This new technique utilises self鈥�assembling polymer carriers for gene delivery, improving effectiveness and reducing the toxicity to cells over existing techniques in lab tests. These advances rely on safe and efficient methods for delivering gene鈥慹diting tools into cells, which is a key bottleneck in enabling widespread application. Improving upon existing gene delivery methods has become essential to enable these developments and allow more effective transfection.

The process of introducing DNA or RNA into cells to change gene expression, can be achieved using viral or non鈥�viral vectors. While viral vectors are powerful, they raise safety and manufacturing concerns, driving intense interest in the development of safer, non鈥�viral alternatives. Transfection, using polymeric carriers or lipid nanoparticles to deliver genetic material, is a key non鈥�viral strategy. However current systems often struggle to balance efficiency and toxicity. In order to develop polymer systems for molecular delivery applications, more advanced polymer systems need to be developed and screened.

In research published in ACS Materials Letters, the team demonstrates that polyplexes produced via Polymerization鈥�Induced Electrostatic Self鈥�Assembly (PIESA) offer a more effective and versatile route to gene delivery than conventional produced polymeric polyplexes. Polyplexes are formed when positively charged polymers bind to negatively charged DNA or RNA, creating nanoscale complexes that can enable genetic material to enter cells. Traditionally, polyplexes are prepared using pre-synthesised polymers which are then mixed with DNA or RNA. However, this post鈥�assembly step can lead to instability and increased cell toxicity, often limiting the size of genetic payloads that can be delivered effectively.

PIESA using PET鈥�RAFT (Photoinduced Electron/Energy Transfer Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain-Transfer) polymerisation overcomes these limitations by driving electrostatic self鈥�assembly during polymer growth. As the polymer forms, it binds to the genetic material, producing polyplexes with controlled sizes, structures, and physicochemical properties. By using a 鈥渙ne鈥�pot鈥� approach to produce polyplexes, the need for complex post鈥�processing is avoided, resulting in improved consistency and facilitating high鈥�throughput screening of formulations

The study shows that PIESA鈥�derived polyplexes are less toxic to cells than their conventionally assembled counterparts and act as more effective gene delivery vehicles in transfection trials, achieving higher gene expression while preserving cell viability.

Transitioning to advanced synthesis and assembly strategies such as PIESA could open the door to the next鈥�generation of non鈥�viral gene delivery systems, with improved transfection, broader formulation windows, and reduced cell toxicity.

Dr Lee Fielding added 鈥淭his approach potentially opens up a more reliable and scalable route to non鈥憊iral gene delivery. By innovating in how polyplexes can be prepared and screened for improved efficiency, while reducing toxicity, we hope it will help accelerate the development of gene delivery technologies and make them more accessible across biomedical research and clinical applications."

• Higher levels of education are consistently linked to longer life expectancy
• In some countries, the gap between education levels exceeds a decade of life
• Women aged 20-49 show particularly large differences in mortality by education
• New statistical methods allow researchers to estimate mortality even where data is missing
• The study provides new evidence from under-researched regions including North Africa and Western Asia

What did the study find?

The study, funded by the Austrian Academy of Sciences analysed mortality patterns across 13 countries in South-East Europe, Western Asia and North Africa between 1980 and 2015. 

Researchers reconstructed mortality rates by age, sex and education level using a new statistical model designed to work even where official data is incomplete or inconsistent.

The findings revealed a clear and consistent pattern: people with more education live significantly longer than those with little or no formal education. 

How was the research done?

The research was carried out by Professor Arkadiusz Wi艣niowski from 黑料网吃瓜爆料, alongside Dr Andrea Tamburini and Dr Dilek Yildiz from the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis in Austria.

The team developed an innovative modelling framework that combines data from multiple international sources, including the United Nations, Eurostat and Demographic and Health Surveys.

This approach made it possible to estimate life expectancy differences even in countries where reliable birth and death records are limited. 

Where are the biggest differences seen?

In some countries included in the study, the difference in life expectancy between people with higher and lower levels of education was equivalent to more than ten years.

The gap was particularly striking among women aged 20 to 49, where those with secondary education or higher experienced much lower mortality rates.

Why does education affect life expectancy?

The findings highlight the wide-ranging impact of education on people鈥檚 lives.

鈥淎ccess to education means better health knowledge, better jobs, and better access to healthcare - but it also changes how people make decisions about their lives,鈥� said Professor Arkadiusz Wi艣niowski. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a powerful social equaliser.鈥� 

Why has this been hard to measure before?

Until now, much of the global evidence linking education and life expectancy has come from high-income countries with strong data systems.

In many parts of the world, incomplete or inconsistent records have made it difficult to understand how education shapes health outcomes.

Why does this matter?

By filling these data gaps, the study provides one of the most comprehensive pictures to date of how education influences survival across diverse global populations.

The model could now be applied more widely to help governments and international organisations better understand population health and plan future services.

What are the implications?

The researchers say the findings strengthen the case for treating education as a key public health intervention, not just a social or economic priority.

鈥淲e hope this work helps policymakers see education not only as a path to better jobs, but as a key public health intervention,鈥� said Professor Wi艣niowski. 鈥淚nvesting in education is investing in life itself.鈥� 

Publication details

This research was funded by the Austrian Academy of Sciences and is published in Demographic Research.

DOI:

Researchers from 黑料网吃瓜爆料 are among the international team awarded the 2026 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics for their contributions to the Muon g鈥�2 experiment, a 60鈥憏ear scientific endeavour spanning CERN, Brookhaven National Laboratory and Fermilab. The prize follows 黑料网吃瓜爆料鈥檚 prominent role in the 2025 Breakthrough Prize, awarded to the ATLAS and LHCb collaborations at CERN for precision tests of the Standard Model and discoveries including new particles and matter鈥揳ntimatter asymmetries.

Valued at $3 million, the Breakthrough Prize is often dubbed the 鈥淥scars of Science鈥� and is considered the world鈥檚 premier science award. Unlike the Nobel Prize, which recognises up to three individuals or a single organisation, the Breakthrough Prize honours the approximately 350 collaborators across the world who produced the most precise measurement ever achieved at a particle accelerator: the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon.

Understanding the muon鈥檚 magnetic moment

Muons, one of the smallest known particles, interact with a sea of virtual particles that constantly flicker in and out of existence. Acting like tiny magnets, their magnetic moment shifts slightly due to these quantum effects. Comparing the measured value with theoretical predictions reveals the composition of this quantum 鈥渇oam鈥� and tests whether unknown particles or forces exist beyond the Standard Model.

Decades of increasingly precise measurements now indicate that the Standard Model remains our best description of fundamental physics.

黑料网吃瓜爆料 leadership across UK institutions

The UK played a central role in the collaboration, providing one of the experiment鈥檚 two major detector systems and in developing simulations and software to analyse the data alongside contributions to the theoretical calculations.

Professor Mark Lancaster, from 黑料网吃瓜爆料, led the UK involvement across 黑料网吃瓜爆料, Lancaster, Liverpool and UCL, and served as co鈥憇pokesperson of the global Fermilab Muon g-2 collaboration between 2018 and 2020.

A global scientific milestone

The Muon g鈥�2 experiments began at CERN in the 1970s, moved to Brookhaven in the 1990s and concluded at Fermilab with the final publication in 2025. The goal was to measure the muon鈥檚 magnetic moment with ever鈥慽ncreasing precision, probing the quantum vacuum where virtual particles appear and vanish. Even the smallest deviation from theoretical predictions could point to new physics beyond the Standard Model.

The achievement represents the combined effort of scientists and engineers across multiple disciplines, reflecting the scale and diversity of expertise required to reach record鈥慴reaking precision.

With 黑料网吃瓜爆料 researchers again at the forefront of a globally celebrated breakthrough, the University continues to demonstrate its leadership in shaping the future of particle physics and advancing our understanding of the fundamental laws of nature.

Professor Mark Lancaster FRS said 鈥淥ur attention at 黑料网吃瓜爆料 now turns to a next generation of experiments that are striving to find evidence of new particles and interactions using novel quantum technologies鈥� 

-Colonel Philip Neame MBE 2 PARA and Rear Admiral Jeremy Larken DSO. From this, attendees learnt of the land battles such as Goose Green and the adherence of Rear Admiral Larken to Nelsonian traditions of using sandbags to protect the ships鈥� bridges, saving many lives on his ship, HMS Fearless.

The first keynote on day one discussed the theme of diplomacy in the 1982 conflict with a paper from the two authors who co-wrote Signals of War, one of the very first works to examine the 1982 conflict from both Argentine and British sides. Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman, Emeritus Professor of War Studies at Kings鈥� College London and author of the Official History of the Falklands Campaign and Professor Virginia Gamba, United Nations Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict from 2017 to 2025 and previously serving as UN Assistant Secretary-General. Professor Gamba, despite flight cancellations, had made a world-wind journey, spanning two days from southern Argentina, a significant commitment to the Falklands/Malvinas Conflict Conference at 黑料网吃瓜爆料, to deliver her keynote. Amongst other themes were the press in both Argentina and Britain, archival researching into the conflict, veterans鈥� testimonies and legal perspectives.  

The event fostered a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment, encouraging dialogue between academics, veterans, and students from both sides of the 1982 conflict. Many attendees commented how the conference at 黑料网吃瓜爆料 was the first conference they had been to where the next generation 鈥� 黑料网吃瓜爆料鈥檚 students 鈥� had not only given papers at the conference, but also contributed to the running of the conference across the two days.

This was a real achievement for 黑料网吃瓜爆料鈥檚 students, presenting at the conference, chairing panels, helping with catering set up, meeting delegates and greeting them at the registration desk and managing panels set up. A real University of 黑料网吃瓜爆料 first!

Therefore, special thanks must go to:

CATERING TEAM 鈥� Elias Cadji-Newby and Faye Navesey.

CHAIRING TEAM 鈥� Duru Erdogan, Tom Finlayson, Jorja Flitcroft, Will Friday, Tehani Owais, Hanna Saunders and Amelia Vivash.

MEET AND GREET TEAM 鈥� Rehan Choudhry and Grace Pegram.

PANELS TEAM 鈥� Freddie Bayless, Henry Delap-Smith and Suki Leese.

Organisers described the conference as a significant success, building on previous events and helping to strengthen a growing network of Falklands/Malvinas researchers. There are hopes that the connections formed will lead to future collaborations, projects, and publications as the 45th anniversary of the conflict approaches.

The conference was kindly supported by the British Commission for Military History, the Society for Latin American Studies, and 黑料网吃瓜爆料鈥檚 Student Enhancement Fund.

Thank you also to all attendees, keynotes and presenters. Roll on the next Falklands/Malvinas Conflict Conference event at 黑料网吃瓜爆料! 

The awards support entrepreneurs with solutions to the world鈥檚 most pressing issues. Ideas with Impact is open to applications from innovators across all disciplines 鈥� from engineering to health, and policy to creative. 

Through generous donor support there is a total of 拢300,000 in prize funding available, and individual awards of 拢100,000, 拢75,000 and 拢50,000 will be given to winners, who will also receive support from experienced mentors to build their networks and accelerate impact. 

This year鈥檚 competition follows the success of 2025鈥檚 winning ventures that spanned health and life sciences, medical diagnostics, industrial biotechnology, and agri鈥憈ech, reflecting the breadth of 黑料网吃瓜爆料鈥檚 research strengths and its focus on real鈥憌orld impact. From novel treatments for endometriosis and rapid, field鈥慴ased heart attack diagnostics, to sustainable metal extraction technologies and early warning systems for crop disease, the winners demonstrated how academic insight can be translated into solutions addressing major societal, environmental and economic challenges.  

The team behind LanthaGen Bio, who received 拢75,000 in 2025, highlighted their progress.

Application timeline 

The awards are run in partnership with the University of 黑料网吃瓜爆料 Innovation Factory, the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre and Unit M. The window for applications is open now until 22 May 2026. Any students, colleagues or alumni (within three years) from across the University are welcome to apply if they are working on solutions to global challenges, and must be at an early stage in their entrepreneurial journey. 

To find out more and apply, visit the Ideas with Impact Awards . 

• 22^nd April 鈥� applications open 
• 22^nd May 鈥� applications close 
• 2^nd July 鈥� final pitching competition and Ideas with Impact Awards event 

Philanthropic support  

Innovation is at the heart of the University鈥檚 Challenge Accepted campaign, fuelling our ambition to become Europe鈥檚 most inclusive and impactful innovation network, and helping deliver progress that changes lives.  

Are you interested in supporting brilliant future founders and ensuring entrepreneurship for all? We鈥檇 love to explore opportunities with you.  

Contact Olympia Kennard to begin a conversation: Olympia.Kennard@manchester.ac.uk.  

Our innovation ecosystem  

• Read more about Unit M here:
• Read more about the Innovation Factory here: 
• Read more about the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre here:   

The visit offered the chance to hear directly from the scholars about their experiences at university, how the bursary is supporting them day to day, and the aspirations they are developing for life beyond their studies.

Conversations reflected a wide range of academic interests and career ambitions, with many scholars pointing to the importance of financial security in allowing them to fully engage with their education and the wider opportunities available at university, including involvement in student societies.

The Sadler Bursary provides funding for up to 36 undergraduates for each year of their course.

This programme supports care鈥慹xperienced students, providing 拢10,000 per year for the full duration of their degree. Care鈥慹xperienced young people continue to be significantly under鈥憆epresented in higher education, with around 15 per cent progressing to university compared with 47 per cent of their non鈥慶are鈥慹xperienced peers. The bursary aims to help address this imbalance by reducing financial pressure and supporting students throughout their time at university.

The second programme, called the Sadler Access Bursary, supports additional 30 students who have graduated through the 黑料网吃瓜爆料 Access Programme (MAP), the University鈥檚 flagship widening鈥憄articipation initiative for high鈥慳chieving students from Greater 黑料网吃瓜爆料.

The Sadler Bursaries reflect the University鈥檚 wider commitment to student inclusion and success, a core priority of the Challenge Accepted fundraising and volunteering campaign. Challenge Accepted brings together the University鈥檚 global community in a shared philanthropic effort to remove barriers to education and help talented students from all backgrounds to access a world-leading education and thrive once they arrive in 黑料网吃瓜爆料. By reducing financial pressures and providing financial stability, bursaries such as these play a pivotal role in enabling students to focus on their studies, engage fully in university life and plan confidently for the future.

Simon is a graduate of 黑料网吃瓜爆料 Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST), where he studied Management, and was the first in his family to attend university. He has previously described the Sadler Bursary as a way to help young people who have had 鈥減articularly complicated starts to their lives鈥� to pursue opportunities in higher education and realise their potential.

Applications for the next cohort of Sadler Bursary Scholars are currently open, with a deadline in April 2026.

Keir Starmer鈥檚 decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US keeps coming back to haunt him. It has now emerged that Mandelson was granted security clearance by the Foreign Office, despite concerns raised during the . Top Foreign Office civil servant Olly Robbins was sacked over these revelations.

Mandelson was controversial long before Starmer appointed him in 2024. A New Labour figure known as the 鈥減rince of darkness鈥� due to his reputation as an adept but often ruthless and underhand political operator, Mandelson had already been embroiled in a number of scandals involving allegations of corruption. He was also known to have had a close relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as well as close business links in China.

Starmer fired him in September 2025 after emails were released showing Mandelson offering supportive messages to Epstein, who faced charges of soliciting a minor at the time. Further emails released by US officials suggested that Mandelson might have passed privileged and market-sensitive information to Epstein during the fallout of the financial crisis. In February 2026, the former ambassador was on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He has denied criminal wrongdoing and has not been charged.

