// University News
9 December 2024
AI in Education: Creating the future together
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is opening up new opportunities and raising important questions in education. At Loughborough University, the AI in Education (AIED) research group has been established to unite academics and Professional Services staff in exploring how AI can support teaching, learning, and student support.
9 December 2024
LSU opening hours over the Christmas break
Please note that the Loughborough Students’ Union (LSU) main building will close to all staff and students on 17 December at 4pm.
9 December 2024
Christmas travel – student eVisa information
Long-term immigration permission such as a Student visa generally allows re-entry to the UK on multiple occasions throughout the period it remains valid. This allows travel for example at vacation time.
9 December 2024
Access to key IT services over the festive break
As we approach the festive season, don't forget that you can still access essential services to support your studies.
6 December 2024
Jim McGuigan
It is with deep sadness that we mark the recent death of Jim McGuigan, Emeritus Professor of Cultural Analysis.
6 December 2024
Aftrak initiative wins IET Innovation and Excellence Award
A revolutionary off-grid energy project developed by a consortium of Loughborough University, The Consortium for Battery Innovation and Tiyeni has won a prestigious Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Excellence and Innovation award.
6 December 2024
Festive designs selected for the 2024 Vice-Chancellor’s Christmas card
Loughborough’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nick Jennings, has chosen four winning designs submitted by students for the 2024 Christmas Card Design Competition.
6 December 2024
Book your place now for the Talk Sport 2025 event
Are you thinking about a career in sport, exercise or health?
5 December 2024
Loughborough Doctoral Researcher recognised at the Women of the Future Awards
Huyen Le, Doctoral Researcher in the Department of Materials, was recently presented with a Women of the Future Award in recognition of her exceptional contributions to science and advocacy for positive change.
5 December 2024
Latest Cost of a Child in Scotland research finds costs outstripping additional Holyrood support for families
A huge gap remains between the cost of raising a child in Scotland and actual family incomes, despite the significant impact of Scottish government policies and lower childcare costs.
4 December 2024
Families falling further away from meeting minimum acceptable standards of living
Ahead of the PM’s promised ‘reset’, including a focus on improved living standards, Child Poverty Action Group’s cost of a child calculations show that for the first time since the research started in 2008, all family types on low and modest incomes are unable to meet their costs or reach what the public deems a minimum acceptable living standard.
3 December 2024
Support for staff and students
If you, or members of your family and friends, have been affected by the emerging situation in South Korea, or if you are concerned about what is happening, the following support services are available to our staff and students.
3 December 2024
Our commitment to support staff and students at risk around the world
On 28th November colleagues from across the University gathered to learn more about the Council for At-Risk Academics (Cara), which has been a lifeline for many years for those who need urgent help to escape discrimination, persecution, violence or conflict. It also supports academics who choose to continue working in their home countries despite serious dangers, and higher education institutions whose work is threatened or compromised.
3 December 2024
Rethinking the circular economy to benefit the Global South
As the world embraces the circular economy (CE) as a solution to the global sustainability crisis, experts warn that without integrating social justice into its framework, CE could inadvertently deepen existing inequalities – particularly in the Global South.
3 December 2024
Sustainability Workshop Training Series for staff
Become a trained facilitator for one of three Sustainability Collage workshops put on by the School of Design and Creative Arts (SDCA), focusing on climate science, circular economy, and digital sustainability.
3 December 2024
Loughborough University hosts hydrogen-themed day for year 10 and 11 students
Year 10 and 11 students from The Castle Rock School in Coalville visited the University on 20 November for an engaging day focused on clean energy innovation.
3 December 2024
COVID lockdowns affected adolescents’ brain structures, says research
A recent study reported the somewhat alarming observation that the social disruptions of COVID lockdowns caused significant changes in teenagers’ brains.
2 December 2024
PDR training now available for Reviewers
To support you in conducting a Performance and Development Review (PDR) in 2024/25, the online training for Reviewers has been updated.
2 December 2024
Loughborough Festivities: Activities for students staying in Loughborough over Christmas
Join us this festive season for some fun activities here in Loughborough.
2 December 2024
Five potential new businesses as University commercialisation initiative draws to a close
A host of innovative teams based in East Midlands universities are on the cusp of bringing their business ideas to market, as a programme to support the development of entrepreneurs in the region draws to a close.
