Expert insight, analysis and comment on key public policy issues
By Juan Matthews Filed Under: Featured, Science and Technology Posted:
The future of the nuclear industry could lie with small reactors, argues Professor Juan Matthews. In the beginning, all reactors in nuclear power stations were small. Calder Hall, Britain’s first power station which went on-line in 1956, consisted of four reactors each generating just 50 MW of electricity. The next generation of Magnox reactors averaged […]
By Neil Pendleton Filed Under: Devo, Featured Posted:
Health and social care delivery needs to change substantially to meet the challenges and opportunities presented by an ageing society, argues Professor Neil Pendleton. Lifespan is increasing and we know that our health and social needs become more complex as we age. We also know this changing demographic is generating huge challenges for our health […]
By Colin Talbot Filed Under: Featured Posted:
Here Colin Talbot reacts to the terrorist atrocities in Paris. These are just some thoughts about the attacks in Paris. They’re not a thorough narrative or analysis, but things that have occurred to me as I have followed the story over the weekend. WHAT SORT OF ATTACK? It was clearly a highly organized, well-equipped and […]
By Mustafa Cirakli Filed Under: Europe, Featured Posted:
Europe’s refugee crisis continues. The EU’s deal with Turkey may provide humanitarian assistance, respite for European leaders and a better dialogue with Turkey, argues Mustafa Cirakli. Turkey-EU membership talks formally began in 2005, but there has been little progress. In part this is because of opposition from several ‘core’ member states, notably France and Germany. […]
By Kieran Walshe and Judith Smith Filed Under: Featured, Westminster Watch Posted:
The NHS deficit is unprecedented and unsustainable. All eyes are on the forthcoming Comprehensive Spending Review and on some promising ideas for reform, explain Professor Kieran Walshe and Professor Judith Smith. The first quarter financial returns for the NHS, published just after the Conservative Party conference in Manchester, are the worst ever. Trusts were £930m […]
By Laura ffrench-Constant Filed Under: All posts, Science and Technology Posted:
The final day of Policy Week saw Sam Illingworth of Manchester Metropolitan University chair a lively discussion about the relationship between scientists and politicians, exploring how engagement could be optimised. Speakers included: Lucy Powell MP, Amanda Bamford of the University of Manchester, Dr Richard Walker from the Royal Society of Chemistry and Dr Caroline Kenny […]
By Laura ffrench-Constant Filed Under: All posts Posted:
Manchester Informatics held a panel discussion, during Day Four of Policy week, about how technological innovation can help shape health policy and deliver joined up health and social care solutions. The event was chaired by Carmel Dickinson the Programme Manager of Manchester Informatics. Panellists at the event included: John Ainsworth Deputy Director of the Centre […]
By Laura ffrench-Constant Filed Under: All posts Posted:
The Citizen Social Science Research Methods programme based at the University of Manchester held an innovative forum about how citizen science can be used to tackle complex policy challenges as part of Policy Week. The session was chaired by Liz Richardson of the University of Manchester and speakers included: Dr Sheena Cruickshank, Dr Kingsley Purdam, […]
By Laura ffrench-Constant Filed Under: All posts, Featured, Whitehall Watch Posted:
The New Researcher Network hosted a breakfast session during Policy Week to investigate how much evidence is ‘enough’ prior to policy implementation and how to strike the balance between ‘ideal evidence’ and pragmatic decision making. The event was chaired by Dr Kieron Flanagan, whilst Dr Julian Simpson of the University of Manchester and Dr Kathryn […]
By Samuel Wood Filed Under: All posts Posted:
Professor David Nutt, who was sacked as a Government drugs policy advisor in 2009 gave a very frank interview about his experiences to Victoria Gill, as part of Policy Week 2015. Here Sam Wood reports on the conversation. Prof Nutt says he went into his Government role optimistic that he would be able to change […]