Therefore, it is perhaps unsurprising that Mandelson did not pass the vetting process carried out by the Cabinet Office鈥檚 UK Security Vetting team. Almost all civil servants are required to go through some form of vetting. But as a top diplomat, Mandelson was subject to the most intensive form of scrutiny. From what is known about the process, red flags were probably raised about Mandelson鈥檚 links with Chinese and Russian business interests, though the exact details have not been made public.

Starmer and his allies have argued that Robbins did not tell the prime minister about concerns raised in the vetting process as he should have. , Robbins said that Number 10 took a 鈥渄ismissive鈥� approach to the vetting process. He also said that he was under 鈥渃onstant pressure鈥� to approve Mandelson鈥檚 clearance due to this being a political priority for Starmer. Mandelson鈥檚 appointment was announced publicly before the vetting took place.

The opposition is piling on the pressure for Starmer to resign. But behind speculation about the prime minister鈥檚 future stands a deeper set of constitutional questions about accountability and standards in public life.

From Starmer鈥檚 perspective, the scandal has revealed a pressing need to improve the independent scrutiny of appointments. He has ordered a review into vetting procedures, and argued that failings lie with civil servants in the FCDO and with the robustness of vetting processes 鈥� not with him.

On one level, this defence is an effort to deflect blame. Yet the response also fits with Starmer鈥檚 approach to politics as a .

In arguing for a more robust independent process around vetting in their attempts to avoid blame, Starmer and his allies invoke a of Whitehall culture. This view treats independent, depoliticised scrutiny and checks and balances as key missing links in British politics. Building these would be vital for ensuring transparency and accountability around appointments and politics more broadly.

Since coming to office, Starmer has consistently argued for a rewiring of the British state to modernise the government. Like academics, thinktanks, journalists and former Whitehall insiders before him, Starmer鈥檚 view suggests that Whitehall and the centre of the British state operate in an antiquated way. When it comes to accountability and standards, the government arguably lacks proper independent scrutiny and constitutional checks and balances to hold decision-makers to account.

Instead, Whitehall is too reliant on a , which suggests politicians typically act with the best of intentions and therefore do not need to be subject to independent scrutiny.

Who is responsible?

Critics, echoing Robbins鈥� testimony, have argued that Starmer and his allies pressed Mandelson鈥檚 ambassadorship as a political priority, announcing it before vetting procedures had been completed in order to push through the appointment.

Many have pointed out that Mandelson鈥檚 reputation as a potentially suspect character was well known before the release of the Epstein files. Within this narrative, blame for the appointment of Mandelson lies squarely with Starmer.

In a sense, this approach offers a different view of British politics. In terms of appointments 鈥� both to top civil service positions and to more political posts 鈥� the UK鈥檚 approach has been argued to resemble . Here, the ruler decides their key advisers on the basis of their own preferences and objectives.

This too implies a lack of proper checks and balances around appointments. But one of the proposed advantages of such a system is that it places accountability and responsibility for decisions clearly in the hands of elected politicians. Britain has a longstanding tradition of individual ministerial accountability.

Starmer, however, is now seemingly weakening this tradition by deflecting blame onto the civil service and its processes. It is this notion of direct political accountability that Starmer鈥檚 opponents are invoking when they call for his resignation.

Overall, these two images of British politics are contradictory and indicative of the emergence of an . On the one hand, the state has failed to move towards modern and robust independent scrutiny of ministerial decision-making around appointments. On the other hand, politics has shifted away from a culture of clear, individual ministerial accountability.

This leaves Britain in a 鈥渨orst of both worlds鈥� scenario when it comes to accountability and standards in public life. It has neither robust independent scrutiny, nor clear lines of political accountability. More than anything, the Mandelson vetting scandal reveals the need to fix this broken system.

, Research Associate, Department of Politics, and , Research Associate,
This article is republished from under a Creative Commons license. Read the .

• Growing global demand for beef is a major driver of deforestation in the Amazon
• Up to 80% of cleared forest land is converted into cattle pasture
• Higher land values after deforestation create strong financial incentives to clear forests
• Gaps in supply chain oversight allow deforestation to continue
• New framework identifies where interventions could have the greatest impact

What did the study find?

The research focuses on the Brazilian Amazon, where cattle farming is a leading cause of deforestation. It shows that decisions made by farmers are shaped by a powerful mix of global market demand, land prices and government policies. 

In many cases, clearing forest actually increases land value, creating a cycle where deforestation leads to profit 鈥� and to more deforestation. At the same time, environmental rules and sustainability initiatives often fail to fully reach the people making land-use decisions on the ground. 

Why does this matter to people?

Although the Amazon may feel far away, the study highlights how everyday consumption is connected to environmental change. Beef sold around the world in supermarkets and restaurants can be linked back to land-use decisions in the rainforest. 

The consequences are global. The Amazon plays a vital role in storing carbon and regulating the climate. As forests are cleared, this contributes to climate change, biodiversity loss and more extreme weather patterns worldwide.

What makes this study different?

Most research looks either at economic systems or environmental systems, but rarely both together. This study introduces a new approach that connects global supply chains with local ecosystems, showing how they influence each other in real time. It reveals that environmental damage is not just an unintended side effect 鈥� it is built into how global production systems operate. 

Where are the biggest challenges?

A key issue is that governance systems are fragmented. Governments, companies, and environmental organisations often work separately, with limited coordination.

For example, large meat companies may enforce sustainability rules for direct suppliers, but indirect suppliers 鈥� where much deforestation occurs 鈥� can slip through the cracks. 

At the same time, smaller farmers often lack access to credit or technical support, making it harder for them to adopt more sustainable practices. 

What are the solutions?

The study highlights several key opportunities to reduce deforestation:

• Strengthening enforcement of environmental laws
• Improving traceability across supply chains
• Supporting farmers with finance and training
• Rewarding conservation through incentives like payments for ecosystem services

Importantly, the research shows that no single solution will work on its own 鈥� progress depends on better coordination across global and local systems. 

Why this research matters now

As global demand for beef continues to grow, pressure on the Amazon is expected to increase. The researchers say their findings provide a clearer roadmap for policymakers, businesses and organisations trying to balance economic growth with environmental protection, and offers a new way to tackle one of the world鈥檚 most urgent environmental challenges. 

The study was conducted by an international team of researchers from 黑料网吃瓜爆料 and Brazil鈥檚 Funda莽茫o Getulio Vargas S茫o Paulo School of Business Administration, and is published in Competition & Change.

DOI:  

A Lego-style Iranian military commander : 鈥淥ur inbox is flooded with Americans saying they don鈥檛 watch the news. They listen to our songs instead since your media is full of sh*t.鈥�

This is the opening line of an AI-generated video which is part of Iran鈥檚 meme campaign 鈥� built around Lego-style animation and rap soundtracks, which have online. The line captures the strange reality of contemporary politics: news is often most effectively disseminated not through journalism but humour, memes and entertainment.

Since late February, pro-Iranian media groups 鈥� most notably, the 鈥� have flooded social media with AI-generated video content mocking Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu and US foreign policy. It has been dubbed 鈥� but the sophistication is striking.

These videos but do not look or feel like state propaganda 鈥� despite the spokesperson for Explosive Media admitting to the BBC that the . They capture the internet zeitgeist: fast, funny, visually familiar and designed for virality.

Trojan horses

The success of these memes lies in their audience strategy. They do not target people actively seeking news. Instead, they mimic the language of everyday internet culture to reach those who are not following events in the Middle East at all.

Humour is the mechanism they use to get reach. These videos function as Trojan horses, drawing viewers in with recognisable imagery, references and music 鈥� while communicating a narrative about American overreach, dysfunction and corruption.

As , a US-based expert in disinformation, notes, this kind of content reaches 鈥減olitically uninvested people who otherwise wouldn鈥檛 have engaged with war-related content鈥�.

The key insight here is not geopolitics but audiences. Conventional political communication, including press conferences, policy statements and traditional news coverage, reaches people who are already paying attention. These AI meme videos are designed to reach everyone else: the millions of people whose understanding of international conflict extends no further than what happens to appear in their social media feed.

Humour is the primary mechanism these videos have harnessed to conquer the social media algorithms. The joke is not the message 鈥� it is the delivery system. By packaging geopolitical arguments inside 鈥渄iss tracks鈥�, pop culture references and shareable clips, these videos communicate political ideas before audiences have even registered they are consuming political content.

What makes audiences receptive to 鈥榮lopaganda鈥�?

But this raises a deeper question. Why are people so receptive to receiving political information in this form? The answer is that they have been primed for it.

For two decades, a generation of Americans 鈥� and increasingly British and European viewers 鈥� have learned to process political news through satire. Jon Stewart鈥檚 The Daily Show became, for many younger viewers, a than the nightly news.

The likes of Stephen Colbert, John Oliver, Seth Meyers and Jimmy Kimmel also built enormous audiences by making politics funny, accessible and emotionally engaging in ways that conventional journalism often failed to do. The implicit message, repeated nightly, was that humour was not merely a gloss on political commentary. It was a .

This was largely a progressive phenomenon. The targets were politicians and large institutions, both government and private sector 鈥� and the satirists positioned themselves as holding power to account. But this created an expectation that , and that comedy is a legitimate vehicle for political understanding.

Iran is copying populist strategy

Since 2008, many populists have recognised the in their election campaigns 鈥� none more so than Trump. His campaign appearances on comedy podcasts, his and stunts, and his endless memes are not distractions from his political strategy 鈥� they are his political strategy.

Trump reached, and mobilised, millions of who had long since stopped engaging with political news in any traditional form.

Iran has been paying attention. The American scholar of propaganda has that Iran is now 鈥渦sing popular culture against the No.1 pop culture country, the United States鈥�.

The Lego aesthetic, the rap beats, the 1980s pop covers, the selection of jokes are not random choices. They demonstrate a precise calibration of what can effectively reach online audiences in the western attention economy.

The result is content that is not immediately visible as foreign propaganda, and instead looks like entertainment. For audiences already accustomed to learning about politics through comedy, the distinction barely registers.

There is a profound irony here. The cultural conditions that produced shows like The Daily Show and Last Week Tonight 鈥� the erosion of trust in mainstream political communication and the demand for authenticity and humour over formal rhetoric 鈥� have produced a media environment in which a foreign state can distribute propaganda to millions of Americans, and have it feel indistinguishable from domestic entertainment.

This is not to say that late-night satire and Iranian AI content is equivalent. But they are operating in the same media ecosystem 鈥� one in which humour has become a primary method of political communication.

The most unsettling thing about what is happening right now is what this means for our information environment.

If propaganda is indistinguishable from satire, and satire accumulates millions of views while news does not, the line between political entertainment and political persuasion has seemingly collapsed. And the people most affected are those who think they are not following the war at all.

, Early Career Researcher, Religions and Theology Department
This article is republished from under a Creative Commons license. Read the .

In a ceremony celebrating the invention鈥檚 impact on data storage, computing and communications, Vice-Chancellor, Duncan Ivison, accepted the award on behalf of the University, the commemorative bronze plaque will be mounted on the outside of the Coupland 1 Building, Bridgeford Street.

The Milestone award recognises exceptional technological innovation and excellence in electrical and electronic engineering; awarded to innovations which have benefited humanity via products, services, seminal papers or patents. A bronze plaque commemorating the achievement is then placed at an appropriate site with an accompanying dedication ceremony.

黑料网吃瓜爆料 remains one of the few institutions with three awards. In 2022 黑料网吃瓜爆料 was awarded two IEEE Milestone awards; the first was awarded for the famed 黑料网吃瓜爆料 鈥楤aby鈥� (1948-1951) the world鈥檚 first stored computer; the second for Atlas Computer & Virtual Memory (1957-1962), introducing the concept of virtual memory, a cornerstone of modern computing.

What is 黑料网吃瓜爆料 Code?

黑料网吃瓜爆料 Code has been a feature of computing and communications since its invention in 1948. It was first used in the University鈥檚 黑料网吃瓜爆料 Mark I computer, a prototype for the Ferranti Mark I, the first commercially available computer.

Invented for the storage of data in magnetic drums, it became a standard for use in magnetic tapes and floppy disks. It also found wide use in early ethernet networks, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags and domestic remote controllers found in millions of homes across the world.

Nearly eight decades after its invention, humanity鈥檚 most distant human鈥憁ade objects, Voyagers 1 and 2, travelling through interstellar space, still communicate through the robustness of 黑料网吃瓜爆料 Code.

Elegantly designed, the code is 鈥榮elf-clocking鈥� which means the data can be extracted from the signal without a separate clock line. This design ensures highly reliable transmission, even across the vast distance to interstellar space, 25 billion kilometres (Voyager 1) and 21 billion kilometres (Voyager 2).

The principles of 黑料网吃瓜爆料 Code remain embedded in technologies we use every day; its elegant simplicity and reliability have helped accelerate the development of modern digital systems. To this day, it remains a key fixture in modern day life, from communicating to the furthest human-made objects or simply opening a garage door.

Thomas Coughlin, past president of the IEEE said: 鈥淭he 黑料网吃瓜爆料 Code enabled the development of early digital storage technologies and reliable communication systems that are still in use. Humanity's furthest space probe, Voyager 1, still communicates with earth using the 黑料网吃瓜爆料 Code.鈥�

黑料网吃瓜爆料鈥檚 University Challenge team have been crowned winners of the UK鈥檚 toughest quizzing tournament.

Having beaten out New College Oxford and LSE to reach the quarterfinals, from there defeating UCL and Sheffield, and sailing past Imperial with 250 points to 70 in the final semi-final round, they finally triumphed over Edinburgh in last night鈥檚 finale.

The victory is an historic one for the University, as with this fifth win (2006, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2025) it becomes the most successful University in the history of the competition, joint with Imperial College London.

The winning team this year was made up of Ray Power (Film Studies and English Literature), Kirsty Dickson (Medicine), Rob Faulkner (Physics with Astrophysics) and their captain, Kai Madgwick (PhD, AI and Astrophysics), along with reserve player, Argyro Olympitis (PHD in Immunology).

It can feel as though there鈥檚 something mystic about acquiring a seat on the University Challenge team, a tap on the shoulder in a quiet area of the quad one day maybe, but according to Ray, that that isn鈥檛 so.

鈥淕rowing up, my Grandma was always a huge fan of University Challenge, and when a friend of mine who鈥檇 been a contestant a couple of years before told me that they were recruiting again, I signed myself up!鈥�

After passing a first-stage online quiz, and doing herself proud in a trial match held by Quiz Society, Ray鈥檚 name was on the team sheet.

鈥淭he great thing about how UoM do it is that the whole thing is led by students. The Uni supports it, but it鈥檚 all run by Quiz Society. There鈥檚 a real sense of community, we even have contestants from previous years coming back for mentoring and to help us practice.鈥�

Rob, Kirsty, and Ray, all took the same sign-up route to the team, while their Captain, Kai Madgwick, was already a Quiz Soc stalwart, having competed in plenty of inter-university quiz tournaments.

Once in the team, the training process is tough, spending hours each Tuesday sequestered away in a quiet part of the library, testing each other and playing along with old episodes. It wasn鈥檛 all about gruelling revision, though.

