Newsroom University of �鶹��ý

TropiConnect Launches Digital Trade Platform to Redefine Global Agriculture

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information, visit or

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book by �鶹��ý academic shortlisted for Royal Society prize

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

�鶹��ý experts join national project to combat NHS fraud

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Experts reveal how migration between South America and Europe has changed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute appoints new director

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

�鶹��ý has appointed the globally-renowned international relations expert Professor Nicolas Lemay-Hébert as the new Director of the .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Project breaks the silence around death in primary schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

�鶹��ý expert collaborates on major study evaluating active travel improvements

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The full report is available here: .

EU citizens celebrate community and engage policymakers at gathering

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Research reveals alarming decline in youth mental health in England

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Research report:

�鶹��ý expert helps shape groundbreaking review on public design

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

China displaces the Dutch

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Building Towards the Bicentenary is available to view for free .

Professor Timothy Devinney elected as a Fellow of the British Academy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This announcement was originally .

The Venice Architecture Biennale

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

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

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

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

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

Remembering Lord David Alliance CBE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And it's just getting started.

From inspiration to action

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

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

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

What do SEED Change-makers do?

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

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

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

Recognised impact

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

Student-led events

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

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

Working groups creating change

Students have led dedicated groups tackling real-world challenges:

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

Student voices, real impact

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

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

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

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

Looking ahead: building a bigger movement

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

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

Get Involved

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

Geography professor delivers impactful Westminster talk on microplastics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Humanities graduates lead the conversation on global inequalities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

One year of Labour

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

Written by , Senior Lecturer in at �鶹��ý.

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

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

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

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

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

Geography meets urgency: �鶹��ý hosts international Spatialising Urban Crisis Workshop

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

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

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

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

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

Dr Cristina Temenos presents research at international urban policy workshop

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rise of the Pahlavis

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

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

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

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

The 1953 coup

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

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

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

The 1979 revolution: the oppression continues

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

�鶹��ý expert helps shape landmark WHO report on global loneliness crisis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dr Jamie Doucette wins Association of Korean Studies in Europe 2025 Book Prize

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 12:09:17 +0100

The annual Book Prize celebrates scholars who raise interest in the academic study of Korea beyond the confines of Korean Studies.

, Reader in Human Geography, was presented with this award at the AKSE biennial conference at the University of Edinburgh in June for his recent monograph

Jamie’s book is an ambitious attempt to reorient research into East Asian political economy towards a more dynamic view of state-civil society relations and concerns about inequality. It charts the efforts of intellectuals, political reformers and civil society organisations to advance a project of ‘economic democratisation’, examining the many challenges and dilemmas it has encountered. Previously, Jamie won an award from the Academy of Korean Studies to make the book open access.

Founded in 1977, the Association of Korean Studies in Europe’s (AKSE) objective is to stimulate and co-ordinate academic Korean studies across Europe, contributing to the spread of knowledge about Korea among a wider public.

�鶹��ý researchers help to uncover ancient Egyptian city

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 14:04:13 +0100

Archaeologists from �鶹��ý have played a leading role in the rediscovery of the ancient city of Imet in Egypt’s eastern Nile Delta, uncovering multi-storey dwellings, granaries and a ceremonial road tied to the worship of the cobra goddess Wadjet.

The excavations at Tell el-Fara’in (also known as Tell Nabasha) are part of a joint Egyptian-British mission with the University of Sadat City in Cairo, directed by Dr Nicky Nielsen of �鶹��ý. By combining remote sensing with on-the-ground archaeology, the team has begun to transform understanding of the urban, religious and economic life of this city in the Nile Delta during the 4th century BC.

Using high-resolution satellite imagery, Dr Nielsen and his team identified clusters of ancient mudbricks prior to excavation. This approach led to the discovery of dense architectural remains, including substantial tower houses - multi-storey buildings supported by exceptionally thick foundation walls, which were designed to accommodate a growing population in an increasingly urbanised Delta region.

“These tower houses are mainly found in the Nile Delta between the Late Period and the Roman era, and are rare elsewhere in Egypt,” said Dr. Nielsen. “Their presence here shows that Imet was a thriving and densely-built city with a complex urban infrastructure.”

Additional discoveries include a paved area for grain processing and animal enclosures, pointing to an active local economy alongside its religious significance.

