The study, which evaluated changes in Greater Swagֱ�� from 2016 to 2020 compared to the rest of England, is published in the journal Social Science & Medicine today (25/03/24). 

It builds on previous evidence by investigating how changes in the health system may have led to increases in life expectancy in Greater Swagֱ�� over this period, analysing 98 measures of performance.

It was funded by The Health Foundation and supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration Greater Swagֱ�� (ARC-GM).

According to the study, there were 11.1% fewer alcohol related hospital admissions, 11.6% fewer first time offenders, 14.4% fewer hospital admissions for violence, and 3.1% fewer half school days missed from 2016 to 2020.

Same day GP appointments increased by 1.8% and unplanned A&E re-attendances were 2.7% lower, in line with increases in the GP and hospital workforce. Cancer screening rates also improved.

Adult social care effectiveness and overall satisfaction also improved by 17.6%, despite decreases in expenditure and staff.

However, adult obesity increased by 7.6% and median wait times for A&E treatment worsened by 12.2%. There were also mixed impacts of devolution on outpatient, mental health, maternity, and dental services.

The positive changes, argue the researchers, are likely to have been a result of different aspects of the Greater Swagֱ�� devolution deals.

These include the transfer of control over transformation funding for improving services to the Greater Swagֱ�� Health and Social Care Partnership, the development of collaborative relationships between the NHS agencies and local governments represented on the Greater Swagֱ�� Health and Social Care Partnership Board, or the impact of wider devolved public services.

The negative changes on other indicators, they add, are likely to be a result of difficulties local decision-makers had in re-prioritising how they used their resources given their limited powers to raise additional revenue through taxation or other means.

Lead author from Swagֱ�� said: “This study provides new evidence on the impact of devolution on health and care services , focusing on a large set of performance measures.

“Our findings suggest that devolution in Greater Swagֱ�� was associated with broad improvements in health services, social determinants of health, and subsequently, health outcomes.”

Co-author from Swagֱ�� and Deputy Director of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration Greater Swagֱ�� (ARC-GM) said: “These improvements were achieved despite limited formal devolved authority and control over health and care resources, suggesting that other features of the health and wider devolution deals played an important role.

“However, improvements were not universal. Restricted formal powers are likely to have made it harder to fully reprioritise resources.”

Co-author from Swagֱ�� said: “Unlike what we have seen in other devolved places, enhancements were observed in Greater Swagֱ�� even with limited health and social care powers, and without the ability to significantly raise revenue through taxes.

“The success of future devolution initiatives to improve population health might depend less on the devolution of formal powers, and more on alignment and collaboration between health and other public services within the region.”

Adam Briggs, Senior Policy Fellow at the Health Foundation, said: “The past decade was incredibly challenging for health and social care services across England, so it is very positive that this research finds that life expectancy in Greater Swagֱ�� has been heading in the right direction. But devolution is complex and, as the researchers point out, it’s hard to know what aspects of the approach taken in Greater Swagֱ�� have helped - untangling causation from correlation is very difficult. 

“Ultimately, much of what makes us healthy sits outside of health care services and is instead driven by the building blocks of good health – such as secure housing, good work and education. As public finances get increasingly stretched, closer partnership working between the NHS, local government and communities is needed now more than ever, whether that’s a result of devolution or any other form of local collaboration.”

Chair of NHS Greater Swagֱ�� Integrated Care Board, Sir Richard Leese said: “This latest research reinforces what we know, that working together in partnership, locally has better outcomes and supports people to live healthier and happier lives.

“It’s encouraging that our approach has seen increases to healthy life expectancy and better access in some services. However, we recognise where we haven’t seen improvements or the change we hoped for, including against the national average. We’re continuing to work together as a system to improve health and care for everyone. Our commitment to partnership working will give us the best chance of success and tackling health inequalities.”

Chair of Greater Swagֱ�� Integrated Care Board, City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “Devolution, in health and care and other areas, has given us the ability to unlock health benefits for our Greater Swagֱ�� communities by working together to deliver good housing, good jobs and more. The power, potential and importance of locally driven integration and collaboration is clear from this report. We must maintain this."

The paper “The Impact of Devolution on Local Health Systems: Evidence from Greater Swagֱ��, England" is available .

Mr Khan, who has represented Swagֱ�� Gorton in Parliament since 2017, also toured the Swagֱ�� Air Quality Supersite – one of the largest locations in the UK dedicated to air quality research – and took part in a roundtable discussion with senior academics.