2 December 2024
Notice of downtime: IT Service Desk (RT system) - Monday 16 December
On 16 December, the IT Service Desk email support (IT.Services@lboro.ac.uk) will be unavailable.
2 December 2024
Apply now for the Stanley Evernden Memorial Prize
The School of Design and Creative Arts have opened applications for the Stanley Evernden Memorial Prize, an exciting opportunity for current Loughborough University students to secure funding to take a drama production to one of two UK festivals in 2025.
29 November 2024
Physicists' breakthrough in fine-tuning electron behaviour in quantum materials could fast-track next generation of technology
Physicists at Loughborough University have made an exciting breakthrough in understanding how to fine-tune the behaviour of electrons in quantum materials poised to drive the next generation of advanced technologies.
28 November 2024
General Assembly – November 2024
Thank you to colleagues who recently attended General Assembly, held on Wednesday 20 November.
28 November 2024
Staff volunteers wanted: Join the ‘Team Loughborough’ Winter Graduation crew
Thank you very much to those who have previously supported graduation activity across campus. With the winter ceremonies fast approaching, we are now looking for staff volunteers who are available on Thursday 12 and Friday 13 December to support with various key ‘guest facing’ roles.
28 November 2024
Upcoming planned outages on the University Wi-Fi, wired network and Data Centre
IT Services will be carrying out a series of essential maintenance activities on the University network and Data Centre during December.
28 November 2024
Loughborough lecturer says construction industry can learn from downfall of music-sharing giant
A Loughborough University lecturer believes the construction industry can learn from the downfall of a music-sharing platform more than 20 years ago.
28 November 2024
Don't forget to visit the Christmas Craft Fair
Indulge in a festive celebration of creativity from staff and students from across the University who will be showcasing and selling their handmade products, making it a great opportunity to purchase those last-minute gifts for your loved ones.
28 November 2024
Research reveals health risks caused by swimmers’ core body temperatures during open water competitions
A study led by Loughborough University has revealed divergent challenges caused by swimmers’ core body temperatures during elite open water swimming competitions.
28 November 2024
Staff Experience Survey Drop-in Sessions
The University is running drop-in sessions for all staff, particularly those without regular access to a computer, to support completion of the Staff Experience Survey.
27 November 2024
Experts in Sport: The long-term problems of sports participation and how to solve them
In the latest Experts in Sport podcast, host Martin Foster is joined by Professor Paul Downward to discuss the UK’s low levels of sport participation.
27 November 2024
Joy: the story of IVF shows how women’s health and scientific contributions haven’t be taken seriously
Watching the Netflix film Joy has been a hugely emotional experience for me. The film is the story of the scientific endeavour to figure out in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) and the first baby to be born this way, Louise Joy Brown on 25 July 1978 at Oldham General Hospital in Manchester.
27 November 2024
Upcoming Student Wellbeing Drop-in sessions
With exam season approaching, Student Services are running Wellbeing Drop-in sessions, held at Pilkington Library from 11am-2pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
27 November 2024
Join the University Choir for their annual Christmas Concert
Come along for a festive evening of music from the University Choir plus musicians from LSU Classical.
27 November 2024
Papin Prizes now open for nominations
The national awards that recognise and celebrate the work of technicians in higher education are now open for 2025 nominations, with a new award for Apprentice and another for Sustainability announced.
27 November 2024
How much for cash? Why the informal economy is bad for business, consumers and society
Who hasn’t heard someone ask, “How much for cash?” While it may seem harmless, research reveals such demands contribute to a growing culture of informality in business.
26 November 2024
Celebrating six years of Dunelm supporting new Loughborough University students
For the sixth consecutive year, Dunelm has partnered with the University to provide tailored starter packs for students in need.
26 November 2024
Visit LU Arts at Loughborough University London
Join LU Arts at Loughborough University London to see how you can get involved in the arts and do something creative in your spare time.
25 November 2024
Celebrate with the Chaplaincy at this year’s University Carol Service
The University Chaplaincy invites staff, students, and alumni to the annual University Carol Service.
25 November 2024
Reminder: Win £1,000 with Santander’s Brighter Futures Grants Programme
After its popularity last year, Loughborough University are working with Santander again to offer students the opportunity to win £1,000 to support their studies and empower them to reach their goals.
25 November 2024
Dr Kinga Morsanyi appointed Reform Scholar
Dr Kinga Morsanyi, Reader in Mathematical Cognition in the School of Science, has been appointed as a Reform Scholar – a network of early-to-mid career academics who explore the public policy implications of their research.