Elsewhere, excavators found a large building with a limestone plaster floor and massive pillars dating to the mid-Ptolemaic Period. This building was built across the processional road which once connected to the temple of Wadjet - the city’s patron deity. This ceremonial route appears to have fallen out of use by the mid-Ptolemaic period, offering insight into shifting religious landscapes in ancient Egypt.

Artefacts from the site reflect a vibrant spiritual culture. Highlights include a green faience ushabti from the 26th Dynasty, a stela of the god Harpocrates with protective iconography and a bronze sistrum adorned with the twin heads of Hathor, goddess of music and joy.

�鶹��ý’s involvement continues to shape global narratives of Egypt’s 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 people of Greater �鶹��ý voice their thoughts on creating a Fairer World

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 15:44:08 +0100

This year's University of �鶹��ý community Festival, , welcomed members of the public of all ages – from toddlers to older adults – to campus on Saturday, 14 June. As part of the community festival, the global inequalities research beacon invited visitors to take part in a unique public engagement activity, called the Wishing Tree.

Through the Wishing Tree, the beacon invited attendees to share their hopes for a better world by writing one action, big or small, that could contribute to this vision. The activity aimed to spark conversation, raise awareness of ongoing social issues, and highlight how the University’s research is working to address global and local inequalities.

Wishes spanned different generations, reflecting a deep understanding of social and environmental justice throughout Greater �鶹��ý. Concerns ranged from gender equality in sports, accessible transport for all, and protecting the planet to ending poverty. The variety of ideas highlighted a collective desire for fairness and sustainability throughout Greater �鶹��ý and beyond.

It was uplifting to see young children express their support for equality through messages such as “getting rid of racism” and their encouragement to reach out to isolated elderly individuals, demonstrating a deep sense of social responsibility that surpasses their age.

One standout wish called for a dedicated tunnel network for cyclists and pedestrians, envisioning a city designed around healthier and more sustainable travel options. An idea that aligns with to environmental sustainability.

Attendees were directed to existing research already creating impact with the beacon, including work related to and that ensure climate action works for everyone while amplifying the voices of young people in shaping the that support them.

Researchers working with the beacon are committed to exploring the roots of inequality and co-creating sustainable solutions that address various aspects, from poverty and social justice to living conditions and equality in the workplace. At the University, our global inequalities research plays a vital role in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on . Through innovative research and collaboration, the university is dedicated to tackling inequalities both within and among countries, striving to create a fairer and more inclusive world.

As part of the global inequalities research beacon's mission, these wishes will inform ongoing discussions about addressing disparities locally and globally. From planting more trees to providing meals for struggling communities, every idea fuels the collective movement towards a fairer, more compassionate world.

Academy of Social Sciences awards inaugural Honorary Fellowship to leading psychologist

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 10:26:47 +0100

We are delighted to announce that Professor Sir Cary Cooper CBE from �鶹��ý’s Alliance �鶹��ý Business School has been appointed one of the first Honorary Fellows of the Academy of Social Sciences, in recognition of their significant contributions to the promotion of social science.

The award of Honorary Fellowship was established by the ’s Council in 2024 to mark their 25th anniversary year and recognises a small number of exceptional, leading, national and international figures who have contributed significantly to the Academy or the promotion of the social sciences.

is the 50th Anniversary Professor of Organisational Psychology & Health at the . A long-standing Fellow and former Chair of the Academy of Social Sciences, the award of Honorary Fellowship recognises his outstanding service to the Academy and the social sciences in a long, distinguished career.

Speaking of the award, Professor Sir Cary Cooper CBE, shared: “Of all the honours I have received in my career, the award of an Honorary Fellowship of the Academy of Social Sciences is one of the most prized, given my emotional attachment to the Academy, and my friendships with so many of its members – a true honour to cherish.”

, President of the Academy, said, “I am delighted to welcome our first most well-deserved Honorary Fellows to the Academy, each of whom is an inspirational leader in his or her own right. Their careers are a tribute to the value of the social sciences and thus the promotion of the Academy’s cause through their work. I warmly congratulate them and look forward to working with them each more closely to champion the value of the social sciences across a diverse range of sectors.”

The announcement was made at the Academy’s 2025 Annual General Meeting, which took place on 18 June 2025.

New research set to uncover lost ancient medical texts

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 11:00:00 +0100

A team of researchers at the University of �鶹��ý have secured a major €2.5 million (£2.1 million) grant from the to uncover lost medical writings that could transform our understanding of ancient medicine and the exchange of knowledge between cultures.