Supported by the University’s endowment fund, the Firs upgrade delivered state-of the-art greenhouse facilities that support expert research on food security and climate change. They comprise 14 climate controlled growing compartments which simulate an assortment of different growing environments around the world ranging from tropical to sub-arctic.

The Swagֱ�� Air Quality Supersite, also located on the University’s Fallowfield campus, is home to a mobile research laboratory that gathers detailed data on the contents of harmful urban air pollution.  It is one of three air quality supersites across the UK established as part of a £6 million investment by the Natural Environment Research Council. 

Mr Khan was welcomed by , Professor , Professor and Dr Oliver Hughes, who all joined the roundtable discussion.

Professor Coe, a Professor of Atmospheric Composition and Director of the Swagֱ�� Environmental Research Institute, said: “It was a pleasure to meet Mr Khan and lead the tour of the Swagֱ�� Air Quality Supersite which has the capability to work out where the gases and particles that pollute our air are coming from and how they form.

“We are immensely proud of the role Swagֱ�� plays in this area of academic research and the potential this work has to reduce air pollution on a global scale.”

Professor Cruickshank, a Professor in Biomedical Sciences and Public Engagement, recently published an on the Policy@Swagֱ�� website addressing how better community engagement can encourage more people to use modes of ‘active transport’ – such as walking and cycling - and reduce air pollution in high risk areas.  

She said: “My colleagues and I regularly engage with policymakers.  Having an opportunity to brief Mr Khan on our ongoing activities and exchange ideas was a useful part of this process.

“My article, published by Policy@Swagֱ��, highlights the way that involving and empowering communities can identify key priorities to tackle pollution in neighbourhoods to enhance their lives.

“Greater Swagֱ�� has among the worst levels of pollution in the UK, with poor air quality estimated to contribute to around 1,200 premature deaths each year in the city region.

“That is a shocking statistic which underscores how important it is to involve local communities in the drive to reduce the impacts of air pollution.” 

Afzal Khan MP said: “It was a privilege to visit the Firs Environmental Research Station and the Swagֱ�� Air Quality Supersite which are shining beacons in climate change and air quality research.

“My roundtable meeting also provided a fascinating insight into the many research activities taking place on-site.

“We face huge global climate challenges, and it is heartening to see the work going on here in Swagֱ�� to formulate evidence-based solutions to help address them.       

“I thank the University’s policy engagement unit, Policy@Swagֱ��, for putting such an interesting programme together.”

Morecambe and Lunesdale MP David Morris was appointed as the first ever UK Government Space Adviser in 2022, effectively trade envoy to the national space industry.

He was met by Professor Keith Grainge and Professor Simon Garrington, Associate Directors of Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics at Swagֱ��, for a tour beginning at the iconic Lovell Telescope.

With its 76-metre diameter reflecting surface, it has stood over the Cheshire plain since 1957.  The telescope has been upgraded several times and remains one of the biggest and most powerful radio telescopes in the world, spending most of its time investigating cosmic phenomena which were undreamed of when it was conceived.

Mr Morris moved on to the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) where he was given a demonstration of low frequency antennas by Dr Simon Berry, head of the SKAO.Director-General’s Office.  The SKAO is the world’s newest intergovernmental organisation created with the objective of constructing and operating radio telescopes in Australia and South Africa.

In addition to enabling transformative science, SKAO's mission focuses on ensuring the maximum possible societal impact and engagement with the communities in which it will operate.  Dr Berry’s team is responsible for the SKAO's external and international relations activities, governance, strategic engagement and external communications.

The final stop on the visit was the First Light Pavilion under the guidance of Professor Teresa Anderson MBE, Director of the Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement.

The First Light Pavilion is at the heart of a £21.5 million project to open up the heritage of Jodrell Bank to many more people.  Audiences can see fascinating archive materials brought together for the first-time - including audio, film, diaries, letters, plans and photographs - in innovative digital displays and projections.

David Morris MP said: “In my role as UK Government Space Adviser, I take a keen interest in the ongoing work at Jodrell Bank which I last visited in 2022.

“The commitment of Swagֱ�� to astronomy and space research is well known.

“Indeed, the recommendations from its academics on areas such as international collaboration, space psychology and sustainable resources – as set out in Policy@Swagֱ��’s publication On Space – remain at the heart of policy discussions in Whitehall and Westminster.

“I welcome the opportunity to tap into the latest thinking from the experts I met and look forward to returning to Jodrell Bank very soon.”

He was given a guided tour of the £9 million lab by , Professor of High Voltage Engineering and Head of the High Voltage Research Group, including a demonstration of its renowned 2MV impulse generator which allows researchers to stress test equipment used on the grid by creating real-life lightning voltages. 

