Research news

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Loughborough academics lead global conversations at COP30 in Brazil

Loughborough University’s centre for Sustainable Transitions: Energy, Environment and Resilience (STEER) was in the spotlight at the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, showcasing the profound global impact of its flagship projects: Climate Compatible Growth (CCG) and Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS).
Stamford hospital main entrance

Loughborough University to help continue hospital’s legacy through RAAC removal research

The legacy of Stamford & Rutland Hospital's former theatre wing will be preserved through Loughborough University research into structural faults which will have a future impact on other hospitals around the country.
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How to retrofit UK homes to cut emissions whilst avoiding fuel poverty

A new study from Loughborough University looks at the importance of considering Fuel Poverty when retrofitting UK homes to cut carbon emissions.
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Research shows how coffee waste could be used to clean contaminated water

Two new research publications from experts at Loughborough University have demonstrated how coffee waste can be used to clean water.
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Loughborough University research underpins first Armed Forces-wide sexual harassment survey

The UK’s first ever military-wide sexual behaviour and harassment survey, reveals widespread sexualised behaviour across the UK Armed Forces, affecting two-thirds of women and a third of men.
a doctor looking at a mobile phone

App uses AI to tackle £72 billion NHS multimorbidity challenge

A newly developed app that tackles multimorbidity – the presence of two or more health conditions such as diabetes and arthritis – with patients across the NHS, has revealed promising results.
Group photo at an awards ceremony for the Royal Aeronautical Society 2025, with attendees holding framed certificates and standing in front of a large screen.

NCCAT wins prestigious Royal Aeronautical Society Award

The National Centre for Combustion and Aerothermal Technology (NCCAT) has been awarded a Bronze Team Medal by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS).
a man sat down with a running track in the background

EXPERT COMMENT: ‘The future of sport, if changes are not made, is stark’ says leading Loughborough University academic (VIDEO)

Elite-level sport will continue to suffer if changes are not made in relation to climate change, a leading Loughborough University academic has said.
People walking outside of Mwanza District Hospital in Malawi.

Mwanza District Hospital in Malawi gets green hydrogen for clean cooking

Loughborough University Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology (CREST) has successfully demonstrated the world’s first full-scale lead-acid battery-electrolyser test unit, producing green hydrogen of over 99% purity and using it for clean cooking at Mwanza District Hospital in Malawi. For the first time, this high-purity hydrogen has powered a specially adapted cooker, replacing traditional polluting fuels.
wheelchair users play sport

Loughborough University awarded its eighth prestigious Queen Elizabeth Prize for Education (VIDEO)

Loughborough University has been awarded the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Prize for Higher and Further Education in recognition of its pioneering contributions to Para and disability sport. 
people walking in new york ctiy

Human biology is ill-adapted to modern cities – new study

A new study has found that modern cities are having a huge impact on our health and wellbeing.
A wound being dressed on an arm by a medical professional

New partnership to look at microneedle technologies for rapid wound infection detection and treatment

Loughborough University and Egypt’s National Research Centre (NRC) have begun a joint networking project to accelerate the use of microneedle technologies for rapid wound pathogen detection and treatment, bringing together clinicians, scientists, engineers and industries from both countries.
People crossing a rope bridge between cliffs over icy water, with power lines, a wind turbine, and sunrise in background.

New research reveals postdoctoral talent is key to achieving UK’s net-zero goals

Postdoctoral researchers bring advanced technical expertise but remain an underutilised resource in the UK workforce, according to a new study, authored by a team from Loughborough and published in Cleaner Engineering Technology by Elsevier.
Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia at sunset, showing the sun setting over a large body of water

Sand mining reducing the flow of Southeast Asia’s largest lake, new report warns

A new study led by Loughborough University, and published in Nature Sustainability , has highlighted how sand mining is endangering the normal functioning of the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia.

two people walk on a beach

Even a few thousand steps a day can reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s – new study

An opinion piece written by Professor Eef Hogervorst from the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences for The Conversation:

A woman in a lab coat and lab goggles positioning tubes on bottles

Loughborough-made battery system promises clean cooking with hydrogen for remote African communities

A new project, led by experts from Loughborough University, has seen the creation of a battery system that will provide remote African communities the energy they need to cook cleanly and more environmentally friendly.

A woman looking into a microscope

Loughborough researcher hopes her adaptable tumour bubble will put an end to animal testing for developing cancer drugs

A Loughborough University academic is hoping a bio-inspired bubble, created to replicate cancer tumours in a laboratory environment, will help put an end to animal testing in drug development.

a person on a treadmill

Exercise could promote recovery following COVID-19, study finds

New research has found that exercise can help restore the immune system after COVID-19, easing symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, and other long-term effects.
tennis player alfie hewett engages in loughborough uni research

Wimbledon in focus: How Loughborough research is giving Alfie Hewett a competitive edge (VIDEO)

Alfie Hewett is a man who needs little introduction.
a close up of cameras in place to capture a tennis player's serve

Wimbledon in focus: Advantage Loughborough – serving up research and innovation in tennis (VIDEO)

Loughborough University is using science to its advantage as new research examines how tennis players can improve the power, accuracy, and consistency of their serve.
dr anthony papathomas sitting down

Expert comment: disordered eating in athletes (VIDEO)

From the outside looking in, athletes often appear to be the pinnacle of physical health. But behind the podium places, victory laps, and trophy lifts, a less visible struggle can often be found.  
Christ the Redeemer watches over Rio Je Janeiro

Loughborough University scholar awarded prestigious ERC grant for groundbreaking youth research across the Global South

A Loughborough University London academic has been awarded €2.4m in European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant funding to launch a major international research project that will explore how young people across the Global South navigate uncertainty and push for change.

A man with white hair does his finances with a calculator

Costs for minimum retiree needs have fallen while moderate and comfortable standards see modest rises

The latest update of the Retirement Living Standards (RLS) shows a decrease in the cost of the minimum retirement lifestyle, down to £21,600 per year for a two-person household, due to the impact of lower energy prices and changes in the public’s expectations for this standard.
Front view of Hazlerigg Building on a sunny day.

Four Loughborough academics appointed to lead REF 2029 Sub-Panels

The four UK higher education funding bodies, working with the REF Main Panel Chairs and Advisory Panel members, have appointed four deputy chairs from Loughborough University for sub-panels that will assess research in REF 2029.
A UK oil rig

UK oil and gas firms face hidden risks in net zero transition

Smaller companies with ageing North Sea assets were especially vulnerable to financial losses, researchers found.