Faculty news

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.

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.

A temporary breakdown of Earth’s magnetic field 42,000 years ago sparked major climate shifts that led to global environmental change and mass extinctions.

Dr Dmitry Kishkinev from Keele's School of Life Sciences writes for The Conversation UK.

A team of researchers have demonstrated how birds can "read" the Earth's magnetic signature to get back on course after losing their way.

Dr Richard Stephens writes for The Conversation UK.

An international research team including Keele scientists has found that the common anticoagulant drug heparin inhibits the spike protein of the coronavirus, reducing the virus’ ability to attach to human cells and infect them.

Scientists studying ocean temperature and sea level changes from thousands of years ago have said their data could be crucial to understanding climate change and improving projections of how our world may change due to global warming.

An international team of researchers co-led by Keele’s Professor Nye Evans has uncovered new insights into a mystery which has intrigued astronomers since the 17th century.

Keele University’s Life Sciences subjects including, Biology, Biochemistry and Environment, have climbed into the global Top 600 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021.

Keele University’s Physical Sciences subjects have climbed into the global Top 600 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021.

Dr Jonathan Statham MRCVS had been appointed as Professor of Sustainable Livestock Health & Welfare at the Harper and Keele Veterinary School.

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

Scientists at Keele University and King’s College London have found that 64% of people would be likely to have a Covid-19 vaccination when one became available.

Keele academics from the fields of psychology and sociology have received funding to study new ways of helping victims affected by an ongoing conflict in South America.

A new mobile app developed by Keele computer scientists will bring museum exhibits to life in augmented reality (AR) for the purposes of research, collaboration, and education.

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

Dr Jacco van Loon writes for The Conversation

New genetic sensors, developed by scientists at Keele University and the University of Warwick, could function as a lab test device and even as a live monitoring system inside living cells.

A study co-authored by a Keele University wildlife expert has shed new light on the dangers faced by UK hedgehogs in the run up to their annual hibernation period.

Keele’s new state-of-the-art Central Science Laboratories (CSL) have been commended at a prestigious building awards ceremony celebrating the best new developments in the region.

The Harper Keele Veterinary School has welcomed its first cohort of students.

The construction of a new building housing the Harper Keele Veterinary School on Keele University’s campus is officially underway following a ground-breaking ceremony.

A European Space Agency (ESA) mission involving a Keele astrophysicist has observed one of the hottest and most extreme extra-solar planets discovered to date - its first findings since launching.

Dr Naomi Forrester-Soto writes for The Conversation.

Researchers have found a new way to encourage people to spread out the usage of high-powered household appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers, which is essential in ensuring that demand can be met by renewable energy sources.

Dr Deirdre McKay writes for The Conversation

New research has unveiled extraordinary insights into a forgotten band of secret fighters created to slow down potential invaders on British soil during World War Two.

Keele's Dr Allison Gardner writes for The Conversation UK

A new composite material made up of natural wood and plastic has been highlighted as a possible strategy for combating plastic pollution in new research co-authored by a Keele scientist.

Dr Jamie Pringle and Dr Kristopher Wisniewski write for The Conversation.

A new Keele study will bring together media and computer science experts to investigate new strategies for combating online hate speech, after researchers received a funding boost.

Dr Marc Hudson writes for The Conversation UK

Dr Adam Moolna features on The Conversation Africa's podcast, Pasha

Dr Adam Moolna writes for The Conversation.

A new study led by Keele University has found that depression is associated with poorer perception.

Keele University is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Abigail Locke as the new Head of School for Psychology.

Dr Maddy Thompson and Dr Deirdre McKay write for The Conversation.

Keele researchers are inviting people with epilepsy to take part in a new study investigating opinions and experiences of using wearable technology to detect seizures.

An international research team including Keele’s Dr John Southworth has captured the first ever image of a young, Sun-like star accompanied by two giant exoplanets.

An international team of researchers, including Keele’s Dr Martin Hollamby, has succeeded in forming and studying self-assembled interlocked rings that contain just one molecular ingredient.

Dr Helen Glanville, Dr Antonia Law, and Dr Alix Cage write for The Conversation UK

New research led by Professor Toby Bruce has revealed the genetics underpinning a genetic defence allowing maize plants to recruit "bodyguards" against pests.

Professor Chris Fogwill and Professor Chris Turney write for The Conversation UK.

A new study co-authored by a Keele psychologist has suggested that Neanderthals did not hold burial rituals as previously thought.

Keele's Dr Jacco Van Loon writes for The Conversation.

Keele's Professor Clifford Stott writes for The Conversation.

A Keele University lecturer campaigning for a new law governing pet thefts has presented his petition to a Parliamentary committee, which has now recommended that the law be changed.

A new planet has been discovered orbiting a unique young star after more than a decade of searching, thanks to a global research team including a Keele astrophysicist.

Professor Clifford Stott has played a key role in contributing scientific research for the newly formed ‘Coronavirus: The Science Explained’ website, launched by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

A new study led by Keele University has highlighted the crucial role that sea ice across the Southern Ocean played in controlling atmospheric carbon dioxide levels during times of past climate change, and could provide a critical resource for developing future climate change models.

Keele University is to host its first virtual open day of 2020 on Saturday 20 June, giving prospective students the opportunity to tour the University from the comfort of their own home.

A new study has revealed the sophisticated systems children use to form their beliefs about what’s real or not real in their world, showing that “rituals” can have a reinforcing impact on their beliefs.

Keele University psychologists have proven that using conventional swear words can increase your pain tolerance by 33% compared to using alternative language.

Little is known about the ecological implications of high-magnitude, low frequency jökulhlaup events in proglacial systems. This study highlights how kettle lakes produced by jökulhlaups in proglacial areas create short-lived ecosystems. and increase biodiversity.

A research team including Keele’s Professor Clifford Stott has successfully secured funding for two major research projects worth over £1.5 million from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), to help societies better respond to mass emergencies including COVID-19.