鈥淚 feel really lucky to have been able to meet the rest of the team, I鈥檝e made four really good friends. I don鈥檛 think we expected to have such a good time together!鈥� said Ray. 鈥淚t鈥檚 hard to pick out just one highlight, but filming the trophy presentation in London was amazing, and it was so lovely to be together with the team through the whole process.鈥�

Ray insists that it isn鈥檛 all down to their hard work 鈥� there鈥檚 some chance involved too, and that losing starter questions, or feeling like you don鈥檛 have the momentum of the game, can really affect the outcome. The score of the semi-final against Imperial, she says, really didn鈥檛 reflect how strong that team were, and that 黑料网吃瓜爆料 were lucky to have played such a great team game that round, where everybody contributed to the win.

And while there might be an element of chance, it sounds like there鈥檚 a little bit of fate in there too, with a semi-final tie against UCL seeing them ace a music round, picking out tunes from Fontaines DC, Black Midi, Squid, and Wet Leg.

鈥淚t鈥檚 so weird, Kai鈥檚 a huge Squid fan - one of the first conversations I remember having with them was about going to a Squid gig鈥� after that music round, Squid actually shouted us out on Instagram!鈥�

Ray says they never expected to win when they began the contest, they just kept playing and ended up in the final.

鈥淲e never expected to win, we were just happy to be there. The whole thing was nerve-wracking! It was so intense and felt so much like a super weird school trip!鈥�

Having been beaten by Edinburgh 195 to 80 in the quarterfinals of the competition, the tournament鈥檚 last leg was a chance for the 黑料网吃瓜爆料 team to right some wrongs.

鈥淵eah, they beat us really badly. It was scary but we were happy with how far we鈥檇 already come. We knew how wonderful and clever the team from Edinburgh were, and we just went into it wanting to do our best!鈥�

Do their best they did, and in bringing home the trophy for 黑料网吃瓜爆料, they are the fifth team to do so, placing UoM at the top of the all-time leaderboard, in the company of ICL.

The partnership will build  an  interdisciplinary team focused on the links between domestic violence, family courts and women鈥檚 health in South India.

That, they say,  will generate early frameworks that can inform future reforms, judicial training and survivor鈥慶entred practice, laying the foundation for long鈥憈erm community partnerships and multi鈥慶ountry research.

Domestic violence is widespread in India, with national surveys showing that almost half of Indian women have faced some form of spousal abuse.

The southwestern state  Karnataka alone recorded more than seventeen thousand cases in 2022.

Lead researcher from 黑料网吃瓜爆料 said: 鈥淎lthough India handles well over a million family disputes each year, there is still no systematic research on how these legal journeys shape women鈥檚 long鈥憈erm wellbeing.

鈥淎nd there is some evidence which shows that court processes can sometimes prolong stress, fear and control.鈥�

The project will initially focus on assessing the feasibility of the study and map how family court procedures actually work for the women who go through the system.

The team will also map key organisations in Karnataka, from women鈥檚 police stations to community health workers, to understand where survivors seek help and where systems may be falling short.

鈥淭his groundwork matters because India needs its own evidence base to make sure women are supported, not harmed, when they turn to the courts,鈥� added Dr Dalgarno.

The collaboration will provide opportunities for students in 黑料网吃瓜爆料 and Karnataka interested in understanding   the intersection of law, health and gender鈥慴ased violence

is Clinical Professor of Public Health and Epidemiology and Head of the Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care.

She said: 鈥淭his  partnership aligns closely with both our universities鈥� commitments to tackling inequality, strengthening international collaboration and improving outcomes for marginalised communities.

鈥淏y focusing on women鈥檚 health, domestic violence and legal systems, the project speaks directly to shared priorities around gender equality, prevention of harm and access to safe, trauma鈥慽nformed services.鈥�

Professor Arathi Rao from the Manipal Academy of Higher Education said: 鈥淔amily courts are often a crucial point of contact for women seeking protection from domestic violence. Legal processes, while designed to deliver justice, can also impact women鈥檚 health, safety, and well-being.

鈥淏y examining these intersections, we aim to inform more responsive, survivor-centred systems that truly protect and support women during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.鈥�

The findings - published in the International - emerge against a backdrop of rising mental health needs.

The researchers analysed Annual Population Survey data from more than 535,000 working鈥慳ge adults between 2015 and 2020 to examine whether regional differences in the supply of NHS Talking Therapies were linked to labour force participation.

They found that people reporting long鈥憈erm mental health problems were less likely to be in the labour force than otherwise similar adults without such conditions: a participation gap of 36% in the analysis sample.

After adjusting for a wide range of personal and local factors, the researchers found that increasing the volume of supply of talking therapies by one additional appointment offered per referral in the average region, equivalent to about 22% more appointments, was associated with a 0.92鈥憄ercentage鈥憄oint reduction in the labour force participation gap.

The association was strongest among people aged 45 to 65, those not claiming benefits, and men.

The researchers highlight how decades of evidence show that pharmacological and psychological therapies can reduce symptoms and improve productivity, absenteeism and labour force participation.

The NHS Talking Therapies programme, launched in England 18 years ago, is considered to be the first large鈥憇cale programme of its kind.

It was designed to expand the supply of evidence鈥慴ased psychological treatments, reduce stigma, and make it easier for people to seek help.

The service offers assessment appointments, tailored treatment plans and session鈥慴y鈥憇ession monitoring.

Although previous studies have shown these sorts of impacts in individual patients, this study examined the impact of differences in therapy provisions across areas.

The authors argue that the supply of therapy services may have indirect effects on economic activity by improving help鈥憇eeking behaviour, reducing stigma, and influencing how GPs manage mental health problems in primary care.

They note that only around one鈥慺ifth of working鈥慳ge adults with a mental health diagnosis receive a course of NHS Talking Therapies, suggesting that wider community鈥憀evel effects may be important.

Lead author is, a PhD researcher from 黑料网吃瓜爆料.

He  said: 鈥淥ur findings suggest that improving access to psychological therapies doesn鈥檛 just support people鈥檚 wellbeing 鈥� it may also help close the long鈥憇tanding labour market gaps experienced by those with mental health problems.

鈥淎s governments look for ways to boost labour force participation, mental health policy should be part of that conversation.

鈥淧olicymakers should consider the indirect economic effects of expanding psychological therapy services when designing future mental health strategies.鈥�

• The study was funded by Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP) and supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation.
• The paper Availability of psychological therapies and workforce participation of individuals with long-term mental health problems: a retrospective observational study鈥� is available DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/s13033-026-00706-z

• Social media can reduce loneliness when used to build or maintain relationships
• Passive use, such as scrolling without interacting, is linked to higher loneliness
• People with strong offline networks benefit more from social media use
• User motivations - such as connection versus escape - shape outcomes
• Platform design and online experiences influence whether users feel connected or isolated
• More long-term research is needed to fully understand impacts on wellbeing

What did the study find?

Dr Rebecca Nowland assessed the latest global evidence on the relationship between social media and loneliness.

The findings highlight a complex picture. Social media can strengthen social connections when it is used to interact meaningfully - such as messaging friends, sharing experiences or receiving supportive responses.

However, simply scrolling through content without engaging - often referred to as 鈥榩assive use鈥� - is consistently linked to higher levels of loneliness. 

Why does how we use social media matter?

The study shows that the impact of social media depends heavily on how and why people use it.

People who go online to connect with others may experience reduced loneliness. In contrast, those using social media to escape difficult feelings or social situations may see the opposite effect.

In some cases, trying to replace face-to-face interaction with online activity can actually make loneliness worse. 

Who benefits most from social media use?

Not everyone benefits equally.

The research found that people who already have strong social networks are more likely to gain positive experiences online, including support and a sense of belonging.

Those who feel isolated offline, however, may struggle to achieve the same benefits - even if they use social media frequently.

What role do platforms and online experiences play?

Platform design is also important.

Features that encourage direct interaction - such as private messaging or sharing images - can help create a stronger sense of connection. By contrast, platforms or features focused on broadcasting or passive consumption offer fewer emotional benefits.

Experiences themselves also matter. Supportive comments and meaningful exchanges can reduce loneliness, while being ignored, excluded or exposed to negative interactions can increase it. 

What are the gaps in current research?

Despite growing interest in the topic, the study highlights important gaps in existing research.

Much of the evidence is based on snapshots in time rather than long-term studies, making it difficult to determine cause and effect. The paper calls for more robust research using real usage data and longer-term methods.

Why does this matter?

With loneliness increasingly recognised as a major public health issue, the findings suggest that improving how people engage online could play an important role in tackling the problem.

Encouraging more active and meaningful use of social media - and designing platforms that support this - may help maximise benefits while reducing harms.

This research was published in Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences.

DOI:  

• Governments across the global North and South are increasing their role in delivering affordable housing
• States are adopting new tools to influence housing supply, finance and land development
• Public-private partnerships and new financial models are being used to support large-scale housing
• Cities are experimenting with different ways to balance social need and market pressures
• Salford and Shanghai highlight contrasting but equally interventionist approaches

What did the study find?

Led by Dr Tom Gillespie, the study provides one of the first global comparisons of how states are responding to a growing housing crisis affecting billions of people.

Drawing on research from Shanghai, Salford, Nairobi, Paris, Casablanca and Rome, it shows that governments are increasingly stepping in as private markets struggle to deliver adequate and affordable homes at scale.

While previous decades favoured light-touch state involvement, this is now changing, with governments taking a more active role in shaping housing systems.

How are governments responding?

The research shows that states are adopting a wide range of new approaches to influence housing supply, finance and land development.

In many cases, this includes experimenting with public-private partnerships, land value capture and new state-backed financial mechanisms to make large-scale housing programmes viable.

Across all six cities, the researchers identified common themes, including what motivates governments to intervene, how new financial and institutional tools are being used, and how risks in housing markets are being redistributed.

What is happening in Salford?

Salford is highlighted as one of the most distinctive examples in the study.

Within England鈥檚 market-driven planning system, the local authority has developed an unusually interventionist approach. While earlier regeneration focused on property-led development such as Salford Quays, more recent efforts have aimed to address the lack of affordable housing.

From 2016, the Council began redirecting developer contributions into a council-owned company to build new social housing. These homes are let at below-market 鈥淪alford rents鈥� and are exempt from the national 鈥榬ight to buy鈥�, helping to protect them from speculative pressures.

Although still relatively small in scale, the model is identified as an example of local state action designed to 鈥渄e-financialise鈥� housing while still working within a market-led system.

What about Shanghai?

Shanghai offers a contrasting but equally interventionist model.

After decades of market-driven housing growth, the city has shifted towards a more active role, using state control of land and developers to deliver affordable homes for different social groups.

Policies include shantytown renewal, shared ownership schemes and subsidised rental housing, aimed at tackling rising property prices while supporting social stability and inclusion.

Why is this shift happening?

The study highlights a broader global shift away from reliance on private markets alone.

As housing affordability crises deepen, governments are increasingly intervening to address gaps in supply and access. This marks the end of an era of minimal state involvement and the emergence of more active, experimental approaches to housing policy.

Researcher quote

鈥淥ur research shows that states are once again becoming central players in efforts to tackle the global affordable housing crisis, but this isn鈥檛 a simple return to old models of public housing,鈥� said Dr Tom Gillespie. 鈥淚nstead, we are seeing a wide range of new approaches emerging as governments try to balance social needs with the realities of financialised urban development.

What are the implications?

The researchers suggest that understanding how different cities are responding can help inform future housing policy.

By identifying shared patterns and innovative approaches, the study provides a framework for policymakers seeking to tackle housing crises in their own contexts.

Publication details

The study was published in journal Urban Studies.

DOI:

Key findings

Rwanda has achieved rapid economic growth and built a reputation for effective state-led development, but the book argues that long-term prosperity may depend on deeper industrial transformation rather than continued reliance on service-led growth.

Why has Rwanda been described as Africa鈥檚 鈥榤odel nation鈥�?

Over the past two decades, Rwanda has often been portrayed as one of Africa鈥檚 standout economic success stories. The country has recorded strong GDP growth, expanded healthcare and education, increased tourism revenues and built an international reputation for effective state leadership.

Kigali has also positioned itself as a hub for finance, conferences and high-end tourism, helping Rwanda gain praise from international donors and policymakers.

What does the new book examine?

In , Dr Pritish Behuria offers one of the most in-depth accounts yet of how Rwanda has pursued rapid development in the face of major historical and structural challenges.

Drawing on nearly two decades of research, including extensive fieldwork and interviews with policymakers, business leaders and development partners, the book explores whether Rwanda has achieved genuine economic transformation or whether its growth masks deeper vulnerabilities.

Why might Rwanda鈥檚 future remain uncertain?

Dr Behuria argues that growth alone does not necessarily lead to long-term development.

Instead, sustainable prosperity typically depends on what economists call structural transformation: the shift from dependence on agriculture and raw materials towards higher-value manufacturing and productive domestic industries.

While this process underpinned the rise of many economies in Europe and East Asia, manufacturing remains limited across much of Africa, including Rwanda.

Has Rwanda relied too heavily on services?

Rather than prioritising manufacturing, Rwanda has focused heavily on services such as tourism, finance and international events.

The book examines whether this strategy can create enough jobs, technological learning and domestic business development to sustain long-term economic progress.

Rather than offering a simple verdict, the book presents a balanced assessment that recognises Rwanda鈥檚 achievements while exploring the risks and limits of its current model.

What does Rwanda鈥檚 experience say about development more broadly?

The book contributes to wider debates about whether African countries can build new pathways to development in today鈥檚 global economy.

鈥淭he space to experiment, protect industries and build domestic champions is much narrower. Rwanda鈥檚 experience shows what is possible - and how fragile success can be - in today鈥檚 globalised era.鈥�

Publication details

will be published by Cambridge University Press on April 30th, and will be available open access.

• Peer pressure, bullying and emotional difficulties are linked to higher substance use
• Strong relationships with parents and teachers, and a sense of school belonging, are protective
• Substance use increases with age, with alcohol the most commonly reported
• Close friendships are not always protective and may increase exposure to substance use
• Girls, LGBTQ+ young people and those from disadvantaged backgrounds report higher levels of use
• Differences between schools explain more variation than differences between neighbourhoods

What did the study find?

The study analysed data from the #BeeWell programme, covering more than 30,000 pupils across 100 schools and over 1,500 neighbourhoods. #BeeWell is a collaboration between 黑料网吃瓜爆料, The Gregson Family Foundation and Anna Freud who, together with the Greater 黑料网吃瓜爆料 Combined Authority (GMCA), launched the programme in 2019.

It shows that teenage substance use is shaped by a combination of social, emotional and environmental factors. Young people who felt pressured by peers, experienced bullying or struggled with emotional difficulties were more likely to use substances.

In contrast, those with strong relationships with parents and teachers, a sense of belonging at school and positive perceptions of their academic performance were less likely to report substance use.

How does substance use vary by age and type?

The findings show that substance use increases with age, with older teenagers significantly more likely to report using alcohol or drugs.

Alcohol was the most commonly-reported substance, with around one in six young people reporting recent use. Vaping was less common but still notable, with around one in fifteen reporting use.

What role do friendships and peer relationships play?

The study highlights a complex role for peer relationships. While often seen as protective, close friendships were in some cases associated with higher substance use.

This may reflect increased exposure to social situations where substances are available, suggesting that peer influence can both increase and reduce risk depending on context.

Are there differences between groups?

The researchers found important differences between groups of young people. Girls and LGBTQ+ young people were more likely to report substance use than boys.

