University of Bradford’s Research Gains Wide Media Attention in 2025

Highlights of National and International Coverage

Throughout 2025, the University of Bradford has been featured extensively in both national and international media. Coverage has ranged from innovative research projects to student experiences and academic contributions, reflecting a diverse and active year for the institution.

Key Media Stories from 2025

• Teaspoon of Shampoo – February
  A dramatisation titled Teaspoon of Shampoo, based on the true story of Muhammed Saeed, who falsely practised as a doctor in Manningham, Bradford from 1961 to 1990, attracted media attention. The play was performed at Theatre in the Mill on the University campus and received coverage by The Independent, highlighting the unusual medical prescriptions Saeed gave to patients.
• Doggerland Project – March and August
  The University’s involvement in the Doggerland project, a €13.2 million international initiative to map parts of the Baltic and North Sea seabeds, generated over 200 news articles worldwide. Coverage included the New York Post and The Sun, as well as media outlets in Australia and New Zealand.
• Midwifery Facilities Tour – April
  Bradford-born social media creator Katylee Bailey visited the University’s midwifery facilities, sharing her experience on TikTok. The video attracted over one million views, providing insight into midwifery training at the University.
• Artificial Intelligence in Boxing – July
  Dr Kamran Mahroof, Programme Leader for MSc Applied AI and Data Analytics, discussed the potential role of AI in judging boxing matches. His views were featured on BBC’s Tech Now and in the August edition of Boxing News.
• Free Childcare Study – September
  Research co-authored by Professor Kerry Papps examined the Government’s free childcare expansion, suggesting it is not keeping pace with rising nursery fees. The findings were reported by The Sun, This is Money, and BBC Online.
• Children’s Health Inequalities – October
  The University, along with other northern universities, contributed to the #ChildrenFirst campaign addressing health inequalities among young people in Northern England. The story appeared in the Sunday Express.
• Facial Recognition Research – October
  Professor Hassan Ugail featured on BBC Two’s Global Eye programme, applying facial recognition technology to investigate the disappearance of Musa al-Sadr, a Lebanese Shia leader missing since 1978.
• Alumni Strongman Competitor – November
  George Smith, a former Bradford student, was covered by US media including the Miami Herald as he prepared for England’s Strongest Man competition. He placed 12th nationally and second at the Extinct Games Invitational in Singapore.
• Students’ Budget Opinions – November
  University students appeared on BBC Breakfast to share their views ahead of the Autumn Budget announcement, filmed partly at Bradford’s National Science and Media Museum.
• Stonehenge Archaeological Research – October
  Bradford-led research on Neolithic pits near Durrington Walls, part of the largest known prehistoric structure in Britain, was widely reported by The Guardian, The Sun, the i Paper, and CBBC Newsround.
• Digital Reconstruction of Historic Towns – November
  The University’s technology was used to digitally recreate the walled towns of Kilmallock and Derry/Londonderry. The work was featured on ITV’s Good Morning Ireland and in the Derry Journal.
• Neuro-Weapon Threat Study – November
  A new book co-authored by University academics Dr Michael Crowley and Professor Malcolm Dando warned of risks from advances in neuroscience and AI. The story was covered by The Guardian, New York Post, and the Daily Mail.
• AI Wildfire Detection Research – December
  Research led by Professor Kamran Mahroof on using AI and 6G technology to detect wildfires early received coverage from BBC Radio 6 Music, the i Paper, and BBC News Online.

This extensive media coverage reflects the University of Bradford’s active role in research and community engagement throughout 2025, with stories reaching audiences across the UK and internationally.