Expert insight, analysis and comment on key public policy issues
Much of the world’s plastic waste is still not disposed of responsibly, and it can now be found in all natural environments. Dr Ian Kane has focused his research on understanding the problem of microplastics in world oceans. In this blog, he tells us about some of the pathways plastics take to enter oceans and […]
By Ransford A. Acheampong Filed Under: All posts, Cities and Environment, Urban Posted:
The measures we put in place around transport and mobility are critical to how we emerge from this pandemic and rebuild in the coming years. In this blog, Dr Ransford A. Acheampong examines how to make transport safe as some of the most vulnerable groups are returning to work, and shows that active travel is […]
By Christopher Phillipson, Camilla Lewis, Tine Buffel, Patty Doran and Sophie Yarker Filed Under: Health and Care, Health and Social Care Posted:
Older people have borne the brunt of deaths from COVID-19, whether in hospital or in care homes. At the same time, the coronavirus emergency sits alongside a crisis in many of the communities in which older people live. In this blog, Chris Phillipson, Camilla Lewis, Tine Buffel, Patty Doran and Sophie Yarker examine how the […]
By Iain White, Graham Haughton and Nuno Pinto Filed Under: All posts, Cities and Environment, Growth and Inclusion, Inclusive Growth Posted:
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to discussions on what shape planning should take post-crisis. Here, Prof Iain White, Prof Graham Haughton, and Dr Nuno Pinto outline how current regulations have exacerbated difficulties for some people in lockdown, discuss how opportunistic developers or politicians may seek to hijack the policy responses, and suggest solutions to ensure […]
By Kath Checkland Filed Under: All posts, Health and Social Care Posted:
COVID-19 has reinforced the necessity of effective planning of health services, treatment and prevention capacities in primary and secondary care, and both protecting and optimising our healthcare workforce. Here, Professor Kath Checkland reflects on the renewed centrality of “commissioning” to health policy debates that will follow in the wake of the pandemic, and draws lessons from […]
By Ola Demkowicz Filed Under: All posts, Health and Care Posted:
The lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has seen an increasing focus on mental health, particularly that of children and young people. In this blog, Dr Ola Demkowicz examines the emphasis on resilience in this age group, and suggests how policymakers can better support young people’s wellbeing, while moving away from placing the onus on […]
By Cathy Atkinson and Marianne Mannello Filed Under: All posts Posted:
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child Article 31 states children have the right to access play, rest and leisure. With the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, play opportunities are vital to helping children make sense of their experiences, problem-solve, reconnect with their peers, and promote their own wellbeing. In this […]
By Margarita Panayiotou Filed Under: Digital Futures, Health and Care Posted:
The COVID-19 pandemic, and the subsequent lockdown initiated in much of the world, has highlighted the crucial role of social media in social connectivity and news dissemination. In this blog, from our publication On Digital Trust, Dr Margarita Panayiotou explores whether social media is as bad for our mental health as we are led to […]
By Warren Mansell Filed Under: Health and Social Care Posted:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health services are providing support remotely. In this blog, Dr Warren Mansell, Reader in Clinical Psychology, discusses the positive ways that services have adapted and how they can be sustained in the future. The COVID-19 crisis has put into stark relief a chronic, pre-existing problem with the provision of talking […]
By Marianne Sensier and Elvira Uyarra Filed Under: Cities and Environment, Growth and Inclusion Posted:
Dr Marianne Sensier and Dr Elvira Uyarra have conducted research comparing the economic resilience, community wellbeing, sustainability and governance of Greater Manchester and Preston in recovery from the 2008 financial crisis. The financial crisis provided a window of opportunity for some places to develop new arrangements to adapt and diversify regional economies. In this blog, […]