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Mortgage expert’s warning as nearly a quarter of Brits turn to AI for mortgage advice

People everywhere are increasingly turning to AI for information, with popular search tools like ChatGPT boasting over 800 million weekly active users. But should they rely on it for serious topics such as mortgages and homebuying?

New research from Barratt Homes reveals that almost a quarter (24%) of Brits have used AI tools for mortgage advice. In partnership with Barratt Homes, Terry Higgins, Group MD at TNHG Mortgage Services, warns consumers to take caution when turning to AI for financial decisions, as research reveals different models may even make different financial recommendations based on the same prompt.

Higgins says:

“AI search tools can be helpful for making mortgage jargon and other information more accessible to first-time buyers and homeowners. However, users should be careful when using them, especially for financial decisions, as outputs aren’t always accurate and could be biased. A qualified mortgage adviser will look at your full financial picture and will match you with lenders and products that suit your circumstances. They can also explain the full costs involved and guide you through each step of the purchase, which is something AI simply can’t do.”

More than one in 10 Brits use AI to see how much they can borrow

Survey respondents reported using AI for a range of mortgage-related tasks, including:

Understanding mortgage jargon (16%)
Checking how much they can borrow (12%)
General homebuying advice (12%)
Understanding interest rates (11%)
Comparing mortgage deals (10%)

Terry Higgins comments:

“Calculating affordability is one of the most complex parts of buying a house, and there are so many factors at play. While AI can be a good starting point, it’s been known to make mistakes with basic calculations and even hallucinate or invent fake data and numbers. The same applies for things like interest rates – AI can provide a helpful breakdown, but it can’t be trusted to give you accurate, real-time information.

An experienced adviser will assess your income, outgoings and credit profile in detail, access a wide range of lenders, and provide a realistic borrowing figure based on current criteria – not assumptions. They’ll also help you understand how changes in rates or circumstances could affect your options.”

Different AI tools give different mortgage answers – expert urges caution

The research asked a range of popular tools including Copilot, ChatGPT, and Grok to assess a typical first‑time buyer’s affordability and whether a two‑ or five‑year fixed rate might be better. Despite using identical information, each AI tool gave different answers – including different affordability expectations and different recommendations on the best mortgage term.

Model	Affordability stance	Fixed-rate view	Guidance style
Copilot	The most neutral, saying the purchase “lined up well with typical UK lending patterns” without leaning optimistic or cautious.	Offered a balanced comparison of two‑ vs five‑year fixes, framing the choice around lifestyle, budgeting, and risk comfort.	Practical, simple, consumer‑friendly. Focused on actionable steps like getting a Decision in Principle.
ChatGPT	The most cautious, describing the £230k target as “borderline but plausible,” depending on lender strictness and affordability checks.	Leaned toward a five‑year fix, highlighting stability for first‑time buyers and the risk of future rate rises.	Detailed, structured, broker‑like. Used step‑by‑step breakdowns and multiple caveats.
Grok	The most optimistic, describing the scenario as “promising and affordable,” mentions lenders offering 5x and above income multiples.	Favoured a two‑year fix, citing 2026 forecasts, expected rate drops, and competitive short‑term pricing.	Analytical and data‑heavy, heavily referencing market conditions and interest‑rate movements.

With different models producing such different outcomes, Higgins warns consumers:

“Mortgage decisions depend heavily on personal circumstances like income, debt and spending – and much of that is sensitive financial information. With AI tools giving inconsistent answers, consumers can’t get a truly accurate picture of their affordability without sharing data they may not feel comfortable putting online. A mortgage advisor can handle this information securely.

“AI may also miss certain options like deposit‑boosting schemes or equity loans, meaning buyers could miss out on savings that a qualified advisor would highlight. Indeed, buying a new home opens a range of mortgages which aren’t always available to consumers going direct to the lender.

“With interest rates changing regularly, it’s best to use AI as a guide, not a replacement for expert advice. Speaking to a professional mortgage advisor is still the safest way to get accurate, up-to-date information. A good mortgage advisor doesn’t just help you find the right products; they have relationships with the lenders and are there for the full application process, helping to avoid delays, keeping your purchase on track. They will act as a single point between you, the lender and your housebuilder.”

The dos and don’ts of using AI for mortgage guidance

Higgins says: “AI may never provide 100% accurate information, but as it becomes an everyday tool for many people, there are some steps you can take to get a better response, as well as protect yourself.”

