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SOLVE magazine highlights cross-disciplinary research performance and impact from researchers across the University
As a university, we have a responsibility to communicate what we are learning.
Only by sharing our knowledge will we succeed as a community and as a nation. That's why we're producing SOLVE magazine – to share as scientists and educators our research and knowledge-building that stand to make a difference to the world.
Introducing the current issue
The 2016 discovery of a ‘plastic digesting’ enzyme initiated a new movement in research and innovation at the University of Portsmouth: Revolution Plastics.
This special edition of SOLVE is all about the Revolution Plastics journey so far. I hope you will find inspiration in discovering how far we’ve come.
Across a wealth of projects – from engineering enzymes for use in industrial-scale recycling, to crafting new sustainable composite materials, to influencing plastics policy across the globe – more than 70 researchers focus on enabling practical action with revolutionary impact.
Our goal is to drive forward the innovations, global partnerships and policies that will make possible a circular economy in which plastic is never wasted, but rather reused or recycled.
An island city with a rich marine ecology, Portsmouth is perfectly placed to stand against the scourge of plastics pollution. Change that starts here will end with a more sustainable world for everyone. So, fittingly, this is a revolution in which all of us can play a role
Professor Graham Galbraith
Vice-Chancellor, University of Portsmouth
Health and Wellbeing
We're seeking to manage health, disease and disability through technological, creative and scientific developments that support physical and mental wellbeing.
In the previous issue of SOLVE, you’ll meet extraordinary people whose ingenuity and services to humanity are inspiring — from the development of an algorithm with potential to transform the experience of bowel cancer, through to advances in bra science that are changing the game for elite athletes, women in the military and schoolgirls alike.
Read more research stories
- Life-saving NEWS from old health data – Professor Jim Briggs
- Can research ethics survive a pandemic? – Dr Simon Kolstoe
Sustainability
The world is facing a tipping point in the relationship between people and nature that threatens planetary health and human wellbeing. Change is inevitable. The role of science and education is to ensure necessary economic and environmental transitions are positive.
The previous issue of SOLVE reveals how we’re working with global partners to build a globe-spanning plastics economy based on circular principles, and helping to influence the future of sustainable finance and renewable energy.
Read more research stories
- Call of the wild – Dr Marina Davila-Ross
- Crime fighters go wild – Dr Nick Pamment, Dr Paul Smith and Jac Reed
Future and Emerging Technologies
As we evolve into a more technological society, our increasing interconnectivity can fuel changes both positive and negative, depending on where you’re standing.
Research in the previous issue of SOLVE shows how our ambitious Mission Space is boosting the UK space sector in a range of exciting ways, and how our new Centre for Creative and Immersive Extended Reality (CCIXR) is leading the way for a host of organisations to tap into the advantages of advanced tech.
Read more research stories
- Amateur sleuths muscle up the science of discovery – Professor Daniel Thomas and Professor Bob Nichol
- Shop ‘til you drop … your phone – Professor Lisa Jack, Professor David Pickernell, Dr Matthew Anderson and Dr Jason Sit
Democratic Citizenship
Democratic citizenship looks beyond nations, borders, communities, languages, histories, genders and bodies to promote equality, citizenship and civic engagement across multiple disciplines.
In the previous issue of SOLVE, discover how our researchers have proposed ways to tackle corruption that can mar major sporting events, and considered important questions around a post-pandemic pathway back to policing which commands public confidence.
Read more research stories
- The past mapped for the present – Professor Humphrey Southall
- Wanted: A VacZine for our times – Dr Jac Batey
Read the previous issue
If you enjoyed reading the special Revolution Plastics edition of SOLVE, take a look at our previous issue for stories about how we’ve supported space missions, virtual sets for Shakespeare plays, new dinosaur discoveries, the journey to Net Zero, the Lionesses’ victory in Euro 2022 – and much more.
