View our monthly galleries below to discover what has been making the news for us, on campus and beyond.
For more of our latest news, please visit the University news page.
Our year in pictures
From student and staff success to breaking research – discover how we have been writing our own headlines
June in pictures
Plymouth ranked among world’s 100 best universities for sustainability
The University placed 84th globally – and 15th in the UK – in the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings
Plymouth to be national centre for marine autonomy
The University is among the key partners in a programme that will reinforce Plymouth’s place as a hub of marine autonomy expertise and excellence
Board game bringing disability history to life wins international award
The game was inspired by research carried out by Lecturer in English and Creative Writing, Dr Ryan Sweet
Fish fingers like you've never seen them before
The Plymouth Fish Finger project supports local fishers, gets sustainable food to local schoolchildren, and empowers the community
Offshore mussel farm collaboration wins at the Aquaculture UK Awards
The University has been working with Offshore Shellfish Ltd for well over a decade
University research paves the way for more personalised and effective brain tumour treatments
Researchers in our Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence are leading studies into the development and treatment of meningioma
May in pictures
Is the ocean getting darker?
New research found 21% of the global ocean experienced a reduction in the depth of its photic zones, home to 90% of all marine life
New hydrothermal vents and coral gardens found in the icy depths of the remote South Sandwich Islands
Dr Jenny Gales was part of an international team of scientists who spent 35 days exploring the Southern Ocean
University celebrates national awards in nursing and midwifery
The University of Plymouth has triumphed in two categories of the Student Nursing Times Awards 2025
Explorer and author Robin Hanbury-Tenison marked 89th birthday by taking on the challenge of a lifetime
Robin rowed 22 miles on the River Tamar, thanks to support from students and staff at the University
Researcher helps highlight the importance of UK’s maerl beds
Professor Jason Hall-Spencer is a member of the steering group for the newly formed UK Maerl Forum
April in pictures
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Microplastics pioneer named among TIME’s 100 most influential people of 2025
Professor Richard Thompson OBE FRS has been recognised for his groundbreaking work to address the global plastics crisis
Paramedics of the future test their skills in simulated incident
Home Park hosted ‘Exercise Pilgrim’
High Commissioner of India visits University of Plymouth
The International Marine Litter Research Unit supported the global plastics treaty negotiations at the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee
University of Plymouth is first to launch an electric boat
Expanding our fleet and delivering net zero
From professional sailor to celebrated midwife
Pip Raud’s personal story inspired her into midwifery – and she’s now been shortlisted for a national award
March in pictures
Study highlights how population density and location shape litter levels facing UK communities
A network of citizen scientists were asked to carry out monthly litter picks at set locations over the space of five months
University celebrates a decade of funding for brain tumour research
The University’s research has been significant in helping advance understanding of brain tumours and develop potential treatments
Travel scholarship provides ‘amazing experience’ for architecture students
The Gavin Pomeroy Travel Scholarship was kindly funded by a former tutor's legacy
Artisanal fishers are almost as accurate as satellites in producing environmental data
Researchers say their findings highlight the expertise of local fishing communities and the contribution they can make to environmental awareness
Ofsted praises ‘exceptionally nurturing and inclusive’ nursery
Freshlings Nursery at the University of Plymouth is celebrating outstanding Ofsted ratings
February in pictures
Unveiling a new home for Plymouth Business School
Now inspiring the business leaders of the future, meet the graduates who have helped to transform the Fitzroy Building.
Disabled students to shape national guidance on support
Researchers and students will be involved in a new project funded by the Office for Students
Protecting the habitats of critically endangered sharks
New research by students and academics highlights the future challenges facing the whitefin swellshark.
Is it safe to swim outdoors during pregnancy?
Work by our School of Nursing and Midwifery underlines the need to help women make evidence-based decisions.
Celebrating our graduates
The University hosted our postgraduate graduation ceremonies at The Minster Church of St. Andrew.