Sir Mark also met with , academic co-director and contributor to the Policy@Swagֱ�� publication which sets out research-led solutions to some of the greatest policy challenges facing the UK from energy security to food production.

A former electronics engineer, Sir Mark has represented Preston in Parliament since 2000 and currently serves as a member of the House of Commons Energy Security and Net Zero Select Committee.

Professor Qiang Liu, said: “We always welcome the opportunity to showcase our work with small businesses, industry and national governments to address real world conundrums which draws on the lessons learnt from our research in the High Voltage Lab.

“Swagֱ�� is equally proud of our role in training the engineers of tomorrow who will take on the task of identifying and implementing the improvements needed to revitalise our energy system.

“As a former engineer, Sir Mark takes a keen interest in our mission to deliver an equitable and prosperous net zero energy future.”

Sir Mark Hendrick MP said: “It was excellent to see at first-hand how the High Voltage Lab enables researchers to find new methods to innovate at pace.

“Swagֱ�� also makes a remarkable contribution in training 300 electrical engineers and supporting 150 PhD researchers in electrical power each year.

“My meeting with Maria was particularly informative with On Resilience covering several topics relevant to my work on the Energy Security and Net Zero Select Committee.

“Through Policy@Swagֱ��, I look forward to keeping in close touch with the latest research at the University in the months ahead.”    

He also toured the site of , a joint venture between the University and Bruntwood SciTech, which will transform the North campus into an innovative £1.7 billion tech and science location.

Mr Kane, the Member of Parliament for Wythenshawe and Sale East, was briefed by Professor Alice Larkin and Dr Simon Bullock whose research sets out immediate actions required to cut shipping emissions by 34% to stay on course to achieve the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global heating to 1.5°C above preindustrial levels.

The discussions took place following Mr Kane’s comments in the House of Commons last month in which he expressed concerns that the Government is yet to publish a refreshed Clean Maritime Plan to drive down UK shipping emissions.

Following a meeting with , the University’s Vice President for Civic Engagement, the Shadow Minister was shown around the nine-acre ID Swagֱ�� site and updated on the latest project plans by Tanya Graham, Head of Policy@Swagֱ��, alongside Brad Topps, Chief Commercial Officer, and Sam Darby, Development Director, of Bruntwood SciTech.

The initiative is set to create over 10,000 new jobs and bring significant economic, social and environmental benefits to the city including more than 2 million square feet of commercial and retail space, and over 1,500 homes.

Professor Richard Jones said: “It was a pleasure to brief Mike on the numerous exciting initiatives Swagֱ�� is currently involved in, and to hear his perspectives on the direction of public policy across a broad range of topics.

“Our ongoing research on shipping emissions is directly relevant to his brief as Shadow Minister for Aviation and Maritime and will inform debates nationally and internationally as policymakers strive to meet the 1.5°C Paris Agreement limit.

“We are also proud and excited to be working in partnership with Bruntwood SciTech to deliver ID Swagֱ��, a place where offices, laboratories and creative studios will stand shoulder to shoulder with a world-class university to drive positive economic, social and environmental change.”

Mike Kane MP said: “I am grateful to Policy@Swagֱ�� for arranging such a fascinating visit.

“As a Swagֱ�� MP, I take great pride in the quality of research and teaching happening here. The work on shipping emissions, led by Professor Larkin and Dr Bullock, is of especially high quality and it was useful for me to drill down into their findings in my meeting with them.

“ID Swagֱ�� will have a transformative impact across the city region and far beyond, making a positive difference to the lives of entrepreneurs, students, professionals and families.

“Life continues to tough for many as the cost of living crisis endures, but better times for the people of Swagֱ�� lie ahead.”  

The (GEIC) helps companies progress and launch new technologies, products and processes that exploit the pioneering properties of graphene and other 2D materials.

Mr Khan was given a tour by Professor James Baker, CEO of , and met with application managers and technical specialists engaged in the use of tangible samples and cutting-edge equipment that bring products and applications to life.

He also held informal discussions with Professor John Holden, the University’s Associate Vice President for Special Projects, and the Vice Dean of Research and Innovation.  

To date, the GEIC has delivered more than 350 successful projects for over 200 companies and supported more than 50 spin outs.

Professor James Baker, CEO of Graphene@Swagֱ��, said: “Swagֱ�� is proud to be known as the home of graphene.  It is where it was first isolated by our researchers in 2004 and is the world’s first breakthrough 2D material.

“Through GEIC, we offer a dedicated translation centre that helps SMEs bridge the gap from lab to market - something that is not replicated anywhere else in UK academia.

