// University News
30 January 2025
Upcoming wellbeing sessions for students
Student Services are running a variety of events throughout February to support your wellbeing. Topics covered include how to manage anxiety, the importance of self-care and techniques to improve your sleep.
29 January 2025
International students: Get creative and connect with others
Create and Connect is a series of fortnightly sessions designed specifically for international students at Loughborough University. It’s a chance to come together and do something creative in your spare time while getting to know fellow students in a safe and welcoming space.
29 January 2025
New research will tackle the global threat of antimicrobial resistance
A Loughborough University-backed research project investigating the development of new treatments for drug-resistant bacterial infections is set to launch.
29 January 2025
Half price tickets for staff and students for Leicester Riders semi final game
Loughborough University have enjoyed a longstanding partnership with Leicester Riders Basketball for many years. As part of the relationship, they are offering half-price tickets to all Loughborough University staff and students for their men’s semi-final game against Surry 89ers on Sunday 9 February at 3pm at the Mattioli Area Leicester.
29 January 2025
Essential maintenance: University campus Wi-Fi and wired network – Thursday 30 January
On Thursday 30 January between 8am-12pm , IT Services will be carrying out essential maintenance. It is likely there will be a level of disruption to the campus network at some point during the morning, though we will aim to keep this to a minimum.
27 January 2025
Waste management success and upcoming changes at Loughborough
The Sustainability team is pleased to report that the annual waste tonnage saw a sizeable decrease in the academic year 2023/24. In 2023/24 1,524 tonnes of waste was produced compared to 1,947 tonnes in 2022/23. Excluding years affected by COVID-19, this is the lowest amount on record.
27 January 2025
Explore, learn, and connect at the Spring Careers Fest
The Careers Network are excited to announce the return of their Spring Careers Fest, a four-week programme of events designed to help you on your career journey.
24 January 2025
Join The Conversation – online workshop
Academics and Doctoral Researchers are invited to attend an online training session with The Conversation blogging platform on Wednesday 29 January, from 2 - 4pm.
23 January 2025
Taking Action: Take part in this year’s Race Equality Week and join us at the upcoming Anti-Racism Symposium
From 3-9 February 2025, the University will mark Race Equality Week, an annual UK-wide movement organised by Race Equality Matters. Organisations partnered with Race Equality Matters are set a challenge to create lasting change whilst making participation engaging and easy for their communities.
23 January 2025
Make a new year resolution for 2025: Learn Japanese
We are offering an in-person Japanese course for beginners, open to anyone aged 18 and over at Loughborough University.
23 January 2025
Short stay parking trial at the Swimming Pool car park
From 3 February 2025, an area of the Swimming Pool car park (highlighted in the image below) will be reserved to allow parking for a maximum period of two hours.
23 January 2025
Launch of our new grant management system, Worktribe
The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) are excited to announce the launch of Worktribe; our new grant management system for staff which will go live on Tuesday 11 February.
23 January 2025
Loughborough’s research into living standards secures four more years of funding from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation
Loughborough’s Centre for Research in Social Policy (CRSP) has secured a further four-year partnership with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) to continue its work defining socially acceptable standards of living.
23 January 2025
Reminder: Sport offers for staff at the Loughborough campus
Staff sport sessions are available to book onto each week using the Loughborough Sport app (under ‘Book’ and then ‘Staff Sport’).
23 January 2025
Deadline is approaching to nominate individuals for Honorary Awards
All members of the Loughborough University community can nominate exceptional individuals to receive either the University Medal or an Honorary Degree.
22 January 2025
Loughborough student secures £200k investment for exciting tech start-up
A final-year undergraduate student at Loughborough University has secured a £200k investment for his start-up company, BidScript, a business co-founded with his childhood friend.
22 January 2025
Department applications open for fully funded Talent Match summer internships
After successfully launching the Talent Match summer internships across Schools and Departments last year, the Careers Network will be running the programme once again this summer.
22 January 2025
Processed red meat isn’t just bad for your heart, it’s also associated with dementia
Less red meat is good for the planet and a growing number of people have started the new year resolving to pursue a meat-free diet.
21 January 2025
Loughborough input could lead to nationwide heat-pump roll out
Input from Loughborough University could lead to an increasing number of heat-pumps being installed in homes across the country – reducing our reliance on boilers.
20 January 2025
Next generation computers: new wiring material could transform chip technology
The rapid technological advancements of our world have been enabled by our capacity to design and fabricate ever smaller electronic chips. These underpin computers, mobile phones and every smart device deployed to date.
20 January 2025
Lesley Davis
We are saddened to inform you of the sudden death of our past colleague and, for many of us a friend, of Lesley Davis.
20 January 2025
The Trump revolution: where it came from and where it’s going
As Donald Trump prepares for his inauguration, the world is preparing for the beginning of the second Trump Revolution. Trump’s second term will be very different from his first, when his powers were more limited and restrained. In 2016 he did not win a majority of the popular vote.
17 January 2025
How the UK’s plans for AI could derail net zero – the numbers explained
The UK government’s goal to increase public-controlled artificial intelligence computing power twentyfold by 2030 would significantly raise electricity demand. Can renewable energy supply meet it – and still have enough left over to electrify sectors like heating and transport, which must be fully decarbonised by 2050?
17 January 2025
The University partners with Loughborough Wellbeing Centre and launches 12-week Provision
Loughborough University has partnered with Loughborough Wellbeing Centre which provides a safe and supportive environment and runs a range of activities to support people's mental health in Charnwood and beyond.
17 January 2025
Staff and doctoral researchers: Do you use assistive or accessibility software?
The rollout of the Windows 11 upgrade to staff and doctoral researchers is now underway and is being managed by invitation.
17 January 2025
Lightning step up preparations ahead of season opener
Loughborough Lightning’s Wheelchair Basketball side’s quest for a fourth straight title will begin on Saturday 18 January with a trip to Worcester Wolves (tip-off, 5 pm).
17 January 2025
Israel/Hamas ceasefire
Whilst the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is to be welcomed, we recognise that violence in the region may continue. Many in our university community will continue to be profoundly concerned and affected by the ongoing conflict and the experience of uncertainty, loss and trauma.
16 January 2025
Cancer: microscopic beams of radiation could be a better way to treat tumours, according to studies in animals
Radiotherapy has been a cornerstone of cancer treatment for decades, offering a targeted approach to treat tumours. Yet, as effective as it is, it often causes unwanted damage to neighbouring healthy tissues – which can lead to many side-effects.
16 January 2025
Loughborough University partners with Charnwood Forest Geopark to drive research and community engagement
A few weeks ago, Loughborough University proudly announced a new partnership with the Charnwood Forest Geopark. This landmark agreement opens the door for exciting collaborative research and community engagement opportunities.
16 January 2025
Health research funding confirmed
Millions of pounds of government cash to help carry out wide-ranging research to identify the health needs for people in Leicestershire has been confirmed.
16 January 2025
Whatuni Student Choice Awards: Review Loughborough University for the chance to win £100
If you haven’t already, don’t forget to review Loughborough University for this year’s Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCA).
16 January 2025
University briefing about UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship Scheme
The 10th Round of the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship scheme will open on 3 February 2025.
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.