10 Years of Impacting Policy

Alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD)

At USW, academics are actively researching in their sectors and influencing change in everyday life.

The work of Professor Bev John and Professor Gareth Roderique-Davies has led to greater understanding of alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD), influencing professional practice and government policy.

ARBD, which is treatable, can impair memory, thinking, planning and reasoning, and cause changes in behaviour. These symptoms are similar to signs of dementia and can often be misdiagnosed. 

Working closely with Public Health Wales and other addictions experts, their research has led to the development of a first-of-its-kind national action plan for ARBD. 

The researchers also developed training for people who work with those at risk of having ARBD. At the not-for-profit housing association, The Pobl Group, more than 1000 staff members received the training.

As a result, they reported an increased awareness of ARBD and confidence in supporting individuals with the condition.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists has officially endorsed the University’s work towards raising awareness of and treatment for ARBD.

The Wales Centre of Excellence for Anaerobic Digestion

The Wales Centre of Excellence for Anaerobic Digestion at USW is helping to put in place ground-breaking changes to the sustainable recycling of organic waste in the UK, Europe, and internationally.

Anaerobic digestion degrades organic waste whilst allowing biogases to be collected as part of the process, as well as nutrients that can be used to make fertiliser.  

As a result of research by the centre, carbon footprint savings of 660,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year have been achieved at seven state-of-the-art anaerobic digestion food waste recovery hubs in Wales. Wales now has the third highest municipal recycling rates in the world.

The research has also contributed to 93 anaerobic digestion plants in the UK being able to produce good-quality fertiliser - which qualifies for Biofertiliser Certification - as a by-product of food waste recycling. This scheme helps to provide assurance to consumers, farmers, and food producers.  

Further afield, the research has helped to drive significant increases in the deployment of anaerobic digestion plants, for example in Malaysia.

Professor Sandra Esteves is the co-chair of the Scientific Advisory Council for the European Biogas Association, and the research continues to feed into European policy and technology deployment developments.