Research stories from Cardiff University

Our curiosity never stops. We believe in collaboration, so we bring the brightest minds together to think about the issues that matter most.

Delve into stories from our research community.

Cutting through the chaos

Professor Martin Innes’ research on disinformation explores its impact on democratic societies in the information age.

Revealing the anatomy of Welsh using MRI

Our research is helping Welsh learners overcome pronunciation difficulties that impact their confidence and ability to integrate into Welsh-speaking communities.

Cheers to the Students’ Union at 50

In the heart of Cardiff stands a beacon of time, the Cardiff University Students' Union. Its bricks and mortar are a testament to half a century of laughter, camaraderie, and shared experiences.

A self-cleaning product that could mean safer periods for all

Dr Jennifer Edwards (BSc 2003, PhD 2007) and Dr Michael Pascoe (PhD 2020) are developing a self-cleaning period product that could ensure safer periods for some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.

Curbing the spread of tuberculosis

Dr Tamas Barry (MBBCh 2020, PhD Medicine 2022-) is helping to improve tuberculosis diagnosis and care for future generations.

Understanding postpartum psychosis

Mothers at risk of developing this severe psychiatric disorder are being better supported due to the work of Professor Ian Jones and his team.

Saving metal heritage for future generations

Our research has guided the decisions saving our metal heritage, from archaeological repositories – containing millions of artefacts charting human history – to iconic ships, including the Mary Rose, Brunel’s SS Great Britain, and the Spanish Armada.

Establishing new worldwide standards of care for prostate cancer patients

Our researchers played leading roles in major clinical trials, which improved the treatment of prostate cancer and influenced the way oncologists monitor their patients and use surgery, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy.

Scaling up the environmentally friendly product of Perspex®

Our research provided the global Perspex® industry with a cost-effective production process, which could be used at scale, delivering significant economic and environmental benefits.

Maximising the benefits of the UK’s wind farms

Our research is helping to modernise energy transmission across the UK and Europe and push us towards the target of net zero carbon emissions.

Pioneering new ways of tackling bacterial contamination

Our research has helped to reduce contamination risk in industry on a global scale.

Protecting communities and preserving environments

Working alongside mining companies all over the world, Professor Wolfgang Maier has helped to prevent the relocation of local communities and protect culturally sensitive land, all whilst providing enormous cost savings.

Listening to survivors of child sexual exploitation

Dr Sophie Hallett’s pioneering research has made young people’s views integral to decisions on their care.

Transforming performances of Carmen on the global stage

Professor Clair Rowden’s research has generated new ways of thinking about one of the world’s most-performed operas, Carmen.

Improving the effectiveness of antimicrobial wipes in healthcare settings

Professor Jean-Yves Maillard’s research, into the effectiveness of antimicrobial wipes, has led to improved infection control measures and significant commercial growth for a leading manufacturer of anti-bacterial cleaning products.

Taking physics to the masses

Our research has helped transform perceptions, teaching practice and public awareness of astronomy.

Detecting the DNA of cyberattacks

A collaboration between Professor Pete Burnap and Airbus has led to a completely novel way of detecting and preventing malicious software.

Reshaping perceptions of the Second World War in France

Individuals’ personal experiences are central to new understandings of this crucial period in history.

Strengthening uptake of the Living Wage across the UK

Research from academics at Cardiff Business School has led to improvements in the working conditions of thousands of people.

Improving dementia communication

Professor Alison Wray’s work on how the social and emotional impact of dementia affects communication is helping people with dementia, their families, and professional carers to navigate the communication challenges they face.

Improving democracy in Wales

Our work on reform of the Senedd, its franchise and electoral system, has led to votes for 16 and 17 year olds, and laid the ground for further substantial reforms to the Senedd’s size and electoral arrangements.

Saving lives with maths

Innovative mathematical modelling is delivering improved cancer outcomes, ambulance response times, and a new NHS contact service.

Pinpointing fuel poverty

Our researchers have developed a new tool which identifies households most in need of support to heat their homes.

Informing Muslims about organ donation

Dr Mansur Ali is helping fellow Muslims explore their faith’s stance on these life-saving procedures.

Shaping broadcasters’ reporting of devolution

Our academics are helping journalists to make sense of the differing COVID-19 rules across the UK.

Strengthening rights and participation under mental capacity law

Dr Lucy Series and colleagues’ work on the Mental Capacity Act strengthened the rights and participation of people who may be considered to lack capacity to make or participate in decisions about their lives.

Image shows stylised image of a brain cell

Improving opportunities for people with Huntington’s disease through physiotherapy

Our research is empowering people with Huntington’s disease to access exercise and physiotherapy to help manage their symptoms.

aerial view of Cardiff showing teh castle and stadium and environs

Reforming homelessness legislation in Wales

Dr Pete Mackie’s research into Welsh homelessness legislation led to the Housing (Wales) Act 2014, and has informed policy debates in Scotland, Canada, and Australia.

Transforming relationships and sex education

Professor EJ Renold’s work has made sure the views of young people are central to new legislation and policies.

A firefighter carrying equipment walks away from a fire engine toward a building.

Improving decision-making in the emergency services

Our ground-breaking research has improved how the emergency services think, behave, and respond in emergency situations.