Young people from disadvantaged backgrounds were also more likely to vape, smoke and use drugs, indicating that inequalities play a role in shaping these behaviours.

How do different factors influence different substances?

The study found that different substances are influenced by different factors.

Stress and emotional difficulties were strongly linked to vaping, smoking and alcohol use, suggesting these behaviours may act as coping mechanisms. In contrast, illicit drug use appeared to be more strongly shaped by relationships with adults and broader school experiences.

Why does the school environment matter?

While a wide range of determinants were identified, the study found that differences between schools explained more variation in substance use than differences between neighbourhoods.

This suggests that the school environment - particularly peer relationships, social norms and support systems - plays a crucial role in shaping young people鈥檚 behaviour.

Researcher quote

鈥淲e often assume that where young people live shapes their behaviour most, but our findings show that a wide range of social and emotional factors are at play,鈥� said lead researcher Dr Emma Thornton. 鈥淓xperiences like peer pressure, bullying and mental health difficulties can increase risk, while strong relationships and a sense of belonging can be protective.鈥�

What are the implications?

The research team hopes their findings will inform national policy and support the development of more targeted, evidence-based approaches to preventing substance use among young people.

Publication details

The study was published in the International Journal of Drug Policy.

DOI:

The ICAM is a successful partnership between bp, 黑料网吃瓜爆料, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Since its launch in 2012, the ICAM has supported research ranging from PhD-led exploratory projects to large-scale strategic initiatives involving multiple teams. The Centre has strengthened research capabilities, fostered interdisciplinary collaboration and provided students and early career researchers with valuable experience working alongside bp experts. Its model embeds bp Mentors within project teams, ensuring research remains industrially relevant and accelerates translation from laboratory to application.

The ICAM鈥檚 Next Chapter

Building on more than a decade of interdisciplinary research in materials science, the ICAM will continue to make a difference in today鈥檚 energy systems and help build tomorrow鈥檚, while aligning with bp鈥檚 strategic interests and technology roadmaps.

The ICAM鈥檚 research supports bp鈥檚 ambition to be a net zero company and to help get the world to net zero by 2050 or sooner by improving understanding of materials, processes and energy systems that can lower emissions and enhance performance. Recent examples include research on sustainable catalysts for CO鈧� conversion through the ICAM's EPSRC Prosperity Partnership on Sustainable Catalysis for Clean Growth, and work to develop better modelling tools for sustainable aviation fuel.

In recent years, the ICAM has welcomed additional expertise from associate members including Cardiff University and Johnson Matthey, both central to its previously mentioned Prosperity Partnership as well as University College London, University of Edinburgh, University of Leeds, University of Sheffield and University of Texas at Austin.

In its next chapter, the ICAM will continue to exemplify what can be achieved when industry and academia work together to address energy challenges.

Key findings

• A grammar-based authorship analysis method matched or exceeded leading AI systems across most test datasets
• The approach outperformed several neural network-based authorship verification models
• Researchers tested the method across 12 real-world writing datasets including emails, forums and reviews
• The system is more transparent than many AI models because it shows which grammatical patterns informed decisions
• Researchers say the findings challenge assumptions that more complex AI always produces better results

What did the study find?

Researchers found that a relatively simple, linguistically grounded method can perform as well as - and in some cases better than - complex artificial intelligence systems in identifying authorship.

The study suggests that increasingly sophisticated AI is not always necessary for high-performing writing analysis, particularly when methods are designed around established principles of how language works.

How does the LambdaG method work?

The method, called LambdaG, analyses patterns in grammar rather than relying on large-scale machine learning models.

It builds a statistical profile of how an individual writes by measuring features such as function word usage (words like it, of and the), sentence structure, punctuation patterns and other grammatical habits.

The researchers say these features create a distinctive behavioural signature for each writer.

Why is this different from AI-based authorship analysis?

Many current authorship verification systems rely on complex AI models trained on vast datasets. While effective, these systems can be difficult to interpret, computationally expensive and hard to explain in high-stakes settings such as legal investigations. By contrast, LambdaG provides a transparent explanation of which grammatical features influenced its conclusions.

How accurate was the method?

Researchers tested LambdaG across 12 datasets designed to reflect real-world writing scenarios, including emails, online forum posts and consumer reviews.

In most cases, the method achieved higher accuracy than several established authorship verification systems, including neural network-based approaches.

Why does grammar reveal authorship?

The researchers argue that grammar acts as a behavioural signature, like how we write our signature or how we walk.

Over time, individuals develop unconscious habits in how they structure sentences and use language. These habits create identifiable linguistic patterns that can distinguish one writer from another.

What are the potential applications?

The researchers say the method could support work in:

• Forensic linguistics
• Criminal investigations
• Online abuse detection
• Academic integrity monitoring

The study was published in Humanities and Social Sciences Communications.

DOI:

Fifty researchers from institutions  around the world -  including the University of 黑料网吃瓜爆料 - have issued the alert in calling for urgent action to stop fungal infections becoming untreatable.

They say fungi in soil, crops and hospitals are increasingly resistant to the medicines used to control them.

For most healthy people this poses little danger, but for patients with weakened immune systems the infections can be deadly.

Global strategies to tackle antimicrobial resistance have focused too heavily on bacteria and viruses while largely overlooking fungi, they argue.

To combat it, they have produced a five鈥憇tep plan to improve awareness, surveillance, infection control, responsible drug use and investment in new treatments.

The plan is intended to help shape the World Health Organization鈥檚 updated Global Action Plan on antimicrobial resistance later this year.

Scientists warn that several dangerous fungi are already spreading, including Trichophyton indotineae, which causes severe skin infections that are increasingly hard to treat.

Hospitals are also battling Candida auris, a fungus that can trigger life鈥憈hreatening bloodstream infections and kills around a third of those affected.

Another concern is Aspergillus fumigatus, a common mould that has developed resistance to widely used azole drugs in many countries.

Experts say much of this resistance begins not in hospitals but in the environment.

Fungicides used in agriculture are chemically similar to antifungal medicines used in human healthcare, allowing resistant strains to evolve in fields before reaching patients.

This link between environmental, agricultural and medical use 鈥� known as One Health 鈥� means resistance in crops can undermine treatments for people.

Researchers say coordinated action across science, farming, healthcare and policy is now essential to protect both global food supplies and patient safety.

They point to early initiatives, including the WHO鈥檚 fungal priority pathogen list and new One Health working groups, but warn these efforts must be embedded in global antimicrobial resistance policies.

The authors are urging governments and international bodies to prioritise antifungal resistance before more infections become untreatable.

鈥淔armers use huge amounts of fungicides to protect crops, and some of these chemicals stay in the environment for decades,鈥� said Professor from the University of 黑料网吃瓜爆料.

鈥淭here is now clear evidence these chemicals are helping fungi evolve into strains that can no longer be treated in people, plants or animals.鈥�

鈥淚f we don鈥檛 act, we will see more infections that simply can鈥檛 be cured, which puts lives and food supplies at risk,鈥� he added.

Professor Paul Verweij from Radboud University Medical Center in the natherlands, said: 鈥淲e are already seeing a quiet rise in dangerous fungi, from Candida auris in intensive care units to moulds in the community that no longer respond to standard medicines.

鈥淯nless antifungal resistance is included in the WHO鈥檚 2026 global plan with proper funding and targets we risk repeating the same mistakes made with antibiotic resistance.

鈥淯sing the same types of antifungal chemicals in both farming and medicine is speeding up resistance, and what happens in the fields is now affecting what happens in hospital wards,鈥� added  Professor Michaela Lackner of the Medical University of Innsbruck.

• Image: aspergillus fumigatus. Credit Isabelle Storer
• Closing the gap on fungal resistance is published in  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-026-04334-5

The findings, published today in  journal BBA: Molecular Basis of Disease  shed new light on ocular coloboma, a rare congenital eye condition affecting around 1 in 5000 births and responsible for roughly 10% of childhood blindness.

Some of the researchers are also based at 黑料网吃瓜爆料 University NHS Foundation Trust  and the Greenwood Genetic Centre in the United States.

Coloboma arises when a structure in the developing eye, the optic fissure, fails to close properly and often co鈥憃ccurs with other tissue鈥慺usion problems such as cleft lip and/or palate.

The research focused on YAP1, a protein that helps guide how organs form and how tissues stay healthy.

YAP1 acts like a switch inside cells, helping them decide when to grow, change, or survive based on signals they receive.

Although changes in YAP1 have been linked to coloboma, it has been unclear why some people with these changes develop severe eye defects while others remain unaffected. To address that, they tested the different variants and compared their effects.

To understand the consequences of YAP1鈥檚 inactivity during eye development, the researchers studied human retinal organoids - lab-grown miniature versions of the developing human retina grown in the lab. When they reduced the activity of YAP1, they saw effects on how early retinal cells grow and develop.

Disrupting YAP1, they found,  reduced the activity of genes needed for early retinal cells to grow and maintain their identity.

 As a result, the cells developed more slowly, providing a potential explanation for how eye formation goes wrong.

The study also showed that not all YAP1 variants have the same effect. Using computer modelling alongside experimental data, the researchers found that the precise location of each genetic change determines how strongly it disrupts YAP1 function.

This helps explain why coloboma can vary so widely between individuals, even among those carrying changes in the same gene.

Coloboma has been linked to disease causing variants in more than 40 genes, but thanks to the study, YAP1 is now identified as  an important contributor.

鈥淭hese findings give us a much clearer picture of how small genetic changes can have major effects during eye development,鈥� said the lead author from 黑料网吃瓜爆料.

鈥淏y pinpointing how each variant disrupts YAP1鈥檚 function, we can better interpret genetic results in patients and move closer to ways of supporting healthy eye formation.

鈥淏y combining stem鈥慶ell models with detailed genetic testing, we鈥檙e finally beginning to understand how tiny changes in YAP1 can have such a big impact on how the eye forms.

鈥淭his work brings us a step closer to explaining why some children develop coloboma.

鈥淭hough retinal organoids cannot currently replace the use of animal models, this study shows how they can help us meet our ethical and legal obligations to replace, reduce and refine the use of animals in research wherever feasible.

鈥淚t also offers a new framework for understanding how likely YAP1 mutations are to cause disease in children with unexplained eye conditions.鈥�

• Domain-specific mechanisms of YAP1 variants in ocular coloboma revealed by in-vitro and organoid studies is available DOI:

• Image: retinal organoid

The initiative, called KOKU Bladder, brings together evidence鈥慴ased education, pelvic floor muscle training, behaviour change techniques and gamification to support engagement and long鈥憈erm adherence.

The programme is designed for people to use independently at home while also complementing face鈥憈o鈥慺ace care delivered by healthcare professionals.

Pelvic health plays a vital role in healthy ageing, helping people maintain mobility, dignity, independence and overall quality of life.

Urinary incontinence affects more than 14 million people in the UK and between 55 and 60 million across Europe.

Around one in three adults over 60 experience urinary incontinence, rising to nearly half of those aged 80 and above.

Despite its scale and impact, incontinence remains one of the most under discussed and under treated health conditions, often hidden due to stigma, embarrassment and fragmented services.

Professor  Javier Jerez鈥慠oig from the University of Vic, Principal Investigator, said: 鈥淜OKU Bladder is not just another digital tool; it is a solution shaped directly by the people who will use it and the professionals who support them.鈥�

Professor  Emma Stanmore from 黑料网吃瓜爆料 is CEO of KOKU Health, a UK digital health company which originated as a research project at the University of 黑料网吃瓜爆料 

As a university spin-out, KOKU translates academic research into a practical tool designed to reduce falls, improve mobility, and support people to live healthier, more independent lives at home.

She added: 鈥淏y embedding gamification within a clinically credible framework, we aim to make self鈥憁anagement both motivating and meaningful.鈥�

Although several digital pelvic health tools already exist, a recent review identified only four evidence鈥慴ased solutions that include people over 50, and none have been genuinely co鈥慸esigned with end users and professionals.

In 2025, a total of 54 people across Spain, Lithuania and the UK contributed to the co鈥慸esign of KOKU Bladder, including 31 potential users, 15 healthcare professionals and eight experts in pelvic health and ageing.

Participants highlighted the need for clinically trustworthy content, adaptive pelvic floor training, meaningful personalisation, multimedia guidance and embedded behaviour change techniques such as goal setting, self鈥憁onitoring and feedback.

KOKU Bladder is now in its pilot phase, with 75 participants testing the platform across English, Spanish and Lithuanian versions.

The next stage of the project will be an experimental study beginning this summer in 黑料网吃瓜爆料, led by 黑料网吃瓜爆料 to formally evaluate feasibility, engagement and user experience.

• More information about the project is available at , where you can also register interest via the Contacts section

Figures for 2025 show the Museum welcomed 648,595 visitors throughout the year, meaning it continues to buck the trend, in the face of an overall decline in visitor numbers since 2019.

黑料网吃瓜爆料 Museum's visitor numbers are up 76% over that period, compared with a decline of 7% across all ALVA member sites.

The total number of visits to 409 ALVA sites in 2025 was 165 million. This did, however, represent a 2% increase on the previous year.

Since reopening in February 2023, following a 拢15 million redevelopment, has seen impressive growth in audiences, driven by exciting new gallery spaces, special exhibitions such as The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years, a rich and diverse events programme and engagement with schools across Greater 黑料网吃瓜爆料.

The Vivarium is a centre for globally-significant conservation projects, caring for around 30 different amphibian and reptile species, many of which are critically endangered. It has sat at the heart of 黑料网吃瓜爆料 Museum for more than 60 years, growing out of work by researchers at the University of 黑料网吃瓜爆料 to inspire generations of visitors.

黑料网吃瓜爆料 is the only place outside the Americas where you will find the Variable harlequin toad (Atelopus varius). The Museum Museum houses the world鈥檚 only captive 鈥榖ack-up鈥� population, thanks to a pioneering partnership with Panama Wildlife Conservation Charity, just one of many projects designed to safeguard the future of endangered species and develop learning programmes that raise awareness of threats to biodiversity.

Scheduled for completion in Spring 2027, the 鈥楬abitats of Hope鈥� development promises to connect museum audiences with this world-class care, research and international collaboration.

Funding will help to revitalise public displays and create new, state-of-the art facilities and bespoke naturalistic environments for the amphibian and reptile species cared for by the Vivarium. It will also allow the development of dedicated facilities for schools teaching and visiting tour groups, further enhancing the gallery鈥檚 potential for learning.

The Museum will also create new permanent displays that explore the connections between its wider collections and the animals it cares for, celebrating the deep ties between reptiles, amphibians and people, and revealing how these animals have shaped human cultures and understanding.

Georgina Young, Head of Collections and Exhibitions at 黑料网吃瓜爆料 Museum, said: 鈥淗abitats of Hope speaks to how wonderful and how vulnerable the world鈥檚 rarest amphibians are. Major investment from the DCMS/Wolfson Museum and Galleries Improvement Fund means 黑料网吃瓜爆料 Museum can match the highest standards of animal care with a more accessible visitor experience, while weaving stories of research, conservation, partnership and action that stretch from thriving ponds in 黑料网吃瓜爆料 to hyper-biodiverse ecosystems in Costa Rica and Panama.鈥�

The Habitats of Hope project is expected to commence in December 2026 and complete in April 2027. The Vivarium will close during this period.

The study, published in PLOS Mental Health comes as Colombia has taken steps to expand healthcare access to some of the 2.86 million Venezuelans in the country, including offering temporary protection status.

