News: November 2013

Bangor scientists contribute to efforts to reduce environmental destruction and poverty in Madagascar

Bangor University is leading research investigating how poverty is closely tied to the state of the environment in countries such as Madagascar. The research project which aims to help understand the linkages between poverty and the destruction of tropical rainforest brings together scientists from Madagascar, the UK, the USA and the Netherlands.

Publication date: 26 November 2013

Investing in the workforce for older people’s health services –start of an important research study

The School of Healthcare Sciences is leading on an important research study funded by the National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Programme. This project is investigating what workforce development interventions are more likely to work to ensure a knowledgeable and skilled support workforce for older people in health and social care settings.

Publication date: 21 November 2013

The Geographical Society presents....'Annually-resolved records of marine climate change from the longest-lived animals on Earth'

We're delighted to present the first of the 'Geog. Soc. Academic Talks' series with Professor James Scourse. We hope to see as many of you as possible, for what will undoubtedly be a riveting and engaging talk.

Publication date: 20 November 2013

Seeds of hope emerge across the world’s drylands

Drylands occupy 40% of the earth’s land area and are home to 2.5 billion people – nearly a third of the world’s population. People in dry areas are forced to contend with severe environmental degradation and increasing climate variability, aggravated by amongst the highest population growth rates in the world. A groundbreaking paper heralding a new integrated systems approach to agricultural research in the drylands, was published in the journal Food Security recently (18.11.13).

Publication date: 19 November 2013

One step closer to the supermarket for project seeking to convert Welsh grass into sustainable food packaging

Prototype trials are underway for a university and industry-led project to convert Welsh ryegrass into sustainable food packaging.

Publication date: 19 November 2013

Bangor University Law School Staff member wins a prestigious Leadership Bursary

Gary Clifford, Director of the Institute for Competition and Procurement Studies (ICPS) at Bangor Law School, has been awarded a Leadership Bursary by Academi Wales, a public service centre for leadership excellence. He was chosen after a highly competitive selection process and over the next six months will take part in Academi’s world leading skills development programme.

Publication date: 15 November 2013

Making full use of plant resources

Ivy, which grows abundantly in Wales, is just one of a range of plants being investigated for the fine chemicals and other valuable extracts and fibres that they contain. These materials are being explored in a biorefinery on Anglesey which could provide a model for future rural employment. The research is looking for viable replacements for current products and ingredients currently derived from crude oil, which are used across the manufacturing and construction industry. The research and development work to provide new sources of fine chemicals and other materials is being done by a leading Centre at Bangor University. The focus of the BioComposites Centre ’s work is on finding new uses for valuable natural resources, which we’re currently either ignoring completely, throwing away.

Publication date: 12 November 2013

Bangor Business School enters top 15 in the world for banking research

Bangor Business School is now amongst the top 15 institutions in the world for research in the field of Banking (as of October 2013).

Publication date: 7 November 2013

Innovation in Armed Forces training

A project which has transformed recruitment training in the British Army and led to changes in the delivery of training across all three UK Armed Forces, has been highlighted at Bangor University recently, by winning one of the University’s first Enterprise and Impact Awards.

Publication date: 6 November 2013

£4.9 million pounds to train new generation of environmental scientists

Bangor University is poised to train a new generation of environmental scientists equipped to tackle the challenges of a planet under pressure, under a £4.9 million initiative which has been funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).

Publication date: 6 November 2013

Welsh play a part in dementia research

Dementia numbers in the UK have been in decline over the past 20 years according to results from a large research study which reported earlier this year. Figures in the report from the Cognitive Function and Ageing Study suggested that the figures for England, if applied to the whole UK, imply that there are 214,000 fewer cases of dementia than predicted. That would also mean that there are currently around 670,000 people living in the UK with dementia, rather than the estimated number of 800,000 - 900,000. To help understand the situation in Wales, Bangor University is leading the Welsh version of this research. The researchers intend to announce specific statistics for dementia rates for Wales next summer.

Publication date: 5 November 2013

The international Conference, City Margins, City Memories, April 7-8, 2014.

The School of Philosophy and Religion in collaboration with the School of Modern Languages at Bangor University have organised the international interdisciplinary conference, City Margins, City Memories, to be held April 7-8, 2014 at the University of London School of Advanced Study, Senate House London.

Publication date: 5 November 2013