February | News and features | University of Bristol

Paramedics in GP surgeries may ease workload but not NHS costs, study finds 28 February 2025 Paramedics working in GP surgeries help reduce GP workload but do not contribute to cost savings to the NHS, according to the first major study of the clinical and cost-effectiveness of paramedic compared with GP consultations.

University of Bristol partnership launches initiative to drive AI innovation 27 February 2025 TechWorks-AI, a new standalone community dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) innovation, has been formally announced at a milestone event at the historic Bletchley Park.

Greater openness about the use of complementary and alternative medicines in UK dairy farming could bring benefits 26 February 2025 Greater openness about complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) use has the potential to strengthen farmer-vet relationships, which may prevent potential unintended harm to animals, reduce antibiotic use and improve herd health management, new research has found. The study, led by the University of Bristol, is published today [26 February] in Frontiers in Veterinary Science.

New research reveals one third of Scottish households have no savings 26 February 2025 New analysis has shown a third of households in Scotland (32%) report having nothing in savings.

Bristol scientist wins international award for pioneering work in composite materials 24 February 2025 A University of Bristol professor has become the first non-US recipient of a prestigious American engineering accolade in recognition of his pioneering work in composite structures and his inspirational mentoring of young academics and professionals.

From fixing phones in school to running a sustainable tech company 21 February 2025 A Bristol graduate who started out fixing school friends’ and teachers’ smashed screens now runs a sustainable tech company that employs 17 people.

Big birds like emus are technical innovators, according to University of Bristol researchers 20 February 2025 Large birds – our closest relations to dinosaurs - are capable of technical innovation and can solve a physical task to gain access to food.

Bristol scientists awarded £300k for robot dexterity research 20 February 2025 University of Bristol researchers have received £300,000 of funding to investigate ways to improve the capabilities of artificial muscles, as part of a major £1.5million project to advance robot dexterity.

Bristol shows Hollywood credentials at new facility training the filmmakers of tomorrow 19 February 2025 It’s a scene you’d expect to see in Hollywood, not tucked away near Bristol Temple Meads Train Station. Within a 350 square-metre studio with towering LED screens, the filmmakers of tomorrow are being trained in how to bring physical and virtual worlds together for film and TV using the very latest technology.

Dr Gaositwe Keagakwa Tibe Chiepe, 1922-2025 19 February 2025 Dr Gaositwe Keagakwa Tibe Chiepe, a notable politician and educator who was the first Motswana woman to attain a Master’s degree from the University of Bristol, has died. We offer a tribute to an outstanding diplomat and a champion of education.

Project to propel low-carbon energy transition awarded over £3 million 18 February 2025 The University of Bristol has received £3.5 million to bring together international researchers on a project that puts well-being at the heart of energy system design. Funded by UKRI through their Ayrton Challenge Programme, it is one of 13 projects to be given a share of £33 million.

Bristol leaps to 68th place in global reputation rankings 18 February 2025 The University of Bristol has risen to 68th place in The Times Higher Education (THE) World Reputation Rankings 2025.

‘Nothing is impossible’ says Somali refugee who juggled studies with Uber driving to fulfil graduation dream in tribute to late brother 18 February 2025 When Abdullahi Abdi threw his mortarboard in the air on graduating and looked skyward, his sense of elation was overshadowed by huge sorrow.

Young adults more likely to switch from smoking to vaping when aware of reduced harm, but misinformation deters change 14 February 2025 Young adults are more likely to give up smoking and switch to vaping if they understand the reduced harm of vaping, according to a new study involving University of Bristol researchers. However, many inaccurately believe that vaping is as bad for you or worse than smoking.

Hargreaves Lansdown working with University to launch financial wellbeing course 13 February 2025 Hargreaves Lansdown (HL) is working with the University of Bristol to provide financial wellbeing courses for students.

Bristol scientists herald active matter breakthrough with creation of three-dimensional ‘synthetic worms’ 13 February 2025 Researchers at the University of Bristol have made a breakthrough in the development of “life-like” synthetic materials which are able to move by themselves like worms.

University of Bristol to partner with Hartcliffe and Withywood Ventures on new micro-campus in South Bristol 13 February 2025 The University of Bristol is taking the first steps to open a new micro-campus in Hartcliffe, South Bristol later this year providing a space to work with local communities to design a university presence in the area together.

Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in childhood may protect 60% of 13-year-olds from smoking their first tobacco cigarette 11 February 2025 Teenagers may be less likely to start tobacco smoking if they take part in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) from childhood, a new study by the University of Eastern Finland in collaboration with the universities of Bristol and Exeter has shown. The results are published in Behaviour Research and Therapy.

Mechanical heart valve replacements have better long-term survival, study finds 11 February 2025 Patients aged between 50 to 70 years with a mechanical heart valve replacement had better long-term survival compared to those with a biological valve, new research led by the University of Bristol has found. The study is published in the European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery.

Bristol part of UK initiative to advance monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions 11 February 2025 The UK’s ability to measure greenhouse gases has taken a step forward thanks to a new atmospheric monitoring station.

University of Bristol contributes £1.13bn and 17,420 jobs to regional economy 11 February 2025 The University of Bristol contributed £1.13 billion to the West of England economy and £1.78 billion to the national economy in the 2022/23 academic year, a report has found.

Theatre Collection launches new award inspired by experimental performance group’s archive 10 February 2025 Applications are now open for a new £15,000 award for performers and artists to develop a collaborative work inspired by engagement with the Forkbeard Fantasy Archive which is housed at the University of Bristol’s Theatre Collection.

Age and gender impacts effectiveness of new gene therapy treatments for eye diseases, new study finds 10 February 2025 Older women could be vulnerable to harmful inflammation from new gene therapies to treat incurable eye diseases, new research has found. The University of Bristol-led study, published in Molecular Therapy, reveal how age and gender affects inflammation caused by gene therapy treatments and could cause damage to the eye. The findings could help improve the therapy’s effectiveness for eye conditions and highlights the need for personalised treatment to reduce risk and ensure a better outcome for all patients.

Scientists’ pioneering technologies win them Women in Innovation Awards 6 February 2025 Two University of Bristol graduates have won Innovate UK Women in Innovation Awards for their remarkable sustainable technologies.

Innovative new pooch treats fuel food for thought about future of ‘greener’ diets 6 February 2025 Dogs in Bristol were amongst the first in the country to woof down snacks made from lab-grown meat in a bid to advance the future of alternative protein sources and help cut carbon emissions.

University strengthens sustainability ethos with research pledge 6 February 2025 The University of Bristol has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability by signing the UK Research & Innovation’s (UKRI) Environmental Concordat.

University Vice-Chancellor visits Downing Street to celebrate UK’s AI ecosystem 5 February 2025 The University of Bristol’s Vice-Chancellor attended an event at Number 10 to recognise the Government’s commitment to lead in AI.

Adverse childhood experiences in firstborns associated with poor mental health of siblings 3 February 2025 Children are nearly three-quarters (71%) more likely to develop mental health problems between the ages of five and 18, if the firstborn child in their family experienced adversity during their first 1,000 days, finds a new UCL-led study involving Bristol researchers.

Campaign to recognise unsung heroes in UK’s academic research given millions in funding 3 February 2025 A campaign that recognises the unsung work in the UK’s academic research has been awarded £3.5 million.

New AI app DeepSeek poses ‘severe’ safety risk, according to new research 3 February 2025 A fresh University of Bristol study has uncovered significant safety risks associated with new ChatGPT rival DeepSeek.

News in February