Most sports enthusiasts who follow team sports have probably at some point held their breath or looked away when the heads of two players collide in the heat of the moment, leaving both lying motionless. In recent years stories have emerged in the media about athletes struggling with long-term illnesses or symptoms following head injuries. But what are the effects of head injuries; especially concussion, on the health of those who experience them? A group of female scientists at the University of Iceland, Reykjavík University, and Landspítali University Hospital have been tackling this question in recent years, examining the specific effects of concussion on female athletes. Much evidence suggests that women may be more susceptible to the effects of concussion than men, but they have been less studied. The group has now produced short educational videos on the effects of concussions and head injuries on the body, as well as their research findings.

"Generally speaking – my research centres around the topic of social inequality in education and ways to increase equality. This is a broad topic but I am interested in how students‘ social origin as well as their ethnicity or gender influences what or which type of education they obtain. Furthermore, I am interested in how the transition from school to work – or in other words the process of getting a job - is shaped by socio-economic background factors."

So says David Reimer, professor of the sociology of education at the University of Iceland, a prolific researcher in his field. David has received two significant grants, to conduct his research which has significant social impact. Education is without any doubt the most important investment a person can make and it also has a direct impact on society in a broad sense. It is imperative to find ways to reach equality in the education system as knowledge is the currency of the future.