Science and Engineering

Power from the sun, money from the crowd: community energy offers low-cost finance for renewables

By Tim Braunholtz-Speight Filed Under: All posts, Cities and Environment, Energy and Environment, Renewables, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology, Urban Posted: March 25, 2020

The fall in the cost of renewable energy has created new possibilities for citizen investors to fund community energy projects. However, the majority require some level of price support. In this blog, researchers from The University of Manchester call for policies to support the growth of this sector, such as encouraging the purchase of community-generated […]

Graphenes innovation could give UK economy a positive charge

By Craig Dawson Filed Under: Science and Engineering Posted: December 10, 2019

This week, The University of Manchester is hosting a Graphene Industry Showcase. Ahead of this Dr Craig Dawson – Application Manager at the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre shines a light on how, as the UK looks to build a globally leading carbon neutral economy, The University of Manchester is providing an innovation flagship for energy […]

We’re only scratching the surface: why surface engineering matters, to our city, and beyond

By Allan Matthews Filed Under: Science and Engineering Posted: October 10, 2019

In this blog, Professor Allan Matthews highlights the importance of surface engineering in the development and sustainability of materials and sets out why surface engineering should remain part of the conversation in order to position Greater Manchester as a global leader in materials innovation. Surface engineering modifies the surface of what lies beneath, to make it […]

To benefit from the materials revolution we need to be Graphenes-ready?

By James Baker Filed Under: Science and Engineering Posted: September 19, 2019

Ahead of the 2019 Party Conference season, James Baker – Chief Executive Officer of Graphene@Manchester reflects on ‘where next’ for the wonder material graphene and whether this is actually just the start for a game changing family of 2D materials. A whole new family of graphene-inspired materials could soon transform how we make and build […]

Advanced materials and electricity: the power to help save the world?

By Richard Fields Filed Under: Energy and Environment, Science and Engineering Posted: September 11, 2019

In this blog, Dr Richard Fields looks at the need to be creative in developing transformative technologies such as advancements in battery life, in order to stave off an environmental disaster and ultimately safeguard humanity’s survival. • The cost of batteries has fallen faster than even the most optimistic forecasts, which means the future for […]

Biomaterials: how can we get from the lab to the patient sooner, and more easily?

By Sarah Cartmell Filed Under: Science and Engineering Posted: September 5, 2019

Sarah Cartmell is a Professor of Bioengineering at The University of Manchester and is currently Head of the Department of Materials which is home to nearly 2,000 students and staff. In this blog, Sarah explores why it can take so long for biomaterials to get from the laboratory to being used by patients and highlights […]

Net-zero target by 2050? We can do better than that

By Simon Bullock Filed Under: Cities and Environment, Renewables, Science and Engineering Posted: May 16, 2019

Simon Bullock is a PhD student at Tyndall Manchester, working on shipping and climate change. In this blog Simon discusses the Net Zero report published this month by the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) and argues that under the principles the CCC is rightly advocating, this 2050 date is too late. This month the Committee […]

Beyond technology: addressing the social and sustainability challenges of next generation industrial systems

By Philip Shapira Filed Under: Digital Futures, Industry 4.0, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted: January 22, 2019

This week’s annual gathering of the World Economic Forum in Davos will discuss prospects for ‘Globalisation 4.0’, with participants debating how to match a global economy increasingly driven by new technology and the movement of ideas, people, and goods, with citizens around the world looking to ‘take back control’. Professor Philip Shapira from the Manchester […]

Women in environmental sciences

By Cecilia Medupin Filed Under: All posts, Digital Futures, Education, Ethnicity, Science and Engineering Posted: October 9, 2018

Dr Cecilia Medupin is a Lecturer in the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, at The University of Manchester and convener of Women in Environmental Sciences group. On Ada Lovelace day, Cecilia gives her eight-point plan for how to tackle inequality for women in environmental science. Including: It is essential to create a platform, or […]

Response to the IPCC 1.5°C Special Report

By Kevin Anderson Filed Under: All posts, Energy and Environment, Science and Engineering Posted: October 8, 2018

The University of Manchester’s Professor Kevin Anderson responds to today’s report from the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change. The IPCC report meticulously lays out how the serious climate impacts of 1.5°C of warming are still far less destructive than those for 2°C. Sadly, the IPCC then fails, again, to address the profound implications of reducing […]