New book puts Olympics in the picture
The first-ever book to offer an in-depth analysis of images and objects relating to the greatest sports show on earth is published this month by an art historian at the University of Bristol.
News in 2012
University project scoops prestigious Bristol Genius Award
The Children of the 90s project at Bristol University has won the first Bristol Genius Award for its substantial work over the last 21 years exploring the health of a generation.
How plants chill out
Plants elongate their stems when grown at high temperature to facilitate the cooling of their leaves, according to new research from the University of Bristol published today in Current Biology. Understanding why plants alter their architecture in response to heat is important as increasing global temperatures pose a threat to future food production.
Innocence Network UK founder says "Sam Hallam’s case highlights other unsafe convictions"
Dr Michael Naughton from the University of Bristol and Founder of the Innocence Network UK has spoken to the national media about Sam Hallam, whose conviction over the death of Essayas Kassahun in London and subsequent 12-year jail term, was ruled ‘unsafe’ by the Court of Appeal.
Vet School academics featured on BBC Radio 4's More or Less
Academics from the School of Veterinary Sciences were featured on BBC Radio 4's More or less about the population growth from one cat.
Olympic torch celebrations ring out across city
Great George, the nine-and-a-half-ton bell in the tower of the University of Bristol’s Wills Memorial Building, will ring out to mark the historic journey of the Olympic flame passing through Bristol. Wednesday [23 May] will also be a momentous occasion for three specially selected torchbearers from the University, who will take part in the relay as it winds through Henleaze in front of excitable crowds, anxious to catch a glimpse of the famous flame.
120,000 troubled families?
The reliability of figures used as the basis for the Coalition’s ‘Troubled Families’ programme is questioned in new research published by academics at the University of Bristol.
‘It’s a dream come true’ as student Georgie is selected for the Olympics
Star hockey player and Bristol University student Georgie Twigg says she will be going for gold after being named in Team GB’s squad for the Olympics. The exciting news was finally revealed at a press call organised by the British Olympic Association today [18 May] to coincide with the Olympic flame arriving in the UK.
Bristol graduates win at archaeology film festival
Two films made by graduates of the MA programme in Archaeology for Screen Media won prizes at The Archaeology Channel International Film and Video Festival earlier this month.
Peter Higgs: My Life as a Boson
Peter Higgs, FRS, FRSE, FKC, who gave his name to the Higgs boson, described as ‘the most sought-after particle in modern physics’, visits the University of Bristol’s School of Physics today to give a talk entitled ‘My Life as a Boson’.
Worldwide cosmic ray experiment comes to Bristol
Schools in the Bristol area are being invited to take part in an international physics experiment to measure high energy particles which hit earth from outer space. The University of Bristol is already monitoring these cosmic rays through a programme called HiSparc and it now wants to roll out the project, enabling budding scientists to carry out serious research while at secondary school.
International media coverage for pliosaur research
A new study by Dr Judyth Sassoon in the School of Earth Sciences, which found signs of a degenerative condition similar to human arthritis in the jaw of a pliosaur, was covered by The Times, The Daily Mail, The Telegraph, The Mirror, The Express and other media around the world.
University hosts first UK Disabled Children Research Network
Researchers working in the field of child disability gathered at the University of Bristol this week for the first meeting of the UK Disabled Children Research Network.
Victorian cemetery comes under the history spotlight
Anyone with memories of Arnos Vale Cemetery is invited to another free event organised by the University of Bristol to celebrate local community heritage. Know Your Arnos Vale takes a look at the publics’ stories, photos and recollections of the cemetery, which opened in 1839 and is one of the earliest and most important working Victorian cemeteries in the UK.
VC holds plenary session at UHR national conference
Professor Eric Thomas, Vice Chancellor of the University of Bristol and President of Universities UK, held a plenary session at the Universities Human Resources (UHR) national conference yesterday, at which UHR launched a report on the HR contribution to the challenges facing UK universities.
Extraordinary success for Bristol engineers
More than a quarter of the national Royal Academy of Engineering Leadership Advanced Awards have been awarded to students at the University of Bristol - putting the University top in the country once again.
Bristol celebrates student success in low carbon research project competition
A University of Bristol student in the School of Chemistry has been awarded first prize in a competition aimed to recognise outstanding student research in the area of low carbon technologies.
World’s first Fascination of Plants Day
The first International Fascination of Plants Day will be held this Friday [18 May] and the University of Bristol will be one of 450 institutions in 39 countries taking part in the event.
East meets West at M-Shed
An exhibition which explores how Eastern Europeans living in and around Bristol remember life under state socialism – and how their experiences have shaped their lives in the UK – takes place at M-Shed next Monday [21 May].
New findings show long-term effects of fathers’ job loss on children’s education
There is a lot of evidence of the effect of job loss on peoples’ future earnings and employment opportunities. New research into the impact of fathers’ job loss on their child’s educational attainment, for the first time in the UK, finds significant effects on the next generation.
