Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing public health threat, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where antibiotic misuse is common and awareness is limited. In Cambodia, misconceptions about antibiotics, such as their use for viral infections and common ailments, are widespread. Culturally relevant strategies are needed to communicate complex health messages to diverse audiences. This study aims to explore the impact of a co-designed, circus-based engagement project on community understanding and perceptions of AMR and antibiotics. A qualitative case study design was employed. From May 20 to June 25, 2025, data were collected through 15 Semi-Structured Interviews (SSI) and three Focus Group Discussions (FGD) following performances in Battambang and Siem Reap provinces. Participants represented varied backgrounds and ages (16-60 years). The SSIs and FGDs, conducted in Khmer and translated into English, were complemented by field observations from live performances. All transcripts underwent thematic analysis, and findings are presented based on the research question. Four key themes were identified: (1) Baseline knowledge and misconceptions ‒ antibiotics were often seen as general-purpose medicines, (2) Community medicine use ‒ treatment-seeking relied heavily on informal sellers, peer recommendations, and often entailed incomplete courses, (3) Audience interpretation of the performances ‒ humour and familiar scenarios supported message recall, though some confusion remained, (4) Key takeaways and intended change ‒ many participants reported plans to seek medical advice from appropriate health services before taking antibiotics and to share correct information with others. Circus-based engagement was received as a creative and culturally resonant form of health communication that could translate complex biomedical concepts into accessible, and memorable narratives. In Southeast Asia and other LMIC settings with high AMR burdens, such co-designed approaches to knowledge translation could complement conventional education strategies and bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and everyday health practices. This study was carried out by researchers from the Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), the Cambodia Oxford Medical Research Unit (COMRU), Phare Ponleu Selpak, Action for Health Development, with support from the Cambodian Ministry of Health. The research took place from May 20 to June 25, 2025 in Battambang and Siem Reap provinces, Cambodia. AMR-themed circus-based performances were conducted to see whether circus-based performances could help communities better understand antibiotic use and AMR as it is a major problem in Cambodia, where antibiotics are often misused and awareness is low. We used a qualitative case study design through interviewing 15 audience members and three focus group discussions after live circus shows. Participants were mostly students, but also included staff, teachers, performers, and a health professional. Performances were also observed by the team members to capture audience reactions. The study found that circus performances helped audiences reflect on local treatment seeking practices. Humour, familiar scenarios, and metaphors supported recall, and many participants reported intentions to change treatment seeking behaviour. However, some confusion remained about when antibiotics should be used. These findings suggest that circus-based engagement could complement conventional health education and help people build the skills to make informed health decisions. Creative approaches such as drama-circus can enable communities to seek care more appropriately and use medicines responsibly, helping to reduce AMR in Cambodia and beyond.
To assess the relationship between hip joint morphology and hip range of motion (ROM) in circus performers with hip-related pain. Cross-sectional study. Circus arts training facility. Adult student circus artists with hip-related pain (19 females, 11 males, age: 22 ± 3.4). The association between radiographic measures and ROM assessment was investigated using linear regression models controlling for age and sex. Thirty circus performers were included. A higher neck-shaft angle was associated with more external rotation ROM in prone (β0.69, 95%CI 0.13, 1.26), and more external rotation ROM in sitting (β0.68, 95%CI 0.10, 1.26). A higher alpha angle was associated with more hip flexion ROM (β0.35, 95%CI 0.03, 0.67) with a main effect of sex (F = -12.25, p = 0.032). The association between hip morphology and ROM may be unique in circus artists with hip-related pain, with neck-shaft angle and alpha angle showing an association with hip external rotation ROM and hip flexion ROM, respectively.
To examine changes in hip-related pain, quality of life, strength, and functional task performance following a 12-week rehabilitation program (Melbourne Hip Protocol; MHP) in circus arts students with hip-related pain. Pre-post intervention trial. Circus arts training facility. Vocational and higher education circus arts students with clinically and radiologically diagnosed hip-related pain conditions. The Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS), International Hip Outcome Tool 12 (iHOT-12) at baseline, 3, 6, and 10-month follow-up. Hip muscle strength, range and functional task performance at baseline and 3-month follow-up. 28 circus students were included. The largest improvements in HAGOS sub-scale scores were seen in quality of life from baseline to 6-months (adjusted mean difference 10.5 [95%CI 3.1, 17.9], p = 0.001) and 10 months (11.1 [3.6, 18.6], p = 0.001). iHOT-12 baseline scores improved across all three follow-up time points (3-months 10.6 [3.7, 17.4], p < 0.001; 6-months 13.4 [6.5, 20.3], p < 0.001; 10-months 12.9 [6.0, 19.8], p < 0.001). Average and peak hip muscle strength improved in all movements (p < 0.05) except internal rotation (p > 0.05). These findings highlight the potential benefits of the proposed structured, semi-supervised rehabilitation program for this unique population and support further investigation in a fully powered RCT. Level 3.
