The visit was made possible by alumnus and Blackpool FC owner, Simon Sadler, whose 拢1.5 million philanthropic gift has enabled the University to launch a transformative bursary programme for care-experienced students.
The Sadler Bursary provides an annual grant of 拢10,000 to up to 36 undergraduate students who have left care. The initiative addresses the significant barriers faced by care leavers in accessing and thriving in higher education. Nationally, only 14% of care leavers progress to university, compared to 47% of students from state-funded schools.
In recognition of these barriers, 黑料网吃瓜爆料 offers extensive support for care leavers. Each student has a named contact who helps them settle into university life and provides advice around subjects such as housing and finance. The University also makes 52-week accommodation in halls available, and can act as a guarantor to private landlords.
Financial support, of which the Sadler Bursary is an important part, also covers living costs, access to sports and recreation, and an offer of becoming a paid student ambassador.
The Scholars were invited to Blackpool FC to enjoy full hospitality in the club鈥檚 boardroom, meet players and staff, and walk through the players鈥 tunnel onto the pitch prior to kick-off.
Simon Sadler, Owner of Blackpool FC, commented: 鈥淚t was deeply moving to welcome the Scholars and to see them enjoying all that our wonderful club has to offer. These young people have overcome more challenges than many and the bursary is about giving them the support and encouragement they may need to pursue their ambitions with confidence.鈥
Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of 黑料网吃瓜爆料, commented: 鈥Thanks to Simon's generosity, the Sadler Bursary is a shining example of how philanthropy can help change lives by making education more accessible and inclusive. This visit to Blackpool FC was a celebration of that spirit and that mission. These students deserve every opportunity to thrive, and we鈥檙e proud to be supporting them throughout their journey.鈥
Daniel, one of the Sadler Scholars, added: 鈥淕rowing up, my life felt contained in a dark tunnel, boundless and solitary. Now, as I step out of the Bloomfield Road tunnel, the future shines so bright. On this journey I am no longer alone.鈥
The Sadler Bursary forms part of the University鈥檚 broader commitment to supporting care-experienced and estranged students. In addition to financial support, students benefit from tailored guidance, accommodation grants, and opportunities to work as Student Ambassadors.
]]>Designed by the undergraduate Physics Society, the sculpture is based on the telescope鈥檚 original engineering blueprints, ensuring a high level of accuracy and detail. Student James Ruxton spent six months perfecting the design using computer software to model and test different structures, producing a 4,000-page instruction manual. He even custom-designed some Lego pieces, using a 3D printer to create bespoke bricks.
James and fellow Physics Society members began building the sculpture in late April. The finished model weighs 30kg, with 12.5kg attributed to the dish alone. Due to its weight, the dish had to be reinforced with a steel pole鈥攎irroring a real-life engineering challenge faced during the telescope鈥檚 original construction eighty years ago.
The sculpture serves as a tribute to the University鈥檚 pioneering role in astrophysics and engineering. It will be on permanent display in the Schuster Building, housed in a specially modified cabinet alongside a Lego model of a Large Hadron Collider detector鈥攂uilt by students a decade ago.
A unique feature of the sculpture is a brick which was signed by Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell - the physicist who discovered Pulsars - during her visit to the University to deliver this year鈥檚 annual Bragg Lecture in March.
The sculpture arrives in time to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Jodrell Bank, a site of immense significance to 黑料网吃瓜爆料 and to science in the UK.
Professor Chris Parkes, Head of the Physics and Astronomy department, has been supporting the students with their project. He reflected: 鈥淛odrell Bank has always been a symbol of bold innovation - pushing the boundaries of science and engineering from its earliest days.
In December 1945, physicist Bernard Lovell travelled from 黑料网吃瓜爆料 to a quiet field in Cheshire hoping to explore the use of radar in cosmic ray detection. Instead, this became the start of the Physics Department's world-famous Jodrell Bank radio astronomy observatory.
Over the following 12 years, Lovell and his team constructed the telescope that now bears his name. Its global importance was confirmed in 1957 when it became the only instrument capable of tracking the rocket carrying Sputnik 1, launched by the Soviet Union during the Space Race.
Since then, the Lovell Telescope has stood at the forefront of astronomical research. In 2019, the Jodrell Bank Observatory was granted UNESCO World Heritage status, further cementing its legacy as a beacon of scientific innovation.
]]>Along with Anglia Ruskin University, Birmingham City University, the University of East London and the University of Warwick, 黑料网吃瓜爆料 will help with the adaptation of the EmilyTest GBV Charter framework for the English education system and its alignment with the new Office for Students Condition of Registration around harassment and sexual misconduct, which comes into effect as of 1 August 2025.
The Charter has already proved successful in Scotland, with 13 institutions actively engaging and 6 officially awarded.
The Charter is based on five principles: open and learning, educated and empowered, comprehensive and connected, equal and inclusive, and safe and effective.
EmilyTest was founded by Fiona Drouet after the tragic loss of her 18-year-old daughter, Emily, a law student who died by suicide following physical and psychological abuse by a fellow student while living in halls of residence.