Ancient sea reptile with gammy jaw suggests dinosaurs got arthritis too
Imagine having arthritis in your jaw bones… if they’re over 2 metres long! A new study by scientists at the University of Bristol has found signs of a degenerative condition similar to human arthritis in the jaw of a pliosaur, an ancient sea reptile that lived 150 million years ago. Such a disease has never been described before in fossilised Jurassic reptiles.
University projects in the running for new Bristol Genius Award
The University of Bristol is behind half of the projects shortlisted for the Bristol Genius Award – a new initiative to celebrate great ideas which make people’s lives better. Bristol Festival of Ideas today announced the six projects which have been shortlisted for the accolade, beating off strong competition from over 40 entries.
Let’s get moving: Unravelling how locomotion starts
Scientists at the University of Bristol have shed new light on one of the great unanswered questions of neuroscience: how the brain initiates rhythmic movements like walking, running and swimming.
Daphne Turner, 1918-2012
Daphne Turner, the University’s first Director of Physical Education, died recently. Bob Reeves offers an appreciation.
National Composites Centre wins award for design and innovation
A new £25million University of Bristol research centre has won a highly commended award for its innovative design. The National Composites Centre (NCC), which sees industry researchers and academic experts come together at the Bristol and Bath Science Park, received praise for its entry into the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors’ (RICS) Awards South West.
Explosions and experiments as chemistry comes to life at festival
Over 100 pupils from across the South West will try their hand at forensic science when they take part in the Salters’ Festival of Chemistry which is being held at the University of Bristol.
New study seeks volunteers to help older people experiencing pain
It is estimated that up to 62 per cent of people aged over 75 have chronic pain, which is sometimes linked to medical problems such as arthritis. Despite its prevalence, older people are also more likely to suffer in silence. A new University of Bristol study is seeking volunteers to find out what research should be done in future for those suffering from chronic pain.
Launch of Bristol Robotics Lab hits the headlines
The launch of the Bristol Robotics Laboratory (BRL) by MP David Willetts was covered by local, national and specialist trade publications.
New ballet production takes to the stage
An emotional account of surviving meningitis has helped launch an ambitious new ballet production, starring past and present Bristol University students. Onor Crummay, 23, was struck down by the deadly disease during her first term studying History in 2008.
Academic’s research recognised by international science community
A leading cell biologist from the University of Bristol has been recognised for research excellence by EMBO — one of Europe’s most prestigious life sciences organisations.
Students meet Mexican Ambassador
As part of a recent event to celebrate the University's links with Mexico, students attended a question-and-answer session with the Mexican Ambassador to the UK, Eduardo Medina-Mora Icaza.
Research reveals link between red hair gene and rare birthmarks
New research, using data from Children of the 90s at the University of Bristol, has identified that the gene causing red hair (MC1R) is more common in children with Congenital Melanocytic Naevi (CMN), a rare form of birthmark.
Minister for Universities and Science comes to Bristol
The Rt Hon David Willetts MP, Minister for Universities and Science, comes to Bristol today to open the Bristol Robotics Laboratory (BRL), a partnership between the University of Bristol and UWE Bristol, and to visit the EPSRC Bristol Chemical Synthesis Centre for Doctoral Training in the University’s School of Chemistry.
Bristol researcher recognised for excellence in medical sciences
A leading University of Bristol researcher has been recognised for her outstanding contributions to the advancement of medical science by election to the Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Sciences.
Bristol dementia brain bank in appeal to reach anniversary target
Researchers at the University of Bristol Bristol are appealing for more people to consider brain donation in a bid to help it reach its first year target of 150 donors by June. The South West Dementia Brain Bank at the University is currently recruiting brain donors to a UK-wide project called Brains for Dementia Research (BDR).
£16 million boost for UK robotics
David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science, will announce today [Thursday 10 May] funding for 22 exciting university-based research projects in the UK, including two at the University of Bristol.
Universities to hit the Harbourside for boat race battle
Hundreds of spectators are expected to pack the Harbourside on Saturday [12 May] as the University of Bristol goes head-to-head with UWE Bristol in the annual boat race. Competition looks set to be fierce as both teams take to the water, with UWE defending their title from last year.
Silicon Valley beckons for aspiring entrepreneur Shaun
A University of Bristol student has won a prestigious scholarship, beating off competition from hundreds of students across the country to win the opportunity to learn from top entrepreneurs in the United States and the UK.
‘Bristol Cats’ study needs more kittens
Researchers at the University of Bristol wish to recruit a further 1,000 kitten owners across the UK to take part in the first study of its kind to investigate cat health, welfare and behaviour.
Researchers explore new ways to experience heritage attractions
Four projects which aim to bring heritage attractions to life using immersive digital technologies have recently received funding. The collaborations draw on the expertise of researchers in the University of Bristol’s Faculty of Arts.