25 November 2024
Notice of downtime on the University Wi-Fi and wired network - Wednesday 27 November
On the morning of Wednesday 27 November, IT Services will be carrying out essential maintenance on the campus firewalls.
25 November 2024
Calling all students: Donate your unwanted items
The University’s Community Warden team is organising a donation campaign this December to support local charities. The idea of the scheme is that items no longer required can be repurposed and rehomed – giving them a new lease of life and promoting a circular economy by preventing the amount we send to landfill.
22 November 2024
Join The Conversation – online workshop
Academics and Doctoral Researchers are invited to attend an online training session with The Conversation blogging platform on Friday 6 December, from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
22 November 2024
Bad Sisters season two is a darker, more serious look at sisterhood
The second series of Bad Sisters starts in the dark of the night. Four women sit in a car at the edge of some cliffs, panicking, arguing, shouting at each other. We are back with the Garvey sisters, two years on from where the first season had ended.
22 November 2024
Don’t forget to take part in the Staff Experience Survey
The Staff Experience Survey is an important opportunity for us to measure how satisfied you are working at the University as well as providing you with an opportunity to have your say on the things that matter most to you.
22 November 2024
Loughborough Sport launches the Women in Sport Mentoring Programme
As part of the year-long EmpowerHER campaign, Loughborough Sport Coach & Volunteer Academy (CVA) is launching a year-long mentoring programme designed to support students that identify as women in developing their career pathways in sport through insights and guidance from expert female mentors working in sport, exercise and physical activity.
22 November 2024
Operation Jingle Bells: Donate a gift to a child this Christmas
Operation Jingle Bells is an annual campaign led by LSU Action, supporting charities in the lead up to Christmas.
22 November 2024
Early December pay date and pay deadlines
Following the announcement of the agreed additional closure day on 23 December this year, the payment date has been brought forward to Friday 20 December 2024.
21 November 2024
Loughborough University to offer new Supply Chain Management MSc in collaboration with MIT
Loughborough Business School and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have joined forces in an exciting collaboration to offer a new master’s programme in Supply Chain Management as part of the UK Supply Chain and Logistics Excellence (SCALE) Centre.
20 November 2024
Kravchenko elected chair of IPC Athletes' Council
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athlete’s Council has elected current Loughborough University PhD student Vladyslava Kravchenko as its new Chairperson.
20 November 2024
New AI tool offers insights to improve safety for mothers and babies in maternity care
Loughborough University researchers have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) tool that identifies the key human factors influencing maternity care outcomes, supporting ongoing efforts to improve safety for mothers and babies.
20 November 2024
Spotlight on Careers: Academic Registry
Last week, Academic Registry held its first ‘Spotlight on Careers’ event with Human Resources.
20 November 2024
World-class ‘accelerator’ to speed development of crucial rehabilitation technologies
A world-class impact accelerator will connect hundreds of East Midlands MedTech SMEs with health and care professionals, academics and the public to drive the design, development and delivery of pioneering rehabilitation technologies.
19 November 2024
Loughborough University Graphic Design students take part in an anti-knife campaign competition
Over the summer, Graphic Design students took part in a competition to raise awareness about knife crime.
19 November 2024
Loughborough Sport enters partnership with VALD
Loughborough Sport is delighted to announce a 12-month partnership with technology provider, VALD.
19 November 2024
Loughborough Lightning Netball Christmas Events
Loughborough Lightning are hosting two events for netball enthusiasts of all ages this Christmas. Whether you're looking to improve your skills or keep the kids busy, these activities offer something fun for all!
19 November 2024
Loughborough University to host England’s Futsal Euro 2026 qualifiers
England Futsal has partnered with Loughborough University to host the Men’s National Team’s home fixtures for the UEFA Euro 2026 Main Round Qualifiers.
19 November 2024
Sir John Jennings
It is with great sadness we inform you of the death of Sir John Jennings, who was the Chancellor of Loughborough University from 2003-2010.
19 November 2024
Weather conditions at the East Midlands campus
Following overnight snow, the East Midlands campus roads have been checked and they are drivable. Please note there is slush, but we expect this to clear throughout the day.
18 November 2024
Safe and considerate campus road use - day and night
The University actively supports safe and healthy journeys by ensuring our busy campus road network is safe for staff, students and visitors.