More than a thousand years ago, Alexandria was one of the world’s great centres of medical learning. Among its most influential figures was Gesius, a renowned professor whose teachings helped shape health practices across the Islamic world and medieval Europe. His writings were thought to be lost, erased and overwritten on parchment, buried beneath layers of later texts.

Now, thanks to the discovery of five newly identified palimpsests - manuscripts that were scraped and reused centuries ago - those lost texts may soon be readable again. Hidden beneath newer writings are on the works of , one of the most important physicians in history.

Professors () and () are leading the project. Using advanced multispectral imaging and machine learning, their team will recover and transcribe the hidden texts, making them accessible for the first time in over a millennium. Once revealed, the writings will be edited, translated, and analysed to reassess Gesius’ contributions to medical theory and education.

“These texts will shed new light on how ancient Greek medical knowledge was preserved, adapted, and passed down into Syriac and Arabic traditions, shaping the foundations of both Islamic and Western medicine,” said Professor Pormann, Principal Investigator.

“This award will allow us to see the invisible and make a hidden source for the history of medicine readable and accessible for the very first time.”

The project builds on Professor Pormann’s former work as Founding Director of the , established in 2013 to explore the University’s rich collections of rare manuscripts and books. The Institute fosters collaboration between scientists, historians, conservators, and imaging specialists, using cutting-edge technology to unlock the secrets of the past.

This new grant continues this tradition of innovation, fueled by the Arts Lab approach that Pormann pioneered together with his long-term collaborator Professor William Sellers, whose work has spanned medicine and science. Their partnership is a testament to the power of crossing boundaries between disciplines, traditions, and centuries to uncover hidden knowledge.

Physical activity is critical for children's happiness, study finds

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 15:41:08 +0100

PE, school sports and physical activity (PESSPA) are critical tools in fostering healthier, happier and more resilient children and young people, concluded a recent who have included it in their new

In an article summarising their findings published by Policy@�鶹��ý, Dr Sarah MacQuarrie and Dr Alexandra Hennessey uncover “a nuanced understanding of how PESSPA can tackle physical, emotional, and social challenges” faced by younger members of society.

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

“Challenges such as inadequate facilities, socio-economic barriers and gender disparities were found to hinder participation,” MacQuarrie and Hennessey explain. “Yet the study recognised schools’ creativity in addressing these issues through tailored programs, community partnerships and student-centred approaches.”

Students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) face “unique challenges” including limited access to appropriate and properly funded facilities. But the authors add: “Inclusive 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.”

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

“Physical activity offers a powerful counterbalance to these challenges, enhancing mood, reducing feelings of loneliness,” MacQuarrie and Hennessey argue. “Schools 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.”

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

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

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

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

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

by Dr Sarah MacQuarrie and Dr Alexandra Hennessey is available to read on the Policy@�鶹��ý 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.

Rare treasures of early printing to go online in landmark John Rylands Library project

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 11:28:45 +0100

�鶹��ý’s John Rylands Library is set to unveil the first instalment of its Early European Print collection on 4 July, in a landmark moment which will open up one of the world’s greatest collections of early European printing to global audiences.

The invention of the printing press in the middle of the 15th century was the beginning of a revolution in information technology. It made possible the mass production of books, which previously had to be laboriously hand-written and were therefore relatively scarce and expensive.

The John Rylands Library Early European Print collection is of fundamental importance for the history of early printing in Europe. Fifty extraordinary items from this collection – many of which had not even been photographed before, let alone digitised – will become freely available online for the first time via .

This first release offers unprecedented access to the beginnings of European printing and the dramatic transformation in how knowledge was shared 600 years ago.

Highlights of the collection include:

·&�Բ��;&�Բ��;&�Բ��;&�Բ��;&�Բ��;&�Բ��;&�Բ��; The unique Saint Christopher woodcut, dated 1423 – the oldest known dated example of European printing.

·&�Բ��;&�Բ��;&�Բ��;&�Բ��;&�Բ��;&�Բ��;&�Բ��; The Gutenberg Bible of 1454/55 - the first major book printed in Europe and a masterpiece that revolutionised the book world.

·&�Բ��;&�Բ��;&�Բ��;&�Բ��;&�Բ��;&�Բ��;&�Բ��; The Mainz Psalters of 1457 and 1459 - two of the most beautiful books ever printed, both with handwritten musical notation.

