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Wyedean leads “timeless” fairtrade project with Haworth school

Exploring Fairtrade on the doorstep was the theme behind a unique collaboration between a Haworth manufacturer and its local primary school. Wyedean Weaving, which celebrated its 60th anniversary last year, has opened its doors to Haworth Primary School pupils to help support their understanding of Fairtrade and global trade. Haworth – the first village to…

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Bradford wins ‘College of the Year’ at Edufuturists Awards

Bradford College has won a prestigious award recognising its groundbreaking use of digital technology to enhance student learning. The annual Edufuturists Awards are dedicated to those at the forefront of teaching and learning. At a special award ceremony in Manchester, Bradford College was announced ‘College of the Year’ in a highly competitive category. A group of…

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Leeds College of Building competes at ‘The Big Construction Diversity Challenge’

A team of Leeds College of Building (LCB) staff have competed in ‘The Big Construction Diversity Challenge’ for the first time. The annual event, held at Newark Showground, promotes the importance of equality, diversity, and inclusion in the construction industry today. Twenty teams participated, including prominent industry names such as Axis CLC, Worcester Bosch and…

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University of Bradford academic awarded historic honour by Royal College of General Practitioners

Professor Mahendra Patel becomes first pharmacist in England to receive RCGP Honorary Fellowship Professor Mahendra G Patel OBE, a distinguished academic pharmacist with deep-rooted ties to the University of Bradford, has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP)—the highest honour the medical College bestows on a non-GP and the…

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Sudha swaps Corrie cobbles and Virdee squabbles for campus

A former soap star says she is honoured to be named Artist-in-Residence at Theatre in The Mill, the University of Bradford’s arts organisation.  Sudha Bhuchar, who has starred in EastEnders and Coronation Street, will host masterclasses with district residents and stage performances of her solo show, Evening Conversations, as part of her residency, which helps…

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Leeds College of Building launches aspirational new branding and website

Leeds College of Building (LCB) has marked its 65th anniversary in education with refreshed branding and a new website. The rebrand launch follows 18 months of work with branding agency Born Communication to help find a way to better reflect a modern and inclusive construction industry workforce. The project involved months of planning and research, as well…

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New research-informed podcast series launched to help boost SME productivity

A new joint podcast series from Leeds Beckett University (LBU) and business support experts Exemplas is bringing research-led insights to business owners and policy makers – offering practical, real-world advice on how to drive productivity and sustainable growth. The six-part series of bite-sized, accessible episodes are focussed on what really makes a difference when it…

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Bradford cancer screening for South Asian women project hailed

A research project aimed at increasing the uptake of cancer screenings among South Asian Muslim women in Bradford by working with their male family members has been hailed a successful community engagement programme.  Developed in partnership with women in Bradford from the South Asian community, the Muslim Families Screening 4 Life project has seen researchers…

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Leeds College of Building Principal attends Construction Skills Mission Board at Westminster

Senior leaders from across construction and Government Ministers will launch the construction sector skills mission this week, to ensure the sector has the workforce it needs to deliver. The Construction Skills Mission Board will meet today, 26 June, to set a strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 workers a year by the end of the…

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Bradford Vice-Chancellor to retire to spend more time with family

University of Bradford Vice-Chancellor Professor Shirley Congdon is to retire at the end of 2025 to spend more time with her family.   Professor Congdon is the University’s eighth vice-chancellor and the first woman to hold the position, which she has held since August 2019.   Her legacy includes leading the University to four successive number one rankings…

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University nursery to remain open following consultation

The University of Bradford Nursery will remain open following consultation over its future.   The University announced a review of its early years’ service in March as part of a drive to save at least £16m in the next 12 months.  The consultation involved talks with staff, parents and carers, trade unions and other stakeholders.  Dave…

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Bradford City fans’ stories shared at stadium project

Bradford City AFC supporters’ memories of the club have been brought to life through an innovative virtual reality (VR)-inspired project from the University of Bradford. ‘Stories from Valley Parade’ has seen academics create a digital copy of the University of Bradford Stadium, traditionally known as Valley Parade, which people can explore through VR. The project…

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GSAL Principal wins national Headteacher of the Year award

The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) is delighted to announce that Principal, Sue Woodroofe, has been named Headteacher of the Year (Independent) at the Tes Schools Awards 2025. The awards ceremony, which took place in London on Friday 20 June, celebrates the very best in education across the UK’s state and independent sectors. Known as…

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Ranking success for University of Bradford

The University of Bradford has been 511 in the world and 47 in United Kingdom, according to the 22nd edition of the world’s most-consulted university rankings. The QS Word University Rankings 2026, released today by global higher education analyst Quacquarelli Symonds, sees University of Bradford move up 20 places from last year’s ranking of 531….

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Stark warnings about World War 3 from Soviet-era nuclear test site

“Brutal.” That’s how Dr Becky Alexis-Martin, from the University of Bradford, described her recent trip to  Kazakhstan to understand the long-term effects of four decades’ of nuclear testing.  Her comments are especially poignant given the current state of affairs in the Middle East, as the conflict between Israel and Iran ramps up and the threat…

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Pot shot for Bradford archaeology student

University of Bradford archaeology student Lucy Benoit has spoken about working with Time Team Online on a site where experts unearthed a rare Anglo-Saxon pot known as the Bromeswell Bucket. Time Team’s dig at Sutton Hoo, Suffolk revealed an Anglo-Saxon burial – Lucy was filmed for a live broadcast on YouTube, helping with the geophysical…

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Propolis: rise of the nutraceutical

It’s time we redefined our relationship with our immune systems. Consumers now look much more seriously at natural products in the context of mounting difficulties, dilemmas, side-effects and other problems with pharmaceuticals, particularly antibiotics. What consumers want is to move away from the folklore and witchcraft remedy process and thanks to our long-term collaboration with…

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Laughter, legacy and local pride: The Cryer officially opens at GSAL in honour of Barry Cryer

The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) marked the official opening of The Cryer on Saturday evening – a state-of-the-art performing arts centre and landmark investment in the arts at the school, named in honour of the late Barry Cryer (OL53), renowned comedian, writer and Leeds Grammar School (LGS) alumnus. The special launch event brought together…

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LBU Impact Series: Leeds Beckett research team partners with urgent care provider IC24 to tackle stress in NHS 111 call centres

A new research-driven collaboration between Leeds Beckett University and urgent and primary healthcare provider Integrated Care 24 (IC24) is using innovative technology and psychological science to improve staff wellbeing and reduce stress for NHS 111 call handlers. The three-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project, part-funded by UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) through Innovate UK, brings…

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Memories of Bradford City fire shared in new project

People will be invited to share their recollections of the 1985 Bradford City fire for a new project by the University of Bradford. Student Mia Coe will speak to survivors of the May 11, 1985 fire, friends and family of the 56 people who lost their lives, the emergency service workers who treated the 258…

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JB Priestley’s 1933 Wedgewood vase surfaces after 40 years

A vase decorated by JB Priestley in 1933 and sold at auction following his death in 1984 has been donated to the University of Bradford’s Special Collections.  The Wedgewood vase is recalled in the Bradford-born author’s 1934 work English Journey but disappeared into a private collection after his death. In his 1934 account, Priestley recalls visiting…

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Brighter classrooms, smaller bills: UK schools cut carbon and costs with Drax Foundation funding

Schools across the UK are taking the lead on important energy saving measures, reducing their carbon footprint and reaping the rewards where it matters most, in the classroom. Over £1.5 million worth of investment from the Drax Foundation has enabled 27 schools across the country to slash their carbon emissions, saving thousands on energy bills…

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Leeds Beckett University celebrates reaccreditation of prestigious Small Business Charter Award

Leeds Beckett University has been reaccredited after a recent assessment, recognising the ongoing impact of its work supporting small businesses, student entrepreneurship and local economic growth. The award, granted by the Charter Association of Business Schools and the Small Business Charter, places Leeds Beckett among a select group of UK universities acknowledged for their deep…

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College’s £17m building hits milestone as steel frame completed