Ensuring model fairness for preventing potential biases based on any sensitive attribute is crucial for the societal acceptance of artificial intelligence in critical applications. Among various fairness concepts, counterfactual fairness has gained prominence as it is grounded in causal inference. This concept requires that an individual's prediction in the original world remains consistent with that in the counterfactual world where the sensitive feature value is modified. In this article, we aim to mitigate counterfactual biases of the model through causal intervention. Specifically, we first achieve effective causal intervention and counterfactual generation by proposing the causal inference tabular generative adversarial network (CITGAN) architecture. Unlike prior approaches based on variational autoencoders (VAEs) that inherently lack structural causal model (SCM) fidelity due to simultaneous generation, CITGAN strictly enforces causal consistency via an end-to-end topological generation process. By integrating exogenous variable inference with sequential generation, CITGAN ensures that functional dependencies are structurally preserved. Building on CITGAN, we propose the CIRCUS framework, a causal intervention-based framework designed to intuitively enhance the counterfactual fairness in trained classifiers. CIRCUS generates counterfactually discriminatory samples (CDSs) via causal intervention, guided by gradients and feature contributions, and subsequently applies bias correction preprocessing to their labels for classifier retraining. Experimental results demonstrate that CIRCUS effectively enhances counterfactual fairness while maintaining robust classification performance. Specifically, for the deep neural network (DNN) model, the $\text {MMD}_{\text {L}}$ and $\text {MMD}_{\text {K}}$ values are reduced by averages of 39.7% and 40.4%, respectively, compared with the second-best result. For the residual network (ResNet) model, these reductions amount to 56.7% and 54.5%, respectively.
In Cambodia, limited conceptual understanding of antimicrobials and the wide availability of over-the-counter medications increases antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threats. Community-based campaigns are critical to foster fundamental concepts of antimicrobials, their appropriate use and potential consequences of AMR. A circus-based drama on AMR was co-designed with a non-profit arts school and local youth groups, in coordination with two provincial health authorities. Events held across three venues were attended by >1200 people and the accompanying social media campaign received >0.5 million views. Following the success of the campaign, the circus drama's key messages are being developed into educational materials for school children nationwide.
The Atomic Circus is a research-based chemistry demonstration theater designed to engage elementary audiences and their families through narrative, music, and dance. Guided by design principles of age-appropriate conceptual framing, narrative storytelling, and theatrical metaphor, the show integrates live demonstrations within a three-act performance that follows a "Novice" character who learns alongside the audience. A mixed-methods evaluation, including pre- and postshow surveys and family interviews, revealed strong affective engagement and knowledge gains around physical and chemical change. These outcomes reflect the broader trends identified in recent reviews of science shows, where enthusiasm and modest knowledge gains are consistently observed, but systematic documentation remains limited. By transparently documenting its design, logistics, and evaluation, The Atomic Circus contributes to the small but growing evidence base on science theater and encourages other practitioners to share systematic accounts that connect creative performance with educational theory.
E7820, a sulphonamide-type anticancer agent, was developed to inhibit angiogenesis by suppressing integrin α2 expression. Although early-phase trials outside Japan established 100 mg/day as the maximum tolerated dose in monotherapy, no objective responses were observed, and further development was not planned. Subsequent studies revealed that E7820 promotes DCAF15-mediated degradation of the splicing factor RBM39 and acts as a molecular glue, providing a novel mechanism and rationale for clinical evaluation. Preclinical screening using patient-derived xenograft models demonstrated antitumour activity in biliary tract and endometrial cancers and in tumours with homologous recombination repair gene alterations. Based on these findings, the CIRCUS trial, a multicentre investigator-initiated phase I study, was initiated to assess the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of E7820 in Japanese patients with unresectable solid tumours. If the proof of concept is demonstrated in biomarker-defined cohorts, E7820 may be repositioned for selected patients, providing insights into the development of previously intractable compounds.
