Expert opinion and discussion

World Ocean Day: Kingston University expert analyses issue of microplastics

The harmful impact of microplastics on the environment as well as on wildlife and marine life is a growing global concern. But what are microplastics, why are they such a problem and what can be done to reduce their use and the pollution they cause? Associate Professor in analytical chemistry and forensics at Kingston University Dr Rosa Busquets, who has published multiple papers on the topic of microplastics, explores these questions for World Ocean Day (8 June).

Significant book on improving quality of nursing care for older people published by Kingston University Emerita Professor

The latest instalment in a series of books designed to help health professionals wanting to improve the quality of care for older people has been published by a health and social care expert at Kingston University.

Obesity crisis: Kingston University nutrition expert says early childhood intervention vital to defying predictions more than half of humans could be overweight by 2035

A new report by the World Obesity Federation (WOF) has said more than half of the world's population will be obese or overweight by 2035 if significant action isn't taken. The federation's 2023 atlas also predicted that childhood obesity levels could more than double over the next 12 years to around 208 million boys and 175 million girls. Associate Professor in Nutrition at Kingston University Dr Hilda Mulrooney explains her thoughts on the report's findings and what measures should be taken to stop obesity levels rising.

Report led by Kingston University expert shines light on what United States midterm election results could mean for Biden, Trump and future of American politics

What the United States midterm election results revealed about the current state of democracy in the country – and the challenges that might lie ahead for both major parties – is examined in a new report led by a Kingston University politics expert.

Covid-19 conspiracy theories led to lower uptake of vaccine and testing among Black community, research by Kingston University finds

A belief that Covid-19 was a myth created to control ethnic populations, or a virus created to eliminate the Black community were among the conspiracy theories that caused a lower engagement of health prevention methods among UK Black communities, research by Kingston University experts has shown.

Setback with Virgin Orbit satellite launch unlikely to significantly impact country‘s space aspirations, Kingston University astronautics expert says

The failed launch of nine satellites from Spaceport Cornwall shouldn't hamper what is set to be an exciting new era for the UK's space industry, according to a Kingston University expert in space and launch propulsion.

Kingston Business School lecturer makes prestigious Poets and Quants for Undergrads Top 50 Undergraduate Business School Professors list

A Kingston Business School academic been named among the 50 best undergraduate business school professors of the year by leading American sector publication Poets and Quants for Undergrads.

Food banks evolving to survive cost of living crisis, Kingston University experts find

Researchers from Kingston University in London and London Metropolitan University have found that community and social supermarkets and pay-as-you-feel services are increasingly being adopted by food aid charities so they can meet demand, become more sustainable, provide choice and reduce the stigma sometimes associated with being referred to a food bank.

Younger generation experienced most workplace stress during Covid-19 pandemic, Kingston University researcher finds

A study undertaken by management experts at Kingston University's Business School and Maynooth University in Ireland has shown people in the early stages of their careers were more likely to be impacted by workplace stress during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Impact of bird flu is a potential risk to UK economy and could cause impact on Christmas food supply, Kingston University microbiology expert says

The largest ever bird flu outbreak has hit England, with hundreds of cases being identified within the last year and more than 5.5 million birds dead or culled since October 2021 – with both figures set to rise significantly in the next few months. The UK Government has announced all poultry and captive birds must be kept indoors from Monday 7 November to combat the spread. Kingston University Professor of Medical Microbiology Mark Fielder explains why the current strain is so contagious, how best to control the spread and the effect the outbreak is having on farmers, retailers and the UK economy.

Vital for graduates to possess future skills the country's workforce needs if economy is to thrive, Kingston University Vice-Chancellor tells House of Lords inquiry

Kingston University Vice-Chancellor Professor Steven Spier has set out the need for a progressive new model of education focused on delivering the skills for innovation required by industry during a House of Lords select committee hearing.

Women in rural Bangladesh bear burden for climate change costs, research by Kingston University finds

Bangladeshi women are spending up to 30 per cent of their household's income on vital measures to protect their families from the devastating effects of climate change, new research by Kingston University has found. The developing country is frequently impacted by storms and flooding – as seen with the recent fatal flooding in the north-east of the country. Yet, in addition to the loss of life and impact on the population's health, environment and education, families are impacted financially, with women being the hardest hit.

Kingston University's pioneering and innovative academic expertise to be celebrated during annual Festival of Research

The breadth and impact of research carried out across Kingston University and the contribution it makes to society will be celebrated during the institution's annual Festival of Research later this month.

Make Film History opens up BBC Archive to 50 young filmmakers to mark BBC centenary

Young filmmakers will be given access to 150 films from BBC Archive to creatively reuse in short films in a project led by Kingston University. The Make Film History project, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) in collaboration with BBC Archive, will see 50 new films created by young filmmakers aged between 16 and 30.

Personality traits influence whether we shop fair trade, new Kingston University research reveals

New research from a Kingston University expert shows people with one of three personality traits are more likely to support the fair trade concept. The findings highlight the potential benefits of using personality-based marketing to sell fair trade products.

Blog: 40 years of the Brit Awards – are we finally reaching equality?

Kingston University's Head of Performing Arts, Helen Minors, blogs about the introduction of genderless categories at the 2022 Brit Awards and ask whether it is a progressive step forward or a possible barrier to real equality.

Leading role of nurses in tackling Covid-19 has contributed to increased interest in profession, Kingston University School of Nursing experts say after record surge in national applications

The portrayal of nurses during the Covid-19 pandemic has changed the perception of the profession and contributed to an increase in the number of people wanting to pursue a nursing career, according to experts from Kingston University's School of Nursing. A report released this week by UCAS and Health Education England revealed almost 29,000 students nationally made nursing their first choice when applying to university in 2021 – an increase of more than 28 per cent from the year before the pandemic in 2019. Welcoming the record surge in interest, Head of the School of Nursing Dr Julia Gale and Deputy Head of School Karen Elcock attributed it to an increased awareness of the nursing profession as a result of widespread media coverage during the pandemic.

Ethnically diverse communities more reluctant to engage in Covid-19 testing due to feelings of alienation, according to Kingston University study

A Kingston University study has found people from Black and Asian backgrounds more reluctant to engage in Covid-19 testing due to feelings of alienation and lack of trust in government and healthcare agencies.

Ingredient branding is recipe for success for coffee shops and restaurants, new research from Kingston University marketing expert reveals

Restaurants and coffee shops that use branded ingredients in their menu items and products could significantly increase sales and how much customers are willing to pay, new research from a Kingston University marketing expert shows.