Research News

Professor Nik Watson looks at a conical flask with a student.

Building an AI platform to help food security

Published
14 January 2026
Categories
Global
Research
University

Researchers at Leeds are developing a new tool to reduce food waste and improve global food security, in partnership with a team at the CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, using AI.

A landscape view of Wytham Woods, with sheep grazing in fields in the background

Microplastics detected in rural woodland

Published
13 January 2026
Categories
Environment
Research

Air-polluting microplastics have been found in rural areas in greater quantities than in cities, researchers say.

An older male cyclist riding on a road at sunset

Protecting older male athletes’ heart health

Published
13 January 2026
Categories
Health
Research

Veteran male athletes who have spent years training at high intensity may be at greater risk of serious heart problems while exercising, new University of Leeds research shows.

Aerial view of a flooded house, a forest and field

Helping communities prepare for extreme weather and climate change

Published
22 December 2025
Categories
News
Environment
Research

A Leeds academic has produced a series of booklets to help people cope with extreme weather, as the effects of climate change leave communities facing more devastating storms, floods and heatwaves.

The BBC logo on Broadcasting House, a large, curved, glass-fronted building

How can we protect public service media?

Published
18 December 2025
Categories
Research
Arts & Culture

As the review of the BBC’s governance kicks off, a Leeds researcher argues that values of universality, diversity and independence must be kept at the heart of reforms.

three young teenagers acting on stage. One of the young actors is a wheelchair user.

Improving children’s wellbeing through the arts

Published
12 December 2025
Categories
Arts & Culture
Research

The arts and creativity are crucial for children’s wellbeing, but funding cuts have removed this lifeline for many children growing up in disadvantage and poor health, research shows.

Electric car charges at a pavement charging point on a sunny suburban street. The car is in the foreground of the image, with a row of red brick houses and parked cars behind it.

EVs 'just as safe for pedestrians'

Published
9 December 2025
Categories
Research
Environment

Electric vehicles (EVs) are no more dangerous to pedestrians than traditional petrol or diesel cars, according to a new study.

a grid showing real human faces and others generated by AI

Learning to spot AI generated faces

Published
4 December 2025
Categories
Science
Research

Five minutes of training can significantly improve people's ability to identify fake faces created by artificial intelligence, new research shows.  

A child's arms in handcuffs

Keeping children away from crime

Published
4 December 2025
Categories
Society & Politics
Research

Children are being pulled into the youth justice system because their early health, education and care needs are not being addressed, according to a new Child of the North report.