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University of Warwick shortlisted in two categories at the Times Higher Education Awards 2026
COVENTRY, England, Sept. 7 -- The University of Warwick issued the following news release:
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University of Warwick shortlisted in two categories at the Times Higher Education Awards 2026
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The University of Warwick has been shortlisted in two categories at the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2026, recognising excellence in higher education across the UK and Ireland.
Warwick has been named a finalist for International Collaboration of the Year and Marketing/Communications Team of the Year, reflecting the University's commitment to creating positive societal change, global
... Show Full Article
COVENTRY, England, Sept. 7 -- The University of Warwick issued the following news release:
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University of Warwick shortlisted in two categories at the Times Higher Education Awards 2026
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The University of Warwick has been shortlisted in two categories at the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2026, recognising excellence in higher education across the UK and Ireland.
Warwick has been named a finalist for International Collaboration of the Year and Marketing/Communications Team of the Year, reflecting the University's commitment to creating positive societal change, globalengagement, and impactful storytelling.
Often referred to as the "Oscars of higher education", the Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of universities, teams, and individuals across the sector.
Warwick's first shortlist nomination is for International Collaboration of the Year, recognising the Veteran Leadership Programme, a pioneering partnership between the Warwick Business School, the University of Warwick, and Ukrainian civic organisation CHESNO Movement.
The programme supports Ukrainian veterans in making the transition from military service into civic, public, and community leadership roles, helping to strengthen democratic renewal and long-term recovery in Ukraine. Developed collaboratively with Ukrainian partners, the initiative brought a cohort of 15 veterans to Warwick for an intensive leadership development programme focused on governance, innovation, public engagement, and peer learning.
Reflecting on the International Collaboration shortlisting, Dr Bo Kelestyn, Associate Professor at Warwick Business School and co-director of the Veteran Leadership Programme said: "The Veteran Leadership Programme is so much more than just a week of learning on campus. What we have achieved through this international collaboration has been both measurable and felt and I am so proud this has also now been recognised through THE Awards nomination and shortlist. It is another testament to how much our community, our campus, our staff can do when we work together.
"I'm so grateful for the co-creation and commitment from our partner CHESNO, and the veterans for their trust and feedback. Winning the Award would mean so much for us, and crucially, would help secure further support and funding to keep going with the programme and continue standing with Ukraine in meaningful and tangible ways."
The second shortlisting - for Marketing/Communications Team of the Year - recognises Warwick's Marketing, Communications, Insight, and Student Recruitment department for its landmark Sixty & Soaring campaign, created to mark the University's 60th anniversary. Rather than looking back, the campaign focused on Warwick's future, celebrating six decades of innovation while demonstrating the University's role in tackling global challenges and building a better world together.
The year-long programme brought together staff, students, alumni, partners, and local communities through a series of major events and initiatives, including the Festival of Innovation, Humans of Warwick, Retreat to Create, In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats, and Global Illuminations. The campaign generated more than 1,300 pieces of editorial coverage, reached audiences around the world, increased staff and student pride, and strengthened engagement across the Warwick community.
Welcoming the shortlisting, Helen Lyman Smith, Chief Communications, Marketing & Student Recruitment Officer, said: "Being shortlisted for Marketing/Communications Team of the Year is a tremendous achievement and a fitting recognition of the creativity, professionalism, and collaborative approach of our Marketing, Communications, Insight and Student Recruitment department.
"Our 60th anniversary campaign brought together the entire Warwick community to celebrate our past, showcase our present, and look confidently towards our future. The team's efforts showcased how communications can do far more than tell stories; it can unite communities, strengthen belonging, build reputation, and inspire people to be part of something bigger."
More than 500 nominations were received across 20 categories, with the winners to be announced at the awards ceremony taking place at The Vox in Birmingham on the evening of 26th November.
Commenting on the shortlisting, Times Higher Education Editor Chris Havergal said: "These continue to be challenging times for our higher education sectors but that makes it only more important to celebrate the contribution of the teams and individuals who continue to transform lives for the better, week in, week out, across the UK and Ireland.
