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The Grief Centre will focus on interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research into grief, death and loss, aiming to increase understanding of these fundamental aspects of being human and provide the space for new thinking, ideas and approaches.

It will bring researchers together with people from diverse communities, artists and creatives, voluntary and community sector organisations, health and social care services, policy makers and funders to develop social and creative interventions and knowledge exchange initiatives to change the way grief and death are seen, supported and discussed. 
 
The Grief Centre, funded by Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, will be co-directed by Bristol’s Lucy Selman, Professor of Palliative and End of Life Care at the Palliative and End of Life Care Research Group and Centre for Academic Primary Care, and Dr Lesel Dawson, Associate Professor in Literature and Culture in the Department of English.

Professor Selman and Dr Dawson are co-founders of Good Grief Festival, an award-winning public engagement and grief literacy initiative, and collaborators on a £2.4 million Arts and Humanities Research Council funded national partnership to tackle coastal health inequalities.

Research will focus on issues such as:

•    equity, diversity and widening access to bereavement support;
•    support for bereaved children and young people;
•    ‘disenfranchised grief’ (grief or sorrow that is hidden or not acknowledged by society);
•    the therapeutic role of creativity in grief;
•    community-based approaches to bereavement support;
•    co-production and community-led research.

Through the Good Grief Festival platform, the Centre will also offer public courses on grief and bereavement to build grief literacy, and develop training for both professionals and academics to grow their skills in supporting and doing research with people who are bereaved.

Professor Selman said: “Our vision is to develop a pioneering Grief Centre, which brings together research, education, policy, advocacy, enterprise and innovation. The Centre will establish the University of Bristol as a centre for excellence in grief research.”

Dr Dawson added: “Equity and inclusion will run through all our work. While loss and grief affect us all, bereaved people in the UK face substantial inequities, with people from minoritised ethnic communities, sexual minority groups and more deprived backgrounds known to experience barriers to accessing bereavement support.”

Welcoming the launch of the Centre, Professor Evelyn Welch, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bristol, said: “The new Grief Centre will strengthen the University of Bristol’s commitment to civic involvement through collaborations with local charities, communities, faith groups and artists. It will be further enriched by the wealth of University of Bristol academics who work on topics related to grief, loss, death and the end of life.”

The Grief Centre will deliver its first in-person public engagement event during Dying Matters Awareness Week (5-11 May): Dying for Beginners: An interview with Kathryn Mannix, on Friday 9  May 2025 from 12-1pm at 11 Woodland Road, Bristol, BS8 1TB. 
Please register to attend.

To find out more about the Grief Centre, visit the Centre website.

Further information

About Bristol Centre for Grief Research and Engagement

The Bristol Centre for Grief Research and Engagement focuses on interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research into grief, death and loss to increase understanding of these fundamental aspects of being human. Established in 2025, the Centre brings together programmes of research, scholarship, policy and civic engagement at the University of Bristol, building on successful advances by the University’s researchers and scholars.

The Centre provides the space for new thinking, ideas and approaches in grief research. Working in collaboration with a wide range of partners from across the health, faith, voluntary, policy, creative and community sectors, the Centre aims to change the way grief and death are seen, supported and spoken about, helping to build more compassionate, connected communities.

Follow the Centre on social media:
•    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefcentrebris
•    X: https://x.com/GriefCentreBris
•    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GriefCentreBris
•    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/griefcentrebris/
•    BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/griefcentrebris.bsky.social

Greece consistently ranks as one of the most sought-after destinations in Europe, drawing travellers with its awe-inspiring landscapes. Among its many gems, the picturesque town of Lindos on the island of Rhodes stands out for its unparalleled beauty.

Located nearby, the Lindian Village All-Inclusive Resort Rhodes, Curio Collection by Hilton, is the ideal haven for exploring the enchanting town of Lindos and beyond, reports The Mirror.

This April, Lindian Village is set to reimagine itself as a premium all-inclusive resort, becoming an even more appealing choice for a wide variety of guests, including solo adventurers, honeymooners, and retirees.

However, it truly shines when it comes to family-friendly luxury. The resort has features to delight little ones, from two sparkling pools and a fun-filled play area that captivated our two-year-old for hours to a superb kids’ club and child-friendly dining options. The resort also provides a babysitting service for parents craving a moment of relaxation.

