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Commercial sunbeds should be banned in the UK, say experts

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 23:30:00 +0100

Commercial sunbeds should be banned in the UK, argue experts from the University of ��Ƶ and Christie NHS Foundation Trust in The BMJ .

Using sunbeds causes melanoma and other skin cancers, particularly among young people, yet existing sunbed legislation is ineffective and there is little evidence that stricter rules would help protect the most vulnerable, say Professor Paul Lorigan and colleagues.

Indoor tanning is experiencing a boom in popularity, particularly among Gen Z (born 1997-2012), with social media promoting sunbeds as integral to wellness, they explain. For example, a 2024 survey of 2,003 people in the UK by Melanoma Focus found that 43% of respondents aged 18-25 used sunbeds, half of them at least weekly, with many unaware of the associated dangers.

And despite a ban on under 18s using sunbeds in England and Wales in 2011, a 2025 survey by Melanoma Focus of 100 UK 16-17 year olds found that 34% were still using sunbeds.

Neither the number nor location of sunbed outlets in the UK are monitored, point out the authors. Data from websites and social media in January 2024 identified 4,231 sunbed outlets in England and 232 in Wales, with density per 100,000 population highest in north west and north east England and in the most deprived areas.

The distribution of sunbed outlets also correlates with melanoma rates in young people, with the highest rates in north England, they add. Over 2,600 new diagnoses were recorded annually in 25-49 year olds in England during 2018-20 and 146 deaths, with two thirds of cases in women.

Regulation has also failed to prevent young people’s use of sunbeds in other countries, they note. For example, the percentage of under 18s using sunbeds in the Republic of Ireland has barely changed since stricter regulation in 2014, while Iceland’s 15-17 year olds are now the main users of sunbeds despite a ban for under 18s in 2011.

The current situation in the UK is “a clear example of an under-regulated industry aggressively marketing a harmful product to a vulnerable population,” they write. “An immediate outright ban on commercial sunbeds alongside public education offers the most cost effective solution to reduce skin cancer, save lives, and ease the burden on the NHS.”

To counter the economic impact of banning sunbeds on providers and communities, they suggest use of a buy-back scheme “to mitigate industry pushback and the potential effect on livelihoods.”

They conclude: “The UK government has pledged to prioritise prevention and to reduce health inequalities. Commercial sunbeds target those who are most disadvantaged and susceptible to harm.”

“Enhanced efforts to encourage sun safe behaviours are critically needed but will likely take a generation to have an effect. A ban on commercial sunbeds is the first step in this process. It would send a clear message and have an immediate effect on skin cancer.”

Analysis: Commercial sunbeds should be banned in the UK is published in the BMJ doi: 10.1136/bmj-2025-085414 and is available

75 years on from the 'Turing Test', ��Ƶ leads the way in AI research and innovation

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 15:14:30 +0100

75 years after the publication of Alan Turing’s seminal paper Computing Machinery and Intelligence, The University of ��Ƶ now sits at the centre of a 1,600-strong community of researchers who are shaping the future of artificial intelligence (AI).

Published in 1950 during Turing’s time as an academic at The University of ��Ƶ, the paper was one of the first on artificial intelligence. It was in this paper that he established the Turing Test, also known as the Imitation Game, posing the question that would shape the modern world: “Can machines think?”

Today, more than 1,600 ��Ƶ researchers are designing and applying AI to tackle global challenges, transform industries, enhance public services, and improve lives. From advancing breast cancer treatment and improving menopause care to transforming crop productivity in Ghana and tackling online misogyny, ��Ƶ researchers are using AI to deliver positive change for society and the environment.

To enable this, the University has invested in a world-leading research environment, creating an AI research ecosystem that supports research excellence and accelerates the journey to real-world impact. Capabilities span from the , driving the breakthroughs of tomorrow, to two dedicated units fuelling innovation - the part of , which connect partners to the University’s world-famous talent, ideas and resources.

Professor Jay adds: “We believe AI should deliver real benefits to business, public services and society. That’s why we’re continually investing in the people, partnerships and platforms that turn bold ideas into transformative outcomes.

“In every thriving AI ecosystem, there’s a university at its heart. We’re proud to shape the future of AI – for ��Ƶ, the UK and the world.”

Explore >>

A trailblazing history: driving the AI revolution

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 14:20:23 +0100

It all began here

In 1950, Alan Turing published “Computing Machinery and Intelligence”, one of the first papers on artificial intelligence. But theory alone wasn’t enough. AI needed powerful computing. And at ��Ƶ, that power was being built.

In 1948, Frederic C Williams, Tom Kilburn and Geoff Tootill created the ��Ƶ Baby – the first stored-program computer.

Three years later, the Ferranti Mark I was unveiled. This was the first commercially available general-purpose computer and was based on Williams and Kilburn’s work on the ��Ƶ Baby and the ��Ƶ Mark I.

Next came Atlas – a joint development between The University of ��Ƶ, Ferranti and Plessey – soon followed; it was one of the most powerful of its era, pioneering virtual memory and multiprocessing.

75 years of firsts

��Ƶ has been driving digital innovation ever since. Discover ��Ƶ-made milestones:

��Ƶ Code (1949) – A data-encoding method still used in remote control consumer devices today.
First electronic music recording (1951) – Produced at ��Ƶ with the BBC.
First computer game (1952) – Christopher Strachey draughts/checkers programme for the ��Ƶ Mark 1.
First electronic literature (1952) – Strachey’s love-letter algorithm, a landmark in creative computing.
Virtual memory (1959) – Invented by Tom Kilburn, leading to the Atlas computer in 1962.
First UK computer science department (1964) – The University of ��Ƶ opens the country’s first dedicated Department of Computer Science.
Alan Turing’s computational biology (1950s) – Groundbreaking research into morphogenesis.

A community of changemakers

Our legacy of firsts continues today, reflected in the people who shape the future of computing and digital innovation:

Steve Furber – Co-designer of the BBC Micro and the ARM processor and Professor here for over three decades; more than 230 billion ARM processors have been built worldwide.
Pete Lomas – Alumni and Co-designer of the Raspberry Pi, which revolutionised computing education and innovation worldwide, putting affordable, programmable technology into the hands of millions of learners, makers, and entrepreneurs.
Kim Libreri – Alumni and CTO of Epic Games, a global leader shaping the future of gaming through blockbuster titles like Fortnite
Zahra Montazeri – lecturer in computer graphics, who’s research in rendering was used in The Mandalorian and Avatar: The Way of Water.
, a Turing Fellow in the Department of Mathematics, whose benchmark software underpins much of the global supercomputing, making it possible for scientists, engineers, and governments to run large-scale simulations

Looking ahead: AI at ��Ƶ

With more than 75 years of breakthroughs, The University of ��Ƶ continues to push the boundaries of AI, from advancing core research to driving real-world impact.

Our work today spans:

Cutting-edge AI research in fields from healthcare to climate science.
Industry collaborations accelerating innovation.
Initiatives supporting inclusive economic growth.

��Ƶ is, and always has been, a powerhouse shaping the digital future for the UK and the world.

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Potential new therapeutic target for asthma discovered

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 07:38:00 +0100

A new way to treat asthma symptoms and even repair previously irreversible lung damage could be on the horizon following the discovery of a potential new therapeutic target by scientists at the Universities of Aberdeen and ��Ƶ.

Current treatments for asthma largely involve controlling the inflammation of lung tissue using steroid inhalers. However, 4 people die every day in the UK¹ from asthma related complications. With funding from the Medical Research Foundation and Asthma UK, a team of researchers from the University of Aberdeen and the University of ��Ƶ have investigated the scarring that occurs in lung tissue as a result of asthma and have been able to reverse these changes in animal models.

Although still in the early stages of development, this discovery paves the way for a new way to treat not only asthma, but many different diseases in which similar structural changes in tissues occur. Such diseases include conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic heart disease and cirrhosis of the liver and account for approximately 40% of deaths worldwide.

Asthma affects more than 7 million people in the UK and severe asthma can have a hugely detrimental impact on an individual’s quality of life. Even when treated, asthma can be fatal and the most recent data shows it contributed to 1,465 deaths in the UK in 2022¹ – this is despite the availability of new treatments which aim to dampen down inflammation in the lungs.

However, as well as inflammation, asthma also results in what has previously been considered to be irreversible structural lung changes. These changes include making the lungs stiffer and more scarred through increases in things like ‘extracellular matrix collagens.’

Using animal models that share features of severe asthma in people, the researchers found that preventing inflammation alone is not enough to reverse this tissue scarring. Instead, they found that blocking the action of specific protein molecules strongly associated with inflammation and tissue damage, ‘remarkably reversed’ scarring in the lungs.

Dr Tara Sutherland, Lecturer of Immunology, who led the research at the University of Aberdeen, alongside collaborators at the University of ��Ƶ, explains: “Drugs that inhibit inflammation in asthma are crucial for managing the disease. However, these drugs may not always be enough to prevent and reverse lung damage found in severe asthma.

“Our findings show that we also need to consider that structural lung changes occur in severe asthma and that these changes may occur independently of inflammatory pathways.

“A better understanding of these structural changes and their consequences for lung health could lead to development of new therapies that benefit people particularly with severe asthma and could potentially be used alongside drugs that stop inflammation.

“Although a first step in a long process, our study suggests avenues for new treatments that may have the potential to prevent disease progression and even reverse tissue scarring in asthma and many other diseases where fibrosis due to disorganised matrix formation is suggested to account for approximately 40% of worldwide mortality.”

James Parkinson, Research Associate from the division of Immunology and Immunity to Infection and Respiratory Medicine at the University of ��Ƶ who collaborated on the project added: “This work adds a new layer to our understanding of how asthma develops. It also reinforces the importance of considering all aspects of airway remodelling when evaluating future potential therapies.”

, CEO of the , said: “Asthma affects millions of people in the UK, including 1.1 million children, yet despite current treatments, too many people still die from the condition every day. Severe uncontrolled asthma can cause lasting damage to the lungs and drastically reduce quality of life. This research is a crucial step forward – showing how we might not only prevent that damage, but even reverse it, opening the door to treatments that could transform lives.

“By supporting studies like this, the Medical Research Foundation aims to generate the evidence needed to change how asthma is treated and ultimately improve outcomes for people living with the condition.”

Dr Ellen Forty, Research Networks and Partnerships Manager at Asthma + Lung UK added:

“Asthma + Lung UK is pleased to have funded this exciting research which has helped to tease apart some of the ways that damage to lung tissue occurs in severe asthma, showing potential that some aspects of the damage could actually be reversed in mice. Now we need to invest in the next stages of this research to better understand this newly discovered process, and whether it works the same way in humans.

“This study offers hope for a new avenue for future treatments for the 7.2 million people in the UK living with asthma, that could supplement existing medicines. It could also have benefits for those with other lung conditions with similar causes of damage. Funding for lung health research is on life support and urgent action is needed to increase investment.”

This research was funded by the Medical Research Foundation and the Asthma and Lung UK Fellowship with support from Medical Research Council and Wellcome.

A Legacy of Courage and Conversation: 40 Years of the International Peace Lecture

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 15:08:59 +0100

This October, the at The University of ��Ƶ celebrates 40 years of its International Peace Lecture. This landmark series has brought global changemakers and urgent conversations to campus since 1985.

The idea of a peace lecture at ��Ƶ dates back even further. Records show that the first such lecture was proposed on the eve of the Second World War, in 1939, at the University. However, it was not until much later, when former university lecturer and his colleagues secured institutional support and funding, that the series was formally established. The inaugural lecture was delivered by former Prime Minister , setting the tone for decades of thought-provoking contributions from speakers such as , and .

Churcher, a psychology Lecturer at the University, formed the Peace Lecture Appeal committee to raise the funds needed to launch the series. Prior to this, he had worked with colleagues to establish the ��Ƶ University Nuclear Disarmament Group (MUND), which collaborated with Greater ��Ƶ Council to assess and communicate the potential impact of a nuclear attack on the region.

