// University News
15 January 2025
EDI Services launch new Voices of Diversity series for 2025
The EDI Services team, in partnership with the Events team, are pleased to announce the Voices of Diversity Mental Health Series.
15 January 2025
Dissertation and project success workshops
The University Library and Academic Language Support team are offering a series of workshops aimed at students writing dissertations and final year projects.
15 January 2025
Fine Art students open new exhibition on campus
From 17-31 January, 12pm-2pm (weekdays only) at Martin Hall Gallery, come along to see an exhibition by two current Fine Art students, exploring their experiences of working internationally.
15 January 2025
Loughborough University marks Holocaust Memorial Day 2025
There are three events at the University available to staff and students who wish to mark Holocaust Memorial Day (Monday 27 January).
14 January 2025
Wrestlers’ welfare has improved since the 1990s – but they still have a fight on their hands
In the recent Netflix docuseries Mr. McMahon (2024), former wrestler and bodybuilder Tony Atlas claimed: “We would have been looked upon, in today’s society, as some of the worst human beings walking the face of the Earth.”
14 January 2025
Sundews’ secret to survival: Study reveals how carnivorous plants adapt to microhabitat challenges
Scientists have uncovered how sundews, Charles Darwin’s favourite plant, become more carnivorous in certain habitats.
13 January 2025
Exciting opportunity: Join our new Leadership Learning Sprints
At Loughborough University, we are committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.
13 January 2025
Celebrate the first signs of spring with a guided walk of Fruit Routes
Join artist Mita Solanky for a walk around Fruit Routes – our edible route of hundreds of fruit and nut trees and bushes on the Loughborough University campus.
13 January 2025
Share your story on Loughborough University’s Health and Wellbeing blog
In case you missed them, make sure to check out our recent health and wellbeing blogs covering a range of topics including overcoming fatigue, mindfulness, and incorporating fitness around working life.
10 January 2025
Experts in Sport: How Physical Education in schools can be improved through Models-based practice
Children's Physical activity levels in England and around the world remain stubbornly low.
9 January 2025
Two new DigiLabs launched
The DigiLabs Team recently hosted two successful launch events to celebrate the official openings of DigiLab East and DigiLab West, two newly renovated spaces equipped with new and cutting-edge technologies to support learning and teaching.
8 January 2025
Loughborough expert “not surprised” by Arteta’s Carabao ball comments
A Loughborough University expert says he’s “not surprised” Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has suggested there are differences in the footballs used in the Carabao Cup and the Premier League.
8 January 2025
Dramatic writing mentoring for students
Are you a budding writer who is interested in writing scripts for stage, film or television? Would you like to gain skills and knowledge of how to develop your writing and gain visibility within the industry? Then this free dramatic writing mentoring programme could be for you.
8 January 2025
WARPit Success: How resource sharing is driving sustainability at Loughborough
In 2024, users of WARPit (Waste Action Reuse Portal) saved £29,161, avoided 3812kg of waste and 13,864kg of CO2 with 60 claims including 284 items.
8 January 2025
Campus Work Notices
All staff are reminded that notices detailing planned campus work are published on the Estates and Facilities Management webpages.
8 January 2025
Join the University Choir
The University Choir is preparing to re-start rehearsals after their winter break and have announced their spring term memberships. The Choir is open to anyone who enjoys singing with others or would like to have a go at singing in a choir for the first time.
8 January 2025
Scientists unravel how ancient bacteria weave living mats – solving one of nature’s oldest mysteries (FEATURE)
Scientists have uncovered how cyanobacteria — Earth's first photosynthetic organisms — self-organise into intricate living mats, offering insights into aquatic ecosystems and potential inspiration for material design.
7 January 2025
2025 Learning and Teaching Conference: Call for submissions
To celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Learning and Teaching Conference, on the 1 and 2 April at West Park Teaching Hub, the Enhanced Academic Practice team have planned a two-day programme of activity to showcase innovative practice and to provide a forum for collaboration and practice sharing.
6 January 2025
Why seeing the same doctor could save your life
Seeing the same GP each time has its advantages, and it is more important than it may seem.
6 January 2025
Five Pillars Exhibition Call for contributions
LU Arts are looking for contributions for the Five Pillars exhibition at Martin Hall Exhibition Space in March 2025.
