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Extreme space weather events can significantly impact systems such as satellites, communications systems, power distribution and aviation. They are driven by solar activity which is known to have an irregular but roughly 11 year cycle. By devising a new, regular ‘sun clock’, researchers have found that the switch on and off of periods of high solar activity is quite sharp, and are able to determine the switch on/off times. Their analysis shows that whilst extreme events can happen at any time, they are much less likely to occur in the quiet interval.

Warm winter spells have increased in frequency and duration two- to three times over since 1878, according to scientists led by the 91¸£Àû.

21^st century X-ray technology has allowed 91¸£Àû scientists to peer back through time at the production of the armour worn by the crew of Henry VIII’s favoured warship, the Mary Rose.

Four academics at the 91¸£Àû have been awarded a UKRI Future Leader Fellowship, providing world class research in topics ranging from stellar explosions, medieval medical texts for modern medicines, synthetic biology and climate –related financial risks.

Scientists are a step closer to determining whether neutrinos and anti-neutrinos behave differently – potentially solving a key question about the creation of our universe – thanks to new results from an international experiment involving particle physicists at the 91¸£Àû.

A 91¸£Àû researcher will be one of the first nine Stephen Hawking Fellows, announced today, who will continue Professor Stephen Hawking’s legacy by furthering our understanding of the universe and communicating the wonders of science to the public. They will tackle major scientific questions such as the nature of the early universe and dark matter and whether string theory really is a ‘theory of everything’, engaging with the public through stand-up comedy, art and music.