"To have again received more than 500 entries is a sure sign that our sectors' commitment to improving the societies they serve is undimmed, and we offer our sincere congratulations to all the institutions and individuals shortlisted. It is a huge achievement to have reached this stage in another very competitive year."
The full shortlist can be found on the Times Higher Education website.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
The Times Higher Education Awards recognise outstanding achievements across UK and Irish higher education and are among the sector's most prestigious accolades.
The University of Warwick has been shortlisted in the following categories:
* International Collaboration of the Year for the Veteran Leadership Programme: UK-Ukraine collaboration for democratic renewal and civic leadership.
* Marketing/Communications Team of the Year for the University's Sixty & Soaring 60th anniversary campaign.
For more information please contact:
* Dom Barker, Strategic Communications and Reputation Manager
* Dom.Barker@warwick.ac.uk | 07824 540727
* General and out-of-hours press office number: +44 (0)7392 125605 (please call as emails are not checked out of office hours).
About the University of Warwick
Founded in 1965, the University of Warwick is a world-leading institution known for its commitment to era-defining innovation across research and education. A connected ecosystem of staff, students and alumni, the University fosters transformative learning, interdisciplinary collaboration and bold industry partnerships across state-of-the-art facilities in the UK and global satellite hubs. Here, spirited thinkers push boundaries, experiment and challenge convention to create a better world.
4 September 2026
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Original text here: https://warwick.ac.uk/news/pressreleases/university-of-warwick-shortlisted-in-two-categories-at-the-times-higher-education-awards-20261
University of Groningen: Why Entrepreneurship Flourishes in Specific Regions
GRONINGEN, The Netherlands, Sept. 7 -- The University of Groningen issued the following news:
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Why entrepreneurship flourishes in specific regions
Was the region where you now live once part of the Roman Empire? Then there is a good chance that your region has more entrepreneurial spirit than others. Professor of Entrepreneurship and Regional Development Michael Wyrwich investigates this phenomenon from different disciplines. 'Entrepreneurship is a deep-rooted regional force that can last for a very long time.' According to him, universities play a central role in promoting entrepreneurship.
November
... Show Full Article
GRONINGEN, The Netherlands, Sept. 7 -- The University of Groningen issued the following news:
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Why entrepreneurship flourishes in specific regions
Was the region where you now live once part of the Roman Empire? Then there is a good chance that your region has more entrepreneurial spirit than others. Professor of Entrepreneurship and Regional Development Michael Wyrwich investigates this phenomenon from different disciplines. 'Entrepreneurship is a deep-rooted regional force that can last for a very long time.' According to him, universities play a central role in promoting entrepreneurship.
November9, 1989: The Berlin Wall falls. It heralds the end of the GDR. With many East Germans lived the hope that they too could do things to the prosperity of the West Germans. By the late 90's, that hope was gone. Michael Wyrwich: 'I was in high school in East Germany at the time. Unemployment was enormous and the opportunities in the labour market were very limited. I found that intriguing: how does this work? And how can we reduce unemployment?"
Suppressing entrepreneurial spirit
Wyrwich decided to study Economics to learn more about this. He used a different angle than most: that of entrepreneurship. Wyrwich: 'Entrepreneurship is relatively little studied by economists, but is fascinating because of its interdisciplinary nature. Researchers in the field of management, psychology, history and geography are involved. I myself was curious whether the high level of unemployment in the former GDR might have had to do with suppressing entrepreneurial spirit during the communist regime. In my PhD research, I dived into that.'
Advising on entrepreneurship
Wyrwich is Professor of Entrepreneurship and Regional Development at the Faculty of Economics and Business of the University of Groningen. This is where he started in 2018 as deputy professor. Entrepreneurship, a relatively new field of research in the world of economics, is at the heart of his research. Based on historical data, he looks at the drivers behind entrepreneurship. His research has already proven its worth: Wyrwich is regularly asked for advice, whether small businesses or national governments.
The East Germany case
Back to East Germany. Was suppressing entrepreneurial spirit at the time of the GDR a key factor in the high level of unemployment after the fall of the Wall? Wyrwich: 'I discovered that there were still remnants of entrepreneurship in the region from before the Second World War and the GDR. That was interesting, because it could mean that there is apparently something deep in the tissue of the region. At the same time, communist times certainly left traces. Especially East Germans of about forty years were rarely entrepreneurs in the period after the fall of the Wall. Normally, people around this age become entrepreneurs, because they have more experience, ability and stability. For this group of East Germans, however, this did not apply, because they grew up under communism.'
Not black and white
However, this does not mean that there were no entrepreneurs in the former GDR at the time, or that they are not there today. Wyrwich: 'Both then and now there are even more entrepreneurs in East Germany than West Germany. This stems from the transition period after the GDR had fallen, in which the GDR economy was privatized. This resulted in many small and medium-sized enterprises that still exist today. However, these companies are generally not as financially stable as West German companies, and there seems to be a lack of entrepreneurial spirit among East Germans when it comes to expanding their enterprises.
Roman Empire
In another study, Wyrwich and colleagues went much further back in time, to the Roman Empire. "We investigated whether differences in entrepreneurship between German regions could be traced back to the time of the Roman Empire. We found that areas that used to be part of the Roman Empire have a higher degree of entrepreneurship and innovation. Social interaction and trade between the Roman Empire seems to be a factor here,' explains Wyrwich. 'The research showed once again how entrepreneurship is a deep-rooted regional force.'
How to Strengthen Entrepreneurship
What does this mean for regions that want to strengthen entrepreneurship and attract more entrepreneurs? Wyrwich: 'Regions need to create an ecosystem for entrepreneurs and invest in a culture of entrepreneurship. This is a long-term job, and should therefore not be tied to political change. It is therefore important to set up a foundation around entrepreneurship with an independent budget. This foundation can create infrastructure for entrepreneurs, such as physical space to develop ideas or opportunities to rent equipment. And you need people who have been living in a region for a while and see potential in it. They are more inclined to start a business."
The role of universities
According to Wyrwich, it is almost essential that there is a (technical) university nearby. 'Universities play a central role in promoting entrepreneurship, by providing laboratories and professionals, among other things. Therefore, it is also important that the University of Groningen is actively involved in the AI Factory, to make it a successful home base for various startups. The AI Factory provides an important infrastructure for entrepreneurs, among other forms of support that the university provides for startups. However, it does take time for this to lead to visible results and a domino effect in the region. At the moment, entrepreneurs may still tend to other parts of the country to establish their business.'
Korea
Wyrwich thinks it's important that his research has an impact. 'I try to share my knowledge as much as possible with small and medium-sized companies. Sometimes they are receptive to that, sometimes they are not. But it is our responsibility to share the knowledge. And it goes beyond just these companies. I was recently in South Korea for talks between the German and South Korean governments. In South Korea, there is still a desire for a final reunification with North Korea. I was able to share my knowledge about the consequences of reunification for entrepreneurship and innovation, based on the example of German reunification. If there is a reunification between the Koreas, this can be valuable information.'
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Original text here: https://www.rug.nl/about-ug/latest-news/news/archief2026/nieuwsberichten/0907-wyrwich
Teesside University's First Cancer and Molecular Diagnostics Graduates in Sri Lanka
MIDDLESBROUGH, England, Sept. 7 -- Teesside University issued the following news release:
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Teesside's first cancer and molecular diagnostics graduates in Sri Lanka
Teesside University has celebrated graduation of the first cohort of students from its MSc Cancer and Molecular Diagnostics programme delivered through its transnational education partnership with the Business Management School (BMS) Sri Lanka.
It marks a significant achievement for both institutions, reflecting their shared commitment to developing highly skilled healthcare and biomedical professionals equipped to address some
... Show Full Article
MIDDLESBROUGH, England, Sept. 7 -- Teesside University issued the following news release:
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Teesside's first cancer and molecular diagnostics graduates in Sri Lanka
Teesside University has celebrated graduation of the first cohort of students from its MSc Cancer and Molecular Diagnostics programme delivered through its transnational education partnership with the Business Management School (BMS) Sri Lanka.
