Emerita Professor Marsha Meskimmon, Former Director of the IAS, delivers our Inaugural IAS Festive Lecture, fully titled "From the Star of Bethlehem to a Cool Yule: Christmas Really Does Come But Once a Year" Having rashly agreed to deliver the first IAS Festive Lecture in the heady months of the summer, I found myself at the start of November wondering where the time had gone. More to the point, I found myself wondering what Christmas has to do with time... In this talk, I will share some of my ruminations on the origins and traditional celebrations associated with this annual festival to ask what it might teach us about time and tide, light and darkness, joy and renewal. Oh, and for those who know me, why having hundreds of lights on a tree in your house is an eminently sensible thing to do, but once a year. For more information about the IAS, please visit - https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/ias  

IAS Visiting Fellow Dr Christopher Todd Minson delivers a seminar on their research - We are now in the “urban century” in which humans are more disconnected from the natural world than previously in human existence. This is having a profound negative impact on our physical and mental health. How do we counter the demands and distractions of a plugged-in life with our mental and physical health? The answer may be to get outside our comfort zone through exposure to the world we evolved in: to be surrounded by nature, to be hot, to be cold, to be out of breath. There is a growing interest in how environmental exposures can improve health and well-being, with many people seeking out ways to get back to our core experiences. Research is now demonstrating that these exposures can create a more stress-resistant phenotype to counter inflammation and oxidative stress, which underlie physiological changes with aging, chronic disease, and a sedentary lifestyle. For more information about the IAS, please visit - https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/ias

IAS Residential Fellow Dr Andrea Pérez Fernández delivers a seminar on their research - This seminar explores three intersections between the normative contributions of 1980s British feminist art historiography and the insights of interwar avant-garde women artists and thinkers in Germany. The focus is on the work of Hannah Höch and Lu Märten. The first intersection concerns the critique of the genius, while the second addresses how the distinction between art and crafts can result in the precariousness (both metaphysical and economic) of creative activities more commonly undertaken by women. The third intersection concerns the social function of the arts and how art can expand the political imagination. This approach is based on Rosa Luxemburg's reflections on culture and considers how the emancipatory potential of the arts is defined more by their status as a social practice than by the creator’s intention. Drawing on recently recovered or untranslated primary sources, the seminar will facilitate discussion on the relevance of these insights in the context of contemporary debates in feminist theory and visual culture. For more information about the IAS, please visit - https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/ias

IAS Visiting Fellow Professor Sébastien Tutenges delivers a seminar on their research - For two decades, Sébastien Tutenges has conducted ethnographic research in bars, nightclubs, festivals, drug dens, nightlife resorts, and underground dance parties in a quest to answer a fundamental question: Why do people across cultures gather regularly to intoxicate themselves? In this talk, he argues that the primary aim of group intoxication is the religious experience that Durkheim calls collective effervescence, the essence of which is a sense of connecting with other people and being part of a larger whole. This experience is empowering and emboldening and may lead to crime and deviance, but it is at the same time vital to our humanity because it strengthens social bonds and solidarity. In developing this argument, Sébastien will present a new definition of collective effervescence, propose a typology of its varieties, and discuss the ways commercial forces amplify and capitalize on this universal human drive. For more information about the IAS, please visit - https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/ias

National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) Fellow Dr Vinícius Teixeira Pinto delivers a seminar on their research, fully titled "Democracy on the pitch: an anthropological approach to the politics and activism of Brazilian football supporters." - Brazilian football has undergone significant shifts in its gameplay and its politics in a few years: from its new stadiums, passing through social and urban change, until the recent laws that allowed the conversion of its football clubs into Public Limited Football Companies. Aside the sporting angle, not least important were the political demonstrations that had football as target or background—such as the 2014 FIFA WC protests, or the wearing of Brazilian National Team shirts by the far-right rallies, or lately the anti-fascist football fans activism against ‘Bolsonarism’. Based on ethnographic fieldwork undertaken in Southern Brazil during the Bolsonaro Government (2019-2023), this seminar revisits some of Brazil’s recent political events, offering an anthropological approach to the modalities of political participation and activism that emerged in sport and that in certain cases resonated beyond it, even inspiring the demand for democracy both on and off the football pitch. For more information about the IAS, please visit - https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/ias  

IAS Visiting Fellow Dr Mrinal Bachute delivers a seminar on their research - Urban mobility systems are at a critical inflection point, driven by rapid urbanization, climate imperatives, and the need for equitable access. This talk explores how advanced Artificial Intelligence—particularly Generative AI, Agentic AI, and Graph Neural Networks—can transform urban transport into intelligent, adaptive, and sustainable ecosystems. Drawing from real-world deployments in global smart cities, the session showcases AI applications in real-time traffic optimization, demand-responsive transit, and active mobility planning. Emphasis is placed on practical AI architectures using digital twins, federated learning, and edge computing to ensure scalability and data privacy. The talk further outlines how autonomous AI agents can make real-time policy-aligned decisions to support net-zero and inclusive mobility outcomes. For more information about the IAS, please visit - https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/ias

IAS Residential Fellow Dr David Braithwaite delivers a seminar on their research - Mathematical reasoning often involves general statements, such as “The sum of any two even numbers is even.” Psychological theory implies that such reasoning should depend critically on knowledge of examples. This hypothesis was tested in a series of studies with university students (not specialized in maths). Students spontaneously referred to examples when engaged in logical reasoning about maths (Study 1), knowledge of relevant examples predicted accuracy in logical reasoning (Study 2), and a manipulation designed to increase knowledge of examples led to more accurate logical reasoning (Study 3). Ongoing work explores how examples affect individuals’ evaluations of general mathematical statements. Initial findings (Study 4) indicate that apparently confirming examples increase belief in true statements without affecting belief in false statements. I will discuss implications of this work for psychological theories and educational practice in maths. For more information about the IAS, please visit - https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/ias  

IAS Visiting Fellow Dr Changsheng Wu delivers a seminar on their research - The rapid aging of populations and COVID-19 pandemic have exposed critical healthcare shortcomings. Traditional healthcare remains offline and reactive, with intermittent clinical monitoring. Recent advancements in smart materials, wearables, AI, and IoT enable continuous, personalized digital health solutions. However, challenges persist in achieving advanced monitoring modalities and accessibility. This talk presents our progress in developing cost-effective, accessible sensing technologies for ambulatory monitoring of deep-tissue signals. I will introduce wireless, flexible near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) devices for measuring local hemodynamics and tissue oxygenation, mechano-acoustic sensors to decode tissue mechanics, and radio-frequency metamaterial sensors for non-contact vital sign detection. These accessible devices, powered by advanced signal processing, enable unique capabilities including ambulatory monitoring of hemodynamics and tissue stiffness alongside non-contact physiological assessment, offering promising directions toward pervasive healthcare. For more information about the IAS, please visit - https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/ias  

IAS Residential Fellow Dr Bibiana Oliveira Serpa delivers a seminar on their research - This seminar explores how feminist movements mobilize visual storytelling to advance reproductive justice and build transnational solidarities. Drawing on grassroots activism in Latin America and visual archives from the UK and beyond, the session examines how everyday objects, like pañuelos, protest signs, and hangers, become tools of memory, resistance, and feminist pedagogy. Rather than focusing on representation, we approach visual culture as a site of situated knowledge, rooted in bodies, territories, and collective struggle. Through this lens, we will reflect on how visual narratives challenge stigma, sustain political imaginaries, and foster cross-border connections. By centering feminist creativity and material practices often overlooked in academic discourse, the talk invites a dialogue on how design and visual culture can be reimagined toward an embodied practice of knowledge. For more information about the IAS, please visit - https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/ias

IAS visiting Fellow Professor Oleksandr Dluhopolskyi delivers a seminar on their research - In today’s world, grounded in the principles of inclusion, sustainability, and democracy, increasing attention is being paid to the issue of young people who are not in education, employment, or training (NEETs). This social group is particularly vulnerable to social isolation, poverty, and marginalisation, posing significant challenges to sustainable societal development, economic growth, and long-term prosperity. The seminar will examine how the rising proportion of NEETs across various countries reveals deeper systemic problems within education systems, labour markets, and social protection frameworks. Drawing on international examples such as the UK government’s “Back to Work Plan”, the seminar highlights how flexible, regionally attuned public measures can promote inclusion and opportunity for marginalised youth. This paper investigates the structural and policy-based factors contributing to the NEETs challenge and proposes strategies for regional and national governments to support meaningful integration. The goal is to imagine, prepare, and plan for a more inclusive socio-economic future – one where no young person is left behind. For more information about the IAS, please visit - https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/ias  

A roundtable discussion as part of the IAS Spotlight 'Women in Sport' - Discussants: Dr Verity Postlethwaite, Dr Rebecca Grant, Dr Samantha Rowland, Dr Hannah Dugdale This closing session brings together the insights, provocations, and priorities emerging from the IAS Spotlight series to co-create a shared vision and actionable next steps. Drawing on themes of governance, leadership, innovation, and interdisciplinary research, this session will guide participants through a collaborative process to shape an actionable innovation roadmap. Framed by the expertise of contributors across the IAS Spotlight activities, including views from those working on breast health, return to movement, and cross-sport collaboration—this session will explore how to build a thriving, inclusive ecosystem for innovation around women’s sport and health research and practice. Participants will: Reflect on key insights from the roundtables on governance, events, and innovation in women’s sport. Engage with a draft Innovation Road Map structured around research, design, policy, and practice. Identify shared priorities, gaps, and opportunities for collaboration. Contribute to the co-creation of next steps, including research partnerships, funding pathways, and future convenings. This session will close with a collective commitment to action and an invitation to shape the next phase of activities, focusing on the 2026 Women in Sport, Exercise and Academic Network conference which will be hosted by Loughborough in July 2026.

