Newsroom University of ��Ƶ

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.

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, .

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.

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.

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

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.

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:

Eviction is a ‘deliberate feature’ of the housing system, says new book

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0100

A new book by Dr Jessica Field from The University of ��Ƶ has revealed that eviction is a ‘deliberate and enduring feature’ of Britain’s housing system, rather than simply being a consequence of a housing crisis.

Eviction: A Social History of Rent, published by Verso, is a detailed look at the complex history of rented housing in the UK, tracing policy evolutions from the late 19^th century to the contemporary private rental sector. It examines how rental policies and housing structures have historically positioned low-income tenants as vulnerable to displacement, showing that the threat of eviction has long been woven into the design of the housing market rather than arising from occasional crises.

The book offers a compelling and often unsettling look at the persistent reality of housing insecurity for low-income tenants in Britain over the past century and a half. It argues that eviction is not an aberration, but is fundamentally ingrained in the nation's housing system, often masked as progress.

Dr Field uses her own family’s story as the heart of the book, focusing on a housing estate in south Leeds nicknamed “Cardboard City.” This neighbourhood, which was built in the 1950s by the National Coal Board (NCB) to house miners and their families, became home to generations of working-class tenants. It was a close-knit community where neighbours supported one another, socialised as close friends, and raised families.

Eviction charts the path of these homes from state-owned worker housing to privately rented properties, detailing cycles of neglect and financialisation. Despite promises of security, NCB properties - like many council houses - suffered from inadequate maintenance, and were eventually sold off to private speculators for a pittance.

In 2017, the property company that now owned the estate announced plans to demolish the homes and build ‘executive’ houses in their place. This would mean evicting seventy households, many of whom had lived there for at least a decade, including Dr Field’s parents. The residents formed a campaign group, Save Our Homes LS26, and fought hard to save their homes - but despite their efforts, most were eventually forced to leave. Dr Field’s parents were evicted in 2022.

In the book, Dr Field shares how the fight to stop the eviction affected her mother’s health and well-being, and how the loss of their home shattered a once-thriving community. She situates those personal experiences in the long history of renting in Britain, showing how renters have always had fewer rights than homeowners and how evictions have often been treated as inevitable or even for the good of the tenants.

Through a mix of personal storytelling and historical research, Eviction challenges the idea that private renting has ever been a secure or fair option for families – even during the apparent post-war golden era of council house expansion. It also highlights the importance of community, neighbourly support and tenant-led activism and celebrates the achievements of many women-led activist movements over the decades.

"My parents fought for five years to save their community from a mass eviction. They lost, but their story reveals a brutal truth about Britain's housing system. For working-class families, the housing crisis isn't new – it's the enduring status quo”, says Dr Field.

Eviction: A Social History of Rent is available now from .

New research finds that ‘Levelling Up’ left many southern areas behind

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 13:18:44 +0100

Communities in the South of England were systematically underfunded in the government’s flagship ‘Levelling Up’ programme, according to new research using a Community Resilience Index (CRI) developed at The University of ��Ƶ.

The study, published in , analysed how £8.64 billion of Levelling Up funding was distributed across 307 local authority districts in England. Using a new Community Resilience Index (CRI) to measure need, researchers discovered that while many northern and coastal areas received more than their “fair share” of investment, the South of England was consistently underfunded.

The findings challenge the dominant narrative of a simple “north-south divide” and reveal that southern communities - particularly in inland areas - were frequently left behind in funding allocations.

Only 36.2% of local authorities received support proportionate to their need - the research shows that 30% of Levelling Up funding would have needed to be reallocated to ensure an equitable distribution across the country

“Levelling Up was designed to help all places build on their strengths and reach their potential - yet our resilience-based analysis shows that many southern communities were overlooked in funding allocations,” said Dr Christine Camacho, lead author of the study. “These areas face significant challenges but did not receive the support needed to strengthen their resilience.”

Among the starkest cases was Havant, in the South East, which received just £12.45 per person in Levelling Up support - 94% less than the £200 per person it would have received under a fair allocation model.

By contrast, several northern districts received far more than their modelled “fair share”. Redcar and Cleveland, for example, secured £469.70 per person - more than double its needs-based allocation. The researchers argue that this unevenness highlights deep flaws in the competitive, ministerial-driven allocation process.

The study emphasises that competitive bidding and ministerial discretion meant funding often flowed to areas with stronger institutional capacity, rather than those with the greatest social and economic need.

The researchers argue that without systematic, needs-driven allocation of investment, future regional policies risk repeating the mistakes of Levelling Up - leaving vulnerable communities in both the North and the South behind.

The authors stress that as the new Labour government moves beyond the Levelling Up brand, future place-based policies must adopt transparent, needs-based criteria. The Community Resilience Index, they argue, offers a robust tool for ensuring resources go where they are most needed.

From pubs to plates: ��Ƶ research shows Britain’s social life is shifting

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 15:13:07 +0100

A new study by experts from The University of ��Ƶ has revealed a major shift in Britain’s social life, as the number of bars and pubs has dropped sharply in recent years while restaurants have expanded.

The research, published in , examined more than 1100 neighbourhoods across Greater ��Ƶ and Nottingham between 2002 and 2019. The team found that bar numbers fell by around 35%, while restaurant numbers grew by a similar percentage over the same period

This trend is part of a nationwide pattern. Across the UK, thousands of pubs have closed their doors in the past two decades, with closures accelerating in recent years as rising costs, changing habits and the Covid-19 pandemic hit the industry hard.

The researchers say the shift is driven by younger generations who are drinking less alcohol and increasingly socialising around food rather than drink. “Our findings show a clear generational move away from alcohol-centred venues,” said lead author Jonathan Wood. “Bars are disappearing from many neighbourhoods, while restaurants are spreading into new areas.”

While bars and pubs once dominated high streets and local centres, the study found that many have vanished altogether from large parts of both ��Ƶ and Nottingham. In 2002, around 43% of ��Ƶ neighbourhoods and 47% of Nottingham neighbourhoods had no bars at all. By 2019, the number of “bar deserts” had increased nearly twenty-fold.

In contrast, restaurants – once concentrated almost entirely in city centres – have grown and spread into suburbs and residential areas. The study shows the likelihood of a neighbourhood having no restaurants fell by at least five-fold during the period

The research also reveals how geography plays a role. Venues are increasingly clustering in central, well-connected areas, often close to retail hubs and good public transport. ��Ƶ’s nightlife, for example, has become more centralised, with popular spots like the Northern Quarter and Deansgate thriving while local bars in outlying neighbourhoods struggle to survive.

By contrast, restaurants have been able to expand further afield, offering more choice in suburban areas. The team suggests this reflects the way people now prefer to spend their leisure time, with eating out seen as a more inclusive and family-friendly activity than drinking.

The decline of pubs and bars has long worried campaigners who see them as vital community spaces. The new research underlines how closures are reshaping neighbourhoods – especially in deprived areas, where pubs once offered affordable social outlets. At the same time, the growth of restaurants may bring new opportunities for local economies, but it also highlights the need for planners and policymakers to adapt to changing consumer habits.

Bad reviews push Airbnb hosts to rethink their positioning, study finds

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:10:15 +0100

A new study from The University of ��Ƶ has revealed that bad reviews often push Airbnb hosts to change the way they position their properties, sometimes with surprising results.

The research, carried out with colleagues from the University of Oxford and the University of Alberta, looked at more than 80,000 Airbnb hosts across major US cities. It found that when guests left negative reviews, hosts were much more likely to switch the category of their property - for example, moving a listing from “loft” to “apartment,” or from “tiny house” to “cottage.”

The study shows that these changes often happen not because hosts are constantly fine-tuning their positioning, but because they are reacting to complaints - in other words, hosts don’t usually rethink how their properties are categorised unless something goes wrong.

“Negative reviews are powerful - they don’t just influence potential guests, but they also make hosts question whether they’ve positioned their property in the right category,” said Dr Karl Taeuscher from Alliance ��Ƶ Business School, the lead author of the research. “If customers say a listing isn’t what they expected, hosts often switch category in the hope of avoiding more complaints.”

The research found that the effect is strongest in categories where customers have diverse and sometimes conflicting expectations. For example, a “villa” or “loft” may mean very different things to different people, while a “houseboat” or “tent” comes with more obvious expectations. In these ambiguous categories, hosts were particularly likely to reposition their property after receiving poor feedback.

Interestingly, when hosts did make a switch, they usually chose categories that were close to their original one. Few hosts took the risk of moving their property into a completely different type. Instead, they tended to opt for categories that accommodate a wider range of features.

The study highlights how small businesses and individuals, like most Airbnb hosts, often don’t have the time or resources to constantly rethink their positioning strategies - instead, they tend to act only when problems arise.

The findings matter beyond Airbnb. Many online platforms, from Amazon to Etsy, rely on categories to help customers navigate. If businesses use categories that don’t quite fit, it can create mismatches between what buyers expect and what they get. This study suggests that finding the right category requires businesses to be receptive to customer feedback and open to revising their initial choice.

The research, titled Right on Cue? Category-Switching in Online Marketplaces, is published in the .

Professor Gerard Hodgkinson receives lifetime achievement award from British Academy of Management

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 14:24:08 +0100

Gerard P. Hodgkinson, Professor of Strategic Management and Behavioural Science at AMBS, has been awarded the Richard Whipp Lifetime Achievement Award by the British Academy of Management (BAM) in recognition of his various contributions to the field and management research.

About the Richard Whipp Lifetime Achievement Award

The Award is made in memory of Professor Richard Whipp, an outstanding scholar in the field of business and management and former Chair of BAM. It specifically recognises a career within the management field where the beneficiary will have done one or more of the following: enhanced a field of study, founded or effectively led a major national/international academic initiative, or provided unusually effective service to a major professional institution and/or the Academy.

Professor Hodgkinson’s Reflections

Said Professor Hodgkinson: “I’m delighted and humbled in equal measure, to have received this prestigious award, in recognition of my various contributions to research, BAM, and the wider management research community, over the course of the past 40 plus years.”

A Legacy of Achievement

Professor Hodgkinson was made a Fellow of BAM in 2001 and received the BAM Medal for Research in 2021. He is pictured receiving the Richard Whipp Award from Richard’s widow Anne Whipp.

Mentoring programme gives big mental health boost to LGBTQIA+ teens

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 13:04:37 +0100

A mentoring programme for LGBTQIA+ young people is making a real difference to their mental health, according to new research from The University of ��Ƶ.

The programme delivered by pairs young people aged 13 and over with trained mentors who understand the challenges LGBTQIA+ teens can face. Over regular one-to-one sessions, the mentors offer a safe space to talk, practical advice and support to help build confidence, reduce feelings of isolation and improve overall wellbeing.

LGBTQIA+ young people are more likely to struggle with mental health problems such as anxiety and depression compared to their heterosexual or cisgender peers. Many of these struggles are linked to experiences of discrimination, prejudice or feeling unable to be themselves.

Despite this, there’s been little solid evidence about which support services actually work - until now.

Researchers at The University of ��Ƶ compared the mental health of young people taking part with thousands of other teens from a large wellbeing study. The results were clear: those in Free2B's programme saw a strong and noticeable improvement in their mental wellbeing, much higher than what’s usually seen in similar support programmes.