·&�Բ��;&�Բ��;&�Բ��;&�Բ��;&�Բ��;&�Բ��;&�Բ��; 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 �鶹��ý and the John Rylands Library to share cultural heritage with the widest possible audience through �鶹��ý Digital Collections.

Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute Anthropologist awarded multiple prestigious book prizes

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 10:22:18 +0100

(University of Pennsylvania Press, 2024) has most recently been awarded at the . Recognising books that advance social transformation and conscious living, the Nautilus Awards have previously honoured influential figures such as Thich Nhat Hanh, Malala Yousafzai, and Barbara Kingsolver, placing this work among globally celebrated voices for justice and equity.

The book, written by Anthropologist, , has also been awarded the and received an

Drawing on extensive fieldwork in the portion of Kashmir under Pakistan’s control and its surrounding mountainscapes, Atmospheric Violence explores how communities continue to live, relate, and imagine otherwise in landscapes shaped by both environmental disasters and militarised conflict. Through the intimate stories of five protagonists in remote mountain valleys, the book illustrates how people forge lives among violence that is everywhere—or ‘atmospheric’.

Departing from conventional trauma-centric approaches, the monograph frames disaster through the lens of repair. Engaging with Black and Indigenous studies, affect theory, and decolonial thought, the book blurs the boundaries of theory, storytelling, and activism to offer a transformative vision for understanding resilience and care in the world’s conflict zones.

Speaking of the awards, Dr Omer Aijazi, Lecturer in Disaster Management and Climate Crisis, shared:
“These awards testify that scholars are storytellers. We must take risks, experiment with our craft, and work from the heart. Other worlds, other futures, are indeed possible.”

These prestigious awards affirm Atmospheric Violence as a significant and timely contribution to global conversations on justice, survival, and the politics of humanitarian response.

Orgasms aren't the sole key to women's sexual satisfaction, study finds

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 10:50:53 +0100

A new study on women's sexual experiences has challenged the commonly-held belief that reaching orgasm during sex is the single, essential indicator of a successful sexual encounter or a satisfying sexual relationship.

The research, published in the , found that while women's orgasms are connected to their sexual relationship satisfaction, reaching orgasm every single time isn't necessary.

The study surveyed women in Aotearoa/New Zealand and found a fascinating pattern - sexual relationship satisfaction is positively correlated with how consistently a woman orgasms, but only up to a certain point. Women who orgasmed often reported high satisfaction, but those who orgasmed almost always or always didn't necessarily report even higher satisfaction.

This finding goes against the popular idea, often seen in media and pornography, that orgasm is the main goal of sex and necessary every time for a satisfying sex life – a concept sometimes called the "orgasm imperative".

Importantly, the study also found that non-orgasmic factors played a significant role in women's sexual relationship satisfaction. How often couples had sex, how important sex was to the woman, and even her age were strong predictors of satisfaction.

When these factors were considered alongside orgasm consistency, the non-orgasmic elements added significant power to explaining women's satisfaction levels. This suggests that sex offers benefits beyond just the physical experience of orgasm including affection, sensuality and intimacy, which are highly valued.

“Sadly, 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.”

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.

Distinguished economist and politician Elisa Ferreira joins �鶹��ý as Honorary Professor

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 15:31:18 +0100

Professor Ferreira is an economist (MA in European and Regional Policies and PhD in Economics, U. Reading) and politician from Portugal, who most recently served as the European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms (Von Der Leyen Commission 2019–2024), the first Portuguese woman to be put forward for the role.

From 2016 to 2019 Professor Ferreira was Vice Governor of the Bank of Portugal. Prior to that, Professor Ferreira was a Member of the European Parliament (2004–2016), and held ministerial posts in the Portuguese Government, serving as Minister for the Environment and later as Minister for Planning (1995–2002).

Earlier in her career, Professor Ferreira played a key role in shaping and implementing regional development policies aimed at revitalising Portugal’s industrial North. Her experience in designing and coordinating policies for regional cohesion and structural reform offers important insights for regions such as Greater �鶹��ý and the North-West, which face similar challenges of post-industrial adjustment and spatial inequality.

Prof Ferreira, a faculty member at the Faculty of Economics of the University of Porto, Portugal, is already a valued collaborator of the Department of Planning, Property and Environmental Management at �鶹��ý, having recently supported a fieldtrip for our undergraduate students to Portugal. During the visit she accompanied students to the Côa Palaeolithic Art Park and the Douro International Natural Park; two sites where she had major political input.