Arguably, the highlight of Lindian Village is its private beach—a stunning stretch of coastline with crystal-clear turquoise waters. Guests can enjoy lounging in luxury, choosing between comfortable sunbeds, spacious cabanas, or even cosy beanbag sunbeds—our personal favourite.

Attentive staff are always nearby, ready to take drink orders, and beach towels are conveniently provided. For those wishing to indulge in a nightly ritual, sipping a piña colada while watching the sunset is an experience not to be missed. Thrill-seekers can also partake in exhilarating water sports as a dedicated provider operates on the beach, offering high-energy activities on the Aegean Sea.

The resort’s dining options add to the appeal, with a diverse buffet and three à la carte restaurants available as part of the all-inclusive package. Alas, Ouzeri serves the finest Greek cuisine, Era Ora Trattoria offers authentic Italian dishes, and Niku Restaurant provides an exciting Peruvian-Japanese fusion experience.

Niku, in particular, is a standout, offering a fine dining atmosphere that still caters to younger guests. For a casual snack, guests can visit the resort’s gelateria or the Yummy Truck, which serves hot dogs, burgers, and healthy salad bowls.

Lindian Village’s accommodations are designed to cater to both couples and families. The suites, especially those with private pools, provide an extra touch of luxury and comfort.

Every room is designed with contemporary furnishings, ensuring guests feel pampered at this five-star resort. The emphasis on privacy ensures that guests can unwind and feel like they have their own exclusive space.

In response to the wildfires that ravaged Rhodes in 2023, Lindian Village initiated the Bee Revived project, a conservation effort to recover the island’s ecology. The resort has ‘adopted’ 380,000 bees as part of the project.

Guests can participate in the Bee Revived Experience, where they can learn about the vital role of bees and sample their honey. This activity is a unique opportunity to engage with the island’s environmental initiatives, and guests can enjoy a 50% discount on the experience as part of their stay.

A short 15-minute drive from the resort takes you into Lindos, where visitors can wander through charming narrow streets lined with traditional Greek tavernas and souvenir shops. The highlight of any trip to Lindos is the Acropolis of Rhodes, a historical site dating back to the 5th century BC, which offers breathtaking views of Lindos and its surrounding beaches. After a rewarding hike to the top, families can celebrate with a traditional souvlaki meal by the beach.

Nightly rates at Lindian Village All-Inclusive Resort Rhodes, Curio Collection by Hilton, start from £285, with the resort reopening on 27 April 2025.

Greece offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an exceptional holiday destination. The country is known for its idyllic islands, pristine beaches, charming villages, and ancient ruins, all of which draw millions of visitors annually.

Popular destinations include the iconic Santorini with its sunset views, the lively island of Mykonos, and the cultural hub of Athens, home to historical landmarks like the Parthenon.

Beyond the attractions, Greece is also famed for its hospitality, delicious Mediterranean cuisine, and relaxed lifestyle, making it a perfect place to unwind and experience authentic local culture. Whether you seek cultural immersion, beach relaxation, or thrilling water sports, Greece offers a diverse array of experiences for every type of traveller.

The country’s warm Mediterranean climate ensures sunny skies for most of the year, making it a popular spot for both summer holidays and off-season escapes.

International Women’s Day (IWD) is held on 8 March every year. It is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. The IWD 2025 campaign theme is Accelerate Action, emphasising the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality. In this interview, international judge Justice Nallini Pathmanathan shares her experiences and reflects on the importance of IWD.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and your current role?

I have been a judge of the Federal Court of Malaysia since 2018. This is the apex court, the highest court in our legal system. I enjoy the privilege of being the first female judge of South Asian ethnicity to be elevated to the superior judiciary in Malaysia.

What is your background and career journey so far?

My initial background is in the sciences. I studied physiology as a first degree at the University of London. I then undertook a conversion course in law in 1983, prior to being called to the Bar at Middle Temple in the UK in 1984, and the Malaysian Bar in 1986.

I went on to practice at the Bar in Kuala Lumpur at Messrs Skrine, where I remained for 21 years prior to being elevated to the Bench in March 2007. My practice was initially in family and industrial relations law, later moving on to commercial law.

