Celebrating its 10^th anniversary this year, the campaign inspires teachers of 5-14 year olds to upskill their own knowledge and skills of teaching science enquiry - a form of science education that gives the pupils the opportunity to explore a scientific question through practical investigations linked to .  

Using innovative resources and ideas related to this year鈥檚 theme of #ConnectedScience, pupils across the UK and across the world have been taking the lead and becoming science communicators.  The theme illustrates how science is not isolated in learning, but rather, the way we think scientifically has the power to connect our ideas and successes in all areas of our lives. 

The campaign runs throughout the year, leading to registrations from 835,135 pupils sharing on or around Tuesday 17 June. With wider reach across the globe, #GSSfS inspires teachers and educators from 52 different countries to take part, with events taking place across venues such as schools, hospital schools, museums, sports venues and universities.  

This year, The University of Manchester hosted more than 35 schools from across Greater 91直播 in its Nancy Rothwell building.  

Some of the questions shared this year included: 

• Are all flowers the same? 
• How does wind speed affect voltage generated? 
• Which type of soil will retain the most water to help keep plants hydrated in hot weather? 
• How does the temperature of the ocean affect coral? 

The GSSfS campaign was launched by Professor Lynne Bianchi, Vice Dean for Social Responsibility at The University of Manchester, to provide a unique way to elevate the prominence of science in the classroom, focussing on learner-focussed science communication, inclusive and non-competitive engagement, and promoting collaboration.  

Professor Bianchi, said: 鈥淚t鈥檚 been truly inspiring to witness the Great Science Share for Schools reach its 10th anniversary with such global momentum.鈥�

In 2024 and 2025, the campaign was granted the prestigious patronage of the , in recognition of its status as a beacon of excellence in science education and its pivotal role in shaping the next generation of scientists, innovators, and global citizens.  

Now in its 10^th year, the GSSfS strategy further develops to explore strategic alliances with ministries of education and schools across the world.  This year the Ministry of Education in Malta and the STEM & VET Curriculum and the Museo de Ciencias Universidad de Navarra in Spain, and the Foundation for Education and Development (FED) Unified Learning Centre in Khao Lak, Thailand have become a key focus for development. 

Grace Marson, Campaign Manager, said: 鈥淲hat Great Science Share for Schools has shown year on year, is that pupils have a thirst for science. They are naturally curious about the world around them and given the opportunity through GSSfS, they demonstrate that they can ask amazing scientific questions. This campaign puts pupils at the centre of their learning.鈥�  

By carefully monitoring the level of cancer activity in the blood, doctors can identify the best time to start and stop the drugs to give treatment breaks, which it is hoped will prevent resistance to treatment developing and also reduce side effects. This experimental blood test could help people with stage 4 melanoma, a type of skin cancer, live longer. 

The ground-breaking approach looks for tiny fragments of DNA coming from the cancer, which can be found in the patient鈥檚 blood. 

Dr Rebecca Lee, consultant oncologist and clinician scientist at The Christie and a senior lecturer in Medical Oncology at The University of Manchester is leading on the DyNAMIc trial.She said: 鈥淐ancer treated with targeted therapy can be thought of as two armies of cells; those that are sensitive to the treatment and those that are resistant, which fight for nutrients in order to grow. A patient does not want either cell army to win as that means their cancer will get worse. Although the targeted therapy can kill the sensitive cells, over time the resistant ones grow through. However, if treatment breaks are given, it is thought that the growth of these resistant cells can be suppressed by the sensitive cells. 

鈥淭his blood test enables us to develop a new approach to overcome resistance to targeted therapy treatment. The DyNAMIc trial is really at the forefront of precision medicine. We can adapt the treatment in response to the patient鈥檚 melanoma activity levels in real-time and therefore reduce the chance of the cancer becoming resistant in the long term.  This could be a real game-changer in how we treat melanoma and other patients with cancer undergoing similar treatments in the future.鈥� 

Professor Paul Lorigan, consultant oncologist at The Christie and chief investigator for the DyNAMIc trial said: 鈥淓valuating new biomarker in clinical trials such as DyNAMIc allows us to personalise treatment decisions and continue to improve outcomes for patients with melanoma and other cancers.  The close collaboration between The Christie and the National Biomarker Centre has allowed us to take this from concept to clinical trial.  The study is now open in ten centres in the UK, led by the 91直播 team. This would not be possible without support from the patients and their families, The Christie and The Christie Charity, Jon Moulton Charity Trust, Cancer Research UK and many other colleagues.鈥� 

Dr Dominic Rothwell, the Deputy Director of the Cancer Research UK National Biomarker Centre and one of the team who helped develop the test said: 鈥淭he DyNAMIc trial is a great example of how cutting-edge research, funded by the Jon Moulton Charity Trust and CRUK can lead to the development of exciting new tests and how, in close collaboration with our clinical colleagues, these tests can be transferred to the clinic and lead to the potential improvement of treatments for cancer patients.鈥� 

The first patient to join this clinical trial was a supermarket worker from Stockport in Greater 91直播. Jan Smith (64) had been working on the shop floor at her local superstore in November 2022 when she started to experience severe pain and was rushed to A&E. A scan revealed kidney stones which doctors were able to treat successfully.  However, the scan also showed a shadow near her left kidney which was far more serious. It was a 12-inch-deep mass around her adrenal gland at the top of her kidney and a biopsy confirmed she had stage 4 (the most advanced stage) melanoma in December 2022. 

The self-confessed 鈥榗razy cat lady鈥�, who shares her home with five much-loved moggies, was referred to The Christie. 

鈥淚 hadn鈥檛 had any symptoms and never take time off sick at work. The pain I had with the kidney stones was unbelievable. Like nothing I鈥檇 known before. But in a strange way they saved my life.鈥� Jan explained: 鈥淚t was good news to be told that they had managed to clear the stones but a real shock to discover I had cancer. My local hospital said they couldn鈥檛 remove the tumour as it was too big, so I was referred to The Christie for more specialist treatment.鈥� 

In January 2023 Jan began a course of immunotherapy, which uses the body鈥檚 own immune system to fight the cancer. Unfortunately, within weeks her condition worsened, and she developed speech difficulties and weakness on one side of her body. Jan was given the devastating news that she had developed two brain tumours and needed emergency life-saving surgery to remove part of the tumour in the right side of her head. 

Unfortunately a scan in October 2024 found a new growth near Jan鈥檚 liver so she was offered the chance to participate in research at the ) at in 91直播. Jan was told in the November she was eligible for DyNAMIc, a clinical trial which aims to improve how well the treatment works for patients whose melanoma can鈥檛 be removed by surgery or has spread. 

Jan was prescribed two targeted drugs, encorafenib and binimetinib which is an approved treatment in patients with melanoma. They suppress a protein called BRAF, which causes melanoma cells to survive and grow. Around half of people with melanoma have a BRAF mutation which can become overactive.  

These drugs stop the cancer growing and can shrink the tumour by killing off the cells with the abnormal gene. But the cancer can fight back and develop more changes and become resistant to the treatment. Therefore, a sensitive blood test which precisely measures the amount of circulating DNA from the cancer enabling treatment can be turned on and off as required could be very beneficial to patients. 

Talking about her experience of being on the clinical trial, Jan Smith said: 鈥淭his has been quite a journey with one thing after another, and my battle with cancer is certainly not over yet.  Despite numerous setbacks and changing treatments, I鈥檝e tried to always stay positive and I鈥檓 glad to be benefiting from this trial.

鈥淚 am pleased to take part in research. If we don鈥檛 try new treatments, then we鈥檒l not get the answers and make the medical advancements we need.鈥�

The DyNAMIc study is open for recruitment with the aim of recruiting 40 participants.  The trial is funded by the Jon Moulton Charity Trust, sponsored by The Christie and run by the Liverpool Clinical Trials Centre.  

According to Cancer Research UK, new treatments for melanoma have improved outcomes in recent years. Around half of people with stage 4 melanoma can now survive for 10 years or more.

Dr Rebecca Lee is a senior lecturer in Medical Oncology at The University of Manchester and her post at The Christie is funded by .

Any patients interested in taking part in clinical trials should discuss this option with their consultant or GP. Not all patients will fit the criteria for a specific trial. While clinical trials can be successful for some patients, outcomes can vary from case to case. More information about taking part in clinical trials can be found .

To date, over 2000 patients have consented to be part of the ID LIVER study, with more than 600 assessed in community settings across Greater 91直播 over the last year, as part of the . 

This research project is delivered as part of a series of projects that looks to address Greater 91直播鈥檚 major diseases for the Advanced Diagnostics Accelerator (ADA), part of the . The Accelerator has been established to rapidly improve the diagnosis and treatment of disease across the 2.8m Greater 91直播 population.

Stephanie Landi, Clinical Research Hepatology Fellow at 91直播 University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), said: 鈥淚D LIVER is shifting the focus of liver disease care towards early detection and intervention. By bringing liver health assessments directly into communities, we are removing barriers to access and reaching people who might otherwise present much later with advanced disease. We also know that liver disease disproportionally impacts those living in areas of high socioeconomic deprivation, so by targeting these communities, we are ensuring care reaches those who need it the most. Early detection empowers individuals to understand their liver health and make informed decisions before complications develop.鈥�


Health Innovation 91直播 met with Tony, aged 68 from Greater 91直播, who attended the Early Detection of Liver Disease (ID LIVER) health check in his locality, following a referral from his General Practitioner (GP). 

Tony decided to act on this referral after meeting the criteria for the screening opportunity and followed up before an appointment was made for him. He explained that he was pleasantly surprised that the health-check was so easily accessible for him:

鈥淎n appointment was made for me鈥� I turned up and it was all very pleasant, there was no stress, no worry 鈥� I just turned up, did the test which was a scan, and that was it. The opportunity is there and there are people out there who want to help you, it鈥檚 all being done to help you. It鈥檚 all about you, the patient.

鈥淭he thing for me, is that it鈥檚 done in my locality, it鈥檚 within walking distance鈥� the way this is being done, this is the beauty of it, you鈥檙e just there and it鈥檚 all about you. It鈥檚 intimate really and it makes life easier. If you take the opportunity to get screened and get looked at, you鈥檙e cutting out a load of possible aggravation in the future.鈥�

ID Liver participants are benefiting from state-of-the-art Greater 91直播 Research Van - operated by MFT. The purpose-built vehicle is unique to the region with the goal of widening opportunities for people to be part of research in easy-to-reach locations, improving the relevance and quality of the research. as well as being more inclusive for members of the public.

Oliver Street, Programme Manager, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Gastroenterology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health at The University of Manchester, said: 鈥淓arly detection and prevention of liver disease is extremely important because often symptoms do not present until the disease is advanced and damage to the liver is irreversible. By identifying and assessing patients at increased risk of liver disease we are supporting patients in receiving the right treatment at the right time and developing improved pathways of care.鈥�

Daniel Zamora, Programme Director 鈥� Health Innovation Accelerator at Health Innovation 91直播, said: 鈥淭his project is another fantastic example of how a targeted approach for early detection and community screening is having a lasting positive impact on the treatment of disease for people across Greater 91直播. Through the Accelerator we鈥檝e now seen a considerable number of patients tested and screened for some of our region鈥檚 most prevalent diseases. This work will continue to help us shape how we can identify and treat patients moving forward with the use of innovative solutions across primary, secondary and community care settings

Israel鈥檚 recent surprise attack on Iran was ostensibly aimed at neutralising Iran鈥檚 nuclear programme, but it didn鈥檛 just damage nuclear installations. It killed scientists, engineers and senior military personnel.

Meanwhile, with no ties to the government or military, became 鈥渃ollateral damage鈥�. For 11 days, Israel鈥檚 attacks intensified across Tehran and other major cities.

When the US joined the attack, dropping its bunker-buster bombs on sites in central Iran on June 21, it threatened to push the region closer to . Israel鈥檚 calls for regime change in Iran were joined by the US president, Donald Trump, who took to social media on June 22 : 鈥渋f the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn鈥檛 there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!鈥�

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

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

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

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

Rise of the Pahlavis

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

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

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

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

The 1953 coup

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

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

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

The 1979 revolution: the oppression continues

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the first ever study of its kind, tennis fan Dr Liam Blything analysed the impact of timeouts using from the world鈥檚 top 250 players between 2013 and 2023. 

Players at this year鈥檚 Wimbledon Championships will be watching closely how their opponents take a bathroom break, in light of the study. 

The paper follows years of speculation by journalists and sports people that the practice amounts to gamesmanship, bestowing an advantage for players taking a bathroom break by disrupting the rhythm of their opponent. 

However, proponents of the bathroom break argue that timeouts are a useful and acceptable way to help players reset.

 In response, the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) introduced a rule for the 2022 season to restrict timeouts to a maximum of 3 minutes, alongside limitations on when and how often they can be deployed. 

Published in the peer reviewed International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, Dr Blything found that 71% of time outs were taken when a player lost the previous set. 

And in normal circumstances, 33% of players recover the next set after losing the previous one. This, however, rose to 47% if they took a bathroom break. 

The data analysed by Dr Blything showed there were 1,928 breaks in play in the study period, though when medical and other breaks were accounted for, he was left with 366 bathroom timeouts. 

Dr Blything said: 鈥淭here has been much argument in the media over recent years about the formalisation of gamesmanship in tennis, with the taking of bathroom breaks. 

鈥淭his study for the first time used real data to check the validity of those concerns. 

鈥淭here is now clear evidence a well-timed bathroom break in play confers an advantage to the player taking the break by regathering him or herself and disrupting the flow of the opponent..鈥� 

Dr Blything also carried out follow up analyses on the extent to which unforced-errors contributed to the forms of points won and lost. 

The overall decrease in the opponent鈥檚 winner-shots was offset by an equivalent decrease in the strategist鈥檚 unforced errors, preserving the proportion observed in the baseline data. 

That showed timeout advantage is a combination of both the strategist benefitting from the opportunity to personally reset, and a disruption of the rhythm of the opponent, rather than being disproportionally driven by one player. 

Psychological theory also supports the notion that taking a break can confer advantages by interrupting momentum. 

Theorists argue an interruption disrupts perceptions associated with positive momentum for players who are on a roll, which is in turn difficult to regain. 

The timeout also potentially affords the opportunity for a losing player to refocus from that negative thinking spiral about prospective outcomes, for example by using self-talk and mental imagery techniques. 

Dr Blything added: 鈥淭hese pioneering findings uniquely inform players and tennis governing bodies about the influence of timeouts and, more broadly, elucidate the role that stoppages can play in sport for altering momentum. 

鈥淚t would be useful understand if this effect is relevant  in other sports. Snooker players, for example, seem to take a lot of bathroom breaks.鈥� 

Examples of comments from players:

Andy Murray on a Stefanos Tsitsipas bathroom break after Murray won the 4th set 2-2 in the 2021 US Open 1st round. He went on to lose 3 - 2. 鈥淚t鈥檚 just disappointing because I feel it influenced the outcome of the match. I鈥檓 not saying I necessarily win that match, for sure, but it had influence on what was happening after those breaks.鈥�

Roger Federer who took a bathroom break after losing the 4th set 2-2 in the 2017 Australian Open semifinal. He went on to beat Wawrinka 3-2. 鈥淚 think they're more mental than anything else. I only really did take the timeout because I thought, 'He took one already, maybe I can take one for a change'. Because I'm not a believer in any way that we should be allowed to take a lot of timeouts. But I took it after the set break. People know I don't abuse the system. I hope it's going to stay that way in the future for me, too.鈥�

Stefanos Tsitispas, who鈥檚 opponent Novak Djokovic took a bathroom break after losing 2nd set to make it  0-2 in the 2021 French Open Final. Djokovic recovered to beat Tsitsipas 3-2: 鈥淚 don't think I changed much, I just kept the same pace. I kept the things that were working for me. He left the court after two sets to love down, and he came back to me like a different player suddenly. I don't know. I have no idea.鈥�

On the same match, Djokovic said: 鈥淭he bathroom break was the turning point. Sometimes in these kind of circumstances where not much is happening positively for you on the court in terms of tennis and the other guy on the court is dominating the play, sometimes these things are necessary. A little break, a little pep talk, and try to recuperate and re-gather the thoughts and reassemble everything that you have and [counter] your opponent with the best possible game.  Maybe it's the experience, maybe it's the toilet break, maybe it's everything combined, but I'm just glad I'm through.鈥�

The paper psychological (ab)use of timeouts in professional tennis is available DOI: 10.1080/24748668.2024.2436271:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The five-year multi-centre research project 鈥� supported by 拢10mn funding from Wellcome 鈥� involves researchers from the Universities of Cambridge, Kent, 91直播, Oxford, and Imperial College London. SynHG is led by Professor Jason Chin of the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology; he was also recently announced as the founding Director of the Generative Biology Institute at the Ellison Institute of Technology, Oxford, and a Professor at the University of Oxford.

