NewzIntel.com

Blog

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Update on UK Syria sanctions regime: Minister Doughty statement

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Written statement to the House of Commons on adapting the UK’s Syria sanctions regime following the fall of Assad’s dictatorship late last year.

    Today I am updating the House on the future of the UK’s Syria sanctions regime following the welcome fall of Assad’s dictatorship late last year.

    Sanctions remain a powerful foreign and security policy tool, and this Government is committed to maximising their impact, which includes reviewing their use in light of changing circumstances.

    Therefore, I am pleased to inform the House that the Government will bring forward measures in the coming months adapting the Syria sanctions regime, including amendments to the Syria Regulations, which Members of Parliament will have the opportunity to debate.

    We are making these changes to support the Syrian people in re-building their country and promote security and stability. They will include the relaxation of restrictions that apply to the energy, transport and finance sectors, and provisions to further support humanitarian delivery.

    The Government remains determined to hold Bashar al-Assad and his associates to account for their actions against the people of Syria. We will ensure that asset freezes and travel bans imposed on members of the former regime remain in force.

    In this way, the FCDO will continue to use sanctions in a manner that is targeted, proportionate and robust to hold accountable those responsible for atrocious crimes committed during Assad’s reign and to support what we hope will be Syria’s transition to a more secure, prosperous and stable future.

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: MASH to be delivered by Isle of Wight Children’s Services 13 February 2025 Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub to be delivered by Isle of Wight Children’s Services

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    The delivery of the Isle of Wight’s Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) for children and families on the Isle of Wight is changing.

    As of Monday 24 February, the Isle of Wight Children’s Services will have its own Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), following the ending our partnership with Hampshire County Council. The Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) is a collaborative initiative that unites professionals from various sectors, including children’s social care, police, health providers, and education. The primary goal of the MASH is to share critical information and make timely, informed decisions to ensure the safety and promote the welfare of children. By working together, these professionals can identify risks early, provide appropriate interventions, and promote the well-being of children in our community.

    The Isle of Wight Council, along with its partner agencies, holds a statutory duty to safeguard children and promote their welfare. This duty is fulfilled through coordinated efforts and a shared commitment to protecting children from harm. By leveraging the collective expertise and resources of all involved agencies, the MASH ensures that children receive the support and protection they need in a timely and effective manner.

    If Island residents are worried about the welfare or safety of a child they can report any concerns through the Isle of Wight Council’s website or by calling 01983 823435.

    To reflect these changes, from the 24 February the  Inter-Agency Referral Form (IARF)  will be found on the Isle of Wight Council’s website, and the Isle of Wight Safeguarding Children Partnership website. The link will be shared via email with all partner agencies

    Statement from the Director of Children’s Services

    ”We are delighted to announce that the multi-agency safeguarding hub for our children and families on the Island is now being delivered in-house by Isle of Wight Children’s Services. This significant milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to providing the highest level of care and protection for the children in our community.

    We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Hampshire County Council for their invaluable support and collaboration over the past years. We also extend our thanks to the Isle of Wight Safeguarding Children Partnership, their expertise and dedication have been instrumental in helping us reach this point, and we look forward to continuing our strong partnership as we move forward.

    Together, we are making a profound difference in the lives of children and families on the Isle of Wight.”

    Further information on what this means can be found on the Isle of Wight Council’s website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Attention, beware of telephone scammers

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    We warn you about the increased activity of telephone scammers, especially through instant messengers, as well as using neural networks and artificial intelligence tools.

    Telephone scammers use various methods:

    send malicious links and call on behalf of banks, demanding to provide a code from an SMS; call and send messages via instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp and others); create fake accounts, videos with complete identity of the voice and image on behalf of the rector, directors of institutes, employees of law enforcement agencies (FSB, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Rosfinmonitoring and others).

    If you receive a call or a message on social media or a messenger from the university management or the director of the institute asking you to help law enforcement officials, lend money or perform some action, do not rush to help and transfer money. Most often, it turns out that the person’s profile has been hacked, and money is being extorted on their behalf, and terrorists are forcing them to perform some actions. Check whether your interlocutor is really who they say they are. If this is a familiar person, but you hardly communicate with them in real life, do not transfer money to them or follow links. Most likely, a fraudster is writing on their behalf

    If there are doubts about the authenticity of the interlocutor, the following steps should be taken:

    immediately stop talking or corresponding with the unknown user; report the situation to your supervisor or teacher; verify the identity of the contact: if the caller or sender introduces himself or herself as someone you know, contact him or her at the number you know.

    Be vigilant, do not communicate with scammers!

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: HSE University Discusses Academic Development Tools and Ways to Engage Young People in Science

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    © Higher School of Economics

    A round table was held on the topic of “Academic Development at the University Today and Tomorrow”. Its participants discussed the tools of academic development used in various subject areas and ways of involving young people in science, one of which is holding regular scientific seminars. The best practices of HSE departments were presented.

    Vice-Rector Alexander Balyshev noted in his opening remarks that the relevance of the roundtable topic is due to the current shortage of personnel both in the academy and in the economy as a whole, and one of its tasks is to rethink the relevance of the academic development tools that exist at HSE.

    The moderator of the round table, Deputy Vice-Rector, Head of the HSE, spoke about the challenges of academic development and the HSE’s responses to these challenges. Office of Academic Development Anastasia Stepanova. She emphasized that the concept of academic development has been relevant for the last 30-40 years and is associated with the changing role of the university in society. The main task of academic development is considered to be providing support to scientists to improve their competence and ensure confidence in their identity.

    According to Anastasia Stepanova, academic development at HSE supports the implementation of the university’s strategy, creates conditions for the growth of scientific schools and helps to respond to external challenges. In addition to its strategic importance, it has a positive effect on organizational efficiency, promotes personnel development and gives the university institutional advantages, enhancing its competitiveness.

    Among the most popular tools for academic development, the Deputy Vice-Rector noted seminars and consultations on academic writing, an academic development program for new teachers and researchers (Academic personnel reserve), mentoring, postdoc programs, as well as various adaptation and integration events for scientists. Based on regular internal monitoring data, it showed clearly expressed needs of scientists: about 40% of respondents are interested in new opportunities to exchange experience with colleagues from other universities, 34% – in expanding access to databases, 25% – in improving scientific communication. The youngest researchers naturally demonstrate a demand for data analysis and academic writing skills.

    Zoomers and Science

    The main topic of discussion in the first part of the round table was the challenges arising in connection with the arrival of the zoomer generation in science.

    The head of the department noted a significant gap between the classical approach to scientific work and the new habits of the younger generation of researchers. Scientific Laboratory of Spatial-Econometric Modeling of Socio-Economic Processes in Russia Olga Demidova. While building a scientific reputation traditionally requires deep immersion in the material and long, painstaking work, today’s young scientists are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence tools to speed up the research process. This poses an important challenge for the scientific community: how to combine modern ways of working with information with the depth of scientific research.

    Deputy Dean for Science Faculty of World Economy and World Politics Alexandra Morozkina suggested specific ways to do this, such as organizing discussions of articles at scientific seminars (and then students will have to read them from beginning to end), holding seminars without gadgets. She also spoke about a program for attracting scientific assistants to the faculty, within the framework of which a student helps a teacher in his scientific work for a small fee and sees the benefits of such work. All students who have gone through this program go on to teach and participate in various projects of the faculty.

    Supervisor Schools of Philological Sciences Evgeny Kazartsev recalled two large projects dedicated to speech practices and the sociology of literature, which were successfully implemented by the school. They included a significant digital component, and, in his opinion, without the participation of zoomers who know how to use digital tools, the projects would not have taken place.

    Dean Faculty of Geography and Geoinformation Technologies Nikolay Kurichev believes that earlier, when choosing scientific activity, young people clearly understood its differences from work in business or in the civil service, where the rules are stricter, but now, as science is becoming “managerialized,” the difference is becoming less obvious. But it should be there, and this is, first of all, interaction with a mentor, a scientific supervisor, as well as an environment – “seminars where crazy people who are burning with scientific ideas should gather.”

    Continuing the theme of differences between academia and business, Vice Dean for Research Faculty of Computer Science Alexey Mitsyuk reported that the IT industry today differs very little from the scientific environment. Large companies are increasingly engaged in computer science, and the conditions created in these companies today are no worse than in universities. There is freedom to choose tasks, opportunities for development, there is no need to work with students and engage in organizational activities. For universities, this is a problem, since competition with business research arises.

    Deputy Director Department of Data Analysis and Artificial Intelligence Vasily Gromov outlined the trends in the transformation of science and scientific activity. He noted that in the near future a scientific market will be formed in which the university will lose its monopoly status. At the same time, society will change its understanding of what a scientist does, and perhaps the concept of disciplinarity will disappear.

    First Vice-Rector Vadim Radaev emphasized that young people, starting with millennials, are increasingly abandoning a linear professional trajectory — they change professions and consider it indecent to sit in one place for more than three or four years. “Academic activity, as we are accustomed to seeing and building it, involves long-term investments and full immersion with a long-term building of a scientific reputation and unclear prospects. And young colleagues burn out before they have time to shed light on anything,” he explained.