However large numbers of the migrants are ineligible for protection, particularly those with irregular status who can only access emergency services or limited humanitarian programmes while discrimination and administrative barriers persist.

Led by GP Dr John Fitton, the study was adapted from his Master of Public Health dissertation at 黑料网吃瓜爆料. He is now a PhD student at University College London.

Nari帽o, on the Ecuadorian border, is a major crossing point for Venezuelan migrants fleeing economic collapse, political instability, food insecurity, and breakdown of health and social services.

That and the physical and emotionally exhausting nature of the journey itself contributed to their poor psychological condition.

Dr Fitton also says substance abuse-  particularly  among unaccompanied men in transit -  may be seen as self鈥憁edication for hunger, exhaustion and distress.

The drugs, he says, are cheap, widely available along routes, and may even be more accessible than food when resources are scarce.

The researcher interviewed frontline community workers, who explained how recent cuts in international aid to NGOs working in Colombia have intensified gaps in care.

The community workers reported that mental health services for irregular migrants in Nari帽o are now almost entirely provided by dwindling numbers of humanitarian and community organisations.

As the organisations start to withdraw through lack of funding, irregular migrants are likely to be left with no mental health support at all.

The community workers described how poverty, unstable housing, lack of transport and the pressures of constant movement make it nearly impossible for migrants to seek ongoing mental health treatment.

And there was, said Dr Fitton, confusion among some healthcare staff about migrants鈥� legal rights and documents conflicting views on whether discrimination affects access to care.

鈥淥ur findings show that community workers are doing everything they can, but the system in Colombia is simply not built to meet the mental health needs of people in constant transit,鈥� said Dr Fitton.

鈥淲e show a system under strain with community workers struggling to fill widening gaps in support.

鈥淐aught between hunger, exhaustion and exclusion, some migrants slide into a brutal spiral: substances numb pain but deepen isolation, bar them from shelter, fracture their dignity, and leave a mental health crisis untouched.

鈥淲hat begins as a will to survive has become a sorry tale of abandonment by systems and services.鈥�

• The paper Barriers to access and unmet needs in mental health care for Venezuelan migrants in a southern border region of Colombia: the experiences of community workers is available . DOI:
• Image: John Fitton at the Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia in Pasto, Nari帽o who hosted him.

Computational simulations of mathematical models of fluid flow are essential for everyday applications ranging from predicting the weather to the assessment of nuclear reactor safety. The advent of this simulation capability over the past 50 year has revolutionised the development of fuel-e铿僣ient aeroplanes and sail configurations on racing yachts can now be optimised in real time, providing the marginal gains needed to win races in the Americas Cup.

Optimised aerodynamics means that modern day cyclists can ride faster, golf balls fly further and Olympic swimmers consistently set world records. Computational fluid dynamics also enables the modelling of the flow of blood in the human heart, making the provision of patient-specific surgery possible.

Scientists and engineers rely on computer-based simulations to understand, predict, and design these systems that they can鈥檛 easily test in real life. But traditional fluid鈥憇imulation methods often require hours or even days of computation, and struggle when the flow becomes fast or highly complex. 

Machine鈥憀earning鈥慴ased simulations, once trained, can make these assessments almost instantly. Instant feedback would allow rapid design testing, real鈥憈ime adjustments, and rapid testing variation without the usual computational burden.

The findings were published in the

The study uses the stability of fluid motion as the foundation for a new method that predicts how complex systems behave. Instead of relying on costly laboratory experiments, solutions to the fundamental equations of fluid motion are generated numerically. This allows the machine-learning model to be trained on accurate, high-quality data drawn directly from physics, demonstrating that the model can accurately handle challenging simulations.

A key focus of the work is identifying bifurcation points 鈥搕he moments when a smooth, steady flow (laminar flow) suddenly begins to change 鈥� similar to calm, evenly flowing river as it hits an obstruction, or splits and fluids start to mix and form eddies. Laminar flow is when a liquid behaves in a smooth and orderly way, like pouring honey, the flow is consistent and steady.

By successfully using a machine鈥憀earning model to identify the points at which a system changes behaviour or in this case bifurcates, the study suggests that, with further refinement, machine鈥憀earning鈥慴ased models could become a practical alternative to traditional fluid鈥憁odelling techniques in the future.

Professor Silvester added: "This marriage of old and new approaches holds the promise of efficient computation of physically realistic fluid flows in a myriad of practical situations. The development of refined mathematical models of complex fluids is likely to be critically important if the promise of AI is to be effectively realised in the future.鈥�

Delivered by Unit M and enabled by GMCA Investment Zone funding, the will provide each venture with expert commercialisation support, access to mentors, investor readiness training, lab and workspace access, up to 拢25,000 in equity-free funding, and the opportunity to showcase to investors and strategic partners at a demo day.

The programme supports the University鈥檚 vision to become Europe鈥檚 most inclusive and impactful innovation ecosystem. The is designed to drive the journey from research to real-world impact, build a strong innovation network, and streamline collaboration, turning ideas into outcomes that benefit society. 

The companies span many different fields, including advanced materials, biotech, space, AI and climate innovation. They include:

• SporeSense 鈥� An early disease detection device enabling farmers to identify crop infections before visible symptoms emerge, enabling the reduction, and targeted use, of fungicides. This is being developed by a collaboration of companies and agri-tech specialists, spearheaded by University of 黑料网吃瓜爆料 researchers and with commercial development support from the University鈥檚 .

• 鈥� Imprinted Diagnostics uses a novel form of detection (molecularly imprinted polymers) and a patented detection platform. Commercialisation is being supported by 黑料网吃瓜爆料鈥檚 Innovation Factory and is expected to lead to the first product; a rapid, portable, blood test that can diagnose heart attacks on the spot.

• NX Health Limited 鈥� The world鈥檚 first non-invasive wireless neurostimulation device, a medical technology that delivers targeted, low-voltage electrical currents to nerves or specific brain areas, specifically designed to help individuals with autism spectrum disorder to manage daily challenges that impact their quality of life, such as sensory sensitivities, anxiety and sleep disturbances.

• 鈥� Energy-efficient heaters, manufactured in the UK, delivering more than 85% greater efficiency than electric alternatives. WarmTronics actively works in partnership with 黑料网吃瓜爆料.

• Graphene Thermal 鈥� Modular floor heating panels that reach operating temperature in under one minute. Using self-regulating graphene nano-composite heating elements, the system delivers instant, on-demand heating, cutting energy use and installation costs versus underfloor heating.

• 鈥� This spinout from 黑料网吃瓜爆料 Innovation Factory is using advanced materials engineering to increase the length of satellite operations in very low Earth orbit by mitigating atmospheric drag and atomic oxygen erosion. The technology unlocks longer satellite lifetimes, allows for lower orbits, higher-performance Earth observation and better in-orbit communications services.

   

• 鈥� Digital solutions that translate complex genomic data into practical guidance for clinicians. The technology integrates these insights directly into clinical systems, supporting safer, more personalised treatment choices.

• 鈥� A 3D-omnidirectional wind turbine designed for clean, efficient energy generation in urban settings. This technology unlocks high鈥慹nergy wind zones created around buildings, which is up to 27 times stronger, offering major potential for decentralised, resilient urban power.

• Sineco 鈥� Real-time data aggregation technology that cleans and integrates biometric signals from wearable devices, transforming noisy, fragmented data into reliable physiological insights. This enables accurate, responsive AI applications that enhance performance, wellbeing, and engagement across fitness, healthcare, and digital environments.

• 鈥� A wireless wearable system featuring sensorised insoles and thigh bands that provide real-time feedback to lower-limb amputees. The device is non-invasive, compatible with all prostheses, and delivers multi-point sensory stimulation mapped to different areas of the foot, creating a more intuitive gait experience. Designed for independent use without clinical assistance, it adapts to each user鈥檚 needs to support personalised rehabilitation and improved mobility.

, Associate Vice-President for Enterprise and Chief Scientific Officer at Unit M said: 鈥淲e鈥檙e delighted to announce the first cohort of the Unit M . This group reflects the incredible depth of innovation across 黑料网吃瓜爆料 and the wider Greater 黑料网吃瓜爆料 ecosystem, bringing together ambitious technical founders with ideas that have the potential to deliver real-world impact. The team are excited to work with this cohort as they take their next steps on their commercialisation journey.鈥�

is open to technical founders and researchers who have moved past early research or initial concept development and already on a path toward turning their science and technology into investment-ready deep tech startups. The programme runs from April 鈥� June. This is a multi-year project funded by the GMCA and announcements on future cohorts will be made in the coming months.

Potential investors will have the chance to hear about each of the chosen ventures at a demo day in June and can register to become a mentor.

• on 24 June

The researchers created a new physics-based module that allows heat produced by urban traffic to be represented directly within the Community Earth System Model (CESM) 鈥� one of the world鈥檚 most widely used global climate models for predicting how the Earth鈥檚 climate behaves.

By adding urban traffic-related heat processes directly into the numerical model, the team were able to show how vehicles can measurably raise temperatures in cities and influence how heat moves between roads, buildings and the surrounding air.

The study, published in the , used real-world traffic data, supplied by Transport for Greater 黑料网吃瓜爆料 (TfGM), alongside open datasets to validate the model for 黑料网吃瓜爆料, UK, and Toulouse, France.

Lead author Dr Zhonghua Zheng, Co-Lead for Environmental Data Science & AI at 黑料网吃瓜爆料 Environmental Research Institute (MERI) and Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in Data Science & Environmental Analytics at 黑料网吃瓜爆料, said: 鈥淩esearch on urban heat has traditionally focused on buildings, materials and land surfaces. However, the direct heat produced by vehicles 鈥� from engines, exhausts and braking 鈥� has received far less attention in large-scale climate models.鈥�

In 黑料网吃瓜爆料, the results showed that traffic heat increased simulated air temperatures by around 0.16掳C during summer and 0.35掳C in winter. The scientists say that while these temperature increases may appear small, they can make a meaningful difference during extreme heat events.

During the July 2022 UK heatwave, the model suggests that traffic-related heat contributed to increases in human heat stress indicators, pushing the 鈥渇eels like鈥� temperature above dangerous thresholds for longer periods.

The study also found that traffic heat does not just affect outdoor temperatures, but indoor temperatures too. Heat released at street level can transfer into buildings, increasing the need for air conditioning in summer.

Unlike previous approaches, the new model can also simulate different types of vehicles 鈥� including petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric vehicles 鈥� and can respond to changes in traffic patterns and weather conditions.

This means scientists and stakeholders can explore how shifts in transport systems, such as the move toward electric vehicles, could change how much heat traffic adds to urban environments.

The work could help cities better understand how transport policy and the transition to cleaner vehicles may influence future climate resilience.

Yuan Sun, first author of this paper and PhD researcher from 黑料网吃瓜爆料, added: 鈥淲e would like to highlight the importance of considering transport systems when planning for climate adaptation, urban cooling strategies and net-zero transitions.鈥�

The new grant funded by an Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Health Technologies Connectivity Award will assess the benefit and suitability of the software for use within the NHS.

The researchers hope the software, called (In Silico Assessment of pregnancy via Digital Integrated Environments) will help doctors tackle the stubbornly high prevalence of stillbirths. Late-term losses are especially hard to foresee, as clinicians continue to lack an accurate means of assessing a baby's oxygen supply before birth.

Around half of stillbirths are associated with fetal growth restriction (FGR), a condition caused by impaired placental function that limits the baby鈥檚 growth. Current ultrasound tools detect only around half of FGR cases, and even when identified, there is no treatment. Clinicians must instead make complex decisions about the timing of birth, balancing the risks of premature delivery against the danger of waiting too long.

from 黑料网吃瓜爆料 said: 鈥淭oday鈥檚 clinical decision-making relies on indirect indicators such as Doppler ultrasound, fetal movements and heart rate patterns. While umbilical artery Doppler has helped reduce stillbirth risk in premature babies, most stillbirths still occur in pregnancies where Doppler results appear normal. Crucially, no existing clinical test can directly assess fetal oxygenation 鈥� the primary driver of stillbirth risk.鈥�

Dr Michele Darrow from the Rosalind Franklin Institute said: 鈥淏y integrating computational physics-based modelling, imaging science and physiological insights, the software we have developed is able to generate real-time, actionable information.鈥�

The researchers are working with international partners at the University of Auckland to address the gap by rethinking how routinely collected clinical data are interpreted. The Auckland team鈥檚 work focuses on integrating physiological understanding with advanced physics-based modelling. This approach underpins the development of SADIE, which uses existing ultrasound technology and clinical data to predict fetal oxygen status in under 30 seconds. 

Dr Darrow added: 鈥淲hile the proof-of-principle results are promising, further work is needed before SADIE can be tested in large鈥憇cale clinical trials. This new funding aims to ensure the models can run reliably in real time and produce predictions that clinicians can rely on.鈥�

Working with clinicians and health system leaders, the team will also assess where SADIE will fit within current NHS care pathways. This step is essential to designing future clinical trials that can demonstrate whether smarter use of ultrasound data can reduce stillbirth while avoiding unnecessary early intervention.

By combining imaging science, computational modelling and clinical insight, this work reflects the researcher鈥檚 mission to develop transformative technologies that improve human health.

The event, Powering Research Commercialisation Across the North, hosted by the Innovate UK ICURe in partnership with 黑料网吃瓜爆料 and NxNW Partners, marked a significant moment for the UK鈥檚 innovation ecosystem. It brought together key stakeholders to launch the new Innovate UK ICURe strategy, which sets out a renewed focus on strengthening research commercialisation across the UK, aligning with the UK Government鈥檚 priority industrial sectors, supported by a coordinated regional delivery.

Innovate UK鈥檚 Innovation-to-Commercialisation of University Research (ICURe) programme is the UK鈥檚 flagship early-stage research pre-accelerator. Through closer collaboration between regional partners, ICURe aims to support a stronger pipeline of investment-ready opportunities and deepen connections between research, industry and investors.

The programme will be delivered through the North by Northwest (NxNW) consortium 鈥� a partnership of universities across the North of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. 黑料网吃瓜爆料 will lead the NxNW consortium through the University鈥檚 gateway to innovation.

Professor Aline Miller, University of 黑料网吃瓜爆料 and Unit M, said: 鈥淣xNW Partners, University of 黑料网吃瓜爆料 and Unit M all share a strategic vision; to strengthen the innovation ecosystem across the northern belt of the UK. We see ICURe as central to our plan and an enabler of commercialisation of cutting-edge research across the priority sectors of the UK Industrial Strategy.

鈥淚t was clear from the event that the UK鈥檚 ability to scale research-driven innovation depends on stronger connections between regions, partners and investors. We鈥檙e working in collaboration with our regional partners to build the conditions for research-led companies to start, stay, grow and scale.鈥�

During the event, spin-out showcases and networking sessions provided a platform for emerging ventures to engage directly with investors and partners, reinforcing the strength of the pipeline being developed through ICURe.

Partners attending the launch included representatives from UKRI, Greater 黑料网吃瓜爆料 Combined Authority (GMCA), Liverpool City Region (LCR), Northern Gritstone, Invest Northern Ireland, Scottish Enterprise, and university partners from across the NxNW consortium.

Since its launch in 2014, Innovate UK ICURe has played a pivotal role in supporting researchers to translate early-stage technologies into commercial opportunities. The programme has supported the creation of 388 spin-outs, helped ventures raise 拢1.61 billion in additional investment, and contributed to the creation of 2,495 jobs. Today, 32% of ICURe teams are female-led, reflecting a continued commitment to broadening participation in innovation.