I am a Bencher of The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple and sit on the Steering Group of the Standing International Forum of Commercial Courts (SIFoCC).

What made you decide to pursue a career in law and/or justice?

Law was not my initial choice of career. Coming from a family with a strong background in medicine, I always envisioned myself as a doctor. However, when my attempt at pursuing medicine was unsuccessful, I went on to study physiology and then moved on to the law, at my father’s suggestion. From the moment I began learning the law, I enjoyed it.

Are there any women who have inspired you in your life and/or career?

I cannot single out any one woman. Both women and men across various fields have been sources of inspiration in my career. However, the recent increase in female appointments to high judicial office is inspiring. They include the Chief Justice of Malaysia, Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat; the Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales, Baroness Sue Carr; Justice B. V. Nagarathna of the Supreme Court of India; Justice Ayesha Malik the first female judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan; and Lady Justice Martha Karambu Koome, the Chief Justice of Kenya. There are many more inspirational figures, too many to name here.

The theme of International Women’s Day this year is ‘Accelerate Action’ – what does this mean to you?

People who have achieved high office have a duty to address the issue, that women have for millennia been pushed to the back. For example, they should ensure that there are sufficient opportunities for women to advance, based on ability and talent, and flexible working practices, as women often bear responsibility for childcare and managing the home.

Another step would be to provide access to leadership training for women, and policies for advancement which are clear, well-known to stakeholders and applied equitably. Mentoring can also be an essential part of training within the legal profession. Initiatives like these should be targeted, as no one solution fits the legal profession in every jurisdiction. The International Bar Association researched this important topic in its 50:50 by 2030: Progress Report 2024.

Finally, these steps cannot be cosmetic. Reducing gender disparity should be a part of the culture built into organisations and institutions.

Horizontal segregation (the under or over-representation of a gender in a particular occupation or industry) should be eliminated. It prevents women in the profession from being pushed into particular types of less well-paying work, and allows them to practice in the more high profile and lucrative sectors, should they choose to do so.

What advice would you give to any women or girls who want to pursue a career in law and/or justice?

I would advise them to explore and understand the profession they are embarking on. The rate of attrition is high amongst women legal practitioners in Malaysia.

I would also advise them never to underestimate their own abilities as they are equally competent to their male counterparts.

Finally, I would say the law is a career you should consider pursuing. It affords fulfillment at all levels, whether you are arguing your first case as junior counsel or submitting as senior counsel on complex points of law at the highest level.

As a journalist who does shift work – I’m obsessed with sleep.

I don’t get enough of it, and it’s pretty irregular when I do.

And so, when my Apple Watch informs me I’ve had more than 8 hours – with solid REM metrics – everyone will know about it.

‘Sleepmaxxing’ is a concept I came across on TikTok – it describes viral hacks to optimise your sleep, from drinking magnesium-laced ‘Sleepy Girl’ mocktails to sleeping with your mouth taped.

It’s a trending topic – with millions of videos on it and search interest hit an all-time high earlier this year.

But what is ‘sleepmaxxing’, and does it work?

‘A cornerstone of wellness’

The catch-all term is a wellness trend popular with Gen-Z and millennials – a perceived blueprint to help you catch a deeper, longer slumber.

It’s a nod to ‘looksmaxxing’ – another TikTok trend popularised on the app, focused on enhancing physical attractiveness.

Sleep specialist Sammy Margo told Sky News it’s a fad among those “who are increasingly prioritising sleep as a cornerstone of wellness”.

Ms Margo said: “It typically involves creating elaborate bedtime routines, investing in sleep accessories, and tracking sleep metrics.”

However, sleep expert Dr Neil Stanley is unimpressed – and says the practice is an unhealthy “obsession” that can often be counter-productive.

He told Sky News: “The worry about getting good sleep actually makes sleep worse.

“It is being done by people who sadly believe that things on TikTok have any resemblance to actual science.”

What are the sleep trends?

According to the NHS, better sleep can be obtained through better diet and exercise, meditation and mindfulness.

However, for Gen-Z et al, it’s a slightly more complicated – and creative – picture.

Trends include tech-free winddown-down periods an hour before bedtime; sleeping in cooler temperatures; blackout curtains and sleep masks; sleep tracking via smartwatches and sleeping with weighted blankets or cooling pillows.

And then… there are the viral trends.

The ‘Sleepy Girl’ mocktail

This viral drink has been made by thousands of TikTok users to help them sleep.

The mocktail combines magnesium power, tart cherry juice and lemonade – and has been popularised by the likes of viral bloggers including model Nara Smith, who in one TikTok video told her 11 million followers that her midwife recommended it to help her overcome sleepless nights.

However, according to sleep expert Dr Lindsay Browning at Trouble Sleeping, the evidence to suggest that the drink can result in better sleep is “generally weak” and from limited studies.

She told Sky News: “Magnesium has been associated with improved sleep but improvements are generally only seen when someone has a magnesium deficiency to start with.”

Dr Browning has warned that excessive magnesium from the mocktail can also lead to diarrhoea – and may be problematic for those with kidney issues.

Mouth taping

What it says on the tin – and the goal is to prevent snoring and a dry mouth.

It can also help humidify the air through nasal passages.

However, Dr Browning warns that using tape to keep the mouth shut and to force nasal breathing “can be risky” – and can potentially lead to skin irritation and anxiety, particularly if the person doing it wakes up stressed and confused.

She told Sky News: “If you restrict breathing through the mouth, if the airway through the nose becomes blocked such as because of nasal congestion, the person will be unable to breathe properly.

“Stopping mouth breathing therefore does not solve problems caused by nasal congestion or undiagnosed sleep apnoea and can lead to difficulty breathing in the night, potentially worsening the problems, and means that the underlying cause is not resolved.”

Kiwis before bed

Another trend is eating kiwi fruits before bed.

A study of 24 people found that eating two kiwis before sleeping could improve sleep.

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However, this was a small-scale study and requires greater research before any conclusions about the efficacy of kiwis before bedtime can be reached.

Music playlists

Creating an atmosphere conducive to sleep is key – and music helps.

Freddie Moross, founder of Myndstream – a company specialising in music for health and wellbeing – told Sky News that the “surge in popularity of sleep music is undeniable”.

“Sleep Music is one of the fastest-growing genres of music.

“This trend is reflected in the consistent high ranking of editorial sleep playlists, like Apple Music’s Sleep Sounds, which often sits at the top of the charts of their 200 programmed playlists and Spotify’s top 3 sleep playlists accumulating over 9.5M monthly listeners.”

Mr Moross adds: “Instrumental music with a slower tempo, typically 60-80 beats per minute, is often most effective”.

Looking beyond the trends, Dr Neil Stanley says the answer to better sleep is simple.

“You need just three things to help you sleep, a bedroom conducive to sleep, a relaxed body, and a quiet mind.

“Unfortunately, there is no money or clicks in common sense.”

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 27,  2024) — “Is graduate school for me?”

“What is it like being a graduate student at UK?”

“What can I do with a master’s degree?”

The University of Kentucky Graduate School set out to help answer these questions by hosting the inaugural “Grad School Day at UK” regional event. Undergraduate students from six area Kentucky colleges and universities, curious about attending UK to earn a graduate degree, were welcomed on campus by UK staff, faculty and students.

Transylvania University, Centre College, Georgetown College, Simmons College of Kentucky and Midway University attended the event Oct. 19, and Morehead University was welcomed earlier that week. By intentionally partnering with Kentucky’s universities and colleges, graduate opportunities are being showcased to a wider audience of undergraduates around Kentucky.

Visiting students from around the Commonwealth were engaged and inquisitive while taking advantage of all that UK had to offer. They spent much of the day learning from current UK graduate students and faculty and touring programs’ facilities. Current UK graduate students, many of whom also hailed from similar backgrounds, helped to shed light on what it’s like to come to UK from a smaller college or university.

“I really enjoyed my tour of the IBS [Integrated Biomedical Sciences] program,” said one of the visiting students. “I have not been on UK’s campus much, and I think I got a great glimpse into what life as a graduate student could look like.”

Students received information not only about their field or program of interest, but also learned about ways to fund graduate school, what graduate education is like, how to make the most of their senior year, tips on making their graduate school applications stand out, as well as what the UK experience is like.

