UCL in the media
School reforms have not bridged gaps in pupils’ attainment levels
Schools have become no more important in accounting for variance in pupils’ academic attainment since the early 2000s despite huge efforts at reform, according to a report co-authored by Professor Alex Bryson and David Wilkinson (both UCL Institute of Education).
Discussing the health benefits of singing
On a radio panel, Dr Daisy Fancourt (UCL Behavioural Science & Health) says scientists only discovered the multi-modal benefits of singing on our mental and physical health in the last two decades and revealed her favourite memories of singing are, “in school during assemblies”.
Why NHS data could potentially form part of post-Brexit US trade deals
Professor Paul Taylor (UCL Institute of Health Infomatics) explains how the anonymised patient health data held by the NHS could be considered public property after Britain leaves the EU and consequently, 'up for grabs’ in any future Anglo-American trade agreements.
Why apps which track your sleep could cause insomnia
Professor Vaughan Bell (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) argues that worrying about sleep and monitoring it using "poorly designed and tested" smartphone apps could actually have a damaging effect on our sleeping patterns.
How the Grenfell tragedy will shape our cities for generations to come
Two years on from the Grenfell Tower fire, Dr Stamatis Zografos (UCL Bartlett School of Architecture) writes how much remains to be done to improve building safety and ensure justice. Yet the memory is shaping the evolution of our cities in the hope of avoiding future tragedies.
MRI scan to be trialled as test for prostate cancer
A 10-minute MRI scan to spot prostate cancer is being trialled this year. Professor Caroline Moore (UCL Surgery & Interventional Science), who is leading the trial, describes the purpose of the study and Professor Mark Emberton (UCL Medical Sciences) comments on the implications.
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Murderous thoughts are normal and beneficial
At the Cheltenham Science Festival, Dr Julia Shaw (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) explained that fantasies about killing people are a common and entirely human reaction. They make us think through the consequences of our actions, obey our moral code and develop our empathy.
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‘Compostable’ products take years to break down
Professor Mark Miodownik (UCL Institute of Making) says the “compostable” label is often misleading as the products may take years to biodegrade and are likely to end up in landfill sites.
How to reform private schools
Professor Francis Green (UCL Institute of Education) suggests that politicians and other voices are increasingly calling for the reform of the private school system – and argues that the best way forward is a “fair access scheme” for pupils from low- to middle-income families.
We can’t drop the ball on industrial strategy
Lord Willetts, who co-chairs the UCL Commission for Mission-Oriented Innovation & Industrial Strategy alongside Professor Mariana Mazzucato (UCL Institute for Innovation & Public Purpose), describes the need for mission-oriented government action.