College of Arts and Law's most read news stories in 2025
2025 was filled with exciting research stories and announcements in Arts and Law – here are the ones you read the most.
1. The Birmingham Qur’an: an ancient manuscript forging modern day connection - 10 years ago, the University’s discovery of one of the world’s oldest fragments of the Qur’an made international headlines. Since then, the Qur'an fragments have been the centre of technical study and community outreach, bringing the incredible discovery to the people of Birmingham.
2. Moroccan Ambassador ‘meets’ historic predecessor on campus - In January, The Moroccan Ambassador to the UK visited the Barber Institute of Fine Arts and viewed the renowned Portrait of Abd el-Ouahed ben Messaoud ben Mohammed Anoun. It is the earliest known British painting of a Muslim figure, and was said to be the inspiration for Shakespeare’s Othello.
3. Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet Carlos Acosta receives honorary degree - Ballet superstar Carlos Acosta CBE was awarded honorary degree in the University of Birmingham’s Summer 2025 graduations.
4. Stories for the future: the role of the arts in facing the challenges of climate change - Professor John Holmes launched a new policy brief outlining how COP30 and the wider environmental community can harness the power of the creative arts and industries to tackle climate change. The policy brief was backed by an open letter signed by more than 200 academics, actors, authors, and public figures calling for the cultural sector to have a prominent role in the fight against the climate crisis.
5. Exploring the intricate relationship between heritage and wellbeing - Dr Faye Sayer, Director of the International Centre for Heritage and Dr Francesco Ripanti, Assistant Professor in Heritage and History, are both leading groundbreaking research projects to understand the social value of heritage. Their work explores the importance of heritage spaces in individual and communal wellbeing.
6. CreaTech Frontiers launch unlocks first round of £250,000 funding for West Midlands creative - CreaTech Frontiers brings £7.2 million in funding for creative SMEs in the West Midlands, facilitated by a consortium of universities including the University of Birmingham. May saw the launch of the first funding pot of £250,000.
7. UK Palestine state recognition – what does recognition mean legally? - In July, The UK Government announced its intention to recognise Palestine as a state. Professor Alexander Orakhelashvili, Professor of International Law, explained what this decisions meant from a legal perspective.
8. New project launched to explore communication about FGM in the West Midlands - Professor Jeannette Littlemore, Professor of Linguistics and Communication, launched a new project bringing together charities, local authorities, and academics to explore language used to discuss FGM in the West Midlands. The project aims to improve the language used to discuss and raise awareness of FGM in West Midlands communities.
9. From heavy metal to high art: Celebrating our 125th anniversary with Black Sabbath – The Ballet - In June, the University of Birmingham partnered with Birmingham Royal Ballet for a reception in the U.S. ahead of a landmark performance of Black Sabbath – The Ballet.
10 - Professor Rilka Dragneva-Lewers appointed Dean of Birmingham Law School - The Birmingham Law School welcomed its new Dean in October, Professor Rilka Dragneva-Lewers.
