Faculty news

Magnetic data collected in the late 1960s has been brought back to life by a research team including a Keele scientist, who have used it to learn more about how the continent of Africa is stretching and splitting apart.

Experts at Keele University are working with a local NHS trust to plan how it can use artificial intelligence (AI) ethically and responsibly to enhance patient care, support frontline staff, and better meet the evolving needs of communities.

A research team including a Keele University scientist have made a breakthrough in monitoring insect populations across the UK using weather radar data.

Astrophysicists from Keele University, alongside an international research team supported by NASA, detected large complex organic molecules in ices outside of the Milky Way for the first time - offering a glimpse into the chemistry of the early universe.

Scientists have found that viewing nature images on Instagram can have a positive impact on users' wellbeing and emotions, in contrast to prevailing narratives about social media use.

A distinguished researcher has joined Keele University as its new Head of School for Computer Science and Mathematics.

Keele University has launched a suite of new engineering degrees, as the University expands into a new subject area.

Keele has been ranked the No.1 university in the West Midlands for Biology in a new national ranking.

Harper & Keele Veterinary School has received full accreditation from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Council for its Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVetMS) degree.

A Keele University scientist studying new ways of halting the spread of deadly mosquito-borne diseases has received a prestigious fellowship from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to advance her work.

Scientists studying a dwarf galaxy near to our own Milky Way have found evidence that massive stars are drawn together with “companion” stars during their lives, often with major impacts for both stars.

Possible new treatments for a rare and aggressive form of cancer that primarily affects children and young people are being investigated by researchers at Keele University.

Keele University's strong ties with a prestigious Malaysian university have taken a significant step forward with the launch of a new joint centre to support research and education.

Researchers at Keele University have published the first investigation into the variation in the chemical make-up of calcifications caused by prostate cancer, in the hope of identifying new markers to improve early diagnosis.

Researchers led by a Keele University scientist have called on the public to help them monitor the population of swans in Cheshire with the launch of a new app project.

Harper & Keele Veterinary School, which has been ranked by students as No.1 in the UK for veterinary medicine in the latest National Student Survey, has marked another historic milestone with the graduation of its first student cohort.

An international team, including astronomers from Keele University, have performed a unique cosmic test to measure the mass of an ancient star which will help them learn more about the history of our galaxy.

A research consortium including a Keele scientist has welcomed an exciting new era for astronomy with the release of the first new images from a powerful observatory.

A new report by Keele University academics evaluates how 50 global fashion and homeware brands disclose the environmental impacts of artisan production.

Seeds from two trees that survived the atomic bomb attack on Hiroshima at the end of World War Two are being grown at Keele University, as part of an international project to promote peace and hope.

The number of new cases of Dengue infection reached a record high in 2024, researchers have said, with cases topping more than 14 million last year.

Keele University’s Forensic Science programme has been ranked among the top 5 in England in the Complete University Guide 2026.

Scientists at Keele University have revealed for the first time that certain changes in prostate tissue - namely calcification - could be an indicator of cancer aggressiveness, offering a potential new method for doctors to test patients.

Restoring the complexity of habitats in rivers and canals should be a key priority for conservationists, researchers have said, after studying the impact litter has on the small insects (known as macroinvertebrates) living there and the effects of current conservation efforts.

A Keele Professor has been elected as the new President of an esteemed scientific research society to honour her significant contribution to the field.

Pint of Science, the annual science festival, is returning to North Staffordshire and South Cheshire this May – with organisers putting on the biggest event so far.

A computational astrophysicist specialising in 3D simulations to explore the role of magnetic fields related to supernovae has been recognised by the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) for his work.

Researchers at Keele University are partnering with colleagues in Mali to help them advance the fight against mosquito-borne diseases like malaria.

A “map” of mosquito genes being developed by Keele researchers could pave the way for effective new control methods to protect human and animal health.

Researchers have called for more funding for surveillance and monitoring of crop diseases and the insects that carry them, as well as to support growers affected by potential crop loss, in a new report.

Mentoring for new mothers can be the difference between a positive and a negative return to work – and should be offered to all employees going on maternity leave, according to new research.  

Improving digital connectivity across rural areas, and making those connections more secure, is the goal of a new study led by a Keele University researcher.

Scientists at Keele University have said there is a strong possibility that mass extinction events throughout the history of life on Earth could have been caused by the effects of nearby supernova explosions in the Milky Way.

From fake airfields and factories with artificial lighting to create the impression of bustling activity, to purposefully starting large fires that simulated burning towns and cities, a complex deception strategy was used by Britain during World War Two to trick German pilots into bombing open countryside instead of hitting their targets.