    Vice-Rector Sergey Roshchin focused on the topic of goal-setting in academic development: “As a rule, we do not raise this issue, but only support it with some data, such as statistics on published articles. However, the goals of academic development are contextual in nature from the point of view of the society around us and should not be limited to publication activity alone.”

    As for the claims about the peculiarities of zoomers, both a hundred and two hundred years ago, representatives of the older generation claimed that the next generation was not like them. According to the vice-rector, the key question is what is the value of science so that the younger generation continues to study it within the walls of the university. “Science studies are not studies that interest you now, but studies based on the current agenda in society, in combination with what interests you,” he concluded.

    Scientific seminars: constancy, obligation, regularity

    The second part of the round table was devoted to involving young people in scientific discussion. Vadim Radaev, who made the key report on this topic, noted: “First of all, we need to have this discussion, especially since real discussions are extremely rare on the pages of journals.” A regular scientific seminar becomes a platform for it.

    In his report, the First Vice-Rector of the HSE emphasized that seminar activities are not an addition or an appendix, but part of the foundation, one of the main forms of work. “I believe that a scientific department without a regular seminar is an institutional fiction: individual scientists conduct research and publish results, but the integrity of the organization, the environment that should form scientists, remains more on paper,” he said.

    The speaker shared his experience in organizing scientific seminars Department of Economic Sociology And Laboratory of Economic and Sociological Research (LESI), which he heads. His departments have held scientific seminars weekly since 2002, and he does not consider this to be anything extraordinary. Even if not weekly, then a monthly seminar should be the norm for any scientific community. Anyone can organize a seminar, but it is difficult to do so on a regular basis. “Many great projects started and then, unfortunately, died out,” Vadim Radaev noted. In his opinion, a seminar should have a permanent core, be mandatory, be held regularly (at least once a month) and in person (a hybrid format is possible), have a fixed day, time and plan for at least two to three months, be announced in advance and not be postponed.

    Vadim Radaev believes that the topic of the seminar is not the main thing: the speakers are more important. He emphasized that only full texts of research should be discussed, and materials should be sent to participants at least a week in advance. It is advisable to invite discussants to the seminar, make uniform demands on all colleagues from students to professors, and gently and persistently observe the rules so that the seminar does not turn into, for example, a benefit performance for the speaker.

    According to Vadim Radaev, the value of a scientific seminar lies primarily in communication. This is a good way to create and maintain an environment, an opportunity to interest and retain young colleagues who, as noted in the first part of the round table, are today prone to a rapid loss of interest in science.

    Other HSE employees also spoke about their successful experience of participating in scientific seminars and organizing them.

    Dean Faculty of Computer Science Ivan Arzhantsev recalled that mathematics in the USSR, which flourished in the 1960s and 1970s, lived by scientific seminars. At the same time, work was organized differently in foreign universities. “Colleagues envied us that we had such a wonderful culture of scientific seminars,” said the dean of the Faculty of Computer Science. He himself participated in one of these seminars, and now the faculty holds a mathematical seminar every two weeks.

    Head of the Department of Mathematics Faculty of Economic Sciences Fuad Aleskerov spoke about two scientific seminars that he leads, one of which has been held for 60 years, including more than 20 years at the HSE. In his opinion, seminars should not be limited in time; it is quite acceptable if they last for four hours.

    Referring to his experience working in foreign universities, the dean Faculty of Social Sciences Denis Stukal reported that scientific seminars there can take place both in the form of formal discussions – traditional regular meetings of scientists, and in the form of informal discussions – for example, meetings and discussions of scientific ideas over lunch. In his opinion, organizing a seminar should be a common matter for all employees of the department, who are responsible for this periodically.

    Professor Elena Dragalina-Chernaya shared her experience of holding regular seminars in International Laboratory of Logic, Linguistics and Formal Philosophy. There are five of them in the laboratory: theoretical, analytical, reading seminar and two scientific and educational seminars. She believes it is important to support the initiatives of young researchers and give them their own space for discussions. The professor emphasized that long-term internships for young scientists are important for the development of international and interdisciplinary projects.

    Summing up the round table, Alexander Balyshev said that its participants demonstrated a demand for updating the goal-setting of academic development at the university. He also noted the need to communicate to target groups, especially young researchers, information about the opportunities opening up to them and stated that scientific seminars are still a relevant and mandatory component of the work of all scientific departments of the HSE.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNECE Inland Transport Committee advances international cooperation for sustainable and resilient future of transport

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    Gathering at this week’s 87th annual session of the UNECE Inland Transport Committee (ITC) at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, global transport leaders shared commitments aimed at  forging a sustainable, efficient, and resilient future of inland transport. 

    Looking to 2030 and beyond – and recognizing the need for scaled-up action in response to climate change, technological advancements, and shifting global trade patterns – several countries announced pledges that reaffirm their commitment to regional cooperation, enhanced connectivity, innovation, and environmental sustainability in inland transport. 

    “The challenges before us are immense, but so are the opportunities,” noted UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean at the opening of the session. “We are here today to chart the course for the future, ensuring that inland transport is not only a driver of economic growth but also a catalyst for sustainability, resilience, and innovation.” 

    Enhanced connectivity and sustainability  

    The Netherlands and Türkiye pledged to continue supporting efforts to advance digitalization, infrastructure development, and border-crossing efficiency along the Trans-Caspian and Almaty-Tehran-Istanbul corridors, with a strong emphasis on greening the corridors, reducing their environmental impact, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.  

    This joint commitment highlights the importance of collaboration to advance regional integration, promote sustainable transport practices, and enhance the economic and environmental performance of these strategic corridors.   

    “Transport corridors provide an essential backbone structure for the functioning of our economies,” said Chris Jansen, Minister for the Environment and Public Transportation of The Netherlands. “Let us try to unlock this potential together and use our combined efforts of cooperation within the UNECE Inland Transport Committee to achieve this work.”  

    “By strengthening our transport corridors, we will also make significant contributions to reducing economic inequalities between regions, facilitating access to markets for underdeveloped regions and promoting sustainable development,” emphasized Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure of Türkiye. 

    Advancing decarbonization and innovation 

    Underlining ITC’s unique role as the only global UN platform for road, rail and inland waterway transport, Georgia, The Netherlands and Türkiye reaffirmed their commitment to leverage its capacity to drive innovation and strategic foresight in the inland transport sector.  

    The three countries pledged to support the effective implementation of the ITC Decarbonization Strategy and to contribute to its other critical work streams, including climate change adaptation for transport infrastructure, cycling infrastructure, e-mobility, and the use of GIS mapping for transport infrastructure planning through the International Transport Infrastructure Observatory. 

    Accelerating e-mobility and smart charging solutions 

    Recognizing that inland transport sector plays a pivotal role in achieving global climate goals, The Netherlands and Türkiye pledged to support the UNECE Informal Task Force on E-Mobility to advance zero-emission policies, align regulatory frameworks, and facilitate the development of critical infrastructure for alternative energy carriers, in particular electric mobility, alongside hydrogen and biofuels.  

    The Netherlands will lead efforts on smart charging and energy system optimization, while Türkiye will spearhead best practices for EV infrastructure planning. 

    In line with the ITC Decarbonization Strategy, Germany pledged to work to swiftly expand the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles and to drive the uptake of climate-friendly fuels. Furthermore, Germany committed to fostering key technology innovations, such as automated/autonomous driving on the road to reach a more sustainable, safe, digital, accessible and affordable mobility. 

    Global relevance of ITC work 

    Reflecting the global relevance of ITC not only in harmonization of vehicle standards, but also in development of transport infrastructure, and smart and clean mobility solutions, Cambodia announced that it will seek to actively participate in the UNECE World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) and join working parties dealing with the transport of dangerous goods, intermodal transport and logistics, as well as to join the Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR).   

    As a small island developing state, facing frequent storm surges and flooding that threaten its critical road network, Seychelles appreciated the ITC as a vital platform to advance solutions for climate-resilient road infrastructure, maintenance and environmentally friendly engineering, as well as energy-efficient public transport options.  

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: Himax Technologies, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results; Provides First Quarter 2025 Guidance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Q4 2024 Revenues, Gross Margin and EPS All Surpassed Guidance Range Issued on November 7, 2024
    Company Q1 2025 Guidance: Revenues to Decrease 8.5% to 12.5% QoQ,
    Gross Margin is Expected to be Around 30.5%. Profit per Diluted ADS to be 9.0 Cents to 11.0 Cents

    • Q4 2024 revenues registered $237.2 million, an increase of 6.7% QoQ, significantly exceeding guidance range of a slight decrease to flat, primarily driven by stronger order momentum across product lines
    • Q4 2024 Gross margin reached 30.5%, exceeding guidance of flat to slightly up, driven by a favorable product mix and cost improvements. Up from 30.0% in the Q3 2024
    • Q4 2024 after-tax profit was $24.6M, or 14.0 cents per diluted ADS, considerably above the guidance range of 9.3 cents to 11.0 cents
    • Company’s full year 2024 revenues were $906.8 million, and gross margin was 30.5%. 2024 profit attributable to shareholders was $0.46 per fully diluted ADS
    • Company’s Q1 2025 revenues to decline 8.5% to 12.5% QoQ, reflecting the low season demand due to Lunar New Year holidays. The Q1 revenue guidance implies flat to 4.6% increase YoY. Gross margin to be around 30.5%, up from 29.3% same quarter last year. Profit per diluted ADS to be in the range of 9.0 cents to 11.0 cents, implying the increase of 26% to 54% YoY
    • Himax sales revenues in each quarter of 2024 consistently outperformed guidance, demonstrating its ability to handle most of rush orders, underscoring its strong ability in inventory management and swift market responsiveness
    • Full year 2024 automotive driver IC sales increased nearly 20% YoY, significantly outpacing global automotive growth, largely driven by the continued TDDI adoption among major customers across all continents. Himax continues to reinforce its market leadership in automotive TDDI, holding well over 50% market share
    • Himax’s WLO technology plays a critical role in CPO by providing essential optical coupling capability, making it a core element of the solution. Small-scale production of the first-gen CPO underway, with acceleration of future CPO generation development, in close collaboration with AI customers/partners. Company believes prospect of CPO remains unchanged
    • WiseEye, building on the success with Dell, has achieved notable progress with other leading NB brands. Also made breakthroughs in smart door lock, palm vein authentication and smart home. Himax anticipates a strong growth trajectory in WiseEye business in 2025 and beyond
    • At CES 2025, Himax showcased a wide range of innovative achievements, including automotive display technology, WiseEye AI, and advanced optical technologies for AR/VR
    • Rising enthusiasm in AR glasses with Gen AI in CES 2025. Himax offers three critical technologies for AR glasses, namely LCoS microdisplay, WLO waveguide, and ultralow power WiseEye AI
    • Himax is well-positioned to capitalize on the trend of the premium NB to adopt OLED displays and touch features. Confident to lead in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI PCs and premium NB, offering a comprehensive IC portfolio for both LCD and OLED NB

    TAINAN, Taiwan, Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Himax Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: HIMX) (“Himax” or “Company”), a leading supplier and fabless manufacturer of display drivers and other semiconductor products, announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2024 ended December 31, 2024.

    “In 2024, our sales revenues in each quarter consistently outperformed guidance. We have consistently demonstrated our ability to handle most of rush orders, underscoring our agility, adaptability, strong capabilities in inventory management, and swift market responsiveness,” said Mr. Jordan Wu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Himax.

    “At CES this year, Himax showcased a wide range of innovative achievements, including automotive display technology, WiseEye AI, and advanced optical technologies for AR/VR. Notably, a clear trend emerged at this year’s CES as the industry demonstrated growing enthusiasm for AR glasses, fueled by more companies entering the space and integrating generative AI to accelerate the development of lightweight, compact, and all-day AR glasses. For AR glasses, Himax offers three critical technologies, namely LCoS microdisplay, WLO waveguide, and ultralow power WiseEye AI,” continued Mr. Jordan Wu.

    “Himax’s WLO technology plays a critical role in CPO by providing essential optical coupling capability, making it a core element of the solution. The prospect of CPO remains unchanged and the widespread adoption of CPO for data transmission to be conducted via optics instead of metal wire is on track in high-performance AI applications. Through WLO and CPO technologies, Himax is well-positioned to engage in the high-speed AI computing market with high expectations for its growth,” concluded Mr. Jordan Wu.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Results

    Himax net revenues registered $237.2 million, an increase of 6.7% sequentially, significantly exceeding Company’s guidance range of a slight decrease to flat, and up 4.2% year-over-year. Gross margin reached 30.5%, exceeding its guidance of flat to slightly up from 30.0% in the previous quarter, and up from 30.3% in the same period last year. The sequential increase was driven by a favorable product mix and cost improvements. Q4 profit per diluted ADS was 14.0 cents, considerably above the guidance range of 9.3 cents to 11.0 cents, thanks to better-than-expected revenues and improved costs.

    Revenue from large display drivers came in at $25.0 million, reflecting a 18.6% sequential decline. The decrease was primarily attributed to continued customer destocking after substantial Q2 replenishment for shopping festivals, as well as heightened price competition from Chinese peers. Sales of large panel driver ICs accounted for 10.5% of total revenues for the quarter, compared to 13.8% last quarter and 14.8% a year ago.

    Small and medium-sized display driver segment totaled $166.8 million, an increase of 7.4% sequentially, exceeding its guidance of flat quarter-over-quarter, thanks to stronger-than-expected sales in the automotive and tablet markets. Q4 automotive driver sales, including both traditional DDIC and TDDI, experienced mid-teens increase, significantly outperforming Company’s expectation of a single digit increase, with both DDIC and TDDI showing stronger-than-expected sales. This surge was primarily driven by continued rush orders from Chinese panel customers, carried over from Q3, following the Chinese government’s renewed trade-in stimulus initiative announced in mid-August 2024 to boost automobile consumption. Remarkably, Himax’s Q4 automotive TDDI sales have exceeded DDIC sales for the first time, underscoring the global adoption of Company’s TDDI solutions, which are increasingly essential in modern vehicles, and reflects the growing demand for more intuitive, interactive, and cost-effective touch panel features powered by TDDI technology. Himax’s automotive business, comprising drivers, Tcon, and OLED IC sales, accounted for around 50% of total Q4 revenues. Meanwhile, Q4 tablet IC sales exceeded the guidance of a low teens decline, with sales up slightly sequentially driven by rush orders from leading end customers. Q4 smartphone IC sales declined slightly, in line with its guidance. The small and medium-sized driver IC segment accounted for 70.3% of total sales for the quarter, compared to 69.9% in the previous quarter and 71.6% a year ago.

    Fourth quarter revenues from its non-driver business reached $45.4 million, exceeding the guidance range, with a 24.9% increase from the previous quarter. The growth was primarily driven by a one-time ASIC Tcon product shipment to a leading projector customer and Tcon for monitor application. In Q4, automotive Tcon sales continued to grow sequentially, due to the widespread adoption of Himax’s market-leading local dimming Tcon with over two hundred secured design-win projects across major panel makers, Tier 1 suppliers, and automotive manufacturers worldwide. Non-driver products accounted for 19.2% of total revenues, as compared to 16.3% in the previous quarter and 13.6% a year ago.  

    Fourth quarter operating expenses were $49.2 million, a decrease of 19.1% from the previous quarter and a decline of 6.0% from a year ago. The sequential decrease stemmed primarily from a reduction in annual employee bonuses, partially offset by an increase in R&D expenses. As part of Company’s standard practice, Himax grants annual bonuses, including cash and RSUs, to employees at the end of September each year. This results in higher IFRS operating expenses in the third quarter compared to the other quarters of the year. The year-over-year decrease was mainly due to a decline in employee bonus compensation as the amortized portion of prior year’s bonuses for 2023 was higher than that for 2024, offsetting the higher annual bonus compensation grant for 2024 compared to 2023. Amid ongoing macroeconomic challenges, Himax is strictly enforcing budget and expense controls, with full-year 2024 operating expenses declining 5.6% compared to last year.

    Fourth quarter operating income was $23.1 million or 9.7% of sales, compared to 2.6% of sales last quarter and 7.3% of sales for the same period last year. The sequential increase was primarily the result of higher sales, improved gross margin, and lower operating expenses. The year-over-year increase was primarily the result of higher sales, higher gross margin, and lower employee bonus compensation due to the amortized portion of the prior year’s bonuses. Fourth-quarter after-tax profit was $24.6 million, or 14.0 cents per diluted ADS, reflecting a meaningful increase from $13.0 million, or 7.4 cents per diluted ADS last quarter, and up from $23.6 million, or 13.5 cents in the same period last year.

    Full Year 2024 Financial

    Revenues totaled $906.8 million, a slight decline of 4.1% compared to 2023. Persistent global demand weakness, coupled with uncertainty about market trends, led to conservative purchasing decisions and inventory management by Company’s panel customers. Given this uncertainty, Himax implemented strict expense controls, resulting in a 5.6% reduction in operating expenses for the year. However, Company’s optimism in the automotive business remains unwavering, with automotive IC sales increasing by nearly 20% year-over-year in 2024, far outpacing the overall automotive market growth. Among Company’s automotive product lines, automotive TDDI and Tcon sales, both relatively new technologies, surged by more than 70%, driven by accelerated adoption across the board. This growth strengthened Company’s market leadership and positions Himax well for continued success as the automotive sector embraces more advanced technology resulting from the mega trend of increasing size, quantity, and sophistication of displays inside vehicles.

    Revenue from large panel display drivers totaled $125.9 million in 2024, marking a decrease of 28.3% year-over-year, and representing 13.9% of total sales, as compared to 18.6% in 2023. Small and medium-sized driver sales totaled $625.4 million, reflecting a slight decrease of 0.6% year-over-year, and accounting for 69.0% of its total revenues, as compared to 66.5% in 2023. Non-driver product sales totaled $155.5 million, an increase of 10.6% year-over-year, and representing 17.1% of Company’s total sales, as compared to 14.9% a year ago.

    Gross margin in 2024 was 30.5%, up from 27.9% in 2023. The margin expansion was driven by a strategic focus on cost improvements and operational efficiency optimization, combined with a favorable product mix that included a higher percentage of high-margin products such as automotive and Tcon. The successful diversification of foundry sources also contributed to the margin increase.

    Operating expenses in 2024 were $208.0 million, a decline of 5.6% from 2023, primarily due to lower employee bonus compensation, as the amortized portion of bonuses in 2023 was higher than that in 2024. 2024 operating income was $68.2 million, or 7.5% of sales, an increase from $43.2 million, or 4.6% of sales, in 2023. Himax’s net profit for 2024 was $79.8 million, or $0.46 per diluted ADS, significantly up from $50.6 million, or $0.29 per diluted ADS in 2023.

    Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

    Himax had $224.6 million of cash, cash equivalents and other financial assets as of December 31, 2024. This compares to $206.4 million at the same time last year and $206.5 million a quarter ago. Himax achieved a strong positive operating cash flow of $35.4 million for the fourth quarter, compared to a cash outflow of $3.1 million in Q3. Company made a total of $30.1 million annual cash bonus to employees, resulting in the low operating cash flow of the quarter. As of December 31, 2024, Himax had $34.5 million in long-term unsecured loans, with $6.0 million representing the current portion.

    The Company’s inventories as of December 31, 2024 were $158.7 million, lower than $192.5 million last quarter and $217.3 million at the end of last year. Company’s inventory levels have steadily declined over the past couple of quarters and are now at a healthy level. Accounts receivable at the end of December 2024 was $236.8 million, little changed from $224.6 million last quarter and $235.8 million a year ago. DSO was 96 days at the quarter end, as compared to 92 days last quarter and 91 days a year ago. Fourth quarter capital expenditures were $3.2 million, versus $2.6 million last quarter and $15.1 million a year ago. Fourth quarter capex was mainly for R&D related equipment for Company’s IC design business. Total capital expenditures for 2024 were $13.1 million as compared to $23.4 million in 2023. The decrease was primarily due to reduced spending on in-house testers for Company’s IC design business in 2024.

    Outstanding Share

    As of December 31, 2024, Himax had 174.9 million ADS outstanding, little changed from last quarter. On a fully diluted basis, the total number of ADS outstanding for the fourth quarter was 175.1 million.  

    Q1 2025 Outlook

    In 2024, Himax’s sales revenues in each quarter consistently outperformed guidance. While this strong performance is certainly commendable, it also highlights the challenges Company faced such as limited market visibility and conservative customer demand, where many customers relied on rush orders to address their actual demands. On the other hand, rush orders are indicative of the tight inventory position of Company’s panel customers in general. In the past few quarters, Himax has consistently demonstrated its ability to handle most of such rush orders, underscoring Company’s agility, adaptability, strong capabilities in inventory management, and swift market responsiveness.

    The automotive IC sales remained Company’s largest revenue contributor in 2024, accounting for almost half of total revenues and achieving close to 20% annual growth. This performance highlights Himax’s automotive leadership in technological innovations, product development, and market share. Looking ahead, Himax expects its automotive TDDI and Tcon technologies to maintain growth momentum, further strengthening its market competitiveness. Beyond LCD technology, Himax is advancing development in the automotive OLED sector, with numerous projects currently underway in partnership with leading panel makers. Company anticipates that automotive OLED IC will serve as one of the key growth drivers for Himax in the coming years, further solidifying its leadership in automotive display market.

    Meanwhile, Himax is actively expanding its technology development beyond display ICs. To that end, in the WiseEye AI segment, Company has made notable progress with leading notebook brands and achieved significant breakthroughs in smart door lock, palm vein authentication, and smart home applications, collaborating with world-leading customers to develop new innovations. Himax anticipates a strong growth trajectory in its WiseEye business in 2025 and beyond.

    Himax’s proprietary wafer-level optics (WLO) technology for co-packaged optics (CPO) has recently garnered significant attention in the capital markets. In fact, as early as June 2024, Himax and FOCI, a global leader in silicon photonics connectors, jointly announced the industry-leading CPO technology. The collaboration, spanning several years, unites Himax’s WLO technology with FOCI’s CPO solutions for cutting-edge AI multi-chip modules (MCM). Since the announcement, Himax has provided updates on the latest progress in each quarterly earnings call. Himax’s WLO technology plays a critical role in CPO by providing essential optical coupling capability, making it a core element of the solution. CPO significantly enhances bandwidth and accelerates data transmission while reducing signal loss, latency, and power consumption. Additionally, it can help drastically decrease the size and cost of MCM.

    While CPO is still in engineering validation and trial production stage this year, with customer’s mass production timelines undisclosed and the recent AI market disruptions from DeepSeek, the prospect of CPO remains unchanged. The widespread adoption of CPO for data transmission to be conducted via optics instead of metal wire is on track in high-performance AI applications. This is evident by the significant increase in customer’s recent trial production volume forecast, indicating an accelerated timeline for CPO technology to enter mass production. Furthermore, Himax and FOCI, in close collaboration with leading AI customers and partners, are actively developing future generations of CPO technologies to meet the explosive high-speed optical data transmission demand in HPC and AI. Through WLO and CPO technologies, Himax is well-positioned to engage in the high-speed AI computing market with high expectations for its growth. Company believes that CPO technology, beyond cloud applications, will see further adoption in sectors such as automotive and robot in the future. Himax’s current goal is to accelerate CPO adoption in cloud applications, thereby helping drive broader CPO adoption in AI applications.

    At CES this year, Himax showcased a wide range of innovative achievements, including automotive display technology, WiseEye AI, and advanced optical technologies for AR/VR. Notably, a clear trend emerged at this year’s CES as the industry demonstrated growing enthusiasm for AR glasses, fueled by more companies entering the space and integrating generative AI to accelerate the development of lightweight, compact, and all-day AR glasses. For AR glasses, Himax offers three critical technologies, namely LCoS microdisplay, WLO waveguide, and ultralow power WiseEye AI. Company’s latest, patented Front-lit LCoS Microdisplay delivers unparalleled brightness with an industry-leading 400k nits, exceptional optical power efficiency, compact form factor, lightweight, and superior display quality, making it one of the most viable solutions in the see-through AR glasses market. In waveguide, in collaboration with leading tech names, Himax leverages proprietary WLO expertise, built on advanced nanoimprint technology, to offer industry-leading optical solutions that optimize light transmission and display efficiency. In the field of AI sensing for AR glasses, Himax’s WiseEye provides always-on AI sensing capabilities which are being applied by developers to significantly enhance AR interactivity while consuming just a few milliwatts of power.

    In automotive display IC technology, Himax unveiled the industry’s most comprehensive LCD and OLED solutions at CES, showcasing a range of next-generation smart cabin technologies. These solutions not only improve the intuitive operation of smart cabins but also enhance driving safety and provide an exceptional user experience. A prime example is the advanced Display HMI solution developed in collaboration with AUO which meets the demands for large-size, high-resolution, and freeform automotive displays.

    At CES, Himax also partnered with several AI ecosystem partners to showcase its ultralow power WiseEye Modules over a range of innovative, production-ready AIoT applications. These applications include palm vein authentication, baby cry detection, people flow management, and human sensing detection. The modules are designed for easy integration, making it highly suitable for various AIoT applications.

    Display Driver IC Businesses

    LDDIC

    In Q1 2025, Himax anticipates a single digit sequential sales increase for large display driver ICs, driven by demand spurred by Chinese government subsidies for household appliances aimed at reviving demand in the sluggish household sector. Notebook and monitor sales are expected to increase in Q1. In contrast, TV IC sales are set to decline as customers pulled forward their inventory purchases in the prior quarter, coupled with the seasonal slowdown in Q1.

    Looking ahead in the notebook sector, Company is seeing an increase in demand for premium notebooks to adopt OLED displays and touch features, partially fueled by the rise of AI PC. Himax is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend, offering a comprehensive range of ICs for both LCD and OLED notebooks, including DDIC, Tcon, touch controllers, and TDDI. A standout innovation is Company’s pioneering in-cell touch TDDI for LCD displays, which improves the ease of system design and integration by embedding the touch controller within the TDDI chip while maintaining the conventional display driver setup for Tcon data transmission. This design simplifies integration for customers, reducing engineering complexity and speeding up product development. This solution also supports high-resolution displays up to 4K and larger screens up to 16 inches, aligning with the growing demand for advanced, visually stunning, and immersive laptops. With mass production already underway for a leading notebook vendor’s AI PC, more projects are lined up. For OLED notebooks, in addition to Company’s OLED DDIC and Tcon solutions, Himax is also developing on-cell touch controller technology, with multiple projects underway with top panel makers and notebook vendors. Last but not least, progress has been made on the next-generation eDP 1.5 display interface for Tcon for both LCD and OLED panels. This interface will support high frame rates, low power consumption, adaptive sync, and high resolution, key features essential for next-generation AI PCs. By delivering innovative, cutting-edge technologies, Himax is well-positioned to lead in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI PCs and premium notebooks.