A dedicated social science programme, led by Professor Joy Zhang of the Centre for Global Science and Epistemic Justice at the University of Kent, runs throughout the project alongside the scientific development. The programme will work with civil society partners around the world to actively explore, assess and respond to the socio-ethical implications of tools and technologies developed by SynHG.

The benefits of human genome synthesis to research and beyond 
Since the completion of the Human Genome Project at the start of the century, researchers have sought the ability to write our genome from scratch. Unlike genome editing, genome synthesis allows for changes at a greater scale and density, with more accuracy and efficiency, and will lead to the determination of causal relationships between the organisation of the human genome and how our body functions. Synthetic genomes have the potential to open up brand new areas of research in creating targeted cell-based therapies, virus-resistant tissue transplantation and extensions may even enable the engineering of plant species with new properties, including the ability to withstand harsh climate. 

To date, scientists have successfully developed synthetic genomes for microbes such as E. coli. The field of synthetic genomics has accelerated in recent times, and advances in machine learning, data science and AI showing promise, with synthesised DNA becoming more widely available. However, today鈥檚 technology is not able to produce large, more complex sections of genetic material, such as found in crops, animals and humans. 

The research team are focusing on developing the tools and technology to synthesise large genomes exemplified by the human genome. Focusing on the human genome, as opposed to other model organisms such as mice, will allow researchers to more quickly make transformative discoveries in human biology and health.

 Professor Jason Chin, Founding Director of the Generative Biology Institute at EIT, Oxford, said: 鈥淭he ability to synthesize large genomes, including genomes for human cells, may transform our understanding of genome biology and profoundly alter the horizons of biotechnology and medicine. With SynHG we are building the tools to make large genome synthesis a reality, and at the same time we are pro-actively engaging in the social, ethical, economic and policy questions that may arise as the tools and technologies advance.  We hope that Wellcome鈥檚 support for this combination of approaches will help facilitate substantive societal benefit.鈥�

A bold, ambitious project facing complex scientific challenges 
SynHG focuses on developing the foundational tools and methods required to equip more researchers in the future. This research journey will potentially catalyse new technologies in the field of engineering biology, generating exciting discoveries about how cells use their genomes even before achieving complete genome synthesis. 

The team of researchers hope to provide proof of concept for large genome synthesis by creating a fully synthetic human chromosome, which makes up approximately 2% of our total DNA. Initially, the team hope to establish methods where small changes are made to the sequence of a chromosome with minimal onward effect on the proteins that it produces. 

Setting the foundation 鈥� testing the concept, iterating the methods, and embedding ethical considerations 鈥� could alone take many years. Even as engineering biology technologies improve, reliably building a complete synthetic human genome and meaningfully applying it to human health will likely take decades.

Michael Dunn, Director of Discovery Research at Wellcome, said: 鈥淥ur DNA determines who we are and how our bodies work and with recent technological advances, the SynHG project is at the forefront of one of the most exciting areas of scientific research. Through creating the necessary tools and methods to synthesise a human genome we will answer questions about our health and disease that we cannot even anticipate yet, in turn transforming our understanding of life and wellbeing.鈥� 

Professor Patrick Yizhi Cai, Chair of Synthetic Genomics at the University of Manchester said: "We are leveraging cutting-edge generative AI and advanced robotic assembly technologies to revolutionize synthetic mammalian chromosome engineering. Our innovative approach aims to develop transformative solutions for the pressing societal challenges of our time, creating a more sustainable and healthier future for all."

Embedding global socio-ethical discussions in scientific advancements 
To effectively translate scientific ambition into meaningful and potentially profound societal benefits, it is essential that there is proactive and sustained engagement with the evolving socio-ethical priorities and concerns of diverse communities. 

Wellcome is also funding Care-full Synthesis, a dedicated social research initiative conducting empirical studies with diverse publics worldwide. Led by Professor Joy Y. Zhang and hosted by the Centre for Global Science and Epistemic Justice (GSEJ) at the University of Kent, the project builds on GSEJ鈥檚 global network of academic, civil society, industry and policy partners to promote a new approach of science鈥搒ociety dialogue that is Open, Deliberative, Enabling, Sensible & Sensitive, and Innovative (鈥極DESSI鈥�). 

Professor Joy Zhang, Founding Director of the GSEJ at the University of Kent said: 鈥淲ith Care-full Synthesis, through empirical studies across Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Americas, we aim to establish a new paradigm for accountable scientific and innovative practices in the global age鈥攐ne that explores the full potential of synthesising technical possibilities and diverse socio-ethical perspectives with care.鈥� 

Over the next five years, the team will undertake a transdisciplinary and transcultural investigation into the socio-ethical, economic, and policy implications of synthesising human genomes. The project places particular emphasis on fostering inclusivity within and across nation-states, while engaging emerging public鈥損rivate partnerships and new interest groups. 

Through the generation of rich empirical data, the team will develop a toolkit to enable effective integration of careful thinking into the management, communication, and delivery of human genome synthesis. This work aims to substantially expand the practice of accountable science and innovation, reflecting the complex realities of a hyperconnected yet ideologically fragmented world. Care-full Synthesis will achieve this by advancing a fresh approach to engaging with global communities, ensuring that fast-moving science is accompanied by robust social and legal deliberation, and identifying innovative strategies to co-ordinate regional and global governance accounting for diverse social priorities and scientific pathways.

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 The University of Manchester 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 91直播 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. 

In a boon for the future of data storage technologies, the researchers have made a new single-molecule magnet that retains its magnetic memory up to 100 Kelvin (-173 掳C) 鈥� around the temperature of the Moon at night.

The finding, published in the journal , is a significant advance on the previous record of 80 Kelvin (-193 掳C). While still a long way from working in a standard freezer, or at room temperature, data storage at 100 Kelvin could be feasible in huge data centres, such as those used by Google.

If perfected, these single-molecule magnets could pack vast amounts of information into incredibly small spaces 鈥� possibly more than three terabytes of data per square centimetre. That鈥檚 around half a million TikTok videos squeezed into a hard drive that鈥檚 the size of a postage stamp.

The research was led by The University of Manchester, with computational modelling led by the Australian National University (ANU).

David Mills, Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at The University of Manchester, said: 鈥淭his research showcases the power of chemists to deliberately design and build molecules with targeted properties. The results are an exciting prospect for the use of single-molecule magnets in data storage media that is 100 times more dense than the absolute limit of current technologies.

鈥淎lthough the new magnet still needs cooling far below room temperature, it is now well above the temperature of liquid nitrogen (77 Kelvin), which is a readily available coolant. So, while we won鈥檛 be seeing this type of data storage in our mobile phones for a while, it does make storing information in huge data centres more feasible.鈥�

Magnetic materials have long played an important role in data storage technologies. Currently, hard drives store data by magnetising tiny regions made up of many atoms all working together to retain memory. Single-molecule magnets can store information individually and don鈥檛 need help from any neighbouring atoms to retain their memory, offering the potential for incredibly high data density. But, until now, the challenge has always been the incredibly cold temperatures needed in order for them to function.

The key to the new magnets鈥� success is its unique structure, with the element dysprosium located between two nitrogen atoms. These three atoms are arranged almost in a straight line 鈥� a configuration predicted to boost magnetic performance but realised now for the first time.

Usually, when dysprosium is bonded to only two nitrogen atoms it tends to form molecules with more bent or irregular shapes. In the new molecule, the researchers added a chemical group called an alkene that acts like a molecular pin, binding to dysprosium to hold the structure in place.

The team at the Australian National University developed a new theoretical model to simulate the molecule鈥檚 magnetic behaviour to allow them to explain why this particular molecular magnet performs so well compared to previous designs.

Now, the researchers will use these results as a blueprint to guide the design of even better molecular magnets.

The event is a joint collaboration between the University of Manchester, Athlete鈥檚 Journey Home and Drug Science and is supported by the British Association for Psychopharmacology. 

The event will feature world experts in the psychedelics field:  Prof David Nutt from Imperial College London and Prof Sara Tai from The University of Manchester. 

Three elite athletes: former professional rugby player, Rory Lamont; former professional ice hockey player, Daniel Carcillo; and former mixed martial artist, Ian McCall will talk about their own healing experiences. 

Organised by Jo Neill Professor of Psychopharmacology, from The University of Manchester, the event will explore scientific and real world evidence to show that psychedelic assisted therapy (PAP) may be able to alleviate some harmful effects of trauma in elite athletes. 

Clinical studies, fieldwork and personal accounts from across the world are now finding that PAP can induce neuroplasticity - the ability of the brain to reorganise and make new connections throughout life. 

And that may treat the cognitive decline, early dementia, severe headache and pain which are so common in brain injuries. 

Prof Neill said 鈥淭his is particularly relevant to elite athletes in sports such as rugby, football, ice hockey, horse riding, mixed martial arts and boxing. 

鈥淚n addition to injury, athletes experience emotional trauma from the high pressure environment of competitive sport, and gruelling training regimes, most evident when they leave that sport. 

鈥淏耻迟 psychedelic assisted therapy is known to reduce the emotional and physical impact of these forms of trauma and is even starting to be used by elite athletes for their mental and physical health in countries where it is legal. 

鈥淧AP is increasingly being recognised as a safe treatment though patients must always adhere to the law, and be well prepared in a very safe setting when taking the psychedelic medicines. They must also receive appropriate and extensive integrative therapy afterwards.鈥� 

The event takes place at the University鈥檚 Nancy Rothwell Building on Wednesday 2nd July at 2PM. 

Dr Grace Blest-Hopley and Nige Netzband, experts on Traumatic Brain Injury who work with psychedelics will also speak to the conference. 

Professor Neill added: 鈥淲hile most people find it extremely beneficial and indeed life-changing, PAP can be a very challenging and difficult experience for many. It is not be a medicine to be taken lightly. The treatment paradigm is 1-3 high doses in combination with therapy. Some people may not need to take this treatment again. This is very different from the current approach where people need to take a medicine every day which can have a significant side effect burden. 

鈥淚n spite of all the clinical and scientific evidence for their medicinal properties, particularly for disorders where nothing else works, they remain illegal Class A, Schedule 1 drugs in the UK. 

鈥淭he law is not evidence based and it enacts the harshest penalties for unlicensed manufacture, possession and supply. 

鈥淐linicians and scientists who want to conduct research require a controlled drugs licence from the Home Office, an expensive, bureaucratic and extremely time-consuming process. This must change.鈥� 

Tickets available here, free for BAP members.

has been selected to receive the Robert Robinson Prize, while is one of this year's three Tilden Prize recipients.

Professor Larrosa and Professor Barran are among the more than 40 Research and Innovation Prize winners, which recognises researchers who have displayed their brilliance when it comes to research and innovation.

and have earned the Technical Excellence Prize for their outstanding dedication and technical expertise in running the at The University of Manchester. The prize recognises outstanding contributions to the chemical sciences made by individuals or teams working as technicians or in technical roles. 

Prof Larrosa won his prize for contributions to organic chemistry in the area of ruthenium-catalysed C鈥揅 bond formation, and receives 拢3,000 and a medal.

His investigates the development of catalytic processes that enable chemists in industry and academia to synthesise valuable molecules in a more straightforward and sustainable fashion. The main approach in the group involves the application of analytical tools to the detailed study of the modes of operation of transition metal catalysts, and then using this new knowledge to develop more powerful and efficient catalysts.

After receiving the prize, Prof Larrosa said: 鈥淚t is such an honour to receive the Robert Robinson Award, especially given its history of celebrating transformative contributions to organic chemistry. This recognition reflects the creativity, persistence and collaborative spirit of the brilliant researchers I have had the privilege to work with over the years. I am proud of what we have achieved together, and deeply grateful for the support of my colleagues, mentors and the wider scientific community.鈥�

Professor Barran was recognised with the Tilden Prize for her work on the application of ion mobility mass spectrometry to complex biological systems, and breakthroughs in biomarker discovery 鈥� notably non-invasive sampling to diagnose Parkinson's disease.

Her focuses on developing advanced mass spectrometry techniques to study the structure and behaviour of proteins and other biomolecules, with applications in understanding the fundamentals of biology, the mechanistic reasons for diseases and the development of therapeutics and diagnostics. One of our most notable achievements is the collaborative work with Joy Milne, a retired nurse who possesses an extraordinary sense of smell and noticed a distinct odour associated with Parkinson鈥檚 disease.

This observation led to research demonstrating that sebum, an oily substance secreted by the skin, contains compounds that can serve as biomarkers for Parkinson鈥檚. Using mass spectrometry, our team identified specific molecules in sebum that differ between individuals with and without Parkinson鈥檚 disease. This discovery has paved the way for the development of a non-invasively sampled and rapid diagnostic test that can detect Parkinson鈥檚 disease with high accuracy, potentially allowing for earlier intervention and treatment.

Prof Barran won 拢5,000 and a medal. 

After receiving the prize, Prof Barran said: 鈥淚 was absolutely thrilled! This prize was formally won by both my PhD advisors, Harry Kroto and Tony Stace, my undergraduate personal tutor, Dave Garner, and many other brilliant scientists. I felt totally honoured to be among these people who I have always respected. In my case, I attribute winning to the people that I have been privileged to work with. I noted that out of about 200 recipients I was the ninth female. This also made me feel pretty pleased!鈥�

Dr Muralidharan Shanmugam and Adam Brookfield are two EPSRC National Research Facility (NRF) for Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy technical specialists named as the winners of one of the Royal Society of Chemistry鈥檚 team prizes, which celebrate discoveries and innovations that push the boundaries of science.

The duo have been recognised for their outstanding dedication and technical expertise in running the facility at The University of Manchester. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) is the spectroscopic technique that is selective and sensitive to unpaired electrons. The unpaired electrons could be intrinsic to the materials studied or could be induced via a process (e.g light/heat/chemically) to provide information on structure, kinetics and much more, with applications covering all areas of physics, chemistry, biology and materials science. The technical team at the EPSRC NRF both maintain the equipment and assist users with the design, implementation and analysis of proposed experiments.

They will share 拢3,000 and receive a trophy.

 After receiving the prize, Adam Brookfield said: 鈥淏oth Murali and I are over the moon that our contributions have been recognised by the RSC with this award.

"We're both nosey scientists at heart, we want to provide the best instrument access and knowledge to our users to enable their world-class science. We're in a unique position where we get to see and adapt the facility to the trends and hotspots in research areas, alongside training the next generation of scientific leaders.鈥�

The Royal Society of Chemistry鈥檚 prizes have recognised excellence in the chemical sciences for more than 150 years. This year鈥檚 winners join a prestigious list of past recipients in the RSC鈥檚 prize portfolio, 60 of whom have gone on to win Nobel Prizes for their work, including 2022 Nobel laureate Carolyn Bertozzi and 2019 Nobel laureate John B Goodenough.

Dr Helen Pain, Chief Executive of the Royal Society of Chemistry, said: 鈥淭he chemical sciences cover a rich and diverse collection of disciplines, from fundamental understanding of materials and the living world, to applications in medicine, sustainability, technology and more. By working together across borders and disciplines, chemists are finding solutions to some of the world鈥檚 most pressing challenges.

鈥淥ur prize winners come from a vast array of backgrounds, all contributing in different ways to our knowledge base, and bringing fresh ideas and innovations. We recognise chemical scientists from every career stage and every role type, including those who contribute to the RSC鈥檚 work as volunteers. We celebrate winners from both industry and academia, as well as individuals, teams, and the science itself.

鈥淭heir passion, dedication and brilliance are an inspiration. I extend my warmest congratulations to them all.鈥�

For more information about the RSC鈥檚 prizes portfolio, visit .

CurrentBody Skin, one of the three innovative beauty technology brands owned by TBTG, has been at the forefront of home-use beauty technology globally since 2009 and is a pioneer in bringing LED light therapy to the home. CurrentBody Skin鈥檚 LED Light Therapy Face Mask uses 236 LEDs to emit the three most clinically recognised wavelengths for anti-ageing: red light, near-infrared and deep near-infrared. The efficacy and safety of the technology is underpinned by hundreds of clinical studies, alongside being endorsed by Doctors, dermatologists and aestheticians.

As awareness for our products grows, so does the desire for both education and science-backed beauty technology solutions. We are therefore investing heavily in clinical research for the future as the beauty technology market increasingly becomes a part of people鈥檚 skincare routines.

Home to one of the most active and comprehensive centres for dermatology research in the UK, The University of Manchester was an obvious partner for our next clinical study. The 12-week clinical study will commence in September 2025 and will be led by Dr. Abigail Langton, PhD, who has an established record of internationally-recognised original research in the field of skin health and ageing.

The study will see a minimum of 20 healthy adult volunteers use the CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Face Mask Series 2  for 10 minutes, five times per week for a 12-week period. In conjunction with the mask, a bespoke LED device for use on the forearm has been designed and manufactured to the same specification as the face mask. This bespoke device will be used on the volunteers鈥� forearms for the same duration as the face mask to support the clinical study. Participants will undergo non-invasive assessments of their face at the beginning, the halfway point and at the end of the study. In addition, small forearm skin biopsies will be taken at the start and at the end of the 12-week period.

