College of Science & Engineering

Local knowledge sought for climate change research project

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 16:34:10 GMT

Academics at UofG are launching an appeal to residents Ayr, Dumfries and Wick for their feedback on the impacts of climate change on communities & residents’ mental health as part of a new research project. The project, led by PhD student Rhiannon Hawkins (GES) aims to help areas prone to flooding better defend their communities from increased incidences of rising water in the years ahead, as well as help safeguard their mental resilience. The project will also examine the effects of drought.

RSE Medals for Prof Jonathan Cooper & Dr Christopher Berry

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 16:29:19 GMT

Professor Jonathan Cooper (JWSE) has received the RSE Lord Kelvin Medal and Dr Christopher Berry (P&A) has received the RSE Lady Margaret Moir Medal. Prof. Anne Anderson said: “The RSE’s prestigious medals, which are nominated by RSE Fellows, are awarded to recognise truly outstanding accomplishments. Representing a range of fields, this year’s medallists join a remarkable group of pioneers whose work advances our knowledge and helps to improve lives all over the world."

Scottish students startup summit aims to ignite the next generation of games and tech entrepreneurs

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 16:22:54 GMT

Co-Director of UofGGamesLab, Dr Matthew Barr (Senior Lecturer, UofG School of Computing Science) said: “I’m pleased to see how the theme of the event – supporting aspiring developers to establish their own business – directly addresses one of the challenges we identified in the 2022 Scottish Games Ecosystem report. It is critical that would-be games entrepreneurs are equipped with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in business, and this is something that isn’t talked about enough."

5G clinic brings healthcare to Nigerian internally displaced persons camp

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 15:32:34 GMT

The University of Glasgow, in partnership with MCom, the Slum and Rural Health Initiative (SRHIN), and Carelinks Healthcare Solutions, successfully conducted a 5G Remote Clinic field trial at the New Kuchigoro Internally Displaced Persons Camp, Abuja, Nigeria on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 October 2025. The two-day trial demonstrated how 5G standalone connectivity combined with satellite internet access can deliver high-quality, live telemedicine services in humanitarian and remote environments.

New paintings celebrate University of Glasgow’s brush with cosmic history

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 15:27:00 GMT

Professor Dugald Cameron created the artworks in recognition of the University’s role in the historic first detection of gravitational waves, made by the USA-based Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) on September 14th 2015. Professor Cameron, a former director of the Glasgow School of Art who is currently a visiting professor at the University of Strathclyde, has presented the paintings to the University’s Institute for Gravitational Research.

Double award win for UofG knowledge transfer partnership with Soapworks Ltd

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 15:21:11 GMT

The knowledge transfer partnership between researchers from the University of Glasgow and Soapworks Ltd was recognised with the Technical Excellence Award and the Future Leader Award at the 50th Anniversary KTP Awards held in Manchester earlier this week.

Scientists use AI to learn the intricate language of biomolecules

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 15:13:26 GMT

Scientists at UofG have harnessed a powerful supercomputer, normally used by astronomers and physicists to study the universe, to develop a new machine learning model which can help translate the language of proteins. In a new study, published in Nature Communications, the cross-disciplinary team developed a large language model (LLM), called PLM-Interact, to better understand protein interactions, and even predict which mutations will impact how these crucial molecules ‘talk' to one another.

3D-printed material breakthrough could enable new twist for vehicle safety

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 16:42:30 BST

Researchers from universities in Scotland and Italy are behind the development of the material, which has a unique lattice shape that allows it to twist into itself to effectively protect against a range of impact types and severities. Professor Shanmugam Kumar (JWSE) led the research. The team’s ‘adaptive twisting metamaterials’, outlined in a paper published in the journal Advanced Materials, take a different approach to impact protection materials currently in use.

UofG engineers play leading role in £10M electronic textiles research programme

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 16:38:12 BST

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council’s Programme Grant scheme will provide nearly £8M of funding to the project “SUSTAIN”, led by the University of Southampton and University of Glasgow, working with over 20 business partners. The flagship project is planning to take e-textiles to the next level, with imperceptible and invisible wireless electronics integrated into textiles.

T2K and NOvA constrain matter-antimatter differences using neutrino oscillations

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 16:31:03 BST

Teams from the international T2K and NOvA collaborations, including members from the School of Physics and Astronomy of the University of Glasgow, today published a paper in the prestigious scientific journal Nature, performing precision measurements of the differences between neutrinos and antineutrinos, by combining the data of the T2K and NOvA long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiments in Japan and the USA.

Seasonal affective disorder support programme expands across Scotland

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 16:23:20 BST

Prof. Parr (GES) said: “According to the Royal College of Psychiatry, more than a million people across Britain experience symptoms of SAD, emotional challenges, lowered mood & feelings of anxiety. However, they often have limited access to social or medical support to help them through winter. “Our Wintering Well Boxes are aimed at helping people find ways to deal with those feelings through creative activities while finding connection and support with others who struggle with low moods.

Leverhulme Trust Prize for Professor Emily Draper (School of Chemistry)

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 16:19:15 BST

Professor Emily Draper of the School of Chemistry has been announced as one of 30 winners of the 2025 Philip Leverhulme Prizes. The Prize funding will enable Professor Draper to lead an interdisciplinary collaboration to unlock the full potential of organic materials in thermoelectric applications.

Mobile network breakthrough could enable remote medical procedures

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 16:12:29 BST

Researchers from JWSE have used cheap off-the-shelf hardware to build a 4G LTE mobile network which connects a haptic controller to a robot arm. The system allows users to direct the arm’s movements with very low latency, enabling a high level of control. In a new paper published in the journal Communications Engineering, they demonstrate how they used the system to perform mock dental exams on a pair of dentures, highlighting its potential for use in medical procedures in the future.