Reflecting on the legacy, Churcher said:

The will take place on Wednesday, 8 October, featuring Madeleine Rees OBE, Secretary General of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom. The latest lecture, organised by , Lecturer in Peace and Conflict Studies, will centre on Rees’s talk titled The Continuous Struggle: Women’s Rights in the Last Four Decades and the Backlash Against Progress, exploring the evolving fight for gender justice and the global forces resisting change.

Speaking on the series, Ramovic said:

Over four decades, the International Peace Lecture has become a cornerstone of ��Ƶ’s public engagement, amplifying voices from conflict zones, social movements, and international diplomacy. It continues to challenge audiences to think critically about the conditions for peace and the courage it takes to pursue it.

Tickets are available for the hybrid event on .

Research shows cities must do more to support older residents

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 12:17:13 +0100

To mark the upcoming , a new study from The University of ��Ƶ is calling for cities to do more to support older people who want to stay in their own homes and communities as they age.

The research published in the looks at the idea of ‘ageing in place’ - the policy focus on enabling older adults to live well in their own home and neighbourhood of choice for as long as they wish. While this approach is often seen as positive, the study highlights that many urban areas do not provide the necessary supports to make this a reality.

According to the research team, the pressures of rising inequality, cuts to public services, and the privatisation of spaces in cities mean many older people struggle to access the support they need. Poorer neighbourhoods in particular face declining facilities such as libraries, community centres and affordable housing – resources that are crucial for wellbeing in later life.

“Most people want to stay in their homes as they grow older, but this is only possible if the communities around them are supportive,” said lead author Dr Tine Buffel. “At the moment, too many older residents are left isolated or feel invisible in their own neighbourhoods. We need new ways of organising community life so people can rely on each other, rather than just on families and/or overstretched services.”

The study looked at innovative examples from around the world that could help tackle the problem. These include:

The Village model – neighbourhood organisations run by older people themselves, pooling resources to provide services like transport, home repairs and social activities.
Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities – areas where large numbers of older people already live, supported by tailored health and community services.
Cohousing – intentionally created communities where residents share spaces and provide mutual support.
Compassionate Communities – grassroots networks that help people facing illness, end of life or bereavement.

Each model has benefits, from reducing hospital admissions to strengthening social ties, but also face challenges such as funding pressures and a tendency to leave out more disadvantaged groups.

The researchers argue that the next step is to think about ageing in place as a collaborative venture – something built on collective action, shared resources and planning with the direct involvement of older people themselves. They also call for urban planning to be less ageist, pointing out that too many urban regeneration projects prioritise young professionals over older residents.

The study concludes that ageing in place can only succeed if communities, councils, charities and older residents work together. Without this, many people risk not being able to live independently, or being “stuck in place” in unsuitable housing and unsupported communities.

Mission Research: The University of ��Ƶ awarded one of the UKRI Community Innovation Practitioner Awards

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 14:16:35 +0100

Ruth Flanagan will work with Cartwheel Arts as Community Innovation Practitioner (CIP) during 2025-2026.

The , funded by the UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and led by Northumbria University, has extended its signature award, the , for a new 2025-26 cohort. This represents an investment of nearly £500,000 to catalyse place-based innovation across all 4 nations of the UK research ecosystem.

The AHRC Creative Communities programme examines the role of culture and devolution in unlocking cross sector co-creation and place-based innovation across all 4 nations of the UK.

AHRC Executive Chair Professor Christopher Smith said:

Ruth Flanagan is an artist who has been working with Creative ��Ƶ partner organisation, Cartwheel Arts, with diverse communities in Rochdale to deliver craft and heritage projects. During 2025-2026, Ruth will work as Community Innovation Practitioner (CIP), along with University of ��Ƶ researchers through Creative ��Ƶ and the School of Arts Languages and Cultures to introduce a research framework to her work finding connections through diverse communities through craft traditions.

is one of six new UK CIPs across a spectrum of projects that represent the rich cross-sector community research and inclusive innovation that is catalysing growth.

In partnership with Cartwheel Arts and national organisation Heritage Crafts UK, and working closely with Greater ��Ƶ Combined Authority, this project draws on the history and legacy of ��Ƶ’s Co-Operative movement by using crafting methods to promote resilience, belonging and cultural engagement in diverse communities in Rochdale (which is Greater ��Ƶ’s Town of Culture 2025).

Ruth Flanagan said of the award:

About the Community Innovation Practitioner Awards

This is a major investment in place-based innovation and cross-sector research partnerships across the devolved nations and regions of the UK. Each CIP will work in their devolved policy context to explore how co-created cultural innovation can enhance belonging, address regional inequality, deliver devolution and break down barriers to opportunity.

The CIPs will generate vital new knowledge about co-creation and the unique role played by their communities and partnerships in growth through new research, development and innovation (RD&I).

Each CIP will produce a , and an episode of the to share learning from their community and cultural partners. Together, the CIPs will form a Community of Practice network with the aim of fostering new relationships and sharing innovative practice.

Funding has been awarded to six new CIPs across a spectrum of projects that represent the rich cross-sector community research and inclusive innovation that is catalysing growth in all 4 nations of the UK.

About Creative Communities

is a £3.9m major research programme based at Northumbria University in Newcastle. It builds a new evidence base on how cultural devolution can enhance belonging, address regional inequality, deliver devolution and break down barriers to opportunity for communities in devolved settings across all four nations of the UK.

For more information you can also visit the .

Viridis Living secures planning consent for student accommodation at The University of ��Ƶ’s Fallowfield Campus

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 10:03:29 +0100

Viridis Living has achieved an important milestone with ��Ƶ City Council granting Reserved Matters Planning Consent for the redevelopment of the University of ��Ƶ’s Fallowfield Campus.

The consortium, comprising Equitix, GRAHAM and Derwent FM, worked closely with the University, the Council, the local community and key stakeholders to secure Reserved Matters Planning Approval for the redevelopment.

Development can progress towards a start based on the finalised design, layout and landscaping plans. Covering Owens Park, Oak House and Woolton Hall, the development will deliver up to 3,300 modern, high-quality student homes, alongside amenity spaces, ancillary residential dwellings and extensive green infrastructure.

A key feature of the scheme is the creation of five distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own identity inspired by ��Ƶ’s rich cultural, sporting and musical heritage. Sustainability is central to the design, with the project targeting Passivhaus certification and a BREEAM Excellent rating. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), including offsite manufacturing, will be used to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and accelerate delivery.

Viridis Living also submitted its first application to the Building Safety Regulator in June 2025, three months ahead of planning approval. This proactive step supports the consortium’s commitment to fire safety, detailed design and the accelerated delivery of much-needed student housing in the city.

GRAHAM, on behalf of the consortium, has led the planning process in collaboration with the University of ��Ƶ, architects Sheppard Robson, and planning consultants Deloitte.

Commenting on the planning approval, Neil McFarlane, GRAHAM Project Director, said: “We’re delighted to reach this important milestone on a project of such scale and significance. The approved plans reflect our commitment to delivering a quality development that meets the evolving needs of students and the University.

“The engagement with the local community and our response to challenging environmental targets have resulted in a well-received planning application. Inclusion, accessibility and student wellbeing are embedded throughout the scheme, making this one of the most forward-thinking student accommodation developments in the UK.”

Ben Leech, Managing Director, Investments, Equitix, said: “We’re pleased to see that the next stage of planning approvals for the University of ��Ƶ’s new student accommodation has moved forward at pace. This important project will deliver much needed, high-quality, sustainable housing that keeps student wellbeing at its heart and reflects our commitment to long-term social infrastructure investment.”

Natalia Maximova, partner at Sheppard Robson, said: “Our design draws on the site’s layered history and character—from the rich parkland setting to the careful preservation and relocation of Mitzi Cunliffe’s ‘Cosmos 1’ relief sculpture. The detailed proposals establish five distinct neighbourhoods, fostering a sense of belonging through varied colours, textures, and finishes, with sustainability and wellbeing as unifying threads.

“The new social hub and additional study areas provide a variety of spaces that encourage togetherness and help reduce stress and isolation. We have increased biodiversity through new green spaces and a car-free environment, helping to rebuild the student community at Fallowfield as part of one of the world’s largest Passivhaus developments.”

Eamonn Tierney, Managing Director, Derwent Facilities Management, said: “This is a significant milestone in delivering a transformative scheme for Fallowfield and The University of ��Ƶ’s students. We are proud to play a key role in this landmark contract, using our expertise to create a vibrant, sustainable community where students can truly thrive. We look forward to working closely with the University of ��Ƶ and our partners to provide a world-class living experience that meets the evolving needs of students and the wider community.”

Enabling works are progressing ahead of the main construction programme, which will begin in early 2026. A phased handover will allow students to move into their new homes from 2026 through to 2030.

For more information on the Fallowfield Campus redevelopment, please visit here.

��Ƶ researcher shows how everyday feelings shape political processes

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0100

When people think about politics, they often imagine elections, protests or politicians arguing on TV - but what if political processes are also shaped by the small, everyday feelings and moments that most of us might not even notice?

That’s the idea behind research published in journal by The University of ��Ƶ’s Niamh Nelson-Owens, who has studied how ‘ordinary affects’ - the emotions, atmospheres, and experiences that we experience in daily life - can quietly drive political change.

Most of the time, politics is explained through big events and formal debates - but Nelson-Owens says this leaves out an important part of the story. Her work shows that broader political processes are also shaped by emotions - things like hope, frustration or even unease - which often move between people in ways we don’t fully realise.

Take a simple example - a chat in a café, a walk through a busy square, or spotting something unusual on your street. These ordinary moments can spark ideas and feelings that might grow into something bigger - a small event can inspire different reactions, questions and possibilities, showing that change doesn’t always start in obvious ways.

This way of looking at political processes is especially useful for activists. It suggests that change doesn’t only come from huge protests or speeches - it can also grow from small acts of kindness, everyday resistance, or even brief encounters that make people stop and think. It provides new tools to understand how existing power structures can be challenged, reinforced, or even how 'seeds of change' can be sown in fleeting interactions.

In her research, Nelson-Owens has looked at vegan activism in ��Ƶ. She found that graphic images on the street can create all sorts of emotional responses ranging from deep conversations about ethics to people turning away in discomfort. Even though these reactions may be short-lived, they can still plant seeds of change.

Her work encourages us to see politics, and political processes more broadly, as something not just decided in parliaments or through laws, but which also live in our daily routines, conversations and feelings.

“My research rethinks how political change might happen,” said Niamh. “We often focus on flashpoints or dramatic events in the formal realm of ‘politics’, but I suggest that change can also emerge in more ordinary ways, through how we feel as much as what we say.”

Reminder: Open Research Fellowship information session

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0100

Are you curious about the Open Research Fellowship Programme and how it could support your work? Don’t miss our upcoming online information session on Wednesday 1 October 2025, 14:00–15:00.

Join colleagues from the Office for Open Research and some of our previous Open Research Fellows to explore what the Fellowship offers, ask questions, and get guidance on your application. Whether you're an academic, professional, or technical services colleague, this is your chance to learn more.

Find out more:

Keep up to date with UK and Global Higher Education developments

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0100

University of ��Ƶ staff and students can enjoy online access to the and via our institutional subscriptions. Access news, insights and analysis for the UK and global higher education sector.

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The Times Higher Education provides comprehensive news, insights, analysis, and global university rankings. Stay informed on global Higher Education issues via individual articles online or download digital editions of each issue.

Access via or register directly via the (select the red user icon) using your University email address.

Wonkhe
Wonkhe is an online platform offering impartial insights, analysis, and discussions on the UK Higher Education sector. Access articles, podcasts, and research to explore debates, policies, and practices and sign up to receive daily/quarterly briefings and events updates.

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Tackling Extremist Misogyny in the Digital Age

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0100

As misogynistic ideologies gain traction online, , Philosophy lecturer at The University of ��Ƶ, is calling for UK policymakers to recognise gender-based ideological violence as a form of extremism under the the UK’s counter-extremism policy.

Dr Popa-Wyatt, who contributed key evidence to the advocating for gender as a protected characteristic, warns that dangerous gaps remain. Her research shows extremist misogyny is not only harmful but organised, aiming to reverse gender equality through coercion, violence, and radicalisation of disaffected young men.

