Top BU stories to hit the headlines in 2023

Read about some of the highlights of BU's media appearances over the past 12 months.

In January, BBC Two’s Digging For Britain featured BU’s excavation of an iron-age settlement in Dorset, including interviews with Dr Miles Russell and PhD student Megan Russell on what their discoveries have revealed about the status of women in iron-age communities.

Cameron sitting in a chair facing a TV interviewer with a camera pointing at him Cameron Stacey being interviewed for BBC Breakfast

In February, Dr Ala Yankouskaya published her research which discovered that cold water immersion can activate parts of the brain and explained why people feel more alert and upbeat after a cold water swim. The study was picked up by several national outlets, including Daily Mail and ITV News. PhD student Cameron Stacey was interviewed for a BBC report on the study which was broadcast on BBC Breakfast, BBC World and BBC South Today. 

In March, two of our archaeologists – Dr Derek Pitman and Lawrence Shaw - featured in a Time Team special, unearthing an ancient city in Greece.

Emilie Hardouin speaking to a TV interview in front of a TV camera Dr Emilie Hardouin interviewed for BBC South

In April, Dr Emilie Hardouin was interviewed for BBC South about her research which revealed that red squirrels on the east and west sides of the Isle of Wight have different genetic make-ups. The findings were picked up by national outlets including Daily Mail and the Independent, it was also covered by over 350 regional news sites.

Jess being filmed by aa TV camera exploring a rockpool Jess Bone showing the rockpools to ITV Meridian

In May, PhD Student Jess Bone, announced the findings of her research into artificial rockpools, showing they can provide a safe habitat for marine species threatened by rising sea levels and urban development. Jess was interviewed on ITV Merdian, BBC Radio Four, BBC Radio Solent, Heart Radio and Wave 105. The study was also picked up by the Guardian.

In June, a study led by Dr Constantina Panourgia found that passive users of social media were more likely to experience anxiety, depression and stress than users who post regularly. The article was covered by the Daily Telegraph, ITV, Daily Mail and around 250 regional news sites. 

In July, Archaeology students from Bournemouth University discovered a Bronze Age burial site during their annual excavation of a prehistoric settlement in Dorset. The discovery was covered by ITV Meridian, BBC South, Wave 105 and BBC Radio Solent. 

In August, Dr Keith Parry wrote for the Converstion website about the limited availability of women's football merchandise. The story broke around the time of the FIFA Women's World Cup and the availability of merchandise. Dr Parry was also interviewed by several local BBC stations including BBC Radio Solent, BBC Radio Shropshire and BBC Radio Nottingham. 

In September, our archaeologists were back on Time Team, this time excavating a local site in Dorset

In October, Dr Sally Reynolds and Professor Matthew Bennett were part of a research team that confirmed the findings of an earlier discovery of the earliest known human footprints in America, dating back over 23,000 years. Dr Reynolds was interviewed about the discovery on Radio Four's Today Programme. 

In November, Dr Miles Russell was interviewed on BBC Countryfile about his work at Bignor Roman Villa in West Sussex where he has been excavating mosaics for many years. 

Jess Bone and Presenter Ellie Harrison wearing waders in Poole Harbour, a cameraman stands on the harbour wall, filming them. Jess Bone (Right) and Countryfile presenter Ellie Harrison.

BBC Countryfile came back in December when Professor Rick Stafford was interviewed about the BU led project to install articial reefs on the bed of Poole Harbour to provide a habitat for marine species; Jess Bone then gave presenter Ellie Harrison a tour of the artificial rockpools on the harbour wall.