It marks a significant achievement for both institutions, reflecting their shared commitment to developing highly skilled healthcare and biomedical professionals equipped to address someof the most pressing challenges in modern healthcare.
Designed to provide advanced knowledge and practical expertise in cancer biology, molecular diagnostics and precision medicine, the MSc programme combines cutting-edge scientific theory with applied research. The course prepares graduates for careers across clinical diagnostics, biomedical research, healthcare innovation and related fields.
Mohashi Munasinghe, MD, who was among the first cohort of graduates, said: "Building on my medical background, the Teesside MSc in Cancer and Molecular Diagnostics allowed me to sharpen my expertise in cancer research and diagnostics. Through rigorous lab work, data analysis, and mentorship from the BMS faculty, I developed a strong foundation in cancer biomarkers. I am excited to take the next step, pursuing doctoral studies to drive meaningful advancements in clinical cancer research."
The inaugural cohort achieved exceptional academic success, with seven of the ten graduating students awarded distinctions. Many students also produced research projects of a standard suitable for publication, demonstrating the high calibre of work undertaken throughout the programme.
The programme is delivered through Teesside University's long-standing partnership with BMS Sri Lanka, which has expanded opportunities for students in the region to access internationally recognised postgraduate education while remaining in their home country.
Dr Mathi Kandiah, Dean, Faculty of Life and Medical Science, BMS Campus Sri Lanka, said: "The success of this first graduating cohort is a testament to the strength of the collaboration between BMS Campus Sri Lanka and Teesside University, as well as the amazing support, expertise, and resources provided by Teesside University. This unique partnership reflects a truly collaborative approach, ensuring that students in Sri Lanka receive great learning experience that has contributed to their excellent academic performance. The achievements of our graduates demonstrate the transformative impact that advanced scientific education can have on individuals, communities, and the wider healthcare sector."
Dr Kevin Thomas, Associate Dean (International), School of Health & life Sciences, Teesside University, said: "We are delighted to celebrate this milestone with our partners at BMS Sri Lanka. The outstanding performance of this first cohort reflects the students' commitment to excellence and the quality of teaching and support available through the programme. Cancer and molecular diagnostics are rapidly evolving fields that play a critical role in improving patient outcomes, and we are proud to be helping develop the next generation of specialists in this area."
As the partnership continues to grow, Teesside University and BMS Sri Lanka remain committed to delivering high-quality postgraduate education and supporting students to develop the knowledge, skills and research capabilities needed to make a meaningful contribution to healthcare and scientific advancement.
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Original text here: https://www.tees.ac.uk/sections/news/pressreleases_story.cfm?story_id=9079
Stockholm University: AI, Platforms and the Fight for Voters' Attention
STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Sept. 7 -- Stockholm University issued the following news:
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AI, platforms and the fight for voters' attention
AI makes it easier to convey authentic political content, while digital platforms affect which messages reach voters. What legal tools exist to protect democracy - and how far does the responsibility of the platforms go?
When Sweden goes to the polls on September 13, it takes place in a digital information environment that differs from previous elections. Social platforms have become key channels of political communication, while generative AI makes it easier
... Show Full Article
STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Sept. 7 -- Stockholm University issued the following news:
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AI, platforms and the fight for voters' attention
AI makes it easier to convey authentic political content, while digital platforms affect which messages reach voters. What legal tools exist to protect democracy - and how far does the responsibility of the platforms go?
When Sweden goes to the polls on September 13, it takes place in a digital information environment that differs from previous elections. Social platforms have become key channels of political communication, while generative AI makes it easierto create content that can be difficult to distinguish from reality. Such content can be used to disseminate disinformation, although new EU rules require transparency around AI-generated content.
But according to Claes Granmar, associate professor of European law at Stockholm University, the challenge is not just about AI-generated content. He researches, among other things, EU law, digitalisation and fundamental rights, with a particular interest in how artificial intelligence and digital platforms affect the legal system and democratic society.
"When it comes to the difficulty for the user to determine what is authentic, the platform provider has really great opportunities to facilitate for users to orient themselves," he said.
The fight for attention shapes the debate
Today, not only what political messages are being published, but also what messages users are actually exposed to. Algorithms sort, recommend and prioritize content in a way that affects public discourse.
"When attention is key to being heard in the deafening media noise, a drastic statement or a loaded symbol can do the trick," Granmar said.
"Fact-based, factual and thoughtful reasoning appears boring in a grey everyday life. They therefore stand plain against cheeky tweets and obscene statements that spice up existence."
According to Granmar, such a development risks changing the conditions for political advocacy. Content that evokes strong emotions can get greater spread than fact-based and more nuanced reasoning, which helps the line between information and entertainment become less clear.
"In a downward spiral of media feeds, information and entertainment are clouded into infotainment. Of course, this means that even the conditions for creating political opinion are fundamentally changed.
AI can enhance the development by making it possible to quickly produce large amounts of images, films, sounds and texts. But according to Granmar, it is just as important to pay attention to the platforms' own role in the flow of information.
"In a way, the old epithet 'digital bulletin board' is fair because it's others who make posts and express opinions on the platform, but it's a truth with modification given how the platform provider organizes and directs the uploaded content," he said.
What are the rules?
In recent years, the EU has introduced several regulations aimed at strengthening transparency and reducing the risks of manipulation in the digital information environment.
The regulation on transparency and direction in terms of political advertising should, among other things, make it clearer who is behind the advertising and how it is financed. At the same time, the Digital Services Act (DSA) requires that the largest platforms identify and manage risks that can affect democratic processes, for example in connection with elections.
"In essence, platform responsibility is about ensuring a high degree of transparency," Granmar said.
From August 2026, new transparency requirements also apply under the AI regulation. Among other things, AI-generated or manipulated content in certain situations can be identified by specific markings.
Several of the regulations can be seen as parts of the EU's efforts to strengthen the resilience of democracy to disinformation and undue influence. At the same time, Granmar points out that what requirements are current depends on how an AI system is used.
"AI used in political processes may be subject to specific requirements, but publicly available AI services will not automatically become high-risk systems just because they are used for political purposes.
Who is responsible?
When manipulated or misleading content is disseminated online, the question also arises as to who bears legal responsibility.
The premise is that the person who publishes a political message is responsible for their own content. At the same time, the platforms have their own obligations under, among other things, DSA in terms of how their services are designed and how they handle different risks.
- The rule of thumb is that a legal entity cannot be held responsible for another legal entity's act or omission. Thus, it is the user who publishes a political post that is responsible for the post, says Granmar.
At the same time, this does not mean that the platforms are always completely outside the legal responsibility. If the transparency requirements for political advertising are not met, the sender and mediator of a political message can also be given responsibility. The platform's own actions may also have legal significance, for example through how content is recommended and disseminated.
A balance between responsibility and monitoring
At the same time, there is an important limit to how far the responsibilities of the platforms can extend. A general requirement to prevent illegal material could in practice involve far-reaching monitoring of user communications.
Such a development would not only affect personal privacy, but also raise questions about the limits of surveillance. At the same time, there is a risk that platforms, in pursuit of avoid legal liability, also limit legal opinions.
"What speaks against the platforms proactively preventing users from expressing opinions or filtering content that can be undesirable is the risk of a surveillance society," Granmar said.
"Extending platform responsibility would threaten open democracy and, in the long term, national security."
At the same time, democracy needs to be protected from attempts to manipulate the digital flow of information. Organized actors can use digital platforms to influence opinion and democratic processes, which requires that the risks of such impact are managed.
The challenge is to find a balance between counteracting such influences and not limiting free conversation more than necessary. It is in the trade-off that Claes Granar sees the central task of the EU acquis.
"My assessment is that the EU's democratic shield overall is well thought out and well balanced," he said.
What can the voter do?
The legislation may require platforms, political actors and suppliers of AI systems. But it cannot alone determine how voters should value the information they encounter. For the individual voter, therefore, source criticism remains important. The fact that an image, film or sound recording looks convincing does not necessarily mean that it is authentic. And that a content gets a big spread does not in itself say anything about its credibility.
Claes Granmar also emphasizes the importance of users being aware of their own role in the digital information flow.