In , Popa-Wyatt defines misogynistic extremism as “content, acts, and practices that enforce patriarchal control through male supremacy, often via dehumanisation, intimidation, and violence.” Her findings distinguish this from everyday misogyny, emphasising the ideological, systematic nature of male supremacy, which uses the rhetoric of domination and coercion to reassert patriarchal control.

Online platforms, particularly incel forums, the manosphere, and influencer ecosystems, were found to have amplified this extremism. Recommender algorithms and generative AI enable the spread of hate content, while figures like Elliot Rodger and Andrew Tate shape a dangerous narrative of male dominance.

To counter this, Dr Popa-Wyatt urges reform of the Prevent strategy to address radicalisation in digital spaces, invest in interventions that offer positive alternatives, and support young people with empowering narratives. This involves developing digital infrastructure and partnerships capable of tackling radicalisation in less-visible online environments.

“When misogyny becomes ideological and appeals to violence, it qualifies as a form of extremism,” states Dr Mihaela Popa-Wyatt. “Failing to address the rise of extreme misogyny with a holistic approach could risk further alienating men and boys into incel spaces.

These recommendations arrive ahead of ’s October 2025 review, which will consider new obligations for tech companies. Dr Popa-Wyatt stresses that gender-based violence must be central to those discussions.

Read more about Dr Mihaela Popa-Wyatt’s and recent research, .

Creative Health in the UK and Japan

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 16:09:00 +0100

Creative health, or how we recognise the power of creativity, culture and heritage to improve health and wellbeing, is a movement that is gaining momentum, particularly across Greater ��Ƶ where there is an ambition to become the world’s first Creative Health City Region.

In September, coinciding with Japan Week 2025, we had the opportunity to hear an international perspective on creative health as we welcomed colleagues from the from the Art & Wellbeing aa-TOMO programme - an innovative and ambitious 10-year creative health and cultural prescribing research programme led by the National Centre for Art Research in Japan and the Tokyo University of the Arts. Aa-TOMO is currently rolling out cultural prescribing programmes across local government areas in Japan, in partnership with a range of organisations including museums, universities, healthcare providers and private industry.

This visit builds on previous exchange of ideas between Greater ��Ƶ and aa-TOMO, exploring the innovative ways in which museums and galleries are using their collections and expertise to support health and wellbeing and how this can be supported by research and in policy – including the translation of the Greater ��Ƶ Creative Health Strategy into Japanese.

UK and Japan in conversation

��Ƶ Museum hosted a public panel discussion where we were able to hear more about the creative health work taking place in Japan. Sawako Inaniwa, Senior Curator of Learning, National Centre for Art Research, introduced Creative Ageing ZUTTOBI – a pioneering collaborative project led by Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum and Tokyo University of the Arts supporting people of all ages to stay connected to art and museums, in response to the challenges of an ageing society.

ZUTTOBI brings health and welfare professionals into museums to codesign participatory opportunities for older adults and people living with dementia. The programmes provide participants with enjoyment and a sense of purpose, a chance to share feelings and memories inspired by the artwork, and the opportunity to connect and interact with others, helping to prevent isolation and cognitive decline.

The concept of cultural prescribing was introduced to a wider audience through the “Hello Future! 100-Year Museum”, exhibition at EXPO 2025 in Osaka. Takashi Kiriyama, Dean of the Graduate School of Film and New Media at Tokyo University of the Arts, described how the exhibition not only provided an opportunity for the public to engage with the concept of cultural prescribing, and to explore their own use of arts and culture to support wellbeing, it also demonstrated the innovative use of technology in creative health. The exhibition employed NFC tagging to allow visitors to instantly upload pictures from their smartphones to the exhibition, also providing the research team with metadata to support subsequent analysis.

From Greater ��Ƶ, Julie McCarthy, Strategic Lead for Creative Health at Greater ��Ƶ Integrated Care (NHS GM) and Greater ��Ƶ Combined Authority (GMCA) introduced the GM Creative Health Place Partnership, a 3-year programme that will deliver the aims of the GM Creative Health Strategy through a series of test-and learn programmes and a focus on embedding creative health within the health and social care system. Charlotte Leonhardsen, Programme Manager for Social Prescribing within the Greater ��Ƶ Integrated Care Partnership, described the social prescribing infrastructure across GM’s ten boroughs and the potential for creative and cultural prescriptions to support people with complex or long-term health conditions, or at risk of social isolation.

As a panel we discussed with the audience the benefits to individuals and communities when we can provide opportunities for people to engage with creativity and culture across their life-course. We also recognised common challenges such as measuring and demonstrating impact of the work, developing a shared understanding across health and cultural sectors and ensuring that creative health addresses rather than reinforces health inequalities.

International knowledge exchange opportunities

It was clear from our conversations throughout the visit that although the national contexts may be different, our approaches to creative health research have much in common. Creative health brings together interdisciplinary research fields and cross sectoral partners and can be a catalyst for developing new approaches to collaborative research with strategic partners and alongside cultural institutions and community-based organisations.

In Japan, Tokyo University of the Arts co-ordinates over 40 partners as part of the Arts-based Communication Platform for Co-Creation to Build a Convivial Society, which aims to foster a society where everyone can express themselves through art communication that integrates welfare, healthcare, and technology. The National Art Research Centre is working with museums and cultural institutions, as well as health and welfare groups and local governments to explore how cultural resources can become spaces that support wellbeing and social change.

Similarly, in Greater ��Ƶ a wide range of stakeholders are involved in creative health research, policy and practice. A key function of the new Research Associate in Knowledge Mobilisation post, based at the University of ��Ƶ, is to map interdisciplinary research feeds into creative health and facilitate new opportunities for further collaboration across Greater ��Ƶ’s universities and with policymakers and communities. We are working closely GMCA to evaluate the GM Creative Health Place Partnership and to identify the conditions necessary to sustainably embed creativity and culture into the health and social care system.

We will continue our relationship with our colleagues from Tokyo University of the Arts, pushing forward creative health research through international collaboration. Specifically, we discussed working together to explore opportunities for createch in creative health, drawing on Greater ��Ƶ’s expertise in social prescribing to inform the cultural prescribing model, and sharing experiences around knowledge mobilisation across research, policy and practice.

We hope to arrange a reciprocal visit to see creative health in action in Japan next year. Watch this space for further updates!

Congratulation to Professor Garcia Oliva on his award

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 16:00:40 +0100

Professor Javier Garcia Oliva, from The University of ��Ƶ Law School, has received a prize for his contribution, throughout his career, to furthering freedom of conscience and belief.

He has written widely on the topic, including a monograph, with Professor Helen Hall as co-author, entitled “Religion, Law and the Constitution: Balancing Beliefs in Britain”.

He has advised Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) on issues relating to conversion therapy and exorcism, and discussed questions relating to education, wearing and displaying religious symbols and freedom of expression in both academic circles and the media.

The prize was awarded by the Foundation for the Improvement of Life, Culture and Society, a well-known Spanish NGO whose input has been noted by the United Nations. The Spanish Ministry of Presidency, Justice and Relationships with Parliament participated in the ceremony, with Mr Jose Daniel Pelayo, General Secretary of Coordination and Promotion of Religious Freedom, joining this event. There were contributions from representatives of various faith communities (eg. Hinduism and Buddhism), academics from various disciplines and members of civil society (eg. the Madrid police force).

Javier was extremely honoured that this work in protecting and enhancing these fundamental rights has been recognised, and he was particularly pleased to join other prize winners, who are committed to maintaining a plural, safe and respectful culture for all people.

Open Research Digest, September 2025

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 14:44:40 +0100

This month’s issue features the launch of the , including an overview of the Programme aims, insights into the work of previous Fellows, and how to apply for the coming year.

In addition to Open Research news and events from around campus and beyond, our Open Research Spotlight features Dr Ramiro Bravo sharing about his new project on using OSF as a collaborative framework for undertaking Open Research.

Finally, we highlight My Research Essentials training opportunities and online resources available from the Office for Open Research, including the next with Prof Vanessa Higgins from the UK Data Service on 22 October.

Check out the .
If you’re not already signed up, you can .
If you’d like to contribute a thought piece, share some Open Research news, or invite participation in an Open Research event or initiative, please .

Stitching at the End of the World: Rethinking Privacy Through Textile Practice at ��Ƶ Museum

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 11:13:31 +0100

Written by Lydia Donohue with photographs by Tom Longstaff.

On the top floor of ��Ƶ Museum, participants gathered for “Stitching at the End of the World,” a workshop that paired hands-on textile making with discussion of privacy, surveillance, and autonomy in the digital era.

Led by , a PhD researcher in Social Anthropology, and part of the open-source artwork Kill Your iPhone, the session guided attendees in creating phone pouches from Electromagnetic Shielding fabric. This material blocks the device from communicating with the technological infrastructure. Once inside, they are cut off from the mobile network and effectively become a “dead phone.”

Supported by funding and , the workshop was not only about making a practical tool. As participants stitched their pouches, conversations unfolded about cybersecurity, personal autonomy, and the role of ‘smart textiles’ in shaping everyday life. Sewing became a way to reflect on how digital systems structure our choices, and how creative practices can open space to challenge them.

The session bridged STEM research, future-fabric technologies, anthropology, and creative education, showing how textiles can serve both as functional objects and as critical methods of inquiry. By linking material practice to large-scale debates on surveillance and digital dependency, the workshop demonstrated how interdisciplinary and material methods can address pressing social questions surrounding civil liberty and privacy.

Textiles, with their slowness and tactile qualities, stand in sharp contrast to the invisible speed of digital infrastructures. Making a shielding pouch thus became more than a technical exercise: it was an invitation for participants to imagine how they might reclaim agency in a hyper-connected world, offering them the choice to connect or to disconnect.

Through its blend of craft, theory, and public dialogue, “Stitching at the End of the World” offered a fresh perspective on how we can reimagine autonomy in an increasingly connected world.

Prime Minister backs call for action from experts on vape shops and fast food outlets

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 11:02:05 +0100

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced that local authorities will be granted greater powers to regulate high street outlets such as betting shops and vape shops. The move marks a significant policy shift, and it directly reflects recommendations made in a recent report by a group of academics.

The was published earlier this year by Health Equity North and the Northern Health Science Alliance, and was co-authored by The University of ��Ƶ’s Dr Luke Munford who acts as the Academic Co-Director of Health Equity North. This was the first comprehensive national analysis of how the availability of different types of high street outlets has changed over the past decade.

It highlighted the rapid decline of health-promoting amenities on Britain’s high streets - including public toilets, libraries and pharmacies - alongside a sharp rise in health-reducing outlets such as betting shops, fast food outlets and vape retailers.

The report revealed that the number of vape shops in England has increased by nearly 1,200% since 2014, with deprived communities - particularly in the North of England - hosting over three times more of these than affluent ones, exacerbating health inequalities and worsening the North-South health divide.

One of the key recommendations was that local authorities should be given enhanced powers to regulate the proliferation of these unhealthy outlets. The announcement from the Prime Minister demonstrates the tangible impact of evidence-based advocacy, and underlines the crucial role that universities play in shaping national policy.

“However, if we want to create high streets that truly support healthier, fairer communities, we must also invest in bringing back vital amenities like libraries and community hubs - regulating unhealthy outlets is important, but we also need to create positive alternatives that give people better choices. The Prime Minister’s announcement is progress, but now we need some real ambition."

This success highlights the importance of academic research in tackling some of society’s most pressing challenges. As the government takes steps to empower local authorities, the researchers will continue to work with policymakers, communities and partners across the UK to ensure that high streets can once again thrive as healthy, inclusive spaces.

HCRI staff recognised for excellence in supervision

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 10:41:14 +0100

Two members of the Humanitarian & Conflict Response Institute (HCRI) have been recognised in the Faculty of Humanities Outstanding Staff Awards for Teaching, Learning and Student Experience, highlighting HCRI’s commitment to outstanding teaching and mentorship.