Do: Be specific with your prompt

Provide as much non‑sensitive context as possible so the AI can tailor information more accurately (for example: “first‑time buyer,” “10% deposit,” “interest‑only vs. repayment”).

Don’t: Use sensitive personal information

Avoid including details such as your full income, employer, bank details, National Insurance number, credit score, or personal identifiers. These aren’t necessary for AI to give general guidance and could create security risks.

Do: Treat AI as a starting point, not a final answer

Use AI to help you understand terminology, compare general mortgage types, or explore what questions to ask a broker. It’s a good tool for building confidence before speaking to a professional; not a replacement.

Don’t: Ask for direct recommendations

AI cannot account for your full financial picture and may offer incomplete or incorrect advice on products, lenders, or mortgage terms. It should never replace a qualified mortgage advisor. It’s better to use AI for general guidance rather than affordability information, lending criteria, and other points that can change quite often.

New signs urge drivers to leave space for cyclists

Do you know how much space you should leave when driving past a cyclist or horse rider?

A new campaign is being launched by Cambridgeshire County Council to highlight a change in the Highway Code which came into force in 2022. If you don’t know, then it’s likely you’ll spot the answer on new temporary signs which are being put up across the county to raise awareness of the update with drivers.

Following the change to Rule 163, motorists must only overtake when it is legal and safe to do so and now need to leave at least 1.5m between their vehicles and people on bikes when driving at speeds up to 30mph – and more space at higher speeds. The rule also makes clear that drivers should give motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders at least as much room as when overtaking a car.

For pedestrians walking in the road – for example where there is no pavement – motorists should allow at least 2 metres of space and pass slowly. When passing horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles, drivers should slow to under 10mph.

Motorists are also instructed to take extra care and give more space in bad weather including high winds and at night. Rule 163 makes clear that drivers should not overtake if it is unsafe or if it is not possible to meet these clearances.

As part of the campaign to reduce close passes, temporary signs will be installed on lampposts on roads throughout the county through to the end of 2027. Adverts are being run on Stagecoach and Whippet buses across the area along with social media promotion and messages across the county’s roadside Variable Messaging Signs.

Councillor Alex Beckett, chair of the Highways and Transport Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “Across Cambridgeshire, around half of us cycle, and it’s easy to see why. It keeps us fit, saves money and takes cars off the road. But the data is clear: safety is the single biggest thing stopping more people from getting on a bike. Too many of us have experienced a vehicle passing too close, and that moment of fear matters.

“This campaign is a simple ask of those of us who drive: leave a bit more space. It costs nothing and could make the difference between someone feeling safe on their bike or giving up on cycling altogether.”

Stansted Airport Mentoring Scheme Gives Pupils Behind-The-Scenes Experience

Students from Forest Hall School were treated to a behind-the-scenes look at London Stansted as they celebrated the completion of a mentoring scheme now in its 11th year.

Year 11 pupils who took part in the programme were invited to the airport for a special event, which included a lunch, the presentation of certificates and a guided tour of areas of the airport usually off limits to the public.

The mentoring partnership pairs pupils with airport staff from a range of departments including engineering, the fire service, operations, construction and communications.

Throughout the school year, mentors meet regularly with pupils to offer advice and support as they prepare for their GCSEs and consider future career options.

Careers Lead Callie Dennis said:

“The mentoring programme has continued to evolve, offering our students opportunities that really bring the world of work to life. By matching pupils with experienced professionals, we’re able to give them tailored guidance that sparks new interests and supports their ambitions.”

Assistant Headteacher Kayleigh Trainor said:

“Speaking with mentors has helped students build confidence when talking to adults and opened their minds to the many pathways their careers could take. It’s been an invaluable experience for so many of our learners.”

Nine members of staff from the airport took part as mentors this year, continuing a long‑standing commitment by the airport to support local young people.

The scheme forms part of the airport’s wider commitment to social sustainability, helping to widen access to career opportunities and support young people from the local community to achieve their potential.

Alex Smith, Education Manager at London Stansted, said:

“By pairing students with colleagues from across the airport, we help them build confidence, develop essential skills and explore future careers. Supporting young people through initiatives like this is a key part of our approach to social sustainability, and it was great to welcome them to the airport to celebrate completing the scheme and to give them a real insight into how the airport operates.”