An AI-powered chatbot developed by computer scientists at Keele University has the potential to “transform” mental health care by removing existing barriers to mental health support, the researchers have said.

A chemistry researcher from Keele University has secured funding from a national charity for a new study which aims to improve diagnosis and testing for men at risk of prostate cancer.

A research team including a Keele astronomer have released a new picture of a cosmic “firework display” caused by stars in our galaxy interacting with their environment, taken with NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).

A tool developed by Keele University researchers has been shown to help detect fake news with an impressive 99% level of accuracy, offering a vital resource in combatting online misinformation.

A research team including a Keele neuroscientist has created a new material for treating central nervous system injuries and neurodegenerative conditions, offering hope of new therapies to regain lost motor, sensory or cognitive functions.

An international research team, including an astronomer at Keele University, have succeeded for the first time in taking a zoomed-in image of a dying star in a galaxy outside our own Milky Way.

Researchers working to understand the prevalence of a virus that can severely damage the immune system of chickens have said that new strategies are needed to improve the control of the disease in the UK.

Staff and apprentices on a masters-level apprenticeship at Keele University are celebrating after the programme received its second top accolade in eight months.

Researchers led by a Keele University scientist have said the world is experiencing the largest outbreak of Dengue virus in history, with a record number of cases reported in 2023.

Research on the public mourning after the Queen’s death offers new insights on how groups or crowds of people with a shared identity – in this case ‘Britishness’ – navigate periods of change and uncertainty.

A team led by a Keele University researcher has secured funding for a new study to make food crops more resilient to plant diseases, in a bid to improve global food security.

Scientists from Keele University are collaborating on a new study to help other researchers create, analyse and share biological designs for a variety of useful applications.

Keele University is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Tasnim Munshi as the new Head of the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences. 

Research by Keele academics has been commended as part of an internationally-leading research hub working to make the UK a leader in sustainable bio-based manufacturing.

Researchers at Keele University are embarking on a new study to help improve the early detection of ovarian cancer, which could benefit thousands of women every year.

A chemistry lecturer from Keele University has been commended for her impact on teaching innovation and student outcomes with a prestigious national award.

Chemistry courses at Keele have been ranked among the best in the country for student positivity, according to the latest National Student Survey (NSS).

Mathematics courses at Keele have been ranked among the best in the country for student positivity, according to the latest National Student Survey (NSS).

Geography courses at Keele have been ranked among the best in the country for student positivity, according to the latest National Student Survey (NSS).    

A new study led by a Keele University research team has found that deaf toddlers fitted with cochlear implants interact with their parents just as well as their hearing peers.

Social media and online communities can play a crucial role for owners searching for their stolen pets, researchers have revealed, both in physically tracking them down and as a source of comfort after their loss.

Keele signed a new partnership with a prominent university in Lithuania this week which will see both universities work together to create new opportunities for students.

An international research team including a Keele scientist have published new images of Westerlund 1 - one of the most massive star clusters in our galaxy.

A new partnership will see Keele University work closely with Germany’s national aeronautics and space research centre on researching new materials and technologies for next generation aircrafts.

Pet abduction is to become a specific criminal offence in England and Northern Ireland thanks to a campaign led by a Keele academic informed by their research.

Keele University is teaming up with a leading wildlife charity for a new project that will support communities to revive green spaces.

A psychologist from Keele University has received funding from the British Academy for a project to work with 20 early career researchers across Africa.

Researchers led by a Keele scientist have studied the previously unknown flight mechanisms of a common crop pest, to learn more about their movements in a bid to improve food security and prevent the spread of disease.

A researcher from Keele University has received funding to develop new ways to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases and viruses.

An international research team has discovered previously unknown deposits from an eighth century volcanic eruption in Santorini, which could have major implications for hazard planning around the world.

A Keele researcher has received funding for a project to improve the precision of gene editing technologies used to manage insects that spread disease.

A masters-level apprenticeship at Keele University has made history by being the first scheme of its kind to earn accreditation from the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Crime scenes in a bar, post office, and domestic home are among the scenarios featured in a new simulation facility on Keele University’s campus.

Research by scientists at Keele University is featured in a new white paper published today that calls for more to be done to stop textile microfibres entering the UK’s waterways from washing laundry.

Keele University researchers from across the humanities and social, physical, and environmental sciences have come together to establish a new doctoral scholarships programme to tackle the multiple challenges facing rural communities in modern Britain.

Keele University is to create a new purpose-built insect research laboratory on its campus – where scientists will carry out vital research to tackle the spread of deadly diseases and reduce crop losses to pests in the UK and across the globe.

