Latest news from º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ

4 Mar 2014

Academic takes Maya research to Madrid’s Museum of the Americas

An exhibition showcasing º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ research into the Maya population opens at the Museum of the Americas in Madrid this week.

The three-week exhibition, curated by Dr Ines Varela-Silva from the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, celebrates the life of the modern-day Maya and runs from 4-22 March.

Over the last 10 years, Dr Varela-Silva and colleagues have conducted extensive research on Maya migrants in South America.

The Maya are the largest living group of Native Americans. Most are of a low socio-economic status, live in the poorest urban areas and are typically overweight and very short as a result of both under- and overnutrition – a phenomenon known as nutritional dual burden. It is this phenomenon º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ’s experts have been researching.    

The educational exhibition combines research findings and fieldwork photos with images of daily life captured by local photographers, as well as a selection of artefacts, music and films. Dr Silva-Varela and colleagues will also be delivering a series of talks during the exhibition.

Dr Silva-Varela explains:

“The Maya story is one of a vibrant culture, doing its best to thrive in the face of adversity. We wanted to share our insights into the Maya people and highlight the plight of migrant populations the world over.

“Whilst our research focuses on a specific indigenous group in Mexico, our conclusions can be applied to many populations throughout the world.

“The more we can help people understand diversity and integration, and the challenges migrant groups face, the better members of society we can be. We are delighted to be showcasing this exhibition at the Museum of the Americas.”

More details of The Maya Project can be found at www.mayaproject.org.uk

Notes for editors

Article reference number: PR 14/43

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ is one of the country’s leading universities, with an international reputation for research that matters, excellence in teaching, strong links with industry, and unrivalled achievement in sport and its underpinning academic disciplines.

It was awarded the coveted Sunday Times University of the Year title in 2008-09 and has been named Sports University of the Year 2013-14 by The Times and Sunday Times. º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ is consistently ranked in the top twenty of UK universities in the Times Higher Education’s ‘table of tables’ and has been voted England's Best Student Experience for six years running in the Times Higher Education league. In recognition of its contribution to the sector, º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ has been awarded seven Queen's Anniversary Prizes.

In 2015 the University will open an additional academic campus in London’s new innovation quarter. º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ in London, based on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, will offer postgraduate and executive-level education, as well as research and enterprise opportunities.

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