The Department is now planning a series of events and activities to coincide with Professor Ferreira’s upcoming visit in November 2025.

Stanford Prison Experiment revisited through a theatrical lens

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 14:00:00 +0100

On Wednesday 4 June, University of �鶹��ý’s School of Arts, Languages and Culture hosted a sold-out event titled Playing with Cruelty: Pop Culture, Performativity, and the Stanford Prison Experiment, held to coincide with the UK premiere of National Geographic’s new documentary series, The Stanford Prison Experiment: Unlocking the Truth.

The event, hosted in partnership with , brought together experts, students, and members of the public for an evening of exploration into one of psychology’s most controversial experiments. The new docuseries, which is set to air in the UK on Sunday 15 June on National Geographic, re-examines the famous with new footage, reenactments, and powerful interviews with those who took part, many speaking on camera for the first time.

Attendees were offered thought-provoking perspectives from the docuseries’ expert commentators, from the , and from the .

The discussion covered social identity and how people act in groups. Professor Stephen Reicher shared findings from his own research, dating back to the 1980 St Paul’s riots in Bristol, showing that people often act with purpose and awareness in crowd settings. He also stressed the complexity of social psychology as a scientific field because its findings can alter the very thing being studied.

“People knew exactly what they were doing. Psychology changes who we are, and Zimbardo changed who we are,” said Professor Stephen Reicher.

The panel also looked at the idea of role-playing and how it can shape behaviour. Unlike in reality TV, where everyone knows it’s a game, in the Stanford Prison Experiment, those in charge thought they were “just playing,” but those on the receiving end didn’t feel the same. This difference in perspective led to confusion and real harm.

Two drama students from the University of �鶹��ý, Arista Abbabatula and Minna White, who participated in reenactments for the National Geographic docuseries, also joined the discussion and shared how the experience made them reflect on the emotional and ethical challenges of portraying real events.

During the Q&A, audience members asked questions about the role of undercover police and how race and gender may have shaped the experiences of people in the experiment. The questions showed just how relevant the topic still is today.

The event was a great success, sparking deep discussion and showing the value of bringing together ideas from theatre, psychology, and real-world events. It also celebrated �鶹��ý’s role in supporting this important new docuseries.

The Stanford Prison Experiment: Unlocking the Truth will be shown in the UK on .

Rethinking Sustainability: A Collective Call to Action at �鶹��ý

Wed, 28 May 2025 12:25:30 +0100

The , held from 22–23 May 2025, was the first major event organised by the new working group Sustainability@SEED, led by Heather Alberro, Lecturer in Sustainability at the School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED).

Over two engrossing and thought-provoking days, dozens of staff and students from across �鶹��ý community, alongside practitioners, artists, and activists from across the UK, came together for transdisciplinary discussions on the fundamental transformations needed to challenge systemic drivers of unsustainability and chart more liveable pathways forward.

A key aim was to foreground perspectives and disciplines not typically centred in STEM-dominated sustainability discourses, namely the humanities, social sciences, and activist voices.

Key themes and topics included: the transformative role of hope and imaginaries; cultivating our ecological selves; working with and through climate anxiety; the relationship between war and ecological breakdown; collectively crafting new stories; generating value shifts and cultivating relations of ‘integrity over transaction’; opting for slow research and travel; how mosses might help us rethink the more-than-human ethical dimensions of sustainability; how to disrupt universities’ complicity in climate breakdown; and the need for a distributed ethics that cherishes individuals through collectives.

As speaker Susan Brown (MIE) asked, “What if education were to beat not to the neoliberal economic clock, but to the earth’s clock?” How can we develop an intersectional, ecological approach to sustainability, that recognises extreme inequality, political polarisation, misogyny, systemic racism, transphobia, pollution, and biodiversity collapse as deeply entangled and indivisible crises? And how might we better engage actors beyond our immediate circles, ensuring we don’t merely preach to the converted?

In service of keeping hope alive, these crucial conversations will continue in future events over the coming academic year.

Centre for AI and Decision Sciences relaunches with vision for digital, smarter, sustainable futures

Wed, 28 May 2025 10:46:07 +0100

The ’s Centre for AI and Decision Sciences (AID) has officially relaunched, marking a new era in artificial intelligence and data-driven innovation. Positioned at the cutting edge of AI and decision sciences, the Centre unveiled its renewed mission with a , designed to showcase its latest research achievements, business collaborations, and commitment to sustainable innovation. The event attracted around 140 participants.