Keele University has received a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop new technologies to support global efforts to control and eliminate malaria.

Researchers at Keele University are carrying out what is thought to be the first study to examine brain activity in babies born with hearing loss as they develop early cognitive skills.

Researchers from Keele University have set out on a new project with Unilever, maker of some of the world’s leading home care brands, to help decarbonise its portfolio of cleaning products.

Two students on Keele’s Environmental Sustainability and Green Technology MSc have worked closely with a local professional football club to help improve their energy consumption performance and enhance biodiversity around their stadium.

An independent report exploring the potential causes of racial and ethnic disparities in the use of Taser by police officers in England and Wales has been published today.

Academics from Keele’s Astrophysics Research Centre have secured almost £1.5m combined for three new studies.

Keele University’s Forensic Science programme has been ranked among the best in the UK in a prestigious national ranking.

A new 24-hour veterinary teaching hospital is set to open at Keele University this autumn.

Keele University has ranked in the top 10 UK universities to study Geography in a prestigious national ranking.

A renowned veterinary scientist with an outstanding career in scientific research and leadership has been appointed to lead Keele’s Faculty of Natural Sciences.

Keele’s environmental and earth science related degrees have ranked among the UK’s best for student positivity in a prestigious national ranking.

The Head of Keele’s School of Life Sciences has received a prestigious fellowship to honour her outstanding research.

Researchers from Keele University have developed a machine learning technique that helps astronomers better estimate the ages of stars.

Keele University’s Forensic Science programme has been ranked among the UK’s best for the second year running.

A new course launched at Keele will put students in a prime position for a career in the ever-expanding renewable energy sector.

Scientists led by Keele University have conducted the first ever 3D simulation of a star’s entire evolutionary phase thanks to new simulation technologies.

A Keele University researcher has won the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Inspirational Member Award in recognition of her work as a volunteer.

Keele University has secured funding to increase diversity in artificial intelligence and data science courses through a series of postgraduate scholarships.

A team of researchers are leading a new study to help physically disabled women gain better access to cervical screening, in a bid to reduce cervical cancer.

An independent panel report into the chaotic scenes at the 2022 Champions League Final, co-authored by a Keele University Professor, has found that supporters were not responsible for crowd problems before and after the match.

New research has found that almost three quarters of parents would support a chickenpox vaccine being added to the childhood vaccination schedule.

Researchers have called for greater cooperation between human, animal, and environmental health organisations, to better prepare us for future pandemics.

A project exploring the legacy of a Staffordshire town's once booming textile industry has found fibres preserved in lake sediment.

A project developed by Keele University staff that uses extended reality to deliver remote learning to applied science students – including how to assess crime scenes and uncover evidence – has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.

Swearing is an entirely different and “more powerful” form of communication than regular language use, researchers have suggested.

Students will learn about the microscopic science of disease prevention on a new degree programme in Keele’s School of Life Sciences.

Scientists working from within a brand-new research centre at Keele University have secured major funding for three new studies, worth over three-quarters of a million pounds, combined.

Stunning new images created by Keele researchers highlight the turbulent flow of energy inside distant stars.

Forensic Science at Keele University has been ranked among the Top 10 in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2023.

Findings from a Keele University study into the real life “Great Escape” have helped bring the story to life in a new play at the New Vic Theatre.

Dangerous elements like lead are present in concentrated levels in UK churchyards, new research has found, presenting a potentially major problem for surrounding communities.

Adopting a novel planting technique known as “push-pull farming” can help massively reduce crop losses to pests and improve food security in sub-Saharan Africa, new research has found.

Professor Ken Rotenberg writes for The Conversation.

A Keele University lecturer has received a prestigious award from the Prime Minister to honour his work campaigning for animal welfare and changes to the law surrounding pet theft.

Anti-speeding campaigns campaigns rarely – if ever – acknowledge the fact that many drivers simply find speeding inherently enjoyable. But acknowledging this could make anti-speeding campaigns more effective, according to new research.

Releasing genetically modified mosquitoes into the wild could provide a promising strategy for tackling malaria in sub-Saharan Africa, according to new research.

Two degree programmes at Keele University are among the first in the country to be accredited by a prestigious scientific body.

Forensic science experts from Keele University have contributed their expertise to research helping to find thousands of missing people in Latin America.

Scientists from Keele and Cardiff Universities have discovered new links between the breakdown in brain cell development and the risk of schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders.

Dr Jamie Pringle, Dr Vivienne Heaton, and Dr Kris Wisniewski, write for The Conversation UK.