The results from this new study will deepen our knowledge of our technology even further, leveraging pioneering techniques including biopsies of the skin to assess the extent of skin ageing and repair. It will evaluate the technology鈥檚 impact on photoaged skin, which is the result of long-term sun exposure over the years, often characterised by wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and dull appearance. It will focus on the impact on skin health and function on the face and forearm, including measures such as elasticity and hydration, as well as microscopic features of the forearm skin, such as epidermal thickness.

Laurence Newman, CEO of The Beauty Tech Group, commented: 鈥淎s the use of LED light therapy and other beauty technologies becomes increasingly commonplace in people鈥檚 lives, so has the increase in demand for education and proof of results. Unfortunately, imitation products, where the accuracies of wavelengths cannot be proven, have entered the beauty technology market and this is subsequently leading to confusion and misinformation. The need to validate and prove our technology is therefore more important than ever.

鈥淲e are addressing these challenges by ensuring each device that we produce can be traced back to its manufacturing to show the exact wavelengths in our CurrentBody Skin LED Face Mask Series 2. Partnering with one of the biggest faculties for skin in the country, and in our home city, will support our continuing journey in expanding the clinical aspect of the use of LED light therapy.

鈥淭his partnership not only demonstrates our commitment to leading the way in product design and development, but also shows our commitment to raise the standards across the industry. Most importantly, it aims to ensure that customers purchase high quality aesthetic products that are proven to work and are safe to use. I am proud of the work we are doing to innovate and progress the beauty technology industry, and look forward to publishing the results once the clinical trial is completed.鈥�

Dr. Abigail Langton added: "We鈥檙e thrilled to be collaborating with The Beauty Tech Group on this pioneering study into the effects of LED light therapy on skin ageing. By harnessing cutting-edge technology and combining it with our expertise in dermatological science, we have a unique opportunity to uncover how targeted light wavelengths influence the biology of photoaged skin. This research will generate powerful new insights into skin structure and function, helping to shape the future of science-backed, at-home skin treatments."

The White Paper takes recommendations from research carried out by University of Manchester researchers based at the 91直播 Centre for Audiology and Deafness (ManCAD), funded by the Alzheimer鈥檚 Society and supported by the  National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) 91直播 Biomedical Research Centre.

They found that unaddressed hearing loss is highly prevalent in care homes, impacting on residents鈥� quality of life.

The research identified several barriers relating to caregivers鈥� knowledge of hearing loss and opportunities for care homes to work with audiologists. Unclear responsibilities relating to hearing care and residents鈥� difficulties adapting to, or being comfortable wearing, hearing aids were also identified.

Titled 鈥淗earing Loss in Care Homes 鈥� A Call to Action鈥�, the paper brings together nearly a decade of practical experience from Engage鈥檚 work across over 35 care homes, alongside extensive research and insights from Nightingale Hammerson, where the Engage project has been running for over three years.

With at least 80% of residents in older people鈥檚 care homes living with hearing loss, the paper highlights the widespread impact of unaddressed hearing needs 鈥� from increased risks of dementia and falls, to social isolation, depression, and avoidable distress.

Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, said: 鈥淗earing loss has long been overlooked in care settings, despite its profound impact on wellbeing, safety, and social connection. This white paper, developed jointly with Engage and Nightingale Hammerson, is a timely and vital resource for the sector. It provides practical, evidence-based recommendations that care providers can implement to deliver more compassionate, inclusive and effective care.鈥�

The paper sets out a comprehensive set of evidence-informed recommendations including:

• Conducting environmental audits to reduce noise and improve lighting;
• Implementing clear protocols for hearing aid support and maintenance;
• Providing experiential hearing loss training for staff;
• Appointing Hearing Loss Champions to embed best practice;
• Ensuring access to personal amplifiers when hearing aids are not tolerated or unavailable;
• Improving access to audiology services and earwax removal;
• Supporting residents and families to explore and use assistive hearing technologies;
• Embedding person-centred communication, particularly for people living with dementia.

Dr Hannah Cross, Research Associate, 91直播 Centre for Audiology and Deafness (ManCAD) at The University of Manchester, said: 鈥淗earing care that is personalised, provided consistently and dementia appropriate can make huge changes to residents鈥� quality of life, wellbeing, independence and functioning.

"Meeting the hearing needs of care home residents with dementia is vital in maintaining their communication abilities, independence, and quality-of-life. 

"My PhD work outlined just how complex providing hearing care can be and how much needs to change. This White Paper will help to guide care homes in supporting their residents, and boost the priority of hearing loss within Social Care policy and regulation.鈥�

Padraic Garrett, Head of Engage and Andrew Goodwin, Service Manager for Engage, said: 鈥淲hen residents with hearing loss are not adequately supported, it leads to increased anxiety, depression, and social isolation, with higher risks to physical health issues including falls. From our many years of successfully collaborating with homes, our motivation for this Paper is to share what we have found works to address the suffering of residents with hearing loss.鈥�

Nuno Santos Lopes, Director of Research and Innovation at Nightingale Hammerson, added: 鈥淗earing loss is common to the vast majority of older people with care needs and the levels of knowledge of the care givers remains very low. From creating the right environment to get staff, managers and relatives knowledgeable about how to engage with someone with hearing loss, there is a lot of work to do and this document works as an easy to access guidance to help improving the hearing care standards.鈥�

The paper not only outlines an ethical and clinical imperative but also makes a compelling financial case: improved hearing care can reduce falls, mitigate cognitive decline, and enhance resident and staff wellbeing鈥攗ltimately supporting occupancy, reputation, and staff retention.

Care England urges all care providers to read the paper and implement its recommendations, using it as a foundation for improving practice and a platform to advocate for better audiology provision within local health systems.

Triangle CERSI is one of five Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-funded centres across the US, designed to promote innovation in regulatory science and accelerate access to complex emerging technologies. Located in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, Triangle CERSI is a partnership between University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke University, in collaboration with North Carolina State University, North Carolina Central University, and the Burroughs Welcome Fund.

UK CEiRSI, jointly funded by InnovateUK and the Medical Research Council (MRC), operates under the leadership of the Christabel Pankhurst Institute in partnership with Unit M. This pioneering consortium has established a comprehensive national network that unites elite academic institutions鈥攊ncluding University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University College London (UCL), University of Edinburgh, University of Strathclyde, Queens University of Belfast and Swansea University鈥攚ith key regulatory bodies such as the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and Health Research Authority (HRA). With participation from 85 additional national and international stakeholders spanning academia, industry, and regulatory affairs, UK CEiRSI represents an unprecedented collaborative effort to integrate robust in-silico evidence into medical product development and regulatory decision-making pathways.

Professor Alejandro Frangi, Executive Director of UK CEiRSI, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration: 鈥淭his partnership represents a strategic milestone in global regulatory harmonisation. Triangle CERSI's pioneering work in virtual imaging trials and pharmaceutical regulatory science perfectly complements our comprehensive in silico capabilities across drugs and medical devices. By synchronising our regulatory approaches across continents, we're not simply sharing knowledge鈥攚e're building a unified scientific foundation that will accelerate innovation, reduce redundancy, and ultimately deliver safer, more effective medical technologies to patients worldwide. Together, we're transforming regulatory barriers into bridges.鈥�

Christin Daniels, Executive Director of Triangle CERSI, highlighted the importance of the partnership: "Partnering with UK CEiRSI creates a synergistic alliance to modernize regulatory science. Ensuring faster, safer solutions for patients worldwide requires a unified regulatory language. By combining Triangle CERSI鈥檚 expertise in pharmaceutical evaluation and safety, clinical trial optimization, in silico models and other New Approach Methodologies with UK CEiRSI鈥檚 impressive national network focused on comprehensive in silico technologies, we aim to close the gap between the pace of innovation and speed of adoption along the regulatory pathway on both sides of the Atlantic."

The MOU sets the stage for a series of joint initiatives, including workshops, training programs, and collaborative research projects. These efforts will not only advance regulatory science but also contribute to the development of a skilled workforce capable of navigating the complexities of modern healthcare. 

• "In-Silico"  is a term used to describe experiments or studies that are performed using computer simulations or software. 
• For more information visit: UK CEiRSI LinkedIn ; UK CEiRSI ;  InSilicoUK ; UK CEiRSI | InSilicoUK ; In Silico Trials, Real Impact! ; Triangle CERSI

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile, has released a series of extraordinary images, which show millions of galaxies, stars in the Milky Way and thousands of asteroids, all in unprecedented detail.  

These images, captured in just 10 hours of observations, offer a glimpse of what鈥檚 to come from Rubin鈥檚 forthcoming Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) - a 10-year mission to build the most detailed time-lapse map of the night sky ever attempted.

The UK is playing a major role in the global collaboration, as the second-largest international contributor to the project, supported by a 拢23 million investment from the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).

The UK will host one of three international data facilities to support management and processing of the unprecedented amounts of data that Rubin will produce.

Among the UK scientists closely involved is Professor Chris Conselice, Professor of Extragalactic Astronomy at The University of Manchester. Professor Conselice sits on the UK:LSST/Rubin Board and has contributed to key scientific analyses for preparation of the data, including techniques to detect very diffuse light around galaxies and how the data from Rubin can be used with Euclid - another international satellite mission to map the dark universe.

The images have been taken with the LSST Camera - the world鈥檚 newest and most powerful survey telescope, equipped with the largest digital camera ever built and feeds a powerful data processing system.

Over the next decade, it will repeatedly scan the sky to create an ultra-wide, ultra-high-definition time-lapse record of our Universe that will bring the sky to life with a treasure trove of billions of scientific discoveries. The images will reveal asteroids and comets, pulsating stars, supernova explosions, far-off galaxies and perhaps cosmic phenomena that no one has seen before.

Already, the camera has identified more than 2000 never-before-seen asteroids in our Solar System.

The project will generate the largest dataset in the history of optical astronomy. The amount of data gathered by Rubin Observatory in its first year alone will be greater than that collected by all other optical observatories combined.

The dataset is expected to reach around 500 petabytes and catalogue billions of cosmic objects with trillions of measurements that will help scientists make countless discoveries about the Universe and will serve as an incomparable resource for scientific exploration for decades to come.

The University of Manchester鈥檚 involvement continues to shape global narratives of Egypt鈥檚 forgotten cities, bringing the ancient Delta back into view one discovery at a time.

In addition to Dr Nicky Nielsen, the excavation team comprised Dr Hamada Hussein (University of Sadat City), Dr Diana T. Nikolova (University of Liverpool), Matei Tichindelean (UCLA), Kylie Thomsen (UCLA), Omar Farouk, Jamal el-Sharkawy, Ahmed Fahim and Ali Bashir.

The Tower was taken out of service in 2021 with demolition beginning in 2024. It was completed in Spring 2025, with the demolition carried out by 91直播-based company P.P. O鈥機onnor. 

Modern and high-quality student accommodation will be built on the site, bringing the wider Fallowfield Campus offering up to 5,400 student beds. The project will deliver 3,300 updated bedspaces as well as replacing some of the existing accommodation. 

Planning permission for the new accommodation was secured following public consultation with local groups, residents, staff and students. 

Owens Park Tower will be remembered fondly as a focal point of the Fallowfield Campus by former residents and alumni of The University of Manchester. 

Built in the 1960s, Owens Park housed thousands of students every year, and previous famous residents include actor Benedict Cumberbatch, comedian Rik Mayall, and Radiohead guitarist Ed O'Brien. 

Barra Mac Ruair铆, Chief Property Officer at The University of Manchester said: 鈥淥wens Park Tower will always be remembered by generations of staff and students. For many of our alumni, it was their first home in this city.  

鈥淏耻迟 a great new chapter awaits our Fallowfield Campus, and I am excited to see our bold vision for modern student accommodation, which reflects our commitment to providing an exceptional living environment, come to life.鈥� 

Along with Owens Park, Oak House and Woolton Hall will eventually also be redeveloped. The changes come at a time of increasing demand for student accommodation in 91直播, with the University committed to providing inclusive and safe accommodation in sociable surroundings.  

The consortium Virdis (comprised of John Graham Construction Ltd, Equitix and Derwent FM) is driving the Fallowfield Campus redevelopment project forward in line with the University鈥檚 aspiration to create a greener, more sustainable future at the campus, rooted in the delivery of an unrivalled student experience. 

Dr Simon Merrywest, Executive Director for the Student Experience at The University of Manchester, said: 鈥淓very student that studies with us deserves a safe place to call home and a learning environment that supports them in reaching their full potential. We are investing in our Fallowfield Campus to ensure it meets the needs of our students. 

鈥淲e are always listening and working to improve the experience of our students, and we understand the availability of high-quality, good value student accommodation is insufficient in this city. The changes to our Fallowfield Campus will bring seismic benefits to our student community, from the moment they arrive to the day they graduate.鈥� 

In a new report from the Northern Health Science Alliance, partly based on research by University of Manchester experts entitled 鈥淎geing in the North鈥�, researchers have catalogued an 鈥渁larming鈥� range of disadvantages faced by older people living in the North, in areas such as health, life expectancy, housing, nutrition, employment, and social isolation.

The authors stress that this inequality is mainly driven by economic and social factors, and is 鈥渢otally reversible鈥� - as long as policymakers are bold enough to act. For example, targeted investment has the potential to reduce or recover as much as 拢10.9 billion in lost productivity costs, 拢315 million in NHS costs from falls and hip fractures, and 拢588 million in NHS costs from treating conditions resulting from poor  housing.

鈥淎geing in the North鈥� is published by the Northern Health Science Alliance鈥檚 Ageing North network - including a multi-disciplinary team from Durham University, Lancaster University, The University of Manchester, Newcastle University, and the University of Sheffield - and Health Equity North. The team features expertise from a wide range of disciplines, from biology to sociology.

Researchers analysed existing data through a regional lens to examine the different ways in which ageing is experienced across England. They explored issues such as poverty and employment, health expectancies, long-term chronic conditions, frailty and falls, physical activity, nutrition, dementia and cognitive frailty, social support and unpaid care, social isolation and loneliness, housing and ethnicity.

The report - which you can read in full - states that:

鈼�     There are an estimated 904,200 economically inactive 50-64 year olds in the North: 170,100 in the North East, 428,600 in the North West, and 305,500 in Yorkshire and the Humber, contributing to a potential reduction in GDP of 拢10.9 billion per year

鈼�     People from the South are more likely to retire, while those in the North are more likely to leave the job market due to poor health

鈼�     Older people living in the North East and North West are 1.61 and 1.33 times, respectively, more likely to be frail, 1.16 and 1.06 times more likely to have a fall that requires hospital treatment, and 1.14 and 1.12 times more likely to have a hip fracture compared to older people living in the South East

鈼�     The cost to the NHS of falls and hip fractures in the North is NHS 拢55.7 million and 拢258.8 million per year respectively

鈼�     1.47 million northern homes are considered non-decent, with over a third housing over-60s residents. This is costing the NHS approximately 拢588 million in treatment per year

鈼�     In the ten years from 2012 to 2022, the North East and Yorkshire and the Humber have seen the rates of poverty among people aged 65 and over rise by 10%

鈼�     People aged 65 or over are 5% more likely to be deprived in the North (68%) than in the South (63%)

鈼�     Between 2020-21 and 2022-23, pensioner couples in the North East had an average income 14% lower than the national average and 25% lower than those in the South East

鈼�     Men aged 65 and over in the North East are predicted to have the highest number of unhealthy years of life on average, at 20.2 years. Yorkshire and Humber have 19.1, while the South East has 16.6

鈼�     The number of unhealthy years of life for older women in the North East is 23.7 years, compared to 19.4 years in the South East

鈼�     There is a two-year life expectancy gap between the North and the rest of England, with premature death rates 20% higher for those in the North

鈼�     Arthritis is more common amongst 55-64 year olds in the North (28%) than in the South (23%). Just 51% of people in the North East and Yorkshire and the Humber are seen for treatment within the national three-week target, compared to 79% in the South West

鈼�     Physical inactivity in the North East among 55-74 year olds is at 31% compared to 22% in the South East

鈼�     Northern adults over 65 are 27% more likely to experience food insecurity than those in the South

鈼�     Cognitive frailty (cognitive impairment plus physical frailty) in old age is more common in the North than in the South, with 11.8% living with cognitive frailty in the North East compared to 7% in the South East.

鈼�     Older adults in the North are 23.3% more likely to experience loneliness compared to the South, with northern women 1.55 times more likely to be lonely than men

鈼�     The three northern regions have the highest proportion of people aged 65 and over living in care homes, costing an estimated 拢4.83 billion in care home fees

鈼�     Minoritised ethnic groups consistently report poorer self-rated health than White British peers. Self-rated health is generally poorer in the North than in London and the South.

The report is being launched at an event in Westminster today (Monday, June 23, 2025) hosted by MP for Shipley, Anna Dixon, who wrote the Foreword.