"Taking personal responsibility for not adding to the morass online is important," he said.
According to him, this may mean, among other things, being careful about spreading doubtful content yourself and to report irregularities to the platforms when it is justified.
"We have both human rights and human obligations."
Personal responsibility is at the same time only part of a major change. AI is changing the conditions for how political content can be created and disseminated, while the platforms' algorithms affect what content gets attention and reaches the voters. In parallel, the EU acquis has been developed to create greater transparency and clearer responsibility.
Before the 2026 elections, it will therefore be important not only to ask whether a political message is genuine, but also why that particular message has reached us.
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About the Scientist
Claes Granmar is a senior lecturer and associate professor of European law at the Department of Law, Stockholm University. His research covers, among other things, the constitutional issues of EU law, the EU's internal market and external trade relations, and global digitalisation and fundamental rights. Part of his research concerns AI, digital platforms and intriity.
Read more about Claes Granmar (https://www.su.se/profiles/c/clgra)
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Original text here: https://www.su.se/enheter/juridiska-institutionen/nyheter/nyhetsartiklar/2026-09-07-ai-plattformar-och-kampen-om-valjarnas-uppmarksamhet
Skip the fee: Free App Week at UTC is Sept. 14-18
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee, Sept. 7 -- The University of Tennessee Chattanooga Campus posted the following news:
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Skip the fee: Free App Week at UTC is Sept. 14-18
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Photo by Angela Foster
Are you or someone you know considering applying to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga?
Applying to college can add up quickly, but UTC is offering prospective students a chance to save money during Free Application Week, taking place Sept. 14-18.
During Free App Week, the University will waive its standard $30 undergraduate application fee and $35 Graduate School application fee (domestic applications
... Show Full Article
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee, Sept. 7 -- The University of Tennessee Chattanooga Campus posted the following news:
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Skip the fee: Free App Week at UTC is Sept. 14-18
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Photo by Angela Foster
Are you or someone you know considering applying to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga?
Applying to college can add up quickly, but UTC is offering prospective students a chance to save money during Free Application Week, taking place Sept. 14-18.
During Free App Week, the University will waive its standard $30 undergraduate application fee and $35 Graduate School application fee (domestic applicationsonly) for all applicants who use the code FREEAPP27 in the UTC application portal at utc.edu/apply.
UTC sophomore Cannon Schultz, who is majoring in political science with a minor in history, said he applied to the University for free as a senior at Soddy Daisy High School.
"Having the opportunity to apply for free made the daunting application process much easier and encouraged me to finally choose UTC as the school I wanted to pursue my education at," Schultz said. "I love it here."
Nationally, the average college application fee is about $45 to $50. By waiving the cost, UTC helps reduce barriers for students who may be applying to multiple schools. For many families, the savings can make a difference in the decision to apply.
Free App Week is open to all undergraduate applicants. The fee waiver is available only through the UTC application portal and does not apply to those using the Common Application platform.
Learn more
Visit UTC
Apply to UTC
UTC Admissions and Aid
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Original text here: https://blog.utc.edu/news/2026/09/skip-the-fee-free-app-week-at-utc-is-sept-14-18/
Eckerd College welcomes its newest shark expert
ST. PETERSBURG, Florida, Sept. 7 -- Eckerd College posted the following news:
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Eckerd College welcomes its newest shark expert
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John Hlavin, Ph.D., is a new assistant professor of marine science at Eckerd College this fall. Photo by Penh Alicandro '22
Students have already begun reaching out to Eckerd College's newest marine science faculty member about a shark lab that doesn't quite exist yet.
After the retirement of Professor Emeritus of Marine Science & Biology William A. Szelistowski, Ph.D., Eckerd College was looking for its next shark expert.
John Hlavin, Ph.D., will be the new
... Show Full Article
ST. PETERSBURG, Florida, Sept. 7 -- Eckerd College posted the following news:
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Eckerd College welcomes its newest shark expert
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John Hlavin, Ph.D., is a new assistant professor of marine science at Eckerd College this fall. Photo by Penh Alicandro '22
Students have already begun reaching out to Eckerd College's newest marine science faculty member about a shark lab that doesn't quite exist yet.