Determined that no other victims and survivors are left under supported and at risk, Fiona established the EmilyTest charity which developed the first of its kind GBV Charter for universities and colleges. The Charter sets minimum standards in gender-based violence prevention, intervention and support, and assists institutions in asking if their policies, practices and procedures would have saved Emily鈥檚 life: 鈥榃ould they pass the Emily test?鈥.
Dr Simon Merrywest, Executive Director for the Student Experience at 黑料网吃瓜爆料 said: 鈥淲e are proud to be one of the first English universities taking part in the EmilyTest pilot following its successful run in Scotland.
鈥淯nfortunately, gender-based violence remains a prevalent issue throughout the UK higher education system today, and we will continue to do whatever it takes to keep all of our students safe and protected both on campus and in their residences. Having got to know Fiona through a shared interest in suicide prevention, and hearing her give powerful voice to Emily鈥檚 experiences and the aims of EmilyTest, I had no hesitation in us signing up.
鈥淲e look forward to taking part in this very worthy initiative, learning from it, and making impactful changes over the next six months and beyond.鈥
黑料网吃瓜爆料 has an existing specialist safeguarding team, , who provide holistic, trauma-informed support to students who have experienced any form of gender-based violence, harassment or hate. The Advice and Response team is made up of specialist caseworkers who provide confidential, practical, and emotional support to students directly and signposting to statutory and other services.
The University has made campus safety a key priority, adopting the SafeZone app in recent years to allow for faster potential response times when urgent help is required on campus or in the city. The SafeZone app can be used to 鈥榗heck in鈥 at any time of the day, quickly and discreetly call for assistance, and get medical help quickly.
黑料网吃瓜爆料 has also partnered with its Students鈥 Union to provide sexual violence support drop-in sessions which are open to anyone looking for support.
]]>By collaborating with community groups, organisations, and schools to expand their expertise and experience, service learning allows students to deliver essential and relevant services to local residents, benefiting both the community and the students themselves.
At times, obtaining legal advice becomes essential. Yet, finding affordable and reliable legal guidance can be a significant challenge for some individuals.
Believing that legal advice should be universally accessible, The University established the Justice Hub in a prominent location on 黑料网吃瓜爆料's Oxford Road. This initiative enables students from the School of Social Sciences to join forces with a shared aim of serving the community. The Hub provides free legal advice and guidance on a wide range of issues.
Law lecturer and Justice Hub lead, Philip Drake, described its role: 鈥淭he Justice Hub is a collective term for various free legal advice projects managed together. Our flagship initiative is the Legal Advice Centre, which is fully integrated into our curriculum.
鈥淭his year, 328 students are already signed up, reflecting the high demand from both students and the local community. Last year, we handled close to 1,500 enquiries seeking legal assistance.鈥
Supported by University staff and professional lawyers who volunteer their expertise, the Justice Hub is primarily student-driven, offering future solicitors and legal advisors hands-on experience with the inequalities in the legal system while encouraging them to make a positive impact.
Phil said: 鈥淲e incorporate reflective practice into the work. It鈥檚 about more than developing legal skills; it involves thinking critically about the fairness of the law, its negative impact on the most disadvantaged and often marginalised, and understanding the reasons behind it. Experiencing a client breaking down in tears during a meeting is something that cannot be taught in a traditional classroom setting.
鈥淚t鈥檚 inspiring to witness students鈥 growth from where they begin to their achievements at the end. Whatever their future paths, we want them to carry a sense of social responsibility with them.鈥
One of the Justice Hub鈥檚 initiatives, the 黑料网吃瓜爆料 Innocence Project, focuses on assisting the wrongfully convicted and fostering reforms in the justice system.
Recently, the Project received the Greater 黑料网吃瓜爆料 Pro Bono Award for 'Best Group of Students', while the University was also a finalist for 'Best Educational Institution'.
Undergraduate social anthropology student, Honey Fisher, who works within the Justice Hub, commented: "Being a Justice Hub intern has been an amazing chance to gain practical experience and develop essential skills for a career in law.
"By attending client interviews, we saw how members of the local community face a broad range of legal challenges and recognised how crucial services like those provided by the Justice Hub are in bridging the legal aid gap."
Many people take access to quality dental care and trustworthy health information for granted. However, for some, these basic services remain out of reach.
University of 黑料网吃瓜爆料 dental students offer free treatments at the University's Emergency Dental Clinic, serving around 2,000 patients annually. This allows the students to refine their skills while addressing local communities' needs and tackling significant dental health disparities, a known issue in the north-west.
Striving to narrow dental inequalities, students also provide care to refugees and other minority groups. Recognising the impact of dental health inequalities on children, the University鈥檚 dental students participate in a charity-led initiative, visiting schools to educate children on oral hygiene's importance.
Increasingly, University of 黑料网吃瓜爆料 students engage directly with industries for mutual benefit. For example, the University鈥檚 Fashion, Business and Technology School has partnered with leading fashion industry companies.
In 鈥榠ndustry-live projects鈥, students act as consultants, addressing real-world briefs that align with the industry鈥檚 strategic goals. Over 200 students collaborate with these partners during key points of the semester.
Dr Julian Skyrme, executive director of social responsibility and civic engagement at 黑料网吃瓜爆料, highlighted: "The efforts of our law students are just one example of the service learning we have implemented at the University.
"Our dental students provide oral health checks for homeless individuals, drama students collaborate with offenders in the criminal justice system, and management students offer consultancy to non-profit organisations.
"As we consider the University's direction for the next decade, we envision every student contributing positively to society as part of their education."
Learn more about 黑料网吃瓜爆料鈥檚 commitment to social responsibility at .
Discover more about the .
Explore within the University鈥檚 Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health.
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At the awards hosted in Birmingham on 28 November, 黑料网吃瓜爆料 and the University鈥檚 Students鈥 Union was recognised for the support provided to students during the cost of living crisis in 2022/23.
One-off payments totalling over 拢9million were made available to all students in November 2022, which 90% accessed. Targeted additional support was allocated to some students in February 2023 which, at the time, many other universities were not in the financial position to provide.
Overall, an unparalleled package of support of over 拢10million reached students through a wide range of interventions in the academic year. These included cosy campus spaces, free breakfasts on Wednesdays and holistic support initiatives.
Kelly-Ann Mallon, Head of Access, Student Employability, Success, and Development at 黑料网吃瓜爆料, who attended the awards on behalf of the University, said: 鈥淭his recognition is a testament to the incredible teamwork and collaboration across the University that allowed us to respond swiftly and effectively to the cost of living crisis.
鈥淭he collective commitment from all areas of the institution ensured that we could provide the right support to our students. This award is not only a recognition of our efforts but a reflection of how much of a difference this initiative has made in the lives of our students, and it鈥檚 truly rewarding to see that impact acknowledged."
Overall, an unparalleled package of support of over 拢10million reached students through a wide range of interventions in the academic year. These included cosy campus spaces, free breakfasts on Wednesdays and holistic support initiatives.
The University鈥檚 community of donors play a significant role in supporting students experiencing cost of living challenges. Initiatives such as the Cost of Living Support Fund ensure those facing hardship have access to immediate financial support. Gifts from donors also support programmes such as the 黑料网吃瓜爆料 Access Programme and Undergraduate Access Scholarship, enabling more students than ever to access life-changing opportunities here at 黑料网吃瓜爆料.
The effects of this response to the crisis stretched beyond the University, making waves in Westminster discourse and impacting policy.
Today, the University鈥檚 efforts continue to positively influence conversations around financial support for students across the UK, while the University itself remains dedicated to helping students reach their full potential.
Lexie Baynes, Union Affairs Officer, University of 黑料网吃瓜爆料 Students' Union said: "I'm so proud that this collaborative piece of work between the University and Students' Union has been recognised by Times Higher and the sector.
鈥淭o me, the key takeaway here is that colleagues at the University and the Students' Union elected Executive Teams worked in partnership on a direct and deliverable package of support for our 48,000 students during the cost of living crisis and financial pressures, putting students' needs at the forefront of our actions. Huge congratulations to all those involved in the work, and the current Students' Union team looks forward to continuing to work in partnership, to ensure that any barriers students face can be overcome."
Anna Lomas, Employer Engagement Manager at 黑料网吃瓜爆料 and chair of the group in charge of directing student support said: 鈥淐olleagues from across 黑料网吃瓜爆料 and the Students' Union are delighted to be recipients of this award and to be recognised formally for the hard work and commitment they gave to supporting our students with the challenges they were facing during the escalating cost of living crisis.
鈥淥ur sector leading and truly collaborative approach demonstrates our collective dedication to student experience at the University. Thank you to everyone who contributed their energy, experience and expertise.鈥
黑料网吃瓜爆料 also received the award for Research Project of the Year: STEM for its work developing the world鈥檚 first bedside genetic test to prevent babies from going deaf.
One in 500 babies carry a gene that causes permanent deafness when given gentamicin, an antibiotic which is commonly used in intensive care. Researchers from 黑料网吃瓜爆料 developed the rapid bedside test and trialled it on 751 babies in neonatal units in 黑料网吃瓜爆料 and Liverpool, and the NHS is exploring how the test can become part of routine clinical care. The technology could potentially save the hearing of 180 babies in the UK every year.
Dr John McDermott, NIHR Doctoral Research Fellow at the University of 黑料网吃瓜爆料 said: "This award is a testament to the hard work of so many people from across the University and at the hospital. With the genedrive technology set to be rolled out across the country as part of PALOH-UK, we're excited to see how the impact of this intervention will continue to grow."
]]>As part of the bicentennial celebrations, the University has announced the launch of its Bicentenary PhD Studentships and Fellowships 鈥 a transformative programme which will support the next generation of research leaders.
As part of its investment, the University has launched a 拢10 million matched funding programme to catalyse philanthropic support and deliver a total of 拢28 million in new studentships and fellowships. It is inviting people and organisations who share its commitment to world-class research to join it in supporting the research leaders of the future.
This landmark initiative highlights 黑料网吃瓜爆料鈥檚 commitment to fostering world-class research and to positioning itself as a global leader in innovation and academic excellence. By providing substantial support for both postgraduate research students and early-career researchers, the University aims to cultivate the brightest minds and catalyse pioneering research which addresses the complex challenges of today鈥檚 world.
