University launches Climate Action Plan
The University of Bristol has refreshed its approach to sustainability and climate action with a focus on collaboration across the institution to support climate goals now and in the future.
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University launches Climate Action Plan
The University of Bristol has refreshed its approach to sustainability and climate action with a focus on collaboration across the institution to support climate goals now and in the future.
Scientists catch sperm whale dialects evolving in the Mediterranean Sea
How sperm whale vocal dialects evolve as they adopt new calls while still remembering the old, has been shown in new research by an international team of researchers, led by the University of St Andrews and including the University of Bristol.
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Pterosaurs would have had more diverse wing shapes than previously thought, study shows
Pterosaurs, the first vertebrates to fly, would have had more diverse wing shapes than current scientific reconstructions suggest, according to new University of Bristol-led research. The study is published in the journal Paleobiology today [23 June].
Corals past and future: new research rewrites the survival story
Coral reef ecosystems, widely seen as a climate change bellwether, are more complex than previously understood. A new international study by the universities of Bristol, Wuhan in China and Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany, reveals that the evolutionary advantage of coral-algae symbiosis is not fixed; it depends entirely on environmental context.
How protein limiting offspring numbers contributed to evolutionary success of mosses
A moss gene previously thought to have been inactive actually plays a key role in their evolutionary success, researchers from the University of Bristol have discovered.
Mongooses prepare for likely future battles with powerful enemies, study finds
Dwarf mongooses anticipate encounters with rival groups and adjust how they move, communicate and defend resources beforehand, according to new research from the University of Bristol.
'Geriatric' butterfly species lives nearly three times as long as their relatives
A tropical butterfly has evolved an ingenious anti-ageing strategy by delaying the ageing process enabling it to live far longer than its closest relatives, according to a new University of Bristol-led study published in Nature Communications today [16 June].
Grow your knowledge at the Festival of Nature 2026
Academics and researchers from the University of Bristol will come together with artists at this year’s Festival of Nature, the UK’s largest free celebration of the natural world.
Fewer insects, fewer nutritious crops: pollinator decline puts our health at risk
Biodiversity loss is directly threatening human health and welfare, according to new research led by the University of Bristol. The study, published in Nature today [6 May] reveals, for the first time, how the decline of insect pollinators undermines essential ecosystem services that support human nutrition and livelihoods. Biodiversity also plays a vital role in supporting people’s everyday health and resilience, too.
Most birds have not evolved optimal wing-shapes for flight, study finds
Even the giant wings of the albatross are not ‘optimally’ shaped for their extraordinary long-distance migrations, according to new University of Bristol research.
Lost millennium of Galápagos deep-sea corals linked to major Pacific climate shift
Scientists have discovered that deep-water corals in the Galápagos region vanished for more than 1,000 years before eventually recovering. The findings reveal that deep-water coral ecosystems may be more susceptible to climate change than previously thought.
Dr Les Strong, 1940-2026
Dr Les Strong, a lecturer and senior lecturer in Insect Biology at the University of Bristol from 1966 to 1999, passed away on 15 January. His former research collaborator, Professor Richard Wall, shares his recollections.
Partner With Us on Research That Matters to Your Local Environment
We’re inviting community organisations - such as wildlife trusts, community gardens and farms, local green charities, neighbourhood environment groups and eco‑education CICs - to co‑create research projects with our MSci students in Biology, Zoology and Plant Sciences.
Experience the wonder of the Botanic Garden this year with no fixed entry price on weekdays
Entry to the University of Bristol’s Botanic Garden will be donation only on weekdays throughout 2026 – with no fixed entry price.
Global analysis of wildlife decline warns conservation action must be coordinated across multiple threats
Efforts to stop declines in vertebrate wildlife populations should aim to address multiple threats simultaneously, rather than focusing on pressures one by one, a new study led by the University of Bristol has found.
Fossils show giant prehistoric kangaroos could still hop
Scientists studying the fossil remains of giant prehistoric kangaroos have found that even animals weighing more than 200kg may not have been too big to bounce, overturning long-held assumptions about the limits of hopping.
Discovery of bats' remarkable navigation strategy revealed in new study
A long-standing mystery about how wild bats navigate complex environments in complete darkness with remarkable precision, has been solved in a new University of Bristol-led study. The findings are published today [21 January] in Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
Bristol scientists discover early sponges were soft
Sponges are among earth’s most ancient animals, but exactly when they evolved has long puzzled scientists. Genetic information from living sponges, as well as chemical signals from ancient rocks, suggest sponges evolved at least 650 million years ago.
