In this case study, we hear from Alexis Manche, a Research Associate in the Scanlon Materials Theory Group in the School of Chemistry, who uses BlueBEAR to investigate how atomic-scale defects and charge transport affect next-generation battery materials. I am a computational materials chemist working in the Scanlon Materials Theory Group at the University of … Continue reading “Following ions and electrons through battery materials with BlueBEAR”
Leveraging BlueBEAR to study the gut microbiome in health and disease
Hannah Trivett is a Research Fellow in Prof Lindsay Hall’s research group in the Department of Microbes, Infection and Microbiomes, where she studies how long-read metagenomic sequencing can be used to understand how microbes within the gastrointestinal ecosystem contribute to health and disease. Most recently, I explored this in patients with advanced chronic liver disease … Continue reading “Leveraging BlueBEAR to study the gut microbiome in health and disease”
From Everest Base Camp to Birmingham: can wearable sensors predict altitude sickness?
In this case study, we hear from Dr Kelsey Joyce, a Research Fellow in the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, who is working to understand whether wearable sensors can help predict acute mountain sickness in trekkers at high altitude. For thousands of trekkers every year, the journey to Everest Base Camp is the … Continue reading “From Everest Base Camp to Birmingham: can wearable sensors predict altitude sickness?”
We’re recruiting! Permanent Grade 7 Research Software Engineer (DevOps and Automation)
Advanced Research Computing (ARC) at the University of Birmingham is seeking to appoint a Research Software Engineer (DevOps and Automation). This is a permanent post in the BEAR Apps team, part of the award-winning ARC team, which delivers the Birmingham Environment for Academic Research (BEAR) and operates the UKRI-funded Baskerville National Capability for Accelerated Research. … Continue reading “We’re recruiting! Permanent Grade 7 Research Software Engineer (DevOps and Automation)”
UoB R User Group: R Project Sprint 2026 Report-Back & Meet-up, 2 September, 15:00 PHTA / 15:30 online
The University of Birmingham R user group (UoB RUG) is excited to host a special event to tie in with R Project Sprint 2026. The sprint brings together contributors of all experience levels to work alongside members of the R Core Team on improvements and contributions to base R. More information can be found on … Continue reading “UoB R User Group: R Project Sprint 2026 Report-Back & Meet-up, 2 September, 15:00 PHTA / 15:30 online”
Summer 2026 BEAR Newsletter
Birmingham Environment for Academic Research (BEAR) Newsletter This month’s Editor: Stephanie Thompson In Advanced Research Computing, we’ve been welcoming lots of new starters this month, some of whom will be supporting the Baskerville National Compute Resource, which was turned on for the first time last week! Find out how to be one of the first … Continue reading “Summer 2026 BEAR Newsletter”
Python to the Rescue: A New Tool for Space Weather Scientists
Oliver is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering, and is part of The SERENE Group at the University of Birmingham, a multidisciplinary space environment and radio engineering team led by Professor Sean Elvidge. They specialize in upper atmosphere modelling, ionospheric science, and space weather forecasting. Ever wondered how scientists … Continue reading “Python to the Rescue: A New Tool for Space Weather Scientists”
Work experience in Advanced Research Computing – 2026 students
Over the last few years, Advanced Research Computing (ARC) has hosted more than ten work experience students, ranging from year 10 pupils to undergraduate students. We’ve found the experience incredibly rewarding, both for the students who take part and for our team. One of our key aims for offering work experience placements is to encourage … Continue reading “Work experience in Advanced Research Computing – 2026 students”
Understanding recent BlueBEAR service disruptions – July 2026
Over the past few months, BlueBEAR users may have experienced periods of reduced service availability, planned maintenance, and interruptions to normal operations. We recognise that these disruptions can be frustrating, particularly when research projects depend on reliable access to High Performance Computing (HPC) resources. This blog post explains the factors behind recent outages and outlines … Continue reading “Understanding recent BlueBEAR service disruptions – July 2026”
Beyond the head: tail-aware sperm segmentation using fine-tuned AI computer vision models
In this case study, we hear from Sina Shafiezadeh, a postdoc in the Department of Metabolism and System Sciences, who is working to track and analyse the details of sperm motility from video microscopy. Accurate and informative assessment of sperm motility is essential for diagnosing male infertility and optimising Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF). While Computer-Aided Sperm Analysis … Continue reading “Beyond the head: tail-aware sperm segmentation using fine-tuned AI computer vision models”