“Our two-tier membership model also allows us to work on short feasibility projects, through to a long-term strategic partnership with multiple projects in different application areas.

“It was a pleasure to welcome Mr Khan to the centre to be briefed about some of the innovative work we are involved in, and to talk about our ongoing collaborations with major partners including the UAE and the Department for Business and Trade.”

Afzal Khan MP, said: “The GEIC has a remarkable success rate in delivering new projects.

“It is a truly world class facility supported by experienced and knowledgeable applications engineers and internationally renowned academics, working across a broad range of novel technologies and applications.

“Everyone involved in establishing the centre’s enviable reputation deserves immense credit for what they have achieved.    

“I am grateful to the University’s policy engagement unit, , for arranging an especially informative visit and look forward to returning soon.”

With support from the , the UK’s national centre for research and innovation for advanced materials, the lab gives researchers and industry access to the complete fabrication pipeline from cell culturing to product evaluation.

Funded by a £200,000 grant from the UK Space Agency and assisted by the European Space Agency, a University of Swagֱ�� team are currently investigating how to optimise the bioprinting process for conditions experienced in space, such as lack of gravity.

Using the unique capabilities of the BTP, researchers are also collaborating with clinicians and cell biologists to develop 3D models of human cartilage and bone.

Mr Green, who before entering Parliament spent almost two decades working as an engineer in the mass spectrometry industry, began his trip at the - the most advanced nuclear research capability in UK academia - where he was briefed on current projects by Professor Adrian Bull MBE, Chair in Nuclear Energy and Society. 

The Bolton West MP’s final destination on the visit, organised by the University’s policy engagement unit , was the Justice Hub to join a health-themed roundtable discussion with senior academics including Dr Philip Drake, Dr Jennifer Voorhees and Dr Jonathan Hammond.   

Professor Richard Jones, Vice President for Civic Engagement and Innovation at Swagֱ��, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Chris and give him an insight into some of the pioneering work we do in partnership with businesses right across Greater Swagֱ��.

“Swagֱ��'s cutting-edge research in making a real difference in tackling pressing policy challenges.  That's why it is important for influencers of policy, including MPs across Greater Swagֱ��, to see at first-hand the work being done and to take that evidence back with them to Westminster. 

“This was a particularly timely visit as the Chancellor announced a new investment zone for Greater Swagֱ�� in the recent Autumn Statement which will give further impetus to the work we do on innovation, advanced materials and manufacturing with our partners in the city-region."

Chris Green MP said: “It was a fascinating morning. Swagֱ�� has a thoroughly merited global reputation for research excellence across a vast swathe of subject areas, not least in technology, innovation and health.

“I was deeply impressed by all I saw and heard, particularly in the Bioprinting Technology Platform where the remarkable work going on places Greater Swagֱ�� firmly at the forefront of the medical engineering revolution.

“I look forward to following the many exciting research projects happening across the University, with lots more in development.”          

On Resilience, a collection of articles drawing on research from University of Swagֱ�� academics, examines a range of solutions to strengthen our national resilience.

Matthew Paterson, Professor of International Politics, writes that the war in Ukraine “has underscored how crucial geopolitical dynamics are to thinking about the future of energy.”

He makes a series of policy recommendations to maintain the Government’s transition to net zero “while focusing on those elements that minimise geopolitical risks.”

These include a drive to reduce energy demand with an emphasis on weaning the UK economy off its dependence on natural gas, which the conflict in Ukraine has graphically highlighted.

Professor Paterson argues that decarbonising housing through heat pumps and electric cooking can also strengthen national resilience and advocates new policies to shift the population away from private car use in favour of public transport, coupled with additional investment in road transport electrification “to minimise exposure to oil price volatility.”

And he makes the case for domestic renewable electricity generation to be accelerated, commenting: “There is significant untapped potential both for onshore wind and solar, which have largely been hampered by regulatory blockages that need reversing.”

Timothy Foster, Senior Lecturer in Water-Food Security, advises the UK to learn from countries with water scarcity pressures in order to address water risks faced by the domestic agricultural sector.   He writes: “Our  in places such as North America has shown that flexible abstraction rules and arrangements for sharing water, including trading systems, can significantly enhance farmers’ ability to manage drought risks and adapt to changing climate conditions.”

At the same time, Dr Foster argues that there is an urgent need for “robust improvements in infrastructure and support for the data collection and monitoring of agricultural water use and productivity” which he describes as “chronically underfunded and poorly prioritised.”