Anna Dixon, Member of Parliament for Shipley, said: "Where you live shouldn鈥檛 affect your experience of ageing. This report brings into sharp focus the reality of how unequal ageing is across England. If we want to create a society that supports everyone to live and age better, we need to tackle the wider societal issues that result in some people in some communities dying earlier and living longer in poor health. This needs a life course approach, from childhood to adulthood, that enables people to remain active, stay healthy and contribute to society for as long as possible.鈥�

Leading academics behind the report are now calling on the Government to recognise the  challenges faced by people in later life and to prioritise tackling the root causes of unequal ageing. The report includes evidence-based policy recommendations, which could go a long way to reversing the widening inequality gap between North and South.

These recommendations include:

鈼�     Adopting a cross-government approach to prevent unequal ageing, looking at themes such as education, housing, employment and health

鈼�     Strengthening place-based collaboration between local government, combined authorities, housing developers, the NHS, and older adult

鈼�     Developing and delivering a national housing strategy for older people that prioritises ageing in place and invests in age-friendly, accessible homes

鈼�     Significantly increasing investment in adult social care in the North of England

鈼�     Developing an NHS-led, UK-wide strategy to address physical inactivity as a key driver of later-life health inequalities

鈼�     Producing a national strategy to recognise and address cognitive frailty as a preventable condition distinct from dementia

鈼�     Identifying the regions most at risk of diseases such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and adopting a proactive preventative strategy which expands community-based services and strengthens early intervention

鈼�     Expanding workplace health programmes and improving healthcare access disparities

鈼�     Developing tailored place-based strategies to reduce loneliness among older people, focusing on groups at highest risk, such as women, minoritised ethnic groups, people who are living alone, or with poor health

鈼�     Addressing food insecurity in later life through stronger national tracking and targeted local action

鈼�     Improving the collection and use of ethnicity and regional data across health and care systems to better understand and inform culturally-appropriate and regionally-sensitive responses

鈼�     Strengthening support for unpaid carers of older people by increasing carer鈥檚 allowance and carer-related benefits.

Emeritus Professor Alan Walker, from the University of Sheffield鈥檚 Healthy Lifespan Institute, said: 鈥淭his report paints an alarming picture of how inequality has eaten away at the quality of life of so many older northerners. In almost every aspect we investigated, there is a yawning gap between the North and the South - from their income and health to their housing, social care and sense of isolation.

鈥淭his gap is hardly new, but the most frustrating thing about it is that it is totally reversible - assuming that policymakers are willing to take decisive steps to address these issues, and provide a better life for our family members, friends, and neighbours as they age.鈥�

Professor Chris Todd, from The University of Manchester, said: 鈥淭he country has faced several crises in recent years, from austerity to the COVID-19 pandemic. Older people in the North have carried more than their fair share of that burden.

鈥淭he reality is now stark. Older people in the North are more likely to be poorer, and to live shorter, less-healthy, more isolated lives in sub-optimal accommodation.

鈥淭he gap is growing every day. We need proactive policies - targeted at areas of greatest need - to reverse this trend and enable the North to age with hope, rather than inequality.鈥�

Professor Carol Holland, the Director of Lancaster University鈥檚 Centre for Ageing Research, said: 鈥淯nequal ageing is not inevitable. The gulf between North and South has been created and exacerbated by long-term national policies. And it can be reversed in the same way.

鈥淭he evidence presented in this report does not merely highlight all the ways that people experience ageing differently in the North and South. It offers a clear call to action, to make it a national priority to address this inequality - and vastly improve the lives of millions. We know a lot about prevention and risk reduction of later life difficulties such as frailty or cognitive impairment: it is not enough to claim that nothing can be done. It is time to be bold, and do better.鈥�

Professor Barbara Hanratty, Professor of Primary Care & Public Health at Newcastle University, said: 鈥淔or many, it is harder to grow old in the North than in the South. There are some deep-seated and long-term reasons for that. But we must also acknowledge that the situation is being influenced by decisions that are being made today.

鈥淎verage earnings in the North amongst those aged 65 and over are the lowest in England, and poverty has increased over the last ten years. People in the North are more likely than their neighbours to leave the workforce due to ill-health. We need real policy changes to tackle the root causes of this inequality, with more targeted initiatives to address the many disadvantages facing older people in the North.鈥�

Professor Charlotte Clarke, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health) at Durham University, said: 鈥淭he factors that contribute to the struggles faced by older people make their presence felt far earlier - in childhoods and adulthoods where poverty, poor housing, ill-health and other disadvantages are all too common.

鈥淚t is absolutely essential that policymakers act to help our older citizens. But they must also recognise that these issues are the result of lifelong experiences and inequalities. To achieve real tangible change, we need policies that improve lives as a whole - and tackle these issues long before they escalate.鈥�

Hannah Davies, Chief Executive of the Northern Health Science Alliance and Executive Director of Health Equity North, said: 鈥淭he North is a beautiful place to grow old. We have some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country, as well as welcoming and tight-knit communities. And yet, the day-to-day reality of ageing for many northerners is far harder than it should be.

鈥淲e have often talked about the inequalities that exist in the North, and this report is a reminder of why the gap between North and South continues to widen. There is clear evidence of this on so many fronts - from poverty levels to housing quality, frailty, nutrition, and social support. The divide is particularly pronounced amongst older adults from diverse ethnic backgrounds, which highlights the need for culturally-sensitive solutions which recognise community needs.

鈥淚t is undeniable that we need to offer urgent help to older people who are dealing with these issues. It is also our responsibility to make sure that future generations do not have to go through the same challenges - with targeted, considered policies that address the lifelong issues that are so familiar to northern citizens.鈥�

Read the full 鈥淎geing in the North鈥� report here:

The fellowship is the College鈥檚 highest award for non-GPs and previous fellows include Sir Chris Whitty, Sir Michael Marmot, three former presidents of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the TV chef Jamie Oliver. 

 Nav who is also Director of the UK鈥檚 National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health and Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist at Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust said: 

鈥淚鈥檓 delighted to be awarded the Fellowship.  At medical school I only really considered two career paths 鈥� psychiatry and general practice 鈥� and it could have gone either way!  So to be recognised by the Royal College of General Practitioners feels really special.  I鈥檓 very grateful to them and the people who nominated me.  

鈥淚 would like to thank all my colleagues, patients, carers and others who have helped with our research.  I also want to thank my family, especially my big brother Sanj, a fantastic GP who retired recently and without whom I would never have become a doctor.鈥� 

The fellowship means that Nav now has the letters FRCGP (Hon)鈥� after his name. 

The citation for the Fellowship from the Royal College of General Practitioners highlighted Nav鈥檚 world leading suicide prevention research as well as his work for NICE, the UK Department of Health, and health services.  

The citation went on to say: 鈥淎ll of his research has had a clinical real-world focus and much of it is relevant to primary care. His work has identified suicide prevention as a core safety responsibility of health and social care services.  He has been a long-standing friend of general practice and his work has most certainly led to enhanced GP care for people presenting with mental health concerns鈥�

Published by HESA, the register is the most comprehensive dataset of its kind, providing the first open and auditable record of spinout activity across the UK鈥檚 higher education sector. It captures all spinout companies established by UK universities between 2012/13 and 2023/24, offering a robust measure of how effectively research is being translated into commercial ventures.

The University of Manchester鈥檚 performance reflects more than a decade of sustained effort to support its researchers in building successful, impactful businesses from world-class academic work. Driven by The University of Manchester Innovation Factory, 122 spinout companies were established during the period covered by the register, in fields ranging from advanced materials and biotech to environmental innovation.

The Innovation Factory plays a central role in this success. As the University鈥檚 Technology Transfer Office (TTO), the Innovation Factory is responsible for the commercialisation of the University鈥檚 research. This includes supporting the creation and development of spinout companies based on ideas and discoveries generated by the University鈥檚 academics.

Dr Catherine Headley, CEO of the Innovation Factory, said: 鈥淭his is a fantastic recognition of the strength of our innovation community in 91直播. It shows not just how many spinouts we鈥檙e helping to launch, but the real value of the support we offer to researchers with great ideas. 

"We鈥檙e proud to see so many of those ideas becoming successful businesses, and we鈥檙e committed to helping even more of them make that journey. In doing so, we鈥檙e building on 91直播鈥檚 long history of innovation and helping to secure the city鈥檚 future as a global centre for discovery and enterprise.鈥�

The Innovation Factory provides a full spectrum of technology transfer services, including early-stage evaluation, intellectual property management, licensing, company formation and investor support. It works closely with academic teams, industry partners and investors to ensure that ideas with commercial potential receive the guidance and support they need to succeed.

The HESA Spinout Register has been developed in partnership with Jisc, Research England and the University Commercialisation and Innovation Policy Evidence Unit at the University of Cambridge. It is based on validated institutional returns to the Higher Education Business and Community Interaction (HE-BCI) survey and represents the first national resource of its kind.

The University of Manchester鈥檚 position in the register highlights its commitment to delivering impact through innovation and its leadership in turning research into economic and societal value.

For more information, visit the Innovation Factory .

Now live across five berths in North Harbour鈥攚ith additional capacity to expand鈥攖he installation is expected to reduce up to 60,000 tonnes of CO鈧� equivalent over the next 20 years. This saving is equivalent to removing approximately 2,140 cars from the road each year. also sets out how UK Government policy changes could support faster deployment of shore power at other ports.

The success of the project not only helps Aberdeen advance its ambition to become the UK鈥檚 first net zero port by 2040 but also demonstrates the crucial role university research plays in real-world climate solutions. Dr Bullock and the Tyndall team鈥檚 sustained involvement from early research to full deployment highlights the lasting value of academic contributions to national decarbonisation efforts.

The project, known as Shore Power in Operation, is part of the UK Department for Transport鈥檚 Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure (ZEVI) competition, delivered through UK SHORE and Innovate UK. With 拢4 million in funding and extensive collaboration between industry and academia, it represents a landmark public-private investment in cleaner port infrastructure.

Port of Aberdeen led the initiative in partnership with a broad consortium including OSM Offshore, Tidewater Marine UK Ltd, Connected Places Catapult, and researchers from the Tyndall Centre based in the University of Manchester, with support from Buro Happold and Energy Systems Catapult. PowerCon, a global leader in shore power solutions, delivered the on-site infrastructure.

As nations around the world aim to meet climate targets set by the Paris Agreement, the researchers highlight that without careful planning, effort to cut emissions could unintentionally maintain or widen existing regional gaps in access to services, such as how energy and water are distributed.

To help address this, the team have developed a framework, published in the journal , which uses artificial intelligence tools combined with detailed country-scale digital twin simulators to help identify infrastructure intervention plans that reduce emissions while fairly managing access to vital services like electricity and water, and improving food production.

The approach aims to help achieve sustainability and climate targets, particularly in countries with complicated interdependencies between sectors and inequitable access to services. It helps ensure that no region or community is left behind in the journey to net zero and supports UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Using a case study of Ghana, the research shows that reaching a fairer, low-carbon energy transition will not only require increased investments in renewable energy and transmission infrastructure but also more informed social, economic, and environmental planning. Countries must consider who benefits from infrastructure investments 鈥� not just how much carbon they cut.

This research was published in the journal Nature Communications.

Full title: Delivering equity in low-carbon multisector infrastructure planning

DOI:

Link:

鈥淚t鈥檚 encouraging to see 91直播 climb to 7th in the world for international research collaboration,鈥� said Professor Colette Fagan, Vice-President for Research. 鈥淭he University鈥檚 research excellence is rooted in a culture of curiosity, collaboration and purpose, and the international collaborations of our academics across the globe is crucial for advancing research and tackling some of the major issues facing the world today.鈥�

The University鈥檚 social and environmental impact is ranked in the top ten globally with the university being the only institution in the world in the top 10 in for both the  and ). In 2025, the University was ranked in first place in the UK and Europe and second in the world for benefitting society and the environment by Times Higher Education for the third year running. 

For further information, visit the website.

The University tops both the global league table of publications and citations at 177 and 12,313 respectively. 

The output was predominantly driven by Professor David Denning from The 91直播 Fungal Infection Group (MFIG) at the The University of Manchester, the most published and most cited author at 89 papers and 9850 citations.

 He was followed by Thomas J. Walsh from the United States at 72 papers and 6,036 citations, and Dimitrios P. Kontoyiannis also from the United States ranking third at 66 papers, 6404 citations. 

Invasive aspergillosis a potentially lethal infection, usually of the lungs, is thought to affect over 2 million people each year. 

According Professor David Denning, one of the world鈥檚 leading experts on fungal disease, global outcomes for patients with invasive aspergillosis have improved markedly in recent years.

The success, he argues, is partly down to the huge amount of research activity devoted to the topic in 91直播 and at centres across the globe. Professor Mike Bromley, Head of MFIG said: 鈥淲e have made significant inroads to improving outcomes for patients suffering from the devastating diseases caused by Aspergillus, but much more needs to be done.鈥�

MFIG have recently worked with the WHO to highlight the need for additional efforts in antifungal drug and

However the disease still has a high mortality rate, particularly in immunocompromised people and those in intensive care, who can experience severe complications including bleeding and spread from the lungs to the brain.

Professor Denning said: 鈥楽ince I first encountered invasive aspergillosis as a trainee doctor in the mid 1980鈥檚 when it was poorly understood, my clinical and research focus has been focussed on improving what was then a dismal outcome for these patients.

鈥淕reat strides in both diagnosis and treatment have been made since 2002, with what was almost a universally fatal disease before the millennium to around 30% in the best performing hospitals.

鈥淭he improvement is down to major studies, agreed diagnostic criteria and application of accepted guidelines for caring for patients.

鈥淗owever there continues to be a desperate need to build on these gains in every hospital globally so we can continue to improve the outlook for these often complex and vulnerable patients.

鈥淲orking with major pharmaceutical companies on the clinical development of key antifungal drugs voriconazole, caspofungin, and micafungin and the preclinical development of anidulafungin, posaconazole and isavuconazole has been an extraordinary journey.鈥�

The figure of 177 papers dwarfs the others in the top 4:  Radboud University Nijmegen in the Netherlands published 92 papers, MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston 90 papers, and the University of Texas 81 papers.

This research is supported by three major units at The University of Manchester:  the 91直播 Fungal Infection Group (MFIG), the National Aspergillosis Centre and the 91直播 Mycology Reference Centre.

MFIG has recently been awarded some significant research grants: Prof Bromley, Dr Bertuzzi and Dr Bottery of MFIG have recently received 3 awards, totalling over 拢2 million from the Wellcome Trust to explore new ways of combatting fungal infection.

The University鈥檚 unique commitment to addressing the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is world leading. 91直播 is the only university in the world to rank in the top ten for social and environmental impact in all seven years of the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. 

The 17 SDGs are the world鈥檚 call to action on the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing humanity and the natural world, and The University of Manchester鈥檚 consistent top ranking is recognition of its leading role in tackling them. 

In this year鈥檚 assessment, more universities than ever were ranked with 2,318 institutions from 130 countries being ranked against how they are addressing the most pressing challenges facing our planet.  

The ranking, is the world鈥檚 only one that measures universities鈥� contributions to the UN SDGs and assesses their commitment to sustainability across four broad areas: research, stewardship, outreach and teaching. 

Dr Julian Skyrme, Executive Director of Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement at The University of Manchester, who leads the institution鈥檚 entry to the ranking, said: 鈥淓ach year, we submit a wealth of evidence demonstrating how we embed social responsibility across all areas of our work鈥攆rom sustainability and cultural engagement to research impact, widening participation and the student experience. This continued recognition highlights the dedication of our entire University community to making a positive difference locally and globally.鈥� 

The University of Manchester came top in the world for SDG11 鈥� Sustainable Cities and Communities. Significantly contributing to this is the investment made in four public-facing cultural institutions. 91直播 Museum has recently been recognised as one of Europe鈥檚 leading museums after winning .  

The annual prize is one of the most prestigious museum awards in the world and 91直播 Museum is the first university museum to receive it, earning recognition for the way it balances globally-significant academic research with community engagement and social responsibility.  

The University has also directly addressed the energy impact of its campus in a landmark deal to see up to 65% of its electricity demand supplied via a new renewable project. In support of SDG7 鈥� Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG12 鈥� Responsible Consumption and Production, the University is building a 104,000 solar panel farm to generate green energy and also create a significant biodiversity enhancement to previously low-grade farmland. 

The University was ranked second in the world for SDG15 鈥� Life on Land. Particularly key contributions towards this goal have come from for his climate research on restoring grasslands in the UN鈥檚 Decade on Ecosystem Restoration initiative. Alongside this is leading research on socially driven reforestation policies to better protect our environment. 

President and Vice Chancellor, The University of Manchester, Professor Duncan Ivison said: 鈥淚t鈥檚 a tremendous achievement for our University community to once again be recognised as the UK and Europe鈥檚 top-ranked university - and second in the world - in this year鈥檚 THE Impact Rankings. This reflects not only the depth of our commitment to social responsibility but also the passion and dedication of our staff, students, and partners who bring that commitment to life every day. 

