In this case study, we hear from Megha Singh, a researcher in Applied Health Sciences, who uses BEAR to understand the impact of multiple long-term conditions (MLTC) in pregnancy. Dr Megha Singh is a health data scientist and project manager on the MuM-PreDiCT consortium at the University of Birmingham, where she studies how routinely collected … Continue reading “From health records to better maternity care: MuM-PreDiCT and BEAR”
Accelerating Next-Generation Optical Neuroimaging with Machine Learning
In this case study, we hear from Samuel Montero Hernandez, an Assistant Professor of Computer Science, who uses BlueBEAR to develop methods for better understanding how the brain responds to complex, real-world stimuli. I am an Assistant Professor in Computer Science at the University of Birmingham, where my research focuses on analysis and methodological development, … Continue reading “Accelerating Next-Generation Optical Neuroimaging with Machine Learning”
Why did a COVID vaccine cause blood clots? Tracking a new disorder from clinic to lab bench
In this case study, we hear from Phillip Nicolson, a researcher in Cardiovascular Sciences and consultant haematologist, who uses the research data store (RDS) to store data on clotting caused in a small number of people after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. In 2021, a new blood disorder, vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT), emerged in … Continue reading “Why did a COVID vaccine cause blood clots? Tracking a new disorder from clinic to lab bench”
Exploring the First Stars with the Next Generation of Gravitational-Wave Detectors
In this case study, we hear from Krishnendu Naderi Varium, a Research Associate in Physics and Astronomy, who uses BlueBEAR to investigate how characterising black-hole binaries formed from the remnants of the very first stars in the Universe. In my recent work, carried out in collaboration with Dr Patricia Schmidt and Dr Geraint Pratten from … Continue reading “Exploring the First Stars with the Next Generation of Gravitational-Wave Detectors”
From Prototype to Proof of Concept: A Research Software Success Story
When you’ve got a promising research idea but lack the engineering bandwidth to make it production-ready, knowing where to turn for help can be challenging. Anas Rana, a researcher from the Institute of Cancer and Genomic Science discovered that partnering with dedicated Research Software Engineers from the Advanced Research Computing Team (ARC) within IT Services, … Continue reading “From Prototype to Proof of Concept: A Research Software Success Story”
BEAR infrastructure improvements in 2026
During 2026, there has been major work undertaken on the majority of the BEAR services provided by Advanced Research Computing, which has kept the Architecture, Infrastructure and Systems Group very busy! We understand the past year may have been a frustrating time for BEAR users due to more downtime than usual, but we hope you … Continue reading “BEAR infrastructure improvements in 2026”
We’re recruiting! Grade 9 Principal Research Infrastructure Engineer
We are looking for an enthusiastic individual to lead the Systems Team within our Architecture, Infrastructure and Systems (AIS) group. The AIS group is part of the University of Birmingham’s Advanced Research Computing, one of the UK’s largest research computing teams, with around 50 FTEs. AIS designs and operates its own data centres, network, private … Continue reading “We’re recruiting! Grade 9 Principal Research Infrastructure Engineer”
Following ions and electrons through battery materials with BlueBEAR
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?”