Major mentorship award for University of Bristol professor
A University of Bristol professor has won a prestigious national award for outstanding support and mentorship in science.
Motherhood comes with a cost, but not for all, new study suggests
Is it better to have children early or later in life, and does parenthood accelerate ageing? Researchers at the University of Bristol and University College Dublin have tackled these questions by studying an exceptional population of long-lived Greater horseshoe bats.
Complex life developed earlier than previously thought, new study reveals
Complex life began to develop earlier, and over a longer span of time, than previously believed, a groundbreaking new study has revealed. The research sheds new light on the conditions needed for early organisms to evolve and challenges several long-standing scientific theories in this area.
Variety of animals evolved similar genetics solutions to survive on land, study finds
Animals from completely different branches of the tree of life such as insects, worms and vertebrates independently evolved similar genetic solutions to survive on land, according to a new study from researchers at the University of Bristol and University of Barcelona.
Brazilian-born biodiversity expert joins team of Bristol researchers at COP30 to champion action to combat climate change
A team of University of Bristol experts are poised to join the 30th United Nations Conference of the Parties, better known as COP30, which starts this week in Brazil and will push forward global climate solutions.
Ants alter their nest networks to prevent epidemics, study finds
Ants make a series of clever architectural adjustments to their nests to prevent the spread of disease, University of Bristol research has uncovered.
Celebrate Apple Day at the University of Bristol Botanic Garden
The University of Bristol Botanic Garden will once again host Apple Day on Sunday 5 October, a community celebration that transforms surplus garden apples into something truly Bristolian - cider.
Bristol secures top 10 spot in The Times Good University Guide 2026
A combination of leading research and a charming cosmopolitan city has seen the University of Bristol secure a place in the UK’s top 10 in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026.
New dinosaur from Wales identified in museum drawer
Paleontologists at the University of Bristol have officially identified a new species of dinosaur from Triassic fossil beds in South Wales, near Penarth – more than 125 years after the specimen was initially reported.
Bristol academics land prestigious European Research Council grants totalling €10 million
Five University of Bristol early-career researchers have been awarded prestigious European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grants totalling €10 million to pursue their pioneering research.
Digging into the origin of lizards
A new fossil from Devon reveals what the oldest members of the lizard group looked like, and there are some surprises, according to a research team from the University of Bristol. The study is published today [10 September] in Nature.
Multiple new species of “living fossil” fish found hiding in plain sight after more than 150 years
The modern coelacanth is a famous ‘living fossil’, long thought to have died out, but first fished out of deep waters in the Indian Ocean in 1938. Since then, dozens of examples have been found, but their fossil history is patchy. In a new study, Jacob Quinn and colleagues from the University of Bristol and University of Uruguay in Montevideo have identified coelacanths in museum collections that had been missed for 150 years.
Bristol ‘standout choice’ as it’s named Research University of the Year
The University of Bristol has received a top accolade in the Daily Mail University Guide, being named Research University of the Year 2026 for ‘constantly pushing at the boundaries of human knowledge’.
New evidence static electricity sense could be a factor in evolution of extreme body shapes of treehoppers
Could detecting static electricity be a factor in explaining why treehopper insects have evolved such bizarre body shapes?
Ancient squid-like creatures are not squid after all, study finds
Remarkable fossils found in North Greenland have helped researchers solve a 500-million-year-old puzzle surrounding squid-like ancestors.
Rainforest researchers find tropical butterflies that look alike, see alike
Butterflies that independently evolved the same wing patterns have also evolved similar eyes and brains which are fine-tuned for vision in the shifting light of tropical rainforests, according to new research led by the University of Bristol published in PNAS this week.
Student overcomes severe spinal injury to graduate
A student who suffered a serious spinal cord injury, leaving him with chronic pain that threatened not just his career but his daily life and passion for sports, has graduated from the University of Bristol with a first-class master’s degree in Biological Sciences.
27 Bristol subjects in UK top 10, says Complete University Guide
Twenty-seven subjects taught at the University of Bristol are in the top ten of UK universities, according to a new ranking.