The Bicentenary PhD Studentships and Fellowships programme will offer funding across the University鈥檚 three core faculties: Science and Engineering, Humanities, and Biology, Medicine & Health. By supporting a wide range of disciplines, the University is promoting a broad and inclusive approach and ensuring that a diverse array of voices and perspectives are represented in its research community.
From exploring sustainable technologies to advancing medical sciences and cultural studies, the initiative is designed to empower academics across many fields, helping to foster a vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment. It reinforces the University鈥檚 status as a hub of intellectual and research excellence, as well as strengthening 黑料网吃瓜爆料鈥檚 legacy as a world-leading institution committed to empowering change-makers and visionaries.
Recognising the importance of diversity and accessibility, the University invites prospective students and early-career academics from all backgrounds to apply for the prestigious awards. Recipients will gain access to a robust support system that includes dedicated mentorship, comprehensive training and a suite of career development resources. This unique combination of funding and career support underscores 黑料网吃瓜爆料鈥檚 commitment to nurturing a research community that reflects and addresses the needs of the global society it serves.
鈥淭he Bicentenary Scholarships and Fellowships represent a significant investment in the future of research at 黑料网吃瓜爆料,鈥 said Professor Colette Fagan, Vice-President for Research. 鈥淲e鈥檝e been committed to supporting students from all backgrounds since 1824 and will continue to do so for the next 200 years. This is about celebrating our rich history as well as ensuring that our legacy of innovation and excellence continues.鈥
鈥 黑料网吃瓜爆料 is a city like no other - a place where history and innovation meet, where diversity fuels creativity, and where our university stands as a beacon of discovery and opportunity,鈥 said President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Duncan Ivison. 鈥淎s we mark our 200th year, this landmark programme demonstrates our commitment to shaping a future that reflects the dynamic spirit of this incredible city, and the importance of philanthropy in delivering this ambition.鈥
For more information about how to apply, prospective students and researchers are encouraged to visit the Bicentenary PhD Studentships and Fellowships page of the University鈥檚 website.
Individuals or organisations interested in exploring philanthropic opportunities through the 拢10 million matched funding scheme are encouraged to contact Olympia Kennard (Olympia.Kennard@ 黑料网吃瓜爆料.ac.uk) to begin a conversation.
]]>, which aims to improve the way prosthetics for people who have suffered traumatic limb loss work, wowed the judges at the (iGEM) 2024 Grand Jamboree.
The non-profit iGEM Foundation hosts an international student competition each year to promote education and collaboration among new generations of synthetic biologists.
Human-machine interfaces are becoming more advanced, with new technologies harnessing the body鈥檚 electric signals to control devices.
Artificial limbs, known as myoelectric prosthetics, are directed by electrical signals generated by muscle contractions in the residual limb, which can be translated to motion.
However, heavy batteries and motors in myoelectric prosthetics can cause excessive sweating and make the electrodes slip from their contact points, resulting in discomfort and imprecise limb movement.
To solve the problem, the team proposed using synthetic biology to create tiny specially designed wires that work with skin cells.
They engineered a type of bacteria 鈥 Escherichia coli 鈥 to express tiny, hair-like structures known as pili (e-pili) found on electricity conducting bacteria called Geobacter sulfurreducens.
By combining the Escherichia coli with a protein-binding peptide, the team created nanowires that specifically target and bind to proteins at the skin鈥檚 surface, potentially enhancing the precision of an artificial limb.
The 黑料网吃瓜爆料 iGEM team were Damian Ungureanu, Devika Shenoy, Francisco Correia, Janet Xu, Jia Run Dong, Usrat Nubah, Yuliia Anisimova, and Zainab Atique-Ur-Rehman.
, said: 鈥淚鈥檓 delighted our team won gold at the iGEM 2024 Grand Jamboree for an innovation which could make a difference for people who need artificial limbs.
She added: 鈥淚 have supervised the 黑料网吃瓜爆料 iGEM teams together with Professor Rainer Breitling since 2013.
鈥淥ur teams, based in the (MIB), have been very successful and have achieved a gold medal all but one of the years that we participated - which is quite an achievement.
鈥淚n 2016, the team also scooped the special award for 鈥楤est Computational Model鈥 and were shortlisted for the 鈥楤est Education and Public Engagement鈥 award.鈥
This year鈥檚 黑料网吃瓜爆料 iGEM team worked in the MIB labs throughout the summer, with financial and logistical support from the MIB, School of Biological Sciences, School of Social Sciences/Department of Social Anthropology, School of Arts Languages and Cultures, and the Future Biomanufacturing Research Hub.
The team also worked with the (AMBS) to comprehensively explore the social and economic implications of their ideas using a (RRI) approach.
The competition provides an interdisciplinary learning opportunity for students outside biology, by encouraging participants to think beyond their lab work.
Damian Ungureanu, second year Biochemistry student, said: 鈥淲orking with people from different cultural and academic backgrounds has allowed me to substantially develop my communication skills. Even though this was a synthetic biology project, the human practices aspect was just as important as the science. Winning the gold medal felt like the culmination of one year of hard work.鈥
Devika Shenoy, second year Biomedical Sciences student, said: 鈥淚 am grateful to have gotten the opportunity to work with so many like-minded individuals and under the guidance of skilled advisors and PIs. iGEM has truly broadened my horizons and understanding of how science and synthetic biology can be used to solve world issues.鈥
]]>We have notified the police, who are investigating.
