Take a look back at the top research discoveries and campus developments of 2013, as well as the world-leading experts who have helped tackle some of the major global issues hitting the headlines this year.
January – what does 2020 hold? Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, opened the University’s public lectures series, which addressed issues of security and conflict in the 21st century. Hosted at St George’s Hall, the Commissioner warned about the on-going risk of terrorism.
Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said: “Terrorism remains a rare occurrence, but the cost remains high. We must remain vigilant, remain on our guard and not relax just because recent attempted attacks in the UK have not been successful.”
February – the lost continent
Liverpool scientists announced the discovery of a lost continent that was submerged by the Indian Ocean up to 85 million years ago. The research team used satellite imagery and analysis of sand samples to identify the landmass which they named Mauritia.
March – London campus
The University announced the opening of a new London campus which will enable more students to benefit from studying at a Russell Group university while in the heart of the capital’s financial district. Programmes will initially be offered in architecture, accountancy, psychology and public health, benefiting from accreditation with key professional bodies.
April – better births
Improving pregnancy and childbirth is the mission for the Centre for Better Births which opened in April. In partnership with Liverpool Women’s Hospital the University will find solutions to problems such as premature labour, stillborn babies, emergency caesareans, infertility and miscarriage.
May – fish on the brain
A report on how fish oil could slow the effects of junk food on the brain made the headlines in May. Dr Lucy Pickavance, from the University’s Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease found that oils high in omega-3 can play a significant role in slowing how fat and sugar inhibit the brain’s control of food intake.
June – animal endurance
Staying with a marine theme, research in June showed how champion animal divers such as sperm whales have evolved to stay underwater for so long. You can watch a video and find out more about the study from the University’s Institute of Integrative Biology here.
July – summer celebrations
Scorching weather made this year’s graduation an event to be remembered. Thousands of students and their guests attended ceremonies at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall to celebrate the culmination of their hard work. A gallery of photos from the day can be viewed here.
August – gangsters’ paradise
New research revealed how Glasgow was plagued by gangs in the 1930s which deliberately modelled themselves on US gangsters from the movies. Dr Andrew Davies, from the University’s Department of History, searched police files, legal records and thousands of press reports to investigate the realities behind Glasgow’s reputation as the ‘Chicago of Britain’.
September – home form not getting results
The University’s Management School released findings from a study into ‘home grown’ player rules in football. The effects of the rules, which apply to Champions League games, are minimal, with only a limited improvement to the competitiveness of the championship – especially from the quarter finals onwards.
October – vets on TV
The University’s School of Veterinary Science was the subject of a new TV series: Ben Fogle’s Animal Clinic. The show follows the work of the University’s specialist vets as they work on complex cases for zoos, farms and pet owners, all based at the advanced facilities on the Leahurst Campus and in the city centre.
November – what causes stress and anxiety
Professor Peter Kinderman revealed the results of his study with the BBC to find out about the causes and consequences of stress. His analysis of over 32,000 online responses to the BBC’s Stress Test found that whilst traumatic life events, how a people think about these events contributes most to the levels of stress and anxiety a person suffered.
December – magnetic space mission
If your Christmas present is a satnav you’ll have reason to thank a Liverpool scientist who’s working on a new European space mission. Dr Richard Holmes is leading a team to map the Earth’s geomagnetic field in unprecedented detail, which will deliver improvements to navigation, cartography and prospecting for minerals.
Over Christmas
The University will close at the end of the working day on Friday 20 December 2013 and reopen on Thursday 2 January 2014, however some services such as the libraries, and computer services will run a reduced service.
If you’re celebrating Christmas and New Year, we wish you a very enjoyable break.