6 January 2025
New Universities Partnership scheme: Callout for interdisciplinary research
Since 2022, Loughborough University has been part of a Civic Universities Partnership alongside the University of Leicester and De Montfort University.
6 January 2025
A New Year message from the Lead Chaplain of the University
Hello and a Happy New Year!
6 January 2025
Apply for EDI Services Funding
All Schools, Professional Services departments, staff networks and individuals are invited to bid for funding to carry out activities that are aligned with progressing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion priorities at Loughborough University.
6 January 2025
Performance and Development Review (PDR) 2024/25: Online system now available
The PDR online system is now available to access for the 2024/25 cycle.
3 January 2025
How even just 15 minutes in nature can boost your wellbeing
The average UK person spends just 7% of their time (or 86 minutes) outdoors during the work week. This is shocking to hear – but with our busy schedules, it’s no wonder many of us can only find a few minutes each day to get outside.
2 January 2025
Computer models are vital for studying everything from climate change to disease – here’s how AI could make them even better
Here’s one definition of science: it’s essentially an iterative process of building models with ever-greater explanatory power.
2 January 2025
REF 2029 Assessment Panels: Applications now open
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a vital exercise for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions.
20 December 2024
Pelicot case: Support for staff and students
If you have been affected by the Pelicot case in France, the following support services are available.
20 December 2024
Bringing Our Values to Life: Exciting Changes Ahead
At Loughborough University, our values Authentic, Adventurous, Responsible, Creative, and Collaborative are central to who we are and what we strive to achieve.
20 December 2024
Coming soon: New staff benefits to be introduced in the New Year
The Rewards and Benefits team at the University are delighted to announce two new benefits for colleagues that will be launched in the New Year.
18 December 2024
Experts in Sport: Safeguarding and interpersonal abuse in sport – the development and potential impact of the IOC consensus statement
Last month, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) reaffirmed its commitment to safe sport by announcing the release of its third consensus statement on safeguarding and interpersonal violence in sport.
18 December 2024
Epinal Way exit closure - 19 December
The Epinal Way exit (behind Security) will be closed on Thursday 19 December from 8.30am until 12pm to allow for the installation of a new barrier.
17 December 2024
Loughborough student wins Gathering of Africa's Best (GAB) award
Toyosi Clement, a final-year Politics and International Relations student at Loughborough University, recently won a Gathering of Africa's Best (GAB) award in the Future Gem category.
16 December 2024
Five Pillars Exhibition Mural Design Competition
LU Arts are looking for a student to design a mural accompanying the Five Pillars exhibition at Martin Hall Exhibition Space in March 2025.
16 December 2024
New Dean of Loughborough University London appointed
Following a global search for a new Dean of Loughborough University London, the University is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Aidan McGarry.
16 December 2024
‘It’s Better OFF’ this Christmas: Reducing energy costs over the Christmas break
This year has continued to be a year of high energy costs for everyone. The significant increase in the cost of energy, combined with the University Strategy and global carbon reduction targets to reduce the impact of climate change, has meant there has never been a more important time to consider how we use energy at Loughborough.
16 December 2024
Changes to your device’s desktop wallpaper
Microsoft are enabling the Windows Spotlight feature by default in enterprise and education versions of windows.
16 December 2024
New Director of Marketing and Advancement appointed
The University is delighted to announce that Helen Pennack has been appointed as Loughborough’s Director of Marketing and Advancement, the institution’s senior marketing and communications leader.
13 December 2024
Loughborough University awards honorary degree to Sarina Wiegman (VIDEO)
Sarina Wiegman’s outstanding contribution to women’s football – including leading England to victory in the 2022 UEFA European Women's Championships – has been formally recognised with an honorary degree from Loughborough University.
13 December 2024
Computer simulations to aid in Loughborough push for more effective drug delivery
A Loughborough University project will use computer simulations and practical experiments to explore whether there’s a safer, more effective way for smart polymer nanoparticles to be designed for drug delivery and medical imaging.
13 December 2024
Inspirational figures celebrated alongside Loughborough’s winter graduates
This week, the University proudly celebrated students who have graduated following years of hard work and dedication to their studies.
13 December 2024
Last chance to take part in the Staff Experience Survey
If you haven’t taken part already, there’s still time to complete the Staff Experience Survey before it closes at 11.59pm this Sunday, 15 December.
