Science and Engineering

Children’s motivation and attitudes towards learning play a key role in academic success, study finds

New study reveals how motivation and curiosity help turn genetic potential into school achievement.

Freshwater methane emissions maximised by global warming

It is not just cows that emit the powerful greenhouse gas methane – microbial emissions from the natural world will inevitably increase as our planet continues to warm.

Sarah Brown to give plenary address at international preterm birth conference

UK Preterm Birth Conference 2027 hosted at Queen Mary University of London from 18 and 19 January 2027.

Epigenetic changes can be inherited without changing DNA in animals

Beyond DNA: Scientists discover how traits can be passed on without genetic changes.

New AI system could help scientists keep up with the explosion of research papers

Queen Mary University researchers have developed a new AI-powered framework, MetaBeeAI, designed to help scientists review and analyse vast amounts of literature faster, more transparently, and with greater human oversight.  

New European Study Reveals Methane Emissions from Biogas Plants Are Higher Than Previously Estimated – But Most Could Be Easily Reduced

A major new study led by Queen Mary University of London has revealed that methane emissions from biogas plants across Europe are higher than some estimates suggest—yet, once identified, the majority of these emissions could be eliminated at no net cost. 

Tropical butterflies “hedge their bets” with mating tactics to adapt to extreme seasons

Butterfly reproduction findings provide key insights into how climate crisis might affect tropical ecosystems  

Scientists generate electricity from ambient moisture using everyday ingredients

An international research team led by scientists at Queen Mary University of London has developed an innovative method to power wearable electronics using ambient moisture and simple, non-toxic materials commonly found in the kitchen.

Queen Mary strengthens UK-Brazil research partnerships

An academic delegation from Queen Mary University of London visited Brazil to explore opportunities for collaboration with universities, research institutes and innovation organisations in areas including AI, health, sustainability and inclusive innovation. 

Innovation paves way to make ‘clean’ chemicals, plastics and food using solar energy

Integrated solar reactor uses sunlight, water, CO2 and engineered bacteria to grow biomass in a single beaker

Tiny insect brain discovery offers a blueprint for faster and more efficient AI and robots

The secret behind insects’ lightning fast reactions could offer a blueprint for more energy efficient robots and self-driving cars, according to a new study challenging our understanding of how brains process information.

How touch and emotion combine to shape our memories and relationships

New paper in Neuroscience & Biobehavioural Review proposes first neurobiological model for how emotionally meaningful touch stays in our memory and influences our connections with others.

Feature: Championing Inclusion in STEM: Tyler’s Work on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

From grassroots activism to national policy influence, Professor Tyler Kelly’s work on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) has been shaped by a long-standing commitment to making universities and research culture safer, fairer and more welcoming for LGBTQ+ people. 

‘Chameleon’ bees change colour with the weather

Study reveals some bees shift colour depending on humidity – and may explain why the same species can look different across climates.

Queen Mary physicist showcases Higgs boson research in Parliament

Early Career Researcher Christos Vergis represents Queen Mary University of London at prestigious STEM for Britain event.

Wasps move in on ant–plant partnership, disrupting a 10‑million‑year mutualism

New research reveals unexpected intruders in a classic tropical tree–ant relationship, raising concerns for forest recovery in human‑altered landscapes. 

From Beijing to London: shaping the next generation of engineers

What does it take to become a successful global engineer? For Professor Yue Chen, the answer lies in a journey shaped by curiosity, global experience, and a passion for innovation. As part of our celebration of Women’s History Month, we spotlight her journey from Beijing to a leading academic career in London.  

Queen Mary PhD Students Champion Neurodivergent Inclusion at Night of Science and Engineering

Three Queen Mary University of London PhD students took centre stage at this year’s Night of Science and Engineering, sharing research that pushes forward understanding, equity and inclusion for neurodivergent people.

Queen Mary’s Night of Science and Engineering celebrates innovation, partnership, and impact

Yesterday (Tuesday 17 March) Queen Mary University of London’s Faculty of Science and Engineering welcomed partners, collaborators, and invited guests to its annual Night of Science and Engineering.  

AI’s game-playing still has flaws, research shows

New research published in Machine Learning shows pattern learning is not enough to train AI to tackle games – and abstract representations or hybrid approaches may help.  

Why averages fail for bacteria in the open ocean

How can bacteria that forage on organic particles survive in vast ocean regions where such particles are extremely sparse? A new study by researchers from Queen Mary University of London and ETH Zurich shows that variability at the level of individual bacteria plays a central role. Using a probabilistic population model linking mathematics and microbiology, the team demonstrates that rare, high-impact encounters sustain bacterial populations even when average conditions suggest decline.

By working with industry partners, bio-based solvents could replace fossil derived materials by the 2030s.

Queen Mary University of London spotlights UK–South Korea research links in ultrastrong & lightweight materials

Researchers from Queen Mary University of London helped to strengthen international collaboration in Advanced Materials Science through a major UK–South Korea bilateral symposium at The Royal Society focused on Advanced Materials (4-5 March).

Delocalised Electronic States: Powering Molecular Photovoltaics

Queen Mary Researchers Help Unlock the Secrets Behind 20% Efficient Organic Solar Cells.

Sea turtles are nesting earlier – but producing fewer eggs, less often: new research

Climate change is reshaping life on Earth at an unprecedented pace. Across the globe, species are shifting their ranges, altering migration routes and breeding earlier in the year in response to rising temperatures. But while some of these changes appear adaptive, scientists are increasingly finding that hidden costs may undermine long-term survival.

Sanity check warns EVs and heat pumps deliver “no proven carbon savings” ahead of 2030 clean power target 

New analysis warns that UK electric vehicles and heat pumps are delivering no proven carbon savings — and urges urgent focus on grid capacity, renewables and carbon capture instead. The conclusion: the UK is prioritising the wrong things. 

“This engine is grinding to a halt” - Nature slowing down as climate change gains pace

New research from Queen Mary University of London shows nature’s renewal has “significantly” slowed down with rising temperatures, against expectation

Unsupervised strategies for naive animals: New model of adaptive decision making inspired by baby chicks, turtles and insects

Precocial animals, the ones that move autonomously within hours after hatching or birth, have many biases they are born with that help them survive, finds a new Royal Society paper led by Queen Mary University of London.