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Latest news from the school.
Satellite view of glacier fracture
3d perspective of the outburst fracture zone, based on satellite imagery acquired 28 April 2015. The zone of fractures covers 385000 sq metres. Image credit: CPOM, Lancaster University © DigitalGlobe, Inc. (2015), provided by European Space Imaging.

Huge hidden flood bursts through the surface of the Greenland Ice Sheet

A research team, including Prof Stephen Livingstone, Dr Andrew Sole and Dr Felix Ng, from the School of Geography and Planning, observed a phenomenon never before seen in Greenland, publishing their findings in the journal Nature Geoscience.
A man looks into the window of the cylindrical Large Dirty Mars Chamber, housed at the Open University.
The Large Dirty Mars Chamber, housed at the Open University. Credit: Petr Brož

Boil, freeze, bubble, crack, repeat! Scientists simulate the Solar System’s ‘ice volcanoes’ in the lab

An international team of scientists, including Dr Frances Butcher, have been able to recreate the extreme conditions found on icy moons in deep space - and revealed the unstable behaviour of water.
A brightly patterned children's play area painted on tarmac

How to give children the freedom to play all across the city – not just in playgrounds

Mic Martin looks at four international case studies to explore the options for making cities more child-friendly, and asks why there is widespread hostility to children’s right to use urban spaces for play.
Knowledge Exchange and Impact Awards

Knowledge Exchange and Impact Award winners announced

Congratulations to Dr Pamela Richardson, ECR winner in the 'Outstanding partnership or impact in sustainability and the environment' category, and to Dr Rob Bryant, who was shortlisted for his work on the Policing of Illegal Logging in the Amazon.
Deforestation in Borneo

International Development masters student blog series - 2025

Each year our International Development students have the opportunity to write blog articles exploring key topics from their courses.
A lake with icy mountains behind it

Sheffield geographer presents UNESCO policy summary for action to save our frozen planet

A Sheffield geographer is playing a leading advisory role as part of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO) work to protect Earth's frozen regions.
Composite image showing the houses of parliament for the launch event of the APPG on play

‘It All Starts With Play’ – New National Campaign and APPG on Play in England

Researchers from the School of Architecture and Landscape and School of Geography and Planning help launch Play England’s new national strategy at the House of Commons.
Melanie Lombard and Philipp Horn

Melanie Lombard and Philipp Horn receive AESOP Excellence in Teaching Award 2025

Congratulations to Melanie Lombard and Philipp Horn who received the Association of European Schools of Planning award for their masters module 'Urban Informality'.

Three gold medals inside open cases

Dr Sihan Li awarded the Gill Memorial Award by Royal Geographical Society

Sihan has received the award for exceptional early career research with a remarkable track record of achievement.