13 December 2024
Spectral Spaces or Uncanny Places? Loughborough lecturer calls for rekindling of architecture’s intangible connections
A Loughborough University lecturer is calling for a renewed consideration of the relationship between how our buildings are built and the ethereal.
13 December 2024
Early December pay date: Please check your payslip
Payslips for December will be available in the afternoon of Wednesday 18 December 2024 via my.HR.
12 December 2024
Olympic champion Adam Peaty OBE awarded honorary degree (VIDEO)
Three-time Olympic gold medallist Adam Peaty OBE has been awarded an honorary degree from Loughborough University in recognition of his outstanding contribution to swimming.
12 December 2024
Syria: fall of Assad a blow for Iran’s ‘Shia crescent’ – here are its foreign policy options in the new-look Middle East
When Hafez al-Assad, an Alawite minority member, seized control of the Ba'ath Party in Syria in 1970, he faced a significant backlash. The Syrian Constitution stipulated that only Muslims could hold the presidency, and the Alawites were deemed non-Muslim by many Sunni groups.
12 December 2024
The importance of listening to children's voices in youth justice decision-making – new report
“Talk to me with respect … like the way they speak to their own kids. Don’t speak down to us and listen, speak to us on the level and we’ll listen too.” (Boy, Age 16, Youth Justice Service)
12 December 2024
Wellbeing Centre Mural Design Competition
The Community Warden team, in conjunction with LU Arts and Student Services, is hosting an art competition, inviting all students to design a window mural display for the front of the Wellbeing Centre to promote their work and celebrate the partnership between the centre and the University community. The winning design will be displayed on the windows of the Wellbeing Centre and the winning artist will receive £450.
12 December 2024
Loughborough signs global partnership agreement to drive equality in sport
Loughborough University has agreed a landmark international partnership with The Global Observatory for Gender Equality & Sport (the GO) to drive the elevation of activities connected to women’s sport.
12 December 2024
Notice of downtime: IT Service Desk (RT system) - Monday 16 December
On 16 December, the IT Service Desk email support (IT.Services@lboro.ac.uk) will be unavailable.
12 December 2024
Information for users of the EV charging points across campus: Brand name change
The University’s supplier for EV chargers (EVC) will be rebranding, and its app will change from ‘EVC’ to ‘Roam’.
11 December 2024
Print, Post and Logistic Services: December closure dates
Please note Print, Post and Logistics Services, based in the Herbert Manzoni Building on the Loughborough campus, will be closed on Monday 16 December due to building works in the reception area and essential maintenance of their helpdesk system.
11 December 2024
Notice of downtime to the University Wi-Fi, wired network and Data Centre - 18 December
IT Services will be carrying out essential maintenance activities on the University network and Data Centre.
11 December 2024
Jaguar Type 00: the controversial pink car is more in step with the brand’s history than detractors think
At first glance, Jaguar’s new electric Type 00 concept car is surprising, shocking or perhaps even jarring to some. This is largely due to its bright pink colour (it also comes in blue).
10 December 2024
Campus Accessibility Guide
The University has worked in partnership with AccessAble to provide students, staff, and visitors of the Loughborough and London campuses with all of the accessibility information they need.
10 December 2024
Imago guest Wi-Fi and wired network downtime
On 18 December, IT Services will perform essential maintenance to upgrade the firewall that provides the Imago guest wireless and wired connections.
10 December 2024
Information about important faith-related dates, including religious festivals December 2024 - February 2025
Awareness of these dates and understanding in relation to their impact on members of these faith communities will help the University to create a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all our students and staff.
10 December 2024
Celebrating our student winners of the 2024/25 Music and Arts Scholarships
Five students have been awarded Arts scholarships in recognition of their remarkable talents and dedication to their chosen art forms, which include creative writing, ceramics, dance and music.
10 December 2024
Applications for the 2025 Teaching Best Practice Awards and Teaching Innovation Awards now open
The deadline for submissions for the Teaching Awards is 5pm, 5 March 2025.
9 December 2024
AI in Education: Creating the future together
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is opening up new opportunities and raising important questions in education. At Loughborough University, the AI in Education (AIED) research group has been established to unite academics and Professional Services staff in exploring how AI can support teaching, learning, and student support.