“Free2B;s programme isn’t just helpful - it’s making a meaningful difference in young people’s lives,” said lead researcher Qiqi Cheng. “We saw real changes in how the participants felt about themselves and their future. Many started the programme feeling isolated, anxious, or unsure of how to cope with the challenges they were facing. By the end, they reported feeling more confident, supported, and hopeful. Programmes like this show that when young people have someone in their corner who understands them, it can completely shift their outlook.”

”The evidence is strong, and it should be part of the conversation on how we help vulnerable young people not just survive, but thrive," Neil added.

The experts say the next step is to study the programme in more detail, looking at whether the benefits last long term and whether it can also help reduce loneliness.

The study was funded by PBE, with wider support from the , The National Lottery Community Fund, and the Greater ��Ƶ Combined Authority.

Festival celebrating ��Ƶ’s medieval heritage returns for 2025

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0100

Thanks to the dedication of The University of ��Ƶ’s Dr Gillian Redfern and the support of the University’s Social Responsibility Fund, the ��Ƶ Medieval Quarter Festival will return to the city on Saturday 27 September. The free, family-friendly festival will once again transform the area into a lively celebration of ��Ƶ’s rich medieval heritage.

Now in its third edition since its launch in 2021, the festival continues its mission to shine a light on an area many residents are surprised to learn exists - the Medieval Quarter. Nestled beside the modern city centre, this historic area stretches from Chetham’s Library and School of Music to ��Ƶ Cathedral, weaving through Shambles Square, the Corn Exchange and the National Football Museum.

The area tells the story of ��Ƶ long before the Industrial Revolution. From the 10th-century parish church that grew into ��Ƶ Cathedral to the 15th-century Collegiate buildings that became Chetham’s Library, the area is steeped in history. At the festival, the public will have the rare chance to explore these spaces for free - normally only accessible by paid tour - making the festival a unique opportunity to engage with the city’s past.

Visitors can look forward to an exciting programme of activities designed to bring medieval ��Ƶ to life:

Saturday Scriptorium – Try your hand at medieval calligraphy using quills, ink and parchment in Chetham’s Library’s Baronial Hall, and take home your masterpiece.
Falconry Displays – Watch birds of prey soar in the courtyard and even try falconry with expert guidance.
Historical Re-enactments – Meet medieval re-enactors from Historia Normannis as they showcase tournaments, crafts, and costumes.
Medieval Drama – Boo, cheer, and hiss along with interactive student performances in Chetham’s Courtyard.
Guided Tours – Discover the story of the Medieval Quarter, including rare access to the remnants of the 14th-century Hanging Bridge, and enjoy tours of ��Ƶ Cathedral.
Music of the Middle Ages – Immerse yourself in the sounds of the era with performances from the ��Ƶ Troubadours.
Family Fun – Browse medieval-themed stalls, enjoy a fashion show, and soak up the atmosphere with food, picnics and live entertainment.

The festival will take place from 11am – 4pm. For more information, visit .

Not white, not seen: study uncovers France’s racial blind spot

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 16:20:34 +0100

A groundbreaking new study from The University of ��Ƶ has challenged traditional ideas of race and national identity in France, revealing how French citizens of Indian descent are navigating their identities in a society that often ignores them.

The research, led by Dr Manuela Latchoumaya from the University’s Department of Sociology and published in leading journal , explores the lived experiences of French people whose families come from former French colonies in India and the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe via the system of Indian indentured labour in the 19^th century.

Despite holding French passports and speaking fluent French, many of these citizens feel excluded from what it means to be “truly” French.

Using interviews with 21 people, the study paints a powerful picture of what it feels like to be treated as invisible in your own country - and how people push back.

“It’s not just about being seen as different,” said Dr Latchoumaya. “It’s about being completely left out of how the French think about who belongs.”

The study found that many French Indians are misidentified as Black or North African, two established categories in France that covertly operate to minoritise people with roots in the French Empire. Others are judged by outdated stereotypes - like being overly traditional or even exotic - based on ideas left over from colonial times. These experiences often begin in childhood and continue into adult life, especially in education, work and healthcare.

But rather than staying silent, many people are speaking up and taking control of their identity. Some proudly reclaim the label Black as a category of visibility, while also identifying as South Asian. Others challenge people who use offensive or outdated terms, and several participants said they now openly name ‘whiteness’ - the idea that being white is the default or “normal” in France - as part of the problem.

The study also highlights the deep impact of colonial history, showing how the French Empire shaped today’s ideas about identity, and how some communities - like those with Indian roots - have been left out of the national story.

This research is one of the first studies to centre the voices of French citizens of Indian descent, a group rarely studied in academic or public discussions about French imperial history. It is especially relevant today as France - and many other countries - grapple with their colonial past and while having increasingly diverse populations.

Three ��Ƶ experts become Academy of Social Sciences Fellows

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 11:05:39 +0100

Three academics from The University of ��Ƶ have been recognised as leading experts in their fields by being named as Fellows of the Academy of Social Sciences.

New Fellows are named in recognition of their excellence and impact, and their advancement of social sciences for the public good. Through leadership, research and policymaking, they have deepened understanding of major societal challenges. The Academy comprises over 1,700 Fellows from academia, the public, private and third sectors as well as 46 societies and affiliates, forming a 90,000-strong network that cements the UK’s global leadership in social sciences.

Academy Fellows - who are selected through an independent peer review which recognises their excellence and impact - are elected for their excellence in their fields and their substantial contributions to social science for public benefit.

Joining them is Professor of Public Administration and Head of Politics Liz Richardson, an expert who advances democratic and inclusive policymaking through her knowledge of participatory urban governance, local politics, public services and innovative research methods. Recognised among the Local Government Information Unit’s Top 25 Thinkers, Liz bridges academic insight and civic practice to tackle complex local and global policy challenges. She has co-authored pivotal reports in the UK’s Public Design Evidence Review, shaping how design thinking can reinvigorate public services.

“I am delighted to be an ambassador for social science,” Liz said. “Academic research has the potential to create a more equitable society - such potential is greater when knowledge fosters scientific rigour as well as respect for the experiential expertise of participants.”

Also named as a new Fellow is Professor of Public Policy David Richards, an internationally recognised scholar who specialises in British politics, governance, democracy and institutional reform. His research investigates the relationship between political institutions, public policy and democratic accountability. He has co-authored influential works, including Institutional Crisis in 21st Century Britain, and leads major projects on Treasury–Whitehall financial relations and productivity governance. Widely published and frequently cited in national debate, he bridges academic insight and public discourse, shaping critical conversations about the challenges facing British democracy and the future of effective, accountable government.

Our third new Fellow is Professor of Urban Economics & Real Estate Anupam Nanda, an award-winning expert in the economics of property markets, urban and regional dynamics, real estate finance, investor sentiment, cross-border investment, ESG issues, and the role of technology in real estate. A prolific researcher, his papers feature in top journals such as Journal of Urban Economics, Real Estate Economics, Regional Studies, and Energy Economics. Alongside his academic research, he works with policymakers and industry to develop solutions for sustainable, resilient and fair urban and housing systems.

“I am pleased to be nominated to join the Academy and contribute to its crucial work in promoting the role of social sciences in my field and across other related fields,” said Anupam. “I look forward to working with other fellows of the Academy.”

President of the Academy, Will Hutton FAcSS, said, “It’s a pleasure to welcome more leading social scientists to the Academy’s Fellowship. Their research and practical applications have made substantial contributions to social science and wider society in a range of areas, and we look forward to working with them to promote further the vital role the social sciences play in all areas of our lives.”

Major new book asks whether addressing climate change requires stability or conflict

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0100

A landmark new book is set to change how we think about tackling the climate crisis. It asks a big question: when it comes to climate change, is it better to ‘lock in’ steady, long-term policies, or do we need dramatic political conflict and protests to force real change?

Stability and Politicization in Climate Governance is co-edited by and - both leading politics experts from The University of ��Ƶ - alongside from the University of Massachusetts Boston (USA). The book highlights that the debate between ‘stability’ and ‘politicisation’ isn't as simple as it seems.

For a long time, many policymakers believed that ‘stability’ was the key to successful climate action. This stability meant creating predictable rules that encourage businesses to invest in green solutions, or making laws that are difficult to roll back in the future.

However, the book reveals a significant problem: often, trying to keep things stable just means nothing really changes, which can actually slow down efforts to cut carbon. Studies in the book also show that a focus on stability can perpetuate existing inequalities, making it harder for marginalised communities to participate in climate action.

On the other hand, "politicisation" means bringing climate issues into the public spotlight, challenging powerful interests and sparking debate. The book shows how social movements like the Fridays for Future school strikes in Germany have successfully pushed governments to adopt more ambitious climate strategies. This kind of public pressure can show who really has the power and lead to significant policy changes, like demanding deadlines for phasing out coal.

However, building pressure isn't equally easy or safe for all communities. For some groups, like Muslim climate activists in the UK, engaging in protests can be risky because of existing unfairness in society. As one Muslim climate campaigner noted, "when you think about climate change, it is a social justice issue".

The book’s main message is that stability and politicisation aren't always opposites - they often interact in complex ways. What appears stable may hide underlying conflicts which eventually burst out, while political conflicts can sometimes lead to new forms of stability.

The book covers examples from around the world - from Brazil to China and South Africa to Norway - across all levels of society from grassroots street activists in California right up to global negotiations. The volume also tackles a wide range of policy areas and sectors including the fossil fuel industry, financial and insurance businesses and electricity companies.

It is available now, and free to read and download from .

How one man’s life is reshaping criminological thinking

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0100

The University of ��Ƶ’s will officially launch next week, a powerful new book set to redefine how criminology is taught and understood. The book offers a fresh take on academic theory, told through the compelling story of William ‘Billy’ Mahaffey, a former soldier, prisoner, and now, community role model.

Through Bringing Criminological Theory to Life, we’re taken on a journey that spans a troubled childhood, through addiction and incarceration, military service, to education, athletic achievement, and community leadership. A powerful mix of expert insight and real-life experience conveys the challenges of crime, the impact of punishment, and the potential for change.

Each chapter explores a key turning point in Billy’s life to interrogate criminological concepts, including the long-term impact of childhood experiences, the military-to-prison pipeline, and the role of education, sport, and networks supporting journeys out of crime and identity transformation.

“This book is a new kind of criminology,” said , Senior Lecturer in Criminology at The University of ��Ƶ. “It breaks down barriers between academic theory and human experience, and makes the case for a more compassionate, context-aware understanding of crime and change.”

Hosted by the at The University of ��Ƶ, the launch event will continue these conversations, featuring contributions from Billy himself, co-editors Dr Emily Turner, , (University of ��Ƶ) and (University of Liverpool), as well as chapter authors from leading institutions across the UK.

Inspired by teaching methods that embed real-world experience into theory, this book is a call to rethink traditional approaches to education and criminal justice. Billy, now a father of two and active in his community, has rebuilt his life after years of instability, addiction, and imprisonment. His story is one of persistence and personal accountability, offering a powerful reminder that change is possible, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.

“I never imagined that my life story would be used in this way,” said Billy.

From policymakers to practitioners, academics to support workers, these insights aim to challenge assumptions and inspire change across the justice system and beyond.

Join us for the ‘Bringing Criminological Theory to Life: A Lived Experience Approach to Crime and Desistance’ launch event, which includes contributions from leading criminologists at The University of ��Ƶ, University of Hull, Anglia Ruskin University, Royal Holloway University of London, and the Prison Reform Trust.

