The PROTECT study (Player Risk Observation, Testing and Early-Care Targeting) will also involve collaboration with the University of Sydney and the University of Leeds. The investment will be accompanied by continued emphasis on the Brain Health Funds existing partnership with Dementia UK in recognition of the potential impact on current and former players of the publicity around the ongoing legal case related to head contact in Rugby League and other sports. The trustees of the Brain Health Fund have also made a smaller grant to Wakefield Trinitys Past Players Association to support the breakfast clubs they have introduced to provide opportunities for social connection for former players with shared memories and experiences. The PROTECT study will screen higher risk current players for modifiable brain health risk factors, track players into retirement and develop a preventative programme for risk factors. Over four years from 2026-2029, it will involve the screening of at least 150 players, and alongside that the design of a preventative programme to reduce the risk for known dementia risk factors for players approaching or following retirement. Professor Ben Jones, the RFLs Head of Performance Science and Medicine, and Professor at Leeds Beckett University, said: In a short period of time, the Brain Health Fund has supported a number of important research initiatives. The focus has been on funding pilot studies, which can then progress into large-scale research projects, which are required to tackle the complexity of brain health research. This has included the pilot testing for the Traumatic Brain Injury - Threshold Study (TBI-TS), which is now a large-scale Medical Research Council funded project, aimed at establishing brain injury thresholds based on biological markers and instrumented mouthguard data, for the first time in the world. "The funding of the PROTECT project by the Brain Health Fund is also a significant step in developing our understanding of how we can best care for players. We know each player will have a different risk profile based on in-career and post-career factors, and we want to find out how we can modify this. The investment in the PROTECT project strengthens Rugby Leagues partnership with Leeds Beckett University, in addition to accessing world-leaders in this area, including Professor Andrew Gardner from University of Sydney. In 2025 the Brain Health Fund supported a pilot study with Leeds Rhinos, whereby small capillary blood samples were taken from players before and after a match, and then analysed alongside instrumented mouthguard data, to identify any head impact threshold for elevations in brain injury biomarkers. The Traumatic Brain Injury - Threshold Study (TBI-TS) led by Imperial College London, University College London, University of Bath, Monash University, and Leeds Beckett University was then successful in securing significant funding from the Medical Research Council to allow testing to occur across mens and womens rugby union and league teams. David Hinchliffe, who chairs the Brain Health Fund Board of Trustees having been chair of Parliament's Health Select Committee from 1997-2005 and MP for Wakefield from 1987-2005, said: The PROTECT project represents a major investment for the Fund, because we believe it can be an important project for the sport. We recognise that the media profile of issues around brain health and contact sport can only have added to the anxiety of current and former players and their families. Our priority at Rugby League Cares since launching the Brain Health Fund in 2023 has been to provide practical support and advice. The agreement with Dementia UK has been central to this, so we are pleased to have extended the agreement beyond the initial two-year term. The response from those who have arranged consultations has been overwhelmingly positive, and we continue to work with the sports growing network of former players organisations to ensure as many people as possible are aware of the opportunity. In addition to the investment in PROTECT and the smaller grant we have provided to Wakefield Trinity, with hopefully others to follow, it means we are already planning a major fund-raising event for 2027. Collectively, these projects show how important the Brain Health Fund is for supporting current, retired and future Rugby League players.
