University of Birmingham

03/09/2026

Have you ever wondered why music can move us so deeply?
Join us for a special evening of world class choral music with the internationally acclaimed Ex-Cathedra - and help our researchers explore how live music shapes our emotions.

This unique evening is led by renowned conductor Jeffrey Skidmore OBE, in his final season as Artistic Director after nearly 60 years.

You can also choose to take part in live academic research as the audience will be invited to complete a short study exploring how people experience beauty and emotional response during live choral music, whether or not they have a religious faith.

Here Dr Katie Bank explains more 👇

📍 St George's Church, Edgbaston
🗓️ Thursday 17 September
🎟️ Book your reduced-price tickets here: https://www.quaytickets.com/uobboxoffice/en-GB/shows/ex%20cathedra-%20can%20beauty%20save%20the%20world_/events

01/09/2026

We're proud to be part of this city and to see it getting the recognition it deserves 🙌

Here's to Birmingham and everyone who makes it such an incredible place to live, study and work ❤️

From late-night speakeasies to Black Sabbath ballet, could Birmingham be the ultimate destination for a weekend away?

28/08/2026

Good luck to our students who are competing in University Challenge on Monday 7 September evening!
Make sure you tune into BBC Two at 8.30pm to cheer them on as they take on Leicester in this first round match up.

MA student Waleed also shares his experience as team captain of our University Challenge team here: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/student-experience/stories/search/from-islamic-studies-to-university-challenge

UPDATE: Please note the transmission date is changing. We will update when we have a firm date.

27/08/2026

We are so saddened by the passing of Tim Curry, one of this University's most celebrated alumni.
A truly unique performer whose talent left an enduring mark on stage and screen.
We will remember him as will audiences around the world.

For our Throwback Thursday today we're rewinding to 1966 and this photo of English and Drama student Judy Loe - mother of Hollywood star Kate Beckinsale!

Kate shared this photo with us on Twitter this week, showing her mum and fellow drama student Tim Curry.

Thanks for the great photo Kate.

25/08/2026

Brian thought he had piles. Instead, he was diagnosed with re**al cancer.

For decades, treatment for re**al cancer has often meant major surgery to remove the re**um, with life-changing consequences for many patients.

Now, findings from the STAR-TREC clinical trial suggest that, for some patients, a less invasive approach using radiotherapy and chemotherapy could reduce the need for surgery and its long-term side effects.

Brian joined the trial in 2023. Today, there is no trace of cancer, and he's back to doing what he loves, from travelling to supporting Millwall FC.

Discover how research here at Birmingham is helping to develop kinder treatments for bowel cancer: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2026/clinical-trial-finds-new-re**al-cancer-treatment-spares-major-surgery-and-side-effects

25/08/2026

Why do teenagers sometimes make choices that seem risky or impulsive?

It's not simply because their brains are "not fully developed”, says Associate Professor in Criminology Dr Evelyn Svingen. Teenagers do consider the consequences of their actions, but social pressures and rewards often play a much bigger role than adults realise.

In her latest article for The Conversation, Dr Svingen explores why teenagers make the decisions they do and shares advice for parents and schools on creating environments where positive choices are easier to make.

21/08/2026

Looking for something to watch over the weekend?
Research here at Birmingham has helped to bring the story of evolution to audiences across the UK in the new BBC/PBS-NOVA series Evolution.

Our researchers Sam Giles and Stephan Lautenschlager acted as scientific consultants on the series, with research from the University contributing to the stories featured on screen.

The series is now available on BBC iPlayer and airs on BBC Two: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m002yyzg/evolution

21/08/2026

Birmingham Heritage Week returns to campus this September!
As a joint sponsor of Birmingham Heritage Week, the University is proud to present a programme of free events across our Edgbaston campus and The Exchange in the city centre.

Explore Birmingham's rich heritage through exhibitions, talks, workshops, guided tours and family activities. From prehistoric landscapes and Roman history to rare archive treasures and pioneering medical discoveries, there's something for everyone.

All events are free, with a mix of drop-in and bookable activities for all ages.

Join us as we celebrate the many stories that have shaped our city.

🔗 Explore our heritage events here: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/events/birmingham-heritage-week-2026

20/08/2026

The Barber Institute of Fine Arts is currently closed for building improvements - BUT now you can visit virtually, with a new online interactive gallery walk-through.

Saunter through the Barber's spaces, zoom around the galleries in multiple directions, hone in on the artworks, and click through to find out more from the picture labels.

It’s not quite the same as a real-life visit, but until the Barber reopens in 2027, it’s the next best thing…

🔗 Visit the virtual tour now: https://barber.org.uk/go-on-a-virtual-tour-of-the-barber-galleries/?utm_source=UIoB_Coms&utm_medium=Social%20media&utm_campaign=Barber_Virtual_Tour

19/08/2026

What a week for Birmingham as the 2026 European Athletics Championships showcased world-class sport right here in our city!

A huge congratulations to Geography alumna Georgia Hunter-Bell for her standout performance, as she thrilled the home crowd by claiming European gold in the women's 1500m, adding another major title to an incredible year.

We were also proudly represented by current students and alumni who competed across the Championships 👏
And our athletics track also played a role in the event, as it provided pre-competition training access to athletes from across Europe.

It was fantastic to see Birmingham take centre stage of this incredible event, showcasing our city on the international stage.

🔗 Read more about the University's involvement in the Games here: https://www.sportandfitness.bham.ac.uk/blog/georgia-hunter-bell-strikes-european-gold-on-home-turf/