Latest news with #UniversityofSheffield
Daily Mirror
13 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Abandoned airport that 'sold for just £1' and the failed plan to bring it back
A small airport which catered for up to 75,000 passengers in one single year was forced to close after funnelling £1m losses - and despite ambitious reopening plans, it never operated again A tiny UK airport that has been left to rot for almost two decades has finally been given a new lease of life. Back in its heyday, Sheffield City Airport handled a whopping 75,000 passengers in one single year - whizzing Brits over to the likes of Belfast, Amsterdam, Brussels, Dublin, and London. However, just years after its grand opening in 1997, the hub's popularity plummeted. According to The Sheffield Star, passenger numbers fell to 60,000 in 2000 and to just 13,000 by 2002. Struggling to keep up with the boom in low-cost travel, and unable to expand its short runway needed to accommodate larger planes used by budget airlines - it eventually closed its doors in 2008. That year, it reported losses of more than £1 million, and is believed to have been sold off for just £1. Attempts to revive the hub were short-lived, despite petitions for its reopening garnering thousands of signatures. In 2012, a mystery bidder is believed to have contacted the Federation of Small Businesses with bold plans to re-start the airport - despite proposals already in the works to convert it into a business park. Local media says the anonymous would-be buyer was 'no stranger to the aviation industry' and believed operations for scheduled flights to the UK and European cities could viably return. However, such promises never transpired, and now the site - which is owned by the University of Sheffield - has become part of the 100-acre Runway Park development. Featuring the UK's 'first reconfigurable digital factory', a materials lab, and large-scale testing facilities, Runway Park consists of distinct zones for innovation, manufacturing, and leisure - while a central hub links the community together. The development, which also features cafes, gyms, nurseries, and leisure spaces, was recently launched to industry and is designed to 'attract investment, create high-quality jobs and accelerate economic growth'. Professor Koen Lamberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield, said: "The evolution of the University's innovation district with the launch of Runway Park marks a significant milestone in our mission to help the region reach its full potential, while making an even stronger contribution to economic growth. "We have seen the impact of innovation-led growth, with the University's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) transforming the Sheffield/Rotherham border into a global hub for advanced manufacturing over the last 20 years. As part of the UK's first government-backed Investment Zone in South Yorkshire, our vision for Runway Park will build on this considerable momentum."
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Miami Herald
Science proves crime really does rise when darkness falls
By Stephen Beech Crime really does rise when darkness falls, reveals new research. But the risk of some types of offenses - including sex attacks - does not increase at night, according to a British study of data from more than 34,000 crimes. The findings, published in the journal PLOS One, show that the overall risk of crime rises when darkness falls - but that risk varies depending on the type of crime and geographical area. Previous research has shown that darkness reduces people's feelings of safety, and that improved street lighting can help people feel safer being out after dark. But studies on whether the riskof crime is actually higher after dark had produced inconclusive results. To help clarify the potential influence of darkness on crime risk, University of Sheffield researchers analyzed data from 34,618 crimes that occurred from 2010 through 2019 in the South Yorkshire region. Some of the crimes were committed at times of the day that, because of seasonal changes, occur during daylight for part of the year but after dark for the rest of the year. That enabled the researchers to test whether crime risk at such times of day is greater during daylight hours or after dark. The research team also statistically accounted for other potentially influential factors, such as weather and holiday periods. The analysis showed that, overall, crimes were more likely to occur after dark than during daylight. But, out of 14 types of crime analyzed, only five appeared to be significantly more likely to occur after dark: burglary, criminal damage, personal robbery, bicycle theft, and vehicle offenses. Other crimes - including sexual offenses, arson and shoplifting - did not show the same association. The analysis also showed that the change in crime risk between daylight and darkness isn't uniform across all areas in South Yorkshire, with the risk of crime after dark varying by neighbourhood. The research team concluded that the findings "strongly suggest" darkness affects the risk of crime. They say information from the study could be used to help optimize the potential crime-reduction effects of streetlights and other artificial lighting. However, the research didn't account for the presence or absence of street lighting. Study author Dr. Jim Uttley said, "There is an assumption that street lighting helps reduce crime. "Evidence in support of this assumption is unclear, though. "In our research, we took a step back and asked whether darkness itself increases crime risk. "If it doesn't, the presence or absence of street lighting is unlikely to matter. "We worked with analysts in South Yorkshire Police to assess changes in the risk of crime taking place in daylight and after dark, using 10 years of crime data. "Our findings suggest darkness does increase the risk of certain crimes, including burglary, robbery and criminal damage. "We also found the risk of crime after dark varied by neighborhood." He added: "We are now working to understand whether street lighting can reduce the risk of crime after dark, and if it can, how we can maximize the crime reduction benefits of street lighting." The post Science proves crime really does rise when darkness falls appeared first on Talker. Copyright Talker News. All Rights Reserved.
BBC News
4 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
North-South divide for older people 'reversible'
Older people in the North of England are more likely to be poorer, less healthy, physically inactive, lonely and live in poor housing, according to a new Ageing in the North study, from the Northern Health Science Alliance (NHSA), said those in the north faced an "alarming" range of disadvantages compared to older people living in the Prof Alan Walker, from the University of Sheffield, said while the North-South divide was "hardly new" the NHSA believed it was "totally reversible" and called on the government to "prioritise tackling the root causes of unequal ageing".The BBC has approached the Department of Health and Social Care for a comment. Prof Walker, from the university's Healthy Lifespan Institute, said: "This report paints an alarming picture of how inequality has eaten away at the quality of life of so many older northerners. "In almost every aspect we investigated, there is a yawning gap between the North and the South - from their income and health to their housing, social care and sense of isolation."This gap is hardly new, but the most frustrating thing about it is that it is totally reversible - assuming that policymakers are willing to take decisive steps to address these issues, and provide a better life for our family members, friends, and neighbours as they age."The report found that across the North there were more than 900,000 economically inactive 50-64 year olds, contributing to a potential reduction in GDP of £10.9bn per the other findings, it said: People in the South are more likely to retire, while people in the North are more likely to leave the job market because of poor healthBetween 2012 and 2022 the rate of poverty among over 65s in the North East and Yorkshire and the Humber rose by 10%Northern adults over 65 are 27% more likely to experience food insecurity than those in the South1.47m northern homes are considered "non-decent", with over a third housing residents over 60The North East, North West and Yorkshire and the Humber were home to he highest proportion of people aged 65 and over living in care homes Co-authored by a team from the University of Sheffield, Durham University, Lancaster University, The University of Manchester and Newcastle University and Health Equity North, the NHSA report urged the government to look at "reversing the widening inequality gap between North and South".Amongst other recommendations, the team suggested:A cross-government approach to prevent unequal ageing, looking at education, housing, employment and healthStrengthening collaboration between local government, combined authorities, housing developers, and the NHSDeveloping a national housing strategy for older people and creating age-friendly, accessible homes Shipley MP Anna Dixon, who wrote the foreword to the report, said: "Where you live shouldn't affect your experience of ageing."This report brings into sharp focus the reality of how unequal ageing is across England."Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Science
- Hindustan Times
Study abroad: Applications open for ‘MRes Mathematical Sciences' at University of Strathclyde for September 2025 session
Jun 24, 2025 07:58 PM IST The University of Strathclyde in Glasgow is inviting applications for its MRes Mathematical Sciences course that begins in September 2025. Applications are open for the MRes Mathematical Sciences at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow. ( As per the university, the MRes in Mathematical Sciences is an advanced research-focused Masters degree which students can complete in one year full-time . During the course tenure, students will enhance their research skills through undertaking an original, extended research project supervised by expert staff as well as their knowledge of key mathematical and/or statistical topics through a selection of taught modules. Also read: Federal judge blocks Trump effort to keep Harvard from hosting foreign students Additionally, learners will acquire skills which will help them navigate a successful career in research. Students who are considering PhD studies or a position focusing on Research & Development in a company or research institute in the future can consider applying for the programme. Also read: Study abroad: 6 Australian varsities ranked among world's top 50 institutes as per QS World University Rankings 2026 The university said that research opportunities are available in all of the university's groups which include: Applied & Computational Mathematics Data Science & Statistics Mathematical & Stochastic Analysis Mathematics of Life Sciences Who is eligible Students keen on applying for the course must meet the following criteria: A first-class or upper second-class UK Honours degree, or overseas equivalent, in a mathematical sciences related subject. English language minimum score of 6.5 (with no component below 5.5). Course fee The international annual fee for the 2025/26 session is £23,100. Also read: University of Sheffield ranked within top 100 universities in QS World University Rankings 2026 Scholarships available Faculty of Science International Scholarship for MRes Mathematical Sciences of £5,000 are available for September 2025 entry. To know more, applicants may visit here. For further information on the course, visit the official website through this direct link.
BBC News
4 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
University of Sheffield finances stabilise after fall in students
The University of Sheffield says it has stabilised its finances after warning of a £50m shortfall last departments were told to make savings after student numbers fell because of a reduction in the number of international university said it could not give detailed financial figures until the end of the year but added that it was on a more secure financial footing.A spokesperson said: "We have been making savings across the institution in response to the financial challenges facing most UK universities, with a focus on maintaining an excellent education and experience for our students." The £50m shortfall was a figure given to staff in an internal briefing to outline the potential loss of income if no direct action was university said it did not reflect an official financial forecast and a surplus in its 2023-24 annual report had allowed it to take "considered and measured actions to manage its financial position".It said it could not give accurate figures until its annual report in December as the figures were "constantly evolving" because of action it was taking and fluctuations in student numbers.A spokesperson said: "We have already made considerable strides to manage a reduction in income from international students and have a long-term, strategic approach to ensure the future sustainability of our world-class teaching and research, for which Sheffield is renowned."In its annual report for 2023/24, total underlying income was £862m and underlying expenditure was £856m. This gave it an operating surplus of £ the university is still looking at redundancies, course closures and mothballing projects in a bid to cut costs. A voluntary severance scheme will open for academic employees in certain areas of the university, which staff are already aware university has agreed with trade unions there will be no compulsory redundancies during this calendar said "prudent financial planning and a strategic approach to addressing the challenges facing the higher education sector" had prevented compulsory job over 300 staff, both academic and non-academic, left via a previous voluntary severance scheme, with the scheme reopening in September. The University and College Union (UCU) has been approached for expenditure for new building projects had also been reviewed, with construction of an £86m Central Teaching Lab, due to open on Upper Hanover Street in 2027, put on university has also suspended new student intake for 28 of its courses, including postgraduate degrees in sociology, language and linguistics and will continue for existing students on these courses, but no new students will be enrolled in the 2025/26 academic year. Here is the full list of suspended courses:Advanced Cell & Gene Therapies (MSc)Architecture and Landscape (MArch)Architecture and Landscape Architecture (MA)Bioarchaeology (MSc)Chemistry and Sustainability (MSc)Cultural Data Management and Communication (MA)Diagnostic Oral Pathology (MMedSci)Foundation Programme in Combined Studies [Society and Culture with Foundation Year] (CertHE)Health Economics and Decision Modelling (MSc)Human Osteology and Funerary Archaeology (MSc)Intercultural Communication (MA, PGDip, PGCert)International Relations and East Asia (MA)Landscape Architecture (BSc)Landscape Management (MA)Language and Communication Impairment in Children (MSc, PGDip, PGCert)Language and Linguistics (MA)Law with Chinese Law (LLB)Law with Spanish Law (LLB)Molecular Medicine (MSc, PGDip, PGCert)Orthodontics (DClinDent, MClinDent)Polymer Chemistry (MSc)Social Work (MA)Sociology (MA)Speech Difficulties (MSc, PGDip, PGCert)Structural Engineering (MSc)Structural Engineering and Architecture (MEng)Sustainable Architecture Studies (MSc)Urban Design (MA) Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North