This was an act of vandalism and makes no contribution whatsoever to a better understanding of the current conflict in the Middle East.
Over more than a year, we have seen peaceful protests on campus and the exchange of strongly held views. We welcome this as part of our fundamental role as a university 鈥 a place dedicated to the discussion of often difficult ideas and beliefs.
Alongside our deep commitment to academic freedom is our commitment to the values of community, tolerance and respect. Freedom and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do.
We regularly host many events which discuss all sides of the current conflict in the Middle East, including a debate last week in Whitworth Hall. Although attempts were made to stop the event, it proceeded in full, and as difficult as the discussion was, different perspectives on the conflict were aired and debated, as they should be.
We know these issues are of great concern to our University community, particularly those with friends, family or close ties to the region, and we express our sympathy for all those caught up in the escalating conflict, as well as our hope for peace.
We are speaking regularly to our staff, students, and the local community, to ensure we are listening to their concerns and creating the conditions for mutual understanding, as well as a safe and respectful environment on our campus. The safety and well-being of all our students is paramount.
None of these discussions are easy. They can cause discomfort and pain to many in our community. However, it is crucial in a free society that they occur, within the law, and always with the aim of seeking mutual understanding, and not vilification or hate.
Duncan Ivison
President and Vice-Chancellor
Further information
If you are one of our staff and student community who has been affected by these events or the wider conflict, we have extensive support services in place for you.
Support services
Staying safe and reporting incidents
For more information, please visit 黑料网吃瓜爆料鈥檚 Humanitarian and conflict support page.
Anyone with any information about the incident on 1 November can contact police via 101 or , quoting log 4035 of 01/11/24. You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
]]>An alarming level of microplastic fragments were found to be present throughout the intertidal mudflat sediments within the Medina Estuary, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Microplastics are particles which measure less than five millimetres, and exist in an array of shapes and forms. They cause pollution by entering natural ecosystems from a variety of sources, including run-off from land-based sources and wastewater discharge from Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs).
Liberty Turrell, who works as a volunteer for the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, collected mudflat sediment from 16 sample sites during low tides for her BA (Hons) Geography dissertation. Analysis of the mud under laboratory conditions discovered three different microplastic shapes: fibres, fragments and beads. Microfibre was the most frequent occurring microplastic shape (99% of all microplastics were microfibres) occurring at all 16 sites.
Microplastics pollution occurs in estuarine sediments around the world - however, the results from the Isle of Wight are particularly alarming. For comparison, the median value of microplastic concentrations found in the Medina Estuary exceeds the values of estuaries studied in China and India by more than two-fold.
Jamie Marsh, director of nature recovery (Wilder Wight, Solent & Seas) at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust said: 鈥淭he estuary鈥檚 mudflats are of significant ecological importance. They support a diverse variety of wildlife providing habitats and breeding areas for a huge array of species including wading birds, crustacea, invertebrates and fish, all of which thrive within the Medina鈥檚 intertidal mudflats.
鈥淭he discovery of the high level of microplastics, and of microfibres in particular, in this precious environment is truly staggering. Microfibres cause a significant risk to wildlife as they can easily bundle together. The entangled fibres form a clump and pose a great threat to marine species as the bundles act in the same way as larger plastic items by blocking feeding passageways in the gastrointestinal tract. This can obstruct the movement of food, disrupt the digestive process and cause eventual death.鈥
The study also reveals that wastewater discharge from two CSOs with high annual spill rates is a major source of microplastic release into the aquatic environment, and are likely responsible for the immense quantities of fibres reported throughout the Medina Estuary. Dodnor Lane and Fairlee CSO鈥檚 together discharged wastewater into the upper estuary for 2,932 hours in 2023 (over 225 total spill events) according to Event Duration Monitoring datasets published by the Environment Agency.
Professor of Physical Geography said: 鈥淩esearch at the University of 黑料网吃瓜爆料 has shown that the microplastic contamination of riverbeds is a clear signal that wastewater treatment is not taking place as it should. Effective treatment can remove up to 95% of the microplastic load in wastewater.
鈥淢icroplastic contamination of the Medina Estuary is a concern because it is an area of ecological importance. The Medina Estuary receives high volumes of untreated wastewater from Southern Water assets and the presence of primary microplastic particles provides a clear link to the wastewater system."
"This research helps to resolve a global critical gap in the current studies of microplastics in estuaries," said report author Liberty Turrell. 鈥淯nfortunately, the results are shocking. The severe contamination of estuarine environments affected by wastewater discharge takes place across the world and sadly this includes the Isle of Wight. The results clearly show that the prevalence and abundance of microplastics found in the intertidal mudflat sediments highlights a severe contamination issue of the Medina Estuary.鈥
According to data published by the Environment Agency (2024), there were 464,056 monitored 鈥榮pill鈥 events into waterways by water companies in England during 2023, a 54% increase from 2022. The 29,494 spills into waterways in Kent, Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight by Southern Water lasted a total duration of 317,285 hours (Environment Agency, 2024). Spill events are responsible for the release of huge quantities of microplastics into our waterways.
