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Solar panels, windturbines and a nuclear plant, Borssele, The Netherlands

Can nuclear power work with renewables to achieve net zero?

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

Decarbonising electricity in the UK is far from straightforward. Government plans for the nation’s future electricity supply rely heavily on renewables, supported by gas power during periods of low renewable output. In this article, Professor Juan Matthews considers how nuclear energy can provide an alternative to gas power and support a future renewables-heavy grid, and […]

A child's hand holding a toothbrush under a running tap.

Brushing up on oral health: how can health policy prevent tooth decay in children?

Dr Georgios KitsarasProfessor Tanya Walsh By , and Filed Under: All posts, Health and Care, Health and Social Care Posted:

Children’s oral health in England is in crisis, with thousands of children across the country suffering from dental caries, the most prevalent and prominent form of dental disease. In response, the government has promised measures to tackle dental health inequalities. But how can policymakers best implement this plan to ensure it has the desired impact? […]

a sports woman tying her laces before training, running or a workout.

The abuse of women runners: Implications for the violence against women and girls policy agenda

Rose Broad By and Filed Under: All posts, British Politics Posted:

New research at The University of Manchester has found that over two-thirds of women runners across Greater Manchester and Merseyside have experienced abuse. This has taken the form of physical and sexual assaults, verbal abuse, being followed, flashing, and harassment, with only 5% reporting it to the police. This briefing highlights key findings, along with […]

Aerial view of UK house development being built.

Harnessing Digital Solutions for Sustainable Housing Expansion: A GIS-Powered Approach

Photo of Richard Kingston By Filed Under: All posts, British Politics, Cities and Environment, Digital Futures, Environment Posted:

The UK government has committed to an ambitious housing strategy of building 1.5 million homes over the next five years to address the chronic housing shortage exacerbated by rising demand, affordability and population growth. This plan must also rectify long-term structural challenges in the housing market whilst ensuring homes are built sustainably. Here, Professor Richard Kingston […]

Article image - older couple on a bench in Manchester

Older people have something to say – ensuring voices are heard

Patty Doran author headshotMhorag GoffLinda Naughton author headshotPhilippa Winship author headshot By , , and Filed Under: All posts, Cities and Environment, Urban Posted:

The population is ageing. Almost 40% of people in England are currently over 50, and almost 20% are over 65 (Census, 2021). In response to the ageing population, in 2010 the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the global network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities. They aspire to be places where people of all ages feel […]

The beach at Margate, in Kent, at sunset. In the background, a tower block stands behind the Dreamland theme park.

A landscape of need: mapping community resilience in England

By and Filed Under: All posts, Cities and Environment, Growth and Inclusion, Inclusive Growth Posted:

Community resilience is a marker of how well communities can handle and recover from difficult events. It is referred to in various resilience framework policies; but how is it measured, and how can it be used to target support? Here, Christine Camacho and Dr Luke Munford outline their work in developing a new measure – […]

Child is served a nutritious school meal by smiling dinner ladies

Breaking down barriers with free school meals

By , and Filed Under: All posts Posted:

Child poverty in the UK is a pervasive problem, with the latest figures showing that 29% of children in the UK are growing up in poverty. This rises to nearly 50% in families with more than three children. Child poverty is not spread evenly across the UK. 23.8% of pupils are eligible for free school […]

Article image - teacher pointing at schoolchildren

Re-professionalising teaching: addressing authorisation, accountability and attrition

Andrew Howes By and Filed Under: All posts, British Politics, Education Posted:

Teacher recruitment and retention is currently in a critical state – as outlined by The National Foundation for Educational Research’s (NFER) 2024 report on the teacher labour market in England. This puts at risk the quality of education that children and young people receive. In this article, Andrew Howes and Louisa Dawes acknowledge the Labour […]

Article image - Woman monitors dark office

A raised platform – regulating the digital economy

Luke Yates author image By Filed Under: All posts, British Politics, Cities and Environment, Digital Futures, UK economy, Urban Posted:

Digital economy businesses have grown rapidly in the last 10-15 years, transforming how we work, travel, consume, and contract workers. Some impacts have been problematic, with growth of short-term lettings platforms reducing access to housing, and gig economy platforms increasing the precariousness of work. In this article, Dr Luke Yates outlines research findings on how […]

Article image - offshore wind farm

Clean energy superpower – and climate action kryptonite

Prof Matthew Paterson By Filed Under: All posts, British Politics, Energy and Environment, Environment Posted:

The government have identified climate action as a core mission set out in their manifesto. Framing this in terms of Britain becoming a ‘clean energy superpower’ has generated considerable initiative around renewed climate action, but in this article, Professor Matthew Paterson outlines how this approach creates policy gaps – and potential political problems. Labour has […]

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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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