Breakthroughs

100+ ways universities have improved everyday life

Explore the breakthroughs in health, technology, sport and culture, environment, family, and community.

University of Portsmouth

A new enzyme to help plastic bottles break down faster

Very few plastic bottles are recycled but research is changing that after the creation of a new enzyme.

Wrexham Glyndŵr University

Assistive technology suite to support students

Opportunities and services to help students from any background succeed are being offered.

Ulster University

Brain mapping to help paralysed people to communicate

A headset has been created, enabling paralysed patients to communicate using their thoughts.

Sheffield Hallam University

Bras to aid breast cancer patients

Professor Heidi Probst was instrumental in the development of a specially designed bra to improve treatment…

University College London

Breakthrough treatments for leukaemia and aggressive cancers

Ground-breaking research has revolutionised the treatment of leukaemia and other aggressive cancers.

SOAS, University of London

Bringing world music to the masses

Music from around the world is now reaching our ears thanks to the role played by SOAS.

De Montfort University

Building houses from plastic bottles

Sand-filled plastic bottles are being used to build homes in Nigeria.

University of Huddersfield

Cancer treatment breakthrough

A potentially revolutionary cancer treatment is being developed at the University of Huddersfield.

Middlesex University

Care robots for the elderly

Robots could soon care for elderly people thanks to research from Middlesex University.

University of Stirling

Changing tobacco advertising to reduce the number of smokers

Research has led to the change of tobacco product packaging to reduce the number of smokers.

Cardiff Metropolitan University

Combined research and product design to improve service for breast cancer patients

Research and product design have been combined at Cardiff Metropolitan to help breast cancer patients.

Guildhall School of Music and Drama

Community creative learning

The Messengers is a project which sees people from different backgrounds write and perform music together.

University of Winchester

Creating reusable coffee cups out of chewing gum

Chewing gum is being used to create reusable coffee cups at the University of Winchester.

Anglia Ruskin University

Creation of Vision Loss Expert Group

The Vision Loss Expert Group (VLEG) carries out important global research into blindness and MSVI (moderate…

University of Bristol

Cutting the rate of cot death

Research at University of Bristol has changed parenting advice across the world.

London South Bank University

Developing a skilled workforce for South London

A partnership between the university and Southwark Council is providing more skilled apprentices.

University of Nottingham

Development of MRI scanner

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was first developed at the University of Nottingham.

University of Oxford

Development of penicillin drug

Oxford scientists developed penicillin into a infection-battling drug.

University of Manchester

Development of the computer

Groundbreaking developments in computer technology have benefited billions of people.

Loughborough University

Development of the living wage

Research has helped the Living Wage Commission determine the hourly rate needed to cover living costs.

Teesside University

Digital innovation within the construction sector

5D modelling, which began at Teesside University, has revolutionised the construction industry.

University of Leicester

Discovery of genetic fingerprinting

A professor in Leicester's Department of Genetics discovered genetic fingerprinting.

Birkbeck, University of London

Driving policy change for disadvantaged children

Research into early childhood education drove national education policy changes for disadvantaged children.

University of York

Economic research to inform spending and investment

Research into the effectiveness of our health services is helping guide major spending decisions.

King's College London

Education opportunities for refugees

Positive opportunities aimed at preventing young refugees from losing their future.

University of Edinburgh

Enabling cancer survivors to have children

New procedures for freezing ovarian tissue could help cancer survivors still be able to have children.

Buckinghamshire New University

Ensuring every student has the same opportunities

The 'Big Deal' offers opportunities for students to take part in a wide range of free activities.

Aston University

Faster, safer data connection

Huge data files can now be sent at a super-fast speed thanks to research at Aston University.

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

First full-time undergraduate degree course for deaf performers in the UK

BA Performance in British Sign Language and English programme is the first course for D/deaf performers.

Royal College of Art

First prison-launched record label

InHouse Records is the world's first fully functional record label to be launched in prison.

University of Sheffield

First use of penicillin as a therapy

The first documented use of penicillin as a therapy was in Sheffield in 1930.

Bangor University

Helping farmers in Nepal and India

Research has lead to varieties of rice that have hugely benefited farmers in Nepal and India.

University of the Arts London

Helping refugee journalists

The Refugee Journalism Project supports refugees and exiled journalists to re-start their careers.

University of East London

Helping to increase energy efficiency

The future is more environmentally friendly thanks to work carried out by a University of East London scholar.

University of Wolverhampton

Helping to reduce student suicide

This pioneering programme supports staff and students through training.

London School of Economics

Improving access to adult social care

The PSSRU aims to improve social care services for those who need them.

University of the West of Scotland

Improving dementia care

A programme delivered by the UWS and Alzheimer Scotland is training carers for people with dementia.

University of Salford

Improving energy efficiency

Energy efficiency is being improved, with the aim of helping people save money on bills.

University of Birmingham

Improving liver transplants

A new form of technology is revolutionising liver transplants and saving lives.

University of Bradford

Improving lives affected by dementia

The development of person-centred research is influencing policy and practice in dementia care worldwide.

University of Central Lancashire

Improving local oral health

The University’s School of Dentistry is having a big impact on the local community.

Scotland's Rural College

Improving mental health support for rural communities

People suffering with poor mental health in rural areas are being connected with beneficial services.

University of Derby

Improving our well-being through nature

Research has shown wellbeing and conservation habits can be influenced by our relationship with nature.

University of South Wales

Improving patient hydration in hospital

A simple change could help hospital patients who are having their fluids monitored.

Queen Margaret University

Improving speech therapy

Pioneering new techniques are helping children to improve their speech.

Oxford Brookes University

Improving the accuracy of pre-natal screening

Research provided pre-natal diagnostic and screening tests which are used worldwide in clinical practice.

University of Kent

Improving the health of vegetarians and vegans

Research is being carried out into improving the diets of vegetarians and vegans with vitamin B12 in plants.

University of Hull

Improving the mental health of new mothers

Pregnant women and new parents are getting the best possible mental health care.

University of Strathclyde, Glasgow

Invention of television

John Logie Baird, creator of the television, learned his trade at Strathclyde Unviersity.

Queen's University Belfast

Invention of the portable defibrillator

A professor at Queen's University Belfast invented the portable defibrillator in 1965.

University of Surrey

Laser research

The development of a laser at the University of Surrey paved the way for the internet era.

University of Northampton

Maintaining high NHS standards

The clinical skills of nurses and midwives are being assessed to ensure care is the best it can be.

University of Bath

Making rugby safer

Over 9 million rugby players around the world are safer thanks to research from the University of Bath.

Northumbria University

Measuring Antarctic ice changes

Analysis of an Antarctic glacier could lead to governments planning major projects such as flood defences.

University of Leeds

Measuring Antarctic ice melting

The rate at which ice is melting in the Antarctic is now known thanks to University of Leeds research.

Liverpool Hope University

Measuring social impact of Everton FC

Everton's development foundation 'Everton in the Community' has a big impact, which Hope are measuring.

University of West London

Meeting the needs of the NHS

The staffing needs of the NHS in West London are met thanks to the training of nurses and midwives.

Goldsmiths, University of London

Monitoring pollution

The Citizen Sense project collects important data about local environments.

Cardiff University

Multi-functional community facility

The Community Gateway project works to offer opportunities and services which benefit the community.

Cranfield University

Nano membrane toilet

The Nano membrane toilet, created at Cranfield University, is making waves across the world.

Leeds Beckett University

New centre for the city's most disadvantaged community

New Wortley Community Centre provides opportunities and services for the local community.

Newcastle University

New diet to reverse Type 2 diabetes

A new diet could be the answer to reversing Type-2 diabetes.

Aberystwyth University

New varieties of grass to help the environment

Research has led to the development of new kinds of grass, which have environmental and economic benefits.

Staffordshire University

Offering the first degrees in computer science and esports (the practice of playing video games competitively)

The first degrees in computer science were offered at the innovative Staffordshire University.

University of Southampton

Optical fibres to enable the internet to span the world

The benefits of optical fibres are being felt around the world and on other planets.

Birmingham City University

Pioneering centre for innovation

STEAMhouse is a centre for innovation that brings together small companies, artists and academics.

Falmouth University

Postgraduate business development programme

Falmouth University is supporting business development through their incubation and acceleration programme.

Bath Spa University

Programme to help children who struggle in school

The Attachment Aware Schools programme is helping struggling schoolchildren.