Bentley Motors Reports Record Low Emissions In Latest Sustainability Update

Progress delivered with Bentley achieving its lowest fleet CO₂ emissions to date, accelerating decarbonisation efforts across the full value chain and establishing a deeper integration of lifecycle analysis, guiding design and engagement across products and suppliers
First fully electric Bentley on track for reveal in 2026, marking the start of a new era for sustainable luxury alongside continued PHEV and ICE flexibility
People and purpose remain central, with expanded training, future skills investment, and strengthened community impact through the Advancing Life Chances programme
Bentley’s fourth annual Sustainability Report outlines progress against the Beyond100+ strategy, showing how sustainability is being embedded across people, products and operations, aligned to the global 2050 net zero ambition, without compromising luxury, performance or craftsmanship

(Crewe, 22 April 2026) Bentley Motors today published its fourth annual Sustainability Report, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability, detailing continued progress against its Beyond100+ strategy and setting out a pragmatic, forward-looking approach to delivering sustainable luxury amid a rapidly evolving global landscape.

In 2025, Bentley achieved its lowest fleet CO₂ emissions in recent history, maintained carbon neutral operations in Crewe, and remained on track to reveal its first fully electric Bentley in 2026, marking a pivotal milestone in the company’s transformation journey.

Alongside electrification, Bentley continues to advance a holistic decarbonisation strategy, addressing emissions across the full vehicle lifecycle. This includes expanded work on Direct Air Capture (DAC), increased use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) logistics, the advancement of eFuels and deeper integration of lifecycle analysis into product and supplier decision making. Responsible materials sourcing and supplier engagement is further enhanced under robust governance and concept studies being used to inspire bold thinking and guide long-term BEV and sustainability direction.

Dr. Frank‑Steffen Walliser, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bentley Motors, said:

“True luxury is defined not only by what we create, but by how responsibly we create it. In a year marked by geopolitical uncertainty, infrastructure challenges and shifting customer expectations, Bentley has taken a considered and resilient approach – balancing progress with excellence. Celebrating World Earth Day, our 2025 Sustainability Report shows how Beyond100+ continues to guide our transformation, ensuring we deliver extraordinary vehicles today while shaping a responsible future for generations to come.”

The report also reflects updates to Bentley’s long-term product strategy, acknowledging the need for greater flexibility on the path to electrification. Bentley remains committed to the global 2050 net zero ambition, while continuing to offer PHEV and ICE powertrains alongside BEVs.

Beyond environmental progress, the report highlights Bentley’s ongoing commitment to its people and communities. In 2025, Bentley further strengthened its position as a Top Employer, achieved bronze accreditation with expanded Carbon Literacy training, invested in future skills for electrification, and advanced its diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging maturity ambitions.

Bentley’s role as a responsible business also continued to grow, with expanded community investment through the Advancing Life Chances programme, the evolution of the Bentley Foundation, expanding its focus beyond the environment, to also include arts and culture and global education and deepened engagement with suppliers, retailers and global partners.

Allison Christou, Senior Sustainability Manager, said:

“It is always a proud moment when we publish our annual Sustainability Report, highlighting the significant impact our colleagues make every day. Their passion, determination and continued drive for positive impacts on planet and people, enable Bentley to be a leading voice for sustainability in automotive and luxury. New for 2025, we bring our people even more to the fore with nine video case studies, bringing to life the incredible progress made in 2025.”

As the luxury automotive sector navigates one of the most significant transitions in its history, Bentley’s approach is clear: to redefine excellence, delivering sustainable luxury without compromise.

Published on World Earth Day, the report demonstrates how Bentley is embedding sustainability across every aspect of its business – from product strategy and decarbonisation, to manufacturing, supply chain transformation, innovation, and people, all whilst safeguarding the craftsmanship, performance and desirability that define the marque.

The Sustainability Report 2025 has been prepared with reference to the GRI standards and reflects Bentley Motors Limited’s UK operations for the period 1 January – 31 December 2025.

The full Bentley Sustainability Report 2025 is available online.

The Beyond100+ strategy places sustainability at the core of the brand, redefining every aspect of the business securing Bentley’s long‑term commitment to low carbon, responsible luxury, combining care for the environment with supporting people and innovation.

Howes Percival Social Housing Team Targets Growth Amid Rising Demand

Howes Percival’s Social Housing legal team is targeting further expansion as demand for its services from housing associations, local authorities and housebuilder clients continues to grow.

The specialist team was established in 2022 and has grown from a team of two to eight today, with its turnover almost doubling in the last three years, building on Howes Percival’s long history of acting for housing association clients.