More broadly, Dr Foster argues that greater investment in infrastructure for water storage should also be a key Government priority “both in the form of on-farm and larger-scale multi-use reservoirs, and the use of nature-based solutions, such as restoring natural wetlands.”

Other policy challenges addressed in On Resilience include the positive roles AI and smart technology can play to mitigate risks to food production, the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance and how best to meet the UK’s critical metal requirements whilst avoiding unnecessary damage to the environment.

The 40-page document – published by the University's policy engagement unit, Policy@Swagֱ�� - includes a foreword from Lord Howell of Guildford, the former Energy Secretary and only Minister to have served in the Heath, Thatcher and Cameron governments.

He describes On Resilience as a “thoughtful and balanced series of essays on a subject of such vast complexity, importance and contention as our future energy supplies and their tangled relationship with oncoming climate violence which threaten us all.”

Lord Howell, also a past President of the British Institute of Energy Economists, writes: “Balance and realism are qualities very badly needed in tackling the many dilemmas and obstacles ahead, yet they seem in very short supply.”

He adds: “None of these questions can be met with neat answers or solutions. But they can be addressed with shrewd analysis and fearless posing of the issues. That is what these wise and expert essayists from Swagֱ�� offer.”

On Resilience is now available to read on the Policy@Swagֱ�� website -

Signing on behalf of Swagֱ��, Dr Peter Roberts, Reader in Spacecraft Engineering, is one of more than 100 signatories of the Memorandum of Principles for Space Sustainability, a field to which UoM academics contribute research and recommendations.

The principles echo the Astra Carta, a framework unveiled by the King at Buckingham Palace last month, which seeks to create and accelerate sustainable practices across the global space industry. 

Both initiatives tie in closely with specialist research at UoM including On Space, a collection of thought leadership and analysis pieces highlighting the urgent need for greater sustainability in space.   

The publication, produced by the University's policy engagement unit Policy@Swagֱ��, includes a powerful article by Dr Roberts on Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) satellite technology which reduces collision risk and radiation damage, as well as facilitating end-of-life deorbit.

Dr Roberts said: “I warmly welcome the opportunity to sign the Memorandum, recognising the contribution from experts at Swagֱ��.

“The work we do on developing technologies to enable satellite operations in very low Earth orbits supports sustainability in space as satellites rapidly decay from orbit at end of life, completely avoiding the production of space debris - a key component of the Memorandum of Principles for Space Sustainability.

“Amongst other areas of ongoing activity, we have researchers examining the dark and quiet skies movement which is working incredibly hard to minimise radio noise that would otherwise create problems for ground-based radio astronomy, aspects of in-orbit servicing and manufacturing, another critical aspect of minimising the impact of space activities.

“Swagֱ�� is proud to be actively involved in the global efforts to make space more sustainable.  We look forward to continuing our work with other institutions and industrial partners around the world to make space more sustainable for future generations.”    

On Space can be read and downloaded free of charge via the . 

To fill this gap, - written by Lecturer in Architectural Studies Camilla Lewis, Professor of Sociology and Social Gerontology Chris Phillipson, Research Fellow Sophie Yarker and Research Associate Luciana Lang - provides new insights into the challenges facing older people during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The authors drew upon the experiences of a diverse group of 102 people aged 50+ from Greater Swagֱ��, as well as 21 community organisations collected over a 12 month period during the pandemic.

They found that older people were disproportionately affected by the emergence and spread of COVID-19, whether in hospital, the community or in care homes. More than 80% of deaths related to the virus between 2020 and 2021 occurred among people aged 60 years or older. 

COVID-19 created new pressures for people of all ages throughout the world, but it raised particular concerns for older age groups. The book highlights the challenges older people faced when forced to ‘stay apart’ from family and friends and identifies changes affecting people over the course of three successive lockdowns.

For older people themselves, there were a variety of reactions to the pandemic. Few were left untouched by its profound effects on the routines and relationships which make-up daily life. The book conveys the challenges and responses across the different organisations and groups of older people interviewed, examining  issues such as the impact of social distancing, the effects of shielding, and the experience of social isolation.

COVID-19 amplified existing insecurities, as people struggled to cope with long-term illnesses in the context of pressures from reduced health and social care support. Reflecting this, the research suggests the pandemic has introduced new vulnerabilities, exacerbating further the precarious lives of  different groups of older people.

The authors raise concerns about the negative attitudes towards older people which arose during the pandemic, and which have continued to influence debates around a range of social and financial issues.

They recommend developing a ‘community-centred approach’ in responding to future  pandemics, with a focus on the importance of enhanced funding for community organisations, supporting leaders within neigbourhoods, and providing advocates for those who have difficulty securing the services they need.

