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Beyond the Query: Transforming Environmental Data Discovery with LLMs

David Topping By Filed Under: All posts, Digital Futures, Research and development, Science and Technology Posted:

Environmental problems are complex, evolving issues that defy straightforward solutions. These challenges demand integrated data, yet current environmental data is scattered and hard to access. Artificial intelligence (AI), alongside strong metadata frameworks, is emerging as a powerful tool for breaking down barriers to data discovery. Here Professor David Topping outlines the importance of access to […]

Photo of hands tapping at a computer keyboard, with multiple computer screens on the desk in front.

Engineering security for the UK’s cyber ecosystem

By Filed Under: All posts, On Critical Technologies Posted:

The government’s Cyber Security and Resilience Bill aims to strengthen national security and boost cyber protections for the services that people rely on every day. In this article, Professor Daniel Dresner outlines how a sociotechnical approach to cyber security can be used to target vulnerabilities in the cyber ecosystem. 7.7 million cybercrimes have been experienced […]

A fair assessment? Inclusion and student voice in GCSE assessment

Kevin Woods author headshotDr Tee Mccaldin By , , and Filed Under: All posts, Education Posted:

The government’s Curriculum and Assessment Review outlines recommendations to strengthen curriculum and assessment. Its analysis of GCSEs highlights several areas for development. In this article, Dr Hannah Wilkinson, Professor Kevin Woods, Dr Tee Mccaldin and Aletia Daly highlight how their research identifies additional issues related to fairness, inclusion and student voice that warrant further consideration to […]

Still trash? UK flexible plastic packaging recycling and infrastructural contraction

By Filed Under: All posts, Cities and Environment, Environment, Urban Posted:

From food packaging to washing detergent pouches, flexible plastic packaging is an increasingly common feature of everyday life. This rising use is commonly explained as part of well-meaning moves to lightweight products, shrink carbon footprints, and reduce the overall use of plastics, but despite these intentions, only a small fraction of flexible plastic packaging is […]

Insulating Robotics from an AI Winter

By Filed Under: All posts, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been promoted as a force that will transform the lives of working people, and the UK government is  trying to position our country  as one of the great AI superpowers. However, the “AI can solve everything” mantra has led to the development of an “AI Bubble”, buoyed by stock market and […]

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Compound semiconductors – building UK resilience in a transactional world

Daniel Dyer By and Filed Under: All posts, On Critical Technologies, Science and Technology Posted:

Semiconductors play a key role in our day-to-day lives and are crucial for modern living. They are used to make the computer chips at the heart of smart technology including phones, laptops, cars and planes. The UK has strengths in this technology, however, steps are needed to create greater resilience in supply in light of […]

Responsible technologies: embedding mental wellbeing in design

Headshot of Pawan Srikanth By and Filed Under: All posts, Digital Futures, Growth and Inclusion, Health and Care Posted:

Emerging technologies – from Artificial Intelligence (AI) and big data to digital platforms, and driverless vehicles – are transforming everyday life in the UK. These innovations promise significant benefits: improving efficiency, reducing resource use, and enabling new jobs and services. Yet alongside their promise, these technologies bring new challenges. Concerns are rising about data privacy, […]

Two surgeons in scrubs looking at a scan on an electronic screen.

Machine-learning in medicine: why data access, education and ‘hybrid intelligence’ matter

Claudia Lindner headshot By Filed Under: All posts, Health and Care, On Critical Technologies, Science and Technology Posted:

Technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) hold the potential to modernise health and care provision in the UK and provide innovative solutions to some of the sector’s most pressing challenges. With ongoing debate around the sector’s use of AI, and the government committed to building an NHS fit for the future, the time to discuss the […]

New towns, new challenges?

By , and Filed Under: All posts, Growth and Inclusion, Urban Posted:

After the last of three waves of new towns were designated, the British new towns project essentially halted in the late 1960s – until now. Government have placed the serious development of new towns firmly back on the agenda with the establishment of a New Towns Taskforce (NTT). In this article, Professor Mark Baker, Sui […]

The right to play: making play a policy and practice priority

Sarah MacQuarrie By , and Filed Under: All posts, Growth and Inclusion, Health and Social Care, Urban Posted:

Policy dialogue around children, young people and education often focuses on either wellbeing or attainment. But play is a fundamental part of childhood and adolescence, recognised as fuelling learning, development and wellbeing. The establishment of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Play could mark a turning point by placing play higher on the political agenda […]

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Articles give the views of the author, and are not necessarily those of The University of Manchester.

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