2025

Breakthrough approach for diagnosing TB could significantly improve detection

A new strategy for tuberculosis (TB) screening, proposed by a team of researchers led by Queen Mary University of London, provides a solution to problems with current TB screening, which does not always accurately detect disease.

Why History Matters: Highlights from History East – A Festival of History

Last month, Queen Mary University of London hosted History East: A Festival of History, a public celebration of the ways that history continues to shape literature, politics and culture.

BlackRock, Vanguard and State Street are the real power behind Big Oil’s climate retreat, report finds

A small group of powerful investment firms is quietly fuelling the global oil industry’s retreat from climate targets, according to a new report published today by the Centre for Climate Crime and Climate Justice at Queen Mary University of London.

Venice Biennale 2025: New details revealed for British Pavilion co-curated by Professor Kathryn Yusoff

Further details have been announced for the British Pavilion at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition at La Biennale di Venezia 2025, where Professor Kathryn Yusoff from Queen Mary University of London is one of four curators leading the UK’s contribution.

Professor Bailey speaks at QS Summit in China

Professor Helen Bailey, Vice Principal International at Queen Mary University of London, chaired a high-profile panel discussion focused on innovation and higher education across the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) on Wednesday 9 April in Chengdu.  

New study reveals critical gaps in insect biodiversity research

Researchers propose a unified framework to monitor and protect insect biodiversity amid growing concerns over global declines

Blog: Queen Mary University of London graduates off to a flying start

Stephanie Marshall is Vice-Principal (Education) at Queen Mary University of London. She is the author of the forthcoming Strategic Leadership of Change in Higher Education (3rd edition) and a Senior Non-Resident Fellow in the Global Education and Innovation section. Here she talks about graduate attributes in light of UUK’s new report.  

Blog: Babe at 30: why this much-loved film is one of the best cinematic translations of a children’s book

Kiera Vaclavik, Professor of Children's Literature & Childhood Culture in the School of Arts at Queen Mary University of London has written for 'The Conversation' on why 'Babe' is one of the best cinematic translations of a children’s book.

Blog: Land reparations are possible − and over 225 US communities are already working to make amends for slavery and colonization

Elsa Noterman, Senior Lecturer in Human Geography at the School of Geography, Queen Mary University of London, along with Sara Safransky, Associate Professor in the Department of Human and Organizational Development at Vanderbilt University, and Madeleine Lewis, Doctoral Student in the same department, have written for The Conversation on how land reparations are possible.

Blog: Inner London residents told me their food waste problems – composting definitely isn’t the answer

Sayed Elhoushy, Senior Lecturer in Marketing in the School of Business and Management at Queen Mary University of London has written for 'The Conversation' on Inner London residents food waste problems.

Professor Sir Mark Caulfield elected member of the Medical Research Council

Professor Caulfield, Vice-Principal (Health) at Queen Mary, joins twelve other senior figures from health, science, and medicine on the Council.

Testing patients for just three genes could help prevent three quarters of avoidable side effects of certain medications

A new study from Queen Mary University of London found that 9% of all adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reported to the UK medicines regulator are associated with medications where side effect risk is partly dependent on patient’s genes. Of this subset of ADRs, 75% were associated with only three genes that impact how the body processes medication. Genetic testing before prescribing could therefore help avoid ADRs in these cases. 

Heritage science takes centre stage in Bhutan

International collaboration brings innovative conservation techniques to Bhutanese museums

Blog: Modern spacesuits have a compatibility problem. Astronauts’ lives depend on fixing it

Berna Akcali Gur, Convenor of Outer Space Law in the School of Law (CCLS) at Queen Mary University of London has written for 'The Conversation' on the legal and safety implications of non-standardised spacesuit systems in human spaceflight.

Underfunding may contribute to higher mortality for patients in Latin America receiving surgery

An international study of the health outcomes of people receiving surgery across 17 Latin American countries found 1 in 7 developed significant complications leading to longer hospital stays and a greater risk of death.