These were among the key questions explored at the 2026 International SEEDS Conference, organised by Leeds Beckett University's School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing and delivered in partnership with MLA College, Loughborough University, University of Suffolk and UWE Bristol. For over a decade, SEEDS has brought together academics, researchers, industry leaders and sustainability professionals from around the world to promote research on how to reduce negative impacts on the environment while providing for the health and wellbeing of the society. A recurring theme throughout the conference was the growing influence of artificial intelligence. Delegates examined both the opportunities and risks associated with emerging technologies, including how AI could help organisations improve sustainability performance while raising important questions around governance, ethics and long-term societal impact. Among the keynote speakers was Ben Richardson, Co-Founder and Chief Sustainability Officer at Zevero, whose presentation, Help or Hurt? How AI Is Reshaping Corporate Sustainability, explored the rapidly evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and environmental responsibility. Discussions also focused on the resilience of future energy systems. Professor Faye Banks, Managing Director for UK and Ireland at Arcadis, addressed the challenge of building a reliable electricity network capable of supporting the transition to net zero while maintaining resilience in the face of increasing demand and uncertainty. Saul Humphrey, President of the Chartered Institute of Building, outlined the sector's role in creating more sustainable places, while Don Ward, Chief Executive of the Confederation of International Building Associations, examined emerging global trends shaping built environment research. Questions of professional responsibility and ethical leadership were also high on the agenda. Professor John Chudley, Chair of the Engineering Council, explored the importance of ethics and sustainability in engineering practice, while Alison Watson MBE, founder of Class of Your Own, highlighted the need to develop the talent and human intelligence required to deliver a sustainable future.Looking to the future of digital transformation, Professor Farzad Rahimian of Loughborough University showcased the potential of digital twins, Building Information Modelling (BIM) and blockchain technologies to transform the construction and infrastructure sectors. The conference also provided a platform for emerging researchers to share new findings and build international collaborations. Among those presenting was Shivani Senthilkumar, who described the event as an opportunity to "exchange ideas with researchers from different backgrounds" and receive valuable feedback on ongoing research. Leonie Parkinson, Research and Project Coordinator at Leeds Beckett University, said: "From artificial intelligence and energy resilience to sustainable construction and the future skills our economy will need, the issues discussed at SEEDS reflect some of society's biggest challenges. "What makes this conference particularly valuable is its ability to bring together expertise from academia, industry and professional practice. It is through these collaborations that research can help inform real-world solutions and support progress towards a more sustainable future. Thank you to all of our speakers, researchers and everyone who attended. Founded in 2015, the SEEDS Conference has grown into an internationally recognised forum for sustainability research, knowledge exchange and innovation, supporting collaboration across disciplines and contributing to global efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. For the fifth year, a competition to inspire ideas and action from younger people was run alongside the conference. RISE for Schools 2026 asked pupils from all over the country to think about whether science and technology could help us to live more sustainably or does it make it worse? The responses, submitted in the forms of posters, included using more wind turbines and solar panels, driving low emission vehicles, using water butts to collect and reuse rainwater, more recycling bins around school and special robot bins that collect litter and separate waste and recycling. The SEEDS Conference was organised by the following conference chairs and committee: Professor Chris Gorse and Dr Ali Saad (Loughborough University), Dr Alison Pooley and Professor Darryl Newport (University of Suffolk), Professor Colin Booth (University of the West of England, Bristol), Professor Mohammad Dastbaz (MLA College), Professor Saheed Ajayi (Leeds Beckett University), Leonie Parkinson (Leeds Beckett University), Natasha Telepneff (MLA College) and Donna Lee (Leeds Beckett University).
Delivered in partnership with Luminate Education Group, What no one told you about getting a job? brought together representatives from Lloyds Banking Group, Morrisons, Leeds Health and Care Academy and Jet2 alongside Educating Yorkshire's Musharaf Asghar to discuss the challenges young people face when moving from education into employment. Tickets were available to Leeds Beckett students through the university's partnership with Luminate Education Group and LeedsBID, enabling students to hear first-hand advice from employers about building experience, standing out during the application process and navigating different career pathways. Hosted by BBC Radio Leeds presenter Rima Ahmed, the discussion focused on the expectations and realities of entering the workplace, with panellists sharing practical advice and personal experience from their own career journeys. The discussion offered reassurance as well as practical advice for students preparing to take their next career steps. Panellists stressed that valuable experience is not limited to internships or part-time jobs and that students can apply everyday responsibilities and volunteering opportunities as examples of the skills employers are looking for. Students were encouraged to seek out their own opportunities to build experience, pursue projects linked to their interests and remember that career journeys are rarely linear. Speakers also reflected on the growing role of AI in applications, advising students to use it as a tool to support their thinking rather than replace their own ideas and experiences. The event formed part of LIFI Futures, an expanded programme within Leeds International Festival of Ideas focused on the questions, opportunities and challenges facing young people in Leeds today. Through partnerships with organisations across the city, Leeds Beckett continues to create opportunities for students to connect with employers, gain insights from industry professionals and develop the confidence and skills needed for their future careers. For students looking to build on the advice shared at the event, Beckett Careers offers a range of support, including CV and application guidance, interview preparation, careers appointments and access to placement, internship and graduate opportunities. Whether you're exploring different career options, looking to gain experience alongside your studies or preparing for graduate employment, the team can help you to recognise and develop your employability skills.
