Expert insight, analysis and comment on key public policy issues
By Phil Withers Filed Under: Science and Technology Posted:
In this blog Professor Phil Withers, Chief Scientist at the Henry Royce Institute calls for an ‘Internet of Materials’ to help the UK to innovate faster, smarter and with a more competitive edge. A new material or process can utterly transform a sector, or even our lifestyle. Failing fast in the lab and learning quickly […]
By Sarah Mander Filed Under: Energy and Environment Posted:
Across the UK, Local Authorities and Devolved Administrations are seeking to use their planning powers to block the development of hydraulic fracturing for natural gas. This is against UK Government policy. In this blog Dr Sarah Mander from the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering looks at what all of this could mean for the […]
By Kirk J Malone Filed Under: Science and Technology Posted:
Dr Kirk J Malone is Director of Commercialisation at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology. In this blog he looks to nature as part of a wider rethink into how we produce, process and recycle materials. • There needs to be a fundamental rethink in the way we manufacture and dispose of materials. • One of […]
By James Baker Filed Under: Science and Engineering Posted:
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 […]
By Richard Fields Filed Under: Energy and Environment, Science and Engineering Posted:
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 […]
By Sarah Cartmell Filed Under: Science and Engineering Posted:
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 […]
By Mike Shaver Filed Under: Energy and Environment, Science and Technology Posted:
Mike Shaver is currently Professor of Polymer Science at the University of Manchester in the School of Materials. In this article Mike explores how we should be viewing the use of plastic and also how we can avoid the potential environmental problems from plastic alternatives. Sustainable alternatives to plastic need thoughtful analysis of the whole […]
By Anna Coleman Filed Under: Health and Social Care Posted:
In the context of the changes set out in the recent NHS long term plan (2019), Dr Anna Coleman draws our attention to the recently published LGA report which highlights some of the good work that Health and Wellbeing Boards have been undertaking since they were introduced in 2013. She suggests the new place-based system of […]
By William Shankley Filed Under: Brexit, British Politics, Europe Posted:
In recent years the government has been seen to take a hard-line stance on immigration policy. Yet it has launched numerous pro-immigration initiatives, with the primary aim of filling the labour deficit that exists in multiple sectors. Focus on these two conflicting approaches to immigration diverges hugely, with schemes that openly recognise the need for […]
By Andy Westwood Filed Under: All posts, British Politics Posted:
In this blog, Andy Westwood, Vice Dean for Social Responsibility in the Faculty of Humanities and Professor of Government Practice looks at what the recommendations within the Augar Review could mean for Greater Manchester. Many news headlines on the recent Augar Review focused on tuition fee cuts and extended repayment terms. But alongside those recommendations […]