Dr Martin Parham was Highly Commended for PGT Dissertation Supervisor of the Year, acknowledging his exceptional support for postgraduate students in developing and completing their research.
received Highly Commended for Outstanding UG Dissertation Supervision, reflecting her dedication to guiding undergraduates through their dissertation journey with rigour, empathy and encouragement.

These commendations highlight HCRI’s commitment to student-centred teaching and the vital role of excellent supervision in enabling both undergraduate and postgraduate students to achieve their academic potential.

Congratulations to Dr Parham and Dr Jasani on this well-deserved recognition.

Empowering Youth, Transforming Futures: Reducing Teenage Pregnancy in Akatsi North

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 09:49:14 +0100

A recent follow-up study in the Akatsi North District, Volta Region, Ghana, reveals promising progress in the fight against teenage pregnancy. A collaborative program by and , which included children's clubs, health workshops, and vocational training, has successfully shifted attitudes and provided valuable skills for young people.

The research, funded by Good Neighbors (in 2022-23) and The University of ��Ƶ - International Science Partnerships Fund (in 2024-25), was led by a joint team from the School of Social Sciences and , University of ��Ƶ, including Dr Jihye Kim, Professor Wendy Olsen, Dr Mohammed Ibrahim, Harshada Ambekar, Sonny McCann and Mindy Park.

They conducted both surveys and focus groups, finding that students who participated in the programme showed a shift in their attitude about early pregnancy, such as postponing the expected age of having their first child. The programme’s success is attributed to its emphasis on education, future development, and mutual respect among peers, rather than solely focusing on negative outcomes.

Community leaders have observed a . This progress is encouraging, but the report emphasises the need for continued support and a long-term strategy. Misunderstandings about family planning still need to be addressed at a community level to achieve a sustainable reduction in teenage pregnancy.

The study concludes that social engagement is a potent tool for empowering young people and improving sexual and reproductive health knowledge.

The baseline and follow-up study reports are available on the . The paper on the results from the baseline study has been released in .

We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Good Neighbors Alliance, known globally as Good Neighbors International, a federation of independent but affiliated Non-Government Organisations operating in over 50 countries.

��Ƶ academics elected as Royal Academy of Engineering Fellows

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 08:50:55 +0100

Two University of ��Ƶ researchers are among the 74 leading figures elected by the to its Fellowship this year.

Professor Zara Hodgson and Professor Jovica Milanović have been elected for their exceptional contributions to their field: pioneering new innovations within academia and business, providing expert advice to government, and fostering a wider comprehension of engineering and technology.

Zara Hodgson, Professor of Nuclear Engineering and Director of the Dalton Nuclear Institute at The University of ��Ƶ is an internationally renowned expert in nuclear energy policy and research. She has been pivotal in the UK government’s recent interventions to grow the UK’s nuclear fuel production capability, delivering advances for the global net-zero mission, and generating energy security by building resilient supply chains. Zara is the Director of the Dalton Nuclear Institute and a Professor of Nuclear Engineering at the University of ��Ƶ, where she is leading contributions to the national nuclear enterprise through high impact research, education, training and independent advice.

Jovica Milanović, Professor of Electrical Power Engineering at The University of ��Ƶ is internationally recognised for his outstanding contributions to power systems engineering. His research focuses on the probabilistic modelling of power system dynamics, addressing uncertainties in generation, demand, and network topology, and advancing distributed voltage control strategies. He has played a pivotal role in shaping industrial standards through leadership in IEEE and CIGRE task forces, and his work on load modelling has been instrumental in improving peak demand management across UK networks. Professor Milanović also holds leadership positions within the IEEE and senior advisory roles in the electrical power industry.

The new Fellows will be formally admitted to the Academy at a special ceremony in London on 18 November, when each Fellow will sign the roll book. In joining the Fellowship, they will lend their unique capabilities to achieving the Academy’s overarching strategic goal to engineer better lives.

The group consists of 60 Fellows, nine International Fellows and five Honorary Fellows.They are drawn from every specialism from within the engineering and technology professions and cover sectors ranging from energy and defence to new materials.

Sir John Lazar CBE FREng, President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said: “As we approach our 50th anniversary next year it’s a good time to reflect on how much we have achieved. The Academy is built on the foundation of our Fellowship, and that remains as true today as half a century ago. Our story began as a ‘Fellowship of Engineering’ of 130 Fellows including such pioneers as Air Commodore Sir Frank Whittle, Lord Hinton of Bankside and Sir Ove Arup, driven by the support of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

“Today’s cohort join a community of around 1,700 of some of the most talented engineers and innovators in the UK and around the globe. Their knowledge and experience make them uniquely well placed to tackle the biggest challenges facing the world, and our determination to advance and promote excellence in engineering remains undimmed.”

Further information about the new Fellows can be found on the

Humanities researchers recognised at 2025 Research Staff Excellence Awards

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0100

Opening the ceremony, , Associate Vice-President for Research, praised the “dedication, innovation, and collaborative spirit” of this year’s winners, highlighting their role in driving forward research that resonates both within academia and across wider society.

Research Staff of the Year

From the , was named Research Staff of the Year. A leading voice in urban feminist geographies, Kapsali’s work has introduced new frameworks such as transversal solidarities and critically examined philanthrocapitalism’s role in urban governance. Alongside securing major research grants and publishing in top journals, Kapsali has nurtured a thriving research culture by founding a Feminist Reading Group and mentoring colleagues through collaborative workshops.

Best outstanding contribution to research impact

from the received the award for Outstanding Contribution to Research Impact. Doran’s leadership in organising the brought together over 300 policymakers, practitioners, activists, and researchers from 20 countries. Their work has strengthened links between research and public policy, advancing global debates on age-friendly cities.

Reflecting on the award, Doran shared:

Best outstanding interdisciplinary research

School of Environment, Education, and Development researcher, was recognised for Outstanding Interdisciplinary Research for their innovative work on green infrastructure. Li’s NERC-funded project, ‘’, has been cited over 700 times and shaped urban greenspace policy through collaborations with local councils and international partners.

Speaking on the award, Dr Lei Li, noted:

Best outstanding output

Also, from the School of Environment, Education, and Development, received the Outstanding Output award for his publication record and contributions to urban health research. With 21 peer-reviewed articles in just four years, Benton’s work has informed both academic debate and policy, including the ’s evaluation framework for health interventions.

Benton credited ��Ƶ’s collaborative research environment for his success:

From advancing feminist geography to shaping age-friendly policies, influencing urban health frameworks, and integrating ecology with planning, the Faculty of Humanities awardees demonstrated the breadth and societal relevance of ��Ƶ research.

University of ��Ƶ ranks among top universities for research partnerships in Knowledge Exchange Framework

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 14:08:55 +0100

The University of ��Ƶ is one of the leading universities in England for research partnerships, IP and commercialisation, and public and community engagement, according to the results of the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF5).

Published by Research England, the KEF provides information about the knowledge exchange activities of English higher education (HE) providers, such as the ways universities work with external partners like businesses and community groups for the benefit of the economy and society.

The data, available on the , informs seven perspectives that look at the performance of English HE providers across a variety of knowledge exchange criteria that are aligned with key government priorities.

The KEF allows universities to better understand their own performance and fosters a culture of continuous improvement. HE providers are placed into clusters of peers with similar characteristics, with The University of ��Ƶ placed in Cluster ‘V’ (very large, research-intensive universities) with 17 peer universities.

The University has again received the highest rating for Research Partnerships and is placed above its cluster group average. It also received a high engagement rating for Working with Business, which recognises the work of the University’s Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange team.

The University’s performance is underlined by its 5^th place ranking in the UK for industry research funding, with the most recent results showing 19% growth against the backdrop of a 0.2% contraction across the sector.

Professor Richard Jones, Vice President Regional Innovation and Civic Engagement said: “This year’s KEF results highlight the multiple ways by which The University of ��Ƶ engages with businesses and communities – through our growing volume of business engagements, our strong spin-out performance, and our outstanding work in public engagement. The University is deeply committed to its role in the service of our city and nation, and will build on these strong results in the future.”

One example of impactful research collaboration is the University’s partnership with Saraco Industries which has led to the development of a world-first plastic free, biodegradable clinical disinfection wipe. Saraco estimated that this first-to-market product innovation opened a £140m market opportunity, and it won the 2024 Bionow ‘Project of the Year’ award.

KEF results show that The University of ��Ƶ is also one of the best universities in England for IP and commercialisation. The excellent performance of the in licensing, IP income, investment and turnover of spinouts continues to be recognised with the highest rating in IP and Commercialisation.

This performance is confirmed by the newly published where the University is ranked 4^th in the Russell Group for spinout company creation. One recent spinout example is , which secured significant investment to rapidly scale up and commercially deploy its technology to deliver sustainable, low-cost, high-yield mineral recovery systems. The University’s performance in Student and Graduate Startups and CPD, which is supported by the work within the and , repeated last year’s enhanced rating of high engagement in KEF4, continuing to place the University above its cluster group average.

A Venture Further Awards Winner, Patrick Sarsfield, from the School of Natural Sciences (SNS) and a Researcher in Graphene NOWNANO CDT, is the founder of Graphene Thermal, a start-up developing graphene-based thermal solutions. He has received significant recognition for his work, including the Eli and Britt Harari Award in 2025, which supports the commercialisation of graphene-related ventures.

The University also received the highest rating for Public Engagement, above its peer group average, and includes our achievements in volunteering, festivals, mutual partnerships, policy engagement, and engagement with communities through the University’s cultural institutions, Jodrell Bank, John Rylands Research Institute and Library, ��Ƶ Museum and the Whitworth Art Gallery.

You can view each university’s performances on the .

The Ganges River is drying faster than ever – here’s what it means for the region and the world

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 13:15:51 +0100

The Ganges, a lifeline for hundreds of millions across South Asia, is drying at a rate scientists say is unprecedented in recorded history. , shifting monsoons, relentless extraction and damming are pushing the mighty river towards collapse, with consequences for food, water and livelihoods across the region.

For centuries, the Ganges and its tributaries have sustained one of the world’s most densely populated regions. Stretching from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal, the whole river basin supports over 650 million people, a quarter of India’s freshwater, and much of its food and economic value. Yet new research reveals the river’s decline is accelerating beyond anything seen in recorded history.

In recent decades, scientists have documented across many of the world’s big rivers, but the Ganges stands apart for its speed and scale.

In a , scientists reconstructed streamflow records going back 1,300 years to show that the basin has faced its worst droughts over the period in just the last few decades. And those droughts are well outside the range of natural climate variability.

Stretches of river that once supported year-round navigation are now impassable in summer. Large boats that once travelled the Ganges from Bengal and Bihar through Varanasi and Allahabad now run aground where water once flowed freely. Canals that used to irrigate fields for weeks longer a generation ago now dry up early. Even some wells that protected families for decades are yielding little more than a trickle.

Global climate models have failed to predict the severity of this drying, pointing to something deeply unsettling: human and environmental pressures are combining in ways we don’t yet understand.

Water has been diverted into irrigation canals, groundwater has been pumped for agriculture, and industries have proliferated along the river’s banks. More than a thousand dams and barrages have radically altered the river itself. And as the world warms, the monsoon which feeds the Ganges has grown increasingly erratic. The result is a river system increasingly unable to replenish itself.

Melting glaciers, vanishing rivers

At the river’s source high in the Himalayas, the Gangotri glacier has retreated in just two decades. The pattern is repeating across the world’s largest mountain range, as rising temperatures are melting glaciers faster than ever.

Initially, this brings . In the long-run, it means far less water flowing downstream during the dry season.

These glaciers are often termed the “water towers of Asia”. But as those towers shrink, the summer flow of water in the Ganges and its tributaries is dwindling too.

Humans are making things worse

The reckless extraction of is aggravating the situation. The Ganges-Brahmaputra basin is one of the most rapidly depleting aquifers in the world, with water levels falling by . Much of this groundwater is already contaminated with arsenic and fluoride, threatening both human health and .

