Expert insight, analysis and comment on key public policy issues
By John Broderick Filed Under: All posts, Featured, Science and Technology Posted:
As the decision on fracking at Little Plumpton in Lancashire is delayed, Dr John Broderick of the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, part of Manchester Energy, considers whether a UK shale gas industry may turn out to be an anachronism. Whether the go-ahead for fracking in Lancashire is given or not, there is little […]
By Oscar Flórez-Vargas and Michael Bramhall Filed Under: Featured, Science and Technology Posted:
It is essential that scientific research findings can be reproduced independently. But, warn Oscar Flórez-Vargas and Michael Bramhall, this is often not possible. The potential for the development of new treatments for diseases is being damaged by scientific research papers that are providing insufficient, and sometimes misleading, information. The incidence of these reporting weaknesses is […]
By Stefan Bouzarovski and Saska Petrova Filed Under: Europe, Featured, Science and Technology, Urban Posted:
The EU’s new ‘Energy Union’ does not go far enough in reshaping our demand for energy, argue Professor Stefan Bouzarovski and Dr Saska Petrova. One of the ten stated priorities of the new European Commission has been the establishment of an ‘Energy Union’ – a common policy umbrella that will, says the EU, ensure “secure, […]
By Simon Lovell and David Robertson Filed Under: All posts, Featured, Science and Technology Posted:
The Ebola outbreak has loosened its grip on West Africa, as shown by Liberia being declared free of the disease a couple of days ago. This is cause for relief, but not complacency, explain Simon Lovell and David Robertson. The 2014 outbreak of the Ebola virus arose from a single case in Guinea, probably transmitted […]
By Andy Westwood Filed Under: Devo, Featured, Science and Technology, Whitehall Watch Posted:
What research will the next government back and how should it choose? asks Professor Andrew Westwood. As we approach the General Election, the discussions of the research community in universities tend to focus on how to preserve the ‘science ringfence’ and the ‘dual support system’ (funding through both the Research Councils and the Funding Councils). […]
By Anita Greenhill Filed Under: All posts, Featured, Science and Technology, Urban, Whitehall Watch Posted:
The Government’s proposed Northern Powerhouse is all well and good, but, asks Anita Greenhill, where does the digital economy fit in this? The concept of a Northern Powerhouse and establishing an alternative to the dominant ‘London Powerhouse’ has strong Government support. It also has cross-party backing, with both the Conservative and Labour parties proposing their […]
By Iain Brassington Filed Under: All posts, Featured, Science and Technology, Westminster Watch Posted:
The House of Commons voted for a small but significant change in the law when it expressed its approval for the legalisation of mitochondrial transfer. Iain Brassington, Senior Lecturer, in the School of Law at The University of Manchester explores the issues the debate hinged on and whether the right decision was made. Mitochondrial illnesses arise […]
Faced by the challenge of energy security, the UK nuclear industry is recognising the need to engage with society on the case for nuclear power. Professor Andrew Sherry explains. Many areas of science and engineering are difficult to discuss with the public. This is particularly true where views are entrenched and polarised. Nuclear energy […]
By Stephanie Snow Filed Under: Featured, Science and Technology Posted:
A new report in the British Medical Journal on centralising acute stroke services in Greater Manchester and London reveals the revolution in stroke care and treatment over the last twenty years – and it contains vital lessons for patients and policymakers, explains Dr Stephanie Snow. Around 152,000 of us will suffer from stroke in the […]
By Sarah Mander Filed Under: Featured, Science and Technology Posted:
Shipping contributes about 3 per cent of global carbon emissions. The lack of a single regulatory environment makes it difficult to bring this down, explains Dr Sarah Mander. Shipping sits at the heart of international trade and has been the primary means by which globalisation has been facilitated. So it is not surprising that carbon […]