Edge Hill University secures funding to help UK addiction charity
Edge Hill University has been awarded an Accelerated Knowledge Transfer Partnership, funded by UK Research and Innovation through Innovate UK, to help national addiction charity UK SMART Recovery enrich their services.
A team of researchers and psychologists will work with the charity’s stakeholders, participants and peers to find new ways to further improve how they can support people living with addiction.
Professor Rebecca Monk said: “We know addictions affect the lives of millions of people worldwide, and in the UK the charity sector plays a pivotal role in supporting those affected.
“We are looking to examine how UK SMART Recovery can complement the great work they already do. We hope to expand the support offered by the charity and thereby improve the lives of people with substance use disorders as well as those impacted indirectly.”
Dr Charlie Orton, CEO of UK SMART Recovery, added: “Around 5,000 people a week attend our peer-to-peer support meetings but we’re looking into expanding our provision to include more intensive recovery interventions.
“We’re delighted to be working with Edge Hill University, home to recognised experts in addiction research. Their team will be evaluating an innovative National Lottery-funded project by Equus Ferrus CIC which, for the first time, has integrated our evidence-based recovery tools into a model utilising equine therapy.”
Equus Ferus CIC is an equine therapy centre in Pembrokeshire South Wales which works to improve people’s wellbeing through interaction with horses. This creates a transformational somatic learning experience for participants.
Reader in Plant Sciences, Dr Sven Batke, has authored a new UK-wide report on Greenhouse Intelligence
Developed by The Greenhouse Innovation Consortium (GIC), UK growers, industry partners, researchers and public-sector stakeholders, the report examines the UK greenhouse growing sector, and its performance under the current economic conditions.
The independent report highlights the importance of the UK’s greenhouse sector, which provides a balanced viewpoint.
The GIC is an independent, grower-engaging platform which supports evidence-based decision making emphasising a plant-based approach on issues including energy transition, food security, planning and capital investment.
Upon the release of the report, Batke said: “The UK greenhouse sector is highly productive and strategically important, but it is operating with very little headroom.
“Many businesses have grown in scale, but not in resilience. High energy exposure, labour constraints and long-term debt mean that even well-established growers remain vulnerable to shocks.
“It is operationally successful but structurally fragile, delivering high output under conditions that are increasingly misaligned with its risk profile.
“With aligned policy, investment and procurement, greenhouse growing can evolve into a resilient component of national food and infrastructure systems. Without such alignment, it will remain a case of scale without security: productive, but perpetually exposed.
“Without intervention, the sector is likely to experience further consolidation, delayed capital renewal, and heightened exposure. Ageing infrastructure will become progressively less efficient.”
Read more about the report by clicking here.
Botany professor awarded highest honour by British Ecological Society
Edge Hill University’s Professor of Botany Paul Ashton has been appointed as a Fellow of the British Ecological Society.
This is a significant award and reflects Paul’s contribution to the subject with four decades of research, his work as secretary of the Ecological Genetics Group for many years and his continued commitment to teaching the subject and supporting students.
He becomes one of just 23 ecologists awarded the title of Fellow of the British Ecological Society, the highest award the Society bestows.
Paul has dedicated over 30 years of his career to Edge Hill University, where he teaches undergraduate and postgraduate modules including field botany, ecological genetics, plant diversity, biodiversity and conservation.
His research has primarily covered the areas of ecological genetics, conservation management – working with a variety of stakeholders including Natural England, National Trust and The Wildlife Trusts – and plant ecology.
Dr Anne Oxbrough, Head of Department for Biology, said: “We are thrilled to see Paul receive this recognition. It is a fantastic achievement and reflects his contribution to the subject, the Society and Edge Hill over many years.
“He has been a leading ecologist at Edge Hill University for over 30 years, significantly contributing to the establishment and success of the curriculum in ecology – particularly to our undergraduate BSc Ecology and Conservation and MSc Conservation Management programmes – and there are a multitude of graduates who’ve benefitted from his expertise and passion for research and teaching.”
Find out more about studying in the field of biology at Edge Hill University.
Early years education expert presents ground breaking Play Matters report to Parliament
Head of Early Years Education Dr Karen Boardman represented Edge Hill University in the House of Commons to discuss play-based approaches for babies and children up to eight years old.
She presented Play Matters, a free guide to champion the power of play in early childhood, to an All-Party Parliamentary Group on Play, with editor Dr Aaron Bradbury from Nottingham Trent University.
Dr Boardman said: “It was an honour to present to Parliament, especially on a project we are so passionate about.
“Play Matters challenges traditional perceptions of play in education, emphasising how critical play is in a child’s development.”
Launched in May 2025, Play Matters was the first project to be hosted within Edge Hill’s International Research Centre for Early Years Education (ICEYE).
Dr Boardman was invited to present by charity Play England – which advocates for all children and young people to have freedom to play at home, at school, in parks and public spaces – alongside national and international professionals in education, psychology and health.
Dr Helen O’Keeffe, Dean of Education, added: “This is a wonderful opportunity for our Head of Early Years Education to support policy makers with this important initiative and to align the great work of ‘Play Matters’ with the strategy of Play England.
“Karen discussed ‘play in early years settings and schools’ to support the petition to make learning through play statutory in Key Stage One.”
Read the Play Matters report here.
February 13, 2026