]]>The Scholarship is aimed at first-year undergraduate students nominated by participating universities for the Scheme, and seeks to address the disproportionate under-representation of Black men from less socially mobile backgrounds in large commercial law firms and other careers in the City of London.
It is provided by global law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, and was launched in 2013 with support from Doreen Lawrence, Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon, OBE.
Benefits include a 15-month development programme, mentorship, commercial familiarisation though work-shadowing and 拢5,000 towards study-related costs. For those who wish it, there is an alternative pathway to an interview for a trainee associate programme at the firm.
Annette Byron, Freshfields鈥 Partner for Social Mobility, commented: 鈥淚 am delighted to welcome the new cohort to the twelfth year of the Freshfields Stephen Lawrence Scholarship Scheme. This year, we had the honour of considering 78 outstanding candidates, all showing exceptional potential. We look forward to support our 12 new scholars as they begin their professional paths and continue to contribute to the enduring impact of the Scheme."
Arthur, who is looking forward to starting the development programme, said: 鈥淏eing selected for the Freshfields Stephen Lawrence Scholarship is an honour. I鈥檓 excited to learn and grow alongside such a talented group of scholars, and I hope this experience will not only advance my own ambitions but also inspire others to pursue their goals.鈥
"I also want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of all our candidates who participated in the assessment centres in London," Emma added. 鈥淓ach of them demonstrated exceptional skill and professionalism, representing both themselves and the University with great distinction throughout the process.鈥
]]>As well as making a big difference in their local communities and beyond, international students bring a 拢41 billion annual contribution to the UK, meaning on average, each of the 650 parliamentary constituencies in the UK is 拢58 million better off 鈥 equivalent to approximately 拢560 per citizen. In the North West alone, international students contribute 拢3.04bn to the regional economy.
Jamie Arrowsmith, Director of UUKi said: 鈥淚t鈥檚 never felt more important to acknowledge the important contributions that international students make to their university and local communities, and to the UK more broadly. It鈥檚 not just about the economic side of it 鈥 international students give back through cultural exchange, volunteering, and so much more. We鈥檙e proud to be sharing their stories through the latest phase of the #WeAreInternational campaign.鈥
Beth Sims, a third-year Chemistry student at 黑料网吃瓜爆料, will join a group of 18 students, all on work placement at , a science company in Derbyshire, to take part in the challenge to raise money for , an important charity supporting students with their mental health.
The Lubrizol students will be completing the distance between Lubrizol in Hazelwood, Derbyshire, and the company鈥檚 base in Barcelona. They are aiming to cover the 1715km (1066 miles) distance collectively, with each student taking on roughly 100km during April, whether that be walking, running, cycling, or even climbing.
Beth enjoys going for jogs in Lubrizol鈥檚 extensive grounds, which are set in the beautiful Derbyshire countryside in a former stately home near Duffield and will be running the distance throughout the challenge.
With around one in four students reporting having a diagnosed mental health issue while at university, Student Minds empowers students to build their own mental health toolkit to support themselves and their peers through university life and beyond. The students are aiming to raise 拢500 with their distance challenge, which will be matched by Lubrizol. To donate, visit:
Other universities represented by the Lubrizol distance challenge are: Derby, Loughborough, York, Warwick, Nottingham, Lincoln, Durham, St Andrews and Sheffield.
]]>Michael Magwira from Malawi was another scholar who graduated, after gaining a distinction for his MSc in Medical and Molecular Virology. Alongside resuming his career as a Molecular Laboratory Scientist, he will use his newly-acquired knowledge of virus biology to understand the HIV pandemic in his home country, which he hopes will have a positive effect on its future transmission and control.
鈥淧rior to applying to 黑料网吃瓜爆料, I spent a considerable amount of time researching the standards of teaching and facilities available at a number of UK universities,鈥 he said. 鈥淲hen I received notification via the Equity and Merit Facebook page about the scholarship, 黑料网吃瓜爆料 rose to the top of my list as it had everything I was looking for, from my education to the environment I wished to study in. I then spoke to few E&M alumni from Uganda and Tanzania who had nothing but positive things to say - two highlights of their feedback that encouraged me to apply were the high standards of teaching and the support available at the University.鈥
鈥淭he support that the University gives to its students is fantastic, and is centred around the wellbeing of the students. The lifestyle in 黑料网吃瓜爆料 is very diverse and inclusive - regardless of your nationality, you will always find someone to talk to. Apart from good entertainment and football exposure, the road and transport networks make it easier to access the University from all around the city.鈥
Another of our graduates was Rufaro Matsika from Zimbabwe, who attained an MSc in International Development majoring in Environment, Climate Change and Development. She wants to assist businesses to account for their emissions and monitor the progress of their decarbonisation strategies. She aims to establish a consultancy firm that facilitates the integration of sustainable practices in business operations while providing opportunities for young individuals from diverse backgrounds to gain hands-on work experience in the field of sustainability.