    SMDDIC

    On SMDDIC revenue, for the full year 2024, Himax’s automotive driver IC sales, comprising of TDDI and traditional DDIC, increased nearly 20% year-over-year, significantly outpacing global automotive growth, largely driven by the continued adoption of TDDI technology among major customers across all continents. However, Himax anticipates Q1 automotive revenue to decline low teens sequentially, following two quarters of surge demand. Despite this, Q1 automotive sales are still projected to increase by mid-teens on a year-over-year basis. In the automotive TDDI sector, with cumulative shipments significantly surpassing those of Himax’s competitors, Company continues to reinforce its market leadership, which currently stands at well over 50%. With nearly 500 design-in projects secured and a continuous influx of new pipeline and design-wins across the board, of which only 30% already in mass production, Himax expects to sustain this decent growth in the years ahead. While traditional automotive DDIC sales for 2024 declined due to their gradual, partial replacement by TDDI, Company’s DDIC shipment volume still saw a modest increase in the last year. This demonstrates the steady demand for mature DDIC products, such as those used in cluster displays, HUDs, and rear- and side-view mirrors, which do not require touch functionality. Furthermore, the long-term trust and loyalty from Company’s DDIC customers, some of whom have relied on Himax’s solutions for over a decade, is indicative of Company’s strong customer retention. Himax continues to lead the automotive DDIC market, maintaining a global market share of approximately 40%.

    Himax continues to lead in automotive display IC innovation by pioneering solutions that deliver superior performance, power efficiency, and enhanced user experiences. As part of this ongoing innovation, Company’s latest TED (Tcon Embedded Driver IC) solution, which combines TDDI with local dimming Tcon into a single chip, provides a cost-effective, flexible, and comprehensive solution for its customers. Another new technology worth highlighting is Himax’s automotive TDDI with advanced user-aware touch control, which differentiates between driver and passenger touches to prevent cross-touch and enhance driving safety. In addition, Company offers a unique knob-on-in-cell-display solution that combines a physical knob with a TDDI. This design seamlessly merges in-cell touch technology with tactile controls, offering drivers a safer, more intuitive interaction that reduces distractions and enhances the overall driving experience.

    Moving to smartphone and tablet IC sales, Himax expects a sequential decline in both product lines, as is typical during the low season in Q1 due to the Lunar New Year.

    On OLED business update. In the automotive OLED market, Company has established strategic partnerships with leading panel makers in Korea, China, and Japan. As OLED technology extends beyond premium car models, Himax is well-positioned as the preferred partner, leveraging Company’s strong presence and proven track record in the automotive LCD display sector. Capitalizing on Himax’s first-mover advantage, Himax aims to drive the growing adoption of OLED in automotive displays by offering a comprehensive range of solutions, including DDIC, Tcon, and on-cell touch controller. Company believes this positions it as a primary beneficiary of the anticipated shift toward OLED displays for high end vehicles in a couple of years, enabling Himax to capture new growth opportunities and further strengthen its market leadership.

    Beyond the automotive sector, Company has also made strides in the tablet and notebook markets, partnering with leading OLED panel makers in Korea and China. Himax’s comprehensive OLED product portfolio, covering DDIC, Tcon, and touch controllers, has driven several new projects that are on track to begin mass production this year. In the smartphone OLED market, Company is making solid progress in collaborations with customers in Korea and China and anticipates mass production to start later this year.

    First quarter small and medium-sized display driver IC business is expected to decline low teens sequentially.

    Non-Driver Product Categories

    Q1 non-driver IC revenues are expected to decrease high teens sequentially.

    Timing Controller (Tcon)

    Himax anticipates Q1 2025 Tcon sales to decrease mid-teens sequentially, primarily due to the non-recurrence of a one-time ASIC Tcon shipment to a leading projector customer last quarter, as well as a moderation in automotive Tcon shipments following several quarters of strong growth. That being said, Himax maintains an unchallenged position in local dimming Tcon, evidenced by growing validation and widespread adoption in both premium and mainstream car models worldwide. Company is confident in the continued growth of its automotive Tcon business, supported by its strong market presence in local dimming Tcon, with strong pipeline of over two hundred design-win projects set to gradually enter production in the coming years. Heads-up display (HUD) is another field gaining traction within automotive displays, driving increased adoption of local dimming Tcon technology and emerging as a particularly promising application. Himax’s industry-leading local dimming Tcon provides distinct advancements with high contrast ratio and optimized power consumption. It effectively eliminates the “postcard effect” often seen in HUDs, caused by backlight leakage typical of conventional TFT LCD panels, ensuring clear and precise images on the windshield. Additionally, the Tcon features advanced transparency detection to prevent the display from obstructing the driver’s view, thereby ensuring driving safety. Several HUD projects are already in progress, and Himax is excited about the potential opportunities ahead. Company is well positioned for continuous growth in automotive Tcon over the next few years.

    WiseEye™ Ultralow Power AI Sensing

    On the update of WiseEye™ ultralow power AI sensing solution, a cutting-edge endpoint AI integration featuring industry-leading ultralow power AI processor, always-on CMOS image sensor, and CNN-based AI algorithm. WiseEye AI delivers a significant competitive edge in the rapidly growing AI market through its ultralow power consumption and context-aware, on-device AI inferencing that seamlessly integrates vision and other sensing capabilities into endpoint applications, particularly battery-powered devices. This not only enhances intuitive user interaction but also makes AI more practical and accessible. Additionally, WiseEye AI offloads tasks from the main processor, effectively extending battery lifespan and improving overall data processing efficiency. Building on the success with Dell notebooks, Himax WiseEye AI is continuing to expand its market presence, with additional use cases expected across other leading notebook brands, some of which are set for production later this year.

    WiseEye also continues to achieve significant market success across various sectors. For smart door lock, Company collaborated with DESMAN, a leading high-end brand in China, to introduce the world’s first smart door lock with 24/7 sentry monitoring and real-time event recording. Building on this achievement, Himax is expanding globally by collaborating with other leading door lock makers worldwide to integrate innovative AI features, including parcel recognition, anti-pinch protection, and palm vein biometric access, further extending application possibilities. Several of these value-added solutions are set to enter production later this year. At CES 2025, Himax joined forces with ecosystem partners to unveil a suite of innovative, production-ready AIoT applications, powered by Company’s tiny form factor, plug-and-play WiseEye Modules. Himax offers a series of modules, each incorporating an ultralow power WiseEye AI processor, an AoS image sensor, and advanced algorithms. The modules feature no-code/low-code AI platform capabilities, simplifying AI integration and supporting diverse use cases, such as human presence detection, gender and age recognition, gesture recognition, face mesh, voice command, thermal image sensing, pose estimation and people flow management. By streamlining deployment and reducing development costs, WiseEye Modules open new opportunities for automation, enhance interactivity, and elevate user experiences across a variety of industries.

    A broad range of innovative, ultralow power WiseEye Modules are also under development in collaboration with ecosystem partners, such as crying baby detection, dynamic gesture recognition, and human sensing, among others. One standout in Himax’s WiseEye Module portfolio is the Himax WiseEye PalmVein solution, which has quickly gained traction since its introduction just one year ago. Company has secured multiple design wins, with mass production already underway by a US customer for smart access applications and a Taiwan-based door lock vendor for its leading smart door lock brands. To meet growing customer demand for flexibility across various environments, the upgraded WiseEye PalmVein suite now features bimodal authentication, combining both palm vein and face recognitions. This dual-authentication solution enhances security by offering two layers of biometric verification, which not only increases reliability but also makes it highly adaptable to various environments.

    The rise of physical AI agents marks a significant shift in human-machine interaction, enabling devices to perceive, process, and respond to their surroundings in real time. A key emerging trend is the integration of cloud-based large language models (LLMs), which enables these agents’ advanced reasoning and language understanding, enhancing their ability to interact with and adapt to the physical world. Himax WiseEye AI is at the forefront of this revolution, delivering always-on sensor fusion, ultralow power on-device processing, while seamlessly interfacing with LLMs, to provide the essential real-time AI capabilities for next-generation applications. A good illustration of this innovation was showcased at CES 2025, where Himax and Seeed Studio introduced the SenseCAP Watcher, a physical AI agent powered by WiseEye AI. Equipped with vision and audio sensor fusion, along with a speaker, this battery-powered IoT device combines on-device AI with cloud-based LLMs to interpret commands, recognize objects, respond to events, and facilitate real-time interaction. Drawing from the success of SenseCAP Watcher, Himax is actively working on multiple projects leveraging WiseEye AI to further drive advancements in physical AI agent applications.

