New programme of work during the pause in REF 2029 – UKRI

Research England welcomes the pause in the development of Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2029 for a short period to take stock and ensure alignment with the UK government’s priorities and vision for higher education. REF response Research England will work closely with colleagues in the devolved funding bodies and engage further with the sector to finalise […]

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Further investment in NCUB university-business collaboration – UKRI

Research England has committed to support the National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB) in its delivery of their 2025 to 2029 ‘forward plan’. This new round of funding reflects continued commitment to strengthening collaboration across the research and innovation system. Supporting growth through collaboration Stronger collaboration between universities and businesses is central to realising […]

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New mechanism found in protein that gives blood its red colour – UKRI

The findings challenge decades of scientific assumptions and provide new insights into fundamental biological processes. Scientists have discovered that carbon monoxide (CO) separates from haemoglobin through at least two distinct steps, overturning the long-held belief that this process occurs in a single event. Haemoglobin discovery challenges assumptions The research, published in Nature Communications, represents the […]

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International collaboration doubles detection of cosmic collisions – UKRI

An international team of researchers has announced a significant advancement in gravitational-wave astronomy, with the detection of 128 new cosmic collisions involving black holes and neutron stars. This discovery more than doubles the number of known gravitational-wave events and marks a major milestone in our understanding of the Universe. The findings come from the latest […]

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Wildfire chemical toxic to humans lingers longer in clouds – UKRI

The study was carried out by researchers from the University of Bristol and the Central Laser Facility at the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). The finding explains why 2,4-Dinitrophenol (DNP), a chemical compound toxic to plants, animals and humans, can remain active in the atmosphere for longer periods than previously understood. This persistence may […]

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James Webb Space Telescope reveals cosmic butterfly’s secrets – UKRI

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has unveiled unprecedented details of one of the galaxy’s most spectacular stellar phenomena, revealing the hidden heart of the Butterfly Nebula for the first time. Located 3,400 light-years away in the constellation Scorpius, the famous Butterfly Nebula has captivated astronomers with its distinctive wing-like structure. However, its ancient central […]

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Engineered ‘superfood’ boosts bee colony growth – UKRI

The research, supported by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), found that colonies fed with the supplement reared up to 15 times more larvae than those on conventional diets. The power of collaboration Led by Professor Geraldine Wright of the University of Oxford and Dr Elynor Moore, formerly of the University of Oxford, […]

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New study finds hidden body fat is linked to faster heart ageing – UKRI

Ageing is the biggest risk factor for heart disease but why some people age faster than others isn’t fully understood. The scientists leading the research say that visceral body fat could play an important role in accelerating ageing of the heart and blood vessels. This type of fat is known to be harmful to health […]

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How can we use the power of data to make streets safer? – UKRI

The Safer Streets research and development (R&D) mission, part of UKRI’s Research and Development Missions Accelerator Programme (R&D MAP), is launching its first initiative, the Concentrations of Crime Data R&I Challenge. This challenge, backed by a new £4 million investment, will fund research to explore how advanced data analysis can inform more effective crime prevention […]

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Cheaper and more accurate test to diagnose milk allergy in children – UKRI

The basophil activation test (BAT) is more accurate than standard allergy tests for detecting cow’s milk allergy in children and could reduce the need for oral food challenges in allergy diagnosis. The study, which was funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC), was led by researchers from: King’s College London Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS […]

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