With its unique focus at the intersection of AI, decision sciences, and real-world applications, AID is driving forward-thinking solutions that balance innovation with ethical responsibility. The Centre’s academic team shared breakthroughs in AI-powered decision support systems, data-driven analytics, and responsible AI – all designed to influence smarter, more ethical, and environmentally sustainable business strategies.

“We are proud to re-launch our Centre under our new name, reflecting the evolution of our research towards AI-powered, responsible and impactful decision-making”, said , Director of AID. “Our interdisciplinary team of academics, researchers and doctoral students is committed to working at the frontier of AI and decision sciences. We strive to shape a future where intelligent systems enhance human decision-making underpinned by strong partnerships, knowledge transfer and business engagement.”

A key feature of the event was a dynamic panel discussion featuring practitioners from a range of sectors. Panellists shared real-world insights into the practical integration of AI into business operations, spotlighting how intelligent technologies are reshaping strategic and operational decisions. Discussions focused on value creation, sustainability, and the challenges and opportunities of AI adoption in contemporary enterprises. , Co-Director of AID, said: “We are delighted to relaunch the research centre, further advancing AI research in the business school and the wider university to support data-driven decision-making and digital innovation. We are also eager to engage more broadly with both academic and industry partners to tackle real-world business challenges in the rapidly evolving era of AI.”

With social responsibility, sustainability, ethics, and digital transformation at its core, the Centre for AI and Decision Sciences aims to be a global leader in research, education, and business applications across AI, Decision Sciences, and Data Analytics. It supports the strategic goals of Alliance �鶹��ý Business School and the wider university in advancing digital and sustainable healthy futures.

AiM: The Architects Index of Modelmaking debuts at the Venice Architecture Biennale

Tue, 27 May 2025 13:14:32 +0100

's new international project dedicated to celebrating and supporting modelmaking in architectural practice, is being debuted during the 19th in Venice.

, is a global platform aspiring to create an open, evolving index of global architectural modelmaking—spanning both educational and professional practice. It will serve as a living archive for experimentation, learning, and leadership. A dynamic space where students, architects, and studios can explore how and where modelmaking happens in practice.

Led by the expert team at at �鶹��ý, AiM is making its public debut in an exhibition of its themes at the in Venice, running from Sunday 10 May to 23 November 2025.

The AiM Manifesto

Process over perfection
Show how its made
Learn by making
Celebrate the importance of the unknowns discovered through physical creativity
Shine a light on the often-overlooked value of making in architectural practice
Collaborate, connect and grow

The AiM platform is evolving into a comprehensive index site, designed to grow as more companies join the initiative. Later this year, the platform will expand to include a newly digitised version of the B.15 Workshop's archive featuring data, photographs, and 3D scans of past and present student projects from the �鶹��ý School of Architecture. This open-access collection, launched under the banner 'MSAiM', will showcase the rich legacy and ongoing contributions of student modelmaking.

Exhibition and events

Showing as part of , the extensive biennial architecture exhibition organised and hosted by the European Cultural Centre, the AiM exhibition presents a sample of the index through practice contributors. The work of 15 practices and professionals is shown alongside video content at the historic venue of Palazzo Bembo.

Visit AiM at the Time Space Existence exhibition, Palazzo Bembo, free entry from Sunday, 10 May to Sunday, 23 November, 2025, 10am to 6pm (closed Tuesdays).

There will be a special panel event on the weekend of 28/29 June as part of the the programme. �鶹��ý School of Architecture students will be invited to attend and have the opportunity to explore all Biennale sites.

Join the index and follow the project

AiM invites Architectural practitioners and offices to join the conversation, share models and showcase processes.

Visit the for further information and to signup to the mailing list, or email aim@the-aim.co.uk to get in touch.

You can follow the project on Instagram for more updates.

�鶹��ý launches groundbreaking ‘Digital Dante Library’

Thu, 22 May 2025 15:40:08 +0100

�鶹��ý is set to launch the �鶹��ý Digital Dante Library, a landmark digital collection which will make some of the rarest and most significant early printed editions of Dante’s Divine Comedy available freely online for the first time.