    Separately, Himax is excited about its collaboration with a leading AR player to integrate WiseEye AI into the next generation of AR glasses. At CES, there was a renewed enthusiasm on AR glasses with AI becoming an integral component to enable intuitive and seamless human-device interaction. WiseEye AI addresses two critical challenges in AR glasses, namely real-time responsiveness and power efficiency. For example, WiseEye supports always-on outward sensing, enabling AR glasses to detect and analyze the surrounding environment with real time context-aware AI. This capability powers instant response, real-time object recognition, navigation assistance, translation, and environmental mapping, enhancing the overall AR experience. Notably, WiseEye AI’s exceptional ultralow power consumption, measured in single digit milliwatts, also make it perfectly suited for AR glasses for all-day wear. In another example, Company collaborates with Ganzin on eyeball tracking technology, which, powered by WiseEye, precisely detects subtle eyeball movements, gaze direction, pupil size, and blinking, thereby providing critical data for the enhancement of user interaction in AR glasses.

    Wafer Level Optics (WLO)

    In June 2024, Himax, in partnership with FOCI, a world leader in silicon photonics connector, unveiled an industry-leading co-packaged optics (CPO) technology, leveraging Himax state-of-the-art WLO technology. This innovation integrates silicon photonic chips and optical connectors within MCM, replacing traditional metal wire transmission with high-speed optical communication. The technology significantly enhances bandwidth, boosts data transmission rates, reduces signal loss and latency, lowers power consumption, and significantly minimizes the size and cost of MCM. In working closely with FOCI, Himax is making significant strides through a solid partnership with leading AI semiconductor companies and foundry, with small-scale production of the first-generation CPO solution already underway. The significant increase in Q1 engineering validation and trial production volume, combined with the anticipated sample volume increases in the coming quarters, is a strong indication that CPO technology is being accelerated toward mass production. In addition, in close collaboration with leading AI customers/partners, Himax is speeding up the development of CPO technology for the next few generations. Himax is more optimistic than ever about the outlook for its WLO business, which is poised to generate significant growth opportunities and become a major revenue and profit contributor in the years ahead.

    Alongside the CPO progress, Company is witnessing a rise in engineering collaborations with global technology leaders who are utilizing Himax’s WLO expertise to make advanced waveguides for AR glasses, highlighting the growing recognition of Company’s WLO capabilities.

    LCoS

    On the update on LCoS, Company recently introduced its industry-leading 400K nits ultra-luminous Front-lit LCoS Microdisplay, setting a new benchmark for brightness with extremely low power consumption of merely 300mW. At CES 2025, Company showcased an AR glasses POC (Proof-Of-Concept) featuring the microdisplay with a third-party waveguide, achieving over 1,000 nits of brightness to the eye. This demonstration highlighted its suitability for outdoor, high ambient light conditions. With a lightweight of just 0.98 grams and ultra-compact form factor of less than 0.5 c.c., combined with excellent color performance, Himax’s Front-lit LCoS Microdisplay is ideal for all-day AR glasses and underscores the technology’s readiness for real-world applications.

    Following the recent release of Himax’s 400K nits ultra-luminous Front-lit LCoS Microdisplay, Himax is actively engaged in significant projects through strategic collaborations with industry leaders. Himax’s proven track record of over a decade in LCoS technology, coupled with a history of successful production shipments, highlights Company’s readiness to meet the demands of large-scale production of AR glasses.

    First Quarter 2025 Guidance
    Net Revenue: Decrease 8.5% to 12.5% QoQ, Flat to Up 4.6% YoY
    Gross Margin: Around 30.5%, depending on final product mix
    Profit: 9.0 cents to 11.0 cents per diluted ADS, Up 26% to 54% YoY  
       

    Himax noticed that some peers’ customers placed orders early due to tariff factors, especially in the consumer electronics sector, resulting in Q1 revenue forecasts exceeding normal seasonal demand. In contrast, no similar trend has been observed in the automotive semiconductor market. Since Himax’s automotive business accounts for more than half of its total revenues, Himax’s Q1 revenue forecast has not benefited from tariff factors.

    HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2024 EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL
    DATE: Thursday, February 13, 2025
    TIME: U.S.       8:00 a.m. EST
    Taiwan  9:00 p.m.
       
    Live Webcast (Video and Audio): http://www.zucast.com/webcast/br8wqbB4
    Toll Free Dial-in Number (Audio Only):
      Hong Kong 2112-1444
    Taiwan 0080-119-6666
    Australia 1-800-015-763
    Canada 1-877-252-8508
    China (1) 4008-423-888
    China (2) 4006-786-286
    Singapore 800-492-2072
    UK 0800-068-8186
    United States (1) 1-800-811-0860
    United States (2) 1-866-212-5567
    Dial-in Number (Audio Only): 
      Taiwan Domestic Access 02-3396-1191
    International Access +886-2-3396-1191
    Participant PIN Code: 3329013 # 
       

    If you choose to attend the call by dialing in via phone, please enter the Participant PIN Code 3329013 # after the call is connected. A replay of the webcast will be available beginning two hours after the call on www.himax.com.tw. This webcast can be accessed by clicking on this link or Himax’s website, where it will remain available until February 13, 2026.

    About Himax Technologies, Inc.
    Himax Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: HIMX) is a leading global fabless semiconductor solution provider dedicated to display imaging processing technologies. The Company’s display driver ICs and timing controllers have been adopted at scale across multiple industries worldwide including TVs, PC monitors, laptops, mobile phones, tablets, automotive, ePaper devices, industrial displays, among others. As the global market share leader in automotive display technology, the Company offers innovative and comprehensive automotive IC solutions, including traditional driver ICs, advanced in-cell Touch and Display Driver Integration (TDDI), local dimming timing controllers (Local Dimming Tcon), Large Touch and Display Driver Integration (LTDI) and OLED display technologies. Himax is also a pioneer in tinyML visual-AI and optical technology related fields. The Company’s industry-leading WiseEye™ Ultralow Power AI Sensing technology which incorporates Himax proprietary ultralow power AI processor, always-on CMOS image sensor, and CNN-based AI algorithm has been widely deployed in consumer electronics and AIoT related applications. Himax optics technologies, such as diffractive wafer level optics, LCoS microdisplays and 3D sensing solutions, are critical for facilitating emerging AR/VR/metaverse technologies. Additionally, Himax designs and provides touch controllers, OLED ICs, LED ICs, EPD ICs, power management ICs, and CMOS image sensors for diverse display application coverage. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Tainan, Taiwan, Himax currently employs around 2,200 people from three Taiwan-based offices in Tainan, Hsinchu and Taipei and country offices in China, Korea, Japan, Germany, and the US. Himax has 2,649 patents granted and 402 patents pending approval worldwide as of December 31, 2024.

    http://www.himax.com.tw

    Forward Looking Statements

    Factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those described in this conference call include, but are not limited to, the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Company’s business; general business and economic conditions and the state of the semiconductor industry; market acceptance and competitiveness of the driver and non-driver products developed by the Company; demand for end-use applications products; reliance on a small group of principal customers; the uncertainty of continued success in technological innovations; our ability to develop and protect our intellectual property; pricing pressures including declines in average selling prices; changes in customer order patterns; changes in estimated full-year effective tax rate; shortage in supply of key components; changes in environmental laws and regulations; changes in export license regulated by Export Administration Regulations (EAR); exchange rate fluctuations; regulatory approvals for further investments in our subsidiaries; our ability to collect accounts receivable and manage inventory and other risks described from time to time in the Company’s SEC filings, including those risks identified in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in its Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the SEC, as may be amended.

    Company Contacts:

    Eric Li, Chief IR/PR Officer
    Himax Technologies, Inc.
    Tel: +886-6-505-0880
    Fax: +886-2-2314-0877
    Email: hx_ir@himax.com.tw
    www.himax.com.tw
      
    Karen Tiao, Investor Relations
    Himax Technologies, Inc.
    Tel: +886-2-2370-3999
    Fax: +886-2-2314-0877
    Email: hx_ir@himax.com.tw
    www.himax.com.tw

    Mark Schwalenberg, Director
    Investor Relations – US Representative
    MZ North America
    Tel: +1-312-261-6430
    Email: HIMX@mzgroup.us
    www.mzgroup.us

    -Financial Tables-

    Himax Technologies, Inc.
    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Profit or Loss
    (These interim financials do not fully comply with IFRS because they omit all interim disclosure required by IFRS)
    (Amounts in Thousands of U.S. Dollars, Except Share and Per Share Data)
      Three Months
    Ended December 31,
    		   3 Months
    Ended
    September 30,
        2024       2023       2024  
               
    Revenues          
    Revenues from third parties, net $ 237,182     $ 227,664     $ 222,401  
    Revenues from related parties, net   41       14       6  
        237,223       227,678       222,407  
               
    Costs and expenses:          
    Cost of revenues   164,963       158,669       155,795  
    Research and development   37,584       41,088       46,880  
    General and administrative   5,711       5,831       6,828  
    Sales and marketing   5,886       5,409       7,048  
    Total costs and expenses   214,144       210,997       216,551  
               