Heather Paul, Associate Director of Centre for Race, Education and Decoloniality (CRED) in the Carnegie School of Education at Leeds Beckett, visited The Grammar School at Leeds to share the life and legacy of her mother, Gertrude Paul, who is recognised as one of West Yorkshire's Inspirational Women in History. Drawing on her mother's work to challenge inequalities in education, housing and employment, Heather highlighted the often-overlooked contributions of Black community leaders and volunteers who have helped shape Leeds and communities across the UK. Heathers message to students was that making history isn't always about extraordinary achievements or public recognition, it's also about the everyday actions that make a lasting difference to people's lives: "UK history is not only made in moments of visibility but also through consistent acts of care, strategic leadership, and responsibility. "There are hundreds of volunteers in communities who gave and continue to give up their time without expectation of reward." Heather reflected on growing up in a family where volunteering and community action were part of everyday life, with her mother and grandparents encouraging her from an early age to get involved in projects that brought people and generations together. She explained how this commitment to collective action helped create opportunities for future generations, with grassroots leaders working to remove barriers and bring about lasting change in their communities. During the assembly, students also had the opportunity to interview Heather about her mother's approach to educational leadership and her own work at the university. Asked what she enjoyed most about her role, Heather spoke about her commitment to advancing social justice and antiracist practices, alongside her research into 'Black history and Black Feminist Thought. She also highlighted the important but frequently unrecognised contributions of Black women educators, who have combined educational leadership with community advocacy, care and institution-building, often while facing racial and gender inequalities. For Heather, sharing her mother's story was also an opportunity to encourage the next generation to see themselves as community leaders. She said: "From an early age you too can volunteer as a community leader or organiser, help to bring people together to do things that make a difference to other people's lives," she told students. Joanna Haynes Boyd, Head of PSHE and EDI Lead at The Grammar School at Leeds, said the assembly had offered students a meaningful connection to the city's Black history. "We were delighted to welcome Heather Paul to GSAL for Black History Month. Her reflections on her mother Gertrude Paul's life and legacy offered our students a powerful connection to Leeds' Black history and the people who have helped shape our community. "Her message that leadership can begin with everyday acts of care and volunteering is one we hope students will take into their own lives, recognising their ability to make a difference at any age." The visit was one of a series of talks Heather has delivered across the area to mark Black History Month, celebrating the contributions of Black grassroots leaders and encouraging young people to recognise the difference they can make in their own communities. Find out more here
Now in its third year, Chatbooth was developed in partnership with Carlton Junior and Infant School and Dr Pinky Jain, Head of Teacher Education at Leeds Beckett, following concerns about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's confidence and communication skills. What began as a pilot with one Year 6 class has since expanded to more schools across the region, giving children the opportunity to research, write and deliver three-minute, TED Talk-style speeches on topics they feel passionate about. Rather than adding to an already busy school timetable, Chatbooth is embedded within the Primary curriculum. Pupils develop their speeches in school before visiting Leeds Beckett's campus for workshops in debating, drama and public speaking, alongside opportunities to explore university life. Selected pupils then return to the university to present their speeches in the Great Hall before an audience of parents, teachers and guests. From climate change and social media to the value of failure, the children have tackled thought-provoking topics, demonstrating what can happen when young people are given the confidence and freedom to express their ideas.
The annual event raises vital funds for the Access to Justice Foundation, which supports organisations providing legal advice and assistance to some of societys poorest and most vulnerable people. This year, the walk brought together just under 700 walkers from across the legal profession and wider community. The 10km route took walkers on a circular journey around Leeds, passing landmarks including Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House, Leeds Minster, the Royal Armouries, Leeds Dock and Leeds Bridge. Participants followed the south bank of the River Aire before heading along the LeedsLiverpool Canal, through Wellington Place and onto Woodhouse Moor. The final stretch took walkers through St Georges Fields and the University of Leeds campus before arriving at Broadcasting Place at Leeds Beckett University, where participants enjoyed drinks and live music. Supporting access to justice The Leeds Legal Walk has established itself as one of the largest events of its kind outside London. In 2025, more than 900 people took part, making it the largest legal walk outside the capital in terms of both participation and funds raised. Jenni Taylor, Course Director for Pro Bono and Employability at Leeds Law School says, Leeds Law School was proud to host the Leeds Legal Walk and to welcome such a fantastic turnout from the legal community across the region. The event brought together students, academics, and legal professionals in support of the Access to Justice Foundation and the organisations it supports locally, highlighting the collective commitment to access to justice. Hosting the event reflects our commitment to social justice and to making a positive difference within the wider community. Through initiatives such as the Leeds Legal Walk, our students and staff help to champion and sustain services that are vital in ensuring justice remains accessible to all. We are delighted to have played a part in supporting the Access to Justice Foundation and we are grateful to everyone who took part and helped make the event a success. We look forward to welcoming the legal community back to Leeds Law School when we host the event again in 2027." Funds raised support the Access to Justice Foundation, a registered charity established in 2008 through collaboration between the Law Society, the Bar Council, the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, and the voluntary sector, with support from the judiciary. The foundation provides strategic grants and supports the advice sector to improve access to legal help for people who might otherwise struggle to obtain it. The Access to Justice Foundation Yorkshire, which organises the regional event, has thanked Leeds Beckett Universitys Leeds Law School, Leeds Law Society and the wider legal profession for their continued support. David Barraclough, Chair of the Access to Justice Foundation Yorkshire says, the continued support of Leeds Law School and the legal profession in Leeds was central to the success of the event and its work to improve access to justice. Planning is already under way for the 2027 Leeds Legal Walk, with the date to be confirmed.
James Bletsoe, Cameron Owen, Sean Scantlebury and Emily Todd bring specialist knowledge in performance analysis, sports science and strength and conditioning to the tournament, helping players and coaches prepare for the demands of elite international rugby league. James Bletsoe is Senior Lecturer in Performance Analysis at Leeds Becketts Carnegie School of Sport and Head of Performance Analysis for England Men. His work involves using video and data to help coaches and players understand performances, prepare for opponents and make informed decisions. During the tournament we do everything from filming training to analysing training to analysing our opponents and analysing our own performances, James said. This work begins long before the first whistle. In the build-up to the World Cup, James and the wider performance analysis team have supported the development of game models and squad selection, helping coaches assess how the team can perform against different opponents. His role also reflects the connection between Leeds Becketts academic expertise and professional rugby league. Students have opportunities to gain experience through the universitys links with the sport, with some progressing into professional roles. While performance analysis helps teams understand the game, sports science supports the physical preparation needed to compete at the highest level. Cameron Owen, Senior Research Fellow in Sports Performance and Injury at Carnegie School of Sport, will work as a sports scientist with England Men. His role sits alongside a wider connection between Leeds Beckett and the England Rugby League pathway, which provides opportunities for students to develop their practical skills. Cameron said: England Rugby League provides opportunities for CSS students to be involved in their player and coach education days in which we profile the whole of the men's and women's pathway. He added: This creates an opportunity for the students to get hands-on skills working with these elite players who are looking to progress to the professional game. For England Women, Sean Scantlebury and Emily Todd bring complementary expertise in strength and conditioning, player monitoring and performance science. Sean is a Senior Research Fellow at Carnegie School of Sport and England Womens Strength and Conditioning Coach. His work includes monitoring players readiness and recovery to ensure they are prepared for training. Whilst Im in camp in Australia, my role will be to make sure that the players are prepared for each training session, monitoring the players on a daily basis to make sure that they're recovered and ready to train. Emily, a Leeds Beckett PhD student and Lead Sports Scientist for England Women, focuses on player workload management, using GPS data to monitor training demands and help ensure players are doing the right amount of work at the right time. Whilst at the world cup, I'll be overseeing the player load management, primarily looking at all the GPS data, ensuring that we're hitting where we need to be hitting, making sure that they're not doing too much or too less and when they need to be doing it. Her research also explores head impacts in the womens game and how these can be reduced while optimising performance, connecting her academic work with the wider challenges facing elite rugby league. Leeds Becketts facilities provided a base for England Women to bring different aspects of their preparation together, from gym and pitch sessions to recovery. Earlier this year, the team held training sessions at the university, with players including current third-year Sport and Exercise Science student Evie Cousins and alumna Keara Bennett taking part. England Women head coach Stuart Barrow highlighted the value of access to the facilities and specialist support. We try to professionalise the sport as much as we possibly can at this level and to have access to amazing facilities like the gym, the astroturfs and the grass fields and then to come in and do our recovery sessions in the cryo baths and masseuses on hand as well has just been exceptional to give the girls every opportunity to develop and advance in their careers, Stuart said. For Evie, who plays for Leeds Rhinos and is part of England Womens extended training squad, being able to combine her studies and rugby at Leeds Beckett has also been valuable. The universitys performance gym is available to her through a scholarship, while her lecturers have helped accommodate training commitments alongside her degree. Reflecting on the intensity of the England training environment, Evie, who studies Sport and Exercise Science said: Everyone's so focused on the World Cup, it's taken training up another 10 notches, everyone's so competitive and it's just making me strive to be better. Keara, who also plays for Leeds Rhinos and works as Women and Girls Development Officer at Leeds Rhinos Foundation, has experienced the university as both a student and an international player. The facilities here are just outstanding and I always look forward to coming back, she said. The involvement of Leeds Beckett academics in international rugby league brings professional experience into the universitys teaching and research, while creating opportunities for students to learn from the demands of elite sport. For Sean, working with England Women directly informs his work with students, giving them insight into the preparation required for international competition. He said: I'm able to take away my experiences whilst being on camp and help relay that to the students in terms of what its like to prepare an elite level team for international competition, the knowledge of working with a team on a daily basis in a high-level competition and share that experience to students so that if they go on to work with in professional sport, they'll have that to look back upon. As the Rugby League World Cup 2026 progresses, the work of performance analysts and sports scientists will continue behind the scenes, helping the teams prepare, adapt and give themselves the best possible opportunity to perform on the international stage.
The Simulated Law Firm Brand Competition formed part of an innovative employability-focused module for those studying LLB Law and LLB Law with Criminology. Students were challenged to create a professional legal brand from scratch, which included developing a firm name, logo, strapline and supporting rationale that reflected the values and identity of a modern law practice. Working in teams of up to four students, students attended specialist workshops delivered by Beckett Careers and Library Learning Services, where they explored the fundamentals of branding and professional identity. Professor Jill Dickinson, Professor of Law and Professional Development at Leeds Law School, says: This competition was designed to help students bridge the gap between academic study and professional practice. By asking students to think like future legal professionals and business leaders, they developed valuable commercial awareness, teamwork and communication skills while engaging with a realistic legal sector challenge. Six teams of students entered the competition. Entries were judged by representatives from Irwin Mitchell against criteria including professional identity, market differentiation, trust-building, legal ethos and long-term adaptability. Winning team creates brand supporting International Students The winning team, made up of Violet Mlanzi, Ruya Akbary, Michaelina Nikolaou and Ayat Ali, impressed judges with their concept, Link Legal. Designed to support international students, Link Legal focused on making legal services more accessible and understandable for those navigating challenges such as housing issues, contracts and everyday rights built on the idea legal services should work to solve and prevent problems. Judges praised the entry for its clear professional purpose, strong market positioning and modern, credible brand identity. Its standout element was its clear sense of why. Runner-Up firm champions underrepresented voices Second place was awarded to Angela Lahunay, Sandra Dziubinska and Samaah Sajjad for their concept, LDS Advocates. The brand focused on addressing injustices affecting women and other underrepresented groups, with particular attention to issues such as domestic abuse, sexual harassment and systematic mistreatment. Judges commended the firm's thought-provoking ethical focus, distinctive market position and commitment to pro bono support - noting its strong potential for future growth and impact. Building employability through real-world learning Hannah Beever, Employability Curriculum Development Consultant at Beckett Careers, says initiatives like the Brand Competition provide students with a learning opportunity that relates directly to a legal sector challenge. Students are gaining valuable insight into how successful legal firm brands are developed, communicated, and beginning to recognise how they can shape and communicate their own emerging professional identities. This competition gives students the chance to apply their skills in a practical way and build their confidence in presenting themselves as future legal professionals. She adds, through initiatives like this, students gain insight into industry expectations, strengthen their professional skills, and build confidence in presenting themselves and their ideas to external stakeholders. Following the success of its first year, sponsorship from Irwin Mitchell for the competition has been confirmed for continuation and students are invited to start expressing their interest in being involved before the competition formally launches at the start of the L4 Legal and Employability Skills module in January 2027. Sarah Al-Jourani, Solicitor at Irwin Mitchell says: I have really enjoyed being involved in the LLS Simulated Law Firm Brand Competition. It is a fantastic initiative that gives students a valuable opportunity to develop practical skills, think creatively, and gain insight into the realities of working within a law firm with focus on the business elements being just as important as the legal services. Supporting initiatives like this is incredibly important to help nurture future talent in the profession, and it has been great to see the enthusiasm and innovation demonstrated by those taking part. The winning designs are currently on display in the Leeds Law School building.
Dr Mandy Pierlejewski, Senior lecturer in the Carnegie School of Education,believes the assessment should be replaced with an observational, play-based approach developed by early years specialists and practising teachers. Mandys call follows research examining children's experiences of the Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA), which takes place during the first six weeks of primary school and provides a starting point for measuring pupils' progress through to the end of Year 6. The study involved detailed video observations of 22 children across two versions of the assessment in 2024 and 2025, including 17 children completing the newer touchscreen version. Researchers identified behaviours associated with distress, including children covering their eyes or ears, sucking their thumbs, and repeatedly stroking their faces. Some children appeared increasingly uncomfortable as the assessment progressed, while others struggled to understand the digital actions required to complete tasks. Mandy believes these findings raise important questions about whether the assessment is measuring children's knowledge or their familiarity with technology. "If a child knows the answer but cannot demonstrate it because they don't understand how to use the touchscreen, we're not getting an accurate picture of their abilities. That raises serious questions about the reliability of the data being collected," Mandy said. In one example, children were asked to solve a subtraction problem by moving images of leaves on a touchscreen. The research found that translating practical mathematical activities into digital tasks could introduce additional cognitive demands, making it harder for children to demonstrate their understanding. The LBU academic also raised concerns that the assessment could disadvantage children with limited experience of digital devices, including those from less digitally connected households, as well as children with special educational needs and disabilities and those learning English as an additional language. She said that the digital format creates an additional barrier at an important stage of children's development, when they are adjusting to a new school environment and building relationships with teachers. The findings also contribute to a growing debate about screen use among young children, following government guidance encouraging parents to limit screen exposure and prioritise shared, interactive experiences. Mandy added that the digital assessment contradicts the principles of the government's screen-use guidance, as teachers are required to follow a prescribed script rather than interact naturally with children to explore their understanding. "The Reception Baseline Assessment doesn't need minor adjustments. It needs to be fundamentally redesigned by people who understand how young children learn and develop. Early years teachers and specialists should be at the heart of that process," Mandy Pierlejewski said. The LBU academic proposed alternative would involve teachers observing children through play and everyday classroom activities, using agreed developmental criteria to assess emerging skills in areas such as communication, early literacy and numeracy. Mandy added: "An effective baseline assessment should build on what early years teachers already do well: observing children as they play, communicate and explore. We can gather meaningful information about children's development without relying on formal digital testing." Although the qualitative study involved a small sample and cannot establish how widely the findings apply across England, it offers detailed insights into children's experiences of the assessment and raises questions for further investigation. Mandy hopes the findings will encourage policymakers to reconsider the current approach and involve early years professionals in developing an assessment model that is both educationally meaningful and appropriate for young children. She is also considering further research exploring how children from infancy to age five engage with digital technology across home and educational settings, building a broader understanding of the role screens play in early childhood development. Find out more about the research.
The Online Sperm Donation Project is a four-year, multidisciplinary, Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funded research project led by LBU academic Rhys Turner-Moore, with the full research team spanning five organisations, that explores the evolving experiences of people who go online to seek or donate sperm, and those navigating alternative routes to conception and co-parenting. The study reveals that despite its increasing use and visibility, online sperm donation remains poorly understood. Participants in the research highlighted that public and professional discussions often focus on risk, rather than peoples diverse experiences and needs. As the largest study into online sperm donation (OSD) to date, the newly released findings provide evidence-based recommendations: Better information and support are urgently needed Online sperm donation is an established route to family formation, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community, solo parents and those who face barriers to accessing fertility clinics or prefer a non-clinical route to conception. Prior research found that there are currently 52 English-speaking online sperm donation platforms worldwide, with more than 343,000 users. Despite its established presence, the Online Sperm Donation Project found that there is no trusted, independent guidance on how to navigate OSD and there are few support communities. Recipients and donors frequently learn how the process of online sperm donation works through trial and error, relying on fragmented information that is created or shared by other users. People involved in online sperm donation can struggle to access reliable, independent information about legal parenthood, fertility, conception, pre-conception health and sexual health screening. The new research recommends that online platform owners improve onboarding processes and work with academics, clinicians and third-sector organisations to develop free, accessible and evidence-based information. It also calls for peer-led support communities for recipients, donors and co-parents, helping people access support and guidance from others with relevant experiences. Safety must be a shared responsibility The research identifies challenges in online sperm donation including misinformation, unwanted sexual behaviour, pressure and coercion. It also found that unequal power dynamics can make it harder for recipients to negotiate arrangements, question a donor's behaviour or refuse unwanted situations. People seeking to conceive may feel under pressure because of limited donor availability, the urgency of their family-building plans or a donor's greater experience of online donation. As a result, recipients can be left carrying much of the responsibility for identifying warning signs and managing risks themselves. The project calls for safety to become a shared responsibility involving policymakers, online platforms, healthcare commissioners and third-sector organisations, and informed by research. The researchers also recognise that online donation platforms are often run by people with personal experience of the process, rather than organisations with substantial resources. Platform owners may need financial investment, practical support and opportunities to work with regulators and other organisations to implement effective safeguards. Fertility treatment access and family law need to catch up The findings highlight how barriers to clinical fertility treatment can limit people's choices on how they conceive. Restrictive NHS eligibility criteria, differences in funding between regions and the high cost of private treatment can leave people with few affordable alternatives. Same-sex couples and solo women can particularly face barriers to accessing fertility treatment. The project recommends improving equitable access to NHS-funded fertility treatment so that people have a genuine choice between clinical and non-clinical routes to conception. The research also identifies gaps in the oversight of donations in online sperm donation. Donors vary in how many families they help to create, and some donate both online and through sperm banks or fertility clinics. There are currently no formal mechanisms for systematically monitoring online donation activity, the number of donor-conceived children or related donor information, and so the researchers recommend exploring the potential for a voluntary registry. Legal parenthood is another area of concern. Current frameworks can leave people involved in conception arrangements outside fertility clinics uncertain about their legal rights and responsibilities. The law means that some donors are legal parents, while some non-gestational partners are not. The law also limits legal parenthood to two people, even where more than two adults intend to share the responsibility of raising a child. The project calls for a review of the legal framework governing parenthood in conception arrangements outside fertility clinics, taking account of the needs and experiences of contemporary families. Turning research into action The projects recent celebratory showcase, New Ways of Creating Families, presented the findings through a collection of comic stories and a short film to attendees including the research team; creatives involved in the project; research participants and their families; professionals working in fertility, family-making and allied fields; and members of the public. Dr Rhys Turner-Moore, Professor in Psychology at Leeds Beckett University and lead researcher on the project says: Our book of eight comic stories and short film were made to increase public and professional understanding of online sperm donation. These resources draw on our research interviews with people who are seeking or donating sperm online, their partners, and people looking online for someone to conceive and co-parent with, to illustrate the diverse journeys, motivations and experiences of people involved in online sperm donation. The comic stories and film