“This book provides a detailed account of how the daily lives of older people were affected by COVID-19. It highlights the variety of responses from groups and neighbourhoods across Greater Swagֱ�� and documents the important work of voluntary and community organisations and the crucial role which they played in providing support to vulnerable groups. The book makes a case for working directly with communities, both in preventing another pandemic and addressing the injustices exposed by COVID-19,” said Camilla Lewis.

COVID-19, Inequality and Older People was published by Policy Press, and is available through Open Access at .

"Action to embed compulsory antiracist and racial bias training for all judicial office holders, which is a key recommendation of the report, would encourage a culture shift towards antiracist practice," he added.

“We welcome David’s support for our report, given his long-standing record of campaigning and policy development on these issues,” said Professor Eithne Quinn, lead academic author of the report. “His comments add weight to our central finding: racism in the justice system is corroding principles of fairness and ruining lives. Yet, our survey found that many judges and lawyers have had no recent training about racism and bias.”

“Our report calls for training that is premised on the realities that institutional racism exists in the justice system and that judges, like the rest of us, harbour biases. Without this starting point, any new training won’t work.”

You can read the full report with the contributions from our academics . 

“On Productivity sets out some potential solutions and I was delighted to be able to speak to colleagues in Rochdale and across Greater Swagֱ�� about what we can do to tackle these health inequalities and to give everyone a fair chance.”

The choice of venue for the launch was appropriate, as Rochdale Borough gears up to play a leading role in Greater Swagֱ��’s levelling up agenda.

Through initiatives like Atom Valley - the largest and most important growth location in Greater Swagֱ��, focused on advanced manufacturing, machinery and materials - Rochdale aims to turbocharge innovation in the region while providing good jobs and new houses for local residents.

Councillor John Blundell, Cabinet Member for Economy and Communications at Rochdale Borough Council and RDA Board member, said: “On Productivity is a serious piece of academic research and asks searching questions about regional inequality and concepts around levelling up and rebalancing the economy.

“It speaks volumes about Rochdale’s progress and its commitment to sustainable economic development - through projects like Atom Valley - that Swagֱ�� chose to launch such an important report in the Borough.”

The event was organised by - part of Swagֱ�� - supported by the .

Based on leading research and expertise on innovative and emerging technologies, experts are calling for sustainability to be at the forefront of humanity’s next phase of space exploration. In On Space, experts ask policymakers to consider space debris, satellite orbits and the investment needed to roll out sustainable space technology on Earth.

Many technologies used to counter climate change, including solar panels, started out as space-age innovations. Future innovations in space technology could be used to further reduce carbon emissions here on Earth.

Dr Aled Roberts explains one of the biggest challenges for off-world habitat construction is the transportation of building materials, which can cost upwards of £1m per brick. A solution could be that ‘local’ resources, such as Lunar or Martian soil, are used to make building materials. , researched at Swagֱ��, is a material is made from bio-based materials and the local planetary soil to make sturdy bricks that can be used to build space habitats.

On the use of this technology on Earth, Aled said: “Given that the construction sector accounts for 39% of anthropogenic CO2 emissions, any relatively green construction material technology developed for off-world habitats could be employed as a sustainable alternative on Earth.”

Researchers also stress the need to take care of space, particularly around the Earth’s orbit. Of the 23,000 objects regularly being tracked in orbit by radar, around 15% are active satellites, the rest is space debris.

As more commercial satellites are launched, such as SpaceX’s Starlink satellite cluster, the potential for space debris increases.

Dr Peter Roberts argues that one way to combat the problem of space debris is to coordinate International space policymakers to agree to for commercial operations to lessen humanity’s impact on the space environment. Higher level orbits should be reserved for science, crewed activities, and space exploration.

Professor Emma Bunce, President of the , said: “It is exciting to contemplate the future of the UK space sector, our use of space for the good of our planet, and its robotic and human exploration more widely. The ‘space age’ is still relatively young – just 60 years – but it is clear that our future and that of our planet will be reliant on space technology and the application of space-enabled data.”

As well as sustainability, On Space advocates for the use of advanced materials, such as graphene, in UK space technology, support for research and development into emerging space technologies in the UK and prioritising international collaborations in UK and international space policy.

On Space is available to read on .

Professor Richard Jones states that there is an opportunity to address this disparity, calling the and the recent Levelling Up White Paper ‘encouraging’. However, he notes that while Innovation Accelerators - including one centred on Greater Swagֱ�� which “offers the chance to inject a new, place-led dimension into innovation policy” – are promising, these kinds of initiatives must be extended to other places in order to improve regional productivity.

Professor Jill Rubery writes that “Casting a gender lens on the productivity debate reveals that a simple focus on productivity will not meet the needs of women or those of poor households,” and adds that “A key issue is whether these policy agendas will address the underutilisation of women’s potential and the undervaluation of women’s work…the white paper hardly mentions gender except in relation to healthy life expectancy, where women for once do better than men.”

Skills are vital for improving productivity, and Professor Andrew Westwood comments that “If the government wants to ‘level up’ and ‘transition to a high productivity economy’, it has to enable places to shape the skills system according to their own particular needs.” He points out that weaker local economies tend to have significantly lower levels of skilled people - ONS data shows that Oldham, for example, has just over half the number of people with high skills as Trafford (28% compared to 51%) and twice as many adults without any qualifications at all.

Professor Dave Richards asks whether “the UK’s system of governance is as much part of the problem as the solution to anaemic productivity”, adding that “wholesale reform not only requires the bolstering of powers downwards, but also overhauling the scale of powers and centralised decision-making claimed by the Westminster government.”

Other recommendations within the report focus on the importance of social value in public procurement, on the green recovery and the potential of the North West, and the importance of an appropriate digital transformation in order to create a technologically diverse, sustainable and productive economy. 

Read the , or view the below.

‘Siting Implications of Nuclear Energy: A path to net zero’, maps the nine actions required to understand the whole nuclear energy lifecycle better, to help ensure the sector can realistically and responsibly deliver the scale of development required. 

Authored by the senior leadership team at , home to the largest and most advanced nuclear research capability in UK academia, the paper considers how policymakers and industry decision makers should tackle key issues such as spent fuel and waste management strategies, safety standards for licensing (and de-licensing) sites, the kind of legacy we might tolerate from our nuclear sector and the role of local communities in determining the suitability of sites for nuclear development.

Professor Francis Livens, Director of the Dalton Nuclear Institute explains: “In the UK, nuclear energy seems at last to be returning to the fore after decades of comparative, if productive, obscurity. With the expansion necessary to help deliver our net zero ambition and the new applications envisaged for nuclear energy, the limited number of nominated nuclear sites in the UK is insufficient. Delivering on these ambitions will therefore require new nuclear sites to be identified, and new communities to accept nuclear facilities. 

“This is not a trivial task, and common to all discussions about nuclear energy generation is the ever-present question of waste. Now would be a good time to ask ourselves questions concerning our future waste policy.

“Delivery of nuclear energy is a complex process, and we must aim to understand the whole lifecycle if we are to make the right decisions. This report aims to further discussion on the matter and provides recommendations on how to use nuclear energy responsibly to deliver net zero.” 

Co-author Professor Gregg Butler continues: “It is only by addressing this issue now, taking time to understand the impact of the whole lifecycle, that we can achieve the scale of siting required. 

“In this paper, we set out recommendations for a future waste policy that – once in place – will ensure the path is clear for nuclear energy to deliver on its net zero potential.”

The paper has been co-authored by Dr William Bodel, Prof Gregg Butler and Prof Adrian Bull. Read

 at Swagֱ�� is a world-leading cross-disciplinary nuclear research institute, providing research across the whole fuel cycle, delivering impact to industry, governments and regulators, and supporting the UK’s long term nuclear ambition.

 is one of Swagֱ��’s  - examples of pioneering discoveries, interdisciplinary collaboration and cross-sector partnerships that are tackling some of the biggest questions facing the planet. #ResearchBeacons

A leading group of University of Swagֱ�� academics are imploring policy makers to use the UK’s post-pandemic recovery as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to lead a positive green revolution.

The UK is slowly easing COVID-19 restrictions and has recently announced financial aid to stimulate economic recovery including a £3bn plan to cut emissions. Now a collaborative group of leading scientists are imploring governments the world over to use this moment in history to turn towards a vastly more sustainable, green future.

In a new publication, , recommendations ranging from; emissions reductions, economic incentives and new technologies have been put forward. The report brings together some of the country’s leading energy, policy, and climate change experts to offer their opinions and solutions for the UK’s most pressing energy issues, including new data as a result of global lockdown restrictions.

Lord Deben, Chairman of the , who wrote the foreword for On Net Zero commented: "We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to address these urgent challenges together; it’s there for the taking. The steps that the UK takes to rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic can accelerate the transition to a successful and low-carbon economy and improve our climate resilience. Choices that lock in emissions or climate risks are unacceptable.”