A roundtable discussion as part of the IAS Spotlight 'Women in Sport' - Key Speaker: IAS Visiting Fellow Professor Deidre McGhee Discussants: Dr Rebecca Grant, Dr Aimee Mears, Dr Kelsie Johnson This session explores the critical intersection of breast health, sports bras, and protective innovation, highlighting how medicine and engineering are coming together to support women and girls in sport. From biomechanical research and clinical insights to cutting-edge design and material science, the conversation will delve into how tailored support solutions are being developed to enhance performance, reduce injury risk, and empower women of all ages. Special attention will be given to pregnancy and postpartum populations, addressing the unique physiological changes and support needs during these life stages, and how thoughtful design and evidence-based approaches can facilitate a safe and confident return to sport and physical activity. By bridging disciplines and centring female physiology, this work is redefining what it means to be truly supported in movement. Discussion Areas Will Include: How biomechanical and clinical research is informing the next generation of breast support technologies. How sports bra design can be reimagined through user-centred, evidence-based, and inclusive approaches. How pregnancy and postpartum transitions challenge conventional support paradigms—and what innovation looks like in response. How interdisciplinary collaboration can accelerate the translation of research into real-world products, policies, and practices. This session will highlight the importance of centring female physiology in sport science and design, and will explore how thoughtful, adaptive solutions can empower women to move with confidence, comfort, and safety—at every stage of life.

A roundtable discussion as part of the IAS Spotlight 'Women in Sport', fully titled "The Collaborative Ecosystem of Women’s Sport: A Roundtable Discussion on the Conceptualization, Research and Innovation Agenda" - Key Speakers: IAS Visiting Fellows - Dr Becca Leopkey, Dr Dana Lee Ellis, Dr Lucy Piggott Discussants: Dr Verity Postlethwaite  As women’s sport continues to grow in scale, visibility, and influence, there is a timely opportunity to explore how governance, leadership, and major events can shape its future. This academic roundtable brings together scholars, practitioners, and policy leaders to examine the evolving ecosystem of women’s sport and to co-develop a forward-looking research and innovation agenda. Building on the work of scholars such as Dr. Rebecca Leopkey (sport event governance and legacy), Dr. Dana Lee Ellis (strategic alliances and sport development), and Dr. Lucy Piggott (gender equity in sport leadership), this session will critically engage with the systems, structures, and power relations that underpin the development of women’s sport across disciplines and contexts. Discussion Areas Will Include: How governance and leadership models can evolve to reflect the values, needs, and ambitions of women’s sport. How major events can be leveraged not only for performance and commercial success, but also for cultural and structural transformation. How interdisciplinary research can support the sustainable growth of women’s sport, from grassroots to elite levels. How collaboration across sports, sectors, and institutions can accelerate innovation and amplify collective impact. This roundtable aims to spark dialogue, identify shared priorities, and lay the groundwork for a collaborative research ecosystem that supports the continued evolution of women’s sport in the UK and beyond.

IAS Residential Fellow Dr Sara Shaker delivers a seminar on their research - This seminar examines the role of comic journalism in archiving the Arab Revolutions/Uprisings, with a particular focus on the graphic narratives of Arabic artists like Deena Mohammed, Yazan Al Saadi, Hamid Suleiman, and Rawand Issa. By focusing on the visual artworks of What Factors Make You Insecure?, Lebanon is Burning, An Uprising in Sudan, Freedom Hospital, and Aasiya (The Insubordinate)—the seminar explores how these visual narratives operate as counter-archives that contest the official accounts disseminated/circulated Arab state regimes. These artists act as ethical witnesses who challenge prevailing dominant political narratives and uncover state-sanctioned violence and trauma by adopting the tools of comic journalism. The seminar showcases how Arab comic artists deploy the visual-verbal power of comics to document atrocity, foreground marginalized voices, and present unfiltered testimonies. It argues that the comic platform provides an unmediated form of history witnessing-one that combines activism, resistance, and documentation. For more information about the IAS, please visit - https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/ias

