Our News

Young talent shines at Hatton Gallery in HAPPY! exhibition

Newcastle University’s Hatton Gallery has partnered with Jerwood Collection to present HAPPY!, a major new exhibition opening on 14 February 2026.

Comment: Is Keir Starmer’s silence on Venezuela a mistake?

Writing for The Conversation, Dr Martin Farr discusses what history tells us about Keir Starmer's silence on Venezuela.

Comment: The extraordinary journey of an enslaved woman to Britain

Writing for The Conversation, Genevieve Johnson discusses the story of Mary Ann Macham, an enslaved woman who arrived in North Shields on Christmas Day, 1831.

Newcastle University and Unite Students finalise joint venture

Newcastle University and Unite Students, the UK’s largest provider of student accommodation, have finalised the formation of their joint venture to develop new accommodation for 2,009 students.

Comment: Jane Austen's Christmas - dances and dangerous games

Writing for The Conversation, Meg Kobza discusses festive traditions such as dancing, dinner parties and dangerous games that Jane Austen took part in.

Warmer ocean currents destabilise ice sheets, driving retreat

New research reveals how ocean warming triggered the large-scale retreat of the Northeast Greenland Ice Stream (NEGIS) - offering vital clues for understanding its modern-day vulnerability.

Comment: What national security truth-tellers reveal

Writing for The Conversation, Iain Munro and Kate Kenny discuss the experiences of whistleblowers as crackdowns increase.

Fine Art students create pieces for Enchanted City

Newcastle University students have created artworks for the new annual winter event Enchanted City.

The arts offer opportunities to improve children’s wellbeing

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.

Notable figures honoured by Newcastle University

A leading poet, scientist and the former leader of Newcastle City Council are receiving honours from Newcastle University.

Longlist announced for Gordon Burn Prize 2026

The Gordon Burn Prize longlist is a mix of bold fiction and non-fiction, representing work from writers from the nations and regions of the UK, Canada, and the USA.

AI has not reduced demand for creativity skills, new analysis finds

AI is redefining rather than replacing the need for creativity, new research published by the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (Creative PEC), has found.

New Professor of Civic Engagement announced

Newcastle University has appointed Richard Brabner as Visiting Professor of Civic Engagement to increase visibility of the University’s work in this area and drive additional impact.

Royal recognition for University’s Dementia work

Newcastle University has won the UK’s highest national honour for universities in recognition of work transforming the understanding, diagnosis and care of people with Dementia with Lewy bodies.

Antarctic mountains could boost ocean carbon absorption

Research involving scientists from Newcastle University has revealed new hope in natural environmental systems found in Antarctica which could help mitigate the overall rise of carbon dioxide.

Subjective Atlas presents alternative view of Bosnia and Herzegovina

A new book conceived by Newcastle University academic offers a contemporary view of life for young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina following the war that ravaged the Balkans in the 1990s.

New education centre to provide opportunities for local young people

Young people facing disadvantage from Gateshead and surrounding areas will have an enhanced opportunity to attend higher education, thanks to a new children’s education centre in the town.

Exit rates higher in Arts, Culture and Heritage jobs, says new study.

Research for Creative PEC, which is led by Newcastle University, found the Arts, Culture and Heritage sectors are losing skilled employees due to low pay, limited progression and lack of flexibility.

Newcastle academics give expert advice to Lords Committee

Two Newcastle University academics have made a major contribution to a House of Lords Committee report that found home working could support the Government’s plans to get people back into work.

MPs to watch Covid-19 care home documentary directed by academic

Filmed entirely by care home workers, CARE will be screened to MPs in Westminster at a very special event this month.

Lighting the path for screen talent

North East Screen joins forces with North East Universities Screen Network

Experts contribute to new speech and language guidance for early years

Academics from Newcastle University’s School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences, have helped to develop new Government speech and language guidance for early years settings.

Comment: Why has Sudan descended into mass slaughter?

Writing for The Conversation, Willow Berridge and colleague Justin Willis discuss the roots of the war in Sudan and why it goes far beyond simple ethnic conflict.

Newcastle academic helps pave way for Scottish land reform

Research by a Newcastle University academic has helped bring about a more equal approach to the way land is managed in Scotland.

Newcastle to have key research role for UN academic impact initiative

Newcastle University has been announced as the new Vice-Chair for Research for one of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals Hubs by the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) initiative.

Sand mining reducing the flow of Southeast Asia’s largest lake

A new study co-led by Newcastle University highlights how sand mining is endangering the normal functioning of the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia.

Newcastle scientists contribute to UNESCO glacier loss report

Scientists from Newcastle University have contributed to a major new international report highlighting accelerating decline of glaciers and ice sheets and the consequences for people and the planet.

Comment: How Mamdani’s ‘talent for listening’ spurred him to victory

Writing for The Conversation, Daniel Hutton Ferris discusses how Zohran Mamdani's listening and reflective approach helped him win the New York mayoral election.

Newcastle University experts take part in Festival of Social Sciences

A Newcastle University academic is helping young people understand how everyone experiences food differently.

New exhibition connects art and ecology to a public audience

Through a collaborative project involving academics, artists, and scientists, Listening to the Voices of the Rivers explores the vital role rivers play in sustaining communities and ecosystems.

New book tells hidden history of Newcastle prison

A new book co-written by a researcher at Newcastle University brings to life the forgotten history of Newcastle’s once-notorious prison.

How creativity can help children with long-term health issues

The impact of creativity on the health and wellbeing of youngsters with long-term health conditions is being investigated by a team of researchers led by Dr Emily Murphy from Newcastle University.

Comment: Why Tokyo’s youth culture district bans ‘nuisance Halloween'

Writing for The Conversation, Andrew Stevens discusses why Japanese authorities have introduced measures to curb rowdy behaviour at Halloween.

New exhibition brings living memory of the AIDS pandemic to life

An exhibition and project launch opening next week shares a powerful insight into the history of the AIDS pandemic.

Comment: Children should have a right to play in their neighbourhoods

Writing for The Conversation, Alison Stenning discusses the debate around whether children should only play in designated spaces or if they should be able to play in their neighbourhood. 

Expand Best Start with hubs in Schools say experts

Schools should be used to create more of the Government’s Best Start hubs, says a new report.

Comment: ‘Conflict-free’ minerals used in waging of modern wars

Writing for The Conversation, Mark Griffiths and Mohamed El-Shewy discuss how many of the “conflict-free” minerals sourced in Africa are likely to have at least some connection to war.

VOTUM

A New Contemporary Artwork Bridging Ancient Rituals and Climate Protest opens at Vindolanda

Newcastle academic awarded prestigious British Academy honour

Professor Chantal Conneller, Professor of Early Prehistory, has been awarded the prestigious Grahame Clark medal by the British Academy in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the field.

New global leader appointed at Newcastle University

Newcastle University has appointed strategic academic leader, Professor Li Li as the new Pro-Vice-Chancellor Global.

Newcastle University student creates unique art for Mercury Prize

A Fine Art student has been commissioned to provide 12 pieces of artwork as part of this year’s Mercury Prize 2025.

Sustainability analysis reveals UK business performance

Experts from Newcastle University have contributed to a new report assessing how UK business sectors are performing on sustainability and where more action is urgently needed.

Autumn season of INSIGHTS public lectures unveiled

The new series of lectures by leading figures gets underway with discussions ranging from the issues facing rural communities to how animals heal themselves.

Sir Terry Farrell 1938 - 2025

A tribute to Sir Terry Farrell, an architecture graduate and long-standing friend and supporter of Newcastle University.

Newcastle University expert receives prestigious PR award

Anne-Marie Lacey has received the Sir Stephen Tallents' Medal, one of the most prestigious honours in public relations.

AI Growth Zone taskforce to accelerate jobs, skills and growth

Universities across the region, skills providers and industry leaders are to fast-track planning, investment and site development for the North East’s AI Growth Zone.

Newcastle strengthens Knowledge Exchange Framework performance

Newcastle University has built on its reputation for collaborative research and regional impact in the latest assessment known as the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF).

UK children dying through poverty, data shows.

Addressing Poverty Update: UK Children Dying through Poverty is the second updated report to be released as part of the Child of the North’s #ChildrenFirst campaign.

Comment: Trump, Charles and Starmer

Writing for The Conversation, Dr Martin Farr discusses Donald Trump's second state visit to the UK.

North East set to become AI powerhouse

The University is playing a key role in an AI Growth Zone in the North East which is set to unlock more than 5,000 new jobs and bring in £30 billion in investment as the region becomes a hub for AI.