Research news

A field of solar panels

COP26 explainer: The importance of solar energy and its incredible growth story

Accelerating the transition from coal to clean power is a key focus of this year’s COP26.
Green home cut out in front of grass

Inspired by COP26? Here's how you can live more sustainably at home

COP26 has prompted many of us to think about how our actions impact the planet and what positive changes we can make to reduce our carbon footprint.

Academics urged to come forward to support environmental innovation in UK manufacturing

The UK manufacturing industry is set to receive a big boost towards reaching zero carbon with the creation of a new project aimed at siphoning the knowledge of the country’s leading social science experts.

New £80m research centre will empower countries in the Global South to lead a sustainable energy shift

A new £80m centre that will give vulnerable populations in the Global South a voice, helping them to shape and benefit from the transition to sustainable energy, has been launched by º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ at COP26.

Graphene research sounds out new possibilities for electronic technologies

A team of researchers have revealed that sonic boom and Doppler-shifted sound waves can be created in a graphene transistor, giving new insights into this world-famous material and its potential for use in nanoscale electronic technologies.
Scientist in the lab

COP26 EXPLAINER: How a circular economy in the chemical industry can help reach global carbon targets

As part of COP26, countries are being asked to come forward with ambitious 2030 emissions reductions targets that align with reaching net zero by the middle of the century.
Earth on fire.

What would 4°C of global warming feel like?

COP26 is underway and keeping 1.5°C within reach will feature prominently in world leaders’ discussions.

COP26 banner

COP26: a four-minute guide by a climate scientist

COP26, which is taking place in Glasgow, is the latest in a series of meetings through which the world’s governments attempt to deal with climate change.

Exercise significantly reduces alcohol cravings – new study

Exercise has been found to significantly reduce alcohol craving in university students, according to a new study.
Preview of the infographics created by Dr Richard Hodgkins.

Good COP, bad COP: How decisions made at COP26 could impact weather and temperatures in the East Midlands

New infographics created by a º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ physical geographer explore how decisions made at the upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP) may impact weather and temperatures experienced in the East Midlands.
Woman cooking with biomass

COP26 EXPLAINER: Biomass: what is it, why cooking with it is an issue, and what º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ is doing to develop and promote alternatives

A rapid and just transition to clean energy across the globe will dominate discussions at COP26 as it is crucial to meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement for avoiding dangerous climate change and limiting global warming to 1.5°C.

Research into Emerging Health Threat Management wins top award

Professors Gilberto Montibeller and L. Alberto Franco have been awarded the EURO Excellence in Practice Award for their research looking at the improvement of global risk management for emerging health threats.
a woman playing football

New study aims to increase female participation in football in England’s schools

A new study designed for schools in England will aim to increase female participation in football.

Getty Images

What is COP26 and why should I care about it?

This November, the UK is hosting COP26 in Glasgow – but what actually is COP26 and why should we care about it?
an illustration of the world with text: º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ at COP26. #LboroExperts

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ launches campaign to highlight research linked to COP26

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ today launches its COP26 campaign to highlight the work being done by academics and researchers which supports the United Nation’s biggest climate change targets.
an athlete on the starting blocks

Top athletes struggled for motivation during lockdown – study finds

A new global study has revealed that elite-level athletes suffered low motivation during movement restrictions (e.g. lockdowns) associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alastair Cox

New Visiting Professor joins the School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering, and the Sports Technology Institute

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ can announce that Alastair Cox has been appointed as Visiting Professor of ‘Sport Surface Innovation’ with the School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering.

Over half of UK theatres have now abandoned digital performances

When the pandemic hit, theatres were forced to move online, opening up new experiences for many people who would not normally visit playhouses and show venues.

How much do you need to retire? New Retirement Living Standards research from Centre for Research in Social Policy

The latest UK Retirement Living Standards have been published by the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association.

sport blackboard

Researchers publish recommendations to enhance diversity of UK’s sports coaches

Researchers from º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ have outlined a series of recommendations to enhance the diversity of sport coaches across the UK.

Making a Child First approach to youth justice a reality – new report

A new report examining the enablers, opportunities, barriers and challenges to implementing the 'Child First' approach to youth justice, has been released by º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ.
Early Career Researcher - British Academy image

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ part of successful collaborative bid for British Academy Early Career Researcher Network

The University joins a consortium of 12 universities across the Midlands in a pilot programme aimed at UK-based postdoctoral and early career researchers in the humanities and social sciences.
woman walking dog

Ten small changes you can make today to prevent weight gain

Between the ages of 20 and 55, most adults gain between 0.5 and 1kg a year, which could see some people become overweight or obese over time.

As fuel prices and living costs rise, º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ produces official calculations for measuring fuel poverty in remote areas

Calculations of how much more it costs to live in remote areas of Scotland have been published by the Scottish Government, using º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ’s research on the minimum cost of living.
Illustration of a woman walking her dog

The impact of loneliness on brain health and why small social interactions – such as saying hi to others on your dog walk – can have a positive effect

We all know that exercising, eating clean, remaining mentally active, and sleeping well can contribute towards a healthy brain, but one thing we may overlook is the importance of social interaction.