2021 press releases

Biofilm rendering off Getty

FEATURE: Corals, wound infection detection, and theoretical physics...exploring how Loughborough academics are tackling major issues related to biofilms

Biofilms are central to our most important global challenges, from antimicrobial resistance and food safety to water security, and they have a significant economic, social, and environmental impact.

New theory for how snowflakes grow

Scientists have discovered what drives the delicate and complex microcosm of tiny terraces, pyramids and craters found on the surface of ice.
an image portraying corruption

Corruption reporting in the media investigated in new research

Researchers at Loughborough University have released two new papers investigating how corruption is reported in mainstream media.

Using COVID-19 in the classroom: How teaching can benefit from the global pandemic

Two Loughborough psychologists have put together a plan for how secondary school teachers can use the COVID-19 pandemic to help explain psychological concepts.
the world

Climate change: what would 4°C of global warming feel like?

Another year, another climate record broken.

The Midlands is delivering nearly £100m of research to support the nation’s fight against COVID-19

A new report - Mobilising Research Excellence in the Midlands to Tackle COVID-19 - published today (Friday, January 15 2021) reveals that the Midlands has moved swiftly to apply its wealth of capability in its hospitals, universities and businesses to deliver £90m of research to support regional, national and global efforts to tackle the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Teachers could be over or underestimating the effectiveness of education studies because of how they are presented

The way that some education studies are presented could give teachers unrealistic expectations about what they might be able to achieve in the classroom, according to new research.
A new research project will investigate para sport media

Research project to delve into gender equality in Para sport media

An academic from Loughborough University has been granted funding to investigate gender equality and inclusion in Para sport media.

Illustration of a family playing board games

Academics awarded £93k to develop novel board game that aims to improve children’s numeracy skills

Mathematics education research has repeatedly shown that children’s early counting abilities are an essential precursor to wider mathematical learning.
the latest experts in sport podcast looks at exercise and cancer

Experts in Sport: Insight into the relationship between exercise and cancer

This week’s Experts in Sport podcast takes a closer look at the relationship between exercise and cancer.

Survey shows more wildflowers in bloom during January than ever before

A record number of wildflowers were found to be in bloom this winter, according to a new survey by the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland.

Three in 10 people cannot afford a minimum standard of living – new report

Three in 10 people in the UK do not have the necessary income to achieve a socially acceptable standard of living, according to a new report.

Physicists use ‘hyperchaos’ to model complex quantum systems at a fraction of the computing power

Physicists have discovered a potentially game-changing feature of quantum bit behaviour which would allow scientists to simulate complex quantum systems without the need for enormous computing power.

Nissan staying in UK is great news after Brexit, but car industry’s future is still very unclear

When the UK voted for Brexit, there were no positives for the UK car industry. The prospect of a 10% tariff on car production that involves parts and sub-assemblies moving in and out of the UK was untenable.
living neuronal cell circuits grown in the lab

Stem cell AI: Loughborough part of £3m ‘brain on a chip’ project that aims to revolutionise computing power

Loughborough University scientists have started work on a project that will see human brain stem cells used to power artificial intelligence (AI) devices and bring about a revolution in computing.
Colleagues from Loughborough University and the English Institute of Sport (EIS) will collaborate on a new study to investigate the mental health and wellbeing challenges faced by Para athletes.

New study to investigate the mental health and wellbeing challenges of elite Para athletes

Colleagues from Loughborough University and the English Institute of Sport (EIS) will collaborate on a new study to investigate the mental health and wellbeing challenges faced by Para athletes.

Chief Executive of HS2 joins Loughborough University as a Visiting Professor

The Chief Executive of HS2 Ltd and Loughborough alumnus, Mark Thurston, has joined the University as Visiting Professor of Complex Project and Programme Leadership.

Report reveals the positive role pubs play in communities

A new Loughborough University report, commissioned by The Campaign to End Loneliness and in collaboration with HEINEKEN, has revealed how pubs are important social hubs that help to tackle loneliness and social isolation in local communities.
Cuppa with a Scientist logo.

Loughborough University launches ‘Cuppa with a Scientist’ podcast

Loughborough University has officially launched ‘Cuppa with a Scientist’, a brand new podcast led by the PR team that aims to inspire the next generation of scientists.

Silhouettes of people against an LGBT flag

LGBT+ history month: forgotten figures who challenged gender expression and identity centuries ago

Non-binary and trans people have always been here, not least in every recorded society from the ancient world onwards.
cricket equipment

Loughborough University contributes to research on transmission risk of COVID-19 from sports equipment

A team led by LSTM’s Dr Emily Adams, have investigated the transmission risk of COVID-19 from sports equipment, finding that the risk is likely to be low, and probably lower than from player interaction before, during and after sporting activity.

Aardman animated characters

Loughborough academics join forces with Aardman to tackle mental health crisis

Young people struggling with mental health issues arising from challenges such as loneliness, perfectionism and competitiveness, will be supported by a series of new animated films and companion website.

Researchers explore ways to maximise arts and culture online

Coronavirus has forced the arts online with video streaming now one of the most popular and effective tools for allowing people access to culture.
Cuppa with a scientist bonus image

“You know you’re there to endure and suffer” – climate scientist discusses extraordinary expedition to install world’s highest weather station on Mt. Everest

“There's a reason that it is so famous; it's not just that it's the highest mountain on earth, it is an incredibly awe-inspiring landscape”, says climate scientist Dr Tom Matthews, who was part of the team that installed the world’s highest weather station on Mount Everest in 2019.

motor sport athletes

Motorsport athletes put in pole position at Loughborough University

Leading athletes from across the world of motorsport have been put through their paces at Loughborough University – all in the name of gaining an advantage over their competitors, both on and off the track.