise medicine and biology, it also presents ethical challenges that must be addressed before the technology becomes widespread.

Scientists have already synthesised bacterial genomes and portions of human chromosomes, and future advancements could make it possible to generate entire human genomes in a lab.

The study highlights key concerns about privacy, identity and genetic relationships. If human DNA can be artificially replicated, who owns or controls it? Could it be used without consent? The research also explores how this technology might redefine biological parenthood and reproduction, challenging traditional understandings of genetics and inheritance.

Beyond medicine and science, this research has real-world implications for everyday people. If synDNA is widely adopted, it could lead to groundbreaking medical treatments and innovations, such as designing genes to combat hereditary diseases.

However, it also raises concerns about genetic privacy, ownership, and potential misuse. Could individuals’ genetic information be recreated without their permission? How might this affect legal rights or personal identity?

The researchers emphasise the need for governments, policymakers and scientists to collaborate on ethical guidelines to ensure responsible development and use of synDNA. By addressing these issues now, society can prepare for the transformative impact this technology may have on healthcare, reproduction and human identity itself.

The study was funded by the Víctor Grífols i Lucas Foundation.

The John Rylands Library in ��۴�ý announces a major new exhibition: The Secret Public: LGBTQ Pop 1955 – 1985

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 10:01:10 +0000

Press release

Landmark exhibition shows the extraordinary contribution LGBTQ artists have made to popular culture
Celebrates 30 years of LGBTQ pop and its wider influence
Uncovers some of the lesser-known stories of LGBTQ figures in the mainstream of popular culture with archive material from public and private collections

Connected exhibition events programme features key performers and commentators from the time

Launching The John Rylands Library’s redeveloped exhibitions gallery, The Secret Public: LGBTQ Pop 1955 – 1985 examines the profound influence of LGBTQ and LGBTQ-friendly performers, artists and activists on mainstream pop culture. Co-curated with Professor of Popular Culture, Jon Savage and taking his book The Secret Public - How LGBTQ Performers Shaped Popular Culture 1955 - 1979 as a starting point, the exhibition has been extended through to 1985. It foregrounds the artists, figures, social issues and political discourse from within which a lasting creative legacy was produced, one that still resonates today.

This new exhibition presents key pieces from the extensive archive of research materials collected by Jon Savage over many years which is now as part of the Library’s British Pop Archive. It includes further materials from The University of ��۴�ý Library’s Special Collections and key private loans including items never before on public display. Posters, magazines, books, promotional photographs and record sleeves trace the extraordinary contribution LGBTQ performers have made throughout those years, enhanced by audio and video providing an evocative soundtrack to this story.

The exhibition takes a thematic and chronological journey through the materials, foregrounding the pioneering artists, musicians, actors, managers and activists who pushed both the social and creative boundaries of their time and their chosen field to agitate, provoke, protest, engage, enlighten and delight.

Find out more

Find out more about the exhibition and Rylands125 on the John Rylands Library website:

University of ��۴�ý placed 50th in THE World Reputation Rankings 2025

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 09:29:45 +0000

The University of ��۴�ý has been ranked the 50th most powerful global university brand in the 2025.

The prestigious ranking of 300 universities is decided based on the judgement of senior academics in the world’s largest invitation-only academic opinion survey. Reputation is assessed based on three core pillars of evaluation: vote counts, pairwise comparison and voter diversity, with all three considered in relation to research and teaching.

The University of ��۴�ý’s position has improved since the reputation rankings were last published in 2023, and it is one of eight UK institutions included in the top 50.

Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor at The University of ��۴�ý said: “Our inclusion in the THE World Reputation Rankings top 50 reflects our global reputation for pioneering research and excellence in teaching and learning.

“How we are perceived on the world stage is vital to attracting top talent and, as the higher education sector grows increasingly competitive, we must continue to innovate and evolve to strengthen our position. This recognition serves as both a testament to our achievements and a motivation to push further as we shape the future through ��۴�ý 2035—our bold new strategy for the next decade.”

Phil Baty, Times Higher Education’s chief global affairs officer, said: “The THE World Reputation Rankings are built on a survey of 55,000 expert academic voices from around the world – so they are a powerful and robust indicator of a university’s global academic standing among peers.

“There are tens of thousands of higher education institutions in the world, so to make the list of the world’s top 50 most prestigious universities, voted by expert academic peers, is an exceptional accolade. ��۴�ý clearly has a very strong grounding in its local community – but it is evidently also greatly respected and admired by scholars all across the world.”

The Times Higher Education includes the full ranking of 300 universities with the best reputation in the world.

The University of ��۴�ý was placed 53^rd in the (and 8^th in the UK), while the University’s commitment to academic excellence in research and teaching across all subject areas was also recognised in the THE World University Rankings by Subject.

University graduates launch innovative new travel-tech platform

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 10:56:54 +0000

Graduates from The University of ��۴�ý, Prithveesh Reddy and Harvey Lowe have successfully launched the travel-tech platform , now based at Sister and supported by Unit M.

Prithveesh and Harvey are from India and the Isle of Man respectively, and it was after frequent flights back to ��۴�ý that they first discovered the shortcomings of airline loyalty schemes. Following conversations with multiple airlines, the pair concluded that current programs benefit only few flyers and the vast majority of travellers virtually never accumulate enough points to make any use of them.

Using a combination of funds secured through previous exits, grants, and awards, the pair, at just 18 years old, set sights on building Arcube, with the aim of providing a new form of airline loyalty that works for everyone.

Arcube is the world’s first post-flight solution for airlines to upsell ancillaries, tailored specifically to the customer via the AI-powered analysis of hundreds of data points.

While still in their first year of university, Reddy and Lowe sent a simple email pitch to the Etihad Airways London office about their idea. The proposition stood out to Etihad Airways and garnered significant attention, so much so that Etihad Airways became Arcube’s first client.

Co-founder Harvey Lowe said: “It was a case of reaching the right person at the right time; we had full confidence in what we were offering, but breaking into the airline business is notoriously difficult. So a positive response from Etihad meant the world to us and reaffirmed we were moving in the right direction.”

Professor Aline Miller, Chief Scientific Officer at Unit M, said: “Now based at Sister, Arcube will continue to be supported by the University ecosystem via Unit M, the University's newly established innovation capability, which will connect Arcube into the University's R&D and skills capabilities to accelerate its scale-up journey.

"The energetic Arcube team and their early success at securing funding demonstrate that ��۴�ý is a place where we have built the ecosystem for ideas, creativity and entrepreneurship to succeed.”

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