By combining funding, customer discovery and commercial expertise, ICURe acts as a critical pipeline for research-driven innovation and a key enabler of regional innovation ecosystems.

Professor Aline Miller added: 鈥淭he ICURe NxNW event underscored the growing strength of the North as a connected and collaborative innovation ecosystem. With strengthened regional leadership, aligned national delivery and a clear focus on supporting ventures from early-stage research through to scale, ICURe is playing a central role in shaping the future of UK research commercialisation.

鈥淎s the programme enters this next phase, its continued success will depend on deepening partnerships, strengthening investment pathways and ensuring that the UK鈥檚 most promising technologies are supported to reach their full potential.

鈥淭ogether, we鈥檙e building a more connected, impactful future for UK research.鈥�

Geeta Nathan, Deputy Director of Innovation Ecosystems at Innovate UK, said: 鈥淏ringing together the ICURe and NxNW community in 黑料网吃瓜爆料 highlighted both the strength of the UK鈥檚 research base and the scale of opportunity ahead. Our focus is on backing bold ideas aligned to the UK鈥檚 priority industrial sectors (IS-6), with real commercial potential, supporting strong teams and creating clearer pathways from research into market.

"The launch of the next phase of Innovate UK ICURe, alongside initiatives such as the UKRI Venture Builder pilot, reflects our commitment to strengthening those pathways and helping early-stage ventures build momentum. By working closely with our delivery partners and regional ecosystems, we are creating the conditions for more research-driven businesses to start, grow and scale across the UK.鈥�

Published in the journal , the study shows that SAFER鈥慏em is highly inclusive and has the potential to provide safer, more coordinated transitions from hospital to community care, which supports the goals of the NHS 10鈥慪ear Health Plan for England.

The study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Three Schools Dementia Career Development Award and the .

Care bundles are a set of practical, evidence鈥慴ased interventions designed to improve the quality and safety of care for patients. The NHS Improvement SAFER patient flow bundle, for example, is a practical tool designed to reduce delays and improve patient safety in adult inpatient wards. The research team had already developed a care bundle called SAFER鈥慚ental Health (SAFER鈥慚H), which is an adapted version of the NHS SAFER patient flow bundle tailored to the specific needs of mental health settings.

By applying a co-designing approach, researchers worked with participants to redesign SAFER鈥慚H into a clearer, simpler, and more dementia鈥慽nclusive version, the SAFER-Dem.  

, Research Fellow at the University of 黑料网吃瓜爆料, who led the study, said: 鈥淧eople with dementia often have difficult experiences when discharged from mental health hospitals. Many feel confused, unheard, or not involved in decisions about their own care. Staff also report challenges, such as lack of time, unclear communication and busy ward environments.

鈥淲e worked directly with people living with dementia, unpaid carers, and healthcare professionals to help improve the discharge process from hospital to community for people with dementia. Our study participants took part in workshops and interviews, where they tried out early versions of the SAFER鈥慏em materials and gave feedback. Altogether, 29 people participated.鈥�

Participants agreed that current discharge processes are often poor. Common problems included unclear communication, not receiving enough information, difficulty navigating busy environments, and a lack of involvement in planning. Medication information was a particular concern. As a result of the workshops and interviews, key changes were proposed to refine the dementia-inclusive discharge care bundle.

Overall, participants felt that SAFER-Dem could help improve conversations, support shared decision鈥憁aking, and make the discharge process feel more person鈥慶entred. However, they noted that people with more severe dementia may need more support or may not always be able to use the materials independently.

Co-author Professor Maria Panagioti from 黑料网吃瓜爆料 said: 鈥淥ur study shows that by improving the quality and consistency of discharge planning, SAFER-Dem has the potential to enhance patient safety, strengthen system resilience, and support more timely discharges where appropriate. It may also help reduce avoidable readmissions by ensuring that patients leave hospital with the right support in place.

鈥淭he SAFER-Dem intervention is not just about speeding up discharge, but about improving how discharge is delivered鈥攎aking it safer, more personalised, and more effective for both patients and the wider health system.鈥�

The researchers concluded that SAFER鈥慏em shows real promise for making discharge from mental health inpatient care safer, clearer, and more inclusive for people living with dementia. Further evaluation and testing will help determine how SAFER鈥慏em can be scaled across mental health services.

• The paper SAFER-Dem: generating co-designed adaptations to a discharge care planning bundle for people living with dementia, published in the BMJ Open is available . DOI: 

DOI:  

Professor Zara Hodgson FREng is an internationally recognised expert in nuclear energy policy and research, and Director of the University鈥檚 Dalton Nuclear Institute. She has been appointed to support the NDA 2026 Review, which has been commissioned by the Government to provide assurance on the NDA鈥檚 performance and governance, and to make recommendations on improvements.

The Review is led by Dr Tim Stone CBE, a senior expert adviser to five previous Secretaries of State in two successive UK governments and the Chair of Nuclear Risk Insurers. Professor Hodgson will join a team of three other independent experts to support Dr Stone.

The review will focus on the NDA鈥檚 strategic planning and management, project and programme delivery, and financial management. It will assess how effectively the NDA delivers value for money for the taxpayer while maintaining the highest standards of safety, transparency and governance across the UK鈥檚 civil nuclear legacy. Reviewers will challenge current practices, propose bold value-for-money recommendations, and highlight good practice while identifying areas for improvement.

Professor Hodgson is a Professor of Nuclear Engineering at 黑料网吃瓜爆料 and has played a pivotal role in recent UK Government interventions to grow the UK鈥檚 nuclear fuel production capability. Her work has supported the UK鈥檚 Net Zero ambitions, strengthened energy security and helped build more resilient nuclear supply chains. At 黑料网吃瓜爆料, she leads contributions to national nuclear programmes through high impact research, education and training, and independent advice.

Professor Hodgson鈥檚 appointment reflects 黑料网吃瓜爆料鈥檚 leadership in nuclear research and policy, and its long-standing role in providing independent expertise to inform national decision-making.

The striking structure located within the leafy Brunswick park area of campus is being modernised to ensure students will have the best experience while studying at 黑料网吃瓜爆料. 

鈥淭he Zochonis building is being comprehensively refurbished to become one of the first net zero carbon buildings on campus. The refurbishment delivers modern lecture theatres and teaching rooms, dedicated research facilities for clinical, developmental and experimental psychology, and welcoming student social and study areas, all designed to support learning, collaboration, and wellbeing.鈥�  Dr Nils Muhlert, Head of Division for Psychology, Communication & Human Neurosciences, Academic Lead for Zochonis refurbishment.

Students will enjoy:

• Refreshed teaching spaces and lecture theatres
• A cozy campus hub where you can prepare lunches and relax
• Modern study spaces
• State-of-the-art psychological research spaces, including clinical suites and virtual reality facilities.   

Zero Carbon
The Zochonis refurb project is a big step towards UoM鈥檚 carbon reduction ambitions. Matt Ellmore, Senior Project Manager, Estates & Facilities Directorate said:  鈥淲e are insulating the roof and facade, servicing all windows, switching to LED lighting throughout, installing solar panels, and replacing the gas boiler system with air-source heat pumps. These measures will result in an 80% annual reduction in emissions, equivalent to 238 tonnes of carbon saved each year.鈥� 

Delivering sustainability
In addition to improving carbon and energy efficiencies, the university is also aiming to enhance students' experience by increasing the quality of cycling facilities, connecting researchers to data from projects, sharing innovations and best practice with our partners and supplying a healthy environment that provides for people and nature.  

One object that caught the eye of researchers at 黑料网吃瓜爆料 was a simple drinks can. When crushed while filled with liquid, it behaves completely differently from an empty one. Instead of collapsing suddenly, it produces an ordered sequence of circular rings that appear one by one.

But it turns out there鈥檚 more going on than just a satisfying visual. Published in the journal , the 黑料网吃瓜爆料 team has discovered that the formation of corrugations follows a rare mathematical process - and the discovery could have implications for safety across multiple industries.

Lead researcher, , PhD researcher at 黑料网吃瓜爆料, said: 鈥淢ost of us have stamped on an empty can and watched it collapse instantly. But a full can behaves completely differently. It forms one buckle after another in an orderly fashion, until the whole can is wrapped in evenly spaced corrugations. We were fascinated and wanted to understand what was driving that behaviour 鈥� particularly as liquid-filled containers are found everywhere in our day-to-day lives.鈥�

To find out, the researchers combined laboratory experiments with a type of mathematical modelling typically used to study natural pattern formation, such as water ripples or wave formations.

They discovered that the sequence of buckles is anything but random. Because the liquid inside the can is almost incompressible, it changes the way the aluminium can carries force.

鈥淎 standard can usually starts to buckle near the middle,鈥� explained , Reader in Nonlinear Dynamics at 黑料网吃瓜爆料. 鈥淏ut tiny variations in shape or size of the can, can shift where the first ring appears. After that, however, the physics takes over, and the sequence becomes extremely predictable. As the can compresses, the metal softens and then stiffens again 鈥� this cycle naturally forms the rings. Even changes in the can鈥檚 internal pressure don鈥檛 alter the overall pattern much. That tells us that the buckling sequence is a fundamental property of any liquid-filled cylinder made from metal, not just a quirky effect of a drinks can.鈥�

The team discovered that this step-by-step pattern matches a mathematical process known as homoclinic snaking - a phenomenon where bumps or ripples appear one by one in a precise, controlled order. Although mathematicians have suggested that this 鈥榮naking鈥� could underpin the buckling of cylinders, uncovering its trace in a real physical system is exceptionally rare.

The findings could also have far broader implications. Liquid-filled metal cylindrical shells are used throughout modern engineering 鈥� in industrial storage, transportation, construction, energy systems, and even in parts of rockets.

Yet, despite their ubiquity, engineers have lacked a clear understanding of how these structures might buckle when compressed.

, Royal Society University Research Fellow at 黑料网吃瓜爆料. said: 鈥淯nderstanding the exact sequence of buckles could help engineers spot the early warning signs of failure long before a system collapses. That could lead to safer designs, better monitoring techniques, and more reliable structures in a whole range of industries. It might even open up possibilities for manufacturing. For example, it could be possible to create corrugated cans after filling without needing a mould.鈥�

During an emotional visit to The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in 黑料网吃瓜爆料 and the 黑料网吃瓜爆料 Cancer Research Centre, Kimberley met with scientists and researchers and witnessed first-hand how The Christie Charity Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal, set up at Sarah鈥檚 request and supported by the bandmates, is transforming lives.

At the heart of that impact is Annette Illing, a mum of three who had no symptoms, no family history of breast cancer, and no reason to suspect anything was wrong. But after taking part in a groundbreaking study to identify which women are most at risk of developing breast cancer in their 30s and backed by the Appeal, Annette received news that would change everything.

What began as a simple decision 鈥� 鈥淲hy not?鈥� 鈥� led to an early diagnosis that may ultimately have saved her life.

Annette鈥檚 dad and sister are both GPs, and the opportunity to better understand her breast cancer risk while contributing to vital research felt like a positive step. 鈥淚 couldn鈥檛 really see any negatives,鈥� she recalls. 鈥淚t would either be 鈥業鈥檓 fine鈥� and carry on as I am, or 鈥業鈥檓 at increased risk鈥� and might need to make some lifestyle changes.鈥�

At just 39 years old, and with no family history of breast cancer, Annette wasn鈥檛 overly concerned about having a genetic risk factor.

After researching the (Breast Cancer Risk Assessment in Young Women) study and learning it was supported by The Christie Charity Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal, () Annette decided to take part. The BCAN-RAY study is also funded by Cancer Research UK with support from the Shine Bright Foundation.

It was a decision that proved life-changing as in June 2025, after Annette had been identified as being at increased risk by the BCAN-RAY study, she had her first mammogram and was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer.

She says: 鈥淚t was a huge shock as I don鈥檛 have a family history of breast cancer. It was scary to hear the word 鈥榗ancer,鈥� but there was hope. I鈥檇 rather know and have choices than not know. It was caught early, meaning it could be removed, and preventive treatment was available.鈥�

Without the BCAN-RAY study, Annette would have waited another decade for her first routine mammogram. 鈥淲hen the mammogram picked up my cancer, it was undetectable by any other means. If I鈥檇 waited, it would have grown and changed my prognosis. It could have been a completely different story,鈥� she says.

Dr from 黑料网吃瓜爆料, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and 黑料网吃瓜爆料 University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), leads the BCAN-RAY study and said: 鈥淭his study was designed to identify women at increased risk of breast cancer. Annette鈥檚 experience shows exactly why this is so important. By detecting breast cancers at the very earliest stages, treatment is more straight forward and survival outcomes much better. We can also offer women approaches to prevent breast cancer to stop them developing the disease at all. Early detection may have saved Annette鈥檚 life, and we want to offer that same chance to many more women.鈥�

Annette from Withington, 黑料网吃瓜爆料, underwent two surgeries at Wythenshawe Hospital, part of 黑料网吃瓜爆料 University NHS Foundation Trust, followed by radiotherapy at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, and is now on preventive hormone therapy for five years. She will also have annual mammograms for peace of mind. She says: 鈥淚 feel very hopeful for the future. My cancer has been removed, and I鈥檓 in the best possible position to move forward.鈥�

As a mum to three daughters aged 13, 11 and 8 yrs old, Annette is particularly thankful to have been part of the BCAN-RAY study. She says: 鈥淚 am so grateful for this study and future studies like it, so that I know my daughters will be well looked after by the Breast Cancer Family History Risk and Prevention Clinic when the time comes.鈥�

She adds: 鈥淚 could not have got through the last six months without the support of my husband Mark, my daughters and my faith. To my family and friends who have picked me up when needed, listened to me and allowed me an outlet to process each step; to my group of ladies who I met during surgery and physio  sessions, who I have shared experiences with and understand what it's like to go through the treatment; to my employer and class team who have been incredibly supportive, I thank each and every one of them.鈥�

Annette now encourages others to take part in studies like BCAN-RAY and to perform regular breast checks. 鈥淢any women I鈥檝e met found their cancers by noticing changes. Please check your breasts regularly,鈥� she says.

Dr Dani Skirrow, Science Engagement Manager at Cancer Research UK, said: 鈥淓ven in the darkest days of her cancer journey, Sarah Harding was a fearless advocate for research. She bravely faced up to the pain the cancer caused her, undergoing treatment whilst thinking of ways to help other women in a similar position.

鈥淚t is a fitting tribute to Sarah that the study supported by her legacy has taken us towards smarter ways to identify women who have a high risk of getting breast cancer when they鈥檙e young. We鈥檙e getting promising insights into how we could provide tailored support to these women in their thirties, offering them access to early screening and prevention opportunities. Annette鈥檚 story illustrates the powerful impact this could have in the future.

鈥淔urther research will be needed to refine the tools created as part of this study before they can be rolled out more widely. But the progress made by the BCAN-RAY study moves us closer to a world where people can live longer, better lives, free from the fear of breast cancer.鈥�

Research such as the BCAN-RAY study is central to The Christie Charity's commitment to supporting The Christie hospital鈥檚 vision of 鈥榣earning from every patient鈥� and trebling the number of patients participating in research by 2030. Studies have shown that cancer patients treated at research-intensive hospitals have better outcomes than those treated in hospitals with little or no research activity. The Charity has pledged to support and fund this goal with 拢30m over the next five years to accelerate research and innovation in 黑料网吃瓜爆料, with the ultimate aim of bringing tomorrow鈥檚 treatments to patients faster.