"As we prepare to launch our new strategy, 91直播 2035, this recognition is a powerful reminder of the role we can play, both here in 91直播 and around the world, in leading on addressing the major challenges of our time: advancing sustainability, tackling inequality, and supporting inclusive growth.鈥� 

The University of Manchester has also, this week, been ranked 35th in the annual QS World University Rankings which evaluate over 8,000 institutions around the world. The results reflect the University鈥檚 international profile and continued excellence in research, with other standout performances in indicators such as the International Research Network and International Students.

Read more about The University of Manchester's rankings.

The project conducted research across five diverse schools - two secondary, two primary and one alternative provision 鈥� with each the subject of a comprehensive case study.

鈥淐hallenges such as inadequate facilities, socio-economic barriers and gender disparities were found to hinder participation,鈥� MacQuarrie and Hennessey explain. 鈥淵et the study recognised schools鈥� creativity in addressing these issues through tailored programs, community partnerships and student-centred approaches.鈥�

Students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) face 鈥渦nique challenges鈥� including limited access to appropriate and properly funded facilities.  But the authors add: 鈥淚nclusive practices - such as adapting sports to accommodate diverse abilities - demonstrate the potential for PESSPA to serve as a vital bridge in reducing inequities and promoting inclusive practice.鈥�

The study revealed 鈥渃oncerning trends in prolonged sedentary behaviour鈥� with 43% of pupils surveyed found to be spending over four hours daily on screens and 23% engaging in 鈥渆xtended sedentary activities.鈥�  Further, 7.2% of pupils reported feeling lonely often or all of the time compared to , with pupil happiness at 6.4 compared to .

鈥淧hysical activity offers a powerful counterbalance to these challenges, enhancing mood, reducing feelings of loneliness,鈥� MacQuarrie and Hennessey argue. 鈥淪chools should actively address concerns by integrating engaging, movement-based activities into daily routines. Programmes that emphasise the fun and social aspects and create comfortable and accessible opportunities for physical activity can shift behaviours and cultivate healthier lifestyle patterns among students.鈥�

In their article, the academics set out a series of recommendations for policymakers and educators to harness 鈥渢he transformative potential of PESSPA to uplift communities and catalyse generational change.鈥�

These include advice to the Department for Education to 鈥減rioritise safe, versatile and inclusive facilities for all schools.鈥�  This could be achieved, they suggest, by launching a consultation to gauge the views of 鈥渆ducators, practitioners and school leaders to build a national picture of how this infrastructure in schools needs to be developed and maintained at scale.鈥�

To embed physical activity in school culture, the Department is encouraged to 鈥渋ntegrate PESSPA across curricula and extracurricular activities, recognising its role in fostering holistic development.鈥�  MacQuarrie and Hennessey continue: 鈥淐ommunity assets can also be leveraged here, and local authorities should support schools to strengthen partnerships with local sports organisations to enhance reach and impact.鈥�

To promote equity, they urge policymakers to offer tailored programmes for underserved groups, including girls and children with special educational needs. They add: 鈥淎s the Children鈥檚 Wellbeing and Schools Bill progresses, there is opportunity to embed this into legislation.鈥�

And to tackle sedentary behaviours, the authors advocate 鈥渢he development of policies and programmes to drive awareness regarding screen time and promote active lifestyles that are valued by children and young people.鈥�

 by Dr Sarah MacQuarrie and Dr Alexandra Hennessey is available to read on the Policy@91直播 website. It was included in the Youth Sport Trust's recent , along with which identified locations across England where access to play and sport need more support and encouragement.

The team designed a two-dimensional (2D) manganese-oxide/graphene superlattice that triggers a unique lattice-wide strain mechanism. This approach significantly boosts the structural stability of the battery鈥檚 cathode material, enabling it to operate reliably over 5,000 charge-discharge cycles. That鈥檚 around 50% longer than current zinc-ion batteries.

The research, published in , offers a practical route to scalable, water-based energy storage technologies.

Atomic-level control over battery durability

The breakthrough centres on a phenomenon called the Cooperative Jahn-Teller Effect (CJTE). A coordinated lattice distortion caused by a specific 1:1 ratio of manganese ions (Mn鲁鈦� and Mn鈦粹伜). When built into a layered 2D structure on graphene, this ratio produces long-range, uniform strain across the material.

That strain helps the cathode resist breakdown during repeated cycling.

The result is a low-cost, aqueous zinc-ion battery that performs with greater durability, and without the safety risks linked to lithium-ion cells.

鈥淭his work demonstrates how 2D material heterostructures can be engineered for scalable applications,鈥� said , lead and corresponding author from University of Technology Sydney and a Royal Society Wolfson visiting Fellow at The University of Manchester. 鈥淥ur approach shows that superlattice design is not just a lab-scale novelty, but a viable route to improving real-world devices such as rechargeable batteries. It highlights how 2D material innovation can be translated into practical technologies.鈥�

Towards better grid-scale storage

Zinc-ion batteries are widely viewed as a promising candidate for stationary storage, storing renewable energy for homes, businesses or the power grid. But until now, their limited lifespan has restricted real-world use.

This study shows how chemical control at the atomic level can overcome that barrier.

Co-corresponding author from The University of Manchester said, 鈥淥ur research opens a new frontier in strain engineering for 2D materials. By inducing the cooperative Jahn-Teller effect, we鈥檝e shown that it鈥檚 possible to fine-tune the magnetic, mechanical, and optical properties of materials in ways that were previously not feasible.鈥�

The team also demonstrated that their synthesis process works at scale using water-based methods, without toxic solvents or extreme temperatures - a step forward in making zinc-ion batteries more practical for manufacturing.

This research was published in the journal Nature Communications.

Full title: Cooperative Jahn-Teller effect and engineered long-range strain in manganese oxide/graphene superlattice for aqueous zinc-ion batteries

DOI: 

The is a world-leading graphene and 2D material centre, focussed on fundamental research. Based at The University of Manchester, where graphene was first isolated in 2004 by Professors Sir Andre Geim and Sir Kostya Novoselov, it is home to leaders in their field 鈥� a community of research specialists delivering transformative discovery. This expertise is matched by 拢13m leading-edge facilities, such as the largest class 5 and 6 cleanrooms in global academia, which gives the NGI the capabilities to advance underpinning industrial applications in key areas including: composites, functional membranes, energy, membranes for green hydrogen, ultra-high vacuum 2D materials, nanomedicine, 2D based printed electronics, and characterisation.

The results have been published in the journal .

Using a new two-step fabrication method, the researchers demonstrated for the first time that it is possible to create and monitor, 鈥榓s they switch on鈥�, individual Group-IV quantum defects in diamond鈥攖iny imperfections in the diamond crystal lattice that can store and transmit information using the exotic rules of quantum physics. By carefully placing single tin atoms into synthetic diamond crystals and then using an ultrafast laser to activate them, the team achieved pinpoint control over where and how these quantum features appear. This level of precision is vital for making practical, large-scale quantum networks capable of ultra-secure communication and distributed quantum computing to tackle currently unsolvable problems.

91直播 co-author , Department of Materials at the University of Oxford, said: 鈥淭his breakthrough gives us unprecedented control over single tin-vacancy colour centres in diamond, a crucial milestone for scalable quantum devices. What excites me most is that we can watch, in real time, how the quantum defects are formed.鈥�

Specifically, the defects in the diamond act as spin-photon interfaces, which means they can connect quantum bits of information (stored in the spin of an electron) with particles of light. The tin-vacancy defects belong to a family known as Group-IV colour centres鈥攁 class of defects in diamond created by atoms such as silicon, germanium, or tin.

Group-IV centres have long been prized for their high degree of symmetry, which gives them stable optical and spin properties, making them ideal for quantum networking applications. It is widely thought that tin-vacancy centres have the best combination of these properties鈥攂ut until now, reliably placing and activating individual defects was a major challenge.

The researchers used a focused ion beam platform鈥攅ssentially a tool that acts like an atomic-scale spray can, directing individual tin ions into exact positions within the diamond. This allowed them to implant the tin atoms with nanometre accuracy鈥攆ar finer than the width of a human hair.

To convert the implanted tin atoms to tin-vacancy colour centres, the team then used ultrafast laser pulses in a process called laser annealing. This process gently excites tiny regions of the diamond without damaging it. What made this approach unique was the addition of real-time spectral feedback鈥攎onitoring the light coming from the defects during the laser process. This allowed the scientists to see in real time when a quantum defect became active and adjust the laser accordingly, offering an unprecedented level of control over the creation of these delicate quantum systems.

91直播 co-author  from the University of Cambridge, said: 鈥淲hat is particularly remarkable about this method is that it enables in-situ control and feedback during the defect creation process. This means we can activate quantum emitters efficiently and with high spatial precision - an important tool for the creation of large-scale quantum networks. Even better, this approach is not limited to diamond; it is a versatile platform that could be adapted to other wide-bandgap materials.鈥�

Moreover, the researchers observed and manipulated a previously elusive defect complex, termed 鈥淭ype II Sn鈥�, providing a deeper understanding of defect dynamics and formation pathways in diamond.

91直播 co-author , Professor of Advanced Electronic Materials at The University of Manchester, said: 鈥淭his work unlocks the ability to create quantum objects on demand, using methods that are reproducible and can be scaled up. This is a critical step in being able to deliver quantum devices and allow this technology to be utilised in real-world commercial applications.鈥�

The study 鈥楲aser Activation of Single Group-IV Colour Centres in Diamond鈥� has been published in Nature Communications: 

The research, which included more than 270,000 people, found no such link between asthma and working nightshifts in men.

The study was by Dr Robert Maidstone from the University of Manchester, UK, and colleagues. He said: 鈥淎sthma disproportionately affects women. Women generally have more severe asthma, and higher rate of hospitalisation and death from asthma compared to men.

鈥淚n our previous research we found a higher risk of moderate or severe asthma in nightshift workers, so we wanted to see whether there were further differences between the sexes.鈥�

The researchers used data from the UK Biobank. They included a total of 274,541 working people and found that 5.3% of these had asthma, with 1.9% suffering with moderate or severe asthma (meaning they were taking an asthma preventer inhaler and at least one other asthma treatment, such as an oral steroid). They categorised these people according to whether they worked only during the day, only nightshifts, or a combination of the two.

Their analysis revealed that, overall, women who work shifts are more likely to have asthma. Women who only work nightshifts are around 50% more likely to suffer with moderate or severe asthma compared to women who only work in the daytime.

The risk of asthma in men did not alter according to whether they worked days or nights.

Dr Maidstone said: 鈥淭his is the first study to evaluate sex differences in the relationship between shift work and asthma. We found that permanent night shift-workers had higher odds of moderate-severe asthma when compared to corresponding day workers.

鈥淭his type of research cannot explain why shift work and asthma are linked; however, it could be because shift work disrupts the body clock, including the levels of male and female sex hormones. High testosterone has previously been shown to be protective against asthma, and so lower testosterone in women could play a role. Alternatively, men and women work different types of shift jobs, and this could be a factor.鈥�

In postmenopausal women, the risk of moderate or severe asthma was almost doubled in night workers, compared to day workers, in those not taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Dr Maidstone added: 鈥淥ur results suggest that HRT might be protective against asthma for nightshift workers, however further research is needed to test this hypothesis in prospective studies and randomised controlled trials.鈥�

The researchers plan to study whether sex hormones play a role in the relationship between shift work and asthma by using data from the UK Biobank and from Our Future Health, a new health research programme in the UK population. 

Professor Florence Schleich from the European Respiratory Society鈥檚 expert group on airway diseases, asthma, COPD and chronic cough, based at the University of Li猫ge, Belgium, and was not involved in the research. She said: 鈥淎sthma is a common, long- term condition that affects millions of people worldwide. We know that women are more likely to have asthma, to have worse asthma and more likely to die from asthma, but we do not fully understand why.

鈥淭his research suggests that working nightshifts could be a risk factor for asthma in women, but not in men. The majority of workers will not have an easy option of switching their shift pattern, so we need further research to verify and understand this link and find out what could be done to reduce the risk for women who work shifts.鈥�

Maidstone RJ, Ray DW, Liu J, et al. Increased risk of asthma in female night shift workers. ERJ Open Res 2025; in press .

The largest ever study to evaluate the comparative safety of constipation across different opioids is published today (16/06/25). 

The study was funded by the Nuffield Foundation鈥檚 Oliver Bird Fund, which supports research to improve the social and economic well-being of people living with musculoskeletal conditions and Versus Arthritis. It was also supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). 

Morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl and combination opioids, they found, were associated with a significantly higher risk of severe constipation when compared to codeine. 

Tramadol, on the other hand, was associated with the lowest risk of constipation when compared to codeine. 

Patients on greater than 50 morphine milligram equivalent (MME) per day - a universal measure of opioid strength- experienced the highest risk of severe constipation. Fifty MME per day is roughly equal to taking either 50mg of morphine or 33 mg of oxycodone each day.

 Guidance from the UK site recommends the dose above which opioid harms likely outweigh benefits is 120 MME per day. However, this is currently under review. 

The study was carried out using hospital electronic health records of 80,475 eligible patients in Northwest England between 2009 and 2020. 

Opioid exposure was measured using administered drug information from the hospital records, and a severe constipation event was defined as an administration of an enema or suppository. 

The study authors say that being aware of the relative risks allows healthcare professionals to better tailor pain management strategies to personal needs. It also allows more informed discussions with patients about their pain relief dose and type, including choosing one with a lower risk as appropriate. 

Senior author Dr Meghna Jani, NIHR Advanced Fellow and Senior Clinical Lecturer at The University of Manchester said: 鈥淐onstipation is a frequent adverse event associated with opioid medications that can have a considerable impact on patients鈥� quality of life. 

鈥淎s well as the major impact on activities of daily living, opioid-induced constipation has also been associated with longer hospital stays, higher hospital costs, and increased emergency department visits.鈥�

Estimates of constipation rates within electronic health records are likely to under-represent the true prevalence both in primary and secondary health care records, the researchers find.

This is because constipation may be seen as less serious and therefore not always coded, despite being mentioned.

Patients may also struggle to openly talk about their bowel habits with a health care professional, thereby not discussing it if they get admitted to hospital, or not seeking health advice when they do experience it.

She added: 鈥淧reviously, we didn鈥檛 know enough about the risk associated with specific opioids, given the different ways they act on the body, as well as the effect of daily dose.

鈥淭his study will allow clinical prescribers and patients to make better shared decisions about what pain relief is best for them, to minimise the risks of this side effect of opioids, and thus improve patients鈥� quality of life.

鈥淚f patients need to be on opioids, we urge prescribers to be cautious with opioid dosing, and aim for the lowest effective dose to manage pain while mitigating the risk of constipation and other side effects.鈥�

The paper: Comparative risk of severe constipation in patients treated with  opioids for non-cancer pain: a retrospective cohort study in Northwest England is available:

Over 2000 scientists, veterinarians, technicians, and regulators from across Europe and beyond converged on Athens for the sixteenth FELASA Congress to hear BSF Director Dr Maria Kamper鈥檚 vision on transformational leadership. 

The Congress is held every three years in different European cities to advance excellence in laboratory animal science. 

FELASA - the Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Associations - develops guidelines and policies on all aspects of laboratory animal science, including training programs, welfare standards, and scientific best practice. 

Representing professionals in over 28 countries across Europe, this year's Congress took place between June 2 and 5 at the Megaron Athens International Conference Centre. 

Dr Maria Kamper, Director of the BSF, spoke to a packed audience about how exceptional leadership creates excellence in laboratory animal science.

 Drawing from her philosophy that "people are the heart of our work," Dr Kamper challenged the traditional approach to facility management. 

"We don't just ask our staff to follow protocols," Dr Kamper told the Congress. "We inspire them to see themselves as guardians of breakthrough discoveries. 

鈥淓very refinement they create could spare suffering for thousands of animals. They go to work knowing they are advancing human knowledge while honouring every heartbeat in their care," she added. 

The BSF's Dr Jo Stanley and Mike Addelman from the University's Directorate of Communications, Marketing and Student Recruitment also addressed the Congress on the University's sector-leading openness agenda in animal research. 

The University - officially recognized as a Leader in Openness - has developed an award-winning website and engagement programme that has become a trailblazer for the sector, demonstrating how transparency fosters public trust, enhances research integrity, promotes collaboration, and exemplifies ethical rigor in the responsible use of animals in research. 

Dr Kamper said: "Being part of FELASA was an extraordinary privilege and represents the kind of strategic leadership that looks beyond daily operations toward future possibilities.

鈥淲e are proud of the culture of excellence we have cultivated at 91直播 - where our teams don't just meet standards, they set new ones.

 鈥淥ur hope is that the transformational approach we've developed here will inspire colleagues across Europe and beyond to lead their teams toward excellence that serves both scientific advancement and compassionate animal care.鈥� 

• Dr Stanley's attendance was supported by a LASA (Laboratory animal science association) bursary
• To view the presentation by Dr Kamper, click
• To view the presentation by Dr Stanley and Mike Addelman click

In recognition of its longstanding commitment to sustainability, the University will represent the UK as one of the founding members of the International Green Learning and Skills Accelerator, a Times Higher Education initiative set up as part of the

The Pact is run by three UN agencies 鈥� the United Nations Environment Programme, the International Labour Organization and the UN Children鈥檚 Fund, UNICEF - and was established to help tackle the green skills deficit and 鈥渁dvance the just transition to a low carbon and circular economy鈥�.