Grad School Day offered a full-day program that included graduate student panels, information sessions, and a tabling exhibit showcasing the various colleges and programs UK has to offer. Staff and faculty from the various programs stood ready to answer any questions the students brought to them and to distribute materials about particular fields of study.

Panel discussions featuring current UK graduate students covered topics such as “Research 101: What are the expectations?”, “Making the Transition” and “Living in Lexington: How different is it?”

One of the UK panelists recounted, “They were very engaged, appreciative and smiling. It was really fun, and our panel was excellent at going down the line answering each query and connecting our experiences throughout to identify helpful themes.”

The Graduate School now plans for this annual event to grow each year, increasing access by attracting additional colleges and universities and continuing to educate college students around the Commonwealth about graduate school and life at UK.

“The University of Kentucky’s mission is to offer opportunities to students across the Commonwealth,” said Padraic Kenney, Ph.D., dean of the Graduate School. “I am excited about opening doors for students from our Kentucky neighbors and making that voyage of discovery possible.”

About the Graduate School

The University of Kentucky Graduate School is a thriving community of scholars, researchers and students, all dedicated to improving lives through excellence in education, research, leadership, creative work, service and health care. Offering advanced graduate degrees in 90 program areas, doctoral degrees in 55 fields, master’s degrees in 85 fields and graduate certificates in 52 focus areas, U.S. News & World Report ranks several of UK’s graduate programs among the nation’s best. The Graduate School is comprised of several offices committed to supporting graduate students and the staff and faculty of its graduate programs. Services of the Graduate School include: career advising, teaching and research support, community building, health and wellness resources, funding opportunities, admissions assistance, recruitment support and academic services.

Published:


2024-06-19 11:13:00

Researchers at the University of Southampton have conducted the most detailed spatial analysis to date of storm surges along the coast of the UK and Ireland.

The oceanographers found coastlines in the north of the Irish Sea experience the longest and largest surges, while those occurring around the southwest coast of England have the smallest geographical footprint and last the shortest amount of time.

Across all coastlines investigated, and over a period stretching four decades, the winter seasons of 1989/90 and 2013/14 stood out as having the highest number and most severe storm surge events.

The study findings are published in the June edition of the journal Weather and Climate Extremes and

online

.

A storm surge is an abnormal rise in seawater level during a storm, measured as above that of the normal tide height for the area. The surge is caused by wind pushing water onshore and is influenced by a storm’s size, speed and where it tracks in relation to the coast. The storm surge footprint is the extent of simultaneous flooding along a stretch of coastline, and influences the damage associated with coastal flooding.

“Storm surges are the most important driver of flooding in many coastal areas,” explains

Ivan Haigh

a Professor at the University of Southampton and co-author of the study. “If we can understand how the differing characteristics of storms affect surges in many different coastal locations, we can more accurately predict the impact they will have on those localities, how best to counter the effects and how they may increase with climate change. Our research will help improve the accuracy of statistical models used to make these predictions.”

The research, which also involved scientists in Spain, the USA and The Netherlands, examines data on storm surges recorded between 1980 and 2017.

The team identified 270 extreme storm surge events over the study period, based on their duration, footprint size, severity and how frequently a similar event may reoccur. From this they classified eight distinct surge footprint types and linked them to the characteristics of the storms which caused them.

In the course of their research, they found the most extreme surge event was in the winter of 1989/90 – caused by a storm on 26 February 1990 which affected sea levels along the north, east and west coasts. Remembered for extreme flooding in the towns of Towyn and Clwyd in Wales, the event forced five thousand people to be evacuated from their homes and businesses.

The stormiest season in the study period was the winter of 2013/14, which contained the most frequent severe flooding events. In total there were 13 flooding episodes, compared with five in 1989/90. This includes the storm surge of 5 December 2013, which saw some 36 flood warnings in East Anglia and resulted in the loss of properties along the coasts of Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex.

Lead author of the study,

Dr Paula Camus

of the University of Southampton and Universidad de Cantabria (Spain), comments: “It is crucial we learn lessons from past storm surges in order to help inform our response to future coastal flood risk. Changes to our climate will likely mean more frequent and extreme events, so having accurate data on which to base decisions about infrastructure and emergency response is crucial. We hope our study can better inform the assessment of risk and impacts.”