Blog: How US foreign aid cuts are threatening independent media in former Soviet states

Jeremy Hicks, Professor of Russian Culture and Film in the School of the Arts at Queen Mary University of London has written for 'The Conversation' on how US foreign aid cuts are threatening independent media in former Soviet states.

Blog: Rachel Reeves needs to change the record

Tim Bale, Professor of Politics in the School of Politics and international Relations at Queen Mary University of London has written on the recent Spring Statement 2025 presented by The Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves.

Blog: Why lived experience is so important: a review of Patient and Public involvement in health research

Heather Mah from the Wolfson Institute of Population Health has conducted a review of Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in health research in the UK. In her scoping review, she critically examined how PPI benefits both people with lived experience and researchers, and on the impact taking part can have on participants.

Blog: How animals shape the planet in surprising ways

Gemma Harvey Professor of Physical Geography, in the School of Geography at Queen Mary University of London has written for 'The Conversation' on how animals shape the planet in surprising ways

New report highlights the role of community engagement in reducing health inequalities for Black African and Black Caribbean communities in the UK

The report by the Partnership for Black People’s Health (PBPH) highlights the urgent need for culturally appropriate health interventions, a demand for greater representation, and the necessity for Black-led initiatives within healthcare. 

Biologists discover ancient neurohormone that controls appetite

A team of biologists at Queen Mary University of London has discovered that a neurohormone controlling appetite in humans has an ancient evolutionary origin, dating back over half a billion years.

Queen Mary research leads the way in tackling tuberculosis

Researchers at Queen Mary are building on many years of ground-breaking studies into tuberculosis (TB) to reveal new insights into this disease and its long-term effects.

Blog: Ukraine deal: Europe has learned from the failed 2015 Minsk accords with Putin. Trump has not

Natalya Chernyshova, Senior Lecturer in Modern European History in the School of History at Queen Mary University of London has written for 'The Conversation' on how Europe has learned from the failed 2015 Minsk accords with Putin. Trump has not.

Blog: Cutting welfare goes against Labour’s core values – that’s the point

Tim Bale, Professor of Politics in the School of Politics and International Relations at Queen Mary University of London, has written for The Conversation on how cutting welfare goes against Labour’s core values.

New report analyses refugee resilience and hostility in Cairo

A new report, The Refugee Influx from Syria and Sudan in Cairo: An Analysis of the Dynamics of Resilience, Hospitality and Hostility, examines the complex realities faced by Syrian and Sudanese refugees in Egypt’s capital.

Climate change fuelling mental health crisis in areas most affected by climate crisis

Young people in southern Madagascar are facing a mental health crisis driven by the devastating impacts of climate change.

UK-led breakthrough offers path to stable, low-cost solar hydrogen production

A collaborative team of researchers from Imperial College London and Queen Mary University of London has achieved a significant milestone in sustainable energy technology, as detailed in their latest publication in Nature Energy.

Blog: Keir Starmer’s civil service reforms: what is mission-led government and why is it so hard to achieve?

Patrick Diamond, Professor in Public Policy at the School of Politics and International Relations, Queen Mary University of London has written for 'The Conversation' on Keir Starmer’s civil service reforms.

Double Success for Queen Mary at LexisNexis Legal Awards 2025

Queen Mary claims victory in two categories at highly regarded event within the UK legal sector. 

Improved emergency and critical care could save lives of critically ill patients in Africa

An international study of acute hospitals across Africa found a large and neglected burden of critical illness, and a high incidence of preventable deaths due to issues with the provision of basic critical care. 

What do pesticides do to bumble bee brains over time?

New research reveals how pesticide dose and exposure time shape effects on bumble bee brains.

New study reveals significant cost disparities and information gaps in UK fertility treatments

Patients call for greater transparency as costs soar and trust in information sources varies

Blog: Workplace childcare key to closing gender gaps, says Queen Mary economist

Employer-provided childcare can significantly reduce the “child penalty” that many women face in their careers, according to research presented by Anna Raute, at an event marking International Women’s Day.

