Year of Science
Year of Science
2024 is UEL’s ‘Year of Science’, culminating in the arrival of the British Science Festival on our Docklands campus in September. We are marking the occasion through a series of exciting events showcasing our ground-breaking research and activity in areas such as sustainability, health and early years.
The Year of Science will explore how technology and AI are impacting lives, careers and communities in a variety of ways, and how we can use science to create a greener, fairer and healthier world.
Since our inception in 1898, we’ve been committed to providing a practical careers-first education for underrepresented communities. We've always celebrated science and innovation in its many forms; from the intersection between science, engineering and the built environment through to science in music, art and fashion.
We believe science is for everyone and plays an important role in everything from culture and sport to technology and healthcare.
What science looks like...
Showcasing Sustainability, GreenTech, and Social Justice at the British Science Festival
London has a rich scientific ecosystem and a year’s long celebration of science is the perfect opportunity for us to collaborate with local and international partners to showcase our research and leadership in sustainability, GreenTech, HealthTech, social justice, early years and more. Our research is globally recognised, with 92% considered world-leading or internationally excellent.
Makers & Mavericks podcast
Listen to our new UEL arts podcast where host and senior lecturer, Julian Alexander, chats with our very own experts in the creative industries. Find all episodes on our site and subscribe on YouTube to catch the latest edition.
All podcast episodesCase studies
Our research has a wide-ranging impact on a variety of inter-disciplinary subjects. Read some of our case studies to see how our students and academic community are making an impact on science-related themes.
Sugarcrete
Sugarcrete® provides a low-carbon alternative to bricks and concrete blockwork developed by the University of East London (UEL). The material combines sugarcane fibres left over after sugar production, with sand-mineral binders to produce bricks that have a carbon footprint six times smaller than traditionally made clay bricks.
This low-carbon material is just a part of the project's ambitions. The project seeks to offer different viable, sustainable, and safe construction solutions, using bio-waste as the core resource, to enhance community wellbeing and security.
Read more on the Sugarcrete® page.
Understanding the Impact of Modern Living Environments on Childhood Development
Background: Researchers from the Baby Development Lab at the University of East London, led by Professor Sam Wass, have been at the forefront of pioneering research to uncover the effects of changing modern living environments on early years' development.
Objective: The objective of the research conducted by Professor Wass and his team is to understand how diverse home environments, particularly those characterised by noise and chaos, impact children's cognitive and emotional well-being during their formative years.
Approach: Using innovative methods such as wireless wearable microphones, cameras, and physiological stress monitors, the Baby Development Lab at UEL observed parent-child interactions in various home environments. This allowed them to examine the immediate impact of noise and chaos on children's physiological stress, concentration, and social engagement, providing valuable insights into early development.
Results: The research findings revealed that children growing up in physically noisier home environments exhibit higher levels of physiological stress by the age of 12 months, affecting both cognitive performance and emotional responsiveness. Urban children demonstrated lower sustained attention and greater emotional instability, while also exhibiting faster learning speeds in certain contexts.
Impact: Professor Wass's research has had a profound impact on educational practices and public discussions surrounding childhood development. His findings have been shared extensively with Early Years practitioners, leading to changes in teaching environments to reduce auditory and visual noise. Local councils have also implemented measures to identify and support children vulnerable to the detrimental effects of noisy environments.
PULL OUT: Professor Wass's featured on Channel 4's series "The Secret Life of 4 and 5-Year-Olds" and collaborated with New River to make shopping centres more accommodating to children and adults vulnerable to over-stimulation.
Conclusion: Through ground-breaking research and effective dissemination of findings, Professor Wass and his team have shed light on the profound impact of modern living environments on childhood development. Their work not only informs educational practices but also advocates for changes in public spaces to support the well-being of children in urban settings.
Freedom Wing Project
Science is Exploring the Intersection of Art and Engineering
The Freedom Wing project represents a collaboration between artist and University of East London academic, Samuel Zealey and British Airways. This project aims to create a large-scale, self-powered, radio-controlled flying sculpture, merging artistry with innovative technology.
Background: In 2017, Samuel Zealey's studio embarked on a ground-breaking artistic endeavour known as The Folded Plane Series. This series of sculptures, aptly named Planes, delved into the juxtaposition of weightlessness and gravity by exploring folded steel planes.
Objective: The Folded Plane Series and Freedom Wing sculpture aim to blend science, art, and engineering by creating sculptures inspired by paper planes but from steel rather than paper, challenging traditional notions of materials and forms, and re-considering our interaction with art in technology, asking the question what if the art could fly to you?
Approach: The Freedom Wing sculpture series reflects UEL's ethos of innovation and cultural diversity by encouraging collaboration with industry, academics and students whilst also driving creative expression and encouraging audiences to question their relationship with materials around them.
Outcome: Through curated exhibitions, flight demonstrations and involvement with the British Science Festival, the project intends to captivate public interest. Using UEL's facilities such as the on-campus flight simulator for digital rendering and access to 3D printing facilities, the project will inspire the next generation of creatives and engineers.
