University of Portsmouth

Audio version of a University of Portsmouth Education Matters blog, 'Whole organisation learning for socially just education and outcomes'. It describes a recent collaboration between Dr Catherine Murgatroyd, Principal Lecturer in Higher Education (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion), and Fiona Hnatow, Head of Human Resources, to ensure that every member of the University community embodies and models the attributes that support students to become successful graduates. Education Matters Blog: https://www.port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/blogs/education-matters

The railways are part of our country’s heritage – and for many of us, a regular part of our lives. What can we learn from the past to ensure train travel is safer than ever in the 21st century? In the last in the current series of Life Solved, Dr Mike Esbester explains how a growing historical database of railway accidents, going back over 150 years, could create safer journeys and be a useful resource for those exploring their family’s past. With 21,000 cases documented so far, the Railway Work, Life And Death Project reveals how staffing levels have changed over the years and how passenger and employee safety is addressed today, compared to the approaches of old. The project is particularly timely as current-day rail union members have held industrial action in 2022, citing – amongst other things - concerns over staffing levels. And whilst advanced technology is increasingly available, can decades-old records of accidents inform today’s safety procedures? You can find out more about this work and other research at the University of Portsmouth website: https://www.port.ac.uk/research/research-projects Dr Mike Esbester is a Senior Lecturer in History https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/mike-esbester Read more about the project https://www.railwayaccidents.port.ac.uk/ https://www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/objects-and-stories/caution-railway-safety-1913 The Railway Work, Life And Death database can be downloaded here https://www.railwayaccidents.port.ac.uk/the-accidents/

University of Portsmouth researchers are using techniques, normally reserved for athletes, to help aid weight loss and address the challenges of diabetes. In the latest episode of Life Solved, Dr Ant Shepherd takes us through a unique project to investigate how altitude and temperature could be of benefit to millions of people in the UK. The project is currently taking place in the 'Extreme Environments Laboratory' at the University Of Portsmouth, using both state-of-the-art techniques but also more familiar features like hot tubs! In the podcast Ant takes us through the results of the experiments that have already been conducted and explains why he thinks it is entirely possible that the technology needed to address the obesity crisis could be an integral part of people's homes in the future. You can find out more about this work and other research at the University of Portsmouth website: https://www.port.ac.uk/research/research-projects Dr Ant Shepherd is a Senior Lecturer in the School Of Sport, Health & Exercise Science https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/ant-shepherd Read more about the project https://www.port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/news/call-for-volunteers-with-type-2-diabetes-to-trial-weight-loss-technology https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-61864181 For advice on diabetes https://www.diabetes.co.uk/

University of Portsmouth researchers are using the latest digital technology to help more of us uncover the secrets of our seas. In the latest episode of Life Solved, Dr Ann Coats takes us through a cutting-edge project to investigate shipwrecks around the UK coastline and reveal more about our maritime past. By drawing together research from across different disciplines, the Unpath’d Waters Project (UNPATH for short) has been working with museums and exhibitions such as Portsmouth’s Mary Rose, to design immersive exhibitions. But other specialist groups are also gathering information about our past, from landscapes to ocean scientists, by studying the UK’s shipwreck hotspots. In the podcast Ann takes us through the stages to this enormous project, and its big picture of creating an astounding, accessible resource upon the history of our seas. You can find out more about this work and other research at the University of Portsmouth website: https://www.port.ac.uk/research/research-projects Dr Ann Coats is a Reader in Maritime Heritage https://port.academia.edu/AnnCoats Find out more about UNPATH and its role in the UK’s Maritime Heritage https://unpathdwaters.org.uk https://historicengland.org.uk/research/current/discover-and-understand/coastal-and-marine/unpathd-waters/ The Mary Rose has been immersing visitors in the past life of this ship and its residents https://maryrose.org Find out more about famous shipwrecks and the history behind them https://www.history.co.uk/articles/there-are-40000-shipwrecks-around-the-british-isles-here-are-the-most-fascinating https://www.historyhit.com/guides/shipwrecks-you-can-visit-in-the-uk/ https://www.businessinsider.com/shipwreck-photos-history-2018-4?r=US&IR=T

It’s possible there’s a fifth form of matter out there, and you might be using it right now. University of Portsmouth research stretches across the disciplines to help us understand our world better. And in today’s episode of Life Solved we hear from one academic who might be about to transform our concept of reality! Dr Melvin Vopson thinks he might have found the missing piece to understanding matter in our universe, and he’s planning an experiment to find out if “information” is the fifth form of matter. Get ready for some complex physics, brilliant theory and a workout for your mind as Melvin takes us through this exciting new theory – and its possible implications! You can find out more about this work and other research at the University of Portsmouth website: https://www.port.ac.uk/research/research-projects USEFUL LINKS Dr Melvin Vopson https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/melvin-vopson https://www.port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/news/new-experiment-could-confirm-the-fifth-element Melvin on The Conversation https://theconversation.com/profiles/melvin-m-vopson-304487 Is information the fifth element of matter? https://www.iflscience.com/information-fifth-state-matter-physicist-aims-prove-63035 https://www.forbes.com/sites/startswithabang/2020/06/09/what-are-the-fifth-and-sixth-states-of-matter/?sh=67a3c9814a7f https://futurism.com/the-byte/physicist-information-new-form-matter What are the states of matter? https://www.livescience.com/46506-states-of-matter.html Claude Shannon https://www.quantamagazine.org/how-claude-shannons-information-theory-invented-the-future-20201222/

You might not give a second thought to a well-fitting piece of sports clothing, but when your kit isn’t up to scratch, it can be a real disadvantage to your game. That’s what Dr Jenny Burbage and her team have been addressing through their innovative research in breast health and biomechanics here at the University of Portsmouth. In this episode of Life Solved Jenny shares how inconsistent products, sizing systems and a lack of historic research has left many women wearing the wrong bra for their sport or shape. She discusses what actually makes a good sports bra and the considerations we should have when looking for the right fit. It’s her hope that by addressing the gap in knowledge in this field of biomechanics, we can also address inequalities not only in women’s sport but in fields such as the military and police too. You can find out more about this work and other research at the University of Portsmouth website: https://www.port.ac.uk/research/research-projects USEFUL LINKS Dr Jenny Burbage @jenny_burbage https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/jenny-burbage Breast Biomechanics and Riding Bras https://researchportal.port.ac.uk/en/publications/breast-biomechanics-exercise-induced-breast-pain-mastalgia-breast https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/better-riding-bras-needed-644411 Sport Bra Use https://researchportal.port.ac.uk/en/publications/sports-bra-use-preferences-and-fit-issues-among-exercising-female Bras and the Women’s Euros https://www.port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/news/bespoke-bras-given-to-top-sportswomen-to-boost-performance Jenny is part of the University’s Breast Health Research Group https://www.port.ac.uk/research/research-centres-and-groups/research-group-in-breast-health How to Buy The Right Bra https://www.stylist.co.uk/fashion/how-to-buy-correct-bra/535700

How can a background in mapping cause you to end up tracking illegal gold miners, and using drones to assist in humanitarian crises? Professor Richard Teeuw is a geomorphologist and remote sensing scientist at the University of Portsmouth. In this episode of Life Solved he explains how his work in geoinformatics and disaster risk reduction has led him to work on tackling challenges here on earth. Thanks to revolutionary modern technology, Richard’s helping more and more organisations embrace mapping and imagery for good. And it’s not just satellite mapping either. His work with uncrewed aircraft systems or drones is helping rescue teams and communities work safely and affordably to save lives in the face of disaster. You can find out more about this work and other research at the University of Portsmouth website: https://www.port.ac.uk/research/research-projects USEFUL LINKS Professor Richard Teew @Chewwy_Teeuw https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/richard-teeuw Use of drones and mapping in disaster risk reduction https://phys.org/news/2018-02-hurricane-survey-worldwide.html Tackling Illegal Gold Mining in Columbia https://www.port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/news/helping-in-the-fight-against-illegal-gold-mining-in-colombia https://blog.maxar.com/earth-intelligence/2022/combating-illegal-gold-mining-in-the-amazon-rainforest-with-maxars-high-resolution-satellite-imagery What is a Cubesat? https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/cubesats/overview

Tropical marine ecologist Dr Ian Hendy discusses how he’s working with Spaceport Cornwall to combat climate change.

In a special edition of Life Solved, we’re celebrating the work of researchers across the University of Portsmouth, by chatting to some of the brilliant minds featured in the new edition of SOLVE magazine. Our magazine shares in-depth articles and research highlights from across campus and in this episode Dr Nils Niederstrasser explains the link between chronic pain and physical activity and how we can use these insights for health and wellbeing later in life. We also catch up with Professor Adrian Hopgood on how Artificial Intelligence could improve outcomes for bowel cancer surgery and hospital care, before Dr Nizar Ibrahim shares his thoughts on new talent in a new era of international palaeontology. Dr Patricia Shamai discusses the importance of public opinion, social media and grass-roots action in modern politics and warfare. Plus engineer Dr Jovana Radulocvic shares some important insights into the energy systems we could be using in our homes in the near future. You can download and read the latest copy of SOLVE magazine for free right now on this link. You can find out more about this work and other research at the University of Portsmouth website: https://www.port.ac.uk/research/research-projects USEFUL LINKS Dr Nils Niederstrasser https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/nils-niederstrasser Professor Adrian Hopgood @adrianhopgood https://adrianhopgood.com/?i=1 Dr Nizar Ibrahim @nizaribrahimphd https://www.nizaribrahim.net Dr Patricia Shamai @pshamai https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/patricia-shamai Dr Jovana Radulocvic @drsuperblondie https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/jovana-radulovic

Every year in the UK alone, 155,000 people go missing. Why do they go missing and how can we protect our vulnerable loved ones better? There are many misconceptions about what it means when a person goes missing, and how you should respond and report this. But one research group from the University of Portsmouth is working to reshape public knowledge and support the services that all play a part in looking after missing persons and their families. Professor Karen Shalev-Greene works in the School of Criminology and Justice and leads the Missing Persons Research Group. She’s had an interest in the field since childhood, when her own father would sometimes go missing following post-war trauma. Karen is passionate about raising the profile of this international problem. She talks to Life Solved about the reasons people go missing, the scale of the problem, and what the public and families should know in order to protect vulnerable people around them. She’s also just launched a podcast called Missing Persons Uncovered, which explores the issues in greater detail as she and her colleague Caroline Humer join forces with experts and practitioners working in the field. You can find out more about this work and other research at the University of Portsmouth website: https://www.port.ac.uk/research/research-projects USEFUL LINKS Follow Karen’s work here @GreeneShalev https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/karen-shalev-greene Centre for the Study of Missing Persons https://www.port.ac.uk/research/research-centres-and-groups/centre-for-the-study-of-missing-persons The Missing Persons Uncovered Website https://missingpersonsuncovered.com The Missing Persons Uncovered Podcast podfollow.com/missingpersonsuncovered The charity Missing People collaborates with the CSMP https://www.missingpeople.org.uk