The role of human engineering cannot be ignored either. Projects like the in India have reduced dry-season flows into Bangladesh, making the land saltier and threatening the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest. Decisions to prioritise short-term economic gains have undermined the river’s ecological health.

Across and West Bengal, smaller rivers are already drying up in the summer, leaving communities without water for crops or livestock. The disappearance of these smaller tributaries is a harbinger of what may happen on a larger scale if the Ganges itself continues its downward spiral. If nothing changes, experts warn that millions of people across the basin could face within the next few decades.

Saving the Ganges

The need for urgent, coordinated action cannot be overstated. Piecemeal solutions will not be enough. It’s time for a comprehensive rethinking of how the river is managed.

That will mean reducing unsustainable extraction of groundwater so supplies can recharge. It will mean environmental flow requirements to keep enough water in the river for people and ecosystems. And it will require improved climate models that integrate human pressures (irrigation and damming, for example) with monsoon variability to guide water policy.

Transboundary cooperation is also a must. India, Bangladesh and Nepal must do better at sharing data, managing dams, and planning for climate change. International funding and political agreements must treat rivers like the Ganges as global priorities. Above all, governance must be inclusive, so local voices shape river restoration efforts alongside scientists and policymakers.

The Ganges is more than a river. It is a lifeline, a sacred symbol, and a cornerstone of South Asian civilisation. But it is drying faster than ever before, and the consequences of inaction are unthinkable. The time for warnings has passed. We must act now to ensure the Ganges continues to flow – not just for us, but for generations to come.

, Leverhulme Early Career Fellow, Geography,
This article is republished from under a Creative Commons license. Read the .

Spirals in the umbilical cord help to keep babies cool before birth, new research finds

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 13:05:53 +0100

The coiled structure of the umbilical cord – the vital link between a baby and its mother during pregnancy – plays an important role in helping to keep babies healthy in the womb, according to new research led by The University of ��Ƶ.

Working with colleagues at ��Ƶ St Mary’s Hospital and the University of Malaysia, the researchers used mathematical modelling to understand how the cord’s unique twisted shape affects the way oxygen, nutrients and heat are exchanged before birth.

The study, published in the , found that the spiral design of the blood vessels in the cord appears to affect the exchange of oxygen and heat, minimising the risk of heat and oxygen being lost, helping to keep babies’ temperature and oxygen levels stable before birth.

Although the umbilical cord is essential to life, scientists still know little about how its complex coiled structure contributes to its function. These new findings shed light on an overlooked but vital process.

Complications linked to the placenta and umbilical cord, such as fetal growth restriction and pre-eclampsia, affect around 10% of pregnancies in the UK, yet remain poorly understood.

The researchers hope their work will pave the way for further studies on abnormal cord structures, such as cords that are too loosely or tightly coiled, which are known to be associated with complications during pregnancy.

Paper details:

Journal : Journal of the Royal Society Interface

Full title: A functional shunt in the umbilical cord: the role of coiling in solute and heat transfer

DOI:

The image from this research was also chosen as the journal's issue cover:

New publication in Politics and Governance

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 10:49:23 +0100

You can read the paper, “”, online.

Political elites in the US are ideologically divided over climate change. We identify two perspectives:

The intrinsic view on ideological climate polarisation views climate beliefs as entrenched parts of an actor’s identity and posits that ideological positions have factually shifted towards ever more extreme positions over time.
The instrumental view, in contrast, emphasises that polarisation entrepreneurs mobilise their constituency to participate in the climate policy debate by amplifying ideological differences over climate-related focusing events when they arise, leading to fluctuations in visible polarisation, rather than a steady trend.

This study examines which of the two perspectives holds in US Congressional and subnational media debates by analysing time trends of polarisation and phases of structural stability. We distinguish between endogenous events, which can be attributed to the political process, and exogenous focusing events, such as extreme events or those related to the international climate regime, and investigate which type of event tends to be associated with changes in polarisation.

Applying two novel time series measures for discourse networks - structural polarisation and the detection of phases of structural stability - to the climate debate during the 112th to 114th Congress (2013–2017) and subnational print media in four swing states, we find that exogenous events are largely irrelevant while endogenous political dynamics increase the polarisation of the debate considerably.

We find ups and downs of polarisation corresponding to distinct structural phases in which polarisation is linked to participation. This temporal fluctuation of polarisation around endogenous political events is consistent with the instrumental perspective.

John Rylands Research Institute commissions a creative piece from winners of SALC's Flash Competition

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 10:35:43 +0100

As part of our ongoing efforts to offer creative opportunities to all our SALC students, we commissioned two winners of the Black History Month Flash Fiction/Non-Fiction competition to visit the John Ryland's Library, and write a piece based on an artefact in the library’s collection.

Saachin Chandran creativity was sparked by a photograph of campaigner Anwar Ditta addressing a crowd on Blackpool beach that is displayed in the first room of the John Ryland's exhibition and shown above.

Emmanuel Omoniyi’s took inspiration from the book ‘La Vie de J.J Dessalines: Chef des Noirs Révoltés de Saint-Domingue’ by J.F Dubroca.

You can read the students’ work below.

Emmanuel Omoniyi

Saachin Chandran

Greener computing in ‘big science’ is possible… if we change our data processing approach

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 17:33:00 +0100

��Ƶ researchers have been testing AI-driven compression approaches, training models to recognise data files and design algorithms that remove or modify less important elements, therefore reducing the amount of data needed. An example could be a compressed MP3 file with inaudible components of audio removed, at no loss to the listener.

One tool, ‘Baler’, works with an autoencoder – a type of neural network trained to decrease the number of dimensions of input data, making it smaller.

Caterina Doglioni, Professor of Particle Physics, explains: “There are multiple avenues to reduce the computing resources we use. One is reducing the amount of data to be stored through data compression.”

The team are also measuring the energy usage of Baler and other approaches, to identify optimisations that could foster more energetically sustainable, data-driven scientific practices.

Rosie Schiffmann, an undergraduate student in the research team, adds: “With Baler and data compression as an example, we’re giving researchers a way to track their computational ‘metabolism’ and make it more efficient. Green computing isn’t a futuristic vision; it’s actionable today if we rethink how we store and process data.”

The work in this project received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and European Research Council (ERC) under Grant Agreements n. and .

Meet the researcher

The project is led by Caterina Doglioni, Professor of Particle Physics, together with supervisors James Smith (Postdoctoral Research Associate) and Michael Sparks (Senior Research Software Engineer). Within the University of ��Ƶ team are PhD student Pratik Jawahar, Jack Goodsall and Rosie Schiffmann from the Physics & Astronomy internship program, Bradley Booth from DeepMind’s AI Fundamentals Summer Internship program, and Sakshi Kumar, a Google Summer of Code student, working with collaborators in the US, Sweden and Ukraine.

Read her papers

Creating robots that adapt to your emotion

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 15:27:36 +0100

Robots might be getting smarter but to truly support people in daily life, they also need to get more empathetic. That means recognising and responding to human emotions in real time.

Most facial recognition models are trained once and then expected to work across every scenario. However, a model trained on one dataset often struggles when faced with new situations, and retraining from scratch is slow and inefficient.

Dr Rahul Singh Maharjan and his team are tackling this challenge by developing a new approach: teaching AI to learn emotions incrementally. Instead of forgetting what it already knows, the system builds on past experiences whilst adapting to fresh emotional data. This makes it more resilient and better prepared for real-world human interaction.

As Dr Maharjan explains: "For technology to truly integrate into our lives, it must understand our emotions. My goal is to help build AI that doesn’t just compute, but connects with us."

Meet the researcher

Dr Rahul Singh Maharjan is a Research Associate at The University of ��Ƶ’s Centre for Robotics and AI. His work focuses on teaching robots to better understand the world – and us – through emotion recognition, computer vision and AI-driven learning. He is particularly interested in making robots more adaptive, trustworthy and socially aware. He was previously a Marie Skłodowska-Curie PhD Fellow in the Robotics lab, with a focus on deep and continual learning for emotion recognition.

Read his papers

Using AI to improve menopause care in Greater ��Ƶ

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 14:55:00 +0100

Hearing women share their experiences of unequal access, lack of information, misdiagnosis, and inadequate treatment during menopause, inspired Dr Charlotte Woolley to create positive changes with her research.

The project she began works with AI to identify women experiencing menopause symptoms in Greater ��Ƶ. It looks at how treatments of menopause vary by background, and aims to ensure that all women can access the support they need.

Dr Woolley records insights from women and health professionals on what matters most in menopause experiences. Using AI, their insights are used to extract the most relevant information from big health datasets, like UK Biobank and the Greater ��Ƶ data environment. This approach helps to ensure that women’s voices are directly shaping the research.

And Dr Woolley believes that can make a real difference:

“I was moved by women that told me about their experiences of unequal access to services, lack of information, misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment during the menopause. By combining women’s lived experiences with the power of AI and big data, my research will provide evidence that can drive change towards menopause care that is better informed and equitable for all.”

Meet the researcher

Dr Charlotte Woolley is an epidemiologist and Research Fellow for ��Ƶ’s Healthier Futures Research Platform. Listed as an AI Visionary by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) in 2025, for her pioneering work in women’s health and gender equity through artificial intelligence, Dr Woolley’s research is driven by her passion for women's health. She incorporates the real-life experiences of clinicians and women to guide the objectives of her work and interpret her findings.

Read her papers

University of ��Ƶ awarded £3m to transform irrigation monitoring in Sub-Saharan Africa

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 14:14:06 +0100

The (MERI) at The University of ��Ƶ has launched a new four-year programme that will transform how irrigation is monitored across Sub-Saharan Africa, boosting food security and climate resilience in the region.

The project, supported by a £3 million grant from the Gates Foundation, will develop national-scale irrigation mapping data and capacity in three countries – Kenya, Ethiopia, and Nigeria – between September 2025 and August 2029.

Expanding and improving irrigation access is vital for climate adaptation and food security across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Yet, most SSA countries lack up to date or reliable information about existing irrigation systems, leaving governments and development actors limited in their ability to target interventions to improve irrigation access, evaluate outcomes of investments, and ensure development is both sustainable and equitable.

The new project – IrrEO: Irrigated Area Mapping Tool Development and Deployment – will leverage advances in Earth Observation (EO) imagery and artificial intelligence algorithms, working with national partners in the three focal countries to co-develop a set of data products, algorithms, and software that enable high-resolution mapping of irrigated croplands both now and into the future.

The project will also work with local research teams to use new irrigation mapping data and tools to understand the barriers and opportunities for irrigation development, highlighting investment strategies that deliver better results for small-scale farmers.

Another key goal is to strengthen the capacity of government agencies and development partners across Sub-Saharan Africa to apply advanced mapping approaches in national irrigation planning. Over four years, the team will conduct training workshops and participatory design session to help overcome barriers to adopt of EO methods and tools in irrigation decision-making and policy.

The University team brings together interdisciplinary expertise in remote sensing, agricultural sustainability, rural development, and data justice. Alongside , the other ��Ƶ team members include , Senior Lecturer in Physical Geography from the School of Environment Education and Development (SEED) and co-lead of MERI’s newly launched Land and Resource Futures Initiative – and , Senior Lecturer in Socio-Environmental Systems in the Global Development Institute (GDI).

When AI breaks your heart

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 13:35:12 +0100

Dr Jennifer Cearns is a digital anthropologist, specialising in AI and algorithms in social life. Her research focuses on how people relate to one another through emerging intelligent technologies and she is currently conducting researching into Human-AI relations, looking at intimacy and how trust and empathy forms between humans and AIs.

As people increasingly search for connection in an often-isolated modern world, the line between technology and companionship is blurring. By examining what happens when those bonds with AI falter, Dr Cearns’ work sheds light not only on the ethics of human-machine intimacy, but also on the wider human search for belonging.

In her most recent project, she has used digital ethnography and interviews to examine how users emotionally invest in AI ‘soulmates’ – AI chatbots that become romantic partners to humans – and the grief that follows their malfunction or shutdown. This research is critical for highlighting new forms of kinship and ethical care in human-machine relationships.

Meet the researcher

Jennifer Cearns is Lecturer in AI Trust and Security, in the Department of Social Anthropology. Her research explores how people form emotional, romantic, and therapeutic relationships with AI, focusing on kinship, ethics, and cultural understandings of personhood.

Read her papers

Tech-driven jeans for extreme shapes

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 13:33:00 +0100

A commitment to equality, diversity and equal opportunities for all, sits at the heart of The University of ��Ƶ’s values and research.

That ethos has inspired a new project bringing fashion and technology together: designing custom-fit clothing for different body shapes.

By combining 3D body scanning, digital pattern cutting, and virtual fitting, the project delivers faster, better-fitting solutions that reduce fabric waste and promote inclusive, sustainable fashion.

The process begins with 3D body scanning to capture accurate body measurements and shapes, which are then translated into digital patterns. These patterns are refined and tested through AI-enabled virtual fitting, allowing adjustments to be made without the need for physical samples.

AI-powered tools within Clo3D further enhance this workflow: the AI pose generator creates realistic body postures for fit evaluation; the 3D garment simulation predicts fabric behaviour during movement; the AI-assisted range design automates size adjustments and style variations; and the Clo AI Studio accelerates ideation by generating design options. Together, these technologies integrate human creativity with AI-driven efficiency, ensuring precision, inclusivity, and sustainability throughout the design process.

Led by Phumza Ntombovuyo Sokhetye, a PhD researcher in Textiles and Apparel, the work is transforming the frustrating trial-and-error processes for finding jeans, into custom designs that celebrate diversity.

Building on the University’s strengths in sustainable innovation, Phumza describes the aim of the project as to create “perfectly fitting, eco-friendly clothing accessible to everyone, empowering all individuals to feel confident and included no matter their shape or size.”

Meet the researcher

Phumza Sokhetye is a PhD researcher in Textiles and Apparel. As the Director and Co-owner of Kingspark Jeans Manufacturers, a business recognised at the 2019 KZN Investor Awards, she combines academic study with real-world industry impact. Her research focuses on inclusive fashion for different body shapes, uniting innovation, technology, and sustainability to challenge conventional sizing and improve fit across the fashion industry.

Read his papers

How ‘social robots’ could help with health, independence, and reducing loneliness in older communities

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 12:20:12 +0100

It was the same as every other bingo night at Brunswick Village Extra Care in ��Ƶ, except for one difference – Pepper the robot was calling the numbers.

Pepper, who not only has human linguistic skills, but with recent developments in AI can now interact with people and even read emotions, is part of a project partnership between Age UK and ��Ƶ’s Faculty of Science and Engineering.

They believe that the ‘social robots’ they’re working on, can be used as companions to support health and care in older adults, as well as children with some disabilities.

Sue Agar, Service Development Manager at Age UK ��Ƶ explains: “You can see the concern disappear quite quickly when they have the chance to speak with Pepper. It’s like a barrier comes down, and before long they treat Pepper like they would any other visitor.”

The robots aren’t yet fully autonomous – Pepper is accompanied by staff and students from the University – but there’s a huge amount they can do independently. Pepper can communicate seamlessly with residents, understanding what they say and responding appropriately.

And this isn’t the first robot visitor to Brunswick Village, previously a smaller model had been brought in to demonstrate a Tai Chi session.

Leading the project is Professor Angelo Cangelosi, whose father suffered from dementia, and who sees a real potential in the future role this technology could play.

He explains: “We live in a society with ever increasing needs for integrated health and social care solutions, to support healthy ageing. Social robots and AI can support such needs, within a human-centric approach putting people at the core of the development of trustworthy care solutions.”

Though robots aren’t going to be a substitute for nurses and carers, Professor Cangelosi believes they can be used as a tool to support these professions. Potential roles could include monitoring illnesses in patients, helping people to access medications, or simply being a companion within the home.

Sue Agar, Service Development Manager at Age UK ��Ƶ adds: “There’s a huge amount of good the robots can do keeping people safe. The social intelligence is so important too, because loneliness is a real issue and companionship – being able to have conversation and interaction – makes such a difference.”

With carers already under significant strain due to staff shortages, and with an ageing population very likely to increase in the years ahead, Professor Cangelosi and his team are working on robots that could play a vital role in reducing the growing pressure on the care sector.

[The University of ��Ƶ has received a prestigious grant from the European Research Council to support this project, focussed on helping robots to understand more abstract concepts.]

Meet the researcher

Angelo Cangelosi, Professor of Machine Learning and Robotics and Co-Director of the ��Ƶ Centre for Robotics and AI, is an internationally recognised expert in social robotics and AI. He was recently selected for the award of the European Research Council Advanced grant (UKRI funded), and to date has over 400 publications, with £40m of secured research grants. His research interests are in cognitive and developmental robotics, neural networks, language grounding, human robot-interaction and trust, and robot companions for health and social care.

Read his papers

Patients and staff welcome AI as a GP's helping hand

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 12:03:43 +0100

��Ƶ researcher and practicing GP, Dr Benjamin Brown, knows that AI could play a valuable role in the health sector, but only if it’s trusted by patients.

"AI has the potential to reduce workload in general practice, yet despite that potential, AI tools are not yet routinely used.”

To explore current attitudes to the technology, Dr Brown and a team of researchers from The University of ��Ƶ and Cambridge, ran a study around the use of AI in ‘eVisits’ – online consultations available to NHS patients.

Known as ‘Patchs’, this AI uses Natural Language Processing and machine learning to analyse patient messages and understand decisions made by GPs.

Participants identified seven opportunities for AI during their consultations, including sending patient requests to the most appropriate staff member and asking targeted follow-up questions to speed up the help they receive.

Whilst the study’s lead author, ��Ƶ’s Dr Moschogianis, says there were “concerns about the capacity of AI to deal with the complexity of primary care and fears of depersonalised service”, where it could be shown that the technology was supporting doctors and speeding up help, it was broadly welcomed by patients.

With these positive results, the team feel that they’ve provided the first clear roadmap for developing AI tools that are both effective and trusted by patients.

Meet the researcher

Dr. Benjamin Brown is a Clinical Senior Lecturer at The University of ��Ƶ and a practising GP. His research focuses on building, implementing, and evaluating digital interventions that use advanced analytics to improve the delivery and experience of health care, with a strong track record of embedding research into routine NHS clinical practice. He is the founder of Patchs.

Read his papers

Patients miss out as NHS mental health trials decline 44% in five years

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 11:48:32 +0100

Every year, thousands of people with mental health conditions in the UK are missing out on cutting-edge treatments because the NHS is losing ground to private companies in clinical research, a new study from The University of ��Ƶ has warned.

Over the past five years, NHS recruitment into commercial clinical trials has collapsed by 44%. In that time, private contract research organisations (CROs) have surged ahead, offering dedicated facilities, slicker operations, and higher payments to participants. Pharmaceutical companies are now choosing these private firms over the NHS and universities to run early-stage mental health trials.

The study, published in the journal , asked both pharmaceutical executives and patients who had taken part in mental health trials for their views.

Patients said they were driven to take part by the chance of closer medical monitoring, early access to promising new medicines, and the hope of improving services for others. But many reported frustrations with NHS-led studies – including lack of communication, no updates after the trial ended, and confusion over how their data was used.

Crucially, money makes a difference. CROs typically offer far more generous reimbursements than the NHS, making trial participation more appealing. The researchers argue that if the NHS is serious about competing, it must review how it compensates patients.

“The NHS has world-class expertise and access to diverse patient groups, but without new investment and streamlined systems, we risk missing out on breakthroughs in mental health treatments,” said Dr Aiste Adomaviciene, lead researcher from ��Ƶ’s Division of Psychology and Mental Health.

The report calls for urgent reforms, including:

Faster approvals – cutting the red tape that slows NHS trial delivery.
Flexible design – letting participants choose between home visits, clinic appointments or online check-ins.
Specialist centres – building dedicated hubs for mental health trials inside major NHS Trusts.
Smarter promotion – using social media campaigns and testimonials to boost awareness and trust.

Despite the surge of private providers, the NHS still has key advantages. It can draw on huge, reliable patient datasets and long-standing doctor-patient relationships that private firms cannot match. This helps ensure trials include a diverse mix of people – and prevents the problem of “professional patients,” which industry leaders say can account for up to 30% of participants in US depression trials.

The study was supported by the UK Government’s Office for Life Sciences and the National Institute for Health and Care Research.

Data privacy push sparks tech surge in US banks

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 10:54:20 +0100

A new study led by Dr Sarah Zhang from Alliance ��Ƶ Business School has uncovered how small banks in the United States are reacting to growing concerns about data privacy.

The research published in the shows that when US states announce plans for stronger data privacy laws, small banks quickly boost their investment in IT before such laws are even passed. On average, banks increased their IT spending by more than a third in the year following such announcements.

The study examined 7,251 small banks across the US, using data from 2010 to 2021. The findings reveal that banks are not simply preparing to follow new rules but are also responding to market pressure - in other words, competition from rival banks and the fear of losing customers drive much of the investment.

This shows that banks are aware of how seriously the public takes data security. High-profile cases of data breaches in recent years have damaged trust in financial institutions. When banks move quickly to strengthen their systems, it reflects growing pressure to protect personal information such as names, addresses and account details.

This research also highlights that new rules can change behaviour even before they officially come into force. The effect is particularly strong for smaller banks, which face greater challenges because they have fewer resources. While big banks often already have advanced IT systems in place, small banks are forced to catch up quickly, which can be costly.

Interestingly, the study found that although banks are spending more on IT, the benefits are not immediate. Profitability often dips because of the high costs, and there is little clear evidence that the extra spending reduces cyberattacks in the short term. However, the long-term hope is that stronger systems will reduce risks and build trust with customers.

Although the study focuses on the United States, its findings are highly relevant worldwide. In Europe, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has already transformed how businesses handle personal data. The study suggests that even the early discussion of new laws can spark major changes in how companies prepare for the future.

As more countries and regions introduce stronger privacy protections, the study raises questions about how smaller financial institutions will cope with the cost of compliance. While consumers may benefit from improved protection, the financial burden may be felt most by smaller banks, which could in turn affect the services they provide.

The research provides valuable insights for policymakers, banks and the public. It underlines that the debate over data privacy is not only about regulation but also about competition, trust and the future of banking in the digital age.

'Your ��Ƶ' showcase opens at Main Library, exploring ��Ƶ's Legacy of Student Activism

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0100

The showcase brings together items chosen from our University Heritage Collections and University Archives by two of our MA Museum and Gallery students as part of the ‘Your ��Ƶ’ student placement project, to highlight the historic links between ��Ƶ’s political climate, our students, and causes such as suffrage, racial justice and socialism.

The showcase will be supported by items from the Student Life at ��Ƶ Archive, a collection of material from the 1970s to the present day relating to students’ everyday experiences of life at The University of ��Ƶ.

For the first time, we will also highlight items selected by staff and researchers in the Special Collections Reading Room, giving an insight into the connections and discoveries they have made. Items in this showcase include a play and photographs regarding the ��Ƶ University Settlement (now the ��Ƶ Settlement charity), as well as research on Kathleen Drew-Baker, ‘Mother of the Sea’.

Consolidated items from the Christian Brethren Archive will remain on display, and we welcome those who were unable to view the full showcase during the Main Library closure this summer.

There will be Collections Encounters for the ‘Your ��Ƶ’ showcase on Monday, 6 October, (12.30pm - 2.30pm) and Friday, 10 October (10am – 12pm), where you can meet the curator to view original items, ask questions, and learn more about the various items on display.

The showcase runs from September 2025 to February 2026, at Blue Ground in Main Library. Entry is free.

Helping cities tackle heatwaves and air pollution with AI innovation

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 18:34:14 +0100

Heatwaves are increasingly pushing city temperatures to dangerous levels, whilst air pollution can silently damage our health year-round. Together, these threats affect millions, and they’re often getting worse as our climate changes.

But spotting patterns in where and when these risks are highest isn’t easy. So, a team of researchers at ��Ƶ led by Dr Zhonghua Zheng, have begun to design tools that help cities track these risks and adapt to growing climate and environmental challenges.