TropiConnect Launches Digital Trade Platform to Redefine Global Agriculture

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 13:18:58 +0100

TropiConnect, a ��Ƶ-based agri-tech startup founded by University of ��Ƶ alumnus Mark Cuthbert, has officially launched its innovative agri-trade platform: .

With several successful pilots, the platform empowers farming cooperatives across Africa by connecting them directly with global buyers, enabling transparent, sustainable, and fair trade in tropical agriculture.

The launch follows TropiConnect’s recent recognition as the Venture Further Award (VFA) Winner, presented by the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre, celebrating the startup’s vision to transform agricultural supply chains with technology.

TropiConnect is already partnering with farmer cooperatives representing over 200,000 farmers across East and West Africa, while building high-level collaborations with Innovate UK, the United Nations, and government organisations across the continent. From coffee and cocoa to cashew nuts, sesame seeds, and tropical fruits, TropiConnect is positioning itself as the go-to gateway for sourcing Africa’s finest agricultural products in one trusted platform. Leveraging AI and blockchain technology, the platform ensures traceability, competitive pricing,and efficient trade facilitation.

The company’s close ties with the University of ��Ƶ’s innovation ecosystem have been instrumental in its growth. Support from the University’s R&D collaborations, has strengthened TropiConnect’s ability to scale and innovate.

For more information, visit or

How an ancient document secured the power of the ‘first King of England’

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 13:46:39 +0100

An expert from The University of ��Ƶ has revealed how a single sheet of 1,100-year-old parchment may have been used to heal a dangerous royal rift in Ancient England.

King Æthelstan, who is generally known as the first King of England, began his rule almost exactly 1,100 years ago when he was crowned at Kingston on 4 September 925. While history books usually paint his reign as powerful and secure, Dr Jonathan Tickle has found that his early years on the throne were far from smooth sailing - especially in the city of Winchester, where loyalties to a rival prince ran deep.

The story centres on a document now known as “Sawyer 1417” – a lease of farmland agreed between the monks of Winchester’s New Minster and a royal official named Ælfred. On the surface, it looks like a simple property deal. But Dr Tickle’s analysis reveals it was also a carefully staged public event designed to send a political message, patch up strained relationships, and remind everyone who was really in charge.

At the time, Æthelstan faced opposition from supporters of his younger half-brother Eadwine, who some believed had a stronger claim to the throne. The New Minster was a key player in this drama - not only was it home to the tombs of Æthelstan’s father Edward the Elder and grandfather Alfred the Great, but it also stood in a city that may have backed Eadwine.

The charter was read aloud in an assembly packed with nobles, monks, and townsfolk. Its language tied the land deal to the memory of Alfred and Edward, anchoring the king’s authority in his famous ancestors. By setting the rent payment on the anniversary of Edward’s death, the agreement turned a routine transaction into a yearly reminder of Æthelstan’s royal lineage.

“This wasn’t just about farming rights. It was a performance – a way of reshaping alliances, cooling tensions, and making a statement about the king’s rightful place in history. The document itself became a lasting reminder of that moment,” said Dr Tickle.

The research also suggests that monks kept their copy of the charter safe for generations, possibly consulting it at annual rent payments or during disputes – ensuring the king’s message lived on.

By looking at this 1,100-year-old parchment not just as a legal record but as a piece of political theatre, the study opens a new window into how early English kings built and maintained their power.

The full article, ‘’, is published in the Journal of Medieval History.

The University of ��Ƶ is globally renowned for its pioneering research, outstanding teaching and learning, and commitment to social responsibility. We are a truly international university – ranking in the top 50 in a range of global rankings – with a diverse community of more than 44,000 students, 12,000 staff and 550,000 alumni from 190 countries. Sign up for our e-news to hear first-hand about our international partnerships and activities across the globe.

Research finds that focusing on ‘luxury tourism’ may not benefit African nations

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 13:27:29 +0100

Many African countries have attempted to attract high-spending tourists in order to create economic success - but new research published in African Studies Review reveals that this strategy might not be as beneficial as it seems, and some countries are struggling to change course.

For decades, organisations like the World Bank advised African nations to focus on “luxury tourism”. The idea was to attract wealthy visitors who spend a lot per day, leading to "high-value, low-impact" tourism, which promised benefits for the environment and local communities. It sounds great on paper, and it helps countries to look like "green states" committed to sustainability.

However, critics are calling this "fake degrowth" as luxury tourists often arrive in private jets, which are much worse for the environment than regular flights. Plus, relying on international travellers - especially from far-flung places like Europe and North America - creates a higher global carbon footprint. But the problems don't stop there. The research found that luxury tourism often leads to:

• Enclaves: huge resorts or national parks that are separate from local life, with limited connections to the wider economy.
• Limited Local Benefits: these places hire few local workers, don't help communities improve their infrastructure, and are mostly all-inclusive, meaning tourists don't buy from smaller local businesses.
• Foreign Control: The most profitable eco-tourism lodges and conservation areas are often owned by foreign companies.
• "Leakages": the money tourists spend doesn't stay in the country. It goes to foreign travel agencies or is used to pay for imported goods for hotels, or profits are sent back to foreign owners.
• Increased Inequality: profits are concentrated among foreign operators or a small group of wealthy locals, while general wages in tourism jobs are often low. In Mauritius, for example, many locals feel like "foreigners are taking over the island" and don't even have access to their own best beaches.

The study highlights a surprising finding. When these luxury strategies don't deliver, democratic governments like Mauritius and Botswana - which face political pressure like upcoming elections or public anger over unemployment and inequality - are more flexible and have tried to adapt their strategies.

However, authoritarian governments like Rwanda with strong, centralised control tend to stick to their long-term luxury goals even when problems arise. Despite high unemployment and recent economic shocks, Rwanda has doubled down on its luxury tourism - its government believes this strategy will eventually pay off in the long run, even if it ignores short-term inequalities.

“This study challenges common ideas about which types of governments are better at development,” said Dr Behuria. “It shows that sometimes, political pressure in democracies can lead to more flexible and responsive policies than the long-term, rigid plans of authoritarian states.”

Book by ��Ƶ academic shortlisted for Royal Society prize

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 14:44:39 +0100

A historian from The University of ��Ƶ has been named as one of six authors shortlisted for the 2025 Royal Society Trivedi Science Book Prize, which celebrates the best popular science writing from across the globe.

by Professor Sadiah Qureshi was named as one of the finalists at the Edinburgh International Book Festival by author and palaeontologist Steve Brusatte, following an event with the Prize’s 2024 winner Kelly Weinersmith.

The Royal Society Science Book Prize has championed non-fiction books that celebrate the collective joy of science writing for more than 30 years. Previous winning titles cover diverse themes, ranging from the sensory experiences of animals to the evolution of all life on earth, and a fresh perspective on human behaviour and relationships.

All of this year’s authors make the shortlist for the first time, with books that cover an array of important scientific topics through compelling and accessible storytelling. The shortlisted titles represent the judges’ pick of the most fascinating and relevant science writing over the past 12 months.

Professor Qureshi is a writer and historian of science, race and empire. Currently a Chair of Modern British History at the University of ��Ƶ, she has written for the London Review of Books, Times Literary Supplement and New Statesman.

Vanished is a compelling exploration of how the modern concept of extinction has been shaped not just by science but by empire, racism and the politics of disappearance, and it urges us to reckon with extinction as both an evolutionary fate and a deliberate choice.

“This book shows us why science is not a neutral subject - from the human-driven extinction of the dodo to the justification of indigenous peoples being killed based on false racial hierarchy, politics has been woven into scientific decision-making throughout history,” said previous prize winner Roma Agrawal, who was on the judging panel. “This is an updated and refreshing perspective of a story we ought to know about. Qureshi’s writing is thoroughly readable, while being extremely well researched, opening up a new and important conversation about natural history.”

The winner of this year’s Prize will be revealed on the evening of 1 October 2025, where they will be presented with a cheque for £25,000. Each of the five shortlisted authors will receive a cheque for £2,500.

��Ƶ experts join national project to combat NHS fraud

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 11:26:53 +0100

Two leading criminologists from The University of ��Ƶ are playing a key role in a groundbreaking national research project designed to tackle fraud in the NHS, which costs the UK taxpayer an estimated £1.3 billion each year.

The initiative, known as Project SCAN (Strengthening Counter-Fraud Across the NHS in England), is led by Northumbria University and brings together experts from across the UK to improve understanding and responses to fraud within the health service.

Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), the 32-month study will generate robust evidence on the nature and organisation of counter-fraud strategies in the NHS in England, and how these strategies can be strengthened.

It will explore multiple dimensions of fraud risk in the NHS, from procurement and payroll to patient identity and prescription fraud. It will also look at how data and technology can support prevention efforts and how public sector institutions can be better equipped to respond to emerging threats.

The project will involve collaboration with NHS bodies, frontline counter-fraud professionals and other academic partners across the UK. Results will be disseminated through public reports, practitioner briefings, academic publications, and policy engagement events.

By generating evidence-based recommendations, Project SCAN aims to inform national policy and practice, ultimately helping to safeguard public money and ensure NHS services remain sustainable and fair for all.

��Ƶ’s Professor Nicholas Lord and Dr Katie Benson, both from the University’s Department of Criminology, have previously led and contributed to high-profile studies into economic and white-collar crime, working with varied public and private organisations. In Project SCAN they will focus on the practical delivery of local counter fraud provision across NHS organisations.

“Understanding how counter fraud work is carried out is important for improving its effectiveness," added Dr Benson. ”Our research will better understand the experiences of those delivering these services, identifying what challenges they face and what support they need. This insight is vital for shaping a more strategic and joined-up approach to tackling fraud across the NHS."

Experts reveal how migration between South America and Europe has changed

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0100

A new study from experts at The University of ��Ƶ has uncovered how people have moved between South America and Europe over the past 35 years, and how those patterns might change in the future.

The research, led by Dr Andrea Lisette Aparicio Castro and Professor Arkadiusz Wiśniowski from the Department of Social Statistics, looks at where people moved, why they moved, and what might happen by the year 2050.

In the early 1900s, many Europeans moved to South America to find work and a better life. But in more recent times, the direction has changed - now, more people are moving from South America to Europe. Until now, it’s been difficult to understand exactly how these movements work because the data from different countries didn’t match up.

To fix that, the research team collected census data from 30 countries and used a smart model to fill in the gaps and correct errors. This gave them a clear and complete picture of migration between 1985 and 2018, and helped them to make educated guesses about how migration will look in the future.

The study showed that many people from countries like Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela moved to Spain, while Brazilians often went to Portugal. These moves were often easier because of shared languages and cultural history.

“We wanted to understand not just how many people moved, but why,” said Dr Aparicio Castro. “We found that people’s decisions are influenced by things like education, job opportunities, family ties, language, and even natural disasters like floods.”

The team also looked ahead to 2050. They found that as Europe’s population gets older, more workers from South America may be needed to help fill jobs - especially in healthcare and services. At the same time, education levels in South America are rising, which could mean more skilled workers moving to Europe.

The research was a partnership with the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, and is published in the journal .

��Ƶ expert sheds light on what it means to be middle-aged

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 09:00:00 +0100

A new study by Dr Amy Barron from The University of ��Ƶ’s Department of Geography is shining a light on a part of life which is often overlooked - middle-age.

While a lot of research focuses on the very young or very old, middle-age - often seen as the longest phase of life - rarely gets much attention. Dr Barron’s work looks at what middle-age actually means to people living through it, and why it's important to understand this period more fully.

Through interviews with people aged between 52 and 67 from Greater ��Ƶ, the study explored how people define and experience being “in the middle” of life. Rather than looking for strict age ranges or one-size-fits-all answers, participants were asked to reflect on their own experiences and how they see themselves.

Many shared that middle-age feels like a time of reflection, transition and sometimes uncertainty. It’s a phase where people are no longer young, but don’t yet feel old. Some spoke about feeling “stuck” in their careers, or about health issues which made them more aware of their age. Others mentioned enjoying the freedom that comes with no longer having young children to care for, or having more financial stability.

One participant joked that calling herself “middle-aged” would only make sense if she planned to live to 120. Another said middle-age was more about mindset than years, while a third described it as a time to plan for a “good” older age, even while resisting the label “old.”

The research encourages people - and especially other researchers - to pay more attention to what happens in the middle of life, and not just focus on ‘childhood’, ‘youth’ and ‘older age’. Dr Barron suggests we need ways of thinking about ageing that don’t rely on fixed stages or categories, because life is always in motion, always changing and our lives often don’t follow a linear path.

She also notes that everyone experiences middle-age differently - life events, family, health, work and even global events like the COVID-19 pandemic all shape how people feel about this time in their lives.

The study, published in journal Social & Cultural Geography, offers important lessons for researchers, policymakers and the public. By listening to how people make sense of their lives, especially during the long stretch of middle-age, we can better support their needs - and challenge the idea that middle-age is boring or unimportant.

Expert calls for return to fairness and global solidarity after aid budget cuts

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 08:00:00 +0100

As global leaders cut back on foreign aid in the face of rising nationalism and domestic pressures, a new paper by Dr Pritish Behuria of The University of ��Ƶ says it is time to remember why aid was created in the first place – and why it is still desperately needed.

In the paper published by the , one of the world’s leading think tanks for development policy, Dr Behuria argues that today’s debates about foreign aid have lost sight of the big picture. Instead of focusing only on whether aid ‘works’ or whether it is ‘value for money’, we should be looking at the roots of global inequality. His message is simple: aid isn't charity - it's about justice.

In 2025, the US government led by President Trump froze most of its foreign aid, and many European countries - including the UK - have also slashed their contributions. Politicians say the money is better spent at home, but Dr Behuria warns that this could lead to greater global instability and inequality.

His paper explains that many poorer countries still rely heavily on aid, especially when they face big trade gaps - meaning they import more than they export and don't have enough foreign currency. These trade problems often date back to colonial times, when countries were forced to rely on exporting raw materials like coffee, cocoa or oil. That dependence hasn’t gone away.

In the past, aid helped these countries avoid economic crises. But over time, aid became more about short-term goals like fighting poverty or improving health, and less about helping countries grow strong, independent economies. “We’ve forgotten that aid used to be about helping countries stand on their own two feet,” says Dr Behuria.

The research also takes aim at what’s called ‘Global Development’ - a newer idea that treats poverty in rich countries the same as poverty in poorer ones. While this sounds fair, Dr Behuria says it confuses the issue and weakens the case for giving aid to the countries that need it most. “Yes, there’s poverty in London and New York - but that’s not the same as poverty in Malawi or Bangladesh,” he explains.

Dr Behuria calls for a new way of thinking - what he terms a “structuralist” approach - where we tackle the deep, historical roots of inequality between nations. He says academics, governments, and the public all need to reconnect with the original purpose of aid: correcting global injustice.

Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute appoints new director

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 16:44:37 +0100

The University of ��Ƶ has appointed the globally-renowned international relations expert Professor Nicolas Lemay-Hébert as the new Director of the .

Professor Lemay-Hébert joins the HCRI from the Australian National University (ANU), where most recently he was Deputy Director (Education) of the Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs. Before joining the ANU in 2019, he previously held positions at the University of Birmingham and the University of Quebec in Montreal.

In his work, Professor Lemay-Hébert has researched issues of local resistance to international interventions, as well as statebuilding and peacebuilding. He has conducted fieldwork in the separatist regions of Georgia, Kosovo, Timor-Leste, Haiti and more recently Kenya. He has published two monographs - The Law and Practice of Peacekeeping (with R. Freedman and S. Wills; Cambridge University Press, 2021), and Normalization in World Politics (with G. Visoka; University of Michigan Press, 2022).

His next book is under production with Cambridge University Press (International Leviathans: International Administration). In his latest work, Professor Lemay-Hébert has been interested in the political economy and the political geography of intervention.

He is currently completing an Australian Research Council Discovery Grant on The Cartography of Peace: Security Zones, Color Codes and Everyday Life, through which he and a team of researchers are analysing a number of colour-coded zoning practices around the world (green zones in Afghanistan or Cyprus; yellow zone in Haiti; blue zone in Kenya; red zone in Iraq).

"I hope to contribute to the growth of the institute, which has been phenomenal in the past 15 years, and help position the institute for the new challenges emerging around the world."

"The HCRI has always been known for its excellence in research and teaching, and for its policy-relevant work, engaging a multitude of stakeholders on the ground. I plan to build on this track record to further consolidate the HCRI's position in the UK, Europe and beyond as one of the key institutes to study and do research in humanitarian, disaster, global health and peace and conflict studies."

Professor Lemay-Hébert will lead an Institute at the forefront of research in humanitarian, conflict and disaster studies, as well as a thriving teaching unit at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. HCRI’s teaching portfolio includes a pioneering - and in the current times of global conflict, ever more important - joint degree programme in Humanitarian Practice, in collaboration with Médecins Sans Frontières and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.

Project breaks the silence around death in primary schools

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 13:07:38 +0100

A powerful new initiative is set to transform how children talk about death, dying, and bereavement. The project - a collaboration between the universities of ��Ƶ, Bradford and Wolverhampton, Child Bereavement UK and the Child Bereavement Network - features brand new poems by legendary children’s author and former Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen, whose work has helped generations of young readers explore life’s most profound emotions with honesty and humour.

Funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), the 10-month pilot will work with primary schools to create age-appropriate, creative, and compassionate ways to explore life, death, and everything in between.

Led by Professor Karina Croucher, Professor of Archaeology, Heritage and Wellbeing at the University of Bradford, the project uses archaeology to start conversations around death and bereavement. “It’s about helping young people to talk about death, dying and bereavement, challenging what is almost a taboo in society,” said Professor Croucher. “We’re using archaeology and global practices to show how diverse our responses to death can be – and how we can celebrate life in the process.”

Dr Jane Booth, Senior Lecturer in Sociology and Social Policy at the University of Wolverhampton, is part of the team delivering weekly workshops in two primary schools – Wycliffe CE Primary in Shipley, West Yorkshire and St Joseph’s in Sale, ��Ƶ. “The project is about normalising and validating feelings around death, dying, care-giving and grief resilience,” said Dr Booth. “It’s about saying it’s OK to talk about these subjects – and giving children the tools to do so.”

Beloved children’s author and poet Michael Rosen is writing new poems to accompany the project’s workshops, helping children explore their emotions through creative expression.

The project will run from September 2025 and is open to pupils aged five to 11 as part of their PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) education. Children will explore not only bereavement but other forms of loss – such as the death of a pet or a friend moving away – through archaeology-inspired art and poetry. Parents will be invited to information sessions and can choose whether their children take part.

‘Lost and Found’ builds on the success of previous AHRC-funded projects, including ‘Continuing Bonds’ and ‘Dying 2 Talk’, which used archaeology to support conversations about death in secondary schools. The new pilot will result in a workshop resource pack for other schools to replicate the approach.

This initiative also aligns with the UK Government’s recent inclusion of grief education in .

‘Lost and Found’ builds on nearly £100,000 in AHRC funding and follows two earlier projects: and . These initiatives explored how archaeology can support conversations about death, dying, and bereavement in non-medicalised, creative ways.

Continuing Bonds brought together archaeologists, healthcare professionals, and psychologists to explore legacy and loss, while Dying 2 Talk co-produced resources with secondary school pupils, using artefacts and workshops to help young people reflect on grief and caregiving through the lens of the past.

��Ƶ expert collaborates on major study evaluating active travel improvements

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 11:30:35 +0100

An expert from The University of ��Ƶ has played a key role in a new research study evaluating the impact of active travel infrastructure improvements at Delapre Park in Northampton.

Working in collaboration with researchers from the University of Northampton and Nottingham Trent University, Leverhulme Early Career Fellow Dr Jack Benton helped deliver a year-long study designed to assess how new pathways in the park have influenced public use and perceptions of the area.

The project, funded by Active Travel England, aimed to understand the real-world impact of investment in walking, wheeling, and cycling infrastructure. It employed a mixed-methods approach incorporating resident surveys, in-depth interviews, on-site observations and GPS tracking to evaluate how improvements to path surfaces and layouts affected accessibility, safety, and comfort for a broad range of users - including those living with long-term health conditions.

Initial findings show that the new routes have led to measurable benefits in terms of increased access, improved feelings of safety, and greater comfort for park users. In particular, small infrastructure changes were found to significantly enhance mobility for those with disabilities and other physical challenges.

Dr Benton emphasised the value of listening to the lived experiences of local people when designing infrastructure to support healthier, more active communities.

“It’s been fantastic to collaborate with researchers in Northampton and Nottingham on this natural experimental study, which evaluated the impact of improvements to local walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure,” he said.

The study sets out clear recommendations for further improvements, based on direct community feedback. These insights are expected to inform future active travel strategies both locally and nationally.

The full report is available here: .

EU citizens celebrate community and engage policymakers at gathering

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 10:22:29 +0100

On Friday, 11 July, the EU Citizens’ Gathering took place at the University of ��Ƶ, bringing together community leaders, policymakers and citizens to celebrate the contributions of EU nationals in the UK.

The event, organised by the EU Delegation to the UK in partnership with the University and the Greater ��Ƶ Combined Authority, aimed to provide a platform for EU citizens to connect, learn and empower each other, while promoting a sense of belonging and unity.

Bev Craig, Leader of ��Ƶ City Council, opened the event before welcoming EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Michael MacGrath to the stage for his keynote speech ‘People at the heart of the EU-UK relationship’.

The Vice President of the European Parliament, Katarina Barley, also delivered a keynote address, and President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Duncan Ivison thanked all delegates for their contributions.

Throughout the day, a range of breakout sessions, workshops and discussions took place which addressed key challenges for EU citizens and explored ways to strengthen civic engagement in the future. Sessions covered the importance of collaborating with stakeholders, the wellbeing of EU citizens post-Brexit, and how to foster EU networks in the UK, among other topics.

There were also chances for networking throughout the day, encouraging guests to connect with fellow EU citizens, community leaders and representatives from a variety of institutions.

Organised in conjunction with the gathering was a public roundtable discussion on the European security landscape, hosted by the ��Ƶ Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence (MJMCE). The roundtable was chaired by MJMCE Director, Silke Trommer, and featured a panel of diplomats and academics, including EU Ambassador to the UK Pedro Serrano; Ambassador of Slovakia to the UK Peter Susko; Maltese High Commissioner to the UK Stephen Montefort; High Commissioner of Cyprus to the UK Kyriacόs Kouros; and Global Politics Professor Toni Haastrup.

After introductory remarks on the future of EU-UK security cooperation, Silke invited questions from the audience, which was made up of around 150 students, staff and external guests from local, national and international politics.

Through dialogue, recognition and collaboration, both events gave citizens a chance to spotlight key issues and understand the bigger picture of the EU-UK relationship, while sharing lived experiences, challenges and vulnerabilities with one another and building a supportive community of people.

Professor Dimitris Papadimitriou, the Faculty of Humanities’ Vice-Dean for Social Responsibility and Inclusion, reflected on the EU Citizens’ Gathering, saying:

Research reveals alarming decline in youth mental health in England

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 11:14:54 +0100

A major new report, reveals that worsening mental health among 14–24-year-olds in England is real, widespread, and driven by identifiable social and economic factors. The study, commissioned by the , is the first of its kind to explore the underlying reasons behind this troubling trend at the population level.

Drawing on extensive data and expert input from clinicians, leading academics, and policy stakeholders, the report finds that the rise in mental health issues among young people is not simply due to increased awareness or changes in self-reporting. Instead, it points to genuine and deeply rooted drivers, including:

Worsening sleep quality
Economic precarity and affordability pressures – especially in housing and insecure employment
Reductions in children and youth services
Social media and smartphone use

The study also found that although child poverty and discrimination continue to impact young people's mental health, changes in their levels over time do not explain the steep overall decline.

, Senior Lecturer in Psychology of Education in the , andone of the report’s co-authors, said:

The report – co-authored by , , , , , (UCL), and Dr Ola Demkowicz – was officially launched at an event in the House of Lords on 15^thJuly 2025, where Dr Demkowicz presented the team’s findings to cross-party policymakers and senior government representatives.

L-R: Sam Hugh-Jones, Dr Ola Demkowicz, Dr Matthias Pierce, Vicky Taxiarchi, and Dr Yushi Bai

The research has already received support from the , , and the , who have called for the findings to form the foundation of meaningful policy reform.

This report represents a foundational contribution to closing the evidence gap in understanding what is driving the mental health crisis among young people in England and what can be done about it.

Research report:

��Ƶ expert helps shape groundbreaking review on public design

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 17:37:55 +0100

An expert from The University of ��Ƶ has contributed to a major new government review which suggests that public design - an approach that brings citizens and designers into policymaking - could help to ensure that public services consistently achieve their goals.

The is the most comprehensive exploration yet of how design thinking can transform public services. Spearheaded by the Cabinet Office and drawing on expertise across government and academia, it brings together global case studies, academic insights and frontline government perspectives. It invites policy professionals to reimagine how we create value through more human-centred, collaborative public services.

Professor Liz Richardson, from the Department of Politics at The University of ��Ƶ, played a key role in the landmark project. She co-authored two of the PDER’s core reports, which examine the promise and potential of public design in modern governance.

One of her reports reviewed evidence on whether public design truly delivers public value - finding promising signs that, when done well, it can deepen collaboration, uncover fresh insights into how people experience services, and stimulate innovation by involving diverse voices in co-creation.

Professor Richardson also contributed to a major academic commentary in the review, setting out the current research landscape and future priorities for both academics and policymakers.

Reflecting on the work, she said: “Design could offer a fresh portfolio of ways to design and deliver high-performing public policies. Public design is part of a rich landscape of policy innovation. We are heartened by growing academic and policy interest in a family of ‘positive’ approaches to public policy (PoPP), including public design.”

The PDER was coordinated by the Policy Profession Unit, prepared for publication in the Department for Work and Pensions, and launched by the Cabinet Office with support from the University of the Arts London.

The report represents a true cross-sector effort to rethink how government can better serve the public. Professor Richardson’s involvement highlights how academic research can directly shape public services, and help to build more responsive, trusted and inclusive government.

Togo’s ‘Nana-Benz’: how cheap Chinese imports of African fabrics have hurt the famous women traders

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 13:35:29 +0100

The manufacturing of African print textiles has shifted to China in the 21st century. While they are widely consumed in African countries – and symbolic of the continent – the rise of “made in China” has undermined the African women traders who have long shaped the retail and distribution of this cloth.

For many decades , the Dutch textile group which traces its origins to 1846 and whose products had been supplied to west Africa by European trading houses since the late 19th century, dominated manufacture of the cloth. But in the last 25 years dozens of factories in China have begun to supply African print textiles to west African markets. Qingdao Phoenix Hitarget Ltd, Sanhe Linqing Textile Group and Waxhaux Ltd are among the best known.

We conducted to establish how the rise of Chinese-made cloth has affected the African print textiles trade. We focused on Togo. Though it’s a tiny country with a population of , the capital city, Lomé, is the trading hub in west Africa for the textiles.

We conducted over 100 interviews with traders, street sellers, port agents or brokers, government officials and representatives of manufacturing companies to learn about how their activities have changed.

“Made in China” African print textiles are substantially cheaper and more accessible to a wider population than Vlisco fabric. Our market observations in Lomé’s famous Assigamé market found that Chinese African print textiles cost about 9,000 CFA (US$16) for six yards – one complete outfit. Wax Hollandais (50,000 CFA or US$87) cost over five times more.

Data is hard to come by, but our estimates suggest that 90% of imports of these textiles to Lomé port in 2019 came from China.

One Togolese trader summed up the attraction: “Who could resist a cloth that looked similar, but that cost much less than real Vlisco?”

Our research shows how the rise of China manufactured cloth has undermined Vlisco’s once dominant market share as well as the monopoly on the trade of Dutch African print textiles that Togolese traders once enjoyed.

The traders, known as Nana-Benz because of the expensive cars they drove, once enjoyed an economic and political significance disproportionate to their small numbers. Their political influence was such that they were key backers of Togo’s first – himself a former director of the United Africa Company, which distributed Dutch cloth.

In turn, Olympio and long-term leader General Gnassingbé Eyadéma provided policy favours – such as low taxes – to support trading activity. In the 1970s, African print textile trade was considered as significant as the phosphate industry – .

Nana-Benz have since been displaced – their numbers falling from 50 to about 20. Newer Togolese traders – known as Nanettes or “little Nanas” – have taken their place. While they have carved out a niche in mediating the textiles trade with China, they have lower economic and political stature. In turn, they too are increasingly threatened by Chinese competition, more recently within trading and distribution as well.

China displaces the Dutch

Dating back to the colonial period, African women traders have played essential roles in the wholesale and distribution of Dutch cloth in west African markets. As many countries in the region attained independence from the 1950s onwards, Grand Marché – or Assigamé – in Lomé became the hub for African print textile trade.

While neighbouring countries such as Ghana limited imports as part of efforts to promote domestic industrialisation, Togolese traders secured favourable conditions. These included low taxes and use of the port.

Togolese women traders knew the taste of predominantly female, west African customers better than their mostly male, Dutch designers. The Nana-Benz were brought into the African print textile production and design process, selecting patterns and giving names to designs they knew would sell.

They acquired such wealth from this trade that they earned the Nana-Benz nickname from the cars they purchased and which they used to collect and move merchandise.

Nana-Benz exclusivity of trading and retailing of African print textiles cloth in west African markets has been disrupted. As Vlisco has responded to falling revenues – over 30% in the first five years of the 21st century – due to its Chinese competition, Togolese traders’ role in the supply chain of Dutch cloth has been downgraded.

In response to the flood of Chinese imports, the Dutch manufacturer re-positioned itself as a luxury fashion brand and placed greater focus on the marketing and distribution of the textiles.

Vlisco has opened several boutique stores in west and central Africa, starting with Cotonou (2008), Lomé (2008) and Abidjan (2009). The surviving Nana-Benz – an estimated 20 of the original 50 – operate under contract as retailers rather than traders and must follow strict rules of sale and pricing.

While newer Togolese traders known as Nanettes are involved in the sourcing of textiles from China, they have lower economic and political stature. Up to 60 are involved in the trade.

Former street sellers of textiles and other petty commodities, Nanettes began travelling to China in the early to mid-2000s to source African print textiles. They are involved in commissioning and advising on the manufacturing of African print textiles in China and the distribution in Africa.

While many Nanettes order the common Chinese brands, some own and market their own. These include what are now well-known designs in Lomé and west Africa such as “Femme de Caractère”, “Binta”, “Prestige”, “Rebecca Wax”, “GMG” and “Homeland”.

Compared to their Nana-Benz predecessors, the Nanettes carve out their business from the smaller pie available from the sale of cheaper Chinese cloth. Though the volumes traded are large, the margins are smaller due to the much lower final retail price compared to Dutch cloth.

After procuring African print textiles from China, Nanettes sell wholesale to independent local traders or “sellers” as well as traders from neighbouring countries. These sellers in turn break down the bulk they have purchased and sell it in smaller quantities to independent street vendors.

All African print textiles from China arrive in west Africa as an incomplete product – as six-yard or 12-yard segments of cloth, not as finished garments. Local tailors and seamstresses then make clothes according to consumer taste. Some fashion designers have also opened shops where they sell prêt-à-porter (ready-to-wear) garments made from bolts of African print and tailored to local taste. Thus, even though the monopoly of the Nana-Benz has been eroded, value is still added and captured locally.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese actors have become more involved in trading activity – and not just manufacturing. The further evolution of Chinese presence risks an even greater marginalisation of locals, already excluded from manufacturing, from the trading and distribution end of the value chain. Maintaining their role – tailoring products to local culture and trends and linking the formal and informal economy – is vital not just for Togolese traders, but also the wider economy.

, Reader, Global Development Institute, and , Postdoctoral fellow, Duke Africa Initiative,

This article is republished from under a Creative Commons license. Read the .

New book offers fascinating insight into University’s 200-year history

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 12:06:16 +0100

A fascinating new book published by The University of ��Ƶ has cast a new spotlight on how the institution’s campus has been shaped over two centuries of architectural change.

Titled Building Towards the Bicentenary: A Campus History of the University of ��Ƶ 1824-2024, the richly illustrated volume offers a unique exploration of how the University’s built environment reflects its evolving identity.

Co-edited by Dr Martin Dodge from the University’s Department of Geography alongside historian and former Head of Heritage Dr James Hopkins, the book combines academic insight with accounts of changes on campus.

Drawing on rarely seen archive material, historical maps and photography, the book charts the transformation of the University’s buildings and public spaces - from the earliest days of the Mechanics’ Institute to the modernist developments of the 1960s through to the present day.

The publication includes detailed chapters on iconic buildings such as Whitworth Hall, the John Rylands Library and Jodrell Bank’s Lovell telescope, as well as little known aspects of campus history including lost rivers, nuclear reactors, Toblerone-shaped halls of residences and unrealised plans for an underground station.

The book particularly highlights the architectural significance of Owens College, and how its Gothic Revival buildings designed by Alfred Waterhouse established a distinct identity in Victorian ��Ƶ. These early structures set a tone of civic ambition and intellectual seriousness that still echoes through the campus today.

A dedicated section also explores the post-war expansion of science and engineering facilities at the University, driven by Cold War priorities and rising student numbers. It examines the rapid, often pragmatic construction of labs and lecture theatres, many of which defined the university’s mid-20th-century landscape.

