University of Bristol

Congratulations to four of our amazing researchers who have been recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours 🎉

We are proud to announce that David Gunnell (CBE), John Sparrow (MBE), Andrew Mumford (MBE) and David Knowles FREng (CBE), whose work spans public health, ophthalmology, genomic medicine and engineering have been recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours.

Their contributions are improving lives, from su***de prevention and eye care to advancing genomic diagnostics and strengthening partnerships between academia and industry.

We're also thrilled to congratulate our many alumni and honorary graduates who have also been recognised, including writer and children’s author Julia Donaldson who has been made a Dame, and Aardman Animation founders Peter Lord and David Sproxton, who are to receive knighthoods.

Read more here➡️ https://brnw.ch/21x3jLJ

Grow your knowledge with the University of Bristol at the Festival of Nature 2026 🌿

Join the University of Bristol this June as we take part in the Festival of Nature, the UK's largest free celebration of the natural world, held across the West of England region.

Come say hi at our interactive stalls at the Wild Weekend events in Millennium Square (13–14 June). Meet our researchers, try hands-on activities and explore topics from local wildlife to cutting-edge environmental science.

You can also step into Reclaiming Hope, Removing Carbon at the Botanic Garden (11–14 June), an exhibition bringing together artists and climate scientists. Wander through installations and experiences, each exploring different approaches to carbon removal.

Whether you’re curious, creative or just keen to learn something new, there’s something for everyone. Come along and get involved! 🌍💡

👉 Plan your visit: https://brnw.ch/21x3cfV

How can partnership help people access better dental care? 🪥

That was the topic up for discussion when the University of Bristol gathered Ministers, MPs and NHS and university leaders to discuss the growing gap in dental provision.

As part of the Russell Group of Universities' Healthier Communities 2030 commitment, the roundtable was hosted by Bristol Dental School co-chaired by Vice-Chancellor Evelyn Welch and Kerry McCarthy Labour MP for Bristol East (representing the local community near the dental school). Participants included Karin Smyth for Bristol South , Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) and Claire Hazelgrove, MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke, alongside NHS and university leaders.

The discussion focused on the growing need for dental care nationally and locally, and how universities can play a major role in supporting the health of their communities through partnerships with their host cities and regions.

Find out more about the discussion here ➡️ https://brnw.ch/21x3bkV

We’re proud to welcome the first students to our new Hartcliffe and Withywood Microcampus.

Charlotte, Stacy and Mak spoke to the BBC this week about how they’re enjoying our first micro-qualification ‘Skills for a Changing World: Entrepreneurship and Professional studies’ which has been co-designed with the local community and delivered in partnership with Hartcliffe and Withywood Ventures.

As a mum of five, Charlotte never imagined she would go to uni.

Now, she's one of 14 women studying for a micro‑qualification at University of Bristol - not on campus, but in her own community ➡️
https://bbc.in/4fUE6Mc

Officially the UK's coolest city 😎

From our brilliant food scene to our a creative culture, we aren't surprised that Bristol has claimed the title in the 🌈🍧

(We even think it's pretty cool 😉)

We celebrated our very first Student Teaching Awards last night 🏆

These awards recognise the incredible staff and teams who make a real difference to teaching and the student experience across the University.

Co-created with Bristol Students’ Union, students have been at the heart of the awards, from nominating and shortlisting to presenting on the night.

With more than 600 nominations submitted, it’s clear just how much impact great teaching and support have on our community.

Guests also enjoyed brilliant performances from the String Quartet Society and the Bristol University Latin American and Ballroom Dancing Society, showcasing the amazing talent of our students.

Congratulations to all the nominees and winners 👏

Read the full story here: https://brnw.ch/21x2VTb

We’re excited to announce the winner of this year’s Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition! 🎉

First place went to Gulnur Zulpukarova (Chemistry), whose research into antibacterial nanostructured surfaces offers an innovative way to tackle harmful bacteria without relying on antibiotics 🏆

Runner-up was Rachael Laidlaw (Interactive Artificial Intelligence, PhD), recognised for her work using AI to improve wildlife monitoring and support conservation 🥈

The People’s Choice Award was won by Amaia Alcalde Anton (Biological Sciences, PhD) for her presentation on butterflies and memory 👏

Well done to all eight finalists for delivering brilliant research in just three minutes and showing the strength of Bristol’s postgraduate community!

Read more about the competition: https://brnw.ch/21x2AS5