    Operating income   23,079       16,681       5,856  
               
    Non operating income (loss):          
    Interest income   2,042       1,934       2,297  
    Changes in fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss   1,245       1,710       27  
    Foreign currency exchange gains (losses), net   690       (1,525 )     457  
    Finance costs   (964 )     (1,140 )     (1,018 )
    Share of losses of associates   (360 )     (14 )     (143 )
    Other losses   –       (1,932 )     –  
    Other income (losses)   60       (362 )     105  
        2,713       (1,329 )     1,725  
    Profit before income taxes   25,792       15,352       7,581  
    Income tax expense (benefit)   761       (7,933 )     (5,174 )
    Profit for the period   25,031       23,285       12,755  
    Loss (profit) attributable to noncontrolling interests   (423 )     280       268  
    Profit attributable to Himax Technologies, Inc. stockholders $ 24,608     $ 23,565     $ 13,023  
               
    Basic earnings per ADS attributable to Himax Technologies, Inc. stockholders $ 0.141     $ 0.135     $ 0.075  
    Diluted earnings per ADS attributable to Himax Technologies, Inc. stockholders $ 0.140     $ 0.135     $ 0.074  
               
    Basic Weighted Average Outstanding ADS   175,008       174,724       174,727  
    Diluted Weighted Average Outstanding ADS   175,146       174,979       174,987  
    Himax Technologies, Inc.
    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Profit or Loss
    (Amounts in Thousands of U.S. Dollars, Except Share and Per Share Data)
       
        Twelve Months
    Ended December 31,
          2024       2023  
             
    Revenues        
    Revenues from third parties, net   $ 906,737     $ 945,309  
    Revenues from related parties, net     65       119  
          906,802       945,428  
             
    Costs and expenses:        
    Cost of revenues     630,601       681,931  
    Research and development     160,329       171,392  
    General and administrative     24,121       25,037  
    Sales and marketing     23,530       23,856  
    Total costs and expenses     838,581       902,216  
             
    Operating income     68,221       43,212  
             
    Non operating income (loss):        
    Interest income     9,907       8,746  
    Changes in fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss     1,363       1,655  
    Foreign currency exchange gains (losses), net     2,491       (768 )
    Finance costs     (4,014 )     (6,080 )
    Share of losses of associates     (831 )     (598 )
    Other losses     –       (1,932 )
    Other income     198       158  
          9,114       1,181  
    Profit before income taxes     77,335       44,393  
    Income tax benefit     (2,435 )     (5,028 )
    Profit for the period     79,770       49,421  
    Loss (profit) attributable to noncontrolling interests     (15 )     1,195  
    Profit attributable to Himax Technologies, Inc. stockholders   $ 79,755     $ 50,616  
             
    Basic earnings per ADS attributable to Himax Technologies, Inc. stockholders   $ 0.456     $ 0.290  
    Diluted earnings per ADS attributable to Himax Technologies, Inc. stockholders   $ 0.456     $ 0.290  
             
    Basic Weighted Average Outstanding ADS     174,796       174,495  
    Diluted Weighted Average Outstanding ADS     175,014       174,783  
    Himax Technologies, Inc.
    IFRS Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
    (Amounts in Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
     
        December 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023    		   September 30,
    2024
    Assets            
    Current assets:            
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 218,148     $ 191,749     $ 194,139  
    Financial assets at amortized cost     4,286       12,511       12,335  
    Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss     2,140       2,117       –  
    Accounts receivable, net (including related parties)     236,813       235,829       224,589  
    Inventories     158,746       217,308       192,458  
    Income taxes receivable     726       1,454       986  
    Restricted deposit     503,700       453,000       503,700  
    Other receivable from related parties     13       69       22  
    Other current assets     43,471       86,548       42,581  
    Total current assets     1,168,043       1,200,585       1,170,810  
    Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss     23,554       21,650       26,383  
    Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income     28,226       1,635       22,457  
    Equity method investments     8,571       3,490       2,945  
    Property, plant and equipment, net     121,280       130,109       122,333  
    Deferred tax assets     21,193       14,196       13,806  
    Goodwill     28,138       28,138       28,138  
    Other intangible assets, net     636       816       717  
    Restricted deposit     31       32       31  
    Refundable deposits     221,824       222,025       221,879  
    Other non-current assets     18,025       20,728       18,484  
          471,478       442,819       457,173  
         Total assets   $ 1,639,521     $ 1,643,404     $ 1,627,983  
    Liabilities and Equity            
    Current liabilities:            
    Current portion of long-term unsecured borrowings   $ 6,000     $ 6,000     $ 6,000  
    Short-term secured borrowings     503,700       453,000       503,700  
    Accounts payable (including related parties)     113,203       107,342       121,384  
    Income taxes payable     9,514       15,309       2,324  
    Other payable to related parties     –       110       –  
    Contract liabilities-current     10,622       17,751       25,694  
    Other current liabilities     63,595       109,291       54,673  
    Total current liabilities     706,634       708,803       713,775  
    Long-term unsecured borrowings     28,500       34,500       30,000  
    Deferred tax liabilities     564       520       505  
    Other non-current liabilities     7,496       35,879       11,361  
          36,560       70,899       41,866  
    Total liabilities     743,194       779,702       755,641  
    Equity            
    Ordinary shares     107,010       107,010       107,010  
    Additional paid-in capital     115,376       114,648       115,285  
    Treasury shares     (5,546 )     (5,157 )     (4,714 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive income     8,621       (180 )     3,507  
    Retained earnings     664,600       640,447       644,596  
    Equity attributable to owners of Himax Technologies, Inc.     890,061       856,768       865,684  
    Noncontrolling interests     6,266       6,934       6,658  
    Total equity     896,327       863,702       872,342  
         Total liabilities and equity   $ 1,639,521     $ 1,643,404     $ 1,627,983  
    Himax Technologies, Inc.
    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    (Amounts in Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
     
        Three Months
    Ended December 31,    		   Three Months Ended
    September 30,
          2024       2023       2024  
                 
    Cash flows from operating activities:            
    Profit for the period   $ 25,031     $ 23,285     $ 12,755  
    Adjustments for:            
    Depreciation and amortization     5,564       5,115       5,640  
    Share-based compensation expenses     103       346       407  
    Losses (gains) on disposals of property, plant and equipment, net     4       (368 )     –  
    Loss on re-measurement of the pre-existing relationships in a business combination     –       1,932       –  
    Changes in fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss     (1,245 )     (1,710 )     (27 )
    Interest income     (2,042 )     (1,934 )     (2,297 )
    Finance costs     964       1,140       1,018  
    Income tax expense (benefit)     761       (7,933 )     (5,174 )
    Share of losses of associates     360       14       143  
    Inventories write downs     4,037       5,727       2,269  
    Unrealized foreign currency exchange losses (gains)     (159 )     1,517       228  
          33,378       27,131       14,962  
    Changes in:            
    Accounts receivable (including related parties)     (27,302 )     8,163       8,548  
    Inventories     29,675       36,580       8,964  
    Other receivable from related parties     9       (29 )     33  
    Other current assets     2,502       (5,682 )     (778 )
    Accounts payable (including related parties)     (7,706 )     (627 )     (26,101 )
    Other payable to related parties     1       363       (102 )
    Contract liabilities     6       (958 )     667  
    Other current liabilities     2,508       3,014       (4,161 )
    Other non-current liabilities     71       393       (3,354 )
    Cash generated from operating activities     33,142       68,348       (1,322 )
    Interest received     3,513       2,665       860  
    Interest paid     (1,047 )     (1,140 )     (1,018 )
    Income tax paid     (191 )     (1,131 )     (1,658 )
    Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities     35,417       68,742       (3,138 )
                 
    Cash flows from investing activities:            
    Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment     (3,222 )     (15,052 )     (2,551 )
    Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment     –       111       –  
    Acquisitions of intangible assets     –       (40 )     (9 )
    Acquisitions of financial assets at amortized cost     (2,286 )     (4,573 )     (1,500 )
    Proceeds from disposal of financial assets at amortized cost     10,289       784       617  
    Acquisitions of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss     (6,807 )     (5,375 )     (27,934 )
    Proceeds from disposal of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss     3,722       1,645       33,036  
    Acquisitions of financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income     –       (1,379 )     –  
    Proceeds from disposal of financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income     –       99       –  
    Acquisition of a subsidiary, net of cash acquired (paid)     (5,416 )     433       –  
    Proceeds from capital reduction of investment     338       360       –  
    Acquisitions of equity method investment     (1,236 )     –       –  
    Decrease (increase) in refundable deposits     (8 )     –       11,339  
    Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities     (4,626 )     (22,987 )     12,998  
                 
    Cash flows from financing activities:            
    Purchase of treasury shares     (832 )     –       –  
    Prepayments for purchase of treasury shares     (2,168 )     –       –  
    Payments of cash dividends     –       –       (50,670 )
    Payments of dividend equivalents     –       –       (233 )
    Proceeds from issuance of new shares by subsidiaries     –       916       –  
    Purchases of subsidiaries shares from noncontrolling interests     –       (9 )     –  
    Proceeds from short-term unsecured borrowings     –       36,932       –  
    Repayments of short-term unsecured borrowings     –       (37,226 )     –  
    Repayments of long-term unsecured borrowings     (1,500 )     (1,500 )     (1,500 )
    Proceeds from short-term secured borrowings     461,400       427,100       522,600  
    Repayments of short-term secured borrowings     (461,400 )     (427,100 )     (471,900 )
    Pledge of restricted deposit     –       –       (50,700 )
    Payment of lease liabilities     (1,340 )     (1,244 )     (979 )
    Guarantee deposits received (refunded)     219       (5 )     –  
    Net cash used in financing activities     (5,621 )     (2,136 )     (53,382 )
    Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents     (1,161 )     873       985  
    Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     24,009       44,492       (42,537 )
    Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period     194,139       147,257       236,676  
    Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $ 218,148     $ 191,749     $ 194,139  
                 
    Himax Technologies, Inc.
    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    (Amounts in Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
        Twelve Months
    Ended December 31,
          2024       2023  
             
    Cash flows from operating activities:        
    Profit for the period   $ 79,770     $ 49,421  
    Adjustments for:        
    Depreciation and amortization     22,354       20,322  
    Share-based compensation expenses     1,247       2,663  
    Losses (gains) on disposals of property, plant and equipment, net     4       (368 )
    Loss on re-measurement of the pre-existing relationships in a business combination     –       1,932  
    Changes in fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss     (1,363 )     (1,655 )
    Interest income     (9,907 )     (8,746 )
    Finance costs     4,014       6,080  
    Income tax benefit     (2,435 )     (5,028 )
    Share of losses of associates     831       598  
    Inventories write downs     13,551       21,540  
    Unrealized foreign currency exchange losses (gains)     (171 )     624  
          107,895       87,383  
    Changes in:        
    Accounts receivable (including related parties)     (40,738 )     20,804  
    Inventories     45,011       132,090  
    Other receivable from related parties     56       5  
    Other current assets     3,941       (3,863 )
    Accounts payable (including related parties)     14,567       7,676  
    Other payable to related parties     (110 )     (268 )
    Contract liabilities     45       (37,051 )
    Other current liabilities     (9,010 )     1,246  
    Other non-current liabilities     (2,260 )     (4,602 )
    Cash generated from operating activities     119,397       203,420  
    Interest received     9,732       8,567  
    Interest paid     (4,015 )     (6,080 )
    Income tax paid     (9,138 )     (53,066 )
    Net cash provided by operating activities     115,976       152,841  
             
    Cash flows from investing activities:        
    Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment     (13,054 )     (23,378 )
    Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment     –       111  
    Acquisitions of intangible assets     (153 )     (115 )
    Acquisitions of financial assets at amortized cost     (11,236 )     (6,911 )
    Proceeds from disposal of financial assets at amortized cost     19,457       3,099  
    Acquisitions of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss     (76,003 )     (82,628 )
    Proceeds from disposal of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss     70,389       75,539  
    Acquisitions of financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income     (17,164 )     (1,379 )
    Proceeds from disposal of financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income     –       99  
    Acquisition of a subsidiary, net of cash acquired (paid)     (5,416 )     433  
    Proceeds from capital reduction of investment     338       360  
    Acquisitions of equity method investment     (1,236 )     –  
    Decrease (increase) in refundable deposits     33,562       (56,933 )
    Cash received in advance from disposal of land     –       2,821  
    Net cash used in investing activities     (516 )     (88,882 )
             
    Cash flows from financing activities:        
    Purchase of treasury shares     (832 )     –  
    Prepayments for purchase of treasury shares     (2,168 )     –  
    Payments of cash dividends     (50,670 )     (83,720 )
    Payments of dividend equivalents     (233 )     (148 )
    Proceeds from issuance of new shares by subsidiary     71       916  
    Purchases of subsidiaries shares from noncontrolling interests     (190 )     (9 )
    Proceeds from short-term unsecured borrowings     –       47,226  
    Repayments of short-term unsecured borrowings     –       (47,226 )
    Repayments of long-term unsecured borrowings     (6,000 )     (6,000 )
    Proceeds from short-term secured borrowings     1,780,300       1,383,300  
    Repayments of short-term secured borrowings     (1,729,600 )     (1,299,600 )
    Pledge of restricted deposit     (50,700 )     (83,700 )
    Payment of lease liabilities     (5,032 )     (4,830 )
    Guarantee deposits received (refunded)     (23,163 )     200  
    Net cash used in financing activities     (88,217 )     (93,591 )
    Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents     (844 )     (200 )
    Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     26,399       (29,832 )
    Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period     191,749       221,581  
    Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $ 218,148     $ 191,749  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Uncertainty around PEPFAR programme puts millions of people at risk

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    • MSF is witnessing the impacts of the US government’s decision to freeze funding to PEPFAR in countries where we work.
    • While clarification on the decision was issued on 6 February, we remain concerned that key areas of HIV prevention are not included in this additional guidance.
    • We urge the US government to immediately resume all funding of critical humanitarian and health aid, including the full range of PEPFAR operations.

    New York/Johannesburg/Brussels — The decision by the United States (US) government to temporarily freeze funding to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) alongside all other foreign aid for at least a 90-day period has had immediate effects on people living with HIV, said Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) today. Although the US has since clarified that certain treatment programmes can continue at least until April, we are concerned that critical elements of the PEPFAR programme remain frozen.

    “More than three weeks since the US government froze PEPFAR funding, there is still widespread confusion and uncertainty as to whether this critical lifeline for millions of people has been cut off,” says Avril Benoît, chief executive officer of MSF USA. “Despite a limited waiver covering some activities, what our teams are seeing in many of the countries where we work is that people have already lost access to lifesaving care and have no idea whether or when their treatment will continue.”

    “MSF is calling on the US government to immediately resume funding for the full range of PEPFAR operations as well as other critical health and humanitarian aid,” says Benoît.

    On 1 February, after over a week of chaos and a freeze of activities, the US government issued a limited waiver allowing for the resumption of some programming with specific guidance for HIV. However, that guidance was unclear, and it did not immediately reach PEPFAR country teams. Across our broad network, MSF did not see a single organisation able to resume work as a result of this limited guidance on waivers. On 6 February, the US government issued clarified guidance on HIV care and treatment and prevention of mother to child transmission programmes.

    However, we remain concerned that key areas of HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support are not included in this additional guidance, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for all vulnerable groups, including LGBTQ+ people and sex workers, specific interventions for adolescent girls and young women in high prevalence countries, and community-led monitoring programmes. These services are essential to ensuring a successful response to the epidemic.

    While MSF does not accept US government funding and will not be directly affected by cuts or freezes to PEPFAR, many of our activities are contingent on the programmes that have been interrupted. In some places we have had to adapt and change our activities, and the indirect effects of these freezes have already been felt in our projects in various parts of the world.

    In sub-Saharan Africa, where MSF runs several HIV/AIDS and related health programmes, we are already witnessing impacts on patients. In South Africa, many clinics providing HIV services, including testing, treatment, and PrEP through PEPFAR-funded organisations have been shuttered, leaving people confused and distressed about where to access their critical medication.

    In Mozambique, a major partner organisation of MSF that provided comprehensive HIV services had to stop activities completely. In Zimbabwe, most organisations providing HIV services have also stopped work, disrupting in particular the DREAMS program aimed at decreasing new HIV infections in adolescent girls and young women.

    “Any interruption to HIV services and treatment is deeply distressing to people in care and an emergency when it comes to HIV treatment,” says Tom Ellman, director of the South Africa Medical Unit at MSF Southern Africa. “HIV medicines must be taken daily or people run the risk of developing resistance or deadly health complications.”

    In Democratic Republic of Congo, the aid freeze was already affecting the most successful model of antiretroviral drug distribution ever implemented in the capital city of Kinshasa: the community-run free distribution and peer support points, known locally as “PODIs”. In a country where stigma against people living with HIV is massive and poverty remains a barrier to care, PODIs have proven to be a medically necessary approach for addressing delays or therapy abandonment. With PEPFAR-supported points of care now closed and other activities frozen, thousands of people were left without support and with a high risk of developing advanced HIV. MSF teams supporting advanced HIV disease care in Kinshasa might not be able to meet the increased demand if disruptions persist.

    In South Sudan, approximately 51 per cent of people living with HIV know their status, and 47 percent are on treatment. A discontinuation of this programme will have devastating effects on thousands of people and their communities. MSF has worked alongside PEPFAR providing essential HIV care in this context and has seen firsthand how this programme saves lives. The support of PEPFAR in this country is critical.

    PEPFAR-supported programming is deeply interconnected with and reliant on other components of the US foreign aid system, specifically implementation support provided by USAID and technical and other assistance provided by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Given that the foreign aid freeze and stop-work orders continue to affect these other agencies, and staff from these agencies have been put on immediate leave or recalled, it is unclear when and how even the limited activities now allowed will be able to restart.

    “These disruptions will cost lives and upend years of progress against this virus,” says Benoît. “Every day that passes is an emergency for millions of people for whom PEPFAR is a lifeline.”

    PEPFAR-supported programming has been heavily integrated into key aspects of the broader health systems of partner countries over the last 20 plus years and as a result the consequences of these disruptions have been far-reaching. For this reason, some of the services affected go beyond purely HIV treatment and prevention, such as in Uganda, where PEPFAR-funded aspects of infectious disease surveillance and response, including for Ebola virus, