2026 news

a jury sat in court

“While Parliament is debating jury reforms, reports of an epidemic of violence against women and girls highlight why faster justice reforms may be needed” warns law expert.

Today, reports have emerged of an epidemic of violence against women and girls, on a day that Parliament is debating over the future of jury trials. Here, Professor of Law, Mandy Burton, comments on why reforms aimed at speeding up justice might be necessary but highlights the problems that could arise.
close up of seats in a sports stadium

Safer Stadiums project shares women’s experiences at men’s football games

A new research project is inviting women who attend men’s football matches to share their experiences to help make stadiums safer and more inclusive for all.
A jury listens to evidence in a court case

Study finds myths about male rape can influence how jurors judge cases

Common myths about male rape can influence how people judge evidence and reach verdicts in rape trials involving male victims, according to new research.
Hazelrigg Building on the University campus.

Three Professors awarded Fellowships by the Academy of Social Sciences

Three Loughborough University Professors have been awarded Fellowships by the Academy of Social Sciences.
A man in a lab coat standing next to a number of cylinders in a large warehouse

Heat battery that freezes and melts to store energy could help household heating become cheaper and cleaner

A material that freezes and melts in order to store and use heat as an energy source could see household energy usage become cheaper and cleaner, a project from experts at Loughborough University has found.

A high-rise block of flats in London

Londoners say social housing is no longer realistic for anyone – new report

People living in London now agree that it is not realistic for any household to expect access to social housing.

weight loss injections with tape measure wrapped around

“Obesity is a chronic relapsing condition that cannot be cured with a drug alone” warn public health experts.

GLP-1 weight loss medication has generated conflicting headlines. While some hail it as a breakthrough in tackling the global obesity epidemic, concerns are growing around side effects, limited wraparound care, and how these drugs are being used.
kettle bell weights in a row on the gym floor

New paper calls for physical activity to become a core component of mental health care

A new Loughborough University study has urged psychiatrists and mental health professionals to formally integrate physical activity into routine care for people living with severe mental illness.
The statue of lady justice in London

How male rape myths stop some victims of sexual assault from getting justice – new study

An opinion piece co-written by Professor Dominic Willmott, of the department of Criminology, Sociology and Social Policy, for the Conversation.

Five paintings that capture the complexity of motherhood – chosen by art historians

The following opinion piece was written by Professor Pragya Agarwal, of the School of Social Sciences and Humanities, for the Conversation.
A person sat at a laptop with graphics of increasing bar charts in front of the screen

Everything can be a bet now – the rise and risks of prediction markets

An opinion piece authored by Professor Sarah Mills, Professor of Human Geography, from the School of Geography and Environment, for The Conversation platform.
a woman looking a pill packet

Hormone therapy and dementia risk: what a new study says about menopause treatment

An opinion piece authored by Professor Eef Hogervorst, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University.

Two female academics looking into a tube with sediment sample inside whilst on a boat

Natural textile fibres, such as cotton, present in lake sediments for over a century

An environmental assessment of textile fibre pollution has found natural textile fibres persist in lake sediments, and could be used to help recreate historic human activity alongside other microscopic anthropogenic particles like microplastics.
people pose next to the rugby world cup trophy 2025

Loughborough plays host to Community Rugby World Cup trophy tour

The Community Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour arrived at Loughborough University this weekend, giving students, staff, and community groups the chance to see the championship trophy up close.
a woman on a bike in a velodrome

Loughborough Cycling and Kalas Sportswear agree partnership

Loughborough University’s Cycling Academy is thrilled to welcome Kalas Sportswear as an official supplier on a three-year agreement.
three people sat behind a desk

Loughborough University signs landmark partnership with Team England

Loughborough University has agreed a landmark partnership with Team England ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
A young boy in a red t shirt holding a pen doing his math homework while an adult, out of shot, points at the numbers on the homework sheet

Teachers receive limited training to identify dyscalculia despite one child in every classroom having the condition, study finds

A major international study has found that most teachers receive little or no training in dyscalculia, a maths learning difficulty that affects around one in 20 children.
A line of youngsters all looking at the phones

How social media draws vulnerable users back to eating disorder content – new research

People recovering from eating disorders often use social media for support, seeking out recovery content, body-positive creators and others with similar experiences.
A man presenting to a seated audience with a tv screen behind him.

Town Deal funding powers over 60 new businesses in Loughborough

Over 60 new businesses and entrepreneurs have been supported following funding from Loughborough Town Deal for the New Business Wayfinder project.
food being scraped into bin from plate

UK households throw away around 6 million tonnes of food every year - costing the average family of four about £700 annually and contributing substantially to global greenhouse emissions.”

A BBC investigation revealed this week that almost a quarter of English councils will miss an official deadline to introduce weekly food waste collections to all homes. Here, Dr Elliot Woolley, an expert in sustainable production and consumption at Loughborough University, comments on the scale of food waste in UK households, the importance of the new legislation, and why many councils are struggling to put the right infrastructure in place.
kng charles presents nick jennings with a medal

Loughborough University formally receives the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Higher and Further Education

Loughborough University has formally received the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Higher and Further Education at an Honours ceremony at St James’ Palace in recognition of its pioneering contributions to Para and disability sport. 
A married couple, one person stood behind one person sat, both in front of a mirror looking left

Upcoming National Theatre Live screenings at the Cope Auditorium

LU Arts in collaboration with Flix student cinema will present two more award-winning National Theatre (NT) Live screenings in the coming months.

a corner flag with a blurred crowd in the background

Loughborough University shortlisted for national awards

Two Loughborough University initiatives have been shortlisted for the 2026 Sports Industry Awards.
An iphone screen with social media apps

New research shows social media algorithms can both harm and help people with eating disorders

People with eating disorders are being repeatedly steered towards harmful diet and appearance content on TikTok and Instagram – but are also finding support and recovery content on the same platforms, according to new research.
lighting netball lift the super cup trophy

Lightning crowned 2026 Netball Super Cup Champions

Loughborough Lightning made the perfect start to the 2026 season, securing the Netball Super Cup title with a dramatic 18–17 victory over London Pulse in Saturday’s final.