Expert insight, analysis and comment on key public policy issues
By Ralitza Dimova Filed Under: All posts Posted:
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 […]
By Clarissa Giebel Filed Under: All posts Posted:
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 […]
By Julia Mueller Filed Under: Featured, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted:
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 […]
By Steve Furber Filed Under: All posts, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted:
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 […]
By Bridget Byrne Filed Under: Ethnicity Posted:
Citizenship tests were introduced in the UK in 2005, as part of a raft of innovations in the area of citizenship and naturalisation. But are these tests requiring immigrants to the UK to become ‘super-citizens’, before we allow them to have full citizenship rights? Dr Bridget Byrne, author of recent research into the test, argues […]
Digital technologies have seen rapid uptake, across most of our world. So are developing countries seeing the benefits? If not, why not? The World Bank recently published its World Development Report 2016 Digital Dividends. Richard Heeks considers whether this major report accurately reflects the digital revolution and its impact on global development. Some years back, when […]
By David Hulme Filed Under: All posts Posted:
Oxfam’s annual inequality report reveals that the richest 1% now have as much wealth as the rest of the world combined. And the wealthiest 62 people on the planet have as much wealth as the poorest half of the global population. Professor David Hulme examines this extreme fiscal inequality and asks what can we do […]
By Eithne Quinn Filed Under: Ethnicity Posted:
Following the recent media storm around an all-white Oscar nomination list, it’s the wider industry inequality that needs to be addressed. Without ‘root and branch’ change, diversifying the Oscars alone could even make things worse, argues Dr Eithne Quinn. Behind the recent #OscarsSoWhite controversy over the all-white slate of actors nominated for this year’s Oscars […]
By Jill Stocks Filed Under: All posts Posted:
There is a high prevalence of potentially hazardous prescribing among some GP practices, a new research study published in the British Medical Journal has found. One of the authors, Dr Jill Stocks, explains the findings. Safe prescribing of medication is one of the most essential roles of GPs, yet our team’s research has found both […]
By Jonathan Darling Filed Under: All posts, Urban Posted:
No-one would say it was easy to agree public policy for the thorny issue of housing asylum seekers. But, argues Jonathan Darling, a recent news story shows just how urgent it is that a change of emphasis takes place. Last week, officials from the Home Office visited Middlesbrough to inspect properties used to house asylum […]