Professor Carly McLachlan is the Director of , one of the founding partners of the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research: “Analysis of the impact on emissions of various lockdown orders across the world has demonstrated an average global reduction of 17%.

“The analysis estimates that even if some restrictions remain in place to the end of 2020, the overall reduction in emissions for the year will only be 3-13%. While this does tell us that we can do things differently and that it does have an impact, it also indicates how deeply embedded the use of fossil fuels is in our lives. Even when our lives ‘feel’ very different – they are still powered by fossil fuels.

“Our recovery must support structural change that addresses the way we power our lives – all levels from the individual, to business, to the energy system, to government policy must be aligned to deliver the significant reductions we need.”

On Net Zero key takeaways:

• At a national level we need to be clear that substantial emissions reductions are expected from the vast majority of sectors and that the limited removals we can deliver within the UK are likely to be needed for specific sectors.
• Clear policies are needed to support Greenhouse Gas removal. The extent to which we rely on this should reflect our confidence in the existence of proven technologies, robust monitoring approaches and sustainable supply chains.

• Far from being ‘difficult to decarbonise’, the shipping sector has significant room to manoeuvre, even over the short time horizon dictated by the Paris Agreement.

The impact of COVID-19 on energy use around the world has been stark, with the current background showing a reduction in energy demand tied with a decrease in economic activity and increased home working. The report also tackles the issue of energy poverty linked to vulnerable households, income reductions, job losses and lack of access to existing infrastructure.

Stefan Bouzarovski is Professor of Human Geography at Swagֱ��, where he leads the People and Energy Programme: “We often hear the phrase ‘no one must be left behind’ in the movement towards a climate friendly future. Low-carbon initiatives, including net zero policies, should take into account existing social and economic inequalities, while ensuring that disadvantaged people are adequately represented and supported.

“Climate policies, however, require deep reconfigurations of socio-economic patterns of energy supply and demand. Not only can climate policies transform existing inequalities, but they may also create new ones as they unfold. Recent international research argues that energy transitions may adversely affect the social, economic and political vulnerability of actors involved in and affected by the process; from individual households to entire states. Thus vulnerability to domestic energy deprivation cannot be considered as a household issue, but rather a phenomenon that is distributed throughout the ‘energy chain’.”

Energy is one of Swagֱ��’s research beacons - examples of pioneering discoveries, interdisciplinary collaboration and cross-sector partnerships that are tackling some of the biggest questions facing the planet. #ResearchBeacons

Policy@Swagֱ�� is Swagֱ��’s sector-leading policy engagement unit. Policy@Swagֱ�� connects researchers with policymakers and influencers, nurtures long-term policy engagement relationships, and seeks to enhance stakeholder understanding of pressing policy challenges.

NHS, government, universities and companies must do more to avoid misusing health data and damaging public trust in health research, say experts from the University of Swagֱ��.

The call for higher data security set out in a series of expert analyses on digital trust by University of Swagֱ�� academics published in a report today to highlight Data Privacy.

The NHS has used electronic health records in GP practices for more than 20 years, which are kept from cradle to grave.

But increasingly, they are also being used in hospitals, social care, dentistry, and other parts of the healthcare system.

In recent years, there have repeatedly been incidents that revealed the complex nature and fragility of public trust around the concept of health data sharing, such as care.data and Google Deepmind.

Professors John Ainsworth and Niels Peek held 2 citizens’ juries to understand the public perception of reusing NHS health data for purposes beyond direct care.

In one, the juries were asked to what extent should patients control access to patient records for secondary use.

And in the other they were asked to evaluate eight scenarios of reusing health data from improving health service to use to for private commercial gain.

The Jurors tended to be more accepting of data sharing to private and public sectors after taking part. But some were suspicious.

“The NHS number provides a unique identifier for each citizen which can be used to link data from different databases together, providing a rich, comprehensive source of real-world evidence,” said co-author Professor Niels Peek

“So the question is, how can we maximise this resource for the benefit of all while maintaining the public’s trust.”

Professor John Ainsworth said: “There’s no question we need to maximise the rich, comprehensive resource that correctly used NHS data can provide and how it can be maximised for the benefit of all.

“It can help us improve healthcare services, understand diseases in populations and assess the safety and effectiveness of treatments.

“But health is an intimate area of personal life and few people feel comfortable with the idea that strangers can see their health record.”

Dorothy Byrne, Head of News and Current Affairs at Channel Four who also contributed to the publication said:

She said: “We need excellent publications like this to alert us to the risks, to inform us about the massive benefits to our health and lives which harvesting data can bring, and to feed into thinking about how we can regulate so that we control our futures.”

TOn Digital Trust  is availanle