Expert insight, analysis and comment on key public policy issues
By James Baker Filed Under: Science and Engineering Posted:
Ahead of the 2019 Party Conference season, James Baker – Chief Executive Officer of Graphene@Manchester reflects on ‘where next’ for the wonder material graphene and whether this is actually just the start for a game changing family of 2D materials. A whole new family of graphene-inspired materials could soon transform how we make and build […]
By Richard Fields Filed Under: Energy and Environment, Science and Engineering Posted:
In this blog, Dr Richard Fields looks at the need to be creative in developing transformative technologies such as advancements in battery life, in order to stave off an environmental disaster and ultimately safeguard humanity’s survival. • The cost of batteries has fallen faster than even the most optimistic forecasts, which means the future for […]
By Sarah Cartmell Filed Under: Science and Engineering Posted:
Sarah Cartmell is a Professor of Bioengineering at The University of Manchester and is currently Head of the Department of Materials which is home to nearly 2,000 students and staff. In this blog, Sarah explores why it can take so long for biomaterials to get from the laboratory to being used by patients and highlights […]
By Mike Shaver Filed Under: Energy and Environment, Science and Technology Posted:
Mike Shaver is currently Professor of Polymer Science at the University of Manchester in the School of Materials. In this article Mike explores how we should be viewing the use of plastic and also how we can avoid the potential environmental problems from plastic alternatives. Sustainable alternatives to plastic need thoughtful analysis of the whole […]
By Anna Coleman Filed Under: Health and Social Care Posted:
In the context of the changes set out in the recent NHS long term plan (2019), Dr Anna Coleman draws our attention to the recently published LGA report which highlights some of the good work that Health and Wellbeing Boards have been undertaking since they were introduced in 2013. She suggests the new place-based system of […]
By William Shankley Filed Under: Brexit, British Politics, Ethnicity, Europe Posted:
In recent years the government has been seen to take a hard-line stance on immigration policy. Yet it has launched numerous pro-immigration initiatives, with the primary aim of filling the labour deficit that exists in multiple sectors. Focus on these two conflicting approaches to immigration diverges hugely, with schemes that openly recognise the need for […]
By Andy Westwood Filed Under: All posts, British Politics Posted:
In this blog, Andy Westwood, Vice Dean for Social Responsibility in the Faculty of Humanities and Professor of Government Practice looks at what the recommendations within the Augar Review could mean for Greater Manchester. Many news headlines on the recent Augar Review focused on tuition fee cuts and extended repayment terms. But alongside those recommendations […]
By Precious N Chatterje-Doody, Vera Tolz and Stephen Hutchings Filed Under: All posts, British Politics, News Posted:
What to do about Russia’s primary international broadcaster Just before the European elections, EU officials raised concerns about Russian attempts to influence the democratic process, and Russia’s international broadcaster, RT (Russia Today) came under scrutiny for its anti-EU content. But is RT really an attack on democracy? What should be done about it? Reporting findings […]
By Pauline Nelson Filed Under: All posts, Health and Care, Health and Social Care Posted:
Increased patient demand and GP shortages have led to widespread strain on primary health services. In particular, GPs struggle in their unique roles as both expert medical generalists and holistic providers of patient-centred care. A greater ‘skill-mix’ for the coordination and delivery of care has been introduced, in order to ease capacity and widen support […]
By Chris Keyworth Filed Under: All posts, Health and Social Care Posted:
‘Prevention’ continues to grow as a focus of public health policy, seeking to enhance general well-being across a population and to avoid the potential future costs of treatment for avoidable conditions. Here, Chris Keyworth discusses one of the NHS’ flagship prevention initiatives, ‘Making Every Contact Count’. Making Every Contact Count has been designed to form […]