highlight some of the highs and the lows of this route to family-making, but also the nuanced and sometimes complex spaces in between, revealing it to be a space that has challenges, uncertainty and disappointment, but also innovation, hope, connection and joy. The team have distributed the book of comic stories, film and stakeholder briefing to professional organisations and bodies with a view to increasing understanding of online sperm donation and actioning the projects recommendations. After the success of the projects celebratory showcase, the team are currently looking for further opportunities to share the comics stories and film with the wider public to broaden public understanding and conversations about this often-misunderstood route to conception. Anastasia, a research participant with lived experience of online sperm donation said, having lived through some of the challenges highlighted in the comics, I know how isolating, confusing, and overwhelming the beginning of the journey can feel. Looking back, I only wish that a resource like this existed when I was at the start of my own experience. What makes this project so valuable is that it is rooted in the real experiences of all different types of families. Dr David Carless, Academic Team Member,Reader at the University of the West of Scotland and Film Producer adds, as researchers, we have been granted an opportunity to learn directly from participants, recipients, donors and partners, about the realities of online sperm donation. Our film passes this learning on by tracing the experiences of one recipient and one donor. It foregrounds the personal consequences of entering the world of online sperm donation, the highs and lows, the joys and sorrows. "I hope anyone with an interest in online sperm donation will watch this 20-minute film to become better informed of, and to feel for themselves, the challenges and possibilities afforded through this new way of creating families. Sources are available for use on the Online Sperm Donation Project website.
Dr Peter Robinson, Head of Subject for Events, Tourism and Hospitality Management at Leeds Beckett University, has co-authored new research with Dr Natalie Semley of Falmouth University examining the future of destination management. The State of Destination-Making 2026 report, produced for the Tourism Management Institute (TMI), surveyed 91 destination leaders across the UK and Ireland. The research highlights how teams responsible for this work are facing reduced funding, limited staff and less government support, despite growing demands on their services. The report warns that destinations with greater investment and support could thrive, while others risk falling behind. It calls on decision-makers to take four actions: Recognise the value and complexity of the visitor economy. Resource destination organisations to grow the visitor economy. Connect destination organisations so that they can work together to create impact. Equip destination-makers with the tools to thrive and not merely survive. Dr Robinson presented the research at the TMI annual convention on 15 October. Read the full report.
The 30-month KTP project is part-funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) through Innovate UK. Academic experts from LBUs School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing and Leeds Business School will work with Arville to integrate the operational and commercial aspects of the business, supporting better-informed decisions and new opportunities for growth. Arville holds large amounts of valuable technical and commercial data. The team will connect and further harness these data to provide a clear and consistent view of the companys performance across customers, products and brands, enabling more effective data-led decision-making. Dr David Love, Senior Lecturer in the School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing, and project lead, explained: This KTP forms part of a portfolio of successful projects that draw on the combined expertise of Leeds Business School and the School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing at Leeds Beckett University. Arville has been trading successfully for 75 years, and this is an exciting opportunity to work across the business and embed innovative approaches and skills. These capabilities will help Arville reach new customers and markets, creating growth and opportunities that extend well beyond the lifetime of the KTP. Steve Gill, Group Chief Executive Officer at Arville, said: As a business built on innovation, we recognise the importance of harnessing data to support future growth. This partnership with Leeds Beckett University will provide the tools, frameworks and capabilities needed to transform how we make decisions across the organisation. By integrating commercial and operational insight, we will be better positioned to improve profitability, enhance efficiency and deliver greater value to our customers. An experienced graduate will be recruited to manage the project as a KTP Associate. The Commercial and Operations Analytical Lead will join the Arville team full-time and receive full support from the LBU academics. For more information and to apply, please visit the Leeds Beckett Jobs website. The closing date for applications is 19 November 2026. Anne-Marie Gallagher, Business Development Manager at LBU, added: This new KTP project forms part of Leeds Beckett Universitys wider support for the textiles sector. It builds on collaborations with leading Yorkshire manufacturers, including Abraham Moon and Specialised Covers, that aim to drive innovation, sustainability and growth. The full LBU KTP team comprises: Dr David Love, Course Director in the School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing, specialising in Electronics and Robotics; Dr Christine Zhang, Senior Lecturer in Marketing, Leeds Business School; Dave Chesley, Senior Lecturer in the Leadership, Governance and People Management subject group in Leeds Business School.