The most recent addition to the team, Holly Hunt, joined as an Associate having trained in-house at a large housing association, and has experience in dealing with a range of commercial property work both within and outside the social housing sector, including development, landlord and tenant matters, and refinancing projects.

The team’s growth has also been reflected in the most recent round of promotions at Howes Percival with Jonathan Parker, a specialist social housing solicitor who works with housing associations, local authorities and private house-builders on all aspects of non-contentious social housing, becoming a Partner and Katie Reading, who assists housing associations on purchasing section 106 affordable housing, negotiating development agreements and dealing with the subsequent plot sales and shared ownership leases being promoted to Senior Associate.

The Social Housing team also works closely with the firm’s Housing Management team, led by Partner Simon Murphy and made up of five solicitors, a trainee solicitor and an apprentice solicitor. The team advises on possession, damp and mould claims, electrical and gas safety injunctions, decants and Equality Act advice as well as issues such as adverse possession, restrictive covenants and unlawful subletting.

Howes Percival Partner and Head of the Social Housing team, Estelle Corner commented, “I’m delighted by the success we’ve had as a team, in such a short period. We have seen a series of new client wins in the past 12 months along with a significant increase in work from existing clients. Our focus has always been on building strong long-term relationships with clients and to do this by listening to what our clients really need and responding accordingly. The team is genuinely passionate about social housing and actively contributing to the sector. Continuing to invest in our team helps us to support more clients accessing Homes England’s grant funding programme to help meet the government’s ambitious target to build 1.5 million homes by 2029.”

For more information about Howes Percival’s Social Housing team, visit https://www.howespercival.com/services/social-housing/

Experts Warn Women Not To Ignore Period Symptoms That Could Signal Fibroids

Fibroids affect around two-thirds of women in the UK, with up to 80% of Black women likely to develop fibroids by age 50. These are growths that develop in the muscle of the uterus, and while many are asymptomatic, this means a lot of women don’t realise they have them.

Despite being one of the most common women’s health conditions, fibroids are often overlooked, with symptoms dismissed as just part of the monthly cycle.

Miss Natalie Nunes, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, says one of the biggest challenges is that women don’t always realise when something might be wrong.

“The problem with heavy periods is that only a woman can know what her periods are like. If she’s not discussing it with anyone, she may not realise that what she’s experiencing isn’t normal.”

“If you’re changing your pad every couple of hours, using multiple forms of protection or planning your life around your period, that could be too much,” says Miss Nunes. “But many women adapt to it over time and don’t realise how much it’s impacting them, which only delays the diagnosis and treatment.”

Miss Natalie Nunes shares her top 7 tell-tale signs you shouldn’t ignore…

· Heavy periods that disrupt daily life

If you’re experiencing significant blood loss and needing to change protection frequently or bleeding through clothes – this could lead to anaemia, where iron levels drop and cause symptoms like dizziness, headaches and breathlessness.

· Bloating

Persistent bloating is often dismissed as digestive issues, but it can be caused by fibroids pressing within the abdomen.

· Frequent urination

Feeling like you constantly need the toilet may not just be hydration-related – fibroids may be putting pressure on the bladder.

· Lower back pain or pelvic pressure

Ongoing discomfort or a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen or back can be a sign offibroid growth.

· Pain during sex

Fibroids can sometimes cause discomfort or pain during intercourse, depending on their size and location.

· Fatigue and low energy

Ongoing tiredness is often linked to iron deficiency caused by heavy bleeding.

· Fertility struggles

Sometimes, fibroids can impact the ability to conceive, depending on their size and position.

Fibroid treatments

Miss Nunes says the key is recognising when symptoms are affecting your everyday life.

“If your period is changing how you live – whether that’s what you wear, where you go, or how you feel physically – it’s worth getting checked.”

The good news is that diagnosing fibroids is relatively straightforward, often involving a simple scan, and treatment options are also advancing.

While hysterectomy has traditionally been seen as the “default” treatment, there are now a range of less invasive options available. One example is Sonata, a minimally invasive, incision-free treatment designed to shrink fibroids without major surgery, often in an outpatient setting, allowing for a quicker recovery and, in some cases, preserving fertility.

“The key is treating fibroids early, when they are small, so they don’t grow to a size that requires more invasive procedures down the line.”

For many women, the biggest barrier is recognising that something isn’t right in the first place. If something feels off, it’s worth asking the question – is this actually normal?