Drawing inspiration from principles of physics and engineering, industrial materials have been transformed into thought-provoking sculptures that mimic the tactile qualities of origami.
Conclusion: The Freedom Wing project exemplifies the intersection of art, science, and technology. Through innovative use of materials and collaboration with industry partners, the University of East London continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression inspiring dialogue about our relationship with the world around us.
Role of Dignity in Improving Menstrual Health Outcomes
Background
Whilst science shows that menstruation is an essential healthy bodily function, its practice and societal perceptions are often entangled in stigma and taboo, posing challenges across various communities. UEL professor Meera Tiwari found that there is a lack of respect and dignity experienced by girls and women across the UK, India, and Nepal. A 2021 report by Plan International found that nearly two million girls (64%) aged 14 – 21 in the UK have missed a part day or full day of school at least once a month due to the stigma and shame surrounding menstruation. In India, a meta-analysis of 138 studies involving 97,070 girls across India revealed that one in 4 girls aged 10 – 19 miss school due to the fear of leaking onto their uniform, a lack of changing rooms, and the unavailability of water and cleaning facilities (Times of India, 2023). These studies show the connection of good menstrual health with achieving gender equality and shows the massive impact menstrual health has across education, health, well-being, and sport, and societal participation. The right of menstruators to manage their periods with dignity is yet to be fully achieved across the globe (Plan International, 2018).
Objective
Dr Meera Tiwari’s research further captures these societal norms and challenges experienced by menstruators and offers a framework of dignity to improve menstrual health outcomes. The main objective is to reduce school absences amongst girls and to promote the well-being of the woman and the family. Furthermore, this research highlights that menstrual health is a societal concern, and it is essential for boys and men to be part of this conversation.
Approach
The research method used in the exploration of the role of dignity in improving menstrual health outcomes in rural Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in India was a mixed method including both surveys and interactive street theatre which were used to understand perceptions and practices related to menstrual health (MH). Men were initially reluctant to participate, viewing MH as a women's issue. To engage them, key findings were dramatised in village squares to capture observational data and reactions. This innovative use of theatre facilitated the communication of research findings and societal aspirations, revealing that while 83% of men knew menstruation was linked to childbirth, significant misconceptions persisted (Tiwari, 2022).
Outcome
The impact of Dr Meer Tiwari’s research is underscored by its direct influence on policy and practice. This research led to the creation of the Dignified Indicators Menstrual Health (DI-IMH) framework. Three organisations have already incorporated the findings from the research to reform their approaches to menstrual health, demonstrating the practical applicability and effectiveness of our research. Operating in diverse cultural and social contexts, these organisations have used the DI-IMH framework to develop more dignity-centred and inclusive menstrual health practices. This not only validates the relevance of the research but also exemplifies its potential for widespread application. This framework provides UEL’s local borough of Newham with an opportunity to progress gender equality, public health, and workforce productivity and supports workplace inclusivity and community engagement.
The research’s impact extends beyond these organisations. It stimulates broader societal change by encouraging open discussions about menstruation, challenging taboos, and promoting gender inclusivity in addressing menstrual health. By involving boys and men in these conversations, the research acknowledges menstrual health as a societal concern, not just a women's issue. This inclusive approach is crucial for fostering understanding and support across genders, leading to more empathetic and effective menstrual health policies and practices.
Conclusion
This research stands at the forefront of menstrual health studies, as it confronts the critical issue of aligning scientific understanding with societal practices and norms regarding menstruation. This innovative approach is significant as it goes beyond the traditional scope of health research, delving into the complex interplay of cultural, social, and health factors. By highlighting the discrepancies between menstrual science and the societal taboos and stigma that surround it, Meera’s work challenges deeply ingrained perceptions and pave the way for a more inclusive and scientifically informed approach to menstrual health.
We are leading the way in a variety of different fields, demonstrating how the impact of science isn’t just limited to traditional disciplines:
A celebration of our community
The Year of Science presents a fantastic chance for our vibrant community of more than 40,000 students, representing 160 nationalities, to actively participate in various activities. It's an occasion for students and alumni to exhibit their work and highlight their individual accomplishments through their studies and beyond.
Read stories from within our communityInspiring future generations
We nurture scientific talent in all disciplines, unlocking opportunities for individuals within our community and making a lasting impact on the world and its people. Our students, academics, researchers and alumni have paved the way for future generations in disciplines such as health, early years, technology and sustainability. Watch some of their stories below:
Our news
Read the latest science themed news from the University of East London. Catch up with the latest in year of science research, teaching, and learning.
- Celebrate sustainable east London in style - 19 April 2024
- Engineering a greener future - 5 April 2024
- Bringing bumblebees back to Bexley - 2 April 2024
- Visual arts artists explore detours and directions - 27 March 2024
- Office of US President recognises UEL research - 26 March 2024
- UEL launches inaugural Sustainable Cities Festival - 25 March 2024