Imperial/55: Winter 2023-24

A woman emerges from a tunnel wearing a hat with text RatSoc

Full steam ahead

There's a secret world under Imperial students' feet, the 'heart and lungs' of the university. But only a few lucky souls have ever seen it.

Read the full article.

In this issue

As we head into the winter, we hear from Imperial researchers working to develop new cataylsts for sustainability, understand how research into preterm birth is advancing, and learn how microscopic imaging is being used to make scientific breakthroughs. We also meet alumni committed to increasing diversity in STEM, meet students who are recipients of some of Imperial's scholarships, and go underground as the heating system gets an upgrade. 

We also meet Imperial's Magician in Residence, an inline skating pro with a passion for outreach and the pompom-free Imperial Cheerleading Society. 

Features

A split image of three Imperial scholars and bursary recipients

Imperial scholars

Gifted and committed they want to change the world. These are their stories.

Read the story

A single egg timer on a peach background

Born too soon

Despite extraordinary advances, preterm birth is still the biggest cause of death in children under five. Imperial researchers are setting out to change that.

Read the story

A collage of still light microscopy images

Tripping the light fantastic

Meet the unsung heroes of Imperial's microscopy facility – making research visible.

Read the story

Illustration of the catalyst process from gold from sim cards through to medicine

Agents of change

Catalysts are one of chemistry's minor miracles: same results in half the time. But could they also be the key to our future sustainability?

Read the story

Regulars

From the President

Excellence, commitment and ambition – we have a lot to be proud of

Read the story

Christopher Hopper wears a white shirt and smiles to the right of the camera

Imperial innovates

A conviction in the future of solar energy is the driving force behind Christopher Hopper’s success.

Read the story

A group of cheerleaders in a gym

Society

Stunts, jumps and dance – cheerleading at Imperial is a seriously fun business.

Read the story

Will Houstoun throws a playing card up into the air

Adventures in... magic

Magic and medicine are not as different as you might think, says Dr Will Houstoun.

Read the story

Darius skates in Hyde Park

My Imperial

Dariusz Duszynski on inline skating and outreach.

Read the story

Stephen standing on a rock formation with the sea in the background

A working life

Volcanologist Professor Sir Stephen Sparks on the two simple tools he can't do without.

Read the story

Puzzles

The ultimate puzzle challenge.

Read the story

Our Imperial

Meet the Imperial alumni working to increase diversity in STEM and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Read the story

And more

The print edition of Imperial is distributed to over 120,000 alumni, supporters and friends and is available to pick up on campus. 

Read or download Imperial 55 (Winter 2023-24)

Contact us

Keep up with the latest from Imperial and share your thoughts and news. For letters, please mark your message 'For publication'. Messages may be edited for length. imperialmagazine@imperial.ac.uk