The four-storey steel frame of Bradford College’s new £17 million building is now in place—marking a key step in transforming the Thornton Road site. Led by Morgan Sindall, the new Junction Mills building will offer students specialist training in motor vehicle, advanced electrical, hybrid and hydrogen technologies, vital in supporting the growth of low-carbon skills…

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Bradford to open joint college with university in China

The University of Bradford has announced a new international joint college with one of China’s leading research technology universities.  The Yangzhou University–University of Bradford Joint College of Advanced Manufacturing will welcome its first students in September 2025.  Based entirely in China, the Joint College, which has been formally approved by the Chinese Ministry of Education,…

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Young Creatives tackle smart glasses design challenge

Students at Bradford College have been given the unique opportunity to design packaging for a new range of smart glasses. The competition by Zanco, a digital tech firm set up by former Bradford College student Shazad Talib, will see Professional Services and Leisure learners compete to design the best packaging for new Zanco Smart Glasses. The…

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LBU Impact Series: Research-led partnerships to help secure future of two Guiseley heritage businesses

Academics at Leeds Beckett University (LBU) are partnering with two long-standing, family-owned businesses at the heart of the Guiseley community in Leeds – Abraham Moon & Sons Ltd (Moon) and Haighs Bakery – in research-driven projects designed to safeguard traditional skills while accelerating innovation and growth. The partnerships are Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) projects, part-funded…

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Star-studded line-up for Bradford Literature Festival

TV stars and political figures will be among the contributors to this year’s Bradford Literature Festival events with University of Bradford links.  Bradford Literature Festival 2025 will be held at a host of venues across the city, including the University of Bradford, a strategic partner of the event, between Friday 27 June and Sunday 6…

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Leeds College of Building hosts sold-out UKREiiF property fringe events

The South Bank Campus of Leeds College of Building recently hosted two sold-out fringe events as part of the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF). UKREiiF is the UK’s leading event within the real estate, property and infrastructure sectors, and saw over 16,000 industry professionals descend on the New Dock area of Leeds. A short…

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Ancient DNA samples chart how fever-causing bacteria has evolved

Researchers at the University of Bradford have contributed to archaeological analysis which has found how ancient DNA for a type of bacteria which causes a fever has evolved.  University of Bradford has been collaborating with the Francis Crick Institute and UCL on samples of archaeological human bone for ancient DNA analysis.  Four samples from across…

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Leeds Beckett University’s the Retail Institute leads groundbreaking project on sustainable packaging

The Retail Institute at Leeds Beckett University, one of the UK’s leading academic research centres focused on the future of consumer experiences in retail, food and packaging has released a major new report on the future of sustainability in the packaging sector. Bringing together senior leaders from across the FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) supply…

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Africa’s future under spotlight at conference

The shape of Africa’s future was discussed at a conference held at the University of Bradford. ‘African International Conference: Shaping Africa’s Future: Innovation, Integration and Impact’ brought together academics from around the world to discuss what the future of the continent could look like.  The two-day conference featured panel discussions on themes including economic growth…

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Sporting chance for active schools scheme thanks to new £4m investment

An initiative to encourage Bradford children to become more active has received a huge boost thanks to a £4 million investment from Sport England.    Over the next three years, the JU:MP (Join Us Move and Play) programme will work with children and their families from across the district to help improve physical activity levels.    The…

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Seven tips to keep your smart devices at home safe from hackers

Smart devices in people’s homes have surged in popularity over the last 10 years, items including video doorbells, smart speakers and smart kitchen appliances becoming part of everyday life. Smart devices can be monitored and controlled remotely by the homeowner through apps on their mobile phone. But research has revealed that smart home devices are…

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New management team at Verner Wheelock

Alison Wheelock, Managing Director of leading food industry training company Verner Wheelock Associates Ltd (VWA), has completed the acquisition of the company from its founders. The transaction was completed on 3rd April 2025 with Ms Wheelock buying out her parents’ shares in the family business. Claire Lennon, VWA’s former Business Development Executive, has been appointed…

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Bradford School of Art students support large-scale textile installation for world heritage site

A group of Bradford School of Art higher education students were given the opportunity of a lifetime after being selected to support one of America’s most distinguished visual artists. We Will Sing is a new, large-scale, site-responsive installation by renowned artist Ann Hamilton, commissioned for Salts Mill as part of Bradford 2025 UK City of…

