Policy@Manchester Articles

Expert insight, analysis and comment on key public policy issues

Policy@Manchester Articles: Science and Technology
You are here: Home / Archives for Science and Technology
A diagnostics laboratory, with two workers in white coats operating laboratory equipment.

Getting genomics right: why data standards must underpin the UK’s international competitiveness

By Filed Under: Health and Care, Health and Social Care, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted:

The UK is a leading nation in genomics, with the 10 Year Health Plan outlining a major shift towards a population-wide genomic health service. This strategy could deliver savings and improved patient outcomes for the NHS – but critical to its success is the data that underpins it. Here, Dr Peter Freeman outlines why policymakers […]

Doctors in white coats walking through a greenhouse. One talking and holding a clipboard.

Designing life: how synthetic genomics could hold the key to sustaining the world

Headshot of Patrick Cai By Filed Under: All posts, On Critical Technologies, Science and Technology Posted:

With climate change affecting our rising demand for sufficient food, affordable medicines, equitable healthcare, sustainable fuels and safe but effective agrochemicals; there is an increasing need to find new ways to produce these goods at scale. In this article, Professor Patrick Cai explores how synthetic genomics can address these global challenges and provides recommendations about how […]

Computer data on a screen

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 […]

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 […]

Scientist or engineer in a lab working on robotics

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 […]

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 […]

Large data computer

Too hot to ignore: fixing the infrastructure gap in data centre cooling

Dlzar Al Kez headshotAoife Foley headshot By and Filed Under: Cities and Environment, Digital Futures, Energy and Environment, Environment, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted:

Data centres are rapidly becoming one of the most energy- and water-intensive components of the digital economy, yet their cooling systems remain largely invisible in infrastructure and climate policy. While advanced cooling technologies can significantly reduce energy and resource use, the UK lacks a national framework to guide their adoption or measure their environmental impact. […]

Securing the UK’s critical minerals future: building an ethical and resilient supply chain

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

The global transition to net zero hinges on securing minerals such as lithium and cobalt, which are critical for use in renewable energy technologies. Despite its rich mining heritage and expertise, the UK faces challenges in rebuilding a resilient and ethical critical minerals sector. The UK government has emphasised the importance of securing supplies of […]

shipping containers

Ports of the future: AI-powered maritime innovation for decarbonising ports and vessel routes

Photograph of manYu-Wang Chen By , and Filed Under: All posts, Energy and Environment, Science and Technology Posted:

The maritime industry is a significant contributor to global carbon emissions, and therefore a key barrier to the UK’s mission to become a Clean Energy Superpower. In this article, Dr Arijit De, Prof. Yu-Wang Chen and Prof. Richard Allmendinger outline their research from The University of Manchester on AI-powered maritime solutions that can address these […]

Teacher shows two students a science project using a plastic bottle in a bright, busy classroom.

Schools fit for the future: can smart technologies improve indoor air quality in schools?

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

Nurseries and primary schools are among the most significant energy consumers within the built environment, affecting both their operational budgets and the role of the education sector in the transition to net zero. Moreover, indoor air quality (IAQ) in these buildings plays a crucial role in determining the health, productivity, and wellbeing of students and […]

Become a contributor

Would you like to write for us on a public policy issue? Get in touch with a member of the team, ask for our editorial guidelines, or access our online training toolkit (UoM login required).

Disclaimer

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

Policy@Manchester

Manchester Policy Articles is an initiative from Policy@Manchester. Visit our web site to find out more

Contact Us

policy@manchester.ac.uk
t: +44 (0) 161 275 3038
The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK