While we look ahead to 2022, it’s important to reflect on what we have achieved in 2021 and how our research and work at BU has impacted the world around us.
Below you can find out about some of the BU research which has been highlighted in the news this year.
Research reveals impact of pandemic news on mental health
In April, the CoJo Against Covid project discovered that two in three Britons temporarily stopped consuming news during the Covid-19 pandemic to protect their mental health. This aim of this project was to inform and empower people to deal with the problems they face through a balance of both reporting issues and their possible solutions.
Four of the top 10 archaeological discoveries of 2021 were made by BU academics, according to Archaeology Magazine
The four discoveries highlighted by Archaeology Magazine included the earliest evidence of human activity in the Americas, the oldest example of immobile art in the world, the oldest known map in Europe and the discovery of mass graves in Lebanon.
Did the pandemic really change holidays in Britain?
Anya Chapman, Principal Academic in Tourism Management explored whether the pandemic and restrictions on foreign travel really did have an impact on the holiday habits of British holidaymakers.
Seabed ‘scarring’ found from cruise ship anchors in Poole Harbour
BU academics reviewing the impact of cruise ships, anchored in Poole Harbour during the Covid-19 pandemic found evidence of seabed ‘scarring’ from the anchors of the ships. These academics are working to protect our seabeds and Dr Alice Hall was joined by Bill Bailey on BBC's The One Show earlier this year to explore artificial reefs that have been placed on the seabed to provide marine habitats and increase biodiversity.
The importance of an India-UK trade deal
Professor Sangeeta Khorana, Professor of Economics spoke with various media about the possibility and prospects of a trade deal between India and the UK.
Online gambling feature in Channel 4 TV show, Joe Lycett's Got Your Back
Comedian, Mark Silcox visited BU to undertake an MRI scan and eye-tracking tests to learn more about the techniques online gambling companies use to keep people hooked.
COP26 and sustainability
A number of BU students and academics, including Professor Rick Stafford and Professor Janet Dickenson, contributed to the Our Environment Programme on BBC Radio Solent, talking about sustainability and climate change in the lead-up to COP26.
We also celebrated a third Oscar for BU graduate Andy Lockley, 30 years of the National Centre for Computer Animation, an 18 place rise in Young University Rankings 2021, as well as being placed in the top seven percent of universities globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2021.
These are just a small selection of our research and achievements this year, with many more across all faculties and departments.