The quest for room-temperature superconductors

In a new development that could help redefine the future of technology, a team of physicists has uncovered a fundamental insight into the upper limit of superconducting temperature. 

The art of well-being: group activities shown to ease depression and anxiety in older adults

A new study led by Queen Mary University of London researchers, reveals that group arts interventions – such as painting, music, or dance – can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety among older adults. The findings, published in Nature Mental Health, offer a compelling case for the benefits of shared creative activities. 

Gravity from entropy: A radical new approach to unifying quantum mechanics and general relativity

In a new study published in Physical Review D, Professor Ginestra Bianconi, Professor of Applied Mathematics at Queen Mary University of London, proposes a groundbreaking new framework that could revolutionise our understanding of gravity and its relationship with quantum mechanics.

London’s ULEZ is changing the school run

A new study highlights the benefits of ULEZ with many families noticing cleaner air and safer roads. However, it also reveals challenges, particularly for those living in outer boroughs who are more reliant on the car and may struggle to adapt.

From height to health: largest global genetic study reveals hidden risks and benefits linked to stature

New genetic links have been discovered between genetically-predicted height and an individual’s likelihood of developing a range of diseases and conditions. These new data could help improve early diagnosis and risk monitoring for patients.

Queen Mary University of London expands partnerships across Southeast Asia

Queen Mary is forging new academic, government, and industry collaborations across Southeast Asia. A high-level delegation, led by Professor Helen Bailey, Vice-Principal International, recently visited Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore to strengthen partnerships that drive innovation, workforce development, and economic growth in the region.

Landmark study finds 69 previously unidentified genetic determinants of rare disease

The breakthrough research led by Queen Mary University of London uses a new analytical approach for identifying the genetic basis of rare diseases, which could diagnose more cases and help develop new treatments for patients. 

Study reveals early dementia symptoms may vary across different ethnicities

People from different ethnic backgrounds may report physical symptoms rather than purely cognitive difficulties, leading to delays in the diagnosis of dementia. 

Queen Mary University of London becomes the first London Russell Group university to offer SQE preparation as part of an LLM

Queen Mary University of London's School of Law has announced the combination of their prestigious Master of Laws (LLM) programmes with Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) preparation in partnership with legal education company, BARBRI.

Queen Mary University of London opens one of Europe’s largest organ-on-a-chip facilities

The new facility will advance drug testing, reduce reliance on animal research, and train the next generation of scientists.

What does it mean to be free? Quentin Skinner’s latest book explores liberty’s shifting ideals

Liberty as Independence: The Making and Unmaking of a Political Ideal examines how ideas of freedom have evolved and what has been lost in the process.

Groundbreaking study reveals how topology drives complexity in brain, climate, and AI

Study introduces higher-order topological dynamics, unlocking new frontiers in science and technology

Blog: Censorship, abortion and the ‘threat within’: what a free speech expert thinks of J.D. Vance’s remarks to Europe

Eric Heinze, Professor of Law and Humanities, in the School of Law at Queen Mary University of London has written for 'The Conversation' on J.D. Vance’s remarks to Europe

A Night of Science and Engineering: exploring Tomorrow’s World at Queen Mary

Queen Mary University of London's third annual Night of Science and Engineering brought together leading industry partners, researchers, academics, policymakers, and the public for an evening of discovery, innovation, and collaboration. 

Almost 90% of people would agree to genetic testing to tailor medication use, survey finds

New research from Queen Mary University of London shows that almost 90% of people in England would agree to genetic testing to get the most effective medication and reduce the risk of side effects.

Queen Mary PhD student contributed to the new generative AI model in gameplay creativity

Study led by Microsoft Research introduces World and Human Action Model (WHAM), a cutting-edge generative AI model enhancing creative ideation in game development

New dementia care programme could save NHS £9,000 per person

The NIDUS-Family package of care uses goal setting to help people with dementia live well at home for longer. New research from Queen Mary University of London in collaboration with UCL shows that, in addition to these known benefits, NIDUS-Family also reduces the costs associated with providing support to people with dementia.