Bristol becomes first university to hit milestone for sustainable laboratories
The University of Bristol has become the first institution globally to certify all of its laboratories at Silver level through the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF)—a landmark achievement in the journey toward more sustainable research practices.
Ceremonial sheep grazing upholds historic protection for Bristol’s Downs
The Downs will remain as a protected common land for the people of Bristol – and it is all courtesy of some hungry sheep.
Scientists repurpose gene editing tool to help uncover hidden microbial diversity
Pioneering research has repurposed a gene editing tool to help shed light on the true biodiversity present in natural environments.
World of art and nature on show at the Botanic Garden
Art and nature will be on display this weekend at the University of Bristol Botanic Garden annual Easter Sculpture and Arts Festival. The event will also celebrate 20 years of the garden being at The Holmes in Stoke Bishop.
Mammals were adapting from life in the trees to living on the ground before dinosaur-killing asteroid
More mammals were living on the ground several million years before the mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs, new research led by the University of Bristol has revealed.
Island life 200 million years ago
Two Palaeontology and Evolution students from the University of Bristol have undertaken the first ever study which describes the incredible range of fossils which were sucked into a Neptunian dyke, a deep, fissure like cave on the ancient coastline.
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Outstanding students celebrated at University awards ceremony
Students tackling period poverty and promoting LGBTQ+ creatives were among those celebrated at the 2025 Outstanding PLUS Awards.
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Top science journal names research paper on how caterpillars detect predators among best of the year
The renowned academic scientific journal PNAS has named a University of Bristol research paper providing insight into a fascinating method used by caterpillars to detect predators as one of the best it published in 2024.
Cuttlefish ‘mesmerise’ their prey with a moving skin pattern, study finds
While sneaking up on prey, cuttlefish employ a dynamic skin display to avoid detection in last moments of approach, researchers at the University of Bristol have found.
Amphibians bounce-back from Earth’s greatest mass extinction
Ancient frog relatives survived the aftermath of the largest mass extinction of species by feeding on freshwater prey that evaded terrestrial predators, University of Bristol academics have found.
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A mite-y use of electricity
Mites who hitchhike on the beaks of hummingbirds use a surprising method to help them on their journey - electricity.
Tireless bat conservationist celebrated in King’s New Years Honours
A University of Bristol alumnus and honorary research fellow has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of services to bat conservation spanning more than six decades.
“Brilliant” University professors scoop major palaeontology prizes
Two University of Bristol professors have been presented awards by the Palaeontological Association for their contributions to academia, outreach and human knowledge.
Bristol researchers to shape UK’s research after panel appointments
Three University of Bristol professors have been appointed to a panel which will shape the UK’s academic research.
Coral reef nightlife becomes more predatory with artificial light
Artificial light can wake sleeping fish and attract predators, changing nighttime coral reef communities, according to new research using novel underwater infrared cameras.
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Bristol named 12th most sustainable university in the world
The University of Bristol is the 12th most sustainable university in the world, according to the 2025 QS World Sustainability Rankings.
Climate change impacting freshwater fish species, study finds
Freshwater fish populations that dwell nearer the poles are outperforming their equatorial counterparts, researchers have found.
Major funding to support next generation of biology and environmental researchers
The University of Bristol will be among the beneficiaries of £36m in funding announced today [13 November] to support the next generation of researchers across the South West and Wales aiming to solve some of the most pressing challenges around environmental change and biology.
Gardens prevent pollinators from starving when farmland nectar is scarce, new study finds
Gardens offer a steady and reliable source of nectar all year round, helping to keep pollinators fed when farmland sources are limited, researchers have discovered.
Butterfly brains reveal the tweaks required for cognitive innovation
A species of tropical butterfly with unusually expanded brain structures display a fascinating mosaic pattern of neural expansion linked to a cognitive innovation.
Replacement crop treatment not safe for important pollinator, experts say
A novel pesticide thought to be a potential successor to banned neonicotinoids caused 100% mortality in mason bees in a recent test.
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Increased threat of war enhances pup survival
Animal offspring may survive better when their groups are in greater conflict with rival factions, research from the University of Bristol has shown for the first time.
Tom Pitman Retirement
Tom Pitman, our GroDome manager, has eventually decided to hang up his green labcoat and secateurs and head for his own potting shed, joining the community of the retired.