For more information about the Sonata fibroid treatment, visit: https://sonatatreatment.uk/

Skills Shortages In Engineering Sector Highlight Need For Investment To Boost UK Economic Growth

In February 2026, UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves acknowledged that there is “more to do” to stimulate economic growth following the publication of poor results for 2025 by the Office for National Statistics. Clearly, this must involve widespread investment in skills across keystone industries such as chemical, process and biochemical engineering that underpin much of the country’s economic activity. The Institution of Chemical Engineers’ (IChemE) latest Employment Survey results, published this week, highlights the areas where industry is prioritising skills development and draws attention to recruitment barriers experienced across the sector.

The Employment Survey gathered responses from 2,503 IChemE members and 875 employers between November and December 2025, with participants at all career levels, from students to senior professionals and company owners and directors. The results can help inform both those working in the sector and wider policymakers of the changes needed to meet the UK’s economic growth targets.

Chemical, process and biochemical engineering directly underpin key industrial sectors, from cleantech and sustainability to advanced manufacturing and defence, meaning investing to fill the sectors’ skills gaps now will have positive knock-on effects throughout the industrial landscape. Likewise, overcoming recruitment challenges experienced across the sector will provide long-term stability across the sector and drive future growth.

45 per cent of respondents highlighted technical skills shortages specific to their sector, which suggests better access to training is needed industry-wide. Other skills shortages identified include problem solving and critical thinking, adaptability and resilience, understanding of safety and risk management, and digital skills.

On barriers to recruitment, 40 per cent of employer respondents mentioned a lack of mid-career candidates and 22 per cent said the sector suffers from a lack of awareness. These results highlight the need to make chemical engineering a more attractive proposition for those entering higher education and those joining the workforce to fill roles both now and in the future.

“The skills needed across the sector are extremely diverse, covering areas from modelling and simulation, sustainability skills, process design, to process safety and beyond,” explained Yvonne Baker, CEO of IChemE. “It is also clear from the survey that the industry expects to see an even greater shift towards sustainability in the future, with net zero, the circular economy and sustainable processes driving meaningful change.

“Digital transformation is also a key area for future skills with AI, machine learning and automation all cited as areas for development,” continued Baker.

The results also offer evidence-based guidance to the chemical engineers of the future, sharing insight on the skills that employers prioritise when hiring graduates. According to participants, the top three skills valued were knowledge of core fundamentals and theory, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and the ability to adapt and learn.

The Employment Survey provides evidence-based insight into how the sector is changing and responding to both domestic and global challenges while highlighting the areas where work still needs to be done to support economic growth ambitions. The report is available for free on IChemE’s website.

Bentley Home Unveils New Sustainable Furniture Collection At Milan Design Week 2026

Bentley Home creates a ‘sensory landscape’ at Milan Design Week 2026 with a refined focus on low-impact materials
The new furniture collection – a range of elegant tables, armchairs, sofas and trunks – is defined by tactility, longevity and reduced environmental impact
Presented at its historic Milan atelier, the launch reflects the brand’s broader shift towards softer forms, lighter visual language, and an emphasis on natural materials
Array of materials featured include resin, shellac lacquer, wool, alpaca, cotton, linen, mohair velvet jacquards and leather

(Crewe, 21 April 2026) Bentley Home’s new furniture collection, unveiled at Milan Design Week 2026, evolves the brand’s design language with a renewed focus on materiality, comfort and craftsmanship, continuing to extend Bentley Motors’ long-embedded principles of luxury into the home.

With a refined and evolving material palette and a growing emphasis on sustainability, the collection features tables, sofas, armchairs and a trunk. Rooted in Italy’s artisanal traditions, these new pieces represent the next stage in Bentley Home’s global design identity.

At the core of the collection is an exploration of finishes, created to reduce environmental impact without compromising on depth or richness. Natural resins are paired with hand-brushed shellac lacquers, applied through a layered process that enhances how surfaces interact with light. The effect is subtle rather than decorative, reflecting an architectural approach to finish that prioritises longevity over spectacle.

Textiles play an equally significant role. Locally sourced and woven from natural fibres, the collection’s fabrics — spanning wool, alpaca, cotton, linen and mohair velvet jacquards — are designed to create an immersive, “sensory landscape” of understated comfort. The emphasis is on tactile materials that age well, developing character over time rather than resisting it.

“This collection represents a meeting of design minds — bringing together the principles behind our cars and our furniture,” says Ben Saltmer, Head of Lifestyle Design at Bentley Motors. “Comfort and materiality are fundamental to Bentley, and here we’re pushing that further through materials that not only perform beautifully but become more compelling with age. For us, sustainability and endurance are inseparable.”

The collection underscores Bentley Home’s collaborative model, bringing together long-standing designers Carlo Colombo and Federico Peri alongside the Bentley Motors Design Team. The result is a cohesive yet nuanced body of work that balances architectural clarity with a growing sense of softness.

The new Embrace sofa, designed by Carlo Colombo, revisits the brand’s Ramsey lineage with a more fluid, enveloping form. Its fully leather-upholstered outer shell marks a deliberate shift away from the visual dominance of wood veneers, creating a more seamless and contemporary silhouette. The proportions have been refined to reduce visual weight, balancing structural precision with a more relaxed, domestic sensibility.

Among the key pieces, the Embrace armchair distils the same language into a more compact piece, defined by a protective, curved outer shell and a subtle interplay between leather and upholstery. Its reduced scale and controlled geometry reflect the brand’s move towards lighter, more versatile interiors.

The Continuum chair introduces a more transparent design approach. Its open frame reduces mass while maintaining structural integrity, allowing space and light to pass through the piece. Subtle aerodynamic cues reference Bentley’s automotive heritage, while extensive customisation options — from veneers to leather and fabric combinations — position it across both residential and commercial settings.

Further extending the collection, a series of complementary pieces introduce new expressions of materiality and form. The Dovedale coffee tables explore a refined interplay of wood veneers and marble through Bentley’s signature chamfered detailing, offering expanded possibilities for personalisation.

Designed by Federico Peri, the Brimham ottoman introduces softer, organic forms inspired by natural landscapes, with a distinctive leather ‘saddle’ element that enhances both function and longevity.

The Porter trunk reinterprets classic travel heritage as a contemporary, multifunctional storage piece, while the more compact Nest bedside table reflects a move towards lighter, more versatile interiors, combining clean architectural lines with Bentley’s signature material richness.

Monique Zappala, Creative Director at Luxury Living Group, adds, “Rather than presenting the collection as a standalone product launch, Bentley Home frames this range as part of a wider evolution — one that aligns with a growing demand from our customers globally for interiors that prioritise comfort, material authenticity and long-term value over statement-driven design.”

In Milan, that shift will be expressed not just through individual pieces, but through an immersive setting and cinematic experience that reflects a more holistic vision of contemporary living — where luxury is quiet, more tactile, and built to last.

Bentley Home, founded 13 years ago, has more than 60 stores worldwide with flagships in Milan, Jeddah, Riyadh, Dubai, Shijiazhuang, Xi’An, Nanjing and Shanghai. Bentley Home is designed, manufactured, and distributed by Luxury Living Group, and the collection can be seen in stores including Paris, Istanbul, Al Rayyan, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City and Dallas.

Pint Of Science Festival 2026 Heads To Suffolk With Pub Talks And Research Events

Ten researchers from the University of Suffolk will be heading to the pub in May to share their research projects with the local community as part of the Pint of Science Festival 2026.

This is the first time the Pint of Science Festival has run in Suffolk since it was launched in 2013 as way of closing the gap between researchers and the general public. The three-day festival now runs across 25 countries in nearly 500 cities worldwide. In the UK there will be over 400 events in 45 towns and cities.

Over the course of three evenings, 18-20 May 2026, researchers will be presenting an informal overview of their scientific research before inviting the audience to ask questions.

The evening events will each have three talks of 20 minutes, followed by a 10-minute Q&A and over the three events topics will range from stem cells and food intolerances to the science behind facial expressions and why teaching children to code will help shape the future of the digital world.

The events will take place in Bin93 (Monday 18) and The Greyhound Pub (Tuesday 19) in Ipswich and New Street Market (Wednesday 20) in Woodbridge and will start at 7.30pm.

Professor Emma Bond, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange at the University of Suffolk said: “We are excited to take part in the Pint of Science Festival for the first time with ten of our researchers going to on the road to share their projects with audiences in Ipswich and Woodbridge in a friendly and informal way.

“As a Civic University we look for new and engaging ways to bring the University closer to the local community and heading down to the pub is a great way to meet new groups who may not know some of the exciting work we are undertaking.”

Tickets for the events cost £5 and can be booked via the Pint of Science Festival website: www.pintofscience.co.uk/events/suffolk/