ENVIRONMENT
Plastics report highlights UK reprocessing capacity gap
More than 200,000 tonnes of plastic packaging reprocessing capacity have been lost since the end of 2024, a policy commission reports.
News
News items, reports and updates from the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee.
NEWS
FST Autumn Journal Explores Climate, Science Diplomacy and AI
The Autumn FST Journal considers climate change, science diplomacy and AI, with guest editorials on thermal energy and the UK space industry.
FOOD & AGRICULTURE
Farm antibiotic programme targets practical barriers to stewardship
AMAST will test approaches to responsible antimicrobial use across UK food production, with a ruminant stewardship roadmap scheduled for 15 October.
ENERGY
Polar wind disruptions could warn of electricity demand spikes
Sudden stratospheric warmings were linked to a higher likelihood of extreme electricity demand, but do not guarantee surface cold.
ENVIRONMENT
£140 leaf sensor could support wildfire preparedness
A modified window-tint meter tracked leaf water content, but species-specific calibration and reduced reliability in severely dried leaves limit deployment.
NEWS
RGS Explore Weekend Celebrates 50 Years of Exploration
The Royal Geographical Society's 50th Explore Weekend brings together researchers and expedition organisers for talks, workshops and practical advice in London on 6-8 November.
HEALTH
Maternal RSV vaccination protects infants, but uptake remains unequal
Maternal vaccination was linked to around 74% lower RSV-related hospitalisation risk in babies under six months, alongside unequal uptake.
ENERGY
Liverpool Secures £1.5 Million for Shared Clean-Energy Research Facility
A planned Liverpool laser facility will help researchers investigate processes underlying batteries, hydrogen production and catalysis.
HEALTH
Edinburgh Trial Tests Frozen Tissue Transplant for Fertility Restoration
An experimental transplant could offer a future fertility option after childhood treatment, but researchers must first establish whether it produces sperm.
HEALTH
Study sets out requirements for NHS AI eye screening
A framework identifies 35 requirements for AI adoption in England’s diabetic eye screening programme, with specialist review retained in its preferred model.
HEALTH
Vaccine answers address childhood immunisation shortfall
Fewer than 84% of England’s five-year-olds have received both MMR doses, against the WHO’s 95% target.
OCEAN SCIENCE
NOC plans £65m to £100m research-vessel support framework
The proposed eight-year framework links ocean research infrastructure with marine engineering procurement and potential decarbonisation work.
HEALTH
UK roadmap targets recovery in dental research workforce
A new report links workforce renewal with the capacity to address oral health inequalities and train future dentists.
ENVIRONMENT
Acoustics Experts Call for Clearer Heathrow Noise Policy
The Institute of Acoustics urges clearer noise safeguards in draft policy for Heathrow expansion.
HEALTH
NHS evaluation tests AI detection of hidden heart disease
An Imperial-led model is being evaluated in 590 NHS patients after testing in two US groups.
ENGINEERING
IChemE Seeks Evidence on the Future of Chemical Engineering
IChemE is inviting evidence on five forces reshaping chemical engineering, with submissions open until 27 November 2026.
HEALTH
NHS Pilot Expands Rapid Brain Tumour Testing
A two-year evaluation will inform NHS commissioning recommendations for genomic testing that could identify brain tumour types within 24 hours.
ENGINEERING
Measurement Expertise Offers SMEs a Route Past Innovation Barriers
UK SMEs have until 11am on 6 October to seek support for measurement and analysis problems holding back innovation, productivity and growth.
ENVIRONMENT
Baroness Brown Honoured for Engineering Leadership on Climate Policy
Julia King, Baroness Brown of Cambridge, has received the Royal Academy of Engineering's President's Medal for advancing engineering's contribution to environmental sustainability and supporting future engineers.
HEALTH
UEA Award Strengthens the UK's Medical Research Skills Pipeline
UEA has secured a share of a £90 million Medical Research Council investment supporting more than 200 doctoral researchers each year across the UK, strengthening specialist skills for future health challenges.
NUCLEAR
UK-US University Alliance Targets Fusion Research, Skills and Policy
A new partnership between UK and US universities will coordinate fusion research, workforce development, commercialisation and policy, linking public research with the skills and industrial capacity needed for deployment.
HEALTH
£50m Immunology Centre Pursues Cures, Not Lifelong Disease Management
A fourteen-year, £50 million research programme will bring together scientists, clinicians and patients to develop treatments intended to cure chronic inflammatory diseases rather than continually suppress their symptoms.
ENVIRONMENT
Mining Pollution Threatens Almost 300,000km of Global Coastline
A global assessment led by the National Oceanography Centre has identified almost 300,000km of coastline at potential risk from mining pollution, strengthening the case for long-term monitoring, remediation and regulation.
EDUCATION
Practical Science Programme Targets Schools with Least Access to STEM
The Royal Society's new Science Community Grants will connect STEM organisations with 250 schools and colleges, combining locally relevant investigations with sustained support for teachers.
ENGINEERING
National Measurement Laboratory Annual Review 2025 Highlights UK Measurement Science
The National Measurement Laboratory Annual Review 2025 highlights new scientific infrastructure in Guildford and the role of trusted measurement science in healthcare, food, security, sustainability and UK innovation.
EDUCATION
Physics Teacher Shortage Threatens Scotland's Future Skills Pipeline
Only 28 physics teachers were recruited in Scotland against a target of 131 last year, prompting calls for coordinated action to protect equal access to physics and the country's future technical workforce.
POLICY
Extreme Heat Should Be Treated as a Workplace Health and Productivity Risk
A new report argues that extreme heat is already affecting worker health, safety and economic output, and calls for updated regulation, clearer employer guidance and coordinated public-health policy.
EDUCATION
Bright SCIdea Challenge Supports the Next Generation of Science Entrepreneurs
The Bright SCIdea Challenge gives university students the opportunity to transform innovative science-based ideas into viable business plans, supported by expert training and the chance to compete for a £5,000 prize.
PHYSICS
OxCHEDS Co-Director Colin Danson Awarded Visiting Professorship at Oxford
Colin Danson, Co-Director of OxCHEDS, has been appointed Visiting Professor of Physics at the University of Oxford, recognising decades of leadership in high-power laser science and collaborative research.
SCIENCE IN PARLIAMENT
Science in Parliament Summer 2026
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ENVIRONMENT
The UK Has the Means to Avoid Climate Policy Being Driven by Culture Wars
Professor Chris Rapley explores how the UK can avoid the climate policy polarisation seen elsewhere by protecting key institutions, maintaining cross-party support, and delivering tangible benefits for households.
ENVIRONMENT
Neglected Pollutants: 3 Years On – The Effects of Noise on Human Health (Online Event)
Join experts from the Institute of Acoustics, Institution of Environmental Sciences, and UK Noise Association for an online discussion exploring the latest evidence on noise pollution and its impact on human health. Registration details available here
EMERGING TECH
University of Liverpool Secures £23.7 Million to Accelerate AI Innovation and Regional Growth
The University of Liverpool has secured more than £23.7 million in UKRI funding to deliver two major innovation programmes focused on AI-enabled materials chemistry and antimicrobial technologies, supporting research commercialisation, skills development and regional economic growth.
ENGINEERING
Council for Science and Technology Launches Recruitment for New Independent Co-Chair
The UK government is seeking a new independent co-chair for the Council for Science and Technology, a senior advisory role providing expert guidance directly to the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Applications close on 29 June 2026.
ENVIRONMENT
Why Humanity Must Start Treating Earth Like a Shared Spaceship
A new article from The Conversation explores the concept of “Spaceship Earth” and how viewing the planet as a shared system with finite resources could shape discussions around sustainability, resilience, and environmental governance.
EMERGING TECH
Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys Publishes Annual Report 2025
The Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys’ 2025 Annual Report highlights the growing importance of intellectual property policy, innovation protection, and professional expertise in supporting the UK’s science and technology sectors.
ENVIRONMENT
British Society of Soil Science Launches Annual Report 2025
The British Society of Soil Science has released its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting record membership growth, major educational initiatives, and the vital role of soil science in supporting sustainability, climate resilience, and environmental policy.
POLICY
Muon g-2 Experiment Honoured with Prestigious Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics
The Muon g-2 experiment has earned the Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics, spotlighting intriguing evidence that could challenge the Standard Model and open the door to new physics.
HEALTH
Academy of Medical Sciences Backs Early-Career Researchers with New Support Initiatives
The Academy of Medical Sciences is strengthening support for early-career researchers, calling for reforms to funding, mentorship, and career stability to safeguard the future of UK biomedical research.
SCIENCE IN PARLIAMENT
Science in Parliament Spring 2026
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POLICY
Why Asking Better Questions Can Improve AI Chatbot Answers
New research reveals that how you phrase a question to AI can shape the answer you get—offering a simple technique to reduce bias and improve accuracy.
POLICY
£50m UKRI Safer Streets Programme Targets Knife Crime, VAWG, and Public Trust with AI and Community-Led Innovation
A £50m UKRI initiative will harness AI, community insight, and cutting-edge research to tackle knife crime, violence against women and girls, and rebuild trust in policing across the UK.
HEALTH
Edinburgh Strengthens Global Scientific Collaboration Through Strategic City Partnerships
Edinburgh is deepening its global scientific partnerships, using city-level collaboration to drive innovation, tackle shared challenges, and boost economic and research impact worldwide.
EDUCATION
Mersey Maritime Launch Signals New Era for Liverpool’s Maritime Innovation
A new Mersey Maritime initiative from LJMU aims to drive innovation, sustainability, and skills development—positioning Liverpool at the forefront of the UK’s evolving maritime sector.
ENVIRONMENT
Transforming Meteorology Training: University of Plymouth and Met Office Respond to a Changing Climate
A new partnership between the University of Plymouth and the Met Office is redefining how meteorologists are trained—preparing a new generation to tackle climate change and extreme weather with cutting-edge tools and real-world expertise.
AI
University of Liverpool Showcases AI-Driven Materials Innovation During UKRI CEO Visit
The University of Liverpool highlights how AI is revolutionising materials science, showcasing breakthroughs in faster discovery and sustainable innovation during a high-profile UKRI visit.
POLICY
UCL Professor Shortlisted for Prestigious Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction
A UCL professor’s shortlisting for the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction spotlights the growing influence of academic research in shaping public debate and advancing evidence-based storytelling.
HEALTH
Opening of the Dahdaleh Building Signals a New Era in Heart and Lung Innovation
A groundbreaking new research facility at Imperial College London is set to transform heart and lung medicine through collaboration, innovation, and cutting-edge technology.
EMERGING TECH
Seabirds Inspire Breakthrough in GPS-Free Navigation Technology
Seabirds navigating thousands of miles without GPS are inspiring a new wave of resilient navigation technology, offering solutions to modern vulnerabilities in satellite-based systems.
HEALTH
Professor Karen Steel Honoured with Prestigious Grand Scientific Prize for Hearing Research
Professor Karen Steel receives a major international award for her groundbreaking research into the genetics of hearing loss, marking a significant milestone in auditory science.