University brings hidden medical archive to life

Tuesday, 15 August 2017 16:00

Researchers from the University of Bradford have started work on a project to catalogue, digitise and promote the work of one of the UK’s leading palaeopathologists.

The Calvin Wells Archive Collection, created by renowned palaeopathologist Calvin Wells (1908-1978), will be the focus of a brand-new research project thanks to a grant of nearly £140,000 from the Wellcome Trust. It includes documents, images and films relating to the study of disease in the past, primarily from archaeological human skeletons.

Mr Wells studied archaeological human skeletons and mummified remains to examine diseases from the past and understand how they developed and were treated.

The project, which started in June and will run for 18 months, will undertake the cataloguing, digitisation and promotion of the Calvin Wells Archive Collection with the intention of creating a valuable resource for the study of palaeopathology and osteology.

Once catalogued and described, it is anticipated that Wells’ bone reports, associated research notes, and radiographic and photographic material will inform and motivate new and on-going scientific research.

More from Local and National News

Police Appeal After Serious Crash on Canal Road

Police are appealing for witnesses after a serious road traffic collision on Canal Road in Bradford during the early hours of Tuesday (30th Dec) morning.
Bold 2036 Vision Set to Shape Future of Halifax

A long-term plan to transform Halifax town centre over the next decade will be considered by Calderdale Council’s Cabinet in January, setting out ambitions for growth, wellbeing and sustainability.
RSPCA Urges Public to Protect Animals During Weekend Cold Snap

The RSPCA is sharing winter safety advice for pets, livestock and wildlife as snow and ice are forecast across the UK.
30 Years of Clean-Ups: Britain’s Largest Muslim Youth Group Takes to the Streets on New Year’s Day

Nearly 3,000 volunteers from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association marked 30 years of nationwide New Year clean-ups by clearing litter across more than 75 UK towns and cities.
Texas Crispy Takeaway Damaged in Shipley Incident

Police are investigating reports of criminal damage at a takeaway on Saltaire Road in Shipley on New Year’s Day.
Murder Investigation Launched in Leeds After Man Dies in Burmantofts

Police appeal for information following the death of a man found seriously injured in Burmantofts, Leeds, and the arrest of a 51-year-old on suspicion of murder.
Millions of Tenants Protected Under New Awaab’s Law Reforms

From 27 October, new housing safety rules known as Awaab’s Law come into force — compelling social landlords to fix emergency hazards within 24 hours and protect millions of tenants from dangerous conditions like black mould.
Bradford Expands ‘New York’ Style Housing First Approach to Tackle Homelessness

Bradford Council is expanding its successful Housing First programme — inspired by New York and proven in Finland — to offer ten more places, helping more people with complex needs move from homelessness into stable, supported housing.
Kensington Palace Marks 150th Birthday of Punjabi Princess and Suffragette Sophia Duleep Singh

A major new exhibition, The Last Princesses of Punjab, will open at Kensington Palace on 26 March 2026 to celebrate the 150th birthday of Princess Sophia Duleep Singh — the trailblazing Punjabi royal and suffragette — exploring the lives of the remarkable women who shaped her story.
SENDIVERSE Festival Unites Bradford Through Creativity and Inclusion

A celebration of creativity and belonging, The Leap’s SENDIVERSE Festival brought together over 1,700 people across Bradford for a series of inclusive arts and cultural events designed with and for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
Appeal After Man Seriously Injured in Burnley Collision

Police are appealing for information after a man in his 20s was seriously injured in a crash on Crown Point Road, Burnley.
Bradford Police Seize 93 Weapons as Knife Crime Falls

A weapons amnesty in Bradford led to 93 knives and weapons being taken off the streets, contributing to a major drop in youth knife crime.

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

Remix Saturdays

Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm
The Golden Era

The golden era of Bollywood celebrated in this weekly show full of classics taking you back in time. Every Sunday between 5pm - 7pm
Bhangra Nights

Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm
Legal Show

Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.