Welcome to our Spotlight On series, where we showcase the world-leading work of our academics. Professor Emma Cave, from our Law School is tackling some of the key challenges in health law.

After months of threats, which included the seizure of oil tankers, and air-strikes on alleged drug boats, on January 3rd, the United States removed Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s leader, and charged him with drug trafficking offences. Dr Omar Hammoud Gallego from our School of Government and International Affairs gives his analysis of the situation. 

Hot water bottles, electric blankets and the heating on – some of the ways we try and keep ourselves warm in the 21st century, but how did the medieval monks manage it? Historian Professor Giles Gasper takes a step back in time to explain.

Our experts have helped uncover evidence of a Roman industrial hub on the banks of the River Wear, at Offerton, near Sunderland.

We’re part of an international team of scientists behind the creation of a new family of organic materials that can conduct ions - atoms or molecules with a net electrical charge - in solids.

We have been awarded a share of more than £24 million of national funding for the prestigious Industrial Doctoral Landscape Award (IDLA) to advance research into sustainable consumer goods.

Our Archaeology department is home to a new £2m facility providing cutting-edge tools to support heritage science across North East England and nationally.

The use of e-fuels could be the way forward but there are some barriers. Jon Gluyas, who is a Professor in Geoenergy, Carbon Capture and Storage, takes us through the challenges.

Dr Alex Brown and Dr Grace Owen from our Department of History explore the surprising range of workplace benefits that existed for peasant workers in medieval England.

Imagine a busy classroom with children hearing and interpreting lots of sounds around them. PhD student, Katherine Collier, from our School of Education has looked at the academic impact on children with mild and unilateral hearing loss.

Professor Jonathan Darling, from our Department of Geography, explores the UK Home Secretary's proposed reforms to the asylum system.

New research shows there are some key things universities can do to create climates where students are able to relate to others of different religious backgrounds. Professor Mathew Guest from our Department of Theology and Religion, with colleagues from Coventry University and Ohio State University, explains the findings.