IAS Residential Fellow Dr Eefje Hendriks delivers a seminar on their research - Curious about when, where, and how assistance can truly strengthen disaster resilience in the Global South? Eefje Hendriks’ research addresses the urgent need for evidence on reconstruction decisions by vulnerable groups and the wider impact of reconstruction assistance. Reconstruction is often challenged by factors such as limited resources and technical knowledge. Eefje explores both generic and individual decision-making systems, measuring the impact of various types of assistance across diverse contexts. Her goal is to guide more effective, personalized humanitarian and governmental aid. Through case studies in Nepal and the Philippines, she reveals the complex choices disaster-affected households face. Her transdisciplinary approach bridges technical and social dimensions of post-disaster recovery. By using mixed methods and diverse analysis techniques, her work enhances understanding and ensures more people receive targeted, impactful support. For more information about the IAS, please visit - https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/ias

Joining Loughborough in 1998, Marsha has been a driving force behind many of the University’s initiatives, including the incredible Institute of Advanced Studies, which she became the Director for in 2018.   The Institute sits at the heart of our research, innovation, and internationalisation strategies, and its evolution and impact are direct reflections of Marsha’s leadership, creativity, and unrelenting commitment to excellence. In less than a decade, the facility has welcomed more than 420 Fellows from over 45 countries.    Last year, Masha’s dedication was honoured when she was awarded the title of Emeritus Professor. This University Medal adds to her list of prestigious accolades by honouring her visionary leadership and lasting impact on the University.   For more information about the IAS, please visit - https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/ias

IAS Visiting Fellow Dr Vickie Shim delivers a seminar on their research, fully titled "When is the Brain Most at Risk? Predicting Vulnerability After Head Impacts Using Multimodal MRI and Mouthguard Sensors" - How long does the brain remain vulnerable after a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI)? This critical question remains largely unanswered. The current 23-day stand-down period for clinically diagnosed concussions is under scrutiny, as it's unclear if this duration is truly sufficient for recovery. Furthermore, individuals experiencing repetitive subconcussive head impacts, such as contact sport players, face risks of long-term neurological damage, yet clear guidelines for their rest and recovery are lacking. mTBI is a widespread issue, affecting millions annually, especially in sports and military settings, with recovery complicated by varied symptoms and potential underreporting. Our four-year longitudinal study with high school rugby players aims to shed light on this. By measuring brain changes with advanced MRI and monitoring head impacts via instrumented mouthguards, we've developed a novel AI-based pipeline to detect microstructural brain alterations. In this seminar, I will present our findings, which contribute to developing a clinical tool for the early diagnosis and prognosis of mTBI, ultimately helping to determine appropriate recovery timelines. For more information about the IAS, please visit - https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/ias 

IAS Residential Fellow Associate Professor Cecilia González Tokman delivers a seminar on their research - Random and non-autonomous dynamical systems are flexible mathematical models for the study of complicated systems whose evolution is affected by external factors, such as seasonal influences and random effects. Multiplicative ergodic theory provides fundamental information for the study of transport phenomena in such systems, including long-term behaviour, mixing rates and coherent structures. In this talk, we will take a journey into random dynamical systems and multiplicative ergodic theory, guided in part by questions arising from the investigation of oceanic and atmospheric flows. For more information about the IAS, please visit - https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/ias

IAS Visiting Fellow Dr Jens Martin Turowski delivers a seminar on their research - The width of channel belts and fluvial valleys and its temporal evolution is important for the hydraulics, hydrology, and ecology of landscapes, and for human activities such as farming, protecting infrastructure, and natural hazard mitigation. The width of a fluvial valley is set by the river undercutting valley walls and evacuating the resulting sediment. We have recently developed a model for the temporal evolution and steady-state valley width on the assumption of a non-standard one-dimensional random walk of channel migration. The model connects valley evolution to reach-scale hydraulic parameters. Here, I introduce the model and summarize some key results and compare model predictions to observations of natural and experimental rivers. For more information about the IAS, please visit - https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/ias  

IAS Visiting Fellow Professor Bruno Charbonneau delivers a seminar on their research - Discussions about the consequences of climate change for security have so far emphasized how the climate crisis multiplies security threats or how it might lead to instability and war. They do not consider how war and military operations themselves might change or must change, given the socio-technological transformations that also come with climate change. The strengthening of net-zero emissions targets and the energy transition to renewables in response to the deepening climate crisis is forcing militaries to find answers to the question of how to wield force effectively within the constraints of a future low-carbon world. The prospect is one of significant changes to how militaries operate in the years ahead as the global energy transition unfolds. In other words, the consequences of climate change on security is not only about the geo- and biophysical impacts on human affairs and geopolitics—to which the military must adapt and prepare for. Planning the future of warfare must also consider how societies and the international system transform in response to climate change—and what the consequences of such transformations are for the future of the military and warfare. It is these socio-technological transformations that we aim and propose to study, in order to imagine, prepare, and plan for the future of war. This paper will do so by emphasizing the transformation of time; i.e. the specificity of the temporal politics under climate change conditions. For more information about the IAS, please visit - https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/ias