Expert insight, analysis and comment on key public policy issues
By William Bodel Filed Under: All posts, Energy and Environment, Science and Engineering Posted:
The UK is currently storing around 140 tonnes of plutonium, mostly arising from its civil nuclear programme over the past 60 years. What should we, as a nation, do with it? Should we use it as fuel for future reactors, or dispose of it as waste? The latest position paper from the Dalton Nuclear Institute […]
By Richard Curry Filed Under: British Politics, Research and development, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted:
The UK Science and Technology Framework has recently been announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, with Quantum Technologies (QTs) identified as one of five critical technologies. But what is needed to realise this vision – and should the UK invest everywhere, or target its areas of expertise? Here, Professor Richard Curry outlines how the country […]
By Adrian Bull Filed Under: All posts, British Politics, Energy and Environment, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted:
The announcement of Great British Nuclear (GBN) is a long awaited positive step. GBN clearly now faces a monumental workload and a range of challenges as it sets the ground for new nuclear build in the UK. In this article, Professor Adrian Bull emphasises the need to engage with development companies rather than just ‘starting […]
By James Baker Filed Under: British Politics, Budget, Growth and Inclusion, Levelling up, Research and development, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology, UK economy Posted:
A new national policy report has identified the graphene innovation ecosystem at Manchester as a regional hub for international partnership and investment. In this article, James Baker explores how this success demonstrates that research and development (R&D) investment into specialist regional clusters like Graphene@Manchester provides national government with an excellent return on investment as they […]
By Usman Aziz, Elvira Uyarra and Jo Mylan Filed Under: All posts, Cities and Environment, Energy and Environment, Growth and Inclusion, UK economy, Urban Posted:
The UK is making progress to achieve net zero, with the latest findings indicating that UK emissions in 2021 fell below 2019 levels. These efforts, however, are still identified as insufficient for fulfilling the Paris Agreement. To lead the way towards a green and just future, regional and urban areas are developing ambitious strategies to […]
By Muir Freer, Clair Gough and Andrew Welfle Filed Under: All posts, Energy and Environment, Science and Engineering, UK economy Posted:
Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) could play an important role in meeting the UK’s net zero emissions target according to the sixth carbon budget scenarios. However, there are many different ways BECCS could be deployed in the UK, and how that roll out is managed could make a big difference in terms of […]
By Jo Neill, Verity Wainwright and Frances Smith Filed Under: British Politics, Health and Care, Research and development, Science and Technology Posted:
Around 17% of recent military veterans in the UK report symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and currently available treatments don’t work for many of these. Here, Professor Jo Neill, Dr Verity Wainwright, and Frances Smith report the findings of a new study into the role that psilocybin (the active constituent of so-called ‘magic’ mushrooms) […]
By Fiona Thistlethwaite and Brian Bigger Filed Under: All posts, Health and Care, Levelling up, Research and development, Science and Technology Posted:
Life sciences – including new cancer treatments – forms a central pillar of the UK Government’s post-Brexit plan for science and technology. But how could this focus also play a role in another key tenet of British policymaking; the levelling-up agenda? In this blog, adapted from our On Cancer publication, Professor Fiona Thistlethwaite and Professor […]
By Edward Manderson Filed Under: All posts, British Politics, Energy and Environment, Renewables, Science and Technology Posted:
The UK and Europe are facing rapid increases in energy prices from what were already high levels. While the UK has committed to an energy price cap until April 2023, beyond this date only targeted support for the poorest households is likely to be affordable. In this blog, Dr Ed Manderson explains the impact that […]
By Jonatan Pinkse Filed Under: All posts, Cities and Environment, Energy and Environment, Growth and Inclusion, Industry 4.0, OnProductivity, Renewables, Science and Engineering, UK economy Posted:
The UK government has assigned itself with the tasks of boosting productivity in left-behind areas and transitioning to a net-zero economy. In this blog, Professor Jonatan Pinkse explores how the UK can simultaneously improve its standards of productivity regionally while transitioning to a net-zero economy. His policy recommendations include securing green jobs and not using […]