The Accelerator, and a related research project, will advance this mission by bringing together universities, industries, and policymakers from around the world to share best practice and to develop a globally recognised framework for green skills and learning.

This initiative aims to define, standardise, and promote the green skills necessary for the net-zero economy, aligning education and employment to meet the challenges of the climate crisis.

Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, said: 鈥淏eing invited to help shape the Green Learning and Skills Accelerator as a founding member is a powerful recognition of the University鈥檚 long standing leadership in sustainability 鈥� and of the expertise, creativity and collaborative spirit of our staff and students.  This initiative brings together universities, city partners, industry and global institutions to tackle one of the most urgent challenges of our time.  It鈥檚 a unique opportunity to co-create a scalable, inclusive approach to green learning that supports the transition to a net-zero future 鈥� here in 91直播 and around the world.鈥�

Phil Baty, Chief Global Affairs Officer at Times Higher Education, added: 鈥淚t is fantastic to witness The University of Manchester joining the Green Learning and Skills Accelerator programme as a founding partner representing the UK. This once more reinforces the University鈥檚 commitment to sustainability as witnessed by their participation in the top ten each year of our .  Times Higher Education鈥檚 mission is to connect people, data and insights to help universities make the world a better place and this is a prime illustration of this in practice as we move towards a green economy.鈥�

One of the primary objectives of the project is to offer a consistent definition and taxonomy of what constitutes 'green skills' for the net-zero economy and how to measure it. The initiative is also in support of the Green Jobs for Youth Pact, that has seen a number of governments sign up and show their support at the UN Summit of the Future.

The University of Manchester will work alongside a select group of other global institutions to co-develop a new framework that will guide universities and employers, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge needed teach young people from the offset or re-train the current workforce the skills they need to drive the green economy.

Professor Jennifer O鈥橞rien, Academic Lead for Sustainability Teaching and Learning, who has been leading on the project, said: "Universities are uniquely positioned to drive the green skills agenda through our world-class research, teaching, and partnerships. By engaging with our talented and diverse students and academics from not only our own community but across the globe, alongside our cross-sector collaborators, we are ensuring that green education is inclusive and has impact. This project will build on existing best practices and push us forward in creating thriving, sustainable futures for all, through transformative learning experiences."

As a globally connected, civic university, The University of Manchester will use its connections to bring in alumni and partners from across the world have an input into the new framework. It also hopes to feed into city-wide plans to support its ambitious zero carbon goal for 2038.

The programme will involve extensive research and collaboration with universities, industries, and policymakers with the goal of creating an  inclusive, scalable Accreditation Framework to support, guide and give recognition to universities and colleges as Green Learning and Skills Providers.

Dr Julian Skyrme, Executive Director of Social Responsibility at The University of Manchester, said: 鈥淎s one of the world鈥檚 leading universities for social responsibility and sustainable development we know that our students 鈥� as future citizens, leaders and skilled professionals 鈥� will play a key role in addressing the climate and nature crisis. We鈥檙e look forward to playing a leading role in the critical task of defining and championing the sort of education we need to create a more sustainable world.鈥� 

The University of Manchester has been consistently ranked as a leader in sustainability. It is the only university in the world to rank in the top ten for social and environmental impact in every year of the .

The University has set ambitious goals to reduce its environmental impact, aligning with its core mission of social responsibility. In 2022, it divested from coal, oil, and gas, reducing the carbon intensity of its investments by 37%. All the University鈥檚 degree programs are aligned with the , and its research platform, which includes the , combines world-leading research across disciplines to develop sustainable solutions for urgent environmental challenges. The University also recently signed a landmark deal that will see up to 65% of its electricity demand supplied through a brand-new renewables project.

The report, presented in Helsinki on 6 June, addresses persistent barriers to public-private research and development (R&D) partnerships, and proposes a series of strategic reforms. Professor Georghiou chaired the international expert panel behind the study, commissioned as part of the EU鈥檚 Horizon Europe Policy Support Facility.

Speaking to an audience of 300 stakeholders from across Finland鈥檚 innovation ecosystem, Professor Georghiou outlined the report鈥檚 findings, which call for a cultural shift in academia, more robust incentives for collaboration, and streamlined government support systems. He later presented the final report personally to Finnish Prime Minister, Petteri Orpo, accompanied by cabinet ministers and business and research leaders - an indication of the importance attached to the recommendations at the highest level of government.

Professor Georghiou, part-time Associate Vice-President and Professor in AMBS, said: "While I hope that the report will be of general interest, the demonstrated importance which the Finnish government attach to the impact of university research is also significant. In a time of economic difficulty for Finland, they have nonetheless decided to increase research spending to 4% of GDP. The UK figure is currently 2.9%."

The report highlights the need to reinvigorate collaboration through long-term strategic partnerships, better incentives for researchers, and improvements to the visibility and accessibility of research infrastructure鈥攑articularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It also underscores the importance of building a skilled workforce and supporting scale-ups to remain rooted in the Finnish innovation ecosystem.

The significance of the work extends beyond Finland. The European Commission has invited Professor Georghiou to present the report at a meeting of research ministry heads from all EU and associated countries in Gda艅sk, Poland, later this month.

The full report, titled Support to Finland on improving R&D collaboration between research organisations and the private sector, is available for download from the .

The report is the first to analyse the impact of the Government鈥檚 2019 drive to increase the numbers of these workers, who connect patients to activities and support in their communities which boost health and well-being.

The 2019 NHS Long-term Plan pledged NHS England funding to provide 1,000 trained social prescribing link workers in place by the end of 2021 - and to ensure that every patient in England could access the service by 2022.

This National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) funded study - led by researchers from The University of Manchester and co-authored with the University of Edinburgh, Newcastle University and University of Bristol- indicates that the scheme has led to improved outcomes and experience of and or both patients with long-term conditions and mental health needs. However, researchers were unable to pinpoint any noteworthy impact on loneliness and isolation.

The study combined administrative workforce data and information from the General Practice Patient Survey between 2018 and 2023, which includes more than 4.1million responses in total. It calculated the impact of adding one full-time equivalent (FTE) link worker per 50,000 patients to assess whether the NHS鈥� aims for the rollout were fulfilled. The outcomes from the survey assessed for this study were:

o   Increasing the patient鈥檚 confidence in managing their long-term condition

o   Making them feel more supported by local services and organisations

o   Making them feel less isolated from others

o   Improving their experience with their GP

o   An increased feeling that their mental health needs were understood

The study found that for those with one or more long term conditions, patient confidence in managing their long-term condition increased, as well as feeling more supported by local services and in their overall experience with general practice.

Similar improvements were seen for those with mental health needs and in feeling that their needs were understood. However, no evidence of benefit was found for those experiencing loneliness and social isolation.

The results indicate that an increase in social prescribing provision has had a positive effect on the population level. While the figures appear low, only 3.2% of the registered GP population had actually been referred to a social prescribing service by March 2023, so being able to detect an impact of this size at the population level is 鈥渃linically significant鈥�.

The researchers estimated the population effects, and the findings suggest that an additional FTE social prescribing link worker per 50,000 population in all Primary Care Networks (PCNs)  - which equates to approximately one extra link worker per average PCN - was associated with an increase nationally in approximately 47,000 people reporting confidence in managing their long-term conditions and 132,000 people reporting having had a good GP experience.

However, the authors suggest that more work needs to be done to establish whether the rollout has any impact on use of hospital services, and whether there has been an impact on known health inequalities.

They also note that the initiative cost the NHS an estimated 拢130million in 2022/23, without taking onward referral costs into account. They conclude that further research is required to determine 鈥渨hether the scheme is financially sustainable as a whole鈥�.

, Professor of Implementation Science at The University of Manchester, said: 鈥淭he Government鈥檚 plan to increase the provision of social prescribing was an attempt to tackle crucial challenges, including helping patients feel more supported, empowered, and positive about the health services available to them.

鈥淎s such, it is important that studies such as this exist, to assess whether initiatives have the desired effect, and that they provide the right assistance to people who are most in need of care and connection.

鈥淥ur results indicate that the Government鈥檚 focus on link worker provision has had a positive effect, and that social prescribing can help patients feel more supported by healthcare services and professionals.

鈥淗owever, we would welcome future research into the sustainability and cost-efficiency of the scheme, particularly when more is known about its full cost including referrals.鈥�

, Research Fellow in Health Economics at The University of Manchester, said: 鈥淭his report provides useful food for thought for policymakers assessing this scheme, and other similar initiatives designed to improve the health of the country.

鈥淐onsidering the service has been used by a relatively small percentage of the population, the results seem to indicate that social prescribing has a notable effect on a patient鈥檚 GP experience and their sense that their needs are understood.

鈥淗owever, there is still much work to do before we can determine the impact and sustainability of schemes such as this one. There is definite scope for future studies which determine whether such referrals have an effect on unplanned hospital admissions, and whether the current approach offers the best possible care for the country at an optimal cost.鈥�

Charlotte Osborn-Forde, Chief Executive of the National Academy for Social Prescribing, said: 鈥淭his is an important and groundbreaking piece of research. There is already a wide range of evidence demonstrating that social prescribing is highly impactful and can save the NHS money, but this is the first time research has been published showing statistically significant improvements for the whole population. It鈥檚 simple: the more Link Workers that are employed, the more likely it is that patients are able to manage their own health, and have a good experience of their GP. 

鈥淭his is because Link Workers get to know patients, supporting them step by step to access local services, tackling issues like housing, debt, food or fuel poverty, loneliness and unemployment - the issues that matter to people and can have a big impact on our health. This vital research further supports the case for the expansion of social prescribing in the NHS so that is available to more patients who could benefit.鈥�

The full study - entitled 鈥業mpact of the rollout of the national social prescribing link worker programme on population outcomes: evidence from a repeated cross-sectional survey鈥� has been published in The British Journal of General Practice. You can read the report and its results here:

Apini is a spinout from The University of Manchester developing a new treatment for chronic inflammatory diseases using a small molecule approach. The company was formed with help from the University鈥檚 Innovation Factory, its technology transfer office. According to the Spotlight on Spinouts 2025 report by the Royal Academy of Engineering and Beauhurst, the Innovation Factory supported the launch of 114 spinout companies between 2011 and January 2025, placing the University among the UK鈥檚 top institutions for spinout creation.

Spun out of the University of Manchester, Apini is developing a novel small molecule for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. Potential indications include Crohn鈥檚 disease and Ulcerative Colitis, the two most common forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which affects as many as 10 million people worldwide. Apini is looking to address the significant unmet need in this area of medicine through targeted modulation of eNAMPT, an enzyme implicated in multiple inflammatory conditions.

Preclinical studies demonstrate the potential for selective eNAMPT modulators to treat various inflammatory diseases without inducting immune suppression.

Apini was discovered by founding scientist Professor Sam Butterworth, who is world-renowned for his work in the invention of Tagrisso, a life-saving anti-cancer drug for EGFR mutant lung cancer that is used globally.

Slingshot was built by Syncona with an initial commitment of 拢12.5 million to identify and advance de-risked therapeutic programmes from the work of leading academic researchers. Apini is the first company to work with Slingshot, following its launch in November 2024, with Northern Gritstone becoming the first co-investor.

Apini鈥檚 funding from Northern Gritstone and Syncona will be delivered over three tranches tied to company milestones, with the original commitment unchanged in value.

Northern Gritstone Chief Executive, Duncan Johnson, said: 鈥淎pini is based on the groundbreaking drug development work of Professor Sam Butterworth from The University of Manchester, and is a fantastic example of life sciences company creation based on world-class research. We鈥檙e delighted to invest in Apini, alongside Syncona, and with the support of the Slingshot accelerator鈥�

Founder of Apini, Professor Sam Butterworth said 鈥淭his investment from Northern Gritstone supports Apini鈥檚 mission to treat inflammatory diseases without the induction of immune suppression. We look forward to advancing and accelerating the Apini programme which we believe can bring meaningful improvements to patients across a broad range of chronic inflammatory diseases.鈥�

Executive Chair of Slingshot, Edward Hodgkin added: 鈥淲e are delighted to welcome Northern Gritstone as an investment partner for Apini, with the investment providing further validation of this novel programme. We believe that Slingshot鈥檚 expertise and operational support has the ability to accelerate exceptional academic science, like Apini, into attractive biotech assets that can quickly and effectively transform into groundbreaking treatments for patients.鈥�

路&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫; The unique Saint Christopher woodcut, dated 1423 鈥� the oldest known dated example of European printing.

路&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫; The Gutenberg Bible of 1454/55 - the first major book printed in Europe and a masterpiece that revolutionised the book world.

路&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫; The Mainz Psalters of 1457 and 1459 - two of the most beautiful books ever printed, both with handwritten musical notation.

路&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫; Fifteen very rare blockbooks - in which the images and text on each page were printed from a carved block of wood.

The release forms part of the ongoing Incunabula Cataloguing Project, which will eventually see all of the library's approximately 4000 15th century printed books fully catalogued, of which around 300 of the rarest and most important will be digitised and made available online. While of immense value to scholars of early print culture, the collection is also designed to engage curious members of the public with some of the most beautiful and significant books ever printed.

The Early European Print collection is part of a longstanding commitment by The University of Manchester and the John Rylands Library to share cultural heritage with the widest possible audience through 91直播 Digital Collections.

, Reader in Engineering for Net Zero, is one of ten finalists to be awarded 拢100,000 in seed funding to develop his solution for this year鈥檚 .  

In its second year, the 91直播 Prize is looking for researchers with the most impactful and innovative artificial intelligence (AI) solution enabling the UK to accelerate progress towards net zero.  

Although AI technologies are advancing rapidly, their adoption in clean energy systems has not kept pace. The 91直播 Prize aims to accelerate progress by encouraging the development of AI solutions that support the UK in achieving its ambition to lead the world in clean energy. 

Dr Papadopoulos鈥� solution, Grid Stability, uses AI to accelerate the analysis performed which ensures electrical power systems meet the specified stability, security and reliability criteria. 

Electrical power systems worldwide are going through unprecedented changes to achieve decarbonisation targets. This drive calls for new technologies, such as renewables, electric vehicles and heat pumps, which increases the complexity and uncertainty in power system operation. System stability is the cornerstone of power system operation, and if not carefully considered, it can lead to blackouts with high economic impact and fallout.  

The tool replaces slow, complex simulations with rapid, AI-driven assessments, enabling real-time monitoring, faster decision-making, and more confident planning. This helps grid operators maintain reliability while scaling up clean energy solutions and cutting emissions. 

Dr Papadopoulos aims to work closely with utility companies to enable safe and useful implementations of Grid Stability. 

Speaking about his solution, Dr Papadopoulos said: 鈥淕rid Stability uses machine learning to help bring lower, or zero, carbon technologies onto the grid faster and at the scale we need to hit net zero, but without compromising system stability.

鈥�Being named a finalist for the 91直播 Prize is a huge boost; it not only validates the impact of our work but also gives us a platform to accelerate progress and collaborate more widely across the energy sector.鈥�

Dr Papadopoulos recognised that the computational cost and complexity of assessing stability and security made it difficult to support real-time awareness, decision-making and optimisation. As a result, system dynamics are often neglected or oversimplified. Grid Stability, using machine learning, offers a promising solution to addressing this challenge. 

The 91直播 Prize will pick its winner in Spring 2026, and the winning innovator will receive a 拢1 million grand prize to continue developing their solution. The winning solution must demonstrate not only technical innovation, but also an evidenced road map to near-term (2030) adoption and scale.  

Announced and launched in 2023, the 91直播 Prize is multi-million-pound, multi-year challenge prize, which is funded by the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology. The Prize seeks to reward UK-led breakthroughs in AI for public good and continues to secure the UK鈥檚 place as a global leader in cutting-edge innovation. 

The 91直播 Prize is named after the world鈥檚 first stored programme computer, nicknamed 鈥楾he Baby鈥�, which was built at The University of Manchester in 1948. AI research at The University continues to build on this legacy, as shown by Dr Papadopoulos鈥� achievement. 

The study is published today (Wednesday) in ERJ Open Research [1]. Carbon can enter the lungs via cigarette smoke, diesel exhaust and polluted air.

The cells, called alveolar macrophages, normally protect the body by engulfing any particles or bacteria that reach the lungs. But, in their new study, researchers found that when these cells are exposed to carbon they grow larger and encourage inflammation.

The research was led by and from The University of Manchester, UK, and funded by the North West Lung Centre Charity and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) 91直播 Biomedical Research Centre (BRC).

Dr Baker, Research Associate within the NIHR 91直播 BRC鈥檚 Respiratory Theme said: 鈥淐OPD is a complex disease that has a number of environmental and genetic risk factors. One factor is exposure to carbon from smoking or breathing polluted air.