University of Roehampton

Promoting musical development in young people with learning difficulties

The Sounds of Intent programme promotes musical development of young people with learning difficulties.

The Open University

Promoting social mobility

The Open University offers life-changing learning at any age, to anyone from any background.

University of Bedfordshire

Protecting children from child exploitation

Pioneering research into child sexual exploitation is better protecting children.

University of St Andrews

Protecting Scotland's oceans

Regenerative medicine and stem cell research could improve after new marine life has been discovered.

Regent's University London

Psychological support for women with breast cancer and their families

Psychological support is changing the lives of women diagnosed with breast cancer.

St George's, University of London

Reducing cardiac deaths among young people

Work to reduce cardiac deaths among young people is being done alongside CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young).

University of Plymouth

Reducing marine plastic litter

The university's International Marine Litter Research Unit is tackling the problem of marine plastic litter.

University of Lincoln

Relieving the pressures on the NHS through better training

Ambulance staff are being trained to improve pre-hospital care for patients.

Solent University

Removing barriers to creativity

The Small Faces exhibition was aimed at removing barriers to creativity and engaging diverse audiences.

Durham University

Repellent coatings for mobile devices

Millions of mobile devices and other products are protected by super-repellent coatings.

University of Warwick

Research into autonomous vehicles

A simulator at the University of Warwick is testing the future of travel - autonomous vehicles.

Nottingham Trent University

Research into digital technology and gambling addiction

Strategies initiated at Nottingham Trent University are helping tackle digital and gambling addiction.

Hartpury University

Research into disease risk in pets’ water bowls

Researchers at Hartpury have discovered that life-threatening bacteria thrives in pets’ water bowls

Brunel University London

Research into exposure to chemicals

Ground-breaking research into the exposure of people and wildlife to chemicals has changed global policy.

University of Gloucestershire

Research into spiders

Researchers identified when and where spiders are most likely to be hiding indoors - so you can be prepared.

Canterbury Christ Church University

Research into the benefits of singing

The Research Centre for Arts and Health hopes their research will be applied for treatment of mild dementia.

Edinburgh Napier

Research into the benefits of staying active after cancer diagnosis

The benefits of staying active after being diagnosed with cancer are being researched by Edinburgh Napier.

Royal Holloway, University of London

Research into why car accidents happen

Research at Royal Holloway, University of London has improved road safety.

University of Essex

Research to increase major food crops

Crops are growing faster than ever and their yield is up by almost half thanks to research.

Royal Veterinary College

Researching animal aerodynamics

The research of animals could have practical uses in the design of helicopters and drones.

The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Responding to global disease outbreaks

LSHTM is at the forefront of responding to disease outbreaks and global health emergencies around the world.

Heriot-Watt University

Revolutionising help for the homeless

I-SPHERE uses research to drive change for people affected by extreme disadvantage.

Bournemouth University

Revolutionising the treatment of hip arthritis

The Orthopaedic Research Institute has improved the quality of healthcare in Dorset and beyond.

University of Chichester

Rock star drumming to help autistic children

Scientists have found that drumming can improve autistic children’s ability to learn in school.

University of Liverpool

Rotavirus vaccine

Research has played a key role in the development and introduction of the rotavirus vaccine.

University of Reading

Safeguarding chocolate

The International Cocoa Quarantine Centre at the University of Reading means chocolate has a safe future.

University of Buckingham

Scholarships for aspiring teachers

Scholarships at the University of Buckingham are supporting local schools to invest in their staff

University of the Highlands and Islands

School of Health, Social Care and Life Sciences

A new city-region deal hopes to provide the infrastructure and personnel to gain investment and create jobs.

University of Cambridge

Sequencing genome breakthrough

Cures to diseases have been developed after researchers helped reveal the mysteries of DNA.

Imperial College London

Smart baby buggy for the visually impaired

A smart baby buggy for people whose sight is impaired has been developed at Imperial College London.

Coventry University

Support for people living with long-term health conditions

Those suffering with long-term conditions are now getting the care they need thanks to Coventry University.

University of Wales Trinity St David

Supporting children with neurological conditions

The Assistive Technologies Innovation Centre supports medical companies and healthcare charities.

University of Sunderland

Supporting estranged students

Students who have become permanently separated and estranged receive personalised support.