The first part of this digital library will go live on 29 May, coinciding with an international conference at the historic John Rylands Research Institute and Library where the collection is held.

Developed as part of the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)-funded project Envisioning Dante, c.1472–c.1630: Seeing and Reading the Early Printed Page, this digital library is one of the most significant scholarly resources ever created for the study of Dante’s works in print. It features 99 editions printed between 1472 and 1629, with 20 being made available in the first release. The full collection will be rolled out across 2025.

The conference on 29-30 May will bring together world experts in Dante studies, early print culture, and digital humanities. Attendees will explore groundbreaking interdisciplinary research, including the project’s pioneering use of artificial intelligence and computer vision to analyse page design and layout in early modern books - offering a new lens through which to view the evolution of print culture.

The JRRIL Dante Collection includes all but three of the known pre-1650 printed editions of the Divine Comedy, with highlights such as the very first Italian editions printed in 1472, richly illustrated editions from 1481 and 1487, and later translations in Spanish, French, English and Japanese. The collection also features 19th-century illustrations by Gustave Doré, and a giant hand-illuminated manuscript created in 1902.

The �鶹��ý Digital Dante Library is hosted on �鶹��ý Digital Collections, a state-of-the-art platform developed in partnership with Cambridge University Library and supported by the Research Lifecycle Project. It exemplifies a new model for digital scholarship, merging humanities research with advanced imaging techniques and setting a new standard for cultural heritage digitisation.

For more information on the conference, visit .

New research urges education sector, employers, and unions to improve conditions for working students

Thu, 22 May 2025 15:01:17 +0100

This three-year national study explores young women’s earliest experiences of work—including paid employment during education—and how these shape inequalities in working life over time.

The project is part of the Economic and Social Research Council’s initiative, the research team is based at the University of Leeds, �鶹��ý, and City St George’s, University of London.

The draw on national datasets and focus group interviews with 83 young women aged 14–23 from schools, Further Education (FE) colleges, sixth forms, and universities across England. The research examines how young women navigate the challenges of part-time employment alongside their education, particularly in a context of rising living costs and growing financial pressure.

To support change across key sectors, the research team has produced tailored for Education, Employers and Industry, and Trade Unions. Each presents key findings alongside sector-specific recommendations.

The findings reveal that young women are 50% more likely than their male peers to work while studying, and therefore disproportionately affected by the challenges of low pay, unsafe environments, and a lack of workplace rights. The research calls on educators not to discourage student work, but to help students understand and assert their rights, and to work collaboratively with employers and unions to ensure fairer conditions.

Webinar to launch the briefings

To mark the launch of the briefings, a webinar will be held on Tuesday, 3 June from 12pm to 12.45pm. .

More about the L-earning project

To find out more about the study and the team, visit the and follow on social media: | |

Eight years after the arena attack, �鶹��ý bee commercialisation has unsettled some Mancunians

Thu, 22 May 2025 14:53:12 +0100

If you visit �鶹��ý, one of the first things you’ll notice is the great number of bee images throughout the city. Born in the Industrial Revolution, the “worker bee” symbol captured the city’s tireless spirit and its legacy as a buzzing hive of industry. Today, the symbol is more often associated with collective resilience and remembrance following the �鶹��ý Arena attack on May 22 2017.

The bee became a of the “Mancunian spirit”, emerging almost instantly on murals, on bodies as tattoos and on public memorials. Over the last eight years, it has become a core part of �鶹��ý’s identity.

As part of my ongoing PhD research, I set out to understand why the bee is everywhere in �鶹��ý and what it means to people. I interviewed 24 Mancunians who were living in the city at the time of the attack, including some who were directly affected.

Conducted in 2023, seven years after the attack, these interviews aimed to capture how the symbol’s meaning had evolved as the city continued to process and commemorate the event.

For many, the bee still stands as a symbol of resilience, a reminder of how the city came together in the face of tragedy. But for others, its presence throughout �鶹��ý has become more of a burden than a comfort.

Appearing on buses, shop windows and public spaces, it serves as a constant and eerie reminder of the events and aftermath of the attack. Eight of my interviewees described these as memories of “trauma”. Over time, what once felt comforting has become more unsettling.

Fifteen of my interviewees expressed discomfort with how the bee has become more commercialised in the years since the attack. Some described feelings of “exploitation”.

Both independent businesses and large companies have embraced the symbol, integrating it into their branding in public spaces. Many sell bee-themed gifts and souvenirs, such as .