15 November 2024
Staff invited to Loughborough event led by Cara (Council for At-Risk Academics)
Colleagues are invited to an event on 28 November focused on the important work of the Council for At-Risk Academics (Cara).
15 November 2024
£44 million Government funding boost will help give 10 million people worldwide access to clean cooking
A Loughborough University led research programme to rapidly accelerate the global transition from biomass to clean cooking has been awarded an additional £44 million of UK Aid funding.
15 November 2024
Academic Practice Guides
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new Academic Practice Guides. These guides are designed to support staff in their learning and teaching development needs with practical, bitesize resources.
15 November 2024
Apprenticeships for young people could negatively impact family benefits – new report
Families could lose around £80-a-week in child benefit and the child element of Universal Credit (UC) if a young person over 16 starts an apprenticeship instead of staying in full-time education.
14 November 2024
Support and resources available for estranged students
An estranged student is someone who does not receive support from their parents (biological, step or adoptive) due to a breakdown in their relationship.
14 November 2024
Security Awareness in Action: Recent simulated phishing exercise
The University recently ran a simulated phishing exercise for staff and Doctoral Researchers. The goal of the simulation is to raise awareness of some of the signs that an email may be a phishing attack and not genuine correspondence.
14 November 2024
Loughborough University celebrates International Students’ Day
To mark International Students’ Day, Loughborough University is hosting a week of events from Monday 18 to Friday 22 November, with events that celebrate cultural diversity and foster connections among international students.
14 November 2024
Exhibition of Tim Head’s ‘Silent Spaces’ photography artwork to display at University campus
Between 20 November – 18 December, a series of photographic artworks by the distinguished artist Tim Head will be shown in Martin Hall Gallery.
13 November 2024
University’s Art Committee reestablished
Following the appointment of Professor Claire Warden as the new Chair, the University is delighted to reestablish its Art Committee.
13 November 2024
Introducing the Inaugural Development Directory for Researchers
The Enhanced Academic Practice team (part of Organisational Development and Change) is pleased to announce the University’s brand-new development directory for researchers.
13 November 2024
Careers Network awarded winners at East Midlands Business Awards
Loughborough University’s Careers Network has been named the winner of the ‘Education and Business Partnerships’ category at this year’s 2024 East Midlands Business Awards.
13 November 2024
Experts in Sport: Cycling hour record: the science behind a successful attempt
Loughborough’s Experts in Sport podcast has returned with an in-depth episode looking at how colleagues from across the university came together to help current PhD student Axel Dopfer break the German cycling hour record.
13 November 2024
Loughborough academics showcase sustainable energy research at COP 29
Researchers from Loughborough University are in Baku, Azerbaijan, to join climate leaders at COP29, the United Nations’ annual global climate summit.
13 November 2024
Future Space Careers Insight event links students to future jobs
The Loughborough University London campus saw around 100 current students and graduates gathered for another Future Space Careers Insight Event.
12 November 2024
First Spotlight session of the academic year focuses on Gen Z Learners
On 27 November from 1pm-2.30pm, the Enhanced Academic Practice team will be hosting their first ‘Spotlight on’ event of the academic year.
12 November 2024
Four new artists secure placements at Loughborough University through the AA2A scheme
The School of Design and Creative Arts (SDCA) is host to the national Artists Access to Art Colleges (AA2A) scheme, providing artists with access to workshops, equipment, and expertise to support their creative practice and enabling Fine Art students to learn about building a creative career from role models.
12 November 2024
Number of people dying in poverty increases by 19% in four years
The number of people dying in poverty has increased by 19% in the past four years, according to a new report created by Loughborough University for the end of life charity Marie Curie.
11 November 2024
LU Arts launches a new workshop series for staff and postgraduate students
Join LU Arts for the ‘Creative Health Series’, a year-long journey of six workshops, and an exhibition, led by artists from varying creative backgrounds.
11 November 2024
Postponement of Loughborough Peace Assembly
The University's Peace Assembly, originally scheduled for Wednesday 13 November from 12pm-2.30pm, has been postponed because of acute time pressures on participators.
11 November 2024
Help shape the Charnwood story
Charnwood Borough Council is appealing for some help to create a bold, clear and positive narrative which captures what our wonderful borough is all about.
11 November 2024
Men's Health Awareness Month: Events and support at the University
November is Men's Health Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness of men's physical and mental health issues.