London Metropolitan University

Supporting start-ups

The Accelerator is a specialist business incubator which brings entrepreneurs together.

Kingston University

Supporting students from diverse backgrounds

Outreach schemes, an inclusive curriculum and support networks give every student the best chance to succeed.

Queen Mary University of London

Supporting the living wage

Research has provided evidence to support the campaign for employers to adopt the living wage.

Norwich University of the Arts

Supporting the Samaritans in East Anglia

Two students have produced an advertising campaign for Samaritans to raise awareness of mental health support.

University of Suffolk

Supporting young victims of online abuse

Research has led to greater support for professionals dealing with young victims of online sexual abuse.

University of Greenwich

Tackling food shortages in the developing world

The shelf-life of a crop called cassava, eaten around the world, has been extended thanks to research.

University of Dundee

Television and phone screen technology

Advances made at the University of Dundee are key to television and mobile phone technology.

Leeds Trinity University

The development of degree apprenticeships

Degree apprenticeships are opening up new opportunities for employers and employees in the region.

University of Exeter

The Exeter Hip

Hip replacement operations have been revolutionised with a new kind of implant - the Exeter hip.

Abertay University

The first degree in video gaming

The economy is booming thanks to the first degree in video gaming - started at Abertay University

The first joint university/public library in Europe

The Hive is the first integrated university/public library in Europe.

Liverpool John Moores University

The Intergenerational Café: bringing the old and young together

The Intergenerational Café is a programme that sees older people pass on traditional skills to young people.

University of Glasgow

The ultrasound scan

The development of the prototype for ultrasound paved the way for medical diagnostics.

Glasgow School of Art

The ultrasound scan

The design of the diagnostics obstetrics ultrasound by the Glasgow School of Art has been hugely significant…

University of Aberdeen

The world's first full body MRI scanner

A professor at the University of Aberdeen made breakthroughs leading to the MRI scanner.

Royal Central School of Speech and Drama

Theatre workshops in slums of India

Theatre workshops are now being run in the slums of India thanks to a programme run by the Royal Central Sch…

University of East Anglia

Tracking climate change

Global warming research is helping develop weather patterns dating back hundreds of years.

Glasgow Caledonian University

Transforming children's future aspirations

The Caledonian Club enables young people across Glasgow to build key life skills and confidence.

University of Chester

Transforming professional development in the workplace

People from a wide variety of backgrounds are being supported to gain, or enhance, their qualifications.

Robert Gordon University

Transforming the lives of young people through the power of sport

Youth crime and anti-social behaviour is down by 80% thanks to the Streetsport initiative.

Keele University

Treating lower back pain

Back pain could be a thing of the past thanks to research at Keele University.

University of Hertfordshire

Treating people exposed to chemical agents

People exposed to chemical agents are benefiting from discoveries made at the University of Hertfordshire.

Royal College of Music

Treating post-natal depression with singing

Group singing 'with baby' is helping new mothers with post-natal depression recovery.

University of the West of England, Bristol

Turning urine into electricity

The PEE POWER® system is turning urine into electricity, with a huge positive global impact.

University of Sussex

Understanding children's mental health

Investigations at the University of Sussex are increasing our understanding of mental health in children.

University of Cumbria

Understanding male domestic violence

A light has been shone onto the previously little-known issue of male domestic violence in the UK.

Swansea University

Using bacteria to treat cancer

Research at Swansea University Medical School is working on new, better types of cancer treatments.

University of Brighton

Using football to resolve conflict between communities

Conflict between communities is being solved by football thanks to a University of Brighton programme.

Edge Hill University

Using sport to improve the mental health of young people

Tackling the Blues is a sports programme for young people experiencing mental health problems.

York St John University

Using theatre to work with female prisoners

The Prison Partnership works to give a voice and pathway to one of the most silenced groups in society.

Lancaster University

Village life transformed with online network

Wray in Lancashire was the first village in the UK to benefit from wifi broadband thanks to Lancaster.

Manchester Metropolitan University

Widening access to literature and creativity

The Manchester Children's Book Festival brings literature to children, schools and families.

Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama

Widening access to the arts

The college's Junior Conservatoire and Young Actors Studio (YAS) provides training and bursaries to support…