Category: Geology

Dr Corina Ciocan in lab

Tackling microplastic pollution in England’s rare chalk streams

Chalk streams are being impacted by microparticle pollution, according to a new study.

Fewer than 300 chalk streams exist worldwide, and England is home to most of them – but these irreplaceable habitats aren’t safe. A first-of-its-kind study on the River Itchen, by the University of Brighton and Upper Itchen Restoration Community Interest Company  (UIR CIC), has revealed tiny plastic and fibreglass particles in its headwaters, raising urgent questions about the health of one of England’s most important freshwater ecosystems.

Citizen scientists from the local community, working with researchers, detected microfibre and microparticle pollution at every site sampled in spring 2025. Microfibres – often shed from clothing – dominated the samples, while fibreglass, rarely reported in rivers, was also present, together with tyre particles from road run-off. Such contamination can disrupt the river ecosystem, posing risks to insects, fish and mammals that depend on these chalk streams.

Continue reading “Tackling microplastic pollution in England’s rare chalk streams” →

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Three young teens stood on Brighton pier on a sunny day looking out to sea.

University unveils extra financial support for students applying through Clearing with Brighton Summer Boost initiative

For the first time, the University of Brighton is extending its Brighton Boost financial support initiative to students applying through Clearing in 2025 – helping to remove barriers and create opportunities for those who may have thought university was beyond their reach.

The Brighton Summer Boost package has been introduced to make sure that students applying through Clearing and who need extra support to start university aren’t left behind. It’s the first time that the university has offered dedicated financial assistance during the Clearing period – which opens on 1 July 2025 ready for students to start their course in September – providing targeted help to ensure every applicant who needs it can start university with confidence.

Continue reading “University unveils extra financial support for students applying through Clearing with Brighton Summer Boost initiative” →

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Andy with copies of his new book

Brighton lecturer’s new book reveals the hidden universe living beneath our feet

A newly released book takes us on a microscopic safari featuring weird and wonderful creatures shows why the humble Moss plant could hold the key to major scientific breakthroughs.

What if the greatest wildlife safari on the planet wasn’t across continents, but on your doorstep? In his curiosity-fuelled new book “Moss Safari: Exploring the secret life in moss”, Dr Andy Chandler-Grevatt, takes readers into the fascinating microscopic world of everyday moss.

Continue reading “Brighton lecturer’s new book reveals the hidden universe living beneath our feet” →

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top view of swimming pool

Pioneering new project explores inclusive open water swimming with visually impaired community

A groundbreaking project is supporting visually impaired people across Sussex to enjoy the mental and physical benefits of open water swimming.

Led by researcher Sadie Rockliffe from the university’s School of Business and Law, the project focuses on making blue spaces, such as seas, lakes, and pools, more welcoming and accessible to people with sight loss.

While outdoor swimming is increasingly recognised for its health and wellbeing benefits, many blue spaces remain inaccessible to people with visual impairments. Often designed with sightedness as the default, these environments can overlook the importance of other senses, such as touch, sound, rhythm, and temperature, which are essential for many swimmers, with or without sight.

Sadie’s research project challenges this sight-centred approach by exploring how people with visual impairments connect with water through their other senses – and by working directly with participants to reimagine these environments as more inclusive, community-focused, and responsive to diverse sensory experiences.

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University of Brighton sign outside elm house

University of Brighton ranked among top 4.3% of universities worldwide

The University of Brighton has earned a place among the world’s leading universities. Brighton has ranked in the top 4.3% of institutions globally, in the 2025 Global 2000 list by the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR). 

This recognition highlights the university’s continued dedication to academic excellence, impactful research, and the success of its students and alumni worldwide.

The 2025 CWUR rankings are the largest of their kind, based entirely on outcome-based data, rather than surveys or self-submitted statistics. Universities are assessed across four key pillars: education, employability, faculty, and research – all of which reflect measurable impact on students and society.

Continue reading “University of Brighton ranked among top 4.3% of universities worldwide” →

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female wearing cricket sportswear holding a bat

University of Brighton to open UK’s largest indoor cricket academy

The University of Brighton has announced the UK’s largest indoor cricket academy, enabling aspiring cricketers to develop their talents while earning a degree.

Brighton Cricket Academy is a groundbreaking partnership between the University of Brighton and Square One Education Ltd, which will offer top-tier professional coaching and cutting-edge facilities from September 2025.

Based at the university’s new Brighton Sport and Health Complex, Brighton Cricket Academy will be the second largest indoor cricket facility in the world, providing a world-class training environment catering to student cricketers of all ages, genders, backgrounds, and abilities. The academy programme will support players in fulfilling their potential both on the field and in their academic studies.

Brighton Cricket Academy will be open to all University of Brighton students at foundation, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels, catering to aspiring professional cricketers and those with a passion for the game. 

