New research from the Sutton Trust suggests that more undergraduate students than previous years could be living at home and commuting to university, yet conversation is lacking around UK commuter students in our current post-COVID climate and on-going cost of living crisis. Emma Maslin, a PhD researcher in our School of Education, spent time with student commuters to find out more about their experiences.

Professor Karen Johnson from our Department of Engineering has recently been awarded the Royal Society’s Rosalind Franklin Award. We caught up with Karen to find out more about this award, and her work in soil and soil health.

Dr Yarí Pérez Marín from our School of Modern Languages and Cultures was invited to write a review of the latest DC Comics film, Blue Beetle, starring Xolo Maridueña as the first Latino superhero lead. Warning: this review contains spoilers for Blue Beetle.

Dr Amir Atapour-Abarghouei from our Department of Computer Science shares his research insights in machine learning and how he is using AI systems to better diagnosis of skin lesions.

Our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Karen O'Brien, makes the case for languages education

Associate Professor Kelly Jakubowski from our Department of Music explores the link between memory and song lyrics.

Giuseppe Amatulli, is an Honorary Fellow of the Department of Anthropology and a post-doctoral fellow at Carleton University, Ottawa. Here he discusses the potential benefits of an Action Plan, recently approved by the Canadian Federal Government, to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)-funded research has contributed to more young people studying ancient history and classical civilisation in secondary schools across England. Arlene Holmes-Henderson, an award-winning Associate Professor in our Department of Classics and Ancient History, has been at the forefront of widening access to the subject. Here she examines the surge in popularity of classics in education.

Dr Harriet Evans-Tang, a Post Doctoral Research Associate in our Department of Archaeology, and Dr Keith Ruiter from the University of Suffolk explore the connection between vikings and their horses.

Professor Jutta Bakonyi from our School of Government and International Affairs joins Nasir M. Ali and Ayan Yusuf Ali from the University of Hargeisa to discuss energy development in Somaliland.

Professor Clare McGlynn, KC (Hon), in Durham Law School, explains UK Government plans to amend the online safety bill to include significant changes to the law on the sharing and posting of intimate images.

Professor Mariann (Maz) Hardey from our Business School and Wasim Ahmed from the University of Stirling explore the new social media platform Threads.