Universal epigenetic clocks provide insights into why mammals are ‘born to die’
Benjamin Franklin famously stated ‘in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes’. But why are we ‘born to die’ and what mechanisms underpin the gradual decline in biological functions (senescence) in living organisms, and ultimately their death? We are at an exciting point in ageing research: a Universal Mammalian Clock Chip has been developed using data on DNA methylation (DNAm) from a wide range of mammals and tissue types to predict the chronological age of any mammal species accurately from a single equation, also showing how DNAm changes in predictable ways over an animal’s life. Two new papers1,2 provide remarkable insights into ageing. The findings reveal great potential for estimating a mammal’s chronological age when it is not known, for understanding why some individuals age faster than expected for their chronological age, and for understanding factors affecting the large variation in the lifespans of different mammal species.
Static electricity attracts ticks to hosts, scientists find
Ticks can be attracted across air gaps several times larger than themselves by the static electricity that their hosts naturally accumulate, researchers at the University of Bristol have discovered.
Warmer and murkier waters favour predators of guppies, study finds
Changes in water conditions interact to affect how Trinidadian guppies protect themselves from predators, scientists at the University of Bristol have discovered.
Butterfly species’ big brains adapted giving them a survival edge, study finds
Heliconius butterflies’ brains grew as they adopted a novel foraging behaviour, scientists at the University of Bristol have found.
Bats struggle during organic farming transition
Bat activity falls as farms make the transition to organic agriculture, new research shows.
Leading ecologist from the University of Bristol elected as Royal Society Fellow
A University of Bristol academic who has provided insight into how networks of interactions between species impact the environment has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society.
Animals best to supress individual personalities for group efficiency
Social animals should limit individuality to conform with the behaviour of the group, a University of Bristol study has found.
Mysterious underwater acoustic world of British ponds revealed in new study
The previously hidden and diverse underwater acoustic world in British ponds has been revealed by a team of researchers at the University of Bristol.
Researchers discover significant deep-sea coral reefs in Galápagos expedition
Scientists from the University of Bristol are part of an expedition which has made a ground-breaking discovery of extensive, ancient deep-sea coral reefs within the Galápagos Marine Reserve (GMR).
The diverse swimming techniques of the ancient reptiles that ruled the Mesozoic seas have been revealed for the first time by scientists at the University of Bristol.
The diverse swimming techniques of the ancient reptiles that ruled the Mesozoic seas have been revealed for the first time by scientists at the University of Bristol.
Small and simple key to evolution success of mammals
Ancestors of modern mammals evolved into one of the most successful animal lineages by starting out small and simple, researchers have found.
Earth’s first plants likely to have been branched, study finds
A new discovery by scientists at the University of Bristol changes ideas about the origin of branching in plants.
Sea temperatures control the distributions of European marine fish
An analysis extending from southern Portugal to northern Norway highlights the importance of temperature in determining where fish species are found.
Scientists identify 100 important questions facing plant science
An international panel of scientists have identified 100 of the most important questions facing plant science. The international initiative has identified key research priorities and highlights the importance of diversity, collaboration, and funding for plant research to tackle climate change, the biodiversity crisis and sustainable food production.
Experts have discovered how zebra stripes work
Researchers at the University of Bristol have found why zebra fur is thinly striped and sharply outlined.
Scientists discover what was on the menu of the first dinosaurs
The earliest dinosaurs included carnivorous, omnivorous and herbivorous species, according to a team of University of Bristol palaeobiologists.
Pheasants at risk on unfamiliar ground, study finds
Pheasants are most likely to be killed by predators on unfamiliar ground, new research shows.
Human-made noise impacts dolphins working together, reveals new study
Dolphins working collaboratively are less successful in the presence of sound generated by humans, a University of Bristol-led team of researchers have shown.
New biography of famous palaeontologist Mary Anning unearthed from University of Bristol archives
A short biography of pioneering scientist Mary Anning, written in the final ten years of her life, has been made public for the very first time.
‘Veggie’ dinosaurs differed in how they ate their food
Although most early dinosaurs were vegetarian, there were a surprising number of differences in the way that these animals tackled eating a plant-based diet, according to a new study by scientists from the Natural History Museum and the Universities of Bristol and Birmingham.
Research explains why crocodiles have changed so little since the age of the dinosaurs
New research by scientists at the University of Bristol explains how a ‘stop-start’ pattern of evolution, governed by environmental change, could explain why crocodiles have changed so little since the age of the dinosaurs.