Animals as architects of the Earth: First global study reveals their surprising impact

Led by Professor Gemma Harvey, the study uncovers how animals from beaver dams to termite mounds are shaping the planet in extraordinary ways

Exploring London’s forgotten cockney Yiddish culture: A new podcast

Launched today, this podcast hosted by Queen Mary historians Professor Nadia Valman and Dr Vivi Lachs explores the fascinating intersections of Cockney and Yiddish cultures, uncovering lost voices, music, and radical stories from London’s Jewish East End.

Queen Mary University of London co-leads £43.6m initiative to accelerate AI-powered cancer breakthroughs

Queen Mary University of London will co-lead a ground-breaking collaboration that aims to harness cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and unlock decades of NHS cancer data. Today, the UK government is committing £18.9 million to the project, bringing the total investment to £43.6 million when combined with contributions from charities, industry partners, and public research organisations. 

Disruption of a single amino acid in a cellular protein makes breast cancer cells behave like stem cells

New research led by Queen Mary’s Institute of Dentistry has found that changes to the intermediate filament (IF) protein, vimentin, were found to promote tumour growth. 

New treatment offers quick cure for common cause of high blood pressure

A revolutionary new treatment called Targeted Thermal Therapy (Triple T) offers a safer, faster alternative to surgery for patients with high blood pressure caused by Primary Aldosteronism, a hormonal disorder. 

Queen Mary's Institute of Dentistry receives Athena Swan silver award

The award recognises the Institute's continuing commitment and achievements in gender equality.

Queen Mary University host world’s first Children’s AI summit

On Tuesday 4 February, Queen Mary University of London co-hosted the world’s first children’s artificial intelligence (AI) summit.  

Professor Ian Curran joins the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry as the new Dean for Education

Professor Curran will bring a wealth of international experience to the role, affirming the Faculty’s place at the forefront of medical education.

Blog: DeepSeek, Nvidia and the AI race that’s shaping the future

Daniele D'Alvia, Lecturer in Banking and Finance Law at Queen Mary University of London, has written for The Conversation on how investor speculation is shaping the AI competition between DeepSeek and Nvidia.

Queen Mary University of London Principal says, “universities must equip students to bridge the gap with industry”

Professor Colin Bailey CBE, President and Principal of Queen Mary University of London, joined an expert panel at the 2025 QS India Summit  for Higher Education in Goa on Wednesday, 29 January 2025.

Queen Mary University of London awarded AHRC funding to support PhD research in arts and humanities

Queen Mary University of London has been awarded an Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Doctoral Landscape Award, securing funding to support PhD research in arts and humanities.

Professor Nikos Donos awarded Fellowship in Dental Surgery in hominem at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh

Professor Nikolaos Donos was elected at a meeting of the Council of the College in November 2024.

Blog: Workplace diversity schemes have a problem – but that doesn’t mean Trump is right to axe them

Louise Ashley, Associate Professor and IHSS Fellow in the School of Business and Management at Queen Mary University of London has written for 'The Conversation' on Trump axing programmes of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)

Blog: Joan Plowright – a leading actress in British theatre’s post-war class revolution

Jen Harvie, Professor of Contemporary Theatre and Performance in the School of the arts at Queen Mary University of London has written for 'The Conversation' on Dame Joan Plowright

Queen Mary welcomes new Royal Society URF awardee to lead exoplanet research project

Dr Andrew Winter has been awarded £1.8 million grant from the Royal Society’s University Research Fellowship (URF) programme. He will join Queen Mary’s School of Physical and Chemical Sciences in April and lead a groundbreaking project investigating the influence of neighbouring stars on planetary system formation. 

Queen Mary to share in £10m funding for Cancer Data Driven Detection Programme (CD3)

The programme, funded by Cancer Research UK and partners, will create new tools using AI and state-of-the-art analytics to advance cancer early detection and prevention.

Professor Julia Hippisley-Cox appointed as Professor of Clinical Epidemiology and Predictive Medicine

Queen Mary University of London is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Julia Hippisley-Cox as the inaugural Professor of Clinical Epidemiology and Predictive Medicine in the Wolfson Institute of Population Health. She will join the University from the beginning of February.

Creative industry workers feel job worth and security under threat from AI

New findings from Queen Mary University of London show that people working in creative industries are worried their jobs are under threat from artificial intelligence (AI) and are calling for improved regulation around its use in creative fields

Blog: Deepfakes and the Law: Why Britain needs stronger protections against technology-facilitated abuse

As the UK moves to outlaw sexually explicit deepfakes, Professor Julia Hörnle examines the urgent need for stronger legal protections

Queen Mary University of London to lead £1.8M study looking at AI in emergency care

The University will lead the study which aims to support clinical decision-making with AI insights to enhance emergency life-saving care. 

Blog: Dr John Ford: How machine learning can inform impactful policies to improve health equity

Dr John Ford is a Senior Clinical Lecturer in Health Equity in Queen Mary’s Wolfson Institute of Population Health. This week, Dr Ford joins Evidence Week in Parliament to demonstrate how ‘Living Evidence Maps’ can help policy makers find the high-impact ideas within large bodies of evidence.

Pesticide impacts on bees more complex than expected

A new study shows distinct effects of neonicotinoid pesticide exposure in different bumble bee body parts, explaining why pesticides have diverse harmful effects and highlighting the need for more sensitive safety testing.

Queen Mary academic contributes to groundbreaking study on Nord Stream methane emissions

A new study published in Nature reveals the staggering scale of methane emissions caused by the 2022 Nord Stream subsea pipeline explosions.

Blog: Professor Maria Liakata: How to make AI work for the public good

This comment, authored by Professor Maria Liakata, Professor of Natural Language Processing, explores the opportunities and challenges associated with the large-scale deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across public services in the UK.

Late-life depression could be an early indicator of dementia

A new study examining the connection between depression and dementia provides critical insights into how depression might be both a risk factor for and an early sign of dementia.

Breakthrough study reveals the secrets behind cordierite’s anomalous thermal expansion

Queen Mary University of London researchers uncover new insights into a high-performance material

New fossil discovery sheds light on the early evolution of animal nervous systems

Groundbreaking research uncovers the origins of the ventral nerve cord in early moulting animals

UK Biobank launches the world’s largest protein study to unlock new medical breakthroughs

Research led by Queen Mary’s Professor Claudia Langenberg and her team has helped to prove the effectiveness of large-scale protein studies using UK Biobank data to understand disease 

Queen Mary launches new spinout Elcella to provide natural alternative to weight-loss drugs

Queen Mary University of London has launched a new spinout company, Elcella, founded by Dr Madusha Peiris and Dr Rubina Aktar. Their unique nutrient-based appetite suppressant stimulates your body’s natural ability to control your eating – based on a decade of scientific research.

Doctors warn against fluid therapy approach in surgery after global trial

A major study aiming to improve outcomes from higher risk operations has ruled out a fluid therapy approach during surgery.

Blog: Can AI and sustainability co-exist?

Professor Cédric John, Head of Data Science for the Environment and Sustainability, considers the impact of AI on sustainability.

Surprising ‘two-faced’ cancer gene role supports paradigm shift in predicting disease

A genetic fault long believed to drive the development of oesophageal cancer may in fact play a protective role early in the disease.  

New protocol for testing self-collected samples for cervical screening could reduce the need for clinician sampling in many cases

A new protocol for the analysis of self-collected cervical samples could reduce the need for follow-up clinician screening for many women, and result in more rapid referral for gynaecology assessment for others. This could improve cervical cancer screening procedures in the NHS.