Education (Colleges & Universities)
Here's a look at documents from public, private and community colleges in the U.S.
Featured Stories
VUB Inaugurates Flemish Tier-1 Supercomputer 'Sofia'
BRUSSELS, Belgium, Nov. 28 -- Free University of Brussels-VUB issued the following news release:
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Press release: VUB inaugurates new Flemish Tier-1 supercomputer 'Sofia'
Zellik, 27 November 2025 - Today, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Flemish Minister-President Matthias Diependaele officially inaugurated the new Flemish Tier-1 supercomputer Sofia at the Nexus Datacenter in Zellik. For the first time, VUB will be responsible for managing the Flemish supercomputer for the next six years. Sofia will be used by researchers at Flemish universities and universities of applied sciences,
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BRUSSELS, Belgium, Nov. 28 -- Free University of Brussels-VUB issued the following news release:
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Press release: VUB inaugurates new Flemish Tier-1 supercomputer 'Sofia'
Zellik, 27 November 2025 - Today, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Flemish Minister-President Matthias Diependaele officially inaugurated the new Flemish Tier-1 supercomputer Sofia at the Nexus Datacenter in Zellik. For the first time, VUB will be responsible for managing the Flemish supercomputer for the next six years. Sofia will be used by researchers at Flemish universities and universities of applied sciences,knowledge institutions, and companies, and forms part of the Flemish Supercomputer Centre (VSC). With its sustainable design and impressive computing power, the installation represents a significant new step forward for research and innovation in Flanders, as well as a milestone in the Flemish landscape of AI and HPC (High Performance Computing) systems.
Supercomputer?
A supercomputer is a cluster of computing power. The threshold a computer system must meet to be called a supercomputer is constantly shifting, as technology evolves very rapidly. To illustrate: the first supercomputer from the 1980s had the computing power of what we now find in a smartphone.
Because the technology develops so quickly, a new supercomputer must be purchased every few years. This is why the Flemish government has decided that its operation will be assigned to a Flemish university every six years. In the past, the universities of Ghent and Leuven have already managed it, and today the VUB takes over this responsibility after a new allocation.
Flemish Minister-President Matthias Diependaele: "The impressive computing power of the Flemish supercomputer Sofia will provide a tremendous boost to researchers at our Flemish universities, knowledge institutions, and companies. With an investment of 8.6 million euros, we once again underline our ambition to position Flanders as a pioneer in innovation and sustainable high-tech development. By making strategic choices and investing in the 'engine room of the future', we are creating the right conditions for Flemish researchers to excel. In this way, we are working today on the solutions to tomorrow's challenges. Flanders has everything it takes to rank among the world's top regions in research and innovation."
Sustainable innovation, powerful performance, and growth potential
The new supercomputer, developed by NEC, was selected for its exceptional energy efficiency. It delivers the highest computing power with the lowest energy consumption in the tender.
The current generation of supercomputers contains far more graphics processing units than before. These are crucial for applications such as AI, because they can perform a very large number of calculations simultaneously. The drawback of these processors is that they require much more cooling--so much so that simply supplying cool air and removing warm air, as is common in data centers, is no longer sufficient. The Nexus datacenter in Zellik was designed to be ready for the liquid cooling that the computer requires.
With a Power Usage Effectiveness of approximately 1.2, Nexus is currently one of the most efficient data centers in Belgium. In addition, Sofia is designed to allow for expansion in the coming years, enabling the system to continue growing alongside the needs of research.
An engine for science and industry
The possible applications are broad and touch upon numerous domains: training AI models; simulations of chemical reactions, physics and astrophysics; climate modelling and weather forecasting; simulations for aviation, maritime and automotive technology; and AI applications across all scientific disciplines.
Karin Voets, CIO of the VUB: "The supercomputer will be used to develop models that can lead to meaningful innovations. This can range from simulations of waterways and weather models to predict, for example, when another extreme rainfall event might occur, to creating AI models that can predict defects in steel cables in time. We have already seen examples of companies that, thanks to this technology, can run their simulations up to ten times faster."