Research shows potential of biodegradable circuit boards for wireless comms tech

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 16:05:50 BST

The partnership between the University of Glasgow and Jiva Materials aims to cut down on the electronic waste produced by traditional printed circuit boards, or PCBs. In a new white paper published on the University’s website, the partners demonstrate how Soluboards can be used for radio frequency applications. They show that the PCBs can transmit signals at frequencies exceeding 4 GHz, which covers common wireless applications such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and RFID.

New software tool shows clear advantage in water purity prediction

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 16:22:16 BST

Researchers from the University of Glasgow’s James Watt School of Engineering developed the tool, called the Environmental Buckingham Pi Neural Network, or EnviroPiNet. It uses machine learning techniques paired with sophisticated physical modelling to predict the ability of biofilters to remove organic carbon compounds from water with up to 90% accuracy. The tool is now available online for free use.

Supercomputer modelling unlocks longstanding deep Earth mystery

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 16:11:34 BST

An international research collaboration has harnessed supercomputing power to better understand how massive slabs of ancient ocean floors are shaped as they sink hundreds of kilometres below the Earth's surface. Researchers from UofG led the study, published in the journal Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, explaining how the conditions at a critical point in the mantle & the forces from the plate above the subduction zones determine how these ancient slabs are transported through the Earth.

Royal Academy of Engineering Fellowships for UofG engineers

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 16:05:47 BST

Two leading University of Glasgow engineers have been elected as Fellows of the Royal Academy of Engineering. Professor Konstantinos Kontis and Professor Douglas Paul are among 74 new Fellows elected by the Academy during its AGM on 23 September.

New software tool aims to democratise access to space camera development

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 16:58:40 BST

A powerful software tool capable of accurately modelling how cameras capture light could help democratise the development of new imaging systems for use in space. Dr George Brydon of the University of Glasgow developed the open-source tool, called SIMply, which is available as a free download on the online code repository GitHub.

UofG launches Turner Kirk Centre for Spatial Reasoning

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 17:01:14 BST

The establishment of the Centre builds on the initial success of the STEM Spatial Cognition Enhancement Project project, or STEM SPACE, led by the University of Glasgow and funded by the Turner Kirk Trust. With the support of 17 Scottish local authorities, the pilot will roll out an innovative method of teaching spatial maths in primary schools across the nation, assess improvements to spatial reasoning skills and ultimately numeracy and STEM outcomes in school children.

Computing festival returns to help tip gender balance of Scotland’s tech sector

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 16:57:19 BST

The Ada Scotland Festival will be rolling out events across the length and breadth of the country to help promote gender diversity in computing science and technology between 29th September and 10th October. The festival, now in its sixth year, aims to help address the gender balance of computing science education in Scotland, which leans heavily towards male students.

Hillwalkers urged to help with historic meteorite recovery efforts

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 16:09:15 BST

Researchers from the UK Fireball Alliance have combined data from public videos with images taken from their own dedicated meteor tracking cameras including the Global Meteor Network, UK Meteor Network and Global Fireball Observatory to reconstruct the meteor’s path and estimate where the meteorite fell. They are appealing to hillwalkers to keep their eyes peeled for fragments of the meteorite when they are out and about across three Munros in the Scottish Highlands.

Baird of Bute Innovation Award for Professor Sir James Hough

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 16:05:27 BST

One of the University of Glasgow’s longest-serving and most distinguished researchers is set to add another honour to his collection of accolades. Astrophysicist Professor Sir James Hough will be presented with the Baird of Bute Innovation Award on Friday 12 September in recognition of his contributions to the field of gravitational wave research.

Laser breakthrough could find applications in cutting-edge tech

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 16:00:41 BST

A record-breaking development in laser technology could help support the development of smaller, cheaper, more easily-fabricated optical and quantum technologies, its inventors say. Researchers from the University of Glasgow have designed and built a narrow-linewidth laser on a single, fully integrated microchip that achieves the best performance ever recorded in semiconductor lasers of its type.

UofG celebrates 10th anniversary of first gravitational wave detection

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 15:54:57 BST

Researchers from the University of Glasgow are gearing up to celebrate the 10th anniversary of one of the 21stcentury’s key scientific achievements – the first direct detection of gravitational waves.

Clyde Hydrogen powers ahead with Ecotricity investment

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 13:54:05 BST

Clyde Hydrogen, a University of Glasgow spinout, has secured strategic investment from green energy pioneer Ecotricity to fast-track development of its revolutionary hydrogen technology. The deal, which closes Clyde Hydrogen’s Pre-Seed2 funding round, will see the company test its prototype energy storage system at one of Ecotricity’s renewable energy sites in the UK.

UofG students win award for co-designed kidney health innovation

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 13:44:37 BST

A multidisciplinary team of UofG students has won 3rd place at the prestigious international SensUs competition for their innovative, patient-centred approach to kidney health monitoring. Their co-designed concept is called Nephros. Using optical techniques, the prototype offers at-home testing of the levels of biomarkers in blood linked to kidney health, designed to complement existing blood tests and give people the choice of how to integrate this measurement into their care.

REF2029 Panel Members Announced

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 14:41:03 BST

The four UK higher education funding bodies have announced the appointment of panels for the criteria-setting phase of REF 2029. Following a rigorous and open recruitment process, a highly qualified and diverse group of experts has been appointed across all 34 Units of Assessment (UoAs). The panels - including 8 CoSE academics - will have a key role in shaping the REF to support the higher education sector by providing a rigorous, trusted assessment of UK research.

ERC Starting Grants for two UofG early-career researchers

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 14:36:14 BST

Two early-career researchers from the University of Glasgow’s College of Science & Engineering are among hundreds from across Europe who have received new Starting Grant funding from the European Research Council (ERC). Dr Rachael Boyd of the School of Mathematics & Statistics and Dr Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas of the School of Computing Science will use the new funding to help support groundbreaking new research projects.