Recent advances in medical care have increased the number of children with medical complexity (CMC) requiring daily support, yet their opportunities for social participation remain limited. We involved a 6-year-old CMC in circus performances held in three Japanese cities. Despite medical challenges, the child safely participated and experienced psychological growth through nervousness, ambition, and communication. This initiative required close interdisciplinary collaboration and highlighted the importance of trust between families and healthcare providers. Our experience illustrates how creative, community-based efforts can reduce barriers and promote inclusion for CMCs, contributing to a more equitable and supportive society.
Astroviruses (AstVs) are RNA viruses infecting a wide range of vertebrates, with increasing evidence of cross-species transmission. We investigated the presence of AstVs in the Réunion Harrier (Circus maillardi), a critically endangered raptor endemic to Réunion Island. Cloacal and oropharyngeal swabs were collected from 133 individuals sampled between 2015 and 2024. Reverse transcription and seminested conventional PCR was used to detect the AstV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase gene. In total, 5.3±3.8% of birds tested positive, with no significant association with age, sex, or sampling method. All positive samples were obtained from wild-caught individuals except one detected from a bird at the care center. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all sequences were genetically related to rodent-associated AstVs previously detected on Réunion Island and in Madagascar, and they did not cluster with avian lineages. These findings are consistent with previous results in the endemic Réunion free-tailed bat (Mormopterus francoismoutoui). For Réunion Harriers, they further suggest recurrent exposure to nonnative rodent-associated viruses through predation. The pathogenic potential of such viruses in wildlife remains unknown, but it could be amplified in insular species lacking prior exposure or coevolutionary history. Our results support the need to better integrate wildlife disease surveillance into island conservation strategies.
How physical disability affects social rank remains poorly understood1,2. Contest theory predicts that asymmetries decide fights: the larger, better-armed competitor typically prevails3. Bruce, an endangered kea parrot (Nestor notabilis) missing his entire upper beak, has previously innovated to survive - using pebbles as self-care tools4. Here, we report that he has also innovated to thrive in his captive environment. Bruce is the alpha male of his circus (the collective noun for a group of kea): despite being the only disabled bird in his group, he was undefeated in dominance interactions with his male peers, exhibited the lowest stress hormone metabolites, had priority access to feeding stations, received the only allopreening directed toward a non-mate (Figures 1 and S1), and achieved this without allies. His weapon? A novel beak jousting technique (Figure S1 and Video S1) that turned his disability into dominance. These results show how behavioural innovation can dramatically reverse the consequences of disability in animals.
The figure of the "medical clown" is a theologically and anthropologically charged vocation necessary for moral critique and healing in contemporary medicine. Drawing on the Oglala Sioux Heyoka and the circus clown, or holy fool, the authors distinguish between external critics-philosophers and theologians who unmask medicine's principalities through folly-and internal actors-clinicians who subvert dehumanizing logics from within. Against corporate, efficiency-driven models that deform the healing vocation, both roles embody prophetic reversal, exposing absurdities and reorienting practice toward possibilities of redemption that could not otherwise be seen from within the logic of medicine's current priorities and principalities. The holy fool destabilizes the status quo through provocative critique; the Heyoka, grounded in communal trust, rouses through loving contrariness. Together, they witness to medicine's eschatological promises: healing as relational and resistant to commodification. By reclaiming the sacred work of "walking backwards," these clowns and fools invite a re-formation of medical imagination, challenging and shaping practitioners who dwell with suffering to resist the seductions of a system that is forgetting its calling.
In 2025, international neurology celebrates the bicentenary of J.-M. Charcot's birth. As a major medical scientist in Paris and the founder of modern clinical neurology, Charcot became friends with the celebrated literary figure Alphonse Daudet. Discord subsequently intervened, as Daudet, afflicted with tabes dorsalis, was treated by Charcot without success and even underwent suspension therapy that led to serious side effects. Daudet's son, Léon, blamed Charcot for his own failure in medical school and became a bitter social critic of the French medical system, condemning the hospital hierarchy, including Charcot. Further family discord occurred when Léon married the granddaughter of Victor Hugo, instead of Charcot's own daughter. Within this background, after Charcot's death in 1893, Alphonse Daudet incorporated Charcot into a fictional account, A la Salpêtrière, one of 3 short stories in his Trois Souvenirs (3 Recollections). This study dissects Daudet's Charcot depiction where he presents Charcot as mostly silent, passive, and distant within a circus-like atmosphere of disruptive patients, foreign visitors, and interns. The portrait is a striking contrast to the many other first-hand descriptions of Charcot's domineering, autocratic, and patronizing manner. However, the depiction of a quiet and distantly bland master in the fictional office consultation setting is historically anchored in Daudet's life experiences, which included visits to the Salpêtrière, first-hand knowledge of Charcot over many years, and the experience of being a patient with unremitting neurologic disease. The veracity of the actual events is questionable, given the personal antagonism that colored the last years of their lives, but it is also conceivable to see in Charcot a Janus-like figure of dominance and theatrical authority in the teaching amphitheater interfaced with a more passive, reflective observer in the intimacy of an office setting.
The performing arts is a diverse collection of disciplines, sharing an elevated risk of injury related to an array of biopsychosocial risk factors. While screening for physical risk factors is common practice, and largely routine, psychosocial screening for injury in performance artists (PAs) is less well established. This scoping review aimed to systematically map the array of instruments used to screen for, or assess, psychosocial risk factors for injury in non-recreational adult performing artists (PA)s. Additionally, psychometric evaluations of each instrument in PA cohorts were reported where available. This scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute Evidence Synthesis guidelines. Twelve databases relating to performance, health, medicine, kinesiology, and sport were searched. Studies that investigated associations between psychosocial factors and injury in non-recreational (professional, pre-professional, full-time collegiate students, elite competitive) adult PAs were eligible. Fifty-one studies of 7,457 participants met the inclusion criteria (musicians: n = 4,505 (60.5%); dancers: n = 2,680 (35.9%); vocalists n = 225 (3.0%); circus performers: n = 47 (0.6%)). Most participants were professional PAs (n = 4,547 (61.0%)), followed by collegiate PAs (n = 1,424 (19.1%)), and mixed professional, pre-professional, elite competitive, and collegiate cohorts (n = 1,486 (19.9%)). Forty-five different psychosocial factors were identified across 90 distinct instruments. Stress, anxiety, depression and perfectionism were the factors most frequently investigated. Stress was commonly reported across all PA cohorts. The reliability of just 19 (21%) instruments was established for the target cohort. Many other instruments were valid/reliable in patient, sporting or general population cohorts, but untested in PAs. A common link between many psychosocial risk factors and injury in non-recreational adult PAs was identified. Screening programmes should incorporate comprehensive evaluations of these factors. Instruments appropriate for the cohort investigated should be used where available. The development and/or validation of instruments for use across all PAs for common risk factors should be considered.
Nest predation is the principal cause of breeding failure, with ground nests facing greater predation pressure. Most phasianids are vulnerable to endangerment owing to their relatively large body size, low breeding rate, and tendency to build ground nests. However, research on the nest predation of phasianids largely overlooks egg size, a potential key factor, especially in tropical phasianid nest predation studies. We aimed to investigate the influence of egg size on the predation rate and predator combinations of two phasianids (red junglefowl Gallus gallus jabouillei and Chinese francolin Francolinus pintadeanus), which exhibit significant differences in egg size. We installed 167 artificial nests in the sympatric distribution areas of the red junglefowl and Chinese francolin within the Chinese Datian and Bangxi Nature Reserves in Hainan Province between April and September 2023. Eggs of four sizes from artificially reared Japanese quails Coturnix japonica, Chinese francolins, domestic chickens, and domestic geese were placed in the nests and monitored with infrared cameras. The results showed that the predation rates for small eggs, medium-small eggs, medium-large eggs, and large eggs were 83.3% ± 5.8%, 65.1% ± 7.3%, 51.2% ± 7.8%, and 26.8% ± 6.9%, respectively, exhibiting a decreasing trend, indicating a negative correlation between egg size and nest predation rate. The infrared camera data revealed small- to medium-sized mammals as the primary predators (70.00%: small Indian civet Viverricula indica, Asian palm civet Paradoxurus hermaphroditus, and wild boar Sus scrofa), followed by birds (20.00%: Greater coucal Centropus sinensis and Eastern marsh harrier Circus spilonotus) and snakes (10.00%). Small rodents exerted a weak influence on the nest predation of the two phasianids. Therefore, egg size may contribute to the higher nest predation rate of Chinese francolin than that of red junglefowl. We propose that using experimental eggs matched in size with those of natural eggs improves the accuracy of artificial nest simulation studies. This also provides important empirical evidence to advance our understanding of nest predation mechanisms in terrestrial tropical phasianids, and to inform the development of more effective conservation and management strategies for these species.