Zowel onderzoekers als bedrijven kunnen projecten indienen. De VUB streeft naar een bezettingsgraad van 80%, wat de impact en efficientie van de investering maximaliseert.
Sofia: a name symbolising wisdom and enlightenment
The new supercomputer was given the name Sofia, inspired by the Greek sophia, which means 'wisdom'.
At the VUB, knowledge is central. Wisdom illuminates the world, brings clarity, and opens doors to discovery and progress. This is precisely what Sofia embodies: a source of insight and innovation that enables researchers and students to dig deeper, understand faster, and push boundaries.
The name was chosen after a broad brainstorming process centred on the VUB's values of enlightenment and open science, and it aligns with the symbolism of the sun in the university's identity.
Jan Danckaert, rector of the VUB: "With great power comes great responsibility. And that also applies to our Flemish supercomputer. We chose a name that will remind us every day that enormous computing power must go hand in hand with great responsibility."
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More info:
* You can watch the timelapse of the construction of the supercomputer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRu9S1xOgow
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Original text here: https://press.vub.ac.be/press-release-vub-inaugurates-new-flemish-tier-1-supercomputer-sofia#
University of Southampton: Care Leavers Face Financial Cliff Edge on 18th Birthday, Say Researchers
SOUTHAMPTON, England, Nov. 28 -- The University of Southampton issued the following news:
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Care leavers face financial cliff edge on 18th birthday, say researchers
University of Southampton researchers are partnering with the charity Step by Step to shine a light on the financial cliff edge facing care leavers as they turn 18, whilst often still in full-time education.
They are calling for fairer financial support to help young care leavers build independent lives.
Step by Step , the UK's largest Supported Lodgings provider, supports hundreds of young people each year as they move on
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SOUTHAMPTON, England, Nov. 28 -- The University of Southampton issued the following news:
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Care leavers face financial cliff edge on 18th birthday, say researchers
University of Southampton researchers are partnering with the charity Step by Step to shine a light on the financial cliff edge facing care leavers as they turn 18, whilst often still in full-time education.
They are calling for fairer financial support to help young care leavers build independent lives.
Step by Step , the UK's largest Supported Lodgings provider, supports hundreds of young people each year as they move onfrom care or supported accommodation.
All young people under 25 receive a lower rate of Universal Credit - pound sterling316.98 a month if you're single and under 25 compared to pound sterling400.14 if you're single and 25 or over. The policy assumes they can rely on family for financial support.
For care leavers, who often have no family to fall back on, this creates a deep unfairness - they face the same rent, bills, and food costs as their peers, but with less money to live on.
Debbie Moreton, CEO of Step by Step, said: "Most young people look forward to their 18th birthday, but for care leavers, it can mark the day everything changes. The safety net disappears overnight. We believe young people deserve the same foundation to thrive, not a cliff edge that pushes them into hardship."
The University of Southampton worked with Step by Step on a research project called Moving Towards Independence , which examined what helps and hinders young people as they move towards adulthood.
Researchers heard from young people about their experiences through video calls, an online message board, in-person meetings, voice notes, and photographs.
The findings revealed four key areas for change: financial fairness, housing access, emotional support, and better information about transitions.
The project recommended that Universal Credit should be paid in full, not at a lower level.
Dr Becky Ward, University of Southampton, who co-led the research, said: "This is a simple and achievable change that could make a lasting difference. Giving care leavers the same Universal Credit rate as those over 25 - an increase of more than pound sterling80 a month - would provide stability, reduce crisis interventions, and help young people focus on education, work, and building their futures."
To raise awareness, Step by Step has released a new short film, Eighteen Isn't Cheaper. The film features young people, hosts, and MPs sharing their experiences and insights into how early independence affects care leavers.
Kate, a Step by Step Supported Lodgings Host, said: "When support ends too early, young people are almost cast adrift. They find it difficult to keep studying, to work, even to find somewhere to live. They've already had to do so much on their own, they need more support, not less."
The proposal has already been debated and approved in the House of Lords through a Private Members' Bill earlier this year, but it now needs to progress through the House of Commons to become law. Step by Step is calling on members of the public to take a stand against youth homelessness and urge their local MPs to support a review of Universal Credit for care leavers - ensuring fairness and stability at the very point young people need it most.
Alex Baker MP added: "At 18, it's harder, not easier, to make ends meet. Everything costs the same whatever your age, and young people deserve the best chance of success. Step by Step's work shows the difference that the right support can make."
Debbie Moreton concluded: "We've shown that small, evidence-led changes can make a huge difference. Now it's time for government to act. We're asking MPs and the public to join us in calling for fair Universal Credit for care leavers - because turning 18 shouldn't mean starting from nothing."
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Original text here: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/news/2025/11/care-leavers-face-financial-cliff-edge-on-18th-birthday-say-researchers.page
University of Melbourne: Greener Future for Earth Through Space Exploration Research
MELBOURNE, Australia, Nov. 28 (TNSjou) -- The University of Melbourne issued the following news:
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A greener future for Earth through space exploration research
Global scientists have developed a new roadmap for using plants to support long-term human life on the Moon and Mars, using technologies that could also transform sustainable food production on Earth.
Published today in New Phytologist, the project brings together more than 40 scientists from 11 countries and seven space agencies, who outline the plant science breakthroughs needed to create self-sustaining, plant-based life-support
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MELBOURNE, Australia, Nov. 28 (TNSjou) -- The University of Melbourne issued the following news:
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A greener future for Earth through space exploration research
Global scientists have developed a new roadmap for using plants to support long-term human life on the Moon and Mars, using technologies that could also transform sustainable food production on Earth.
Published today in New Phytologist, the project brings together more than 40 scientists from 11 countries and seven space agencies, who outline the plant science breakthroughs needed to create self-sustaining, plant-based life-supportsystems for deep space exploration. These systems would grow fresh food, recycle water and air and support astronaut health and wellbeing.
To guide future missions, the authors introduce a new Bioregenerative Life Support System (BLSS) Readiness Level framework, expanding NASA's existing crop evaluation scale to measure how effectively plants can recycle nutrients, purify water, generate oxygen and provide nutrition in space habitats.
The study highlights recent advances in crop science for space, including synthetic biology approaches, precision sensing systems and controlled-environment agriculture.
It also outlines priority research areas ahead of NASA's Artemis III mission in 2027, when humans are set to return to the Moon for the first time in 55 years. The mission includes the Lunar Effects on Agricultural Flora (LEAF) experiment - the first attempt to grow and return plants from the lunar surface.
Co-author University of Melbourne Associate Professor Sigfredo Fuentes, together with colleagues from across the international consortium, examined how plants can be engineered, adapted and monitored to thrive in lunar and Martian environments.
Lead author Dr Luke Fountain, a NASA Postdoctoral Fellow at the Kennedy Space Centre said: "By learning to grow plants in space, we're also improving the way we grow food on our own planet. The technologies we develop for the Moon and Mars will help tackle global challenges in food, energy and sustainability."
Associate Professor Fuentes, from the School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, said designing plant systems for the Moon offers powerful insights for improving agriculture on Earth.
"Space pushes us to design plant systems that are highly efficient, resilient and precisely monitored," Associate Professor Fuentes said. "This work will help us grow food sustainably in drought-prone regions, cities and remote communities."
Co-author Professor Matthew Gilliham, Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space, said technologies developed for space exploration will also drive a more sustainable future on Earth.
"The innovations that will keep astronauts alive on the Moon, such as closed-loop farming, recycling and resource efficiency, are the same technologies that will transform how we grow food and medicines on demand anywhere on Earth, from inner cities to remote regions, at any time of year," Professor Gilliham said.
The research builds on discussions from the International Space Life Sciences Working Group (ISLSWG) Plants for Space Exploration workshop, held during the 2024 European Low Gravity Research Association conference.