鈥淚 enjoyed everything about the University, from the vast number of resources available to help my academic journey to the exceptional support and guidance I received from the university staff and my academic advisor,鈥 she said. 鈥淓verything you need as a student is at your disposal, including career guidance, creating a CV and preparing for interviews. I also liked how the model of learning allows students to apply critical thinking skills.鈥
鈥淟iving and studying in 黑料网吃瓜爆料 was a highlight due to its remarkable diversity, making it easy to connect with like-minded individuals. There is so much entertainment and many activities that one can do with friends, and transport is easily accessible. I also liked the fact the city houses two prominent Premier League football teams, 黑料网吃瓜爆料 City and 黑料网吃瓜爆料 United - these are teams that I used to just see on TV, but having them in your neighbourhood was a dream come true!鈥
黑料网吃瓜爆料 has unveiled the next phase of its plans to provide more high-quality, modern student accommodation on the Fallowfield campus.
A major redevelopment on part of the Fallowfield site covering Owens Park, Oak House and Woolton Hall is being proposed to meet the increasing demand for student bedrooms in safe and sociable surroundings.
The University is progressing an outline planning application which would replace existing bedspaces with up to 3,300 new bedspaces. This would result in up to 5,400 beds across the Fallowfield campus, helping to uplift the current number of beds by up to 950. By widening the supply, it will provide students with greater choice helping to meet the demand for high-quality, modern bedrooms across the popular campus.
The redevelopment will be delivered in multiple phases and includes the demolition of Owens Park Tower which has been closed for several years. The work does not affect students currently living in halls at the Fallowfield campus and prospective students can continue to apply for existing halls as normal.
Launching today (Tuesday 6th June 2023), the University has launched a public consultation on the plans, giving residents, local groups, students and staff the opportunity to provide feedback on the plans prior to the submission of the outline planning application to 黑料网吃瓜爆料 City Council. During the consultation period, the University is hosting a public drop in event on Wednesday 14th June at Uttley House on the Fallowfield campus, and a live public webinar on Thursday 15th June. More information is available on the consultation website
Dr Simon Merrywest, Director for the Student Experience, University of 黑料网吃瓜爆料 said: 鈥淭he proposals for the redevelopment of this area of the Fallowfield campus will strengthen the University鈥檚 ability to offer a world-class, supportive student experience in well-located, good value, quality accommodation. This redevelopment provides an opportunity to widen the choice and supply of student bedrooms whilst ensuring they are fulfilling the requirements of future students studying at the University.
鈥淭hrough creating these welcoming and inclusive spaces, it helps create a positive sense of place for our students as they live, learn and thrive within the surrounding community.鈥
Ahead of submitting an outline planning application, an initial phase of enabling works to refurbish existing accommodation in Oak House will start in the summer and the relocation of the student reception will be completed in time for the start of 2023/24 academic year.
The public consultation will close on Friday 30th June 2023. To view further information and to receive updates on the project, please visit the project consultation website.
]]>The latest report also highlights that graduate recruitment at the UK's top employers increased substantially in 2022, with a 14.5% increase in the number of graduates recruited compared to 2021.
The number of graduate jobs available is expected to increase by a further 6.3% in 2023, with accounting & professional services firms being the largest recruiters of new graduates.
For more information, please read the or visit the .
To donate to Road to Relief, visit . You can also donate via bank transfer to Memon Association UK (sort code 30-98-97, account number 67538462).
To donate to Round Table Malawi, visit .
The project, entitled 鈥楧oes Disruption of the Circadian Clock System Advance Liver Fibrosis was carried out at the at the School of Biological Sciences at the University of 黑料网吃瓜爆料 whilst intercalating for his BSc in Anatomical Sciences.
Mr Adegboye was presented with his award and 拢1,500 prize at the annual meeting of the British Gastroenterology Society (BSG) on Tuesday June 21st. The ceremony took place during a special dinner at the Raddison Blu Hotel in Birmingham, with the awards presented by the Chair of the BSG and attended by other illustrious names in gastroenterology medicine along with the CEO of Guts UK.
The Dr Falk Pharma/Guts UK Awards are dedicated to encouraging research and promoting patient care in the field of gastroenterology and hepatology. Since 2007 they have rewarded over 120 dedicated young health care professionals, including medical students, junior doctors, nurses and dietitians.
Mr Adegboye explains, 鈥業 have developed a keen interest in liver disease because it affects so many people across so many aetiologies. Further, liver disease is going to be one of the major health challenges of the future. Organ fibrosis occurs across all liver disease and so if we can find a method of treating fibrosis it would be of enormous benefit.
This project aims to investigate whether the Circadian Clock System (CCS) contributes to the advancement of progressive fibrosis in the liver. If our hypothesis is correct, it would suggest that CCS disruption advances liver fibrosis - a condition which is associated with most of the morbidity and mortality related to CLD. This may pave the way for the development of therapies to target the liver鈥檚 circadian rhythms may be a way to halt or reduce fibrotic progress.鈥
鈥業 am so pleased to have been awarded this prize. Itis a reward for all the hard work that has gone into this project, not just for me but for all the team. I am really interested in pursuing a career in clinical research and this is a very competitive are of medicine so this award will be really useful for my CV and to open some doors as I build my career.鈥
Mr Adegboye鈥檚 Project Supervisor Professor Karen Piper Hanley comments : 鈥極luwatobi has been a great student to have in the lab. His enthusiasm has been fantastic, and our collective lab have been delighted with both his intellectual and technical in-put into the project. His contributions will most certainly be recognised as we look to publish these findings.鈥
]]>A team of students from have won an award for genetically modifying bacteria to produce kinder hair-dyes.