Dr Zheng explains: “We urgently need tools that are not only accurate, but accessible and actionable. This project reflects my passion for using AI and open science to empower decision-makers, from local councils to the global research community.”

By combining open data with a use of AI and detailed computer models, the team are creating more accurate tools that not only track and predict heat and air pollution in cities, but also evaluate the effectiveness of potential engineering solutions – helping leaders take action sooner, make better decisions, and build cleaner, healthier and more resilient urban futures.

Meet the researcher

Dr Zhonghua Zheng is trained as both an Environmental Scientist (PhD) and a Computer Scientist (MS, PhD concentration) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, completing his postdoctoral training at Columbia University and U.S. National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). His research focuses on AI-enabled solutions for urban climate and air quality, combining open data with advanced numerical models of the environment and climate.

Read his papers

Giving students and teachers a voice in shaping AI guidelines

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 18:24:42 +0100

In response to the increasing impact of artificial intelligence on the way we work, learn and live, UNESCO are developing new ‘AI competency frameworks’ for students and teachers. These are intended as global guidelines for how people can use the technology responsibility and effectively.

As part of this project, Dr Zhao, Lecturer in Generative AI for Education at ��Ƶ’s Institute of Education, is running a global survey to give educators and students a voice on how these standards continue to be shaped.

Dr Zhao’s mission is to change a current situation that sees many AI policies written from the top down, with little input from practitioners and users.

Working with UNESCO, she designed and led the survey, and is analysing the early results.

The survey results will inform the design of her recently awarded ITL AI Fellowship at the University of ��Ƶ. Drawing on insights from the global survey and guided by the UNESCO AI Competency Frameworks, she will develop a scalable programme to support staff and students in building AI competency.

In collaboration with the University Library, the programme will create a non-judgemental space that encourages deep reflection on their use of AI and its outcomes will be shared with JISC to support collaboration on AI competency training across the wider higher education sector.

Reflecting on this work, Dr Zhao explains: “In the age of AI, we face both new opportunities and complex challenges. To navigate this, we need the right skills and a responsible, ethical relationship with AI in society. This project enables me to gather global insights from teachers and students, supporting UNESCO in shaping AI guidelines that can guide universities around the world.”

Meet the researcher

Dr. Xin Zhao (Skye) is a Lecturer in Generative AI for Education at the ��Ƶ Institute of Education and a partner in UNESCO’s AI competency frameworks. She also serves on the UN expert panel for Generative AI. Her research focuses on ethical, inclusive uses of AI in education, with a particular focus on marginalised learners and students with language barriers.

Read her papers

Leverhulme Trust and Wellcome Trust Combine Support

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 18:09:58 +0100

and combine support for the Humanitarian Archive Emergency (HAE) project based at the at The University of ��Ƶ in partnership with .

This co-funded initiative responds to a critical shortfall in the digital infrastructure underpinning humanitarian and global health research. With a combined investment of £608k, this 12-month scoping and research programme will mobilise international partnerships, develop rescue mechanisms for endangered datasets, and conduct vital inquiry to establish ethical triage frameworks to safeguard records.

A Unified Response to a Growing Crisis

Recent funding shifts have triggered sharp declines in , including the recent disbanding of , the abolition of , and cuts to Sweden’s , which were essential supporters of the knowledge infrastructure of humanitarian aid.

These funding cuts threaten access to essential records and archives, such as:

Demographic health surveys covering 763 million people most at risk
Records of attacks on healthcare and education
Food security and other essential health-related datasets

Without urgent intervention, decades of digital archives and records that should be held and protected by UN agencies, NGOs, and faith-based organisations risk permanent erasure. This will not only significantly undermine the possibility of conducting future research but also threaten evidence-based operational decision-making and accountability.

Over the next year, HAE will deploy a global coalition of archives and essential records stakeholders to conduct a comprehensive scoping exercise of at-risk archives, records, and datasets. The team will also develop a crowdsourcing tool that serves as a resilient early-warning system using technical processes for digital recovery and preservation.

The research agenda will consider how to address colonial power dynamics in the politics of humanitarian archiving. Their aim is for these activities to culminate in a roadmap for sustainable research infrastructure to ensure long-term preservation and protection beyond this initial phase.

“Preserving Memory Is Preserving Humanity”

, Principal Investigator and co-founder of the Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute at The University of ��Ƶ, commented:

Collaborative Expertise and Global Reach

The HAE consortium draws expertise from key international stakeholders, from leaders in the academic, NGO, digital preservation and humanitarian sectors. The group will collaborate via a coalition board to ensure the perspectives and expertise of all are reflected in the activities of the initiative.

These stakeholders include:

(storage and redundancy)
and (technical guidance)
, and regional specialists (consultancy and field networks)
(curation and ethics)
(data rescue and access).

For further details on the project, please contact:

Professor Bertrand Taithe, Principal Investigator, HAE, Director of Research, Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute, University of ��Ƶ
Dr Stephanie Rinald, Coalition Coordinator, HAE, Research Programmes Manager, Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute, University of ��Ƶ

From pixels to pumps: AI-targeted irrigation services

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 17:29:21 +0100

Despite agriculture accounting for over 70% of freshwater withdrawals globally, we still know very little about how water is used in agricultural production around the world. So how can we increase food production and develop rural economies, whilst reducing the pressure that the sector places on freshwater resources?

��Ƶ’s Dr Christopher Bowden and Dr Tim Foster have set out to answer this question, applying machine learning algorithms and high-resolution satellite imagery to identify where farmers in Ghana use irrigation – revealing where communities have expanded irrigation systems or where improved water access could transform crop productivity.

This data-driven approach ensures irrigation services reach the farmers in greatest need and represents a strong example of blending research with impact. Dr Foster is pleased with the real-world effect the project has already had:

“We can now rapidly map and monitor where and when farmers are adopting irrigation in Ghana and other African countries. We use these maps to help governments, development agencies, NGO’s and the private sector to better design and target irrigation projects, to improve food security and help reduce rural poverty.”

Meet the researcher

Dr Tim Foster is a Reader in ��Ƶ’s Civil Engineering and Management Department. He heads up the Agriculture, Water and Climate Research Group, and is the Director of the ��Ƶ Environmental Research Institute (MERI), leading interdisciplinary research on socio-environmental challenges such as land and resource management, environmental change and health, and environmental data science and AI.

Dr Christopher Bowden is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in ��Ƶ’s Civil Engineering and Management Department. In his work he uses AI to develop solutions that help safeguard food production now and in the future. By using AI to model crop growth and water use, he works to improve the efficiency, sustainability, and productivity of food systems worldwide, identifying the best ways to reduce climate-related risks.

Read his papers

Helping companies embed sustainability into AI strategies

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 17:09:00 +0100

As AI increasingly reshapes business and wider society, concern is growing around the potential environmental costs of this change.

Yet Dr Andrea Lagna, an expert in Information Systems, is challenging the assumption that we have to choose between AI development and a sustainable planet.

Dr Lagna applies prospective theorising to his work: rather than limiting his research to analysing past results, he undertakes an imaginative, value-driven, and evidence-based exploration of how business organisations can balance AI innovation with environmental stewardship.

Through this approach, he imagines a world where technological innovation and the responsible management of our resources go hand-in-hand. Solutions might be found within the use of more energy-efficient tools and by fostering multi-stakeholder governance, where diverse groups are included in decision-making, leading to more balanced outcomes.

Dr Lagna champions the idea that organisations can transform environmental responsibility into a source of competitive advantage, in part because they must. He explains: “This alignment is the most critical strategic objective for business organisations in our time of climate crisis.”

Meet the researcher

Dr Andrea Lagna is a Senior Lecturer in Information Systems at Alliance ��Ƶ Business School. With over a decade of academic experience at institutions such as Universität Erfurt, Loughborough University, and UC San Diego, his research explores how digital innovations are redefining business and society.

Read his papers

Main Library re-opens, featuring new study spaces at Muriel Stott

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 15:24:09 +0100

The changes have considered student feedback to improve spaces within Main Library, focusing on:

A complete refurbishment of the toilets in the Blue stairwell and the creation of additional toilets that now includes all gender and more accessible and female toilet provision across Blue 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Creating a new Cosy Campus space in Library Lounge available from the end of October. This new space will have increased seating capacity, softer seating, acoustic baffles and wall panelling to create a more relaxed, quieter environment. Estates and Facilities will also install additional power sockets for charging laptops and phones. We have worked closely with the Students’ Union to plan this area to meet our students’ needs.

Muriel Stott refurbishment

Muriel Stott study space reopens 22 September 2025
Muriel Stott outdoor courtyard reopens later in Semester 1 (date TBC)

Another important refurbishment was the redevelopment of the Muriel Stott building and central courtyard. As part of the Library’s Imagine2030 vision, the Main Library Redefined project is set to transform the heart of campus life - starting with the Muriel Stott Redevelopment. This new space marks a major step toward creating world-leading environments for research, learning, and student development.

What’s new at Muriel Stott?

A green space at the heart of Main Library, designed with student feedback and usage data in mind
36 bookable silent study spaces with spacious desks, IT provision, charging sockets, and task lighting
A calm indoor study zone optimised for natural light and sensory needs, supporting neurodivergent users
Accessibility upgrades, including six fully accessible desks, rise-and-fall PC kits, and improved layout and entry points
Nature-themed artwork drawn from the Library’s own Special Collections

Sustainability

Sustainability is at the core of the Muriel Stott redevelopment project. In line with the University’s goals on Environmental Sustainability and the Library’s own Spaces Policy, the project has:

Reused the existing building fabric
Sourced locally made furniture from natural and sustainable materials
Improved insulation and air quality through installing new windows
Reduced electricity use via pre-set lighting systems

From November, the new outdoor courtyard will offer another workspace option for staff and students. It will have both formal study areas that can be used in any weather and more laid-back seating for relaxation.

This redevelopment reflects a commitment to enhancing the total student and staff experience - blending scholarship, technology, wellbeing, and social responsibility into a single, thoughtfully designed space.

Opening hours and booking spaces

Main Library
To book a study space in Muriel Stott, please use

Building safer AI for cars and medical devices

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 13:52:58 +0100

Self-driving cars that can admit when road conditions confuse them. Insulin pumps that know when their blood-sugar predictions might be off. These kinds of ‘self-aware’ systems could transform the safety and trustworthiness of using artificial intelligence in everyday life.

At The University of ��Ƶ, researchers are pioneering a new approach to make this possible. Known as Credal Bayesian Deep Learning (CBDL), it allows AI to recognise and communicate how confident – or uncertain – it is about a decision. Unlike traditional neural network systems, which often act as if they’re always sure, CBDL can separate situations where more data could improve accuracy, from those where uncertainty will always remain.

CBDL does this by training a set of neural networks that work together, producing not just a single answer but a range of possible outcomes within probability bands. This gives engineers and doctors a clearer picture of what an AI system really knows, and where caution is needed.

As ��Ƶ researcher Dr Michele Caprio explains: “Knowing what a model does not know is crucial for safety-critical AI. That transparency is the foundation for certifiable autonomy in cars, insulin pumps, and beyond.”

Meet the researcher

Dr Michele Caprio is a Lecturer in Computer Science and Member of the ��Ƶ Centre for AI Fundamentals. His research applies Imprecise Probability theory to Machine Learning, creating AI that quantifies its own uncertainty and stays reliable under distribution misspecification and shift. He is part of the Executive Commitee of the Society for Imprecise Probabilities, Member of the London Mathematical Society, Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, Isaac Newton Institute, and Fellow of the Cambridge Philosophical Society.

Read his papers

Surgeon and academic leader Professor Ashley Blom joins the Board of Innovation Factory

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 13:25:37 +0100

Professor Ashley Blom, an internationally recognised orthopaedic surgeon and academic leader, has joined the Board of The University of ��Ƶ .

His appointment brings extensive expertise in musculoskeletal health, clinical innovation and higher education leadership to the University’s technology transfer company, which is responsible for transforming pioneering research into commercial opportunities.