• Find out how you can support innovative cancer research at 黑料网吃瓜爆料 here: Challenge Accepted
• Picture caption: Kimberley with members of the BCAN-RAY research team

Ava Begley鈥檚 parents say they feel 鈥渄eeply grateful鈥� that the researchers, from 黑料网吃瓜爆料 University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and 黑料网吃瓜爆料 (UoM), have made this discovery, which is one of the most common genetic causes of severe epilepsy.

Delivered through the this groundbreaking work is already transforming the lives for many children and young people around the world, providing long-awaited answers and hope for the future.

Ava鈥檚 parents, Daniel Begley and Elizabeth Dowd, from Sydney, Australia, said: 鈥淥ur first reaction was a mixture of emotion 鈥� relief at finally having a diagnosis, but also sadness in understanding the seriousness of the condition and how rare it is. Above all, we felt grateful that Ava鈥檚 experience may contribute to greater knowledge and future progress and treatment.鈥�

This new condition, which the researchers have named as 鈥淩ecessive RNU2-2-related neurodevelopmental disorder鈥�, results in difficult-to-control seizures and severe developmental delays in children, often appearing within their first year of life.

Published in the journal , the research has so far identified 84 individuals living with the new condition, while experts estimate that thousands more remain undiagnosed across the world.

The team estimates that millions of people globally could be 鈥榗arriers鈥� of the faulty gene behind this disorder.

Study lead and first author of the paper Dr Adam Jackson, Academic Clinical Fellow at the 黑料网吃瓜爆料 Centre for Genomic Medicine, part of MFT, and 黑料网吃瓜爆料, explained: 鈥淲e believe that as many as in 1 in 100 people could unknowingly be carriers of this condition. If both parents are carriers, there is a 1 in 4 chance with every pregnancy that their child could be affected. We estimate roughly 1 in 40,000 people may be living with this condition, making it one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders currently known. Our discovery brings hope for many patients and families who have been searching for answers and is already having a positive impact around the world.鈥�

This major advance builds on in which they showed the importance of the RNU genes in brain development and function.

The research team made the new discovery by analysing changes in several hundred RNU genes in data of individuals who took part in the 100,000 Genomes Project, a Genomics England initiative to sequence and study the role genes play in health and disease.

Dr Jackson, who is also an early career researcher in the NIHR 黑料网吃瓜爆料 BRC鈥檚 Rare Conditions Theme, explained: 鈥淲hat makes this discovery even more remarkable is that RNU2-2 is extremely small in comparison to other genes. Unlike most other genes, RNU2-2 does not even make a protein. We were astonished to discover how changes in this tiny gene can have such profound effects in so many individuals.鈥�

Children with the condition experience severe early on in life, often in their first year. This means they have seizures 鈥� sudden surges of electrical activity in the brain which can cause the body to stiffen, jerk, shake and lose consciousness. These seizures can be difficult to fully control with medication, highlighting the urgent need for improved therapies.

The condition also has a profound impact on brain development, causing delays or inability to achieve key milestones such as walking or talking. Almost all affected individuals have significant learning problems.

Ava鈥檚 story

6-year-old Ava has lived with complex neurological symptoms from early childhood and requires full-time care and ongoing medical support.

Ava鈥檚 condition includes developmental delay, profound intellectual disability and severe epilepsy with frequent seizures. She would often experience 100 to 200 seizures per day, but these are now more controlled with medication.

Ava is non-verbal and cannot communicate through speech or gestures. She requires full-time support with daily life, including bathing, toileting and feeding. She also experiences major motor and balance difficulties, can only walk short distances and falls frequently. Ava often bites and pulls hair out and screams in frustration.

Collaborating with 黑料网吃瓜爆料 researchers, the Sydney Children鈥檚 Hospital Clinical Genetics Team who support Ava and her family, were able to link Ava鈥檚 condition to the newly identified recessive RNU2-2-related disorder.

Ava鈥檚 dad, Daniel and mum, Elizabeth, said: 鈥淎va is a beautiful little girl with a bright presence. She loves looking through books, music, sensory play, being outdoors, and spending time with her family. Even with the immense challenges she faces, Ava brings extraordinary love and meaning into our lives. She has a deep presence about her that touches everyone who meets her.

鈥淔or many years we have been through extensive medical investigations, specialist appointments, and genetic testing, hoping to find an answer that could explain Ava鈥檚 condition and guide her care. Like many rare disease families, we have lived with a long period of uncertainty.

鈥淗aving a diagnosis is incredibly meaningful. It gives Ava a name and a place in the medical world, rather than being an unanswered mystery. It helps us feel that we are getting closer to the starting point of being able to find a cure/treatment, and provides hope that research and awareness may lead to better understanding and support in the future.

鈥淲e believe that rare disease research is vital, not only for families like ours, but for the broader medical community. Ava鈥檚 journey has been challenging, but she is deeply loved, and we are committed to advocating for her and for all children living with rare and complex conditions.鈥�

Study lead and senior author Consultant Clinical Geneticist at the 黑料网吃瓜爆料 Centre for Genomic Medicine at MFT, Professor of Genomic Medicine and Rare Diseases at UoM and Rare Conditions Theme Co-Lead at the NIHR 黑料网吃瓜爆料 BRC said: 鈥淥ur work helps expand knowledge of conditions related to RNU genes, an emerging group of diseases which potentially affect around 1 in 10,000 individuals globally. It also shines a light on the regions of the human genome sometimes dismissed as 鈥榡unk DNA鈥�. We now see that so-called 鈥榙ark regions鈥� are vital for health.鈥�

Prof Banka, who is also Clinical Director of the , a virtual centre based at MFT which aims to improve the lives of people with rare conditions, added: 鈥淎t MFT, we have established a dedicated RNU clinic to identify and support more patients with these conditions. Looking to the future, this discovery paves the way to help unlock life-changing treatments for the recessive RNU2-2-related neurodevelopmental disorder.鈥�

Professor Marian Knight, Scientific Director for NIHR Infrastructure, said: 鈥淒iscovering the cause for conditions like Ava鈥檚 is the first step to personalised treatment and improved lifelong health and quality of life. This breakthrough is a testament to the robust research infrastructure the NIHR has developed over the last 20 years, enabling us to turn world-class genomic science into better care.鈥�

• The paper 'Biallelic variants in RNU2-2 cause a remarkably frequent developmental and epileptic encephalopathy is published in DOI: . 

A team of cancer genomics* scientists from 黑料网吃瓜爆料 and The Institute of Cancer Research, London, forensically examined the genetic make-up of tumours in 16 different cancers. Their findings, which have been published in , are the culmination of six years鈥� of research and could significantly increase the number of cancer patients eligible for targeted and immune-based treatments. 

This landmark study was co-led by Professor David Wedge at the 黑料网吃瓜爆料 Cancer Research Centre and Professor Richard Houlson from The Institute of Cancer Research. It used whole-genome sequencing data from nearly 11,000 NHS patients with cancer, and is part of Genomics England鈥檚 100,000 Genomes Project, which is the largest single genomics study for cancer ever to be undertaken worldwide. 

The researchers analysed hundreds of millions of mutations in 11,000 tumours which covered the whole genome of a human being which consists of more than three billion bases and includes around 20,000 genes. From this they were able to identify the most comprehensive map to date of genetics 鈥榮cars鈥� left behind in cancer DNA. 

In total the team of 鈥榙ata detectives鈥� catalogued 370 million mutations and assigned them to 134 distinct mutational 鈥榮ignatures鈥� which are patterns of DNA damage that act like fingerprints of the processes that caused the cancer. Of these, 26 signatures were not previously included in the database of known signatures used by many scientists. 

The most significant finding was that many more patients may benefit from precision therapies than currently recognised. The study identified large numbers of tumours with evidence of homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) which is a weakness in DNA repair that makes cancers vulnerable to PARP inhibitors and platinum-based chemotherapy. HRD was identified in 16% of breast cancer tumours and 14% of ovarian cancer tumours, so based on UK figures, researchers estimated that more than 7,700 breast cancer patients and over 1,000 ovarian cancer patients in the UK could benefit from HRD-targeted therapies which is much greater than are currently identified through standard genetic testing for mutations in genes such as BRCA1/BRCA2 alone. 

This study also supports the growing theory that toxins produced by particular strains of E. coli in the gut could be the potential cause of the rise in early-onset bowel cancer in younger people. The team found this signature occurs more in younger patients than older patients, in contrast with several other signatures that tend to increase with a patient鈥檚 age. 

, professor of cancer genomics and data science at 黑料网吃瓜爆料 said: 鈥淓very cancer develops because DNA is damaged over time. Different causes such as ultraviolet light, tobacco smoke or inherited gene faults leave different patterns in the genome. By reading these patterns we can now understand, in a larger proportion of cancers, what caused the cancer, when key mutations occurred, and which treatments are most likely to work.

鈥淯ntil now, most testing has focused on mutations of a single base (or 鈥榣etter鈥�) in a cancer鈥檚 DNA. By analysing the entire genome and examining more complex mutations that affect multiple bases, I hope our research contributes to better predictions of which treatment might benefit specific patients. This could enable better targeting of treatment to those patients most likely to benefit, given the genetic make-up of their tumours.鈥�

Professor Richard Houlston, head of cancer genomics at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said: 鈥淭he scale of this study was very large, as we analysed samples from almost every tumour type. The quantity of data was enormous, and although laborious to work through, we have been rewarded with a very exciting outcome. This study provides one of the clearest demonstrations yet that reading the full genetic history of a tumour can unlock clues to better patient care.  The future of cancer treatment lies not just in finding mutations, but in understanding the story they tell.鈥�

Professor , Director of the 黑料网吃瓜爆料 Cancer Research Centre, a partnership formed in 2006 by 黑料网吃瓜爆料, Cancer Research UK and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust said: 鈥淭his remarkable and comprehensive study demonstrates how 黑料网吃瓜爆料 is leading the charge in the field of big data genomics. The world-class research coming out of the Wedge lab is pioneering, and will transform our understanding of the human genome and the potential for better cancer treatments for our patients.鈥�

The study is supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) 黑料网吃瓜爆料 Biomedical Research Centre. 

* cancer genomics is the study of genetic changes in cancer cells to understand tumour development, progression and to guide personalised treatment.

• The study a Comprehensive repertoire of the chromosomal alteration and mutational signatures across 16 cancer types is published in https://doi.org/10.1038/s41588-025-02474-x

Building on existing collaboration, the partnership aims to address both immediate and longer-term challenges across the water industry, including climate resilience, water quality, wastewater management and resource optimisation.  

The partnership comes at an important time for the sector, as it undergoes rapid transformation in response to climate change, population growth, and an evolving policy and regulatory environment. The University will support this challenge by providing research-driven solutions that support water quantity and quality for communities and the environment.

Under the MoU, the University and United Utilities will expand engagement across strategic innovation priorities, aligning academic expertise with company needs and opportunities, to deliver tangible, real-world impact.

On a visit to the University, the group toured the robotics lab based in the University鈥檚 flagship engineering building, observing some of the cutting-edge robotics equipment that is being developed for real-world applications.

Recent collaborative projects between the two organisations include the use of robotics for water network inspection, and a digital twin for the GMCA Integrated Water Management Plan.

Sarah Sharples, Vice President and Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, said: "This partnership marks an important step in uniting academic excellence with industry expertise to address the evolving challenges of the water sector. Together, we aim to drive innovation opportunities that benefit students, research, and society."

Dr Louise Bates, Director of Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange at 黑料网吃瓜爆料, said: 鈥淐ollaboration between 黑料网吃瓜爆料 and United Utilities dates back to 2006, and in recent years it has really grown through joint research and student-focused activities. This has created a strong foundation for us to build on through this new Memorandum of Understanding.鈥� 

Jo Harrison, Director of Asset Management at United Utilities, said: 鈥淲e are passionate about securing resilient services for the North West, both now and for the future.

"This partnership builds on a strong foundation of collaboration and gives us an exciting opportunity to bring together world-class academic insight with practical, real-world experience. By combining our strengths, we can make a meaningful and lasting difference on the ground, helping to deliver a stronger, greener and healthier North West for generations to come.鈥�

Sending waste to landfill generally produces the highest levels of net greenhouse gas emissions of any waste treatment option. While it鈥檚 a common belief that anything placed in a 鈥榖lack bag鈥� or general waste bin ends up in landfill, this isn鈥檛 always the case; landfill plays a much smaller role in the UK waste industry than it used to 鈥� and has been eliminated on campus in relation to the University鈥檚 two main waste contracts.

Instead of landfill, the University鈥檚 non-recyclable general waste now goes through a process known as Energy from Waste (EfW), a waste management method that converts non-recyclables into electricity and heat. Once waste is collected on campus, it is transported to a waste transfer station nearby, where it is 鈥榖ulked up鈥� before being sent to an EfW facility.

At the EfW facility, it is burned under safe and controlled conditions. The process of burning the waste generates heat, which is then used to power steam turbines and produce electricity, ensuring that every by-product (which includes ash and metals) is recovered and reused, meaning nothing goes to landfill.

The University will remain committed to creating a sustainable campus, by looking at reducing waste to keep products, parts, and materials in use for as long as possible, to strengthen its circular economy.

Sarah Choi, Environmental Sustainability Manager, said: "Achieving Zero Landfill shows what's possible when we work together to align our processes with our sustainability goals. It's a huge step in our environmental ambitions and strengthens our commitment to create a more circular, responsible campus."

The University has a commitment to be zero carbon by 2038, and last year began powering its campus with clean, renewable electricity from a major new solar farm. The University ended all investments in fossil fuels in 2022.

To find out more about this and other commitments around waste, transport and nature, visit the Sustainability website.

The recovery plan launched in January 2023 after one of the most testing years in NHS history with a perfect storm of pressures resulting in overwhelmed A&E departments, and significant numbers of patients waiting over 12-hours for beds.

Using national performance data, the 黑料网吃瓜爆料 team show that initial improvements in the 4-hour and 12-hour waiting time targets and in the category two ambulance response times were achieved in the 12 months after the plan was announced. These initial performance improvements have since plateaued.

said: 鈥淎 core aim of the recovery plan was to bring people together to coordinate a unified whole system response to tackle urgent and emergency care performance. This has happened 鈥� though the complexity of meeting national targets, addressing local challenges and responding to rising demand means that many systems have been running to stand still.鈥�

The recovery plan set out a number of ambitions, including:

• Improve to 76% of patients being admitted, transferred or discharged within four hours by March 2024.

• Improve ambulance response times for Category 2 incidents to 30 minutes on average over 2023/24.

During the period the recovery plan was implemented, the trend of declining performance for 4-hour waits and 12-hour waits was arrested, and performance improved across 4-hour waits, 12-hour waits and Category 2 ambulance response time between February and September 2023.

However, following September 2023, initial rates of improvement were not maintained across the different indicators, and performance plateaued. The findings demonstrate that meaningful improvement towards the set targets takes time to deliver, especially in the context of rising volumes in ED, experienced over this period.

The 黑料网吃瓜爆料 team found that successful and sustainable change depends not only on service developments but also on three broad enablers - improved communication, partnership working, and visible and present leadership - identified via in-depth key informant interviews conducted as part of the evaluation.

said 鈥淥ur real-time evaluation of the impact of the 2023 recovery has provided crucial insights that have informed current and future winter planning. This demonstrates the value of NIHR鈥檚 investment in independent, rapid and responsive evaluation to inform decision-making and future service delivery.鈥�

The report Independent evaluation of the 2023-2025 NHS Delivery Plan for Recovering Urgent and Emergency Care Services, including prioritisation of the high-impact initiatives is available .