After the retirement of Professor Emeritus of Marine Science & Biology William A. Szelistowski, Ph.D., Eckerd College was looking for its next shark expert.
John Hlavin, Ph.D., will be the newassistant professor of marine science beginning this fall semester. Hlavin recently earned his doctorate in environmental science and policy from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science. His research background is in shark trophic ecology, or diet and resource use.
Hlavin first heard about Eckerd after a trip to the University of Notre Dame Environmental Research Center in Wisconsin. His mom began digging around online for her aspiring marine biologist son when she found the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarships, which Eckerd has earned more than any other college in the country. Hlavin earned this scholarship and attended orientation in Silver Spring, Maryland, as a rising college junior.
"I joke that, like, every third student at the orientation was an Eckerd student," he says. "It was my first foray into the marine science world."
At the conference, the stars began to align.
Hlavin's former University of Notre Dame professor was there and wearing a T-shirt advertising that Notre Dame was hiring ecologists. Hlavin didn't feel completely qualified to enter the faculty job market - but he went for it. He was encouraged by his advisor, Associate Professor and Director of the Shark Research and Conservation Program at the University of Miami, Catherine Macdonald, Ph.D., to apply to other faculty positions if he was going to dedicate the time to put together the application materials.
@marine.bio.john Three MUST DOs for aspiring marine biologists #marinebiology #shark #research #careeradvice Nocturne (Chopin) calm piano solo - motsu
John Hlavin, Ph.D., has more that 144,000 followers on TikTok.
Hlavin found that Eckerd had a retiring professor, Szelistowski, and the College wanted another shark expert.
An Eckerd College student photographs Caribbean reef sharks at the the Bimini Shark Lab. Photo by Tristan Ogdahl '20
"It sort of felt like a unicorn of an opportunity. I don't know if I would ever come across another job posting that was specifically hiring for somebody with shark experience. It's not a big field," Hlavin says.
In addition to teaching courses including Principles of Ecology and Elasmobranch Biology and Management, Hlavin will set up a new lab group focusing on sharks, rays and other predatory fishes. Hlavin wants students involved in research projects and hands-on fieldwork once the lab is up and running.
"I've had a lot of students already reaching out to me, expressing interest in joining this lab that sort of doesn't even exist yet," he says. He's telling students to keep in touch.
The great hammerhead shark, which is globally listed as critically endangered, is Hlavin's favorite shark species. Their population in the U.S. is doing better than in some other countries, so Hlavin sees a unique opportunity here to advance research and compile data that are crucial for management elsewhere.
Making research findings accessible is significant to Hlavin, so he aims to publish his papers as open access, so readers don't have to pay. In addition to formal research, he posts short-form videos on social media.
Talking candidly online, Hlavin says, may help break down the wall between scientists and the general public.
A bull shark is retrieved from the water for a dorsal fin measurement. Photo by William Szelistowski
"I think right now there's a skepticism that scientists are very biased or they are out of touch with reality," he says. "A lot of things like Shark Week, to be honest, aren't necessarily the best, because they give people the perception that shark research is going out and looking for the biggest great white shark, when 99 percent of shark research isn't," he says.
His social media content has even led to collaborative opportunities with the Monterey Bay Aquarium and has provided a vessel to connect with younger generations, Hlavin says. Hlavin now has 144,000 followers and 5.4 million likes on TikTok.
In high school, Hlavin wanted to be an entrepreneur or inventor. Fish were generally in the picture. He had an idea for a mom-and-pop fish store that would be an experience to visit, with well-maintained tanks and an aesthetic look, rather than the "utilitarian" and tiny tanks seen in some pet shops.
"I always joke that I went from wanting to be on Shark Tank to wanting to be on Shark Week," he says.
Outside of work, he enjoys scuba diving, reading sci-fi and fantasy books, spending time with his wife and two children and walking their dog Mufasa ("Moofie").
In true Eckerd fashion, Hlavin recognizes the College's interdisciplinary nature. Research, Hlavin says, is not the only way to have a meaningful career in marine science. We also need people in policy and law, education and communication.