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Original text here: https://www.unimelb.edu.au/newsroom/news/2025/november/a-greener-future-for-earth-through-space-exploration-research
University of Bristol Launches 12 Social Venture Spinouts Delivering Real-world Impact
BRISTOL, England, Nov. 28 -- The University of Bristol issued the following news release:
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University of Bristol launches 12 social venture spinouts delivering real-world impact
In less than two and a half years, the University of Bristol has launched 12 social venture spinouts, each one rooted in academic insight and driven by societal purpose.
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Whereas traditional university spinouts are more commonly associated with Science, Technology and Engineering, what makes these companies different is that they originate from disciplines such as Social Sciences, Humanities, Arts for People
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BRISTOL, England, Nov. 28 -- The University of Bristol issued the following news release:
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University of Bristol launches 12 social venture spinouts delivering real-world impact
In less than two and a half years, the University of Bristol has launched 12 social venture spinouts, each one rooted in academic insight and driven by societal purpose.
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Whereas traditional university spinouts are more commonly associated with Science, Technology and Engineering, what makes these companies different is that they originate from disciplines such as Social Sciences, Humanities, Arts for Peopleand the Economy (SHAPE).
A spinout company is a new company that is formed to apply academic research in a commercial context.
What makes these emerging ventures relatable is passionate and driven founders who are focused on benefiting people, society and the planet in a very tangible and meaningful way.
Professor Evelyn Welch, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bristol, said: "I am enormously proud of the impact these social venture spinouts are making through their academic research and their contribution to our wider commitment as a civic university."
Highlights of the University of Bristol's SHAPE spinouts with national and global reach include:
* Affempreneurs, which empowers young women micro-entrepreneurs in Sub-Saharan Africa with business skills, financial resources and wellbeing support.
* Circular Agriculture Hub, which connects surplus produce from farmers to communities in need, thereby reducing waste and food insecurity.
* Good Grief Festival, which opens up conversations around death and bereavement through creative practices to provide support and community to those who need it most.
Professor Michele Barbour, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor for Enterprise and Innovation at the University of Bristol and herself a spinout founder, said: "At Bristol we've built a culture where innovation and social purpose go hand in hand. Our social venture spinouts show what's possible and it's a powerful reminder of the impact universities can have."
The University of Bristol is well-positioned in this emerging space and have a built a commercialisation strategy for supporting SHAPE innovation. It hosts tailored initiatives for SHAPE researchers, in partnership with national programmes such as the ARC Accelerator, Aspect and ImpactU as well as having specific support within the Research Commercialisation team to support these emerging ventures.
Robin Halpenny, Research Commercialisation Manager who leads on social venture spinouts at the University, said "It's inspiring to see support for these ventures coming from across the University, and I feel lucky to work alongside passionate people who are setting out to improve the world around them."
Find out more about the University of Bristol's SHAPE social venture spinouts in a new video: https://youtu.be/cBBj7Cs4zKU
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Further information
The University of Bristol has a rich history of research commercialisation and has been spinning out companies since the 1990s with a steadily increasing output. In recent years typically, typically four new spinout companies are created each year.
Beauhurst, a company which runs a searchable database of the UK's fastest-growing companies, has ranked Bristol 6th in the UK for the number of spinouts.
Many spinout companies specialise in technological advances, and the University of Bristol is no exception, with companies thriving in fields such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence, clean energy, and health technology.
SHAPE stands for Social Sciences, Humanities, and the Arts for People and the Economy. These disciplines explore how people think, behave, create, organise and interact with the world around them. They generate insights into culture, society, policy, wellbeing, ethics, behaviour, identity and the economy.
SHAPE commercialisation is the process of transforming research from these disciplines into real-world products, services, ventures or policy innovations. SHAPE commercialisation is typically centred on human-centred insights, social systems, behaviour change, cultural understanding and community or policy impact.
This often leads to social ventures, charities, community-interest companies, or mission-driven businesses designed to deliver measurable benefit for people and planet.
Source for Social Enterprise UK quote Facts and Figures | Social Enterprise UK (https://www.socialenterprise.org.uk/all-about-social-enterprise/facts-and-figures/)
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Original text here: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2025/november/university-of-bristol-launches-12-social-venture-spinouts.html
Newcastle University Project Wins Prestigious Chemical Engineering Award
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, England, Nov. 28 -- Newcastle University issued the following news:
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University project wins prestigious chemical engineering award
A Newcastle University project exploring low-carbon fuel economy has won a Research Project Award at the 2025 IChemE Global Awards.
The Engineering chemical reactor technologies for a low-carbon energy future project is led by Professor Ian Metcalfe and includes Dr Yongliang Yan, Matteo Fella and Dr Wenting Hu.
Funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering, the project's goal is to develop transformational chemical reactor technologies capable
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NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, England, Nov. 28 -- Newcastle University issued the following news:
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University project wins prestigious chemical engineering award
A Newcastle University project exploring low-carbon fuel economy has won a Research Project Award at the 2025 IChemE Global Awards.
The Engineering chemical reactor technologies for a low-carbon energy future project is led by Professor Ian Metcalfe and includes Dr Yongliang Yan, Matteo Fella and Dr Wenting Hu.
Funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering, the project's goal is to develop transformational chemical reactor technologies capableof delivering efficient, scalable chemical conversions essential for a low-carbon fuel economy, with a particular emphasis on clean hydrogen production and e-fuels synthesis.
It is part of the Royal Academy of Engineering's Chair in Emerging Technologies programme and reflects five years of pioneering innovation in chemical engineering at Newcastle University.
Chemical conversions underpin many processes required for industrial decarbonisation. However, traditional reaction engineering has advanced only incrementally in recent decades. This project challenges that status quo by harnessing novel approaches in cyclic reactor operation--also known as chemical looping--to overcome long-standing limitations associated with reaction equilibria.
A major milestone of the project is the design, construction, and successful operation of a 5 kWth hydrogen production pilot plant at Newcastle University. The system employs a single looping reactor to perform the water-gas shift (WGS) reaction with performance unconstrained by equilibrium limits, enabling the direct production of high-purity hydrogen without the need for downstream separation of hydrogen and carbon dioxide.
Professor Ian Metcalfe, Chair in Emerging Technologies and Professor of Chemical Engineering School of Engineering, said: "This award is very satisfying recognition of the work performed by a great team who have worked very hard on the underpinning science and application of the concept at demonstration scale."
Dr Yongliang Yan, Research Associate, at Newcastle University's School of Engineering, added: "We are absolutely delighted to receive the IChemE Research Project Award. This recognition confirms the significance of our work and motivates us to push even further. For me personally, this award reflects the strength of our collaboration, the creativity of the team, and our commitment to delivering impactful solutions for clean hydrogen and sustainable fuels. We look forward to engaging with industry and investors to translate this research into real-world practice."
Clean hydrogen and e-fuel synthesis
The research provides a pathway towards more efficient, compact, and scalable systems for clean hydrogen and e-fuel synthesis. Its ability to eliminate equilibrium constraints makes it highly attractive for industries seeking cost-effective decarbonisation solutions.
Matteo Fella, Research Assistant, School of Engineering, said: "It's a real honour for our team to receive this award. It has taken a huge collective effort to develop this technology from early concept to demonstration scale, and I'm really pleased that the dedication and expertise of the whole team have been recognised. I'm incredibly proud of the progress we've made and excited about the opportunities ahead as we continue working towards scalable, low-carbon solutions for hydrogen and sustainable fuels."
Dr Wenting Hu, Lecturer at the School of Engineering, said: "We are delighted to receive this recognition from IChemE, and we hope to take the project further towards application in the near future."
With more than 100 finalists across 16 categories, the program featured an international line-up of winners and highly commended entries, including entries from the US, Germany, Denmark, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, and more.
The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) advances chemical engineering's contribution for the benefit of society. We facilitate the development of chemical engineering professionals and provide connections to a powerful network of around 32,000 members in more than 100 countries.
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Original text here: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/press/articles/latest/2025/11/ichemeglobalawards/
Lancaster University: Award Reflects 'Exceptional and Enduring Contribution' to Socio-legal Community
LANCASTER, England, Nov. 28 -- Lancaster University issued the following news:
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Award reflects 'exceptional and enduring contribution' to socio-legal community
A Lancaster University Professor of Law is to receive a top award from the Socio-Legal Studies Association (SLSA).
The SLSA announced that Professor David Sugarman has been awarded the 2025 Prize for Contributions to the Socio-Legal Community.
This prestigious annual prize honours an individual who has made an exceptional and enduring contribution to the socio-legal community.
It celebrates those whose sustained efforts have
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LANCASTER, England, Nov. 28 -- Lancaster University issued the following news:
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Award reflects 'exceptional and enduring contribution' to socio-legal community
A Lancaster University Professor of Law is to receive a top award from the Socio-Legal Studies Association (SLSA).
The SLSA announced that Professor David Sugarman has been awarded the 2025 Prize for Contributions to the Socio-Legal Community.
This prestigious annual prize honours an individual who has made an exceptional and enduring contribution to the socio-legal community.
It celebrates those whose sustained efforts haveenriched the field of socio-legal studies and helped to strengthen, support and inspire students, teachers, scholars and legal practitioners.
Nominators cited Professor Sugarman's prolific and diverse scholarly output, his leadership, mentorship and collaborative working, and his vast contribution to modern socio-legal historical studies.
One noted that Professor Sugarman was 'the first to draw on sources from culture, economics, social and political sciences to augment his work' which has 'huge depth and range - the legal profession, legal literature, company law'.
Another nominator added to the list: 'legal education, European anti-discrimination law, women's rights and gender equality, law and literature, law and the visual and legal life writing'.
And for another nominator, Professor Sugarman's work 'sets lawyers and their lives in wide socio-economic and political context and his long career exemplifies the highest virtues of collaboration and support in the socio-legal community'.
A Professor Emeritus of Law at Lancaster University School of Law, Professor Sugarman's research engages with law, history, politics and society.
It focuses on how socio-economic forces shape law and how law and lawyers shape people's lives.
He is a Senior Associate Research Fellow, Institute of Advanced Legal Studies at London University and a Senior Associate, Centre for Socio-Legal Studies at Oxford University.
A Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, the Academy of Social Sciences and an Honorary Fellow of the American Society for Legal History, Professor Sugarman has held Visiting Professorships in Canada, Germany, Japan, Spain, and the USA.
He established and directed Lancaster University's Centre of Law and Society, the first such centre in England and Wales.
He has also advised on policy reform and legal development across the UK and internationally, including the European Court of Human Rights, the European Court of Justice, the EU Parliament Women's Rights Committee and NGOs.
Professor Sugarman said: "I have long believed that law can only be understood in its larger historical, social, cultural, political and ethical context, and in the light of its operation in practice.
"Socio-legal studies have inspired many of us seeking to break from a narrow tradition that assumed that law is overwhelmingly preoccupied with legal doctrine, and I am delighted to receive this award."
Professor Bryan Clark, who heads Lancaster University Law School, added: "I am delighted to celebrate this well-deserved recognition with David. He has made outstanding contributions to the socio-legal field throughout a fantastic career and remains a very valued member of the Law team here at Lancaster University."
Professor Sugarman will receive his prize from SLSA Chair Smita Kheria at the association's annual conference next year.