Professors , , , ,  and have all been awarded what is regarded as one of the highest honours for health and social care researchers in the UK.

Senior Investigators are among the most outstanding and influential researchers funded by NIHR. They are recognised for the quality and global reach of their research. They also help mentor the next generation, strengthen research culture and embed inclusion.

, is Professor of Critical Care Medicine, Vice Dean for Health and Care Partnerships and Research Professor at the Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute at 黑料网吃瓜爆料.

He is also a Critical Care Consultant at Salford Royal Hospital, part of Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust and based at the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) 黑料网吃瓜爆料 Biomedical Research Centre (BRC)

He said: 鈥淚 am delighted to be appointed as a NIHR Senior Investigator for a second term. This national award will allow me continue to provide a systems voice from Greater 黑料网吃瓜爆料 to help influence national research policy in applied health, social care, and public health, and to act as an international ambassador for the National Institute of Health and Care Research."

is the first ever NIHR Research Professor in Digital Mental Health in the UK and a Professor of Clinical Psychology at 黑料网吃瓜爆料. 

She co-founded spinout company CareLoop Health, a UK digital therapeutics company developing AI-powered tools to monitor symptoms, predict relapse, and deliver personalised care for people with severe mental illnesses like psychosis.

She is also based at the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) 黑料网吃瓜爆料 Biomedical Research Centre (BRC)

She said: 鈥淭his NIHR Senior Investigator award will provide an important platform to advance my research in digital mental health and to strengthen the evidence base for innovative approaches that improve care for people with severe mental health problems. I hope it will support closer partnerships with service users, clinicians and services, and help drive research that delivers meaningful impact in routine practice.鈥�

' research focuses on Data Science and Health Services using large-scale primary care databases. 

He is an expert in  computational statistics and machine learning  and has a long track record in research using large-scale primary care and other administrative databases to investigate quality of care, mortality and cardiovascular disease, with a focus on the effects of policy changes and the role of socio-economic and regional disparities

He said: 鈥淚鈥檓 delighted to receive this NIHR Senior Investigator award. It recognises the collective efforts of my collaborators and provides an exciting opportunity to accelerate our work using real鈥憌orld health data to improve the quality and equity of care. This support will help us drive forward innovative, policy鈥憆elevant research in primary care and population health, ensuring it has the greatest possible benefit for patients and communities.

is Professor of Rheumatology at 黑料网吃瓜爆料 and Honorary Consultant Rheumatologist at 黑料网吃瓜爆料 Royal Infirmary, part of 黑料网吃瓜爆料 University NHS Foundation Trust.

Prof Buch is also Chief Investigator for the Medical Research Council (MRC) and British Heart Foundation UK CARDIO-IMID Partnership and Chair for the MRC-NIHR 'Efficacy, Mechanism, Evaluation' Programme.She is also based at the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) 黑料网吃瓜爆料 Biomedical Research Centre (BRC)

She said: "I am delighted to be re-awarded the NIHR Senior Investigator Award. This award strengthens my ongoing commitment to advancing research that improves outcomes for people living with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. I warmly welcome this support, which will help advance our scientific goals, foster meaningful collaboration and help translate innovative discoveries into real-world clinical benefit"

is Professor of Psychiatry and Director of Global Mental Health Research at 黑料网吃瓜爆料 and Director of the Global Centre for Research on Mental Health Inequalities and an Honorary Consultant at Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust.

He is also based at the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) 黑料网吃瓜爆料 Biomedical Research Centre (BRC)

Professor Lucy Chappell, Chief Executive Officer of the NIHR and Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department of Health and Social Care, said: 鈥淏y recognising leaders across the breadth of health and care, we are reinforcing NIHR's commitment to supporting excellence wherever it is found and ensuring that research leadership mirrors the communities and professions it serves.

鈥淪enior Investigators make a significant impact to the NIHR and the wider research landscape and I look forward to seeing the contributions and impact they make across health and care research.鈥�

Researchers are awarded Senior Investigator status based on their contributions to the NIHR and their leadership of high-quality, internationally recognised research.

As outstanding leaders of patient and people-based research, NIHR Senior Investigators serve on NIHR funding committees and boards and provide leadership at a regional or national level.

They serve as NIHR ambassadors, demonstrate research excellence, contribute to national growth, and champion the involvement of patients and communities into research.

Hosted by 黑料网吃瓜爆料 Metropolitan University, in partnership with 黑料网吃瓜爆料, Greater 黑料网吃瓜爆料 Combined Authority (GMCA), The Growth Company, and University of Salford, the flagship Made in Greater 黑料网吃瓜爆料 event demonstrated how coordinated regional action is accelerating delivery of the Government鈥檚 Modern Industrial Strategy.

Recent national data shows that Greater 黑料网吃瓜爆料 is the UK鈥檚 fastest growing city region, with productivity growth outpacing national averages for more than a decade.

The city region has long been recognised as a testbed for the future UK economy, bringing together universities, business and civic partners to tackle national challenges at regional scale.

That collaborative model now supports Greater 黑料网吃瓜爆料鈥檚 approach to good growth, as it leads the UK鈥檚 ambitions in 鈥� advanced materials and manufacturing; creative industries; digital, cyber and AI; health innovation and life sciences; and low carbon.

These are aligned to five of the sectors identified as having the greatest potential for growth in the Modern Industrial Strategy.

Professor Steve Rothberg, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at 黑料网吃瓜爆料 Met, said: 鈥淲ith universities acting as powerful anchor institutions for growth, there has never been a more important time to connect, collaborate and drive collective impact.

鈥淗ere in Greater 黑料网吃瓜爆料, we have a long tradition of being at the forefront of innovation. This event was a fantastic opportunity for organisations across the city-region to come together and re鈥慹mphasise this commitment while exploring future ways to deliver for the UK.鈥�

Speakers at the event outlined how universities, industry and civic partners are aligning investment, skills pipelines, research strengths and business support to accelerate the industrial strategy in real time.

By uniting academic expertise, cutting edge R&D facilities, industry ambitions and civic leadership, Greater 黑料网吃瓜爆料 is building the environment required for long term national competitiveness.

Professor John Holden, Vice-President for Civic Engagement and Innovation, said: "Yesterday鈥檚 Made in Greater 黑料网吃瓜爆料 event showed exactly what our city鈥憆egion does best by bringing universities, industry and civic partners together to drive innovation. Our universities must ensure that innovation fuels growth that is fast, ambitious and inclusive so the benefits of our progress as a region are shared across every community.

"Through the University鈥檚 innovation arm, Unit M, we are partnering with the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council to ensure this collaboration shapes national priorities. Our recently launched deep tech accelerator is a demonstration of a cross-Greater 黑料网吃瓜爆料 initiative with shared purpose and dedicated resources to boost innovation. 

"We are also working with GMCA and Rochdale Development Agency to scope out the next phase of development of the Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Centre (SMMC), the first major development in the Atom Valley Mayoral Development Zone. Through the Cambridge x 黑料网吃瓜爆料 Partnership we鈥檙e proving that our ambition and impact extends well beyond the region, strengthening national capability through collaboration between two of the UK鈥檚 most globally recognised innovation ecosystems."

Speaking at the event, Jo Ahmed MBE, Practice Senior Partner at Deloitte, said: 鈥淲hat we do brilliantly in this city region is that we come together across the public and private sectors and academia to deliver impact and, importantly, to deliver action.

鈥淲hen I speak to national and international colleagues, they all want to know what it is we are doing in Greater 黑料网吃瓜爆料 to create the growth we are seeing here. My answer is that it鈥檚 a blend of the spirit this place, it鈥檚 how we connect, how we collaborate, and how we support each other for collective long term growth and opportunity.

鈥淚 am truly optimistic about the future opportunities that can be delivered through a continued place-based approach to deliver the Modern Industrial Strategy and Greater 黑料网吃瓜爆料 Sector Development Plans, and to continue that collaboration between sectors to benefit the broadest possible cross section of businesses and the communities around us.鈥�

The study found SEND complaints make up 27% of the complaints received by the LGSCO and 48% of the cases that it upholds. Common issues include delays in carrying out Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) assessments, and failures to deliver the support children are legally entitled to.

Despite these challenges, the research also points to the impact of the Ombudsman鈥檚 work. Its recommendations can help councils identify problems, strengthen accountability, and push for improvements that benefit families.

In some cases, the findings have empowered local officials to argue for more resources or rethink how services are delivered - however, the report also highlights limitations including the time and capacity required to respond to investigations, and repeated recommendations on issues councils recognise but lack the means to resolve.

A key gap identified is that the Ombudsman cannot investigate complaints directly against schools - even though they play a central role in delivering SEND support - which can leave families without clear routes to resolve issues.

The report sets out recommendations to strengthen the system, which include extending the Ombudsman鈥檚 powers to cover schools, raising awareness of joint investigations with health bodies, and improving communication between councils and the Ombudsman. Crucially, it emphasises that meaningful reform must address underlying pressures on the SEND system, including funding shortages and workforce gaps.

鈥淭his research comes at a key moment for SEND system reform,鈥� said Ash Patel, Programme Head for Justice at the Nuffield Foundation. 鈥淭he Government鈥檚 intention to improve complaints and mediation processes - enabling faster and more collaborative, resolution of disagreements and reducing the need for appeals to the SEND Tribunal - is welcome. However, the proposals are silent on the role of the LGSCO, and it remains frustratingly unclear how disputes will be avoided or how routes for appeals and complaints will operate.鈥�

鈥淭he report points to high levels of tension between the education system and families of children with SEND; without greater attention to minimising these conflicts, it is difficult to see how existing pressures on complaints and appeals will ease.鈥� 

It follows a campaign led by a national coalition of partners, including academics from 黑料网吃瓜爆料, and  legal representatives from Garden Court Chambers and Bhatt Murphy Solicitors, who challenged the previous policy framework.

The rules, which affect asylum seekers who have waited 12 months or more for a decision on their initial claim, come into effect on 26 March 2026.

The previous policy restricted asylum seekers to occupations on the Immigration Salary List, excluding most health professions, including doctors and nurses.

One of the leading voices in the campaign was the Refugee and Asylum Seekers Centre for Healthcare Professionals Education (REACHE), directed by, Dr Aisha Awan, a Senior Clinical Lecturer at 黑料网吃瓜爆料 and Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation.

Displaced clinicians at REACHE receive specialist language, clinical and acculturation training alongside strong pastoral support, enabling them to secure regulatory registration and safely return to practice within the NHS.

The policy change follows legal proceedings which highlighted that highly qualified, NHS-ready clinicians were unable to work in shortage specialties despite clear workforce need.

Dr Awan said: 鈥淎s we continue to witness increasing displacement of people by conflict and global events, we must ethically address that doctors, nurses and health professionals becoming deskilled is a huge loss to humanity.

鈥淎longside being economically counterproductive, undermining NHS workforce capacity and negatively impacting mental health and integration.

鈥淎t a time of increasingly hostile rhetoric around migration, it鈥檚 been important to show the impressively positive impacts of this programme on the NHS and patients.

 鈥淚鈥檓 immensely  proud to be part of our University which supports this sort of positive and impactful change. Our success demonstrates how evidence, persistence and coalition-building can influence systems, no matter how big the resistance to change.鈥�

Undergraduate students from the University鈥檚 school of Law, Medicine, Computer Sciences and Languages were involved in the Interfaculty Service Learning project, attending the judicial review hearings.

Maria-Ioana Dicu a second year computer science undergraduate, was one of the undergraduates  to observe how research, evidence and advocacy connect within real-world policy debates.

She  said:  鈥淭hese doctors resilience and desire to help others was incredibly powerful and their fight to practice shows the impact you can have if you step outside your comfort zone, even against all the odds.鈥�

Aaron Drovandi, Senior Lecturer in Medical Education Research at 黑料网吃瓜爆料, who was involved in the data and evaluation for REACHE said: 鈥淭he team have achieved tremendous impact on international debate and national policy, with the work being  acknowledged by a broad range of stakeholders including the British Medical Association and World Health Organisation.鈥�

Stephanie Harrison KC, Garden Court Chambers, said: 鈥淥ur clients were highly qualified doctors who wished to provide their skills to NHS patients in need. One of our clients was able to take up a role that had remained unfilled for over a year. This is an important step but the full removal of restrictions still recommended. It is important that policy is guided by reason and compassion, recognising both the contribution individuals can make and the wider needs of society.鈥�

Becky Hart, from Bhatt Murphy Solicitors, said: 鈥淲e are glad the Secretary of State has agreed to amend her policy to expand the jobs those claiming asylum can work in鈥� to include doctors, nurses, and other skilled occupations.鈥�

Professor Nalin Thakkar, Vice-President (Social Responsibility), at 黑料网吃瓜爆料  said: 鈥淲e are proud to have played a part in this success, which is a powerful illustration of how 黑料网吃瓜爆料 values social responsibility and interdisciplinary collaboration.

鈥淚t also reflects our obligation, as a university, to act ethically, contribute positively to society, and prepare students not only academically but also as responsible global citizens. It is a concept that connects education with real-world impact, so that we do not exist in isolation but actively shape a better future.鈥�

Image from left to right:
Front Row: Becky Hart Solicitor Bhatt Murphy; Isaac Ricca-Richardson KC Garden Court Chambers; Aisha Awan Senior Clinical Lecturer UoM, Director of REACHE 
Back row: REACHE Doctors;  Stephanie Harrison KC  Garden Court Chambers; Maeve Keaney - REACHE Founder; Maria-Ioana Dicu - UoM Yr 2 Computer Science Undergraduate, Faculty of Science and Engineering; Dorothy Anand - UoM Yr 2 Law Undergraduate, Faculty of Arts

Dr Benstead鈥檚 research investigates supply chain practices behind the global fashion industry, promoting sustainable practices, examining forced labour and modern slavery risks, and representation of workers鈥� rights throughout worldwide systems of supply.

Informed by her industry background and commitment to driving meaningful change across policy, industry and society, Dr Benstead aims to advance social justice in global fashion supply chains. She specialises in ethical and sustainable supply chain management, and critically examining the social inequalities embedded in global production systems.

Her work has shaped national and international policy, including contributions to UK government consultations and standards such as BS 25700 and ISO 37200. Most recently, she led a Leverhulme Trust鈥揻unded project on worker voice in Leicester鈥檚 garment industry.

The new members of the Young Academy have been selected for their track records of excellence in their respective fields, from global fashion supply chains and AI in drug discovery to paediatrics and infectious diseases.

This 2026 cohort includes seven members from the arts, humanities, and social sciences, increasing their representation to a third of total membership. A further 18 per cent of new members bring backgrounds in business, the public sector, and communications.

On Monday 23^rd and Tuesday 24^th March Amy attended the New Member鈥檚 Induction and All Member鈥檚 Meeting at the Royal Academy of Engineering and The Royal Society, their first opportunity to connect and exchange aspirations.

The new members took up their posts on Monday 23 March 2026, with membership running for five years.

Linda Oyama, representative of the UK Young Academy Executive Group said: 鈥淲hen we set out the UK Young Academy's 2023鈥�2028 Strategic Plan, one of our core missions was to convene diverse voices to share ideas and improve decision-making, and to develop, connect, and mobilise early-career talent.鈥