“This book offers the public a chance to see behind the scenes - to understand why buildings were built the way they were, and how the campus continues to evolve to meet the needs of students, researchers and the wider city,” added Dr Hopkins.

The publication was made possible through the generous support of both internal and external partners. Within the University, from the School of Environment, Education and Development and the University of ��Ƶ Library. Additional support was provided by companies that have worked closely on building projects across the campus over the years, including Avison Young, Arcadis, Balfour Beatty, BDP, CBRE, Halliday Meecham Architects, Recom Solutions, Rider Levett Bucknall, and Sheppard Robson.

Building Towards the Bicentenary is available to view for free .

Professor Timothy Devinney elected as a Fellow of the British Academy

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 14:05:29 +0100

Chair of International Business at Alliance ��Ƶ Business School Professor Timothy Michael Devinney has been elected as a Fellow of the British Academy, the UK’s leading national body for the humanities and social sciences.

Professor Devinney is an internationally recognised scholar in the fields of business strategy, ethics and corporate responsibility. Over the course of his career, he has explored how organisations make decisions - not only in pursuit of profit, but also in relation to their impact on society and the environment.

His work challenges traditional views of business, focusing on the responsibilities of companies and individuals in a globalised world and the role of leadership in shaping ethical and sustainable practices. Through his research and teaching, he encourages future leaders to think critically about the complex challenges facing organisations today - and how they can contribute to creating more responsible and effective institutions.

His groundbreaking works include the influential book The Myth of the Ethical Consumer, co-authored with Pat Auger and Giana Eckhardt, along with more than 100 articles and a dozen books on topics such as wide ranging as pricing, international business, corporate social responsibility, consumer behaviour and social and political values.

Professor Devinney’s academic career began with studies in Psychology and Applied Mathematics at Carnegie Mellon University, followed by MA, MBA and PhD degrees in Economics and Statistics at the University of Chicago. Before coming to ��Ƶ, he held positions at institutions around the world including the University of Leeds, the Australian Graduate School of Management, UCLA, Vanderbilt and the University of Chicago.

Professor Devinney joins other ��Ƶ-based Fellows including Professors James Nazroo, Melanie Giles and Penny Harvey, who have all been elected to the British Academy in recent years reflecting the University’s enduring commitment to cutting-edge scholarship and societal impact.

President of the British Academy Professor Susan J. Smith said: “One of my first acts as incoming President is to welcome this year’s newly elected Fellows, who represent the very best of the humanities and social sciences. They bring years of experience, evidence-based arguments and innovative thinking to the profound challenges of our age.”

“Every new Fellow enlarges our capacity to interpret the past, understand the present, and shape resilient, sustainable futures. It is a privilege to extend my warmest congratulations to them all.”

Professor Mel Ainscow selected as the winner of the 2025 Equality in Education Award by BERA

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 14:04:50 +0100

The British Educational Research Association (BERA) has announced that Professor Mel Ainscow has been selected as the winner of the 2025 Equality in Education Award, in recognition of his exceptional and sustained contribution to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion in education.

Emeritus Professor of Education at the University of ��Ƶ, and Professor in Education at the University of Glasgow, Professor Ainscow has spent decades leading practical, research-informed change across local, national, and international contexts. His work reframes inclusion as a systemic responsibility—focused on removing barriers to learning for all students, not just specific groups.

He has led major initiatives such as the Greater ��Ƶ Challenge and Schools Challenge Cymru, which significantly improved outcomes for disadvantaged learners by fostering collaboration and building self-improving school systems. Internationally, he has worked with UNESCO and the Organization of American States to advance inclusive education globally.

Professor Ainscow’s deeply collaborative, practice-based approach has transformed thinking and practice around educational inequality, making him a truly deserving recipient of this year’s award.

He will be formally presented with the award at the BERA Annual General Meeting on 25 November 2025.

This announcement was originally .

The Venice Architecture Biennale

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 10:59:53 +0100

As part of the Biennale Sessions, students attended a dynamic with international architects and modelmakers, gaining first-hand insight into the application of physical modelmaking in professional practice and its vital role in design. The experience offered a rare chance to engage directly with the global architecture community, right at the heart of the Biennale.

Behind the scenes, the creation of the AiM exhibition at the European Cultural Centre involved extensive collaboration, craft, and logistical planning—highlighting the dedication of the B.15 team and the importance of physical modelmaking as a cultural and educational tool.

To see highlights from the event, hear what students had to say, and view behind-the-scenes coverage, visit the

The full panel event recording will also be made available via the blog in the coming weeks.

Remembering Lord David Alliance CBE

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 10:06:43 +0100

It is with great sadness that we have learned about the passing of Lord David Alliance CBE.

Our thoughts and condolences are with Lord Alliance’s wife Homa, his children Graham, Sara and Joshua, and all of his family and friends.

The renaming of ��Ƶ Business School to Alliance ��Ƶ Business School in 2015 stands as a testament to Lord Alliance’s transformative impact and support for The University of ��Ƶ and its students over many years.

Lord Alliance’s belief in the power of philanthropy, education and research to drive positive change inspired generations of students, staff, alumni and partners.

His commitment extended far beyond business, encompassing vital support for The University of ��Ƶ Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) prior to the merger in 2004, law, our cultural institutions, and pioneering international research across life sciences and medical and human sciences.

Lord Alliance was made an Honorary Fellow of UMIST in 1988 and received an Honorary LLD from the Victoria University of ��Ƶ in 1989. He was also made an Honorary Doctor of Law by The University of ��Ƶ in 2016.

Professor Ken McPhail, Head of Alliance ��Ƶ Business School said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Lord David Alliance. His extraordinary generosity and support have shaped our School and left an enduring legacy across the University.

Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of ��Ƶ also commented: “Lord Alliance was a close friend to the University and a remarkable figure whose contributions extended far beyond it. His belief in the transformative power of education created opportunities for generations of students, while his leadership and philanthropy shaped the Alliance ��Ƶ Business School and the wider ��Ƶ region. His story will remain a source of inspiration for years to come, and his legacy will endure in the lives he touched and the institutions he helped to build.”

Meet the SEED Change-makers: how students are driving social impact at ��Ƶ

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 13:33:51 +0100

What happens when students are given the space, support, and encouragement to take action on the issues they care most about?

At The University of ��Ƶ’s School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED), the answer is: they thrive as Change-makers.

The SEED Change-makers programme is a growing student-led initiative that’s empowering undergraduates and postgraduates to create meaningful change — within the University, in the community, and around the world. Launched two years ago, the programme gives students the tools, confidence and platform to turn passion into action while gaining recognition and real-world experience along the way.

And it's just getting started.

From inspiration to action

The idea for SEED Change-makers came from Professor Nicola Banks, SEED’s Director of Social Responsibility, who saw how students in the Global Development Institute (GDI) were contributing to One World Together — a social enterprise born out of her research. Seeing their drive and commitment, she asked a powerful question:

"What if we stopped thinking of students only as future changemakers — and started supporting them to be changemakers today?"

The programme that followed invites students from across SEED’s five departments — Architecture, Geography, Global Development, Education, and Planning and Environmental Management — to lead, collaborate and innovate on social responsibility projects that matter to them.

What do SEED Change-makers do?

Over its first two years, the programme has engaged over 150 SEED students through Social Responsibility World Cafés and Change-maker working groups — spaces for collaborative discussion, reflection, and action on social and environmental issues.

These student-led events and conversations have reached over 600 attendees in person, with further impact through recorded content that continues to be shared across online platforms and teaching contexts, extending their influence beyond the University and across time zones.

From inspiring peers to informing future students and being used as real-world teaching tools, the Change-maker programme is helping amplify student voices and embed social responsibility more deeply into the culture of SEED.

Recognised impact

SEED Change-makers is formally accredited through the University’s , meaning students who take part have their contributions recognised on their Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR), an official transcript that adds value to graduate job and study applications.

Student-led events

Students have organised impactful lectures, workshops, and campaigns, including:

A conversation with , author of Citizens, on what it means to be an engaged, empowered citizen (November 2023) Watch:
A celebration of 30 years of Fairtrade, with panel guests from academia, co-operatives, and the UK Fairtrade movement. Watch: ’ (October 2024)
A talk by Anshu Gupta, founder of Indian social enterprise Goonj, on rethinking charity and sustainable community support (November 2024) Read:

Working groups creating change

Students have led dedicated groups tackling real-world challenges:

Sustainability at move-out: Addressing waste left behind in student accommodation by helping students donate, recycle and rethink their move-out habits as part of the campaign.
Supporting social enterprise: A team of GDI students co-organised a major fundraising event for , raising over £1,700 to support marginalised communities globally.

Student voices, real impact

Beyond the events and projects, the real story of SEED Change-makers is the personal growth it inspires.

Students describe gaining leadership skills, confidence, new networks, and a deeper connection to their studies and their values. They’re discovering their ability to lead social change, not in the distant future, but right now.

Here’s how Laura Acosta Varon, one of our student leaders, put it:

“It makes me very proud to represent my home and country, Colombia. I’m so excited for the future of One World Together — and here’s to many more years of impact, trust, solidarity, and collaboration!”

Looking ahead: building a bigger movement

As the programme moves into its third year, SEED is investing in a more structured, sustainable model co-designed with students.

Two undergraduates, Saniyyah Ali and Haojun Shuai, are spending the summer of 2025 researching what social responsibility means to their peers and helping to shape a new student handbook. From 2025/26, students will be supported through a semester-based journey of discovery, collaboration, and project delivery, with more ways to get involved at every stage of the student experience.

Get Involved

Students: Interested in becoming a SEED Change-maker? You can find more information on your SEED Students Community Pages
Staff: Want to support or collaborate with SEED Change-makers? Reach out to your departmental social responsibility representative to find out how you can get involved.
Supporters: Want to help us grow the programme? We welcome partnerships, mentoring, and funding opportunities that enable student-led impact. Please contact sr.seed@manchester.ac.uk

Geography professor delivers impactful Westminster talk on microplastics

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 10:22:38 +0100

Jamie Woodward, Professor of Physical Geography at The University of ��Ƶ, recently addressed key stakeholders at Westminster to speak about the impact of microplastic pollution on our environment.

The was founded in 2020 by Chairman Alberto Costa MP, aiming to raise awareness of the effects of microplastics on the environment. Together with scientists, industry representatives, NGOs, and policymakers, the group seeks to understand how microplastics are entering the environment and advocate for evidence-based policy recommendations to prevent harmful impacts on river and marine environments, as well as on human health.

The APPG on Microplastics published their first report in September 2021, featuring work on microplastics in rivers by researchers in the Department of Geography (School of Environment, Education and Development) at the University of ��Ƶ.

In June, the group held the Microplastic Pollution in Sewage and Sludge: Scale, Impact, and Solutions roundtable event, which took place in Westminster and brought together key stakeholders from environmental groups, universities and industry. The roundtable sought to examine the environmental and health implications of microplastic pollution through wastewater and sludge specifically, exploring current and emerging solutions, and considering how government, regulators, and industry can work together to address the issue.

The event opened with an introductory speech from Alberto Costa MP, before Professor Jamie Woodward gave a presentation on the microplastic pollution of riverbeds from wastewater discharges and biosolids. Jamie’s presentation on some of the key findings of the ��Ƶ group was followed by the roundtable discussion, which addressed a series of questions.