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Original text here: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/news/award-reflects-exceptional-and-enduring-contribution-to-socio-legal-community
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology: RNA Class Discovered That Helps Keep Cells Organized
KARLSRUHE, Germany, Nov. 28 (TNSjou) -- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology issued the following news release:
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New RNA Class Discovered that Helps Keep Cells Organized
Discovery of smOOPs sheds light on why certain RNAs cluster into condensates - a breakthrough that opens new avenues for disease research
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Inside cells, RNAs and proteins form tiny, liquid-like droplets called biomolecular condensates. These droplets are essential for organizing cellular life, yet why some RNAs cluster more readily than others has remained unclear. Disruptions in condensate formation are linked to developmental
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KARLSRUHE, Germany, Nov. 28 (TNSjou) -- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology issued the following news release:
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New RNA Class Discovered that Helps Keep Cells Organized
Discovery of smOOPs sheds light on why certain RNAs cluster into condensates - a breakthrough that opens new avenues for disease research
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Inside cells, RNAs and proteins form tiny, liquid-like droplets called biomolecular condensates. These droplets are essential for organizing cellular life, yet why some RNAs cluster more readily than others has remained unclear. Disruptions in condensate formation are linked to developmentaldefects, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have now identified a new class of RNA called smOOPs and gained a better understanding of how biomolecular condensates form. The findings were published in the journal Cell Genomics. (DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2025.101065)
Within human cells lies a dynamic interior. Biological condensates act as organizational hubs, supporting a wide range of cellular functions from gene regulation to stress responses. "These biological condensates are accumulations that arise through phase separation, a process in which molecules segregate from their surroundings - much like how oil separates from water", Professor Miha Modic from the Zoological Institute at KIT explains. "Inside cells, this process causes RNA and proteins to form distinct membrane-less droplets."
In a new study, conducted in collaboration with researchers from the National Institute of Chemistry in Slovenia and The Francis Crick Institute, Modic's team combined experimental analyses with deep learning to determine which RNAs tend to cluster during condensate formation. Using this approach, the researchers identified a previously unknown RNA class active during early development and called them smOOPs (semi-extractable and orthogonal organic phase separation-enriched RNAs).
Sticky RNAs influence cellular organization
"During early development, each cell state expresses a distinct set of condensation-prone RNAs. These RNAs 'tune' or scaffold the phase-separation landscape of that cell," says Modic. "We have discovered that smOOPs are unusually "sticky", highly cell-type specific, and are present during early development. They resist standard RNA extraction methods and are heavily bound by RNA-binding proteins." Moreover, the researchers observed that smOOPs cluster visibly within cells and are more interconnected than expected, demonstrating that they naturally prefer to condense inside cells.
Using deep learning, the researchers found that smOOPs share distinctive features; long transcripts with lower sequence complexity, strong internal folding, and characteristic protein-binding patterns. It was found that the proteins encoded by these RNAs also tend to contain long, flexible segments, that also promote condensation. "This indicates an intriguing interplay between RNA- and protein-based features in phase separation, says Modic. "The discovery of smOOPs not only expands our understanding of condensation-prone RNAs but also demonstrates how combining biochemical experiments with deep machine learning can reveal the hidden logic of life's molecular networks".
New clues on condensate formation guides further research
Investigating how cells maintain their internal organization is crucial for understanding our biology. "Both RNA and protein contribute to condensate formation. That coupling becomes particularly relevant in development. When this machinery malfunctions it causes diseases", explains Modic. "By identifying smOOPs and their RNA-RNA interaction network, we now have a conceptual and mechanistic framework to interpret pathogenic condensates in disease."
Original publication
Klobucar, T., Novljan, J., Iosub, I. A., Kokot, B., Urbancic, I., Jones, D. M., Chakrabarti, A. M., Luscombe, N. M., Ule, J., Modic, M.: Integrative profiling of condensation-prone RNAs during early development. Cell Genomics. DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2025.101065
Further Information (https://modiclab.org/)
More about the KIT Center of Health Technologies (https://www.healthtech.kit.edu/)
In close partnership with society, KIT develops solutions for urgent challenges - from climate change, energy transition and sustainable use of natural resources to artificial intelligence, sovereignty and an aging population. As The University in the Helmholtz Association, KIT unites scientific excellence from insight to application-driven research under one roof - and is thus in a unique position to drive this transformation. As a University of Excellence, KIT offers its more than 10,000 employees and 22,800 students outstanding opportunities to shape a sustainable and resilient future. KIT - Science for Impact.
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Original text here: https://www.kit.edu/kit/english/pi_2025_088_new-rna-class-discovered-that-helps-keep-cells-organized.php
