University News Last updated 15 June 2011
Using the arts to stop re-offending and algae as biofuel: the university research that will change the way we live.
A new report, that has uncovered the top pieces of research that will shape our future, lists pieces of research conducted at Birmingham City University.
The wealth of life-changing research currently taking place in universities across the UK is revealed in a new report published to mark Universities Week.
Big Ideas for the Future looks at 100 ground breaking pieces of research from all fields, including science, social sciences, engineering, and the arts and the humanities, have been included in the report jointly published by Universities UK and Research Councils UK (RCUK). The report is narrated and backed by high-profile celebrity academics such as Professor Lord Robert Winston, Dr Alice Roberts and Professor Iain Stewart.
Two of the research topics from Birmingham City University chosen for inclusion in the top 100 are:
• Investigating the impact of the arts on reducing offenders’ risk of reoffending. The research looks at how offenders may be assisted in working towards non-offending futures by improving their engagement with education (poor educational achievement is statistically associated with risk of re-offending), social-skills, and anger management. The research is focused on a range of arts projects, including music, art, and drama.
• Investigating the use of algae as a fuel source to find a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. The impact of this research is potentially immense as algae constitutes a large percentage of the earth’s biomass and it grows quickly, has a high oil content, can process carbon dioxide at a higher rate than terrestrial plants and can grow in poor conditions.
Professor Rick Rylance, Chair Elect of RCUK added: “Research has an impact on all our lives. Whether it is a breakthrough in experimental science, or an invention that makes new things possible, or a project that leads us to understand better the strengths and weaknesses of our society, research is the key to the UK’s growth, prosperity and wellbeing. Big Ideas for the Future showcases just some of the excellent research being carried out in UK universities that achieves these aims. It is vital we continue to support the talented individuals whose work makes a real difference.”
Nicola Dandridge, Chief Executive of Universities UK, said: “The research that has taken place at UK universities has helped to change the world and the way we live, whether that’s discovering DNA, inventing the world’s first computer or finding cures for life-threatening illnesses. It is great to see this tradition of world-leading innovation continue and get an insight into the many inspiring and potentially-life changing projects currently being developed by our universities. This report will hopefully excite and engage members of the public about what is going on in university research facilities across the country.”
The publication of the report forms part of the second annual Universities Week, which takes place from 13-19 June 2011, and aims to increase public awareness of the wide and varied role of the UK’s universities. Universities Week looks at the many different ways in which universities affect all of our lives — from supporting the economy, to working within local communities, to looking at how their research programmes could change our futures. Hundreds of events will be taking place around the country open to members of the public, as well as high-profile media coverage and activity across social media networks.
To download a full version of the report, please visit http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/bigideas. For more information on Universities Week, visit www.universitiesweek.org.uk and to show your support, join on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ukuniversities.