Although artists are often considered at higher risk for eating disorders (EDs), evidence remains limited. We therefore conducted a systematic review of ED occurrence, risk, body image concerns, and general psychopathology in artistic populations. Following PRISMA guidelines, PsycINFO, Medline, and Web of Science were searched for English-language studies published in any year. Fifteen studies met inclusion criteria and were narratively synthesised. The review encompassed a broad range of artistic groups (e.g., musicians, actors, circus and drag performers, and theatre artists). Four studies reported lifetime ED diagnoses (2.9% to 22.5%; mean ≈ 12.1%), while three studies assessed current ED diagnoses (1.4% to 18.7%; mean ≈ 7.5%). Six studies reported ED risk levels, which varied substantially (8% to 70.7%; mean ≈ 27.8%), reflecting considerable heterogeneity in samples and methodologies. Importantly, these estimates were largely derived from self-report or non-standardised assessments rather than validated structured clinical interviews, limiting their interpretability and comparability. Despite these limitations, most studies indicated elevated ED-related indicators and body dissatisfaction in artistic populations relative to general population benchmarks, although such comparisons should be interpreted with caution. Across studies, body image concerns were consistently associated with ED symptoms, and anxiety and depression were positively related to eating pathology. Artists may represent a population at elevated risk for eating- and body-related psychopathology. However, methodological limitations and heterogeneity highlight the need for more rigorous, diverse, and longitudinal research to clarify mechanisms of vulnerability and inform targeted prevention and early intervention. Level I, systematic review and meta-analysis.
The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus HPAI A(H5N1) genotype AF was detected in southern Europe during the 2021/2022 season and spread widely. It emerged in Bulgaria in 2022/2023, mainly affecting mallard ducks. The DA genotype of the virus was detected in a diverse group of birds, including wild birds, zoo birds, and domestic poultry, across a wide area of eastern and southern Europe in 2023. In Bulgaria, following its introduction in 2023, the DA genotype became the predominant virus in laying hens. During 2024-2025, DA spread throughout the country, displacing AF from mallard flocks. The predominant subtype in Europe in 2025 was H5N1 genotype DI.2. This genotype became dominant after December 2024, accounting for over 90% of viruses within the EA-2024-DI genotype lineage, and has been detected in a wide range of bird species. In Bulgaria, DI.2 was identified in only one outbreak in a flock of laying hens in autumn 2024 and in a single case involving a western marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus) in early 2025. These observations are consistent with a pattern of putative hidden circulation of avian influenza virus in duck farms in Bulgaria, potentially establishing a cycle of continuous circulation of the same viral subtype. In this study, we analysed viruses originating from Bulgaria, with a particular focus on EA-2024-DI genotype DI.2, and examined mutations related to host cell receptor binding, host specificity shifts, ligand binding, antibody recognition sites, viral oligomerization interfaces, and other functional regions. Some of these mutations have been associated with antigenic drift, immune escape, and virulence. Importantly, several are linked to changes in host specificity, a critical step in the potential transition of avian influenza viruses to humans. Consequently, such mutations represent key factors in the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza and may pose a pandemic risk.
Polyester (PES) is one of the main synthetic polymers used by the textile industry. The fate of PES microfibres in the environment depends on various parameters including photodegradation and fibres characteristics. In this study, the release and subsequent degradation of PES fibres before and after domestic washing were investigated, using accelerated hydrolytic degradation simulations. Fibres from differently manufactured PES textiles (undyed and dyed fabrics, whole garments) were obtained by cutting the textiles or by washing them in a household washing machine and collecting the fibres released. Degradation simulations of the fibres were performed using an alkaline solution. Hence, this is the first study that employed microfibres directly released during laundry in degradation experiments, to provide a realistic approach. Fibres were analysed in order to compare the effect of the degradation on the differently manufactured textiles, while analyses of the degradation solutions were, also, performed for polyester degradation product quantification and leachates identification. Degradation of PES fibres was evident, with changes in colour, mass loss and PES degradation products increasing throughout the process. Higher fibre loss, double quantity of terephthalic acid (PES product) and higher reduction of vinyl benzoate (PES marker) indicated more substantial degradation of the fibres from garments than those from the fabrics. Non-target analysis of the degradation solutions performed by HPLC-HRMS/MS also indicated that a greater release of leachates including dyes and additives (e.g. 4-nitrophenol, disperse orange 3, phenyldiethanolamine, and acetoacetanilide) occurred during the simulated degradation of the garment fibres, compared to the fabric ones.
