Expert insight, analysis and comment on key public policy issues
By Mike Barnes Filed Under: All posts, Energy and Environment, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted:
The drive to achieve Net Zero is underpinned by the principle that as a society we should ensure that we leave this planet better off, and indeed make it better for the next generation. Smart electrification is a key part of this. This is the combination of technology and human behaviour; it means electricity can’t […]
By Rob Lucas and Tim Brown Filed Under: Cities and Environment, Health and Care, Science and Technology, Urban Posted:
Light exposure has important effects on human health and wellbeing, regulating our sleep/wake cycles, and influencing our mental and physical health. Advances in our understanding of the role of light in health, and emerging lighting technologies, now present opportunities to adjust lighting to promote optimal physical and mental health and performance. In this blog, Professor […]
By Ian Plewis Filed Under: Energy and Environment, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted:
While much of the global discussion on climate change focusses on cutting CO2 emissions, methane is around 25 times more potent as a greenhouse gas in trapping heat in the Earth’s atmosphere. At COP26, the UK Government committed to reducing methane emissions by 30%. In this blog, Emeritus Professor Ian Plewis lays out the scale […]
By James Evans, Thomas Bannan and David Topping Filed Under: All posts, Cities and Environment, Digital Futures, Science and Technology Posted:
Data-driven policy has the potential to maximise positive outcomes on the environment, public health and the economy. In this blog, Prof David Topping, Prof James Evans and Dr Thomas Bannan explore the benefits of using big data tools as well as the challenges facing the implementation of data techniques to inform air quality policy in […]
By David Denning Filed Under: Energy and Environment, Health and Care, Health and Social Care, Science and Technology Posted:
The spread of resistance to antifungal medications has led to many serious infections becoming untreatable, compromising patient safety and posing a global public health threat. The World Health Organisation (WHO) will soon publish its fungal pathogen priority list, highlighting fungi that are already untreatable, and those for which treatment outcomes are poor. In this blog, […]
By Francis Livens Filed Under: Energy and Environment, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted:
The government has today announced plans to build eight new nuclear reactors in the UK, alongside strategies to boost wind, hydrogen, and solar production. These new reactors are intended to improve the UK’s energy self-sufficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as creating thousands of new jobs. In this blog, Professor Francis Livens of […]
By David Denning Filed Under: All posts, Health and Care, Health and Social Care, Science and Technology Posted:
The rapid and accurate diagnosis of fungal infections is crucial to effective treatment and ultimately saves lives. Diagnostics are often not widely available in low income countries leading to inappropriate and delayed treatments. This is the case for a serious fungal infection called chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA), and often for other fungal infections associated with […]
By Michael Fisher, Louise Dennis and Matt Luckcuck Filed Under: All posts, Digital Futures, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted:
Autonomous systems are becoming increasingly commonplace across all facets of modern life, including hazardous environments, where the choices made by machines have the potential to cause harm or injury to humans. But how well do we understand the decision-making process of artificial intelligence, and how does this affect trust in autonomous systems? In this blog, Professor […]
By Jo Neill Filed Under: All posts, British Politics, Health and Care, Health and Social Care, Science and Technology Posted:
The last decade has seen a new focus on psychedelics as powerful medicines for treating severe mental health issues, including the use of psilocybin for conditions such as PTSD and treatment-resistant depression. However, many of these potentially life-saving treatments, including psilocybin, remain difficult to research due to overly strict drug laws. In this blog, Professor […]
By Michael Fisher Filed Under: Digital Futures, Energy and Environment, Renewables, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted:
Net zero now forms the heart of policies and strategies across government, from “levelling up” to “build back better”. Combined with the UK’s National Infrastructure Strategy, it is clear that engineering – particularly new technologies such as robotics and AI – has a core role in our decarbonisation efforts. But how green are the technologies […]