Professor Blom is Vice-President and Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health at The University of ��Ƶ. He is ranked among the world’s top ten experts in arthroplasty research and has played a central role in developing and analysing the National Joint Registry, the largest database of its kind globally.

A Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences, an NIHR Senior Investigator and a past President of the European Orthopaedic Research Society, he has advised governments and professional bodies internationally and continues to lead influential research shaping clinical practice and health policy.

The University of ��Ƶ Innovation Factory leads the commercialisation of the University’s research, supporting academics to protect intellectual property, create spinout companies and establish licensing partnerships.

Over the past decade, the Innovation Factory has formed more than 120 spinout companies, raised over £100 million in external investment and created more than 1,200 high-value jobs, making it one of the UK’s most active university technology transfer organisations.

Professor Blom commented: “It is a privilege to join the Board of the Innovation Factory. The University of ��Ƶ has a world-class research base, and the Innovation Factory plays a vital role in turning discovery into innovation. I look forward to supporting the next generation of researchers and entrepreneurs as they take their ideas forward to create impact through partnerships, products and spinouts.”

Professor Blom’s appointment underlines the Innovation Factory’s commitment to strong leadership, strategic growth and excellence in research translation, building on ��Ƶ’s reputation as one of the UK’s leading centres for innovation and commercialisation.

Tackling online misogyny in Ethiopia

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 13:17:05 +0100

As more of our lives move online, new risks are emerging alongside new opportunities. One of the most concerning is technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV), the gendered harassment, abuse and discrimination carried out or amplified through digital platforms. For many women and girls, this creates barriers to safe, meaningful participation in public life.

In Ethiopia, TFGBV has become a serious challenge, yet little quantitative evidence has existed to measure its scale or provide solutions. Aiming to fill that gap, a ��Ƶ team led by Dr Riza Batista-Navarro, in collaboration with the Centre for Information Resilience, carried out the ADAGE project to highlight the scale and nature of gendered hate speech online.

Natural language processing (NLP)

To carry out the research, CIR developed a lexicon of more than 2,000 inflammatory terms across four languages – Amharic, Afaan Oromo, Tigrigna and English.

Then, by combining expertise in computational linguistics, NLP and the Ethiopian online context, Dr Riza Batista-Navarro’s team developed a framework for identifying hate-containing posts on social media, while factoring in dimensions such as the target, type and nature of hate speech.

This approach enabled the analysis of millions of social media posts, of which more than 7k were examined in detail. The analysis led to key findings: (a) that – different to Ethiopian men – Ethiopian women receive substantial hate speech in the form of mockery, irony and gender stereotypes that imply inferiority; and (b) the risk of women being targeted by online hate speech is compounded by other protected characteristics such as ethnicity. Working closely with Ethiopian experts, the team ensured cultural and linguistic accuracy, producing the first large-scale labelled dataset of its kind.

Data to inform action

The findings show that women and girls face distinct forms of online abuse compared to men and boys. Gendered insults, stereotypes, and mockery are commonplace, often minimised or dismissed as less harmful than threats or aggressive language. Yet these forms of abuse reinforce harmful gender norms and contribute to the silencing of women in public life. Intersectional abuse, where gender combines with ethnicity or religion, was also prevalent, particularly during times of conflict.

Addressing TFGBV is vital to ensuring women and girls can participate safely and meaningfully in public life.

The project has already led to a report and a set of 34 recommendations across seven policy areas, designed to guide government, civil society and tech companies. Together, they offer practical recommendations towards a safer online environment – and greater gender equality. These recommendations include: targeted, platform-specific responses; greater public education on hate speech; and stronger action from governments, civil society organisations, and social media companies are required.

By strengthening the evidence base and providing practical recommendations, the ADAGE project has helped support safer online spaces for women and girls in digital and public life.

Meet the researcher

Dr Riza Batista-Navarro is Senior Lecturer in Text Mining at the Department of Computer Science of the University of ��Ƶ. In her work, she focusses on the development of natural language processing methods for information extraction, explainable text classification, machine reading comprehension and language modelling.

Read her papers

Innovation and civic engagement the focus for new senior appointment

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0100

Following an extensive recruitment process, Professor John Holden has been appointed as Vice-President for Civic Engagement and Innovation. His appointment follows the retirement of Professor Richard Jones.

John will sit on the University Executive with responsibility for driving The University of ��Ƶ’s strategic agenda across civic engagement and innovation, working in partnership with local, regional and national stakeholders, and across the full breadth of our university community.

John brings extensive experience in strategic leadership across higher education, national and local government, and industry. In his current role as Associate Vice President for Major Special Projects at The University of ��Ƶ, he has played lead roles in delivering key initiatives, including the establishment of the UK’s , the relocation of the UK Biobank to the Oxford Road Corridor, and the creation of the Turing Innovation Catalyst. He was the University’s lead in establishing Sister, the 20-year project to build a new innovation district on the former North Campus.

In 2024, he co-led the University’s Regional Innovation Review and played a pivotal role in the creation of , the University’s new dedicated innovation arm launched to unlock the University’s full potential as the region’s largest innovation asset and drive inclusive growth regionally and nationally. Recently he has also been instrumental in developing our burgeoning relationship with Cambridge which is pioneering a new model of place-to-place collaboration to drive inclusive economic growth for the UK.

Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of ��Ƶ, said: “We want to be one of the leading 21st Century civic universities in the world. A significant part of that vision is to be a powerhouse for innovation and strategic partnerships in our city region, the UK and globally.

“John brings a strong track record of civic engagement and developing innovative programs and policies that have contributed to creating opportunities for our region and beyond. To further this ambition, it is vital that we work with our partners and communities to meet the challenges that they face and I’m excited that John is set to play a leading part in this.”

Professor John Holden, Vice-President for Civic Engagement and Innovation, said: “I am delighted to have been appointed Vice-President for Civic Engagement and Innovation. With these two critical agendas set to be at the heart of our new 10-year strategy launching in October, this is a pivotal moment for the University and an exciting time to take on a role focused on driving its delivery.

“Our University has a proud tradition of working in partnership with our city and region, recognising that our success and the success of our region are inextricably linked. By strengthening our collaborations with industry, civic partners, and communities we can accelerate research into real-world impact, help our students unlock their full potential, and develop solutions to the major challenges that face our region and the world.

“As one of the North of England’s most significant innovation assets, the University has the scale, capabilities, and global reach to play a central role in driving inclusive economic growth and prosperity not just for our region but for the whole of the UK.

“I’m looking forward to working with our students, staff, alumni and partners to improve lives and create opportunities locally, nationally and globally — and I look forward to engaging with current and future collaborators about how we can make this happen together.”

Before joining the University in 2020, John spent 15 years in senior strategy and policy roles in Greater ��Ƶ. He was instrumental in shaping the city region’s Mayoral Combined Authority, including the landmark 2014 ‘Devo Manc’ devolution deal and subsequent agreements that transferred significant powers and funding from the UK government to the city region. As head of the Greater ��Ƶ Combined Authority’s Strategy and Research team, he worked with Mayor Andy Burnham, Sir Richard Leese, the late Sir Howard Bernstein and other regional leaders to set and deliver economic growth and public service reform policy.

He has advised national and international organisations on regional policy, including the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the European Commission and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. John is also a Board member of the Rochdale Development Agency, a North West Council Member of the Confederation of British Industry, a member of the Oxford Road Corridor Executive, and a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA).

John will begin in his new role from 1st October 2025.

Study finds no extra benefit from children’s mental health programme

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 09:30:00 +0100

A new study from The University of ��Ƶ has found that a well-known mental health intervention for children may be no more effective than the usual social and emotional learning (SEL) programmes already being taught in primary schools.

The research, published in the , was led by experts from the ��Ƶ Institute of Education working alongside colleagues from the University of Dundee and Necmettin Erbakan University in Turkey. After looking at whether Passport: Skills for Life helped to improve children's mental wellbeing, they found that it appeared to make little difference compared to what schools were already doing.

Passport is designed to help children aged 9 to 11 manage their emotions, cope with stress and build good relationships. It includes 18 weekly lessons covering topics like feelings, friendships and handling change.

Teachers who were trained in the programme delivered these lessons in class - the idea was that by helping children to build strong emotional and social skills, it could prevent mental health problems like anxiety and depression.

The study involved over 2,400 children from 62 primary schools across Greater ��Ƶ and nearby areas. Some schools used the Passport programme, while others continued with their usual teaching.

After closely studying the results, researchers found that the Passport lessons didn’t appear to lead to better outcomes for the children. There was no significant improvement in mental health symptoms, such as internalising symptoms, or in other areas like emotional regulation, wellbeing or bullying. This means that children who took part in the programme were no better off than those who followed the normal school curriculum.

The research team looked into several possible reasons for the lack of results. One idea was that the programme wasn’t different enough from what schools were already doing - many schools in the study were already using other SEL programmes. In fact, almost two-thirds of teachers said they used some kind of SEL teaching before the study even started, and about 60% of the Passport content overlapped with these existing lessons.

“The quality of universal SEL education has significantly improved over the last two decades, meaning new programmes face a higher bar for showing additional impact. This highlights the excellent work already being done in schools to nurture children's mental health," Neil added.

The research also raises questions about whether programmes developed in one country - like Passport, which was originally from Canada - will work the same way in another. Cultural differences may affect how well these interventions work.

The researchers plan to keep studying the data, and looking into whether the programme has any long-term benefits, works better for certain groups of children or is good value for money.

Open Research Conference 2025 – recordings now available

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 16:19:34 +0100

We’re pleased to announce that the from the is now available via YouTube.

Whether you joined us in person and are looking for a recap, or are checking out the talks for the first time, this year’s presentations offer rich insights into the future of open scholarship, data sharing, and reproducibility. Some highlights include:

Our keynote speakers and ;
Colleagues from the ��Ƶ Institute of Education on the challenges and benefits of ;
Daryl Lee on ;
– a panel discussion with members of the Software Sustainability Institute ();
Colleagues from the University of Leeds on .

From policy to practice, these sessions reflect the vibrant and evolving landscape of Open Research. We invite you to explore the full playlist, share your favourite talks, and continue the conversation with your communities.

Watch the on YouTube.
Access the , slides and posters via .

University of ��Ƶ appointed as UN Academic Impact Vice-Chair for SDG10 research

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 16:22:39 +0100

The University of ��Ƶ has been appointed as the new United Nations Academic Impact Sustainable Development Goals Hub Vice-Chair for Research for SDG10 (Reduced inequalities) by the (UNAI) initiative.

The University of ��Ƶ will play an essential role in advancing the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by leading research initiatives for the UNAI SDG10 Hub, from September 2025 to December 2027, as part of the larger UNAI network, which comprises over 1,700 universities and colleges across more than 150 countries.

and Professor from the , , will play a leading role in shaping and advancing the work of the UNAI SDG 10 Hub, contributing to global efforts to promote equality and reduce inequalities.

Speaking of the appointment, , Vice-President for Research at The University of ��Ƶ, shared:

“This important appointment is in alignment with the University’s longstanding commitment to tackling inequalities and transforming lives. This is an exciting new chapter in our journey toward advancing collaborative research and real-world solutions that make a difference here in ��Ƶ and across the globe.”

Supporting the 10, Reduced inequalities, The University of ��Ƶ already brings together over 650 academics across disciplines to address disparities in health, food security, living conditions, social justice and workplace equality, working side by side with communities to create lasting change locally and worldwide.

“I am delighted The University of ��Ƶ has been selected for this role and look forward to working with colleagues and partners to build on the University’s outstanding research and engagement," Colette added, "Together, we can drive forward practical, sustainable solutions that reduce inequalities and improve lives both locally and internationally.”

UNAI SDG Hub Network

UNAI SDG Hubs are designated institutions of higher education within the UNAI network that actively work to promote the SDGs by leveraging the power of academia to create positive social, economic, and environmental change. Each Hub is designated to focus on a specific SDG, fostering research, education, and global collaboration to advance that goal, while respecting the strong interdependencies across all 17 SDGs.

For more information about the new UNAI SDG Hub cohort and their activities, please visit:

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