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Thought Leadership

Warmer summers threaten Antarctica’s giant ice shelves because of the lakes they create

PhD student, Jennifer Arthur, from our Department of Geography, outlines the department's recent research into the formation of surface meltwater lakes around the world’s largest ice sheet.
Aerial view of ice over a body of water

Ukraine invasion: Putin’s conflict is showcasing a new age for war reporting

Professor Tim Luckhurst, Principal of South College, believes that modern 21st-century war correspondents have an advantage over their predecessors as whether for radio, television, web or print, they can file instantly via satellite internet as their words and pictures are not subject to direct censorship.
Person Holding Canon Dslr Camera Close-up Photo

Can we ever fully separate our work and home lives? Philosophy suggests we should stop trying

Dr Peter West, from our Department of Philosophy, explores aspects of work-life balance portrayed in Apple TV's sci-fi series Severance and its connection with philosophical thinking about memory in order to understand personal identity.
Laptop phone coffee and hands

How fans fall in love with women’s football

Dr Stacey Pope, in our Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, and Associate Professor of Sociology, Rachel Allison, from Mississippi State University highlight the importance of respectful media coverage in leading people to become fans of women’s football.
Two players with a football

A history of Easter feasts and why the English breakfast might be medieval

Professor Giles Gasper, in our Department of History, looks back on the Christian festival and its traditions associated with food.
Hot cross buns on baking tray on top of table beside plate of butter

Autistic people are six times more likely to attempt suicide – poor mental health support may be to blame

As part of World Autism Acceptance week, Dr Patrick Jachyra, from our Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Jacqui Rodgers, Professor of Psychology and Mental Health and an autism researcher based in the Faculty of Medical Sciences at Newcastle University and Sarah Cassidy, Associate Professor of Mental Health and Autism at University of Nottingham raise awareness about the thoughts of ending life among autistic people.
Upset woman sitting on couch alone at home

Ukraine: aid workers were forced out of Syria – the same thing could happen in this war

Dr William Plowright, from our School of Government and International Affairs, addresses the possible threat to humanitarian aid workers in the Russia-Ukraine war and the effect this would have to civilians on the ground.
Aerial of female medic with first aid equipment on floor

Ukraine war: death of a ‘fixer’ underlines the dangers of this unsung but vital job for journalism

Professor Tim Luckhurst, Principal of South College, emphasises the importance of a 'fixer' to broadcasters covering foreign conflicts for international news organisations.
After the explosion in Kyiv Ukraine 2022

Durham visual Palaeopsychology: cross-disciplinary research into the origins of art

Professor Paul Pettitt from our Department of Archaeology and Professor Bob Kentridge from our Department of Psychology explores the origins of human art through Visual Palaeopsychology.
Paul Pettitt

How a makeshift PoW chapel from WWII continues to connect Ukrainians and Britons

PhD student, Daniel Adamson, from our Department of History, discusses the history of a chapel in Scotland created by Ukrainian prisoners of war and how this ties in with current events.
Hallmuir Scotland Ukrainian Chapel

No PCR, no problem: how COVID can be diagnosed with X-rays

Dr Stamos Katsigiannis, from our Department of Computer Science, Professor of Computing Engineering, Naeem Ramzan and PhD student, Gabriel Okolo, from University of the West of Scotland outline their research into whether a quick and reliable alternative to PCR testing could be provided by using commonly available hospital equipment – namely, the machines available in the radiography department.
Woman in White Long Sleeve Shirt Holding Blue and White X-Ray of Lungs

Can a writing exercise close the gap for low-income pupils?

Professor Beng Huat See from our School of Education tested a simple classroom intervention on thousands of secondary school students and found it could help to boost attainment in disadvantaged pupils.
Hand writing in notepad