Advancing the frontiers of knowledge

The University of Wolverhampton has areas of research ranked among the best in the world, according to the latest official findings.

The Research Assessment Exercise 2008 produced excellent results for the University, with research achieving the highest 4* rating, which equates to world-leading. Eight out of the 11 research areas that were examined had some work in this category. In addition, all of our submissions had internationally excellent work, and our overall score put us in the category of ‘internationally recognised’.

Particular strengths included Library and Information Management (advanced analysis of web content and traffic), Computational Linguistics (natural language processing, advanced computer language analysis), Engineering and Art and Design.

The results show a significant improvement in the status of research at Wolverhampton, and lifted us in the national rankings. A substantial increase in our research funding has also recently been announced.

Breast Cancer targeted

Dr Weiguang Wang has become the first scientist from the University to receive a grant from Breast Cancer Campaign, a leading research charity.

Dr Wang aims to improve the outcome for the 40 per cent of patients whose cancer is resistant to chemotherapy, by studying whether resistance can be prevented or reversed. His research will investigate whether treating breast cancer cells with Disulfiram, a drug used in the treatment of alcoholism, will make cells more sensitive to chemotherapy.

In the mood to win

Sports Psychologist Professor Andy Lane, an expert in mood and human performance, is part of a team that has been awarded a £2 million grant to look into emotion regulation. Professor Lane will be researching how athletes regulate their emotions and will develop tactics to enhance performance through emotional control.

New Dean for School of Applied Sciences

Professor John Darling was previously Director of the University’s Research Institute in Healthcare Sciences. He is one of the UK’s leading figures in the field of brain tumour research, and his current work focuses on how brain tumours start and why they are so resistant to therapy.

Ballet shoe design is tip top

A University of Wolverhampton lecturer has taken a huge step towards reducing ballet injuries – and his company has been short-listed for a top award, too. Dr Matthew Wyon is a Reader in Performance Science and has established the University as a leading institution in dance science.

His research into the high rate of injury suffered by dancers inspired him to design a new pointe shoe for female ballet dancers, using advances from the sport shoe industry. The resulting ballet shoe lasts longer, improves balance whilst en pointe and has increased shock absorption whilst jumping. As a result, his company, Flyte Limited, was nominated for the Innovative Business of the Year category at the Startups Awards.

Astronauts need good vibration

New techniques to prevent astronauts losing bone density during space flights have been presented by a University of Wolverhampton lecturer.