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Leeds Beckett and The Grammar School at Leeds launch research-informed programme to boost children’s physical literacy

Researchers within the Centre for Child and Adolescent Physical Literacy at Leeds Beckett University (LBU) are collaborating with The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) to develop and embed an innovative approach to enhancing the physical literacy of their pupils. It will bring cutting-edge research from the university into day-to-day school life. The 30-month Knowledge Transfer…

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Wakefield and Selby Children’s University enhance learning with free family event

Wakefield and Selby Children’s University is hosting a free, fun-filled event for local children and their families during half-term – providing them with the opportunity to enhance their learning. After successfully running for nine years, May-Hem will return to Castleford College on Wednesday 28th May 2025, from 10am to 2pm, and will include a range…

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AI’s future in business and company projects explored at event

The future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in business was discussed at an event held at the University of Bradford. The AI Forum, organised by the University’s department of Business Analytics, Circular Economy and Entrepreneurship (BACE) at the School of Management, brought together academics and businesspeople from Bradford district firms.  The third-annual event showcased new ideas…

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Bradford College connects to Energy Network in Net Zero Push

Work to connect Bradford College to the £70m Bradford Energy Network is officially underway, marking a significant move away from fossil fuels and towards achieving Net Zero. Heat networks (also known as district heating) supply heat from a central source.  Underground pipes carry hot water to buildings on a network, enabling the rapid decarbonisation of…

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Archaeology degree programmes receive leading accreditation

The University of Bradford has received accreditation for its archaeology programmes from the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) and University Archaeology UK (UAUK). The University’s BSc (Hons) Archaeology programme has been accredited for a further five years, while BSc (Hons) Forensic Anthropology has been awarded a new accreditation for the next five years by the…

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Is the air we share a toxic soup of invisible pollutants?

The Air We Share is a Pint of Science talk that offers a fascinating insight into the one thing we all cannot live without – air. Cell Biologist/ Pharmacologist Dr Jacobo Elies from the University of Bradford lifts the lid on the toxins we breathe on a daily basis. He says: “Pollutants are everywhere but most…

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SEND Next Choices 2025

SEND Next Choices – Getting ready for adult life is returning to Leeds first direct arena on Tuesday 24th June 2025! The event is an opportunity for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their parents, carers, support workers and teachers to prepare themselves for adult life. You will be able to find…

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Keeping criminals and their money out of your business

Recent attacks on retailers such as Marks and Spencer and the Co-op have once again highlighted the harm, disruption, and reputational impact a cyberattack can cause. Such incidents are newsworthy and are popular with criminals because of the low risk vs potentially high returns. But we should not lose sight of other financially motivated incidents…

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GSAL Nursery to welcome 2-year-olds from September 2025

The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) is delighted to announce that from September 2025, its nursery will begin welcoming children from the age of two, marking an exciting new chapter in the school’s early years provision. This expansion reflects GSAL’s commitment to supporting families from the earliest stages of their child’s education, offering a nurturing…

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University support for women-led firms in new programme

Women-led businesses have been encouraged to apply for a place on a programme supported by the University of Bradford.  The Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem (BREE), based at the University, in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Lifted Ventures, has launched a two-year Innovation Programme designed to accelerate women-led projects in West Yorkshire. The programme,…

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GSAL announces partnership with Leeds Literature Festival

The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) is proud to announce its latest partnership as a sponsor of the 2025 Leeds Literature Festival (LLF), taking place between 14-22 June 2025. Now in its seventh year, LLF has become a dynamic celebration of words, ideas and performance, attracting acclaimed writers, poets and speakers from across the UK…

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NNFCC Ltd has officially rebranded to Alder BioInsights

NNFCC Limited, an award-winning consultancy in the bioeconomy sector, has officially rebranded to Alder BioInsights. Based at York Science Park, the rebrand marks a new milestone in the company’s history which spans over 20 years. While NNFCC Ltd remains the registered company name, the refreshed brand identity reflects a stable and adaptive approach to leadership…

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