Policy@Manchester Articles

Radiation and risk – why policymakers and the public need facts not fears

By Laura Leay Filed Under: All posts Posted: March 11, 2016

Today marks the fifth anniversary of the earthquake and tsunami that caused nearly 20,000 deaths and triggered a major emergency at Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Station, Japan. In the days that followed, Japanese authorities evacuated around 100,000 people from the area as radiation was released into the atmosphere. But, asks Laura Leay, are policies around radiation […]

Don’t panic! Hancock’s Half Hour and the anti-advocacy clause

By Andy Westwood Filed Under: All posts Posted: March 10, 2016

An amendment to charities’ freedom in how they use Government grants has set many hares running in higher education. But, asks Andy Westwood, what does it mean and do we need to panic? Hancock’s half hour Matthew Hancock, the Cabinet Office minister has introduced a new ‘anti advocacy’ clause to be inserted into all new […]

The battle over skirt-only uniform codes – does it matter who wears the trousers?

By Claire Hale Filed Under: All posts Posted: March 8, 2016

Nowadays everywhere you look you will see women and girls wearing trousers: at work, at play, at formal and informal occasions. But many schools still impose skirt-only uniform codes for girls which Claire Hale says is gender discrimination and out of step with the modern world. The Queen has been seen in public wearing trousers. […]

Busting the male migrant myth – why the facts need to speak for themselves

By Jonathan Spencer Filed Under: All posts Posted: March 7, 2016

Men, mainly young and single, make up the majority of migrants coming into Europe in the recent crisis. But the negative portrayal of young migrant men in popular debates does not tally with the picture that emerges when you interview them, says researcher Jon Spencer. Stereotypes Failing in education, demonstrating inappropriate sexual behaviour and having a […]

Women’s representation rises as Irish government loses election

By Leah Culhane Filed Under: Europe, Featured Posted: March 4, 2016

With the final results of the Irish general election now in, Leah Culhane considers the impact of gender quotas on male over-representation within the lower house. Following the onset of Ireland’s deep financial crisis, the dominating focus in the last two elections has been the need for substantive change. The ‘earthquake’ election of 2011 arguably marked […]

Plugging the energy gap: keeping our reactors running, to keep the lights on

By Barry Marsden Filed Under: Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted: March 3, 2016

Demand for power continues to increase, and without enabling sufficient access to it, we run into serious economic, social and health problems, argues Prof Barry Marsden. EDF Energy has recently announced the plant life extension of four of their Advanced Gas-Cooled Reactors – in Hartlepool, Heysham and Torness. Extending the operating lifetime of these reactors […]

“Sit down for breakfast- stand up for the farmers!”

By Ralitza Dimova Filed Under: All posts Posted: February 29, 2016

Fairtrade Fortnight kicks off today and this year we are being asked to organise a Fairtrade breakfast in support of the farmers who grow the food we have every morning, like coffee, tea, cocoa and bananas. Support for poor farmers is to be welcomed, but is Fairtrade getting it right asks Ralitza Dimova? I believe […]

Living well with dementia – why a care home might be the best place to be

By Clarissa Giebel Filed Under: All posts Posted: February 26, 2016

One of the key objectives of the National Dementia Strategy is improving well-being, but carer burden and depression among isolated people living with dementia, is a major barrier. More social activities and improved carer support is greatly needed to deliver this important goal, argues Clarissa Giebel. Dementia affects over 850,000 in the UK alone. But […]

Is Dr Google a good source of medical information?

By Julia Mueller Filed Under: Featured, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted: February 23, 2016

We won’t stop Googling our symptoms any time soon, so why aren’t online health information resources more effective? An interdisciplinary study between Computer Science and Health Sciences is trying to answer the question, explains Julia Mueller. The internet is increasingly becoming an important health information source and many people routinely turn to the internet to […]

Why medicine needs computer modelling in the fight against brain disease

By Steve Furber Filed Under: All posts, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted: February 18, 2016

Research into new drugs for brain disease is being held back because of a lack of fundamental understanding and models of brain function argues Steve Furber, who explains why policy makers and researchers worldwide should make computer modelling part of the solution. Brain diseases cost the developed economies more than heart diseases, cancer and diabetes […]