鈥淲e wanted to study what happens in the lungs of COPD patients when this carbon builds up in alveolar macrophage cells, as this may influence the cells鈥� ability to protect the lungs.鈥�

The researchers used samples of lung tissue from surgery for suspected lung cancer. They studied samples (that did not contain any cancer cells) from 28 people who had COPD and 15 people who were smokers but did not have COPD.

Looking specifically at alveolar macrophage cells under a microscope, the researchers measured the sizes of the cells and the amount of carbon accumulated in the cells.

They found that the average amount of carbon was more than three times greater in alveolar macrophage cells from COPD patients compared to smokers. Cells containing carbon were consistently larger than cells with no visible carbon.

Patients with larger deposits of carbon in their alveolar macrophages had worse lung function, according to a measure called FEV1%, which quantifies how much and how forcefully patients can breathe out.

When the researchers exposed macrophages to carbon particles in the lab, they saw the cells become much larger and found that they were producing higher levels of proteins that lead to inflammation.

Dr Lea, Investigator within the NIHR 91直播 BRC鈥檚 Respiratory Theme said: 鈥淎s we compared cells from COPD patients with cells from smokers, we can see that this build-up of carbon is not a direct result of cigarette smoking. Instead, we show alveolar macrophages in COPD patients contain more carbon and are inherently different in terms of their form and function compared to those in smokers.

鈥淥ur research raises an interesting question as to the cause of the increased levels of carbon in COPD patients鈥� macrophages. It could be that people with COPD are less able to clear the carbon they breathe in. It could also be that people exposed to more particulate matter are accumulating this carbon and developing COPD as a result.

鈥淚n future, it would be interesting to study how this carbon builds up and how lung cells respond over a longer period of time.鈥� 

Professor Fabio Ricciardolo is Chair of the European Respiratory Society鈥檚 group on monitoring airway disease, based at the University of Torino, Italy, and was not involved in the research. He said: 鈥淭his set of experiments suggest that people with COPD accumulate unusually large amounts of carbon in the cells of their lungs. This build-up seems to be altering those cells, potentially causing inflammation in the lungs and leading to worse lung function.

鈥淚n addition, this research offers some clues about why polluted air might cause or worsen COPD. However, we know that smoking and air pollution are risk factors for COPD and other lung conditions, so we need to reduce levels of pollution in the air we breathe and we need to help people to quit smoking.鈥�

[1] Baker J, Booth S, Dungwa J, et al. Alveolar macrophage carbon is associated with COPD severity. ERJ Open Res 2025; in press (https://doi.org/10.1183/23120541.00933-2024).

The paper is available here: 

Funding: the North West Lung Centre Charity and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) 91直播 Biomedical Research Centre (BRC).

Announced by the Technology Secretary on Monday 9 June), the Sp盲rck AI scholarships, named after pioneering British computer scientist Karen Sp盲rck Jones, will provide full funding for master鈥檚 degrees at nine leading UK universities specialising in artificial intelligence and STEM subjects 鈥� from Edinburgh to 91直播, and Newcastle to Bristol. 

Set to rival the likes of globally recognised Rhodes, Marshall and Fulbright scholarships, at least 100 talented undergraduates level students from the UK and abroad will see unparalleled access to industry partnerships, work placements and mentorship opportunities, including in the UK鈥檚 AI Security Institute as well as leading tech firms like Darktrace, Faculty and Quantexa. 

This will not only drive forward AI innovation that grows the UK economy but also gives young people a direct route into highly skilled jobs in the UK鈥檚 tech sector. 

By covering both tuition and living expenses, the scholarship could also be of interest to talent students from low-income backgrounds who might otherwise be unable to afford university 鈥� spreading opportunity across the UK. 

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: 鈥淲e are providing unique opportunities for talented young people to take up master鈥檚 degrees in AI, with fully funded tuition and unparalleled access to industry. 

鈥淪tudents will be able to go on to highly skilled jobs, building a workforce fit for the future and boosting economic growth as part of our Plan for Change. 

鈥淲e are also expanding our fellowship programme to bring top talent into our leading AI sector and drive forward transformational benefits to the public like new drug discoveries.鈥� 

Sp盲rck AI scholarships: Applications will open in Spring 2026, with the first cohort beginning their studies in October 2026.  

Universities participating in the Sp盲rck AI scholarship programme include: Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, UCL, Southampton, Edinburgh, Newcastle, 91直播 and Bristol, who will co-design and co-fund the initiative. 

Companies signed up to participate in the scholarship programme include PolyAI, Quantexa, CausaLens, Flok, Beamery, Darktrace and Faculty. 

鈥淪adly, recent media coverage about our study has been inaccurate - while more frequent sex is linked to higher relationship satisfaction, this could just as likely be because those in more satisfying relationships tend to have sex more often - not that increasing frequency alone will necessarily boost happiness. Therapeutic interventions therefore need to focus on exploring any underlying dynamics and barriers to intimacy, rather than just encouraging people to increase frequency.鈥�

These findings align with similar studies conducted in other Western populations, suggesting these insights are likely applicable beyond Aotearoa/New Zealand. For sex and relationship therapists, the research suggests that focusing on interventions that increase the frequency of sex and/or improve orgasm consistency (rather than aiming for 100% every time) may be more beneficial for helping women improve their sexual relationship satisfaction - however, the authors highlight that this requires further research.

Ultimately, removing the pressure and goal-oriented mindset around orgasm may enhance both sexual pleasure and overall satisfaction.

Since the breakthrough, 18-year-old Rose Anderson from Stretford in 91直播 has received a diagnosis of one of the newly discovered conditions.

Rose has been known to the team at the 91直播 Centre for Genomic Medicine at 91直播 University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) for nearly her whole life, although a precise diagnosis for her seizures and developmental delay has proved difficult to find.

On receiving the news from the 91直播 research team last year, Rose鈥檚 mum Lyn said: 鈥淲e felt excited and relieved to finally receive Rose鈥檚 diagnosis. Rose is a very happy person, and with any diagnosis, she will always be Rose to us. This has helped us pinpoint what has caused her to be the way she is.鈥�

The study was supported by the MFT-hosted NIHR 91直播 BRC, as part of its which aims to improve diagnosis of rare conditions.

Researchers from the NIHR 91直播 BRC, MFT, and The University of Manchester (UoM) collaborated with scientists globally to analyse the genetic data of thousands of individuals including those who took part in the a Genomics England initiative to sequence and study the role genes play in health and disease.

Genes are sections of our DNA and contain the instructions for building proteins, which are needed by the body for cell growth and repair.

Parts of our genes that do not make proteins have previously been dismissed as 鈥榙ark matter鈥� because they were not understood, or 鈥榡unk DNA鈥� because it was thought they were not essential.

Published in Nature Genetics today (date), 91直播 researchers have challenged these assumptions, showing that changes in these regions play a crucial role in brain development.

The team found that mutations in regions of the genome that form R-loops (special DNA-RNA structures that can influence genetic activity) are more common than previously thought.

This insight led them to uncover two new neurodevelopmental conditions:

• RNU2-2-related disorder, which is linked to developmental delays, intellectual disability, small head size (microcephaly), autistic traits and seizures.
• RNU5B-1-related disorder, associated with developmental delays, weak muscle tone (hypotonia), larger-than-average head size (macrocephaly), and poor growth.

Neurodevelopmental conditions 鈥� disorders that affect brain development 鈥� impact 2-5% of people worldwide.

For many families, these conditions remain a mystery, as current genetic tests often fail to find a cause.

The two new conditions, along with ReNU syndrome (a condition identified in 2024 which has an impact on learning, behaviour, speech and movement) account for more than 1% of all unsolved developmental cases.

This means the breakthrough could provide a genetic explanation for several thousands of people globally with these conditions.

Rose, who was diagnosed with RNU2-2-related disorder in October 2024, loves music, walking, swimming, visiting cafes and riding a tandem bike. She lives with her mum Lyn, dad Joe and younger sister, Lily.

At Lyn鈥檚 20-week pregnancy scan, it was first suspected that Rose may have a rare genetic condition. Despite undergoing extensive genetic testing at MFT and taking part in research, the team had been previously unable to find a specific cause for Rose鈥檚 symptoms.

Lyn said: 鈥淵ou wonder if it鈥檚 just a random thing that has happened or parents sometimes look to themselves for the cause. Rose first started experiencing seizures when she was a baby 鈥� she would become flushed, very vacant and would loll her head to one side. After a bad seizure when she was 2 and a half years old, Rose was diagnosed with epilepsy. She occasionally has seizures now, but these are better managed with medication.

鈥淲hen Rose went to nursery, younger children began overtaking her with early developmental milestones. Rose is non-verbal and is great at communicating using objects and symbols. She experiences hyperventilation (rapid breathing), can struggle with spatial awareness and needs support with eating and personal care.

鈥淭his breakthrough is fantastic, and we hope it will lead to more families receiving a diagnosis now and when early symptoms first appear. This could help improve quality of life for other children and young people and find out what it is that makes them unique.鈥�

Rose and her family are working with the 91直播 team to help them better understand RNU2-2 related disorder. Rose has also taken part in more research at MFT since receiving her diagnosis, including donating skin cells to help the team produce brain stem cells for epilepsy research.

91直播 lead and first author of the paper Dr Adam Jackson, Academic Clinical Fellow at the 91直播 Centre for Genomic Medicine at MFT and The University of Manchester and early career researcher in the NIHR 91直播 BRC鈥檚 Rare Conditions Theme, said: 鈥淏y proving that non-protein coding genes play a key role in human health, this study challenges long-held assumptions about 鈥榡unk DNA鈥� and brings hope to many families searching for answers.鈥�

Dr Jackson, who is also part of the (MRCC), a virtual centre based at MFT which aims to improve the lives of people with rare conditions, explained: 鈥淚dentifying these genetic mutations was a one-year process. They are difficult to understand because they are in the 鈥榙ark matter鈥�, so we didn鈥檛 know what their effect would be when they don鈥檛 produce a protein. It was thought that one of the genes didn鈥檛 do anything at all, but our method of looking at R-loop forming regions has highlighted this region to be active.鈥�

15-year-old Noah from the Isle of Wight was diagnosed with RNU5B-1-related disorder by the team at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust this year, more than seven years after donating his DNA for the 100,000 Genomes Project.

His mum, Maria Villa Vine, said: 鈥淲e were blown away when we received the diagnosis and to find out it was rare. I always knew my boy was special, but this confirmed it! Having a diagnosis can help you understand yourself, so this will support Noah being able to do that.鈥�

Noah鈥檚 diagnostic journey began at around 15 months old when his family noticed he wasn鈥檛 reaching some milestones that are typically displayed at that age. At four years old, Noah was diagnosed with autistic traits and following a reassessment when he was 12, Noah was diagnosed as autistic.

Following extensive initial genetic investigations by clinicians in Southampton, Noah took part in the 100,000 Genomes Project. This did not find a diagnosis, but his data was entered into the research environment which resulted in the 91直播 team鈥檚 discovery.

Maria said: 鈥淲e took part in the 100,000 Genomes Project because as a family we thought, what鈥檚 there to lose? If it can help your child or other children with disabilities in the community, why wouldn鈥檛 you? We didn鈥檛 expect to hear anything from it until we got the phone call.

鈥淣avigating early years as a parent can be difficult, it鈥檚 full of emotion and your brain blocks things out. You can feel self-blame and guilt, wondering if it鈥檚 something you did. It can also be a hard time for siblings 鈥� Noah鈥檚 sister was seven at the time of his autism diagnosis. It鈥檚 important to have a network of professionals around families to support them and put the children at the centre of conversations.鈥�

This study was supported by the , which facilitates research into the epigenomics of rare diseases and is part of the Medical Research Council and NIHR-funded Rare Diseases UK Platform.

Professor Siddharth Banka, senior author of the study who oversaw the research, is a Professor of Genomic Medicine and Rare Diseases at UoM, Consultant Clinical Geneticist at the 91直播 Centre for Genomic Medicine at MFT, and Clinical Director of the MRCC.

Discussing the next steps for the research, Professor Banka, who is also the Rare Conditions Co-Theme Lead at the NIHR 91直播 BRC and Co-Lead for the EpiGenRare Node, said: 鈥淲e now want to understand these conditions better, such as how do their symptoms evolve over time, are there any associated complications and discover potential treatment options. We also need to understand the mechanism of the disease better 鈥� how exactly are these genetic mutations causing neurodevelopmental conditions? With this information, we hope to identify treatments and therapies, and make these available for patients.鈥�

The 91直播-based team鈥檚 findings have also had a positive impact on patients and families worldwide.

In Australia, the breakthrough has meant that clinicians there were able to diagnose with RNU2-2-related disorder after a decade-long diagnostic journey.

Gitty鈥檚 mum, Miriam, said: 鈥淲e felt very relieved when we found out. The diagnosis didn鈥檛 change anything because Gitty was 10 years old at this stage and we鈥檝e lived through all these symptoms. But knowing that it won鈥檛 affect our other children and can鈥檛 be passed down by them was a big relief. Uncertainty can be very unnerving, so having a diagnosis gives us peace of mind.鈥�

Professor Marian Knight, Scientific Director for NIHR Infrastructure, said: 鈥淔or parents of children with neurodevelopmental conditions, understanding the cause of symptoms is an essential first step to getting the best help for their child. The experimental medicine championed by our NIHR Biomedical Research Centres which leads to important discoveries like this provides real benefits for real people like Rose. This exciting work has the potential to change the care of patients not only in the UK but around the world."

Dr Sarah Wynn, CEO of Unique, a charity which supports families affected by rare genetic disorders, said: 鈥淭his research study which has discovered two new frequent causes of neurodevelopmental conditions is incredibly important and valuable to patients and families, who have often been searching for a long time for the answer to their child鈥檚 developmental delays. Receiving a diagnosis like this can be life-changing for families, not only by providing the explanation they have been looking for but enabling them to connect to others and learn more about the condition resulting in improved care and support for their child. We are enormously grateful to research teams such as this, who work tirelessly to discover new gene associations and understand more about rare genetic conditions bringing benefit to people and families all over the world.鈥�

At a ceremony in the historic Whitworth Hall, he was presented with an honorary doctorate by the University鈥檚 Chancellor, Nazir Afzal. The award is in honour not only of his sporting success but for his inspirational work away from football, including through his family foundation, the Guardiola Sala Foundation.

Pep said: 鈥�91直播 means so much to me. I have spent nine years here and it has become home. The people, the culture, my incredible football club, my colleagues鈥� it is all so special to me and my family.  When I arrived here in 2016, I did not know how long I would spend here. The way this city embraced me made everything easy. My time here has been beautiful. 

鈥淚 know how important the University of Manchester is to our city. It鈥檚 the home to a lot of research and it has a history of discovery. So, honestly, to be honoured in this way by such an esteemed institution is an amazing feeling. I want to thank everyone at the University of Manchester for this moment 鈥� and I want to thank everyone at 91直播 City for their constant support.鈥�

Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, said: 鈥淧ep wasn鈥檛 born in 91直播, but like me and so many others, the city has welcomed him and made it feel like home. That welcome and the way 91直播 gets under your skin is why so many people feel a deep, lifelong connection with the city.

鈥淧ep is an innovator and a winner who has inspired millions of people through his success as a manager. He has played a huge role in making 91直播 a global success story and we are honoured that he has chosen to accept this degree. I hope that this forges another important connection between him, the University of Manchester, and the city.鈥�

Honorary degrees are the highest awards the University can offer. The University recognises remarkable individuals that have made outstanding contributions to society that embody its values, improve the lives of people in local communities or have created significant impact in their field of work and often far beyond.

Widely regarded as one of the successful and innovative managers in the history of the game, Pep followed a trophy laden playing career by being appointed as manager of the Barcelona first team in 2008. He won the La Liga title in three of his four seasons at the Camp Nou and lifted the UEFA Champions League twice.

After Barcelona, he joined Bayern Munich whom he led to the last four of the UEFA Champions League in each of his three seasons, landing the Bundesliga three times and winning the league and cup double twice.

Guardiola joined City in 2016. In his second season he guided the Cityzens to the Premier League title and the Carabao Cup. He picked up four successive Manager of the Month awards and was voted the Premier League Manager of the Season and the LMA Manager of the Year.

He was again voted Premier League Manager of the Season after guiding City to four more trophies in 2018/19 to become the Club鈥檚 most successful boss ever with six trophies in three seasons.

City added the Carabao Cup and Community Shield to Pep鈥檚 list in 2019/20, but the Catalan won yet more silverware in 2020/21, with another Premier League title and Carabao Cup success. He also became the first City boss to take his side to a Champions League final in May 2021, taking his trophy haul to 10. 鈥�Guardiola鈥檚 incredible spell at the Etihad saw him claim a fourth Premier League title in five years in 2021/22 and a fifth in 2022/23.