Jamie is committed to driving meaningful change in the area of microplastics and was one of the earliest academics to raise awareness about the issue of widespread discharges of untreated sewage into UK rivers and waterways. Last year, he was named one of the UK’s top environmental professionals in The ENDS Report Power List due to his impact shaping the science on environmental issues.

Humanities graduates lead the conversation on global inequalities

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 16:36:29 +0100

The University of ��Ƶ celebrated . As they crossed the stage to receive their degrees, many did so not only in recognition of academic achievement but as a step forward in their journey as advocates for a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world.

The ceremonies highlighted how many graduates see their studies as a foundation for action. This year’s cohort, particularly from disciplines such as , , , , and , echoed the mission of the university’s global inequalities research beacon, a major initiative working to tackle injustices locally and globally.

Graduates expressed their aspirations through messages inspired by the beacon’s Wishing Tree activity, which invited participants to write down one action that could help build a fairer society. Wishes included calls to stop racism and islamophobia, equality for all people, and making sure that all children have access to free school meals and proper academic support.

One standout idea called for dedicated library sessions to support adult literacy, highlighting education as a tool for empowerment. Across the graduates’ messages, education emerged as a dominant theme, closely followed by concerns around humanitarian issues and the future of democracy.

The global inequalities research beacon, one of the university’s five flagship research areas, plays a vital role in addressing some of the world’s most pressing issues, from poverty and housing injustice to climate resilience and workplace equality. Its researchers work with communities, policymakers, and international partners to advance the , particularly .

At the heart of the beacon’s work is collaboration, not only with experts, but also with the very people affected by inequality. This approach aligns closely with the values expressed by this year’s humanities graduates, many of whom have been directly involved in research projects, public engagement initiatives, or community-based placements.

These ideas will continue to inform the beacon’s future research priorities. As part of its mission, the global inequalities team is committed to amplifying young people’s voices in shaping the policies and wellbeing systems that define the future.

Less hype, more drama: AI and the changing discourse of global news coverage

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 11:06:26 +0100

, co-authored by academics from the University of ��Ƶ and the University of Groningen, adds nuance to the idea that journalists have hyped AI technologies. Examining AI coverage in (USA), (The Netherlands), and (Brazil) between June 2020 and September 2023. The analysis, published in the journal Digital Journalism, found that, although fascination with systems like ChatGPT was evident, the reporting often reflected deeper tensions and uncertainties about AI’s future.

Instead of merely amplifying hype, the study highlights a recurring discourse of “open-ended technological inevitability”, according to which AI’s impact is unavoidable, though its course remains uncertain. Across all three newspapers, research revealed that ongoing power struggles among governments, corporations, experts, and citizens indicate that AI is not just a technological issue, but a political and social one.

The researchers argue that this complex media landscape may influence how AI is regulated and understood by the public, providing caution against oversimplifying journalistic coverage as mere hype.

The study introduces the concept of “mediated technological drama” as an alternative framework, explaining how media shapes public understanding of emerging technologies. Using theatrical metaphors, it suggests that journalists not only report on AI but also become engaged actors in the stories they tell.

For instance, a common theme across all three newspapers was comparing AI to nuclear weapons or climate impacts. These examples demonstrate the drama in action and how existential fears about AI are depicted. This multi-actor perspective is crucial for critically examining the politics behind the portrayal of emerging technologies.

The findings offer fresh insight for policymakers and media professionals seeking to navigate the evolving discourse around AI. As global conversations about regulation and ethics intensify, the role of journalism in shaping public understanding has never been more poignant.

Speaking of the findings, , Senior Lecturer in AI Trust and Security, shared:

The peer-reviewed article ‘’ was co-authored by , University of ��Ƶ and , from the .

One year of Labour

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 13:49:46 +0100

Written by , Senior Lecturer in at The University of ��Ƶ.

New governments – particularly those with large parliamentary majorities – often anticipate a honeymoon period in their first year of office, with the opportunity to pursue their manifesto commitments and begin demonstrating tangible progress. Indeed, Keir Starmer started from a stronger position than most, with a Commons majority not seen since the Blair years. Yet, his first year has been marked by a set of challenges that have limited the government’s momentum.

A relatively cautious legislative agenda has been overshadowed by the unexpected prominence of Kim Leadbeater’s , which has dominated headlines and raised difficult questions, not least because ministers have admitted there’s no budget in place to deliver it, should it clear the Lords.

Labour has also come under sustained pressure from Reform UK, whose electoral performance has cast a long shadow. The party finished second in 89 Labour-held seats – including those of several ministers – and the government has been compelled to respond, often framing Farage’s party as the principal opposition. But while energy has been directed outward, tensions have been simmering on the Labour backbenches, particularly over proposed welfare reforms. Even with a large majority, the threat is significant and potentially damaging. It suggests that the government’s focus on countering Reform may have come at the cost of managing discontent closer to home. In the end, the greatest threat to any government often comes not from the opposition benches, but from within its own party.

All of this has meant Labour has often found itself reacting to events rather than shaping them. The autumn reversal on winter fuel payments and the recent climb down on benefits changes are emblematic of this. It’s no surprise then that Starmer himself has acknowledged the year as ‘disappointing’.

If he wants to steady the ship, the Prime Minister will need to bring his backbenchers with him. He also needs to decide: is Reform the real threat, or is it the Conservatives under Kemi Badenoch waiting in the wings? Who he chooses to focus on will shape the rest of this Parliament.

Geography meets urgency: ��Ƶ hosts international Spatialising Urban Crisis Workshop

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 11:12:12 +0100

Convened by Dr , a UKRI Future Leaders Fellow based at The University of ��Ƶ, the event took place in June and served as a dynamic forum for exchange at the intersection of academic research and real-world practice. Participants shared innovative approaches and strategies cities are adopting to address challenges ranging from climate disruption and social inequality to care infrastructure under strain.

The event featured contributions from a distinguished project board, including , Professor of Geography; , Professor and President of Chile’s National Council for Territorial Development (Consejo Nacional de Desarrollo Territorial); and (MAE, FAcSS, FRSA), Professor and Director of the Boston University Initiative on Cities.

The workshop forms part of a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship, , which investigates how cities innovate in the provision of care during times of crisis and co-sponsored by the , the , and the .

By facilitating international dialogue and knowledge exchange, the initiative aims to inform more equitable and resilient urban futures.

Dr Cristina Temenos presents research at international urban policy workshop

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 11:04:16 +0100

The invitation-only event formed part of an ongoing initiative to shape how global best practices are understood and translated. Held at the OECD headquarters in Paris, the event brought together global experts, policymakers, and urban leaders to discuss how cities can improve policymaking and drive more effective governance through better knowledge-sharing.

contributed her expertise on urban policy mobility, exploring how cities adapt ideas and practices from one another to address local challenges. In her talk, she highlighted both the opportunities and risks of city-to-city learning, stressing the importance of understanding local context when transferring policies, and the need for critical assessment.

Dr Temenos’ participation reflects the University of ��Ƶ’s global research reputation and commitment to policy-engaged scholarship. The continues to support cutting-edge work on the social and political dimensions of urban change.

Iran’s history has been blighted by interference from foreign powers

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 15:28:57 +0100

Israel’s recent surprise attack on Iran was ostensibly aimed at neutralising Iran’s nuclear programme, but it didn’t just damage nuclear installations. It killed scientists, engineers and senior military personnel.

Meanwhile, with no ties to the government or military, became “collateral damage”. For 11 days, Israel’s attacks intensified across Tehran and other major cities.

When the US joined the attack, dropping its bunker-buster bombs on sites in central Iran on June 21, it threatened to push the region closer to . Israel’s calls for regime change in Iran were joined by the US president, Donald Trump, who took to social media on June 22 : “if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!”

Trump’s remarks are reminders of past US interventions. The threat of regime change by the most powerful state in the world carries particular weight in Iran, where memories of foreign-imposed coups and covert operations remain vivid and painful.

In the early 1890s, Iran was after the shah granted a British company exclusive rights to the country’s tobacco industry. The decision was greeted with anger and in 1891 the country’s senior cleric, Grand Ayatollah Mirza Shirazi, issued a fatwa against tobacco use.

A mass boycott ensued – even the shah’s wives reportedly gave up the habit. When it became clear that the boycott was going to hold, the shah cancelled the concession in January 1892. It was a clear demonstration of people power.

This event is thought to have played a significant role in the development of the revolutionary movement that led to the that took place between 1905 and 1911 and the establishment of a constitution and parliament in Iran.

Rise of the Pahlavis

Reza Shah, who founded the Pahlavi dynasty – which would be overthrown in the 1979 revolution and replaced by the Islamic Republic – rose to power following a British-supported coup in 1921.

During the first world war, foreign interference . In 1921, with British support, army officer Reza Khan and politician Seyyed Ziaeddin Tabatabaee . Claiming to be acting to save the monarchy, they arrested key opponents. By 1923, Reza Khan had become prime minister.

In 1925, Reza Khan unseated the Qajars and , becoming Reza Shah Pahlavi. This was a turning point in Iran’s history, marking the start of British dominance. The shah’s authoritarian rule focused on centralisation, modernisation and secularisation. It set the stage for the factors that would that eventually lead to the 1979 Revolution.

In 1941, concerned at the close relationship Pahlavi had developed with Nazi Germany, Britain and its allies once again intervened in Iranian politics, . He was exiled to South Africa and his 22-year-old son, Mohammad Reza, in his place.

The 1953 coup

Mohammad Mosaddegh became Iran’s in 1951. He quickly began to introduce reforms and challenge the authority of the shah. Despite a sustained campaign of destabilisation, Mossadegh retained a high level of popular support, which he used to push through his radical programme. This included the , which was effectively controlled by the Anglo-Persian Oil Company – later British Petroleum (BP).

In 1953, he was ousted in a and placed under house arrest. The shah, who had fled to Italy during the unrest, returned to power with western support.

Within a short time, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi established that governed through repression and intimidation. He outlawed all opposition parties, and numerous activists involved in the oil nationalisation movement were either imprisoned or forced into exile.

The 1979 revolution: the oppression continues

The shah’s rule became increasingly authoritarian and was also marked by the lavish lifestyles of the ruling elite and increasing poverty of the mass of the Iranian people. Pahlavi increasingly relied on his secret police, the Bureau for Intelligence and Security of the State.

Meanwhile, a scholar and Islamic cleric named Ruhollah Khomeini, had been rising in prominence especially after 1963, when Pahlavi’s unpopular land reforms mobilised a large section of society against his rule. His growing prominence brought him into confrontation with the government and in 1964 he was sent into exile. He remained abroad, living in Turkey, Iraq and France.

By 1978 a diverse alliance primarily made up of urban working and middle-class citizens had paralysed the country. While united in their resistance to the monarchy, participants were driven by a variety of ideological beliefs, including socialism, communism, liberalism, secularism, Islamism and nationalism. The shah fled into exile on January 16 1979 and Khomeini returned to Iran, which in March became an Islamic Republic with Khomeini at its head.

But the US was not finished in its attempts to destabilise Iran. In 1980, Washington backed Saddam Hussein in initiating a , which claimed hundreds of thousands of Iranian lives and severely disrupted the country’s efforts at political and economic reconstruction.

Iran and the US have remained bitter foes. Over the years ordinary Iranians have suffered tremendously under rounds of US-imposed , which have all but destroyed the economy in recent years.