9 December 2024
LSU opening hours over the Christmas break
Please note that the Loughborough Students’ Union (LSU) main building will close to all staff and students on 17 December at 4pm.
9 December 2024
Christmas travel – student eVisa information
Long-term immigration permission such as a Student visa generally allows re-entry to the UK on multiple occasions throughout the period it remains valid. This allows travel for example at vacation time.
9 December 2024
Access to key IT services over the festive break
As we approach the festive season, don't forget that you can still access essential services to support your studies.
6 December 2024
Jim McGuigan
It is with deep sadness that we mark the recent death of Jim McGuigan, Emeritus Professor of Cultural Analysis.
6 December 2024
Aftrak initiative wins IET Innovation and Excellence Award
A revolutionary off-grid energy project developed by a consortium of Loughborough University, The Consortium for Battery Innovation and Tiyeni has won a prestigious Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Excellence and Innovation award.
6 December 2024
Festive designs selected for the 2024 Vice-Chancellor’s Christmas card
Loughborough’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nick Jennings, has chosen four winning designs submitted by students for the 2024 Christmas Card Design Competition.
6 December 2024
Book your place now for the Talk Sport 2025 event
Are you thinking about a career in sport, exercise or health?
5 December 2024
Loughborough Doctoral Researcher recognised at the Women of the Future Awards
Huyen Le, Doctoral Researcher in the Department of Materials, was recently presented with a Women of the Future Award in recognition of her exceptional contributions to science and advocacy for positive change.
5 December 2024
Latest Cost of a Child in Scotland research finds costs outstripping additional Holyrood support for families
A huge gap remains between the cost of raising a child in Scotland and actual family incomes, despite the significant impact of Scottish government policies and lower childcare costs.
4 December 2024
Families falling further away from meeting minimum acceptable standards of living
Ahead of the PM’s promised ‘reset’, including a focus on improved living standards, Child Poverty Action Group’s cost of a child calculations show that for the first time since the research started in 2008, all family types on low and modest incomes are unable to meet their costs or reach what the public deems a minimum acceptable living standard.
3 December 2024
Support for staff and students
If you, or members of your family and friends, have been affected by the emerging situation in South Korea, or if you are concerned about what is happening, the following support services are available to our staff and students.
3 December 2024
Our commitment to support staff and students at risk around the world
On 28th November colleagues from across the University gathered to learn more about the Council for At-Risk Academics (Cara), which has been a lifeline for many years for those who need urgent help to escape discrimination, persecution, violence or conflict. It also supports academics who choose to continue working in their home countries despite serious dangers, and higher education institutions whose work is threatened or compromised.
3 December 2024
Rethinking the circular economy to benefit the Global South
As the world embraces the circular economy (CE) as a solution to the global sustainability crisis, experts warn that without integrating social justice into its framework, CE could inadvertently deepen existing inequalities – particularly in the Global South.
3 December 2024
Sustainability Workshop Training Series for staff
Become a trained facilitator for one of three Sustainability Collage workshops put on by the School of Design and Creative Arts (SDCA), focusing on climate science, circular economy, and digital sustainability.
3 December 2024
Loughborough University hosts hydrogen-themed day for year 10 and 11 students
Year 10 and 11 students from The Castle Rock School in Coalville visited the University on 20 November for an engaging day focused on clean energy innovation.
3 December 2024
COVID lockdowns affected adolescents’ brain structures, says research
A recent study reported the somewhat alarming observation that the social disruptions of COVID lockdowns caused significant changes in teenagers’ brains.
2 December 2024
PDR training now available for Reviewers
To support you in conducting a Performance and Development Review (PDR) in 2024/25, the online training for Reviewers has been updated.
2 December 2024
Loughborough Festivities: Activities for students staying in Loughborough over Christmas
Join us this festive season for some fun activities here in Loughborough.
2 December 2024
Five potential new businesses as University commercialisation initiative draws to a close
A host of innovative teams based in East Midlands universities are on the cusp of bringing their business ideas to market, as a programme to support the development of entrepreneurs in the region draws to a close.
2 December 2024
Apply now for the Stanley Evernden Memorial Prize
The School of Design and Creative Arts have opened applications for the Stanley Evernden Memorial Prize, an exciting opportunity for current Loughborough University students to secure funding to take a drama production to one of two UK festivals in 2025.
29 November 2024
Physicists' breakthrough in fine-tuning electron behaviour in quantum materials could fast-track next generation of technology
Physicists at Loughborough University have made an exciting breakthrough in understanding how to fine-tune the behaviour of electrons in quantum materials poised to drive the next generation of advanced technologies.
28 November 2024
General Assembly – November 2024
Thank you to colleagues who recently attended General Assembly, held on Wednesday 20 November.
28 November 2024
Staff volunteers wanted: Join the ‘Team Loughborough’ Winter Graduation crew
Thank you very much to those who have previously supported graduation activity across campus. With the winter ceremonies fast approaching, we are now looking for staff volunteers who are available on Thursday 12 and Friday 13 December to support with various key ‘guest facing’ roles.
28 November 2024
Upcoming planned outages on the University Wi-Fi, wired network and Data Centre
IT Services will be carrying out a series of essential maintenance activities on the University network and Data Centre during December.
28 November 2024
Loughborough lecturer says construction industry can learn from downfall of music-sharing giant
A Loughborough University lecturer believes the construction industry can learn from the downfall of a music-sharing platform more than 20 years ago.
28 November 2024
Don't forget to visit the Christmas Craft Fair
Indulge in a festive celebration of creativity from staff and students from across the University who will be showcasing and selling their handmade products, making it a great opportunity to purchase those last-minute gifts for your loved ones.
28 November 2024
Research reveals health risks caused by swimmers’ core body temperatures during open water competitions
A study led by Loughborough University has revealed divergent challenges caused by swimmers’ core body temperatures during elite open water swimming competitions.
28 November 2024
Staff Experience Survey Drop-in Sessions
The University is running drop-in sessions for all staff, particularly those without regular access to a computer, to support completion of the Staff Experience Survey.
27 November 2024
Experts in Sport: The long-term problems of sports participation and how to solve them
In the latest Experts in Sport podcast, host Martin Foster is joined by Professor Paul Downward to discuss the UK’s low levels of sport participation.
27 November 2024
Joy: the story of IVF shows how women’s health and scientific contributions haven’t be taken seriously
Watching the Netflix film Joy has been a hugely emotional experience for me. The film is the story of the scientific endeavour to figure out in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) and the first baby to be born this way, Louise Joy Brown on 25 July 1978 at Oldham General Hospital in Manchester.
27 November 2024
Upcoming Student Wellbeing Drop-in sessions
With exam season approaching, Student Services are running Wellbeing Drop-in sessions, held at Pilkington Library from 11am-2pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
27 November 2024
Join the University Choir for their annual Christmas Concert
Come along for a festive evening of music from the University Choir plus musicians from LSU Classical.
27 November 2024
Papin Prizes now open for nominations
The national awards that recognise and celebrate the work of technicians in higher education are now open for 2025 nominations, with a new award for Apprentice and another for Sustainability announced.
27 November 2024
How much for cash? Why the informal economy is bad for business, consumers and society
Who hasn’t heard someone ask, “How much for cash?” While it may seem harmless, research reveals such demands contribute to a growing culture of informality in business.
26 November 2024
Celebrating six years of Dunelm supporting new Loughborough University students
For the sixth consecutive year, Dunelm has partnered with the University to provide tailored starter packs for students in need.
26 November 2024
Visit LU Arts at Loughborough University London
Join LU Arts at Loughborough University London to see how you can get involved in the arts and do something creative in your spare time.
25 November 2024
Celebrate with the Chaplaincy at this year’s University Carol Service
The University Chaplaincy invites staff, students, and alumni to the annual University Carol Service.
25 November 2024
Reminder: Win £1,000 with Santander’s Brighter Futures Grants Programme
After its popularity last year, Loughborough University are working with Santander again to offer students the opportunity to win £1,000 to support their studies and empower them to reach their goals.
25 November 2024
Dr Kinga Morsanyi appointed Reform Scholar
Dr Kinga Morsanyi, Reader in Mathematical Cognition in the School of Science, has been appointed as a Reform Scholar – a network of early-to-mid career academics who explore the public policy implications of their research.
25 November 2024
Notice of downtime on the University Wi-Fi and wired network - Wednesday 27 November
On the morning of Wednesday 27 November, IT Services will be carrying out essential maintenance on the campus firewalls.