"I'm dedicated to making sure that they [students] develop the skill sets that they need to be competitive and make a career in this field work, and show them that there's so many different ways that can look."
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Original text here: https://www.eckerd.edu/news/blog/eckerd-college-welcomes-its-newest-shark-expert/
Bond University: Research Centre to Tackle Life After a Heart Attack
ROBINA, Australia, Sept. 7 -- Bond University issued the following news:
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New research centre to tackle life after a heart attack
Professor Julie Redfern will lead the Heart Disease Survivorship Research Centre.
Bond University is establishing the world's first research centre dedicated to helping people live well after a heart attack.
The Heart Disease Survivorship Research Centre will examine how healthcare can better support the growing number of people living with the long-term effects of cardiovascular disease.
The new centre is being backed by $3 million in funding from the National
... Show Full Article
ROBINA, Australia, Sept. 7 -- Bond University issued the following news:
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New research centre to tackle life after a heart attack
Professor Julie Redfern will lead the Heart Disease Survivorship Research Centre.
Bond University is establishing the world's first research centre dedicated to helping people live well after a heart attack.
The Heart Disease Survivorship Research Centre will examine how healthcare can better support the growing number of people living with the long-term effects of cardiovascular disease.
The new centre is being backed by $3 million in funding from the NationalHealth and Medical Research Council's Centres of Research Excellence program.
Bond was the only Queensland research institution to secure a grant from 23 applications statewide.
Heart disease has been transformed from an often-fatal event into a condition many people live with for years.
In Australia, the death rate from coronary heart disease has fallen by more than 80 per cent since 1980, driven by a combination of reduced risk factors and advances in medicine and surgery.
But heart attack survivors face a much higher risk of having another heart attack, making support beyond the initial hospital treatment essential.
Bond Professor Julie Redfern AM, who will lead the centre, said people could appear to have recovered while still facing significant health risks.
"You can have a heart attack today, and you essentially may look and feel quite similar tomorrow," Professor Redfern said.
"But once you've had one, you're 10 times more likely to have another one."
The current model for cardiac rehabilitation involves twice-weekly exercise and education sessions over eight weeks, but many people do not participate.
Professor Redfern, the Director of Bond's Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, said the model was not designed for the long-term needs of a growing population living with heart disease.
"We've got an ageing population," she said.
"How are we going to help all these people? It's not going to work via this eight-week, twice-a-week approach."
Professor Redfern says heart attack survivors will play a key role in shaping the research.
The centre will take lessons from cancer research, where survivorship has become an established field focused on life after treatment.
People living with heart disease can face depression, anxiety, medication side effects and fear of another heart attack, while some do not realise they still have a chronic condition requiring ongoing management.
Professor Redfern said heart attack survivors would play a central role in the research, helping identify the challenges they face and the support they need.
The centre will focus on developing more flexible models of care, strengthening lifelong cardiovascular health and improving access to support.
Its work will also contribute to an international push to reform cardiac rehabilitation, with collaborators including researchers in Glasgow and the World Heart Federation.
The ultimate goal is to shift the focus from surviving a heart attack to helping people live their best lives afterwards.
Bond University Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Tim Brailsford, said the new research program could transform the way people are supported after a heart attack.
"This new research program has the potential to make such a positive impact on thousands of lives - it is not only life-changing but life-saving," Professor Brailsford said.
"Cardiac rehabilitation needs more than a short-term focus, with a more holistic approach to help patient-survivors navigate a lifelong trauma.
"The significance of the research has been recognised through the award of one of the nation's most prestigious multi-year grants from the NHMRC.
"Julie deserves so much credit and accolades.
"She has committed much of her career to lifelong comprehensive care of cardiac patients, which will now accelerate in bringing to life the Heart Disease Survivorship Research Centre."
The centre's Chief Investigators are Professor Redfern and Professor Nick Zwar, with Associate Investigators Professor Shane Hearne and Assistant Professor Darryn Marks.
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Original text here: https://bond.edu.au/news/new-research-centre-to-tackle-life-after-a-heart-attack