The eight students, with academic guidance from the , the , and the , genetically engineered E. coli bacteria to secrete proteins which could colour, repair, straighten, and fragrance hair.
For their work, they were awarded a gold medal in the (iGEM) competition. The focus of iGEM is to provide a synthetic biology-based solution to a real-world problem.
The project aimed to explore an alternative to current hair-dyes which use often harmful chemicals, leading to allergic reactions in users, as well as environmental damage if not disposed of properly. They can also cause bleaching and brittle hair, and have been tentatively suggested as a potential carcinogen.
“The initial idea,” said Elisa Barrow Molina, a third year biotechnology student, “came from an article we saw about how hair dyes could cause alarming reactions in some users.”
The students genetically modified a strain of E. coli which naturally adheres to hair to secrete a dye, replacing the use of potential pollutant and carcinogens.
After this initial idea, they also realised they could modify the bacteria to secrete other products, such as proteins to repair hair, and compounds to fragrance it. Through experiments, the students showed that their engineered bacteria were resilient when exposed to stresses such as chlorine or shampoo.
They encountered several challenges during the process, though the biggest one “depends on who you ask!”, as the division of labour meant they were all meeting and overcoming different headaches during their work.
Camilo Albornoz Carranza, a third year neuroscientist, says; “The synthetic biology was out of my comfort zone, but winning a gold medal vindicates all the work we put in.”
On this note, the students are all in agreement. “This shows we did something worthwhile,” they say, considering it justification for the three months of lab work they put in over the summer. The award from iGEM “closes the chapter”, says Elisa.
“That’s the thing about iGEM,” adds Sophie Guillemot, a third year chemist, “it’s about bringing ideas to the table and leaving them for the next team to develop further.”
While they are not currently planning to commercialise the bacteria, the students also carefully considered potential safety concerns should their product ever make it to market. To address these, the students designed and computationally modelled two genetic ‘kill-switches’, which would prevent the engineered bacteria either surviving away from hair, or developing pathogenicity.
“In ten or twenty years,” notes second year molecular biologist Thomas Harrison, “I think genetically modified bacteria will be part of our lives on a very intimate, primary level.”
The project was initially financed by the University, but the students also sought out sponsors and private donors. They also consulted with the public and hair care experts, which resulted in the introduction of a straightening protein to their final design, as well as the exploration of a large range of colours.
Going forward, the team plan to focus on their individual degrees. For some of them, the iGEM project has helped them to decide where they would like to work in the future. Mujtaba Ansari, a third year biotechnology student, says; “By participating, I’ve discovered that I really like research and lab work, and it’s definitely something I’d like to do in the future.”
Prof Eriko Takano, supervisor of the iGEM team says “We are now looking for enthusiastic students to join the next year’s team. This is a great opportunity, not just for biology students but for students from all faculties who want to explore the revolutionary impact of new technologies and push their skills to new limits”.
]]>黑料网吃瓜爆料 is still on track to achieve an unprecedented third successive University Challenge title.
黑料网吃瓜爆料 stormed into the quarter finals last night, with a convincing 325-110 win over Queens’ College, Cambridge.
It’s the ninth year in a row that 黑料网吃瓜爆料 has reached the quarter finals of the TV contest.
黑料网吃瓜爆料 has had a remarkable run in recent history, having won the title four times in the last eight years: 2006, 2009, 2012 and 2013.
This year's team is captained by Elizabeth Mitchell from Birmingham (studying Politics, Philosophy and Economics), and also includes Jonathan Collings from 黑料网吃瓜爆料 (studying Geography), Joe Day from Bideford in Devon (studying Physics with Astrophysics) and Edward Woudhuysen from London (studying History). Elizabeth was first reserve for last year’s successful quartet.
Jonathan was 黑料网吃瓜爆料’s most valuable player last night, winning an incredible nine starter questions.
黑料网吃瓜爆料’s love affair with the TV show is largely due to long-serving coach Stephen Pearson, who has enjoyed considerable success with University Challenge having captained the team himself in 1996. The media has already dubbed the modest librarian the ‘Alex Ferguson’ of the quiz world,
More than 120 universities enter the show every year, and it remains the UK’s longest-running quiz show. But 黑料网吃瓜爆料’s history in the competition has not been without controversy – in 1975 the 黑料网吃瓜爆料 team staged a protest against what they saw as the show’s elitist bias towards Oxbridge, which allows separate colleges to enter. They answered ‘Marx’ or ‘Trotsky’ to everything.
黑料网吃瓜爆料 team will return to our screens in the New Year for their quarter final clash.
Jon Keighren, Media Relations Manager, 黑料网吃瓜爆料 0161 275 8384
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