A view of the university of Berkley, where the idea of the personal computer first emerged. Shutterstock Universities do more than just teach and conduct research – they’re where some of the most audacious ideas are ignited, eventually finding their way into the private sector and our everyday lives. Take […]
Category: Europe
Lord Kelvin: how the 19th century scientist combined research and innovation to change the world
Statue of Lord Kelvin in Glasgow. University of Glasgow, CC BY-SA “What got you into astrophysics?” It’s a question I’m often asked at outreach events, and I answer by pointing to my early passion for exploring the biggest questions about our universe. Well, along with seeing Star Wars at an […]
China leans into using AI − even as the US leads in developing it
The Chinese government has made extensive use of existing AI technologies, including for surveillance. Peter Parks/AFP via Getty Images In the competitive arena of global technology, China’s ambitions in artificial intelligence stand out – not just for their scale but for their distinct strategic approach. In 2017, the Chinese Communist […]
Stuck bridges, buckling roads − extreme heat is wreaking havoc on America’s aging infrastructure
When highways buckle, the damage can happen quickly, putting drivers in danger and tying up traffic. AP Photo/David Goldman Summer 2024’s record heat is creating problems for transportation infrastructure, from roads to rails. New York’s Third Avenue Bridge, which swings open for ship traffic on the Harlem River, was stuck […]
Chicken wire, AI and mobile phones on sticks: how the drone war in Ukraine is driving a fierce battle of innovation
Drones are the signature technology of the Ukraine war. A few miniature aircraft designs were used in the war’s early days, but an incredible array of drones have now evolved. There are different types, sizes and levels of sophistication. They are used for many roles including short- and long-range attack, […]
The Australian government hands out hundreds of millions per year in grants to businesses. We find much of it is wasted
Australia hands out the best part of A$1 billion per year in grants to businesses. Many of these come with no strings attached, meaning there is no need to evaluate whether the grants boost employment, help the recipients become more efficient, or benefit the nation. To test what good these […]
What if companies rewarded employees for their failures?
Des entreprises ont mis en place des trophées pour les meilleures idées qui ont échoué Shutterstock A growing number of companies are encouraging their employees to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams in-house – a trend known as intrapreneurship. Some managers do this by providing workers with the financial, human and material […]
Using research to solve societal problems starts with building connections and making space for young people
One or two or 10 studies won't solve our most complex societal challenges. Big problems require collaborations beyond academia. Orbon Alija/E+ via Getty Images Often, when scientists do research around a specific societal challenge, they hope their work will help solve that larger problem. Yet translating findings into long-lasting, community-driven […]
Industrialisation is still vital to economic development but some countries are struggling to reap its benefits
SvedOliver/Shutterstock Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of the US, wrote a wealth of reports that served as building blocks for the country’s economic system. In 1791, during his time as secretary of the Treasury, Hamilton published one of his most important: the Report on the Subject of Manufactures. […]
NZ is in recession – so far there are few signs the government has a plan to stimulate and grow the economy
If you live in New Zealand and you’re feeling poorer, you’re not imagining it. Stats NZ has revealed the economy was in recession over the second half of last year. GDP fell in the September and December quarters by –0.3% and –0.1% respectively. Taking into account the record high levels […]