Dr Jacco van Loon writes for The Conversation's "Curious Kids" segment.

Keele University has launched new undergraduate and postgraduate courses in cyber security to train a new generation of professionals in how to combat online threats.

Dr Sara Vestergren writes for The Conversation.

Professor Coel Hellier writes for The Conversation.

Dr Jacco van Loon writes for The Conversation's Curious Kids segment.

A project to map out secret WW2 bases on British soil has taken another step forward thanks to a £30,000 National Lottery Heritage Fund grant.

Former professional footballers who headed the ball frequently may suffer from an increased risk of neurodegeneration, according to new research.

Keele's Dr Andrew Rutherford writes for The Conversation UK

Dr Sharon George from Keele's School of Geography, Geology and the Environment writes for The Conversation UK

Students from the Harper and Keele Veterinary School have started their new academic year in a brand-new facility at Keele University.

A Keele astrophysicist has spoken of the importance of international collaboration at a recent summit organised by the United Nations.

A Keele University scientist has received a prestigious award from a national charity to improve methods of detecting prostate cancer earlier, which will improve outcomes for patients.

A Professor from the Harper and Keele Veterinary School has been appointed as the new Chairman of a Government board advising ministers on animal health and welfare issues.

Plastic pollution in freshwater lakes can become an established habitat for microscopic algae within just two weeks, according to new research.

Scientists have measured thousands of nearby stars and far away galaxies that have never been identified before at radio wavelengths, while studying a galactic body that neighbours our own Milky Way galaxy – the Large Magellanic Cloud.

A new app has been launched by an international team of scientists including Keele’s Professor Toby Bruce, to support farmers across Africa to use innovative, environmentally friendly techniques for evading crop pests.

Researchers, including a Keele University volcanologist, have discovered how the rise and fall of sea levels influence the likelihood of volcanic eruptions on the Greek island of Santorini.

A Keele researcher has been awarded a prestigious grant to develop ways of improving the manufacture of an advanced nanoscale technology – quantum dots.

A study led by a Keele scientist has given researchers a greater understanding of the mating behaviour of a devastating African crop pest, which will help them to develop better methods of pest control and management.

Researchers including a Keele University scientist have engineered an innovative approach to disable highly powerful genetic devices that control harmful insect populations.

Keele’s Dr Gavin Miller has won a prestigious prize from the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) for his groundbreaking research in carbohydrate chemistry.

Improving sleep quality leads to better mental health, particularly reduced feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress, according to a major review led by a Keele psychologist.

Keele University has retained its ranking of No.1 in England for Forensic Science for a third consecutive year, in The Complete University Guide 2022, thanks to excellent graduate prospects, high research intensity, and research quality.

A Keele University psychologist and undergraduate student are exploring the attitudes of parents and caregivers towards the introduction of the chickenpox vaccination into the routine immunisation schedule for children, and whether they would support such a measure.

Keele University’s Dr Daniel Allen has played an important role in the development of a national charity’s pet theft awareness campaign.

A Keele psychologist was invited by Princeton University to contribute to a meeting with international colleagues to discuss changes to the methods used to study, research and teach psychology.

Keele University's Professor Clifford Stott has been awarded an MBE in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

New research led by Keele University will investigate how rehabilitated hedgehogs behave when released back into the wild.

Dr Antonia Law writes for The Conversation.

Dr Rob Jackson writes for The Conversation.

A Keele professor is part of a €5 million European research network designed to boost engagement with nuclear astrophysics research.

A national team of researchers have called for immediate action to address a substantial level of under-representation in students in a new academic paper.

Keele has recently joined a prestigious European cancer research network as a stakeholder organisation, which will allow for new opportunities for research and collaboration.

Students on a new Master's degree launching at Keele this September will learn the skills and expert knowledge to help them understand the issues associated with inequality of access to healthcare.

A Keele Professor has received funding for a major new study into urban migration, which will help tackle urban planning and housing problems in major European cities.

A research collective co-founded by Keele University is playing a crucial role in a Government-backed scheme to make energy generation in the North Sea more environmentally friendly.

A Keele University lecturer has received the coveted Sustainability Champion award at a prestigious national awards ceremony for her work to promote sustainability in her chemistry teaching.

Keele researchers have reported promising findings in two new studies looking at methods to improve transplantation of stem cells for injury repair in the brain or spinal cord.

A set of valuable journals, textbooks and reports about animal health, from a collection built up over 80 years, has been generously gifted to the Harper & Keele Veterinary School.

Professor Chris Fogwill writes for The Conversation.