And to top off another history-defining season under Pep鈥檚 tenure, a fifth league win and City鈥檚 FA Cup final win followed by victory in the Champions League final saw the club named Treble winners in 2022/2023.

On the final day of the 2023/24 season, City became the first club to win the Premier League in four successive seasons, confirming the title on the final day.

Pep鈥檚 leadership has not only elevated the club鈥檚 success but is a model for performance excellence and continuous improvement that has inspired leaders outside of football. Alongside this, the University wanted to recognise his contributions to 91直播鈥檚 cultural and community life, and unwavering commitment to social responsibility and justice, through his family foundation - the Guardiola Sala Foundation. 

鈼�&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫; Led by The University of Cambridge and The University of Manchester, and supported by the two Mayoral Combined Authorities, City Councils, alongside businesses and investors

A groundbreaking partnership between The University of Manchester and The University of Cambridge has been awarded 拢4.8 million by Research England to accelerate inclusive growth and innovation collaboration. As the UK鈥檚 first cross-UK innovation partnership, it will pioneer a new model of place-to-place collaboration and help drive economic growth for the UK- setting an example for other cities to follow. With further investment from the two universities, the total funding for the partnership will be 拢6m.

The partnership will be led by Unit M and Innovate Cambridge - the universities鈥� respective innovation capabilities - with support from the two Mayoral Combined Authorities, City Councils, businesses and investors. It is a prime example of how a university-led, cross-UK innovation collaboration can enhance the UK's global competitiveness and foster innovation-driven growth.

This initiative responds directly to the UK government鈥檚 imperative for universities to support the delivery of the national Industrial Strategy and make a stronger contribution to economic growth.

Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice Chancellor of The University of Manchester, commented: "Our partnership with Cambridge marks a new model of collaboration between UK universities. It brings together the distinctive strengths of each of our universities and cities, connecting two of the great innovation ecosystems to scale up what we can achieve. This new approach to innovation accelerates the time between discovery and impact, getting ideas into the real economy and our communities even more quickly to drive inclusive growth.鈥�

Professor Lou Cordwell, Chief Executive of Unit M, said: 鈥淯niversities are increasingly taking a lead in convening and catalysing their innovation ecosystems. By bringing together investors, businesses, entrepreneurs, academics, and public sector agencies, this partnership will create new opportunities and stimulate investment into the innovation economy. We are proud at Unit M to be part of such a pioneering partnership, and look forward to continuing to work with Cambridge.鈥�

Professor Deborah Prentice, University of Cambridge Vice-Chancellor, commented: 鈥淭his pioneering initiative brings together the combined strengths of Cambridge and 91直播 to create something that is truly ground-breaking. By connecting our cities, we鈥檙e helping to build a more collaborative and dynamic environment in which innovative research can connect with industry, venture capital and entrepreneurs to drive economic growth and deliver real benefits for people and places across the UK.鈥�

Science Minister and Oxford-Cambridge Growth Champion, Lord Vallance, said: 鈥淭his pioneering partnership is proof that our ambitions for the Oxford-Cambridge Corridor can and will fire up economic growth across the length and breadth of the UK, which is critical to our Plan for Change.

鈥淐ambridgeshire and Greater 91直播 are forging a path I hope others will follow. Science is always stronger when we work together, and stronger research ties between the UK鈥檚 great regions will only lead to more investment, more opportunities, and more breakthroughs, from health to clean energy and beyond.鈥�

Jessica Corner, Executive Chair of Research England, commented: 鈥淭his investment underscores our commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration across England. By connecting the vibrant ecosystems of Cambridge and 91直播, we aim to drive significant economic growth and create a model for place-based innovation that can be replicated nationwide."

At the core of the partnership is the exchange of complementary innovation assets to ensure real-world impact. Both cities already have strong R&D capabilities and strengths in leading-edge sectors such as AI, life sciences, and advanced materials. Cambridge has deep investor networks but experiences growth constraints due to its small scale, higher costs, and lack of development land. 91直播 provides that scale, affordability for start-ups and scale-ups, and a large talent pool - but has a less mature support ecosystem.

The Research England funding will be used in three key areas: ecosystem activation and integration; growing investment; and testing and learning.

鈼�&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫; Ecosystem activation and integration: It will strengthen relations within and between the innovation ecosystems of the two cities, to create a vibrant and ambitious cross-city innovation network. This aims to create progressive new approach inclusive growth.

鈼�&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫; Growing investment: It will harness the combined strengths of both universities and partner cities to support start-ups and scale-ups to secure funding and grow, attract innovation-intensive FDI to the UK, and stimulate investment into R&D.

鈼�&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫; Testing and learning: It will pilot new approaches and share best practice for delivering ecosystem collaboration and inclusive growth. This will allow other cities, the wider higher education sector community, and local and national governments in the UK and internationally to learn from the partnership.

Recognised as both a City of Literature and a City of Lifelong Learning, 91直播 joins a select group of global cities acknowledged for their commitment to education, creativity and cultural development. 

The University of Manchester, 91直播 Metropolitan University, and 91直播 City Council came together yesterday to celebrate 91直播鈥檚 dual status as a UNESCO City of Lifelong Learning and Literature. 

The celebration was held at 91直播 Metropolitan University, and The University of Manchester鈥檚 President and Vice-Chancellor Duncan Ivison delivered the event鈥檚 closing remarks. 

The UNESCO status of City of Lifelong Learning is an important accolade for The University of Manchester, as lifelong learning is one of the University鈥檚 key focuses.  

Lifelong learning provides the opportunity for access to a University of Manchester education without the commitment of full-time on campus study, creating a more flexible and inclusive learning environment. 

Outside of the classroom, lifelong learning also provides support for learner鈥檚 personal and professional development, aligning with industry and employer needs by driving economic, social and cultural progress. 

The University is continuously working with students, alumni, businesses and strategic industry partners to make The University a Learning Partner for Life.   

Professor Ang Davies, Academic Lead for Lifelong Learning at The University of Manchester, said: 鈥淲e are extremely proud to join the UNESCO family of Learning Cities and have already made many connections in the UK and beyond.鈥�

Mags Bradbury, Head of Social Responsibility & Civic Engagement at The University of Manchester, said: 鈥淲e are proud to be part of this city-wide partnership, working with civic partners, supporting the ambitions of our city. It鈥檚 great that we can share what we are doing locally on lifelong learning through UNESCO, delivering in 91直播 our commitment to the global UN Sustainable Development Goals.鈥�  

The UNESCO City of Lifelong Learning designation was given to 91直播 last February. In a short period of time, the partnership has launched over 90 projects, delivered events reaching 14,000 learners and over 2,000 learning and skills specialists have attended professional development events. Three films, launched this week, showcase the impact of the designation on learners and providers.   

The event also showcased the projects from artists funded by the British Council鈥檚 International Collaboration Grant, who have been collaborating between 91直播 and Nanjing - one of few other cities globally to have this prestigious dual designation. Yesterday鈥檚 event marked the culmination of a 9-month artistic exchange exploring the natural world through literature.  

Also showcased at the event was an exhibition of artwork and writing by young students, developed through a school engagement programme involving Year 3-6 pupils from 91直播 and Nanjing schools. The work created by the artist exchange and schools programme will be open to the public as part of Festival of Libraries at 91直播 Central Library from 3 - 17 June 2025. 

Ivan Wadeson, Executive Director of Manchester City of Literature, says: 鈥淗uge thanks to Arts Council England and the British Council International Collaboration Grants for their support to make this happen, alongside the regular funders of Manchester City of Literature: 91直播 City Council, The University of Manchester and 91直播 Metropolitan University.鈥�

Jill Griffiths, Head of the School of Digital Arts and Academic Lead for Lifelong Learning at 91直播 Metropolitan University, said: 鈥淚t鈥檚 a privilege to host the event at 91直播 Metropolitan University in celebration of the UNESCO City of Lifelong Learning and City of Literature designations. 

鈥淲orking in partnership with 91直播 City Council and The University of Manchester to attain these designations is a reflection of the collaborative ethos of the city and 91直播 Met, and this event, which also took place during the Festival of Libraries, was a vibrant celebration showcasing the breadth and depth of our creative and cultural offering alongside our commitment to making lifelong learning a reality for everybody within 91直播.鈥�

To find out more about the artist exchange, exhibition and project please visit:  

To find out more about the British Council International Collaboration Grants please visit:  

Join us on Saturday 14 June, 11am - 4.30pm for a day of creativity, discovery and play. Our free community festival offers something for everyone with inspiring talks and performances, hands-on science experiments, art and crafts workshops, heritage tours and more.

One of the festival鈥檚 standout features is the Bee Curious programme, featuring thought-provoking talks and performances for all ages. Highlights include: exploring the science and art behind how our brains respond to everyday environments, people we see, and places we visit with Dr Sarah Fox and Dr Henry McPherson;  taking an interstellar journey to find out about other worlds with Dr Eamonn Kerins as the Jodrell Bank Alien; and exploring links between creativity and wellbeing to find joy in the everyday with 91直播-based poet, Rebecca Hurst. 

Step back in time with Grant Collier and explore the roots of our revolutionary institution on a guided historic walking campus tour. Uncover the rich tapestry of history that makes our campus unlike any other. As the nation鈥檚 first 鈥榗ivic鈥� university, our unique identity has pushed us to global prominence and this tour offers a fantastic opportunity to learn about pioneering individuals and groundbreaking discoveries.

Try your hand at street art with local art collective Grit Studios, presenting The Art of Research, a vibrant showcase of artwork inspired by research at the University. There鈥檒l be a series of free drop-in workshops throughout Saturday, so release your inner artist and get creative with sprays and stencils.

Come plant with us! Pop along to our University community allotment a partnership between the University and Ardwick Climate Action and get hands-on with planting and sustainability.  Then visit the co-curated, community exhibition Blue Skies at 91直播 Museum, which asks a critical question: 鈥淵ou wouldn鈥檛 drink visibly dirty water, so why would you breathe invisibly dirty air?鈥�

Together we鈥檒l explore what makes for a greener, healthier and fairer world for everyone. Take part in over 80 interactive stalls. Uncover the mysteries of the human body as we take a closer look at our hands, hearts and minds. Interact with robot companions, step into a world of virtual reality and explore the wonder of space. Meet the makers of marvellous materials. Enjoy wellbeing and craft making activities, learn the art of calligraphy and don on a University graduation gown! There鈥檚 plenty to discover and do 鈥� with activities on offer for all ages. 

Be amazed by the power and joy of chemistry in our visually exciting Flash Bang Show with Dr Frank Mair. Expect fantastic colour changes, flashes and the occasional bang - get ready to hold on to your hats!

Our Universally 91直播 Festival is taking place on our Oxford Road campus and is free and open to everyone.

Find out more about our family-friendly activities on the .

This milestone reflects The University鈥檚 strategic vision to expand access to education and foster inclusive, innovative learning environments. By becoming a member of EUCEN, The University of Manchester aims to: 

• Enhance collaborative opportunities: Partner with a diverse network of European institutions to exchange knowledge and develop joint continuing education initiatives. 
• Influence educational policy: Contribute to shaping European policies that support lifelong learning and address the evolving needs of learners. 
• Promote innovation in learning: Embrace and share best practices and technologies that enable flexible, accessible learning pathways. 

Through active participation in EUCEN鈥檚 programmes and initiatives, The University seeks to help drive advancements in lifelong learning and implement responsive educational programmes that meet the needs of diverse populations. 

Founded in 1991, EUCEN is a leading association dedicated to university lifelong learning - the provision of educational opportunities, services, and research by higher education institutions to support personal and professional development throughout life. University lifelong learning also plays a vital role in driving social, cultural, and economic progress in communities and regions. 

Pascal Paschoud, President of EUCEN said: 鈥淓UCEN is truly delighted to welcome The University of Manchester to our network. As a leading UK institution with a strong commitment to lifelong learning, their dedication to making a real impact aligns perfectly with our mission. We look forward to their active involvement and collaboration. Together, we can strengthen the role of university lifelong learning in building innovative, sustainable and inclusive economies and societies.鈥�  

EUCEN currently includes 163 member institutions across 36 countries. Its platform supports knowledge sharing, the development of innovative educational strategies, and policy advocacy in lifelong learning. 

Also inducted at the 2025 conference was Imperial College London, making The University of Manchester one of only four UK institutions in the network鈥攁longside the Universities of Oxford, Sunderland, and Imperial. 

While pollution levels from road traffic have fallen significantly thanks to policies like the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), new air pollution data from scientists at The University of Manchester, in collaboration with the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), University of York, Zhejiang University and National Centre for Atmospheric Science, reveal emissions from non-road mobile machinery, such as generators and heavy-duty construction equipment, can exceed those from vehicles, particularly in areas where there is a lot of building activity.

Black carbon is soot from combustion and is a component of particulate matter (PM2.5). These are very fine particles that can enter the lungs and bloodstream and are known to damage human health. 

The team collected the pollution measurements from the top of the BT Tower in central London over summer and winter, using a technique called eddy covariance to track how much black carbon is released into the air and where it comes from.

The findings revealed that while pollution levels were significantly lower than cities like Beijing and Delhi, who have monitored pollution using the same method, they are not low enough to meet the . They suggest similar regulatory attention to road traffic is now needed for the construction sector. 

The study, published in the journal is the first of its kind in Europe.

At 190 metres tall, the BT Tower observatory has a specialised gas inlet system installed on the tower鈥檚 roof, which draws air into a laboratory on the 35th floor, allowing researchers to analyse pollution as it rises from streets, buildings, construction sites and nearby parks below.

The 鈥榚ddy covariance鈥� method works by measuring the turbulent motion of air, also known as eddies, and the concentration of airborne substances like black carbon within those eddies.

The scientists also conducted a detailed spatial footprint analysis to pinpoint emission hotspots that were directly linked to active construction sites near the BT Tower.

The new findings suggest that further progress in improving London鈥檚 air quality will require stricter regulation of construction machinery, especially in rapidly developing areas.

added: 鈥淲e compared observed emissions with emission standards for construction equipment and found that even with compliance, black carbon output from generators, machinery and construction vehicles remains significant. Our work highlights how measurement techniques like eddy covariance can fill critical gaps in our understanding of urban pollution and support evidence-based strategies to protect public health and the environment.鈥�

This research was published in the journal Environmental Sciences: Atmospheres

Full title: Quantifying black carbon emissions from traffic and construction in central London using eddy covariance

DOI:

Led by researchers at The University of Manchester, the study reveals that invisible, odourless gases like helium and argon are slowly seeping hundreds of kilometres up through Earth鈥檚 crust, reaching underground water supplies thousands of meters beneath our feet.

For decades, scientists have believed that the vast majority of Earth鈥檚 internal gases are either pushed deep underground through tectonic activity, or escape back to the surface through volcanic eruptions.

The new research, published in the journal , challenges this understanding  and the findings could give scientists a better idea of the geological and chemical processes that take place deep inside the Earth.

鈥淭hink of it like a having small puncture in your car tyre,鈥� said lead author Dr Rebecca Tyne, Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw Fellow at The University of Manchester.

鈥淲e鈥檝e discovered a steady trickle of gases coming from deep within Earth, even though there鈥檚 no obvious volcanic activity on the surface.

鈥淭his passive degassing of the mantle may be an important, yet previously unrecognised process and these findings will help our understanding of how our planet鈥檚 interior works  and how much gas is escaping into the atmosphere over time. It could even play an important role in the geologic carbon cycle鈥�

The researchers analysed groundwater from 17 wells in the Palouse Basin Aquifer in the United States - a key source of drinking water in a region considered to be geologically stable.

Using advanced measurement techniques, they measured for multiple types of helium and argon and found signatures to suggest these gases had travelled up from the Earth鈥檚 mantle 鈥� the hot, dense layer between the outer crust and the core. Importantly, the helium and argon gases detected are inert, meaning they do not react chemically or affect water quality.

Co-author Dr Mike Broadley , NERC Independent Research Fellow at The University of Manchester, said: 鈥淲e found evidence of mantle-derived gasses in 13 out of the 17 wells.  These gases 鈥� especially helium-3 and argon-40 鈥� do not form in the atmosphere or in shallow rocks, they come from a layer of the mantle called the sub-continental lithospheric mantle, many kilometres deep in the Earth.鈥�

The highest amount of gas was found in the oldest and deepest groundwater samples - some over 20,000 years old - indicating the gases have been moving slowly but steadily over a long period of time.

The researchers also found a strong correlation between the samples, suggesting they are travelling up together from the same deep source.

Their findings suggest that this kind of low-level, non-volcanic degassing may be more common 鈥� and more important 鈥� than previously thought. The team are now planning to investigate whether this is a globally consistent phenomenon by investigating groundwaters worldwide.

The research was carried out in collaboration with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (USA),  Universit茅 de Lorraine (France), University of Ottawa (Canada) and the University of Idaho (USA).

Journal: Nature Geoscience

Full title: Passive degassing of lithospheric volatiles recorded in shallow young groundwater

DOI: 10.1038/s41561-025-01702-7

Link: