Research news

All the latest research news, discoveries and breakthroughs


Helen Lau to join University of Birmingham as Director of Business Engagement and Research Impact

Helen Lau
Description:
Helen Lau will lead the University’s business engagement and research impact activities to further enhance our world-leading research and innovation.
Date:
19 January 2024

Professor Cara Bailey appointed to new joint role at St Giles Hospice

Professor Cara Bailey with Dr Debbie Talbot, Medical Director at St Giles Hospice
Description:
Alongside her work at the University, Professor Bailey will work with St Giles two days a week to support the Hospice to build an enhanced research profile. 
Date:
12 January 2024

Birmingham team secure award for their excellence in research

Representatives for the STANDING Together team receiving the award
Description:
The University of Birmingham’s STANDING Together Team were recognised for their outstanding commitment to involving patients and the public in their work.
Date:
12 January 2024

Establishment of new research commissioning centre funded by £25 million FCDO investment

3ie 'announcement' graphic
Description:
FCDO will invest up to £25 million in the centre over the coming years to test and pilot approaches to commissioning research more effectively and efficiently.
Date:
10 January 2024

Combining anti-tumour drugs with chemo may improve rare children’s cancer outcomes

Neuroblastoma patient Abdullah who took part in the BEACON trial pictured alongside his father at a wedding
Description:
Phase 2 trial found adding Bevacizumab to different chemotherapy drugs led to more patients’ tumours shrinking, which has helped to change routine UK treatment.
Date:
09 January 2024

Long COVID increases costs of primary care consultations each year

Close up picture of a doctor taking notes by hand during an appointment
Description:
Data from almost a million patient healthcare records show at least £23m extra bill for GP appointments 12 weeks after Covid diagnosis
Date:
09 January 2024

82% of asthma hospitalisations not getting recommended two-day follow-up

A woman with short grey hair and purple jumper using an asthma inhaler and spacer
Description:
Epidemiological study shows significant numbers of asthma patients not receiving standard level of care, and worse for black patients
Date:
09 January 2024

New MA in Digital Media & Creative Industries launches at University of Birmingham

Young woman setting up a phone and ring light for recording.
Description:
On completion of the programme, postgraduates will possess a diverse set of transferable and industry-specific skills, including digital content creation.
Date:
08 January 2024

One in four e-scooter users admit riding under the influence

Black e-scooters and shadows on a pavement
Description:
Review of existing literature and West Midlands-based survey suggests that risk-taking behaviour may be contributing to higher numbers of rider injuries
Date:
21 December 2023

Birmingham joins partnership to increase diversity in community-led research

Hands in fists united in a circle shape.
Description:
The University of Birmingham’s NIHR infrastructures will help to identify gaps in community led research to help engage underrepresented groups.
Date:
20 December 2023

Finding and targeting a tumour’s sweet spot to eradicate aggressive form of leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia cells as seen under a microscope
Description:
Screening research found that removal of RUNX1 transcription factor and target gene could lead to network collapse and cancer cell death
Date:
20 December 2023

Can railways save nature (and Christmas)?

A turtle dove, sitting in a tree.
Description:
Nick Cork, PhD Researcher at the University of Birmingham, explores how the railways could help save the UK's biodiversity and Christmas.
Date:
19 December 2023

World first sustainable surgery research conference held

Surgeons reaching for medical implements
Description:
Launch of first ever global clinical trial testing safety of reusable surgical gowns and drapes
Date:
19 December 2023

Professor Amos Burke appointed Director of the Birmingham Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit

Amos Burke, wearing a blue suit.
Description:
Professor Amos Burke has been appointed as the new Director of the Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit, based at the University of Birmingham.
Date:
19 December 2023

Doctor Who festive specials linked to lower death rates

Promotional image for a Doctor Who christmas special featuring Matt Smith and Jenna Coleman
Description:
Study highlights the positive impact of doctors working over the festive period - may prompt broadcasters to air new Doctor Who episodes each year at Christmas
Date:
18 December 2023

Research Fellow receives five-year £706K Wellcome Trust Early-Career Award

Dr Sally Clayton
Description:
Dr Sally Clayton will study a novel pathway that becomes dysregulated in inflammatory diseases and how it controls the function in immune cells.
Date:
15 December 2023

Dr Chris Laoutaris elected to the Royal Historical Society

Dr Chris Laoutaris at his book signing at the 2023 Hay Festival this year.
Description:
University of Birmingham's Dr Chris Laoutaris, Associate Professor in Shakespeare, has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.
Date:
14 December 2023

Funding boost supports tackling bacterial infections worldwide through collaborative innovation

Bacteria
Description:
New funding, announced by the Medical Research Council, will support BactiVac, the Bacterial Vaccines Network as well as other global vaccine research.
Date:
12 December 2023

Health impacts of abuse more extensive than previously thought, research says

Doctor taking notes during a consultation with pateint lying down on a bed
Description:
Mental health and maternal health had strongest association following intimate partner violence and childhood sexual abuse
Date:
11 December 2023

Toolkit helps researchers develop more equitable and representative research

Hands of various ethnicities placed on table
Description:
People under-represented in trials could benefit from improved health prospects thanks to a new toolkit that will help make research more inclusive.
Date:
08 December 2023