January in pictures
City centre clinic helps to address urgent demand for dental services in Plymouth
A new dental education practice will give final-year students the opportunity to treat patients who do not currently have an NHS dentist
Marine light pollution science initiative endorsed by United Nations
The GOALANN network was conceived by experts at the University, who led the first ever study into the impacts of marine light pollution
Meet the 72-year-old History student who says it’s never too late to study
Tony Miller says coming to University was one of the best decisions he’s made
Mediterranean sharks continue to decline despite conservation progress
New research has found more than 200 measures to protect sharks and rays across the 22 coastal states of the Mediterranean region
New £7.7 million centre to offer best in eyecare teaching and practice
The University is expanding its Centre for Eyecare Excellence
Researchers connect with policy makers and advisers at Evidence Week
The 2025 event showcased our expertise in climate education, marine light pollution and offshore aquaculture
December in pictures
Redefining what it means to be powerful
Doaa Shayea is a sociology student and GB Parapowerlifter, who is challenging and changing perceptions of disability
Partnership aims to advance climate-smart agriculture research
The University has agreed a new collaboration with the National Water Resources Institute in Nigeria
Researcher awarded place on prestigious Alan Turing Institute enrichment scheme
Matthew Faith is using the award to expand his work looking at changes among plankton communities in the Atlantic
Project explores low carbon motivations and barriers among South West’s construction industry
The new study was carried out through a partnership between Bradfords Building Supplies and the Plymouth Business School
Joint Parkinson’s initiative supporting patients at home wins national award
The Home Based Care project won the Digital Innovation in Health and Social Care category at the Bright Ideas in Health Awards 2024
November in pictures
University triumphs at the 2024 Times Higher Awards
The University won the Outstanding Estates Team award and was shortlisted in the Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership category
University joins delegates at final round of Global Plastics Treaty negotiations
Plymouth-based researchers met with world leaders and scientists at INC-5 in South Korea
University features in new CBeebies show
Plymouth’s medicine and robotics talent are part of Art Adventures with Fred & Pete
Using robots to help farmers measure nature-friendly practices
The University is partnering in a trial exploring ways to improve soil health and reduce soil erosion and flooding
Celebrating International Students Day
“Getting to speak to students first-hand has made me realise that life gives us different perspectives – what we have to do is work with them” – SU President Dindu Okechukwu
Celebrating achievements at Graduation
Thousands of students joined families, friends and lecturers for Graduation ceremonies at Theatre Royal Plymouth
October in pictures
University of Plymouth’s new Vice-Chancellor expresses optimism for the future
Professor Richard Davies promises to put students first and be a tireless champion for the University and the city
Student's mental health support saved her life – and inspired others
Eleanor explains how dealing with her own mental health issues has given her a unique perspective to help patients
University and Royal Navy commit to expanded research partnership
The organisations first joined forces in 2021 and have agreed to continue working together for at least a further three years
Weever stings provide scientists with a unique way of assessing impacts of environment on coastal fish populations
A new study has used lifeguard records of beach users and weever fish stings to learn more about populations of weever fish
Magicians don’t mind sharing the secrets behind tricks – if they are their own
A newly published study is the latest by Dr Gustav Kuhn, from our School of Psychology, to explore the science of magic
September in pictures
University shortlisted for two accolades at Times Higher Education Awards
The nominations reflect the University’s commitment to addressing global challenges and taking local action
Scientists say we have enough evidence to agree global action on microplastics
A new study, published in the journal Science, comes 20 years after the University led the first research into microplastics in the ocean
£2.4 million project aims to help people with multiple long-term conditions stay well
The research utilises the University’s expertise in care for people with complex health needs
Magic for the blind – competition encourages magicians to create tricks that only use sound
Entries are being sought as part of a contest whose winner will be announced at the Science of Magic Association conference in November 2024
First national conference highlights the global importance of temperate rainforests
The event, hosted at the University, brought together academics, environmentalists and practitioners
August in pictures
Historic map reveals how mussel farm is bringing shellfish reefs back to the seabed
A new study highlights how the development of new aquaculture sites in Lyme Bay is enabling the restoration of centuries-old habitats
University expert helps reveal hidden stories behind Early Bronze Age burial discovery
Professor Ralph Fyfe has been liaising with the Dartmoor National Park Authority and others across the UK on the excavation at Cut Hill
Meet the ‘dolphin doctor’ student living her dream thanks to Clearing
Tsian Deslandes moved from Trinidad to study BSc (Hons) Ocean Science and Marine Conservation, and is using her experience to reassure others
Dungeons and Dragons can help autistic people gain confidence and find their inner hero
A new study has shown the roleplaying game boosts people’s confidence and enables them to feel more comfortable with social interactions
Graphic design student wins new award for emerging talent
Michelle Lawton won the new Plymouth Design Forum (PDF) Student of the Year award
July in pictures
Celebrating achievements at Graduation 2024
Thousands of students, families, staff and invited guests have attended three days of ceremonies held in Plymouth
University shortlisted for two Green Gown Awards
The nominations are further evidence of the University’s long-held commitments to sustainability research, education and action
InterCity Place named Regeneration Project of the Year at Construction News Awards 2024
The building has been transformed into a sustainable and state-of-the-art facility for our nurses, midwives and allied health professionals
Encouraging people to explore relationships with everyday objects and the environment
Celebrities, makers and academics are among those to submit items for the Green Making | Materials | Objects exhibition
Scale model of Indian Ocean island allows scientists to assess the impact of rising sea levels
The 50-metre replica has been created by researchers from the University of Plymouth, Delft University of Technology and Deltares