�鶹��ý city council has played a key role in this commercialisation, promoting the image through various initiatives, including the Bee Network transport system and the Bee Cup – a reusable launched in 2023.

In June 2017, shortly after the attack, the council moved to trademark several versions of the bee as an official city symbol. This was made public in March 2018, after the period for .

Initially, the council allowed people and businesses to use the symbol for free, but later introduced a . Now, anyone wishing to use the of the bee must apply for permission from the council, and commercial use comes with a £500 fee. Businesses that want to use the bee are also asked to donate to charity.

The council described the trademarking of the bee symbol as a way to protect its use and support local good causes, such as the , which helps fund community projects and youth opportunities across the city.

But some of my participants noted that this transformed the bee from something personal and meaningful to something more corporate. In their view, it is as if the city itself is commodifying the attack rather than honouring it.

This can be viewed as an element of “dark tourism”, which involves visiting places where tragedy has been memorialised or commercialised. this manifests not through visits to the attack site but through the bee symbol, which has been commodified in murals, merchandise and public spaces. Tourists buy into collective grief through consumption, turning remembrance into a marketable experience and the bee as a managed and profitable commodity.

Some �鶹��ý Arena bombing survivors I spoke to feel that their personal grief has been repackaged into a public identity, one that does not necessarily reflect the complexity of their experiences.

The use of the bee in products and souvenirs raises questions about how the city commercialises its identity, especially when considering the layered histories that the symbol carries.

Uncomfortable history

For some, the discomfort around �鶹��ý’s bee goes even . Today, the bee symbolises resilience and unity, but it originally represented hard work during �鶹��ý’s industrial boom.

This era wasn’t just about progress — it also involved especially through cotton by enslaved people in the Americas. �鶹��ý’s role in the industrial revolution would have never been possible without slavery.

My participants pointed out this hidden history, noticing that these stories rarely appear in �鶹��ý’s public commemorations in the city. The bee’s visibility today reveals how cities tend to highlight positive histories, while uncomfortable truths .

A painted window in �鶹��ý’s Victoria station. Ashley Collar

Focusing solely on resilience risks creating a simplified version of �鶹��ý’s past. , overlooking how historical injustices, like the city’s links to the transatlantic slave trade, still shape their lives today.

This selective storytelling makes it harder for some communities to commemorate �鶹��ý’s identity. They can’t do so without acknowledging past legacies of slavery and the city’s history of division.

While some see the bee as a proud symbol of unity, others feel it erases their history. As the bee continues to dominate public spaces, �鶹��ý faces an important challenge: making sure this symbol genuinely acknowledges the varied experiences and histories of all residents.

This might be through dedicated plaques or exhibits that explore some of these hidden histories, and the bee’s complex meaning. Only by confronting its past can the city ensure that commemoration includes everyone.

, PhD Candidate in Sociology at �鶹��ý and Associate Lecturer in Criminology at MMU
This article is republished from under a Creative Commons license. Read the .

�鶹��ý research informs government Winter Fuel Payment changes

Wed, 21 May 2025 15:38:51 +0100

Ongoing research at �鶹��ý into the long-term poverty faced by many older people has contributed to the Government announcing changes to the Winter Fuel Payment today.

The payment is a welfare benefit previously paid directly to all pensioners to help with their fuel costs, which was restricted in 2024 to older people in receipt of Pension Credit.

An estimated 2.2 million (19%) of older people (aged 66 years and older) live in relative income poverty, and many have unmet care needs. 12% of older people live in persistent poverty. Evidence suggests that the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment were going to leave many more older people in poverty, which would put their health and well-being at risk.

As one research participant aged 79 commented: “May be some of us will die after the end of the Winter Fuel Payment. Like in the Covid pandemic, we don’t matter!”

Whilst the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment had led to an increase in applications for Pension Credit, many older people had still not made a claim. This is despite the fact that being awarded Pension Credit also gives access to a range of other welfare support.

A number of interlinked factors are associated with the lack of take-up of welfare benefits such as Pension Credit, including: awareness, not recognising being in need, fear and a lack of trust, the complexity of the application process, stigma and embarrassment and concerns about having money taken away.

In relation to claiming welfare benefits, one interviewee aged 74 stated: “I don’t like anyone thinking I’m on benefits.”

The research led by Dr Kingsley Purdam was presented to the Department for Work and Pensions earlier this year.