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Paul Cottingham Trust scholarship

University of Brighton announces one of the UK’s first scholarships focused on the study of trans inclusion

A PhD scholarship focused on trans and non-binary inclusion has been launched by the University of Brighton in collaboration with The Paul Cottingham Trust.

The scholarship will provide a talented researcher with financial support and access to world-class resources, to develop a project focusing on trans and non-binary inclusion within the broad remit of supporting health, wellbeing, and dignity in health and social care. It will be awarded to a candidate who is committed to making a difference to the wider trans community and will provide a unique opportunity for in-depth research that can explore the issues and opportunities for trans people.

This landmark initiative reflects the University of Brighton’s ongoing commitment to advancing research, fostering social change, and championing equality.

Logo for the Paul Cottingham Trust

The scholarship is overseen by the University’s Centre for Transforming Sexuality and Gender (CTSG), an internationally recognised research centre known for its pioneering work in LGBTQIA+ lives and communities. The centre’s researchers employ innovative methods and creative approaches, to produce work that informs policy and practice. The centre also champions anti-racist and gender-inclusive research, providing a vibrant and inclusive environment for its thriving community of early-career researchers and students.

Professor Nigel Sherriff, Professor of Public Health and Public Promotion and Director of CTSG at the University of Brighton said:

“The scholarship represents a unique opportunity to contribute to a vision for the future that transforms trans and non-binary inclusion at every level. It will be awarded to a candidate who demonstrates a strong commitment to driving social change, advancing trans rights, and championing inclusion for trans and non-binary communities, particularly their most marginalised members. It represents an exciting chance to contribute to a vision that translates into tangible improvements in the lives of trans and non-binary individuals.”

Funding for the PhD is provided by The Paul Cottingham Trust, founded in memory of actor, singer, fundraiser and charity supporter Paul Cottingham. Established by Lord Michael Cashman CBE (Paul’s husband) and fellow Trustees, the Trust is dedicated to promoting LGBTQIA+ equality and inclusion globally, focusing on initiatives that create meaningful change for marginalised communities.

Lord Michael Cashman CBE said:

‘We are proud to join the Uni of Brighton in this innovative and exciting project which embodies our shared commitment to achieving an inclusive and equal society where everyone can achieve their unique potential and enjoy the same rights, obligations and privileges as others.’

Click here for more information on the scholarship and how to apply.

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Sustainable campus in Falmer

Brighton jumps into top 30 in new university sustainability league table

The University of Brighton has climbed an impressive 16 places to secure a spot in the top 30 of the latest People & Planet University League, a prestigious ranking of 165 UK universities based on their environmental and ethical performance.

Brighton’s achievement also places it as the fourth most sustainable university in the South East, showcasing its leadership in sustainability within the region.

Recognized for Excellence in Sustainability

The People & Planet League evaluates universities across 14 categories, including environmental policy and strategy, water use, waste and recycling, carbon management and reduction, as well as education on sustainable development.

Brighton was awarded:

  • 100% for its sustainability strategy and policies.
  • 90% for staff and student engagement.
  • 85% for education on sustainable development.
  • 83% for carbon management.

The improvement on last year’s league table position means Brighton has risen by 41 places in the last two years having placed 71st in 2022 and 46th in 2023.

University of Brighton People and Planet award

A Mission-Aligned Approach

Ollie Swan, Head of Sustainability at the University of Brighton, emphasized the institution’s dual focus on academic and operational excellence:
“Our academic mission is deeply connected to addressing today’s environmental and ethical challenges. By aligning our teaching and research with real-world issues, we prepare students to contribute to a sustainable society. At the same time, we’re committed to ‘walking the talk’ through our own environmental performance. While these results are encouraging, we remain focused on consistent improvements within our emerging university strategy.”

A Track Record of Sustainable Action

The latest performance in the national sustainability league table comes after the university was awarded platinum status through the EcoCampus university sector environmental management certification (EMS) scheme.

This is a result of implementing strategic policies to cut carbon emissions, move towards cleaner energy, protect biodiversity, and reduce waste.

So far, the University of Brighton has:

  • Generated 630,000 kWh of solar power in 2023/24—equivalent to powering 230 homes for a year.
  • Diverted 4.7 tonnes of waste from landfills through a reuse campaign, which collected 592 bags of unwanted items from student halls and raised £8,880 for charity in 2024.
Commitment to a Sustainable Future

This recognition reflects Brighton’s dedication to fostering a culture of sustainability. The university’s staff and students play an active role in driving positive environmental change, setting a strong example for the wider community.

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Check if you’re eligible for £1,250 and a lower grade offer 

At the University of Brighton, we’re here to support you in making the best start to your university journey. With our new postcode checker, you can quickly see if you’re eligible for our Brighton Boost financial support package, designed to help you with the cost of living and make everyday things just that little bit easier.   Continue reading “Check if you’re eligible for £1,250 and a lower grade offer “ →

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