‘Braided careers’ pilot aims to boost Scottish computing science education

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 14:32:00 BST

An innovative new partnership between the University of Glasgow and Skyscanner could be the answer to Scotland’s computer studies crisis.

International collaboration doubles number of black hole collisions detected

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 12:51:02 BST

UofG researchers led an international team who analysed the data from the 4th observing run of detectors, with data collected between May 2023 and January 2024. This analysis, presented in ‘GWTC-4.0: Updating the Gravitational-Wave Transient Catalog with Observations from the First Part of the Fourth LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Observing Run’ as a preprint available from the arXiv, more than doubles the number of collisions between black holes & neutron stars reported to date, with 128 new mergers detected

Augmented reality tool could teach old robots new tricks

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 11:07:36 BST

Dr Shaun Macdonald (CS) is the paper’s lead author and led the development of AZRA. He was initially inspired to develop the system after receiving a less-than-inspiring gift. “As a researcher in human-computer interaction, I started to wonder whether I could build a system which could overlay much more complex behaviours and interactions on the toy using augmented reality. Being able to imbue older robots and pets with new life could also help reduce the carbon footprint of unwanted devices."

UofG student team scoop top awards at national space robot competition

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 11:13:56 BST

A team of UofG engineering students have won a major national competition for their efforts to design a robot rover capable of exploring the surface of Mars. A team drawn from members the GU Orbit student satellite society picked up the top prize at the 2024-25 Olympus Rover Trials, beating out teams from 14 universities across the UK. In addition to winning the overall competition, the team, called Banana Island, also received awards for Best Critical Design Review and Best Innovation.

AI ethics conference returns to University of Glasgow

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 16:42:21 BST

The University will host the second Lovelace-Hodgkin Symposium on Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd October, showcasing speakers from industry, academia and government. Professor Ana Basiri, the director of the University of Glasgow’s Centre for Data Science & AI, will deliver the symposium’s opening and closing remarks. Dr Jake Lever from the University of Glasgow's School of Computing Science will present a talk called ‘Can ChatGPT do my degree for me?’.

Professor Dezong Zhao (JWSE) awarded Leverhulme Trust Research Fellowship

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 16:33:28 BST

The James Watt School of Engineering’s Professor Dezong Zhao is one of eight UK researchers who have been awarded Leverhulme Trust Research Fellowships from the Royal Academy of Engineering. The Fellowship will enable Professor Zhao to focus on a new project, called ‘A Leap Towards Scalable Autonomous Vehicles through Data-efficient AI’, which will harness the power of AI to help ensure self-driving cars can travel safely on public roads.

Royal Society Industry Fellowship for UofG quantum engineer Dr Kaveh Delfanazari

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 15:49:59 BST

Dr Kaveh Delfanazari (JWSE) has received a a prestigious Royal Society Industry Fellowship to support his work on next-generation quantum electronic hardware. Dr Delfanazari leads research in Quantum Hardware within the Centre for Quantum Technology. His work bridges fundamental science, applied engineering, and interdisciplinary innovation, integrating expertise in quantum electronics, superconductivity, cryogenic circuits, microwave engineering, and system-level quantum technologies.

Ultrasound system can remove common plastic pollutant from water

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 15:41:55 BST

The system, developed by chemists from UofG, can scrub up to 94% of the traces of Bisphenol A (BPA) from samples of contaminated water by using ultrasound to create conditions similar to the surface of the sun in bubbles of contaminated water. Scaled-up versions of their prototype could be used in water treatment plants to help remove BPA from water supplies. It could also help industry remove BPA & other hard-to-treat pollutants from waste water before it s discharged into public waterways.

New rocket test facility will support UK space sector’s stellar ambitions

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 15:33:26 BST

MachLab was established by researchers from the University of Glasgow and backed by close to £500,000 in funding from industry, including matched contribution from the UK Space Agency. It aims to support the research and development of new rocket engines capable of delivering up to one tonne of thrust. Researchers from academia and industry will be able to fire experimental rocket designs and gather data on their performance using MachLab’s custom-built test stand.

RSE awards over £729k to boost Scotland’s research sector

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 15:15:42 BST

RSE Awards made to the University of Glasgow (CoSE): - Dr Chunxiao Hu (JWSE): Miniaturized urine collection system integrated with a drainage bag for ICU patients - Dr Chun Hean Lee (JWSE): Advancing phase change modelling with a unified conservation-law framework - Dr Christopher Berry (P&A): with collaborator Dr Riccardo Buscicchio, University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy: Gravity under the lens: Preparing for the era of space-based gravitational-wave astronomy

Dr David Mahon (P&A) teams with artist to make music from cosmic rays

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 15:11:21 BST

Dr David Mahon has partnered with Lomond Campbell, an artist who makes music using self-built instruments, to create a unique instrument called the Muonophone. The Muonophone builds on Dr Mahon’s research in the field of muography, which uses measurements of particles called muons to create detailed 3D pictures of the interiors of structures.

Prof. Christopher Philo (GES) elected new Fellow by The British Academy

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 14:53:09 BST

Professor of Geography Chris Philo said: "I am surprised, delighted and humbled to have been elected to the Fellowship of the British Academy. I am deeply thankful to all those who have seen merit in my own scholarship and contributions to the humanities and social sciences over the years.'

UofG researcher co-chairs new report on coastal infrastructure

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 13:41:31 BST

Greening coastal infrastructure through eco-engineering (C820) is the first practitioner-led UK publication of its kind focused on enhancing the biodiversity and multifunctionality of engineered coastal assets through eco-engineering approaches. Larissa Naylor, Professor of Geomorphology and Environmental Geography at UofG, was co-chair of project steering group that brought the guidance together for CIRIA, the construction industry research and information association.

UofG researcher wins top award from Royal Academy of Engineering

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 13:34:45 BST

Dr Mahmoud Wagih was presented with the Sir George Macfarlane Medal at the Academy’s annual Awards Dinner in London on 8 July. He received the medal in recognition for demonstrated excellence through the development of novel sustainability-driven electronic systems and through active advocacy and public engagement for engineering. Dr Wagih also received a £3,000 cash prize as one of the RAEng Engineers Trust Young Engineers of the Year, a prize for early-career UK engineers.

New smart plastics could harness unusual properties of auxetic materials

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 14:19:50 BST

New advances in 3D printed ‘smart’ plastics with unusual deformation properties could lead to a new generation of materials designed to monitor their own condition in real time. An international team led by engineers from the University of Glasgow are behind the development, which could lead to applications in everything from medical implants to impact-resistant vehicle structures.

Black holes discovery to be revealed at gravitational waves conference in Glasgow

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 14:14:45 BST

The most massive black holes ever observed with gravitational waves have been discovered by scientists, with some of the analyses carried out by an international team that was led by an astrophysicist at the University of Glasgow. The LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA (LVK) Collaboration said the detection of the merger of the two black holes was made using the US National Science Foundation-funded (NSF) LIGO Hanford and Livingston Observatories.

Cosmic ceilidh dance set to celebrate historic science discovery

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 14:06:36 BST

Hundreds of scientists are set to take part in the first performance of a new Scottish country dance inspired by the ripples in spacetime whose existence was first theorised by Albert Einstein. Researchers from the University of Glasgow teamed up with the culture and research organisation Science Ceilidh to develop a dance to mark the 10th anniversary of the historic first detection of gravitational waves – a groundbreaking discovery which established a new field of astronomy.

Quantum enhancement discovery could improve medical technologies

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 11:13:33 BST

Technologies such as biomedical imaging and spectroscopy could be enhanced by a discovery in research that involved several institutions including the University of Glasgow. Scientists have found that two-photon processes, which have applications in the study of Alzheimer’s Disease and other nervous system disorders, can be strengthened by quantum light at far higher levels than previously thought possible.

Ultrasound tech set to be showcased at Royal Society exhibition

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 15:49:27 BST

The work of researchers at the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Ultrasonic Engineering (FUSE CDT) has been selected to be part of the Royal Society’s Summer Science Exhibition in London between Tuesday 1 July and Sunday 6 July.

Right size, right place approach required for climate adaptation plans

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 15:34:49 BST

In a paper published in the journal Environmental Research Letters, a team from UofG’s GES discuss the outcomes of their modelling, built on data from a hydrodynamic model recently commissioned by Glasgow City Council. The researchers modelled the effectiveness of the managed realignments against worst-case-scenario flooding along the Clyde both in the present and for a projected year 2100. In 2100 sea level is projected to rise an additional 85 cm under a high-emissions climat scenario.

Grand opening for spin-out’s £12m ‘Chemifarm’ hailed as ‘hugely significant milestone’

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 15:22:33 BST

Deep-tech pioneer Chemify, UofG’s Spin-out of the Year 2024, has performed the grand opening of its first Chemifarm, a new £12m production facility in Maryhill. Chemify grew from Prof Lee Cronin’s research in digital chemistry and is fusing chemistry, robotics, computation & AI to digitise molecule creation. Chemify says the facility is the most advanced chemical synthesis facility in the world which will eventually be home to to more than 60 full-time scientists and hundreds of robots.

Turn on, tune in, crop out: £20 device uses ultrasound to produce fertiliser

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 15:12:27 BST

A £20 device which makes fertiliser by treating water with ultrasound could transform agricultural supply chains in remote areas, its inventors say. Chemists and engineers from the University of Glasgow have found a way to produce molecules of nitrate – an important nutrient for plant growth – using just sound waves, water and air. They say their prototype process could be scaled up to enable individual farmers to make their own fertilisers on demand in the future.

£1.5m funding boost will deliver quantum leap for superconductor manufacturing

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 14:54:14 BST

The Superconductor Prototyping for Critical Technologies project, or Super-CT, has received £1.5m from UKRI’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). The work will be undertaken at the University’s £35m James Watt Nanofabrication Centre, which is home to the state-of-the-art equipment required to develop the team’s prototype circuits. UofG’s Professor Martin Weides is leading the Super-CT project.

New research could unlock the potential of bladeless wind turbines

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 16:22:56 BST

Engineers from the University of Glasgow have used sophisticated computer simulations of bladeless wind turbines (BWTs) to identify for the first time how future generations of the technology could be built for maximum efficiency. The findings could help the renewables industry take BWTs, which are still at an early stage of research and development, from small-scale field experiments to practical forms of power generation for national electricity grids.

UofG engineers lend support to new ESA-funded project

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 15:45:03 BST

Glasgow-based space engineering practice Craft Prospect Ltd (CPL) has won a contract from the European Space Agency (ESA) to prototype and demonstrate machine learning algorithms for motion planning in orbital space missions. CPL is supported in the project delivery by an expert team from the University of Glasgow’s Space and Exploration Technology Group.

New funding for sustainable chemistry project

Tue, 27 May 2025 12:02:16 BST

New funding will enable University of Glasgow researchers to investigate and improve the sustainability of one of chemistry's most widely used purification techniques. Dr Joseph Cameron and Dr Alex Loch will lead the first comprehensive life cycle assessment of flash chromatography purification, backed by a grant from the Royal Society of Chemistry's Sustainable Laboratories Grant programme.

REACT sustainable electronics centre celebrates official launch

Thu, 22 May 2025 13:26:37 BST

The UK’s first sustainable electronics centre was officially launched last month with two events and the inaugural meeting of its steering board. The Responsible Electronics and Circular Technology Centre (REACT), led by UofG, is backed by more than £6m in funding from UK Research & Innovation and industry partners. It is one of five Green Economy Centres which are seeking to find new ways to make industries more sustainable.

Geothermal gases offer strong evidence of a Superplume beneath East Africa

Fri, 16 May 2025 12:58:14 BST

Sophisticated chemical analysis of volcanic gases from Kenya have provided the first evidence that a vast mass of deep Earth material lies beneath East Africa. An international team of scientists led by Professor Fin Stuart from the University of Glasgow, working in partnership with the Kenya Geothermal Development Company, has discovered surprising results in a new study of gases from the Menengai geothermal field in central Kenya.

New lab could help space industry dodge a bullet

Fri, 16 May 2025 12:52:28 BST

Researchers at the University of Glasgow’s James Watt School of Engineering have built the NextSpace Testrig - the world’s first dedicated facility for testing the structural integrity of materials that will be 3D printed in space. The NextSpace Testrig was developed by the University’s Dr Gilles Bailet in partnership with The Manufacturing Technology Centre, supported by £253,000 in funding from the UK Space Agency (UKSA).

£3.5m funding boost for CHEDDAR hub

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 14:33:01 BST

Professor Muhammad Imran, head of the University of Glasgow’s James Watt School of Engineering is leading the University’s contribution to CHEDDAR. He said: “I’m proud that the University of Glasgow is involved in the CHEDDAR Hub, which will help the UK maintain its world-leading position in future communications technologies and networks. It’s a reflection of the excellence of our research base in this area, which draws in expertise across a wide range of specialisms.”

Glasgow Science Festival set to celebrate city’s 850th anniversary

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 14:27:29 BST

This year’s Glasgow Science Festival events are united by the theme ‘Glasgow Celebrates’, which recognises the 850 years which have passed since the city received the status of Burgh in 1175. Dr Deborah McNeill, of the University of Glasgow, is director of the Glasgow Science Festival. She said: “This year’s programme is our most jam-packed ever, expanding to new venues and bringing in a widened range of events, shows and presentations."

Industrial waste is turning to rock in just decades, research reveals

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 16:09:25 BST

Researchers from the University of Glasgow have found that slag, an industrial waste product produced by the steel industry, is turning into solid rock in as little as 35 years. In a paper published in the journal Geology, the researchers explain how detailed analysis of a two-kilometre stretch of slag deposit, at Derwent Howe in West Cumbria led to their discovery of a new Earth system cycle.

Blair Drummond research sniffs out new possibilities for animal-computer interaction

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 13:29:07 BST

UofG computing science experts teamed up with Blair Drummond Safari Park zookeepers to test ‘SensorySafari’, a prototype interactive system which enabled red-ruffed lemurs and humans to share linked multisensory experiences. The results of the project, set to be presented at a conference this month, suggest that the everyday lives of the endangered red-ruffed lemurs could be enriched by on-demand access to video and sound clips, as well as the distinctive smells of favoured foods and plants.

UofG spinout aims to transform realtime wireless sensing of train carriages

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 13:23:26 BST

The new sensors receive power wirelessly from radio waves, directly providing energy to small electronics which collect data including temperature and vibration, which is then sent to the user via a Bluetooth interface. The sensors are designed to be retro-fitted to existing rolling stock carriages, and could significantly reduce the cost and environmental footprint of wiring in modern trains.

VR can take users for a sneaky spin without making them sick, research shows

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 15:10:47 BST

Researchers from the University of Glasgow led the study, which demonstrated for the first time that people using VR headsets in motorised simulator seats or while being driven in cars can be easily fooled into thinking they are moving or turning much more dramatically than they are in reality.

Tree gum supercharges supercapacitor lifespan, research reveals

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 15:00:31 BST

A waste gum produced by trees found in India could be the key to unlocking a new generation of better-performing, more eco-friendly supercapacitors, researchers say. Scientists from universities in Scotland, South Korea and India are behind the development, which harnesses the unique properties of the otherwise useless tree gum to prevent supercapacitors from degrading over tens of thousands of charging cycles.

University of Glasgow projects selected for prestigious ChipStart UK programme to drive semiconductor innovation

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 14:50:12 BST

ChipStart aims to provide technical expertise and commercial support to semiconductor innovators, fostering growth and the creation of high-skilled jobs. The three University of Glasgow projects chosen to join the third cohort of the UK programme are RX Watt Ltd, Kelvin Quantum and AIDE. All are at the pre-incorporation stage.

Computer model that ‘thinks’ like a missing person could help search & rescue

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 14:43:49 BST

Researchers from the University of Glasgow have developed a sophisticated computer system to model the actions of simulated people lost in outdoor environments. The system, which is based on data drawn from accounts of how people in the real world behaved after finding themselves lost outdoors, creates a ‘heat map’ showing the probability of where missing people may be found in any landscape.

University of Glasgow physicists among winners of prestigious Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 14:35:18 BST

Scientists from the University of Glasgow are among the thousands of researchers worldwide honored with the 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics, awarded to the ATLAS and LHCb Collaborations at CERN's Large Hadron Collider (LHC) alongside their sister experiments ALICE and CMS.

Neuranics raises $8 million in seed funding to accelerate growth

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 14:21:29 BST

Neuranics, the first-ever joint spinout from the University of Glasgow and the University of Edinburgh, has raised $8 million (£6.25 million) in seed funding to accelerate global growth & the commercial adoption of its Tunnelling Magnetoresistance (TMR) magnetic sensing technology. Founded in 2021, Neuranics has become an award-winning deep-tech semiconductor company pioneering the future of human-machine interaction, quickly establishing itself at the forefront of magnetic sensing innovation.

AR tool could give cyclists ‘sixth sense’ and improve self-driving vehicle safety

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 16:21:59 BST

A new tool which can rapidly prototype augmented reality experiences has given researchers new insights which could allow cyclists to safely share the roads with self-driving cars. Researchers from the University of Glasgow developed the tool, called CycleARcade, which uses augmented reality headsets to enables cyclists to see and interact with simulated autonomous vehicles as they ride in real-world environments.

AI tool could help supercharge development of RF sensing technologies

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 16:13:30 BST

An AI-powered ‘virtual expert’ in a highly-specialised field of sensing research could help advance the development of new technologies, including sophisticated healthcare monitoring techniques. Engineers from the University of Glasgow and Imperial College London are behind the development of the powerful new artificial intelligence-based tool, called RFSensingGPT, which can be run on consumer-grade computers.

Facial expressions could help widen VR and AR accessibility options

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 16:07:55 BST

A new study on how computers can be accurately controlled using only facial expressions could help make augmented reality (AR) & virtual reality (VR) technologies more accessible to people living with disabilities. Researchers from UofG and the University of St. Gallen (Switzerland) discovered that seven simple facial movements could be reliably recognised by Meta’s Quest Pro headset, enabling users to control a VR game and navigate web pages in an AR environment.

University of Glasgow welcomes extension for UK Innovation Accelerator programme

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 10:24:58 BST

This new investment will build on the success of the pilot to date, and includes support for 4 innovative projects involving UofG, across areas such as Digital Chemistry, Extended Reality, Critical Technologies and Financial Regulation. The first 2 years of the Glasgow City Region’s Innovation Accelerator programme has achieved significant success, engaging over 250 companies and securing £47 million pounds of co-investment.

Eye catching mobile device research could be a sight for sore thumbs

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 13:34:50 BST

Dr Mohamed Khamis, who leads the University of Glasgow’s research on gaze-based interaction, supervised the paper’s lead author, Omar Namnakani, a postgraduate researcher at the School of Computing Science. The team’s paper, titled ‘Stretch Gaze Targets Out: Experimenting with Target Sizes for Gaze-Enabled Interfaces on Mobile Devices’, will be presented at the CHI Conference in Yokohama, Japan, on Tuesday, April 29th.

Compostable sensors could help grow impact of digital agriculture

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 17:04:58 BST

Screen-printed, biodegradable soil sensors which can be composted at their end of their lifecycle could enable farmers to improve crop yields while reducing electronic waste, researchers say. The sensors, developed by engineers from the University of Glasgow in collaboration with colleagues from the Łukasiewicz Institute of Microelectronics and Photonic (IMiF) are made from electronic materials which degrade into plant nutrients, acting as fertiliser to help crops grow.

SNAP decision will establish UofG as cutting-edge nano-analysis hub

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 16:59:54 BST

UKRI’s EPSRC has provided UofG with £5.3m in new funding to support the establishment of an on-campus atom probe tomography (APT) facility. The new facility, which will be called the Space Nanomaterials Atom Probe, or SNAP, will be the first of its kind in Scotland and one of just six in the UK. It will be the UK’s only facility to offer access to next-generation atom probe equipment and will be the only atom probe worldwide to specialise in space science challenges.

University of Glasgow sustainability work showcased

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 16:52:50 BST

The Acting Cabinet Secretary attended the Mazumdar-Shaw Advanced Research Centre (ARC) on 26 March and was welcomed by Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal & Vice-Chancellor; Professor Harriet Thomson, Associate Director of Glasgow Centre for Sustainable Energy; James Peck, CEO of Clyde Hydrogen Systems; Dr. Ahmad Taha from the University’s James Watt School of Engineering; and Michelle Ansell, NexGen Carbon Zero Limited.

UofG physicists play key role in new top quark measurement

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 16:46:22 BST

Prof. Owen said: “The top quark is a fascinating particle with a mass almost as heavy as a gold atom. Knowing the exact value of the top quark mass along with the Higgs boson and W boson masses lets us test if the Standard Model of particle physics is a consistent theory. We developed a new idea to help reduce the uncertainties in the measurement. It was satisfying to see an idea that we originally sketched down on a bit of paper become reality & then work when applied in the real data."

Prof. Qammer Abbasi (JWSE) & Prof. Todd Ehlers (GES) elected as Fellows of the Royal Society of Edinburgh

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 16:04:24 GMT

Professor Qammer Abbasi, Professor of Applied Electromagnetics and Sensing at the James Watt School of Engineering and Professor Todd Ehlers, Head of the School of Geographical & Earth Sciences have been elected Fellows of The Royal Society of Edinburgh.

Pioneering kidney transplant project launches as milestone social enterprise spin-out

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 15:53:26 GMT

KEPs help to increase living donations by allowing recipients who require a kidney transplant & who have a willing but medically incompatible donor, to ‘swap’ their donor with that of another recipient, leading to a cycle of transplants. Non-directed donors may trigger chains of transplants that can also benefit multiple recipients. Algorithms developed by Prof. David Manlove (UofG) and his colleagues have been used to find optimal solutions for the UK Living Kidney Sharing Scheme (UKLKSS).

Oversubscribed cluster fund shows appetite for enterprise at the University of Glasgow

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 17:23:02 GMT

New treatments for rheumatoid arthritis and developing cutting-edge microchips for quantum computers are among nine projects that have been awarded a share of £280,000 to encourage commercial enterprise among staff and researchers at the University of Glasgow.  The Innovation Cluster Development Fund was launched in the New Year to feed a pipeline of new and innovative ventures coming out of the campus that have potential to grow and establish themselves as new businesses. 

Microbiota transplantation offers new hope against cotton leaf curl disease

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 17:19:08 GMT

Researchers at the University of Glasgow and the Forman Christian College University, Pakistan, are pioneering a groundbreaking approach to combat the devastating Cotton Leaf Curl Disease (CLCuD) through microbiota transplantation.

UofG will lead new £1.3m climate tipping point research project

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 17:14:38 GMT

Researchers from the University of Glasgow will lead a £1.3m new partnership which aims to develop a network of underwater sensors to monitor the vital signs of the planet’s warming oceans. The new project, led by Professor Martin Lavery of the James Watt School of Engineering, is one of 27 which will share in £81m in funding from ARIA’s Forecasting Tipping Points programme.

University research secures funding through RSE Research Awards Programme

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 17:01:11 GMT

Researchers from the University of Glasgow have received funding through the Autumn 2024 round of the RSE’s Research Awards Programme. The University was successful in securing funding for 16 out of the 66 projects, which are worth a total of £686,500.

University of Glasgow unveils state-of-the-art magnetism lab for cutting-edge research

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 15:39:35 GMT

UofG’s new magnetism lab, equipped with a bespoke magnetically shielded room known as MuRoom, was officially opened on 24 February. Prof Hadi Heidari (JWSE) & Chief Technology Officer of Neuranics, led the installation of the magnetism lab. He said: “The potential applications are incredibly exciting especially in medical diagnostics. 3-dimensional measurements of magnetic signals could help identify conditions that traditional methods might overlook, such as certain types of 'silent' strokes."

New, greener software model could democratise access to geospatial analysis

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 15:21:29 GMT

Dr Mingshu Wang (GES) is one of the paper’s co-authors. He said: “Many industries rely on understanding spatial relationships to make predictions and plan for the future. With GeoAggregator, organizations can analyze big spatial data more effectively, helping to shape better policies, improve urban planning, and support sustainable development.”

Academic Consultancy Service launched by Principal and VP for Economic Development & Innovation

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 14:30:12 GMT

The Academic Consultancy Service will provide academics with access to legal, financial, and administrative expertise including help with negotiations, contracts, and payments. The significantly enhanced service will save staff valuable time and effort and allow them to focus on knowledge exchange and impact through consultancy.

Taylor Swift fans may be ready to ‘Shake Off’ plastic vinyl records, new University of Glasgow study shows

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 14:19:00 GMT

Research from UofG reveals that Taylor Swift fans might be ready for an eco-friendly evolution of how they collect their favourite artist’s music, with 1 in 4 willing to consider plastic-free alternatives to traditional vinyl records. Dr Graeme Hunt (JWSE) co-lead of Doughnut Music Lab said: “Music industries often rely on high-emitting sectors & infrastructure in order to do business, and we’d like to see music culture influence high-emitting sectors to reduce their footprint where possible."

'Mission accomplished' as ventures graduate from Scotland’s first deeptech accelerator

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 16:00:00 GMT

A cohort of young ventures has hailed Scotland’s first deeptech accelerator a success after concluding a 13-week intensive skills programme.  The Infinity G programme kicked off in October with 15 groundbreaking companies – in sectors from AI and quantum computing to biotechnology - embarking on a series of workshops and training sessions, where participants underwent company-building mentorship, refined their pitches, and honed their business strategies. 

Recyclable artificial vision system could be sweet for the environment

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 12:19:40 GMT

Engineers from UofG partnered with researchers from São Paulo State University (UNESP) & Hong Kong Metropolitan University to develop the system, which uses organic, biodegradable and recyclable parts to ‘see’ and ‘remember’ colours while drawing a tiny amount of power. The team’s paper, titled ‘Sustainable and Tunable Synaptic Electrolyte-Gated Organic Field-Effect Transistors (EGOFETs) for Light Adaptive Visual Perceptive Systems’, is published in Advanced Functional Materials.

UofG quantum research showcased for UK Government

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 14:41:03 GMT

Parliamentary Secretary at the Cabinet Office, Abena Oppong-Asare MP was given a tour of the ARC to learn more about quantum technology projects and research labs, as well as the University’s leading role in two UK quantum technology hubs.

New project aims to map future societal impact of augmented reality

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 16:47:16 GMT

Dr Mark McGill, from the University of Glasgow’s School of Computing Science, has won a Starter Grant from the European Research Council - which was subsequently funded by the UKRI Horizon Guarantee scheme - to investigate how a future ‘augmented society’ might provide people with new opportunities, as well as subject them to new potential for harms. Dr McGill will work with Dr Graham Wilson and Dr Joseph O’Hagan, also of the School of Computing Science, on the project.

New quantum technique could improve cutting-edge spectroscopy

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 16:40:24 GMT

Professor Matteo Clerici, of the University of Glasgow’s James Watt School of Engineering and the University of Insubria, is the paper’s corresponding author. He said: “Although the technology is still developing, in the future time-domain spectroscopy could help us better understand what materials are made of, detect contaminants or traces of dangerous material like explosives in the atmosphere, or probe the concentration of molecules of serious diseases in patients’ blood samples.

Chip-free wireless sensors could reduce environmental impact of electronic tags

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 17:06:45 GMT

Dr Mahmoud Wagih, lecturer at the University of Glasgow’s James Watt School of Engineering, is the study’s corresponding author. He said: "Developing wireless sensing tags is crucial for monitoring temperature across supply chains, particularly in food safety and medical applications. By eliminating the need for microchips, these chipless tags could significantly reduce both cost and electronic waste compared to traditional RFID sensors.

Breakthrough could enable diamond transistors for high-power applications

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 16:30:00 GMT

Professor David Moran, of the University of Glasgow’s James Watt School of Engineering, led the research team with partners from RMIT University in Australia and Princeton University in the USA. Their research is published as a paper in the journal Advanced Electronic Materials.

UofG set to play key role in UN’s ITU focus group on AI Native Networks

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 15:35:32 GMT

UofG’s School of Computing Science is playing a key role in a new United Nations International Telecommunication Union (ITU) focus group which aims to harness the power of AI to improve the design and performance of communications networks. Dr Paul Harvey was instrumental in setting up the new focus group and since has taken on the role of vice-chair of the UN’s Focus Group on Artificial Intelligence Native for Telecommunication Networks (FG-AINN), which met for the first time in November.

UofG researchers team with Canadian colleagues on new quantum project

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 15:18:11 GMT

Dr Rair Macêdo, of the James Watt School of Engineering, will collaborate with Professor Robert Stamps of the University of Manitoba on a research project called Coherent Optimisation and Magnon Manipulation for Information Transfer, or COMMIT. The project is one of 10 sharing in £6.5m in funding from the UK-Canada Quantum for Science Research Collaboration which aims to foster quantum’s unique properties to drive innovation and scientific progress.

Fully-funded net-zero robotics PhD opportunities available at RAINZ CDT

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 15:11:01 GMT

The University of Glasgow is encouraging applications from UK candidates to help create the next generation of multi-disciplinary robotic systems engineers and revolutionise how robotics supports the UK's Net Zero Strategy. Six fully-funded PhD positions are available at the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence for Net Zero (RAINZ CDT), starting in Autumn 2025. The deadline for applications is Tuesday 11th February.

UofG researchers part of new projects to tackle engineering research challenges

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 14:12:40 GMT

Prof. Caroline Gauchotte-Lindsay will contribute to the ‘Failure Modes of Engineering (Feme): a network for future inclusivity, sustainability, and global impact’, led by the Univ. of Edinburgh. Meanwhile, Dr Dezong Zhao is part of the ‘UK Open Multimodal AI Network (UKOMAIN)’ project, led by the Univ. of Sheffield. The projects are 2 of 6 newly-announced transdisciplinary research projects based at UK institutions will each receive a share of a £10 million investment led and funded by EPSRC.

UofG researchers showcased in new SAGES podcast series

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 14:50:40 GMT

Two episodes of the SAGES Climate Science Podcast, launched today and supported by the Scottish Government's Climate Engagement Fund 2024/2025, feature interviews with researchers from the School of Geographical & Earth Sciences. Hosted by award-winning climate activist and environmental scientist Laura Young, the podcast features 11 episodes tackling a wide range of topics, from blue carbon and peatlands to flooding, technology, and environmental justice.

Action urged over climate change’s impact on hydropower and wildlife

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 14:41:15 GMT

Scotland's Centre of Expertise for Waters (CREW) commissioned the report based on research from UofG and cbec eco-engineering. Prof. Richard Williams (GES) led the research. He said: “The research highlights the complex balance that needs to be maintained between meeting Scotland's renewable energy needs and ensuring the environment is properly protected. While hydropower is vital for meeting climate change targets, care must be taken to minimise its impacts on river health and ecosystems.

Final call for EBSD conference abstracts

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:30:57 GMT

Dr Luke Daly of the School of Geographical & Earth Sciences is the conference’s scientific organiser. He said: “We’re delighted to be hosting this year’s EBSD conference on-campus at the University of Glasgow. “The conference, which brings together researchers who typically work in separate disciplines, offers a unique opportunity for the community to workshop ideas, share best practices, and discover new tools that others have been developing across different fields."

‘Neurorobot’ research aims to create enhanced precision in neuromodulation

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:12:27 GMT

Prof. Hadi Heidari (JWSE) will lead the project, with support from partners at the Universities of Exeter, Manchester & Newcastle in the UK and the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) in Italy. NEUROBITE Technologies, a startup spun out from the University of Glasgow by PhD student Maria Cerezo-Sanchez, is also lending support to the project. Prof. Heidari is also a key partner in the European EIC Pathfinder CROSSBRAIN project which uses advanced implantable methods to treat brain disorders.

Library project helps to chase away the ‘January Blues’

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 15:56:41 GMT

Prof. Hester Parr (GES) is one of the leaders of the Living with SAD project. She said: “The creative resources in the Wintering Well box include a novel daily guide to how to live with low winter light in positive ways. I am delighted that library users are benefitting from this new scheme. We will continue to collect feedback throughout winter to help us guide the next stage of Living with SAD, which could involve bringing lamps and resources to many other communities across Scotland.”

UofG research and innovation showcased for Scottish Labour leader

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 15:48:55 GMT

During the visit, Mr Sarwar visited the University’s ARC-XR lab, which hosts research on new applications of extended reality technologies, to hear about the TransiT team’s work from the project’s co-director, Professor David Flynn, before moving on to Chemify’s state-of-the-art laboratory space to meet its chief operating officer, Dr Alastair Leighton.

Research blasts off towards future space factory development

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 16:14:55 GMT

Researchers at a Scottish university have taken one small step towards a future where orbital factories can 3D print future tech on demand in space. Dr Gilles Bailet, of the University of Glasgow’s James Watt School of Engineering, has been awarded a patent for a new system which overcomes the challenges of 3D printing in zero-gravity. His technology has recently been rigorously tested during a series of trips on a research aeroplane known as the ‘vomit comet’.

Professor Douglas Paul awarded OBE in the 2025 King’s New Year Honours

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 16:09:12 GMT

Professor Douglas Paul was awarded an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2025 King’s New Year Honours for services to quantum technology research

New funding to develop next-gen wireless communications systems

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 12:03:22 GMT

Engineers from the University of Glasgow are teaming up with colleagues from the Tyndall National Institute’s Wireless Communications Laboratory (WCL) for the project, called Active intelligent Reconfigurable surfaces for 6G wireless COMmunications, or AR-COM. Together with key industry partners, they will work to improve the design of smart materials called intelligent reconfigurable surfaces (IRS) which are expected to play a key role in the ultrafast 6G wireless networks of the future.