11 November 2024
Former World, Commonwealth and European champion named Loughborough’s new Head of Sprints and Hurdles
Dai Greene, a World, European, Commonwealth and Diamond League Champion has been appointed Loughborough University’s new Head of Sprints and Hurdles.
8 November 2024
World heading towards a “data doomsday” as demand outstrips energy supply
New research by Loughborough University warns that global renewable electricity supply will be unable to meet the surging demand from digital data by 2025.
8 November 2024
Reminder to submit your entries for the Vice-Chancellor’s Christmas card design competition
Last month, Loughborough’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nick Jennings, launched his annual Christmas Card design competition to students, with three prizes of £200 available to win.
8 November 2024
Dr Lu Tian has been awarded the Hinshelwood Prize for Combustion
Dr Tain research focuses on addressing the impact of combustion on turbulence closure, combustion-regime independence models, accurate modelling and mitigation of emissions and soot.
8 November 2024
Senior Lecturer awarded prestigious 2024 Philip Leverhulme Prize
Dr El Morgan, Senior Lecturer in Fine Art in the School of Design and Creative Arts (SDCA), has been awarded a prestigious 2024 Philip Leverhulme Prize. This year the Leverhulme Trust awarded £3 million to 30 outstanding researchers who had already attracted international recognition and whose future careers are exceptionally promising.
7 November 2024
Announcing the 2024/25 LU Arts Student Team
Each year LU Arts employ a small team of students on a casual basis to help support the delivery of their programmes. This includes event and technical support and photographers. The student team members gain valuable experience and learn new skills in their roles which can support their future employability.
7 November 2024
Raising Concerns: Feeling empowered to speak up
The University is committed to conducting its activities with honesty and integrity, and to the highest standards of ethical behaviour and professional conduct. Staff, students and contractors speaking up when something feels wrong helps us to continually improve.
7 November 2024
The Diplomat season two explores the US-UK special relationship – and couldn’t be more timely
Netflix’s popular political drama The Diplomat is back for a second season. It follows US ambassador to Britain Kate Wyler (Keri Russell) as she attempts to unravel a conspiracy at the very heart of the British government. In doing so, The Diplomat once again has plenty to say about the US-UK “special relationship”.
7 November 2024
Whatuni Student Choice Awards: Your chance to review Loughborough University
Loughborough University is once again excited to take part in this year’s Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCA).
7 November 2024
Develop your skills and make an impact: Become part of the University’s Coach and Volunteer Academy (CVA)
The University’s Coach and Volunteer Academy (CVA) is a fantastic opportunity open to students, staff and the local community which provides sport-based coaching, volunteering and leadership opportunities that enhance personal and professional development that can create a stepping stone into a career within the sports industry.
7 November 2024
Loughborough presents new cohort of Vice Chancellor Independent Research Fellows
The University recently welcomed the fifth cohort of Vice Chancellor Independent Research Fellows (VCIRFs) who have started their two-year programmes of research.
6 November 2024
Support for our community
Our University is a strong, international community with members drawn from over 100 different countries. In a turbulent world it’s important that our colleagues and students know that the University’s support services are there for them. If you need support or advice please speak to your manager, supervisor or personal tutor or access the services below.
1 November 2024
Coming soon: Have your say with the annual Staff Experience Survey
The Staff Experience Survey is an important opportunity for us to measure how satisfied you are working at the University as well as providing you with an opportunity to have your say on the things that matter most to you.
31 October 2024
Queer: Then & Now Exhibition – Callout for submissions
The LGBT+ Staff Network and the School of Design and Creative Arts will be launching the Queer: Then & Now Exhibition on the Loughborough campus.
31 October 2024
Loughborough University launches recruitment campaign for prestigious Vice-Chancellor Independent Research Fellowship scheme
Loughborough University will shortly begin recruiting for its sixth cohort of the prestigious early career fellowships programme, the Vice-Chancellor Independent Research Fellowships (VCIRF).
30 October 2024
Budget 2024 is a positive step towards achieving NetZero, says Loughborough expert
Loughborough University academics have reacted to Rachel Reeves’ 2024 Budget welcoming her plans for green growth.
30 October 2024
Take part in upcoming events to support the University’s sustainability ambitions
Staff and students are invited to attend a range of events taking place next week that closely align to the University’s Strategic Theme of Climate Change and Net Zero.
30 October 2024
Fireworks Extravaganza
On the evening of Saturday 2 November, Loughborough Students’ Union will be holding their annual fireworks event on the university campus.