This new wave of foreign aggression has arrived at a time of significant domestic unrest within Iran. Since the protests, which began in September 2022 after the death of Mahsa Amini at the hands of the morality police, there has been a general groundswell of demand for social justice and democracy.

But the convergence of external aggression and internal demands has brought national sovereignty and self-determination to the forefront, as it did during previous major struggles. While world powers gamble with Iran’s future, it is the Iranian people through their struggles and unwavering push for justice and democracy who must determine the country’s future.

, Senior Lecturer in Sociology,
This article is republished from under a Creative Commons license. Read the .

��Ƶ expert helps shape landmark WHO report on global loneliness crisis

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 11:14:35 +0100

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for urgent action to tackle what it calls a global crisis of loneliness and social disconnection, in a informed by the research of Professor Pamela Qualter from The University of ��Ƶ.

Strikingly, the report reveals that an estimated one in six people worldwide experienced loneliness between 2014 and 2023, with the highest rates found among adolescents aged 13-17 (20.9%) and young adults aged 18-29 (17.4%). This heightened prevalence in younger age groups may be due to the high expectations for social connections during these crucial developmental years.

The impacts of social disconnection are profound. For young people, it is linked to increased risks of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, reduced life satisfaction and poor academic performance.

The report also highlights that chronic, long-lasting loneliness is strongly linked to poorer health outcomes including increased risks of cardiovascular disease, depression, cognitive decline and even early death.

While digital technology offers ways to connect, the report urges caution - particularly regarding its potential adverse effects on the mental health and wellbeing of young people, including risks from excessive social media use and cyberbullying.

The report does have a message of hope – it highlights existing effective and practical strategies to foster social connection including psychological interventions, social skills training in schools and community-based activities. It also states that governments around the world are now starting to recognise and prioritise the issue of loneliness by developing national policies and strategies.

Professor Pamela Qualter, a renowned expert in loneliness research, served as a co-chair of the WHO Commission on Social Connection’s Technical Advisory Group. Her extensive research on the experiences of loneliness across the lifespan, including significant work on children and adolescents, was integral in shaping the report’s findings and recommendations.

Teens from disadvantaged areas face lower life satisfaction but not more emotional problems, new study finds

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 13:42:39 +0100

led by experts from The University of ��Ƶ’s Institute of Education has shed important light on how the mental wellbeing of young people is affected by the neighbourhoods they live in.

Analysing #BeeWell survey data from more than 26,000 young people across Greater ��Ƶ, the study examined how young people's mental wellbeing evolves over time with a particular focus on life satisfaction and emotional difficulties, providing crucial insights for policymakers aiming to improve young people's lives.

The researchers used advanced longitudinal methods to identify distinct ‘trajectories’ of change in mental health. While young people living in more deprived neighbourhoods were more likely to experience persistently low or deteriorating life satisfaction, they were less likely to report mild levels of emotional difficulties compared to peers in more affluent areas.

This means that for young people in disadvantaged areas, their overall happiness and contentment with life are more likely to be poor, but their risk of experiencing negative thoughts, feelings and emotions may be the same or even less than those in more affluent areas.

The study also highlighted that specific neighbourhood-level factors (such as housing affordability, access to green space, environmental quality) influence young peoples’ wellbeing outcomes. These environmental characteristics, grouped under the domain "Housing, Space, and Environment", reduced the likelihood young people in deprived areas experience either persistently low life satisfaction or mild emotional difficulties.

“Our findings complicate the common narrative that adolescent mental health universally worsens over time,” said Dr Christopher Knowles, lead author and researcher at the ��Ƶ Institute of Education. “Although many young people in disadvantaged areas report lower life satisfaction, they do not necessarily experience greater emotional distress. In fact, some characteristics of disadvantaged neighbourhoods appear to buffer the broader impact of socio-economic deprivation."

“This research provides a clear roadmap for change, underscoring that where a young person lives really matters,” said co-author Dr Emma Thornton. “Policymakers should prioritise proactive, upstream investments in affordable housing, improving local green spaces, and boosting accessible community support schemes. These interventions can make a tangible difference, helping to prevent mental health issues before they escalate and reducing long-term burdens on vital services.”

Major grant to explore the discovery of Wales’ first complete ancient chariot

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0100

The University of ��Ƶ and Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales have been awarded a £1.25 million research grant by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) following the discovery of an Iron Age chariot burial in Pembrokeshire.

The Chariots and Cynefin project will run for five years (2025-30) from 1^st July 2025 exploring and presenting the discovery of the Celtic Iron Age chariot burial, found by metal-detectorist Mike Smith in 2018.

The excavation of the site by Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales and Heneb – The Trust for Welsh Archaeology and the careful lifting of the chariot grave components has revealed tanatalising glimpses of its potential: a rich suite of decorated chariot gear and weaponry, interred with someone who lived through the Roman conquest of Wales, and was buried in a moment of dramatic ritual.

Whilst we know of many isolated artefacts and even hoards containing chariot gear, this find is currently the only complete chariot known from Wales - and also the ‘last’ chariot burial known from northern Europe, making this an internationally important find.

This once-in-a-lifetime discovery now needs archaeological investigation and conservation to preserve and display these finds for the people of Pembrokeshire and Wales. Working with local organisations and school groups, particularly rural, traveller and conflict-migrant communities based in west Wales, the project will shape the story of the charioteer through an exciting programme of creative workshops and public performance events, alongside a three-year programme of conversation-led research into the finds and the burial site.

Led by Professor Melanie Giles from The University of ��Ƶ, the project will draw on the skills of Iron Age curator Adam Gwilt and his expert conservation and curatorial team at Amgueddfa Cymru, alongside members of Heneb: Dyfed Archaeology, who were all involved in the original excavation. A workshop and public conference will help launch and celebrate this discovery, learning from other chariot discoveries in Britain, Ireland and the near Continent, such as the recent stunning Iron Age hoard finds from Melsonby (North Yorkshire).

The results will then be used by expert chariot maker and wheelwright, Robert Hurford, to construct two full-sized chariot reconstructions – one to test in the field and use at public events, the other to display as part of an exhibition at both Oriel y Parc (St Davids) and St Fagans: National Museum of History. The whole process will be recorded as a film with many other resources hosted through the project website. A key theme of the project and the Welsh curriculum is cynefin – how knowledge of places and their past can deepen senses of belonging – and the team will host a special workshop with Welsh teachers to help shape new resources for schools in Pembrokeshire and beyond.

This ambitious partnership project draws together Welsh heritage, community and creative partners as contributors. Cadw (Welsh Government’s historic environment body responsible for the care and protection of Wales’s cultural heritage) is a funding partner, while Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority will be an event and exhibition host at its Oriel y Parc, St David’s and Castell Henllys reconstructed Iron Age village venues. Heneb – The Trust for Welsh Archaeology will contribute staff expertise to help craft the final publication of the site in its regional setting whilst PLANED (the Pembrokeshire-based community-led social enterprise charity) will help co-design and deliver the public engagement programme, alongside the stunning creative skills of Pembrokeshire based Span Arts.

Adam Gwilt, the Co-project Lead at Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales said: ‘This unique chariot discovery has wonderful potential to captivate, inspire and engage with communities, helping us to tell rich new stories about Iron Age peoples living in western Britain at the time of the Roman invasion. This project, and our grant funding news, is a great success story for Amgueddfa Cymru, for our partners and for archaeology in Wales. I am really pleased that the team’s dedication and efforts so far, and in coming together to create this distinctive and collaborative project, have been recognised at UK level. It is really exciting that we can now begin to present this national treasure together in many ways, exploring meanings, connections and community responses, past and present.’

John Ewart, of PLANED said: ‘PLANED has been supporting communities for almost forty years and we are honoured to be working alongside so many culturally significant organisations on this incredible find. We are eager to be part of the next chapter in the story of the chariot and its location.’

Bethan Touhig-Gamble, Director of SPAN Arts said: ‘SPAN Arts is thrilled to be part of this exciting project, using creativity to connect the community to this important work.’

Richard Nicholls, Chief Executive of Heneb – The Trust for Welsh Archaeology said: ‘We were delighted to work in partnership with Amgueddfa Cymru, Cadw and the National Lottery Heritage Fund to excavate the first Celtic chariot burial site to be found in Wales. This new funding will ensure there is wider recognition of the importance of the find and we hope it will inspire future generations to connect with our shared heritage.’

Kathryn Roberts, Chief Inspector of Ancient Monuments and Historic Buildings, Cadw said: ‘We are delighted to support this project to learn more about the Pembrokeshire chariot burial and share its fascinating discovery more widely. This project combines the specialist skills of archaeologists and conservators with craftsmen and storytellers in a unique mix that will explore the world of the charioteer and help people of all ages learn more about the life in Iron Age Wales.’

James Parkin, Director of Nature and Tourism at the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority commented: ‘We are thrilled to be playing an integral part in this incredible partnership project showcasing the history, culture and rich archaeological legacy of this internationally important discovery. The project provides an opportunity for a diverse cross-section of Pembrokeshire communities to be involved in co-creating the stories linked to the charioteer, to deepen their connection, understanding and sense of place. We’re extremely pleased that Castell Henllys Iron Age Village, the only Iron Age site in Britain reconstructed on the exact site where our ancestors lived 2,000 years ago, will play a part in recreating the rich tapestry linked to this exciting discovery. We look forward to working together with partners to host the Cynefin exhibition at Oriel y Parc, National Park Discovery Centre in St Davids, showcasing the culmination of the project’s extensive research, engagement and creative collaborations.’

Reimagining architectural thinking: exploring the future of co-evolution in design

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 15:50:00 +0100

On May 20, 2025, The University of ��Ƶ brought together leading academic researchers from across the UK, Europe and US in an agenda-setting workshop to define the future of research in architectural design processes. Led by Dr Diana Osmolska, Lecturer in Architectural Studies and Dr Alan Lewis, Head of the Department of Architecture, the workshop focused on advancing co-evolutionary theory in design, a promising field with implications for education, industry, and AI.

Co-evolution is a conceptual model of design that originated in the 1990s through computational thinking. Co-evolution challenges traditional design logic by positing that designers do not merely solve problems; they redefine them in response to the solutions they generate. This iterative relationship between problems and solutions mirrors the adaptive processes found in nature, and increasingly, in artificial intelligence.

While co-evolution began as a concept linked to genetic algorithms and computational design, it is now gaining traction as a powerful lens for understanding how human designers think and work. However, the field still lacks a comprehensive framework that can explain and predict design behaviour, especially where errors and inefficiencies occur.

Advancing co-evolutionary theory holds enormous promise. By illuminating how and why designers iterate, educators could more effectively teach design thinking. Beyond architecture and design disciplines, insights from co-evolution may also feed back into computational models, particularly AI, creating more adaptive and intelligent systems.

This workshop marks a significant milestone in shaping a cohesive research agenda that bridges disciplines, unites theoretical insight with practical application, and strengthens the links between human creativity and machine learning.

The University of ��Ƶ’s workshop signals a critical step toward formalising co-evolution as a design paradigm with wide-reaching benefits. Researchers, educators, and technologists alike are encouraged to stay engaged with the outcomes of this initiative, as the work progresses toward creating practical tools, frameworks, and collaborations.

Follow ��Ƶ Architecture Research Group (MARG) on and for the latest updates.

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