The researchers acknowledge that their study doesn’t take into account astronomical influence on the height of tides, but say this can be incorporated in the future. They also say their method could be adapted and applied to any coastal region globally.

A timeline of historic coastal flooding events in the UK and other data can be found

here

.

Starting at 4pm until 8pm, the event will showcase a range of wonderful family entertainment including a stellar line up of street performers, a vintage carousel, children’s Christmas themed rides, a brass band and of course Father Christmas. One of the highlights of the evening will be switching on the city lights and the giant Christmas tree, complete with a specially choreographed low noise firework display over the Market Square at 7.30pm.  

Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, said: “I am delighted that we’re providing this festival of lights and entertainment as Christmas approaches. The newly refurbished Corn Exchange – re-opening for events in time for the festive season – will make a superb backdrop for the DN City of Lights event with a whole range of free and exciting attractions for all the family, along with food and drink vendors located in the Wool Market and Market Square serving a range of traditional and festive fayre.”

From 30 November, the Corn Exchange will re-open its doors exclusively for public and private events following completion of its £5m heritage regeneration. The Grade II listed building has been refurbished, bringing it into the 21^st century and protecting the legacy of the building for future generations.

Mayor Ros Jones continued, “As well as our DN City of Lights event, we have wonderful variety in our festive programme of events and attractions taking place all over Doncaster in the run up to Christmas. The Corn Exchange will be hosting some fantastic attractions including an artisan market, Christmas workshops and theatre shows. From 7 – 24 December there will be Christmas cabins around Clock Corner selling festive gifts and treats. Finally, a special event in Sir Nigel Gresley Square will play host to entertainment on Monday 23 December.

“We invite the people of Doncaster to come to these events, enjoy spending time with friends and family and to support our city centre businesses. We have been working with our partners to improve safety and cleanliness and I would encourage people to come and visit and enjoy what we have on offer in the heart of Doncaster this festive season. Whether it’s events, leisure time or shopping, come and find out what our city centre has to offer and experience a very special Christmas right here in Doncaster.”

On 12, 18 and 19 December the historic Mansion House will host Father Christmas where children and adults get to share a story time with the big man, take part in fun activities and leave with a present. More information and tickets are available at An Evening with Father Christmas Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite

The Doncaster Festival of Light takes place at the Minster Church of St George from 15 – 24 November. This free event organised by Right Up Our Street promises to connect audiences to joy and embrace experiences and participatory moments. Tickets are available at Festival of Light Tickets ’24 — Right Up Our Street

Cast will be hosting a variety of Christmas performances during November and December including Step into Christmas, The Nutcracker and the Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime. Visit castindoncaster.com/whats-on/  for all the details. The Doncaster Little Theatre will also be showing their pantomime Cinderella – tickets are available at Cinderella – The Doncaster Little Theatre Pantomime! – Doncaster Little Theatre

City of Doncaster Council is working with South Yorkshire Police and other partners on a range of initiatives across the city so that Doncaster is a safer place for everyone to enjoy. For more information on the Safer City initiative and for support and advice on staying safe this festive season visit www.yourlifedoncaster.co.uk/safer-city

Matthew Davis, Director at K.D.Davis & Sons (a city based business and long-standing trader at Doncaster Markets) said: “Any event organised in the city centre has a significant benefit for local businesses. It boosts footfall dramatically and encourages consumers to shop local. Events always attract more visitors and intensifies economic growth, community spirit and creates more local jobs. It’s also really good for the environment too!”

The Visit Doncaster website has an interactive Countdown to Christmas calendar with information and detail about all of the events taking place across Doncaster, not just in the city centre. Go to www.visitdoncaster.com/countdown-to-christmas to find out more.

For the lead researcher it’s an academic and personal mission because he witnessed first-hand the constant struggle to find clean, arsenic-free water as a child in India. 

Lead author Dr Jagannath Biswakarma, Senior Research Associate at the University’s School of Earth Sciences, said: “There are millions of people living in regions affected by arsenic, like I was growing up. This breakthrough could pave the way for safer drinking water and a healthier future.”

Arsenic pollution exposure is a huge environmental and public health issue in southern and central Asia and South America, where people depend on groundwater for drinking and farming. The more toxic and mobile form of arsenic, called arsenite, easily seeps into water supplies and can lead to cancers, heart disease and other serious conditions.

Dr Biswakarma said: “I’ve seen the daily battle for safe drinking water in my hometown Assam. It’s very hard to find groundwater sources that aren’t contaminated with arsenic, so for me this research hits close to home. It’s an opportunity to not only advance science, but also better understand the extent of a problem which has affected so many people in my own community and across the world for many decades.”

Scientists previously believed arsenite could only be turned into the less harmful form, called arsenate, with oxygen. But this new study has shown it can still be oxidised, even in the absence of oxygen, with small amounts of iron which act as a catalyst for oxidation.

Dr Biswakarma said: “This study presents a new approach to addressing one of the world’s most persistent environmental health crises by showing that naturally occurring iron minerals can help oxidise, lowering the mobility of arsenic, even in low-oxygen conditions.”

Study findings revealed that arsenite could be oxidised by green rust sulfate, a source of iron prevalent in low-oxygen conditions, such as groundwater supplies. They also showed this oxidation process is further enhanced with a chemical released by plants and commonly found in soils and groundwater.

“These organic ligands, such a citrate from plant roots, could play a critical role in controlling arsenic mobility and toxicity in natural environments,” Dr Biswakarma added.

The implications of this discovery are particularly significant for regions in the Global South facing some of the world’s highest levels of arsenic pollution. In countries such as India and Bangladesh, the local geology is rich in iron, and reducing conditions often dominate in groundwater systems, leading to high levels of arsenic contamination. In the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna Delta, which spans Bangladesh and eastern India, millions of people have been exposed to arsenic-contaminated groundwater for decades as the chemical enters the water through natural processes.

Dr Biswakarma said: “Many households rely on tube wells and hand pumps, but these systems do not guarantee access to clean water. The water often cannot be used for drinking or other household tasks due to its toxicity, odour, and discoloration. Additionally, there is an ongoing financial burden associated with obtaining new tube wells or hand pumps. As a result, economically disadvantaged families continue to struggle to find safe water for their daily needs.”

Similarly, the Mekong Delta and the Red River Delta, in Vietnam, face ongoing challenges with arsenic pollution, affecting drinking water supplies and agricultural productivity. Rice paddies can become hotspots of arsenic exposure, as the toxic chemical can accumulate in soil and be absorbed by rice plants, posing a further health risk through food consumption.

“The research opens the door for developing new strategies to mitigate arsenic pollution. Understanding the role of iron minerals in arsenic oxidation could lead to innovative approaches to water treatment or soil remediation, using natural processes to convert arsenic into its less harmful form before it enters drinking water supplies,” said co-author Molly Matthews, who worked on the paper during her Masters degree in Environmental Geoscience at the University of Bristol.

Identifying the specific form of arsenic in a sample can be challenging. Even a trace amount of oxygen can convert arsenite into arsenate, so it is vital to protect samples from exposure to air. Thanks to funding from the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) the team was able to conduct these complex experiments at its XMaS synchrotron facility, in Grenoble, France.

Co-author Dr James Byrne, Associate Professor of Earth Sciences, added: “Determining arsenic formation at the atomic level using X-ray absorption spectroscopy was crucial for confirming changes to the arsenic oxidation state. The synchrotron therefore played a pivotal role in supporting our findings, which have potentially broad implications for our understanding of water quality.”

This work at University of Bristol was supported through a UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) Future Leaders Fellowship (FLF) awarded to Dr James Byrne. Further research is now needed to explore how these findings can be applied in real-world settings.

Dr Biswakarma said: “The whole research team worked tirelessly on this project, putting in 24/7 shifts including over Easter to conduct the experiments in France.

“I genuinely believe, with more work, we can find effective possible solutions and we’re already making great inroads to overcoming this big global issue. We’re excited to investigate how this process might work in different types of soils and groundwater systems, especially in areas where arsenic contamination is most severe.”

Finding bold answers to big questions concerning global challenges is at the heart of the University of Bristol’s research. This study cuts across core themes, including advancing equitable and sustainable health, and driving forward social justice.

Paper

‘Redox Dynamic Interactions of Arsenic(III) with Green Rust Sulfate in the Presence of Citrate’ by Jagannath Biswakarma, Molly Matthews and James M Byrne in Environmental Science & Technology Letters