Biological invasions are natural experiments for studying the evolutionary and ecological processes underlying colonization success and range expansion. Using genome-wide data-generated via genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) from 30 populations spanning Europe and South Africa-we investigated the colonization history and successful spread of the invasive buttonweed Cotula coronopifolia, an annual plant introduced into Europe from South Africa about 300 years ago. Our analyses identified three major lineages in Europe distributed across the continent, often co-occurring without evidence of admixture. Phylogenomic dating revealed that these lineages diverged > 2,000 years ago-well before the earliest European records-suggesting divergence within the native range and either multiple introductions or a single introduction with multiple lineages. Mating-system inference shows that reproduction occurs primarily via self-fertilization (∼70% on average), although outcrossing predominates in some populations, revealing a facultative mating system. This high selfing rate has led to extremely low heterozygosity in most populations and a strong genetic structure. Genetic clustering also revealed admixed individuals resulting from rare inter-lineage outcrossing; comparisons of empirical and simulated data indicate that increased diversity after sporadic admixture events decays rapidly under subsequent selfing. Both the introduction history and long-distance dispersal facilitated by waterbirds likely explain the scattered distribution of lineages across Europe. Altogether, these results illustrate Baker's "ideal weed" concept, highlighting the role of a flexible mating system in providing reproductive assurance during colonization and showing how predominant selfing can shape the genomic landscape of an invasive species.
Magnesium is essential to numerous biological processes in many species. Including protecting intracellular pH and ATP concentrations during temperature and anoxia stress. Extracellular [Mg2+] is tightly regulated in many, but not all crustaceans. There is evidence that extracellular [Mg2+] content may be open to environmental influence such as temperature. The alteration of extracellular [Mg2+] in decapod crustaceans in response to temperature has been proposed, with individuals exposed to low temperature often displaying an increase in extracellular [Mg2+]. However, data, supporting or refuting this hypothesis, are sparse and drawn mainly from temperate and sub-polar studies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine if extracellular [Mg2+] increased at low temperature, indicating a disruption of [Mg2+] regulation for tropical crab species that do not typically experience large temperature fluctuations. Three species of Christmas Island land crabs were exposed to environmental (25 °C) and reduced (6 °C) temperatures for 60-90 min (depending on species). Haemolymph was sampled every 30 min and concentrations of Mg2+, and other key ions (Ca2+, K+, Cu2+, and Na+) quantified. Contrary to our prediction, all species displayed extracellular [Mg2+] resilience to temperature, exhibiting either the absence of evolved physiological mechanisms, or presence of tight regulatory abilities. There were, however, small but significant changes in concentrations of some of the other measured ions. We conclude that the alteration of extracellular [Mg2+] in response to acute reduced temperature is not a ubiquitous function in crustaceans as there is little support from the three tropical Christmas Island land crabs investigated.
Kelps are distributed across more than a quarter of the world's coastlines, where they serve as foundation organisms and support high levels of biodiversity and primary productivity. They are increasingly threatened by a range of anthropogenic stressors and given their significant ecological and socioeconomic value there is a pressing need to better understand the structure and functioning of these forests, and their role in underpinning and providing ecosystem services. However, robust quantitative assessments are mostly lacking and certain services remain underexplored, which hinders evidence-based approaches to management, restoration and protection. We focused on Laminaria hyperborea forests in and around Plymouth Sound (southwest UK) as a model region to present a robust quantification of four key ecosystem services spanning provisioning (fisheries), regulating (climate through carbon storage) and supporting (habitat creation and biodiversity). Data were collated from a range of sampling techniques and approaches, including diver-based collections and deployment of baited remote underwater video (BRUV) systems. Our survey data showed that kelp forests consistently support very high levels of biodiversity and carbon standing stock and provide stable and extensive habitat for a variety of fishes and mobile macrofauna species, some of which have socioeconomic value. While ecological structure differed amongst survey sites, all kelp forests underpinned critical ecosystem services by supporting biodiversity, assimilating carbon and providing fisheries habitat. High-resolution survey data highlight the socioeconomic importance of kelp forests along temperate wave-exposed coastlines. Improved monitoring and targeted management and conservation of these habitats is needed to safeguard ecosystem service delivery in the face of multiple anthropogonic stressors, notably ocean warming, decreased water quality and fishing activities.