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.
News in July
Royal Fort Gardens receives Green Flag Award for 10th consecutive year
The University of Bristol’s Royal Fort Gardens, a much-loved green space for students, staff and the wider Bristol community, has received a prestigious Green Flag Award for the 10th year running.
Theatre Collection announces 2026 Kevin Elyot award recipient
The University of Bristol Theatre Collection has selected the 2026 recipient of the annual Kevin Elyot Award created in memory of the renowned playwright, screenwriter and Bristol Drama alumnus.
Study reveals how realistic volcanic eruptions are on the silver screen
Towering explosions, flowing bright red lava and heroic scientists battling to save communities at risk have become the defining image of volcanoes in popular culture, from disaster films to epic blockbusters. New University of Bristol-led research has found these cinematic portrayals create a distorted view of how volcanoes behave in the real world.
Bristol-founded Perceptual Robotics secures millions to expand wind turbine technology
Perceptual Robotics, the wind turbine inspection and maintenance technology company founded by three University of Bristol students, has secured more than £4million in funding so far this year.
Portable air filters don't cut infection rates in care homes
Portable air filters made no difference to rates of respiratory and other infections in older people’s care homes, a University of Bristol-led trial, published in JAMA Internal Medicine today [27 July] has found. The study’s authors advise care homes to continue with standard infection control measures, including vaccines.
One year on, UK's most powerful AI supercomputer is driving breakthroughs across the UK
In its first year, the UK's most powerful AI supercomputer, Isambard-AI, has helped researchers tackle some of the world's biggest challenges, from improving dementia diagnosis and developing sovereign AI models to advancing animal welfare and accelerating medical discovery.
University of Bristol and Bristol NHS Foundation Trust formalise new partnership
Patient care across the region will receive a major boost thanks to a new partnership between the University of Bristol and Bristol NHS Foundation Trust (BFT).
University of Bristol celebrates 150 years with programme of public events
The University of Bristol will mark its 150th anniversary with a day-long programme of public events, performances, talks and exhibitions across the city on Saturday 10 October 2026.
Urgent cuts to global greenhouse gas emissions needed to avoid worst sea-level rise flooding in the UK, study shows
A pioneering study has revealed that by the turn of the next century at least half a million more people in the UK will be exposed to risk of coastal flooding – a 25% increase compared to now.
New film created by artists’ studio co-run by children explores the waterways of Bristol
A specially commissioned film inspired by the riverside ecology around the University of Bristol’s new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus and produced by children in Hartcliffe premiered at a special blue carpet screening with more than 100 guests in attendance.
Trio of Bristol researchers announced as Fellows of the British Academy
Three University of Bristol academics have been elected as Fellows of the British Academy for their outstanding contributions to the humanities and social sciences today [17 July].
Bafta-winning producer Krishnendu Majumdar receives honorary degree from Bristol
Award-winning producer and director Krishnendu Majumdar has received an honorary Doctor of Letters (DLitt) from the University of Bristol for his outstanding contribution to film and television, and leadership in championing diversity and inclusion within the creative industries.
Professor Gregor McLennan
The University of Bristol announces with great sadness the sudden death of Professor Emeritus in Sociology, Gregor McLennan. Throughout his distinguished career as a sociologist and cultural theorist, Gregor dedicated himself to reconciling the complexities of political pluralism with progressive values - a pursuit he approached with an uncompromising commitment to truth, characteristic modesty, and legendary warmth that endeared him to colleagues and students alike.
Student whose eczema was so severe he couldn’t hold a pen successfully graduates
A University of Bristol student whose eczema was so debilitating that he could not hold a pen or attend lectures has successfully graduated with a four-year integrated master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and received a special award from his department in recognition of his achievements.
Loneliness strongly linked to poorer mental health and wellbeing, study finds
People who feel lonely are much more likely to experience poorer mental health and lower wellbeing, a new collaborative study led by the University of Bristol, Nesta and Amsterdam UMC has found. Loneliness was also found to be linked with worse general health, including experiencing multiple health conditions. Social isolation is associated with lower wellbeing, too.
Fossil collector’s lifelong passion recognised with honorary degree
Simon Carpenter's dedication to fossil collecting, scientific discovery and education has been recognised with an honorary degree from the University of Bristol.
Student was determined to finish her degree after head injury set back
For many people sustaining a head injury which caused severe memory loss and an unexpected (but happy) pregnancy during the course of their university degree would be more than enough for them to abandon their studies.
Bristol one of 35 UK universities to partner in new defence alliance
The University of Bristol is one of 35 leading universities across the UK to commit to joining the Defence Universities Alliance (DUA) to boost industry skills and support research into new technologies.
Student launches queer engineering society to build community and visibility in STEM
A University of Bristol student has helped create a more inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ students by founding a queer engineering society that has grown from a small peer-support group into a thriving student community.
Professor James Maxwell FRS (1940-2026)
World-renowned molecular organic geochemist who provided a new understanding of the origin and fate of organic compounds produced by ancient lifeforms in geological sediments and petroleum passed away in April 2026.
Graduating dentist’s lasting legacy for future dental students at Bristol
A newly qualified dentist is leaving a lasting legacy for students and staff at the University of Bristol’s Dental School after she graduated yesterday.
Bristol PhD graduate inspired to pursue research after sister’s incurable cancer diagnosis
When Mel de Lange graduated with a PhD in Epidemiology from the University of Bristol today (Wednesday 8 July), it marked the culmination of a remarkable journey that began with a life-changing family diagnosis and led to a career dedicated to improving cancer outcomes through research.
Replacement ‘climate-friendly’ car refrigerant linked to rising forever chemical pollution in Europe
A newer ‘climate-friendly’ refrigerant used in car air conditioning systems, may already be a significant, and possibly dominant, source of a ‘forever chemical’ pollutant across Europe, according to a new University of Bristol-led study.
Top 10 priorities to shape the future of UK childhood food allergy research published
Patients, carers, health professionals and researchers have come together to identify the top 10 priorities for childhood food allergy research in the UK. The priorities will be used to shape future research in line with what matters most to children and young people and those who care for them.
Scientists discover smart way to supercharge soft robotics and better support rehabilitation patients
Researchers have found an ingenious way to make soft robots and wearable technology more than three times more powerful by harnessing the surface tension of a tiny liquid metal droplet smaller than a rain droplet.
Professor Michael Luck to become University of Bristol’s new Deputy Vice-Chancellor
The University of Bristol is delighted to announce Professor Michael Luck as its new Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost.
University announces name of new enterprise campus building following record £20 million gift from former student
The main building at the University of Bristol’s new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus (TQEC) will be named the Sloane Robinson Building, in recognition of a major £20 million landmark philanthropic gift from alumnus Hugh Sloane and the Sloane Robinson Foundation – the single largest donation the University has ever received from an individual donor.
West of England universities formally launch joint forum to boost skills, growth and opportunity
Universities West has today announced its formal launch, bringing together the West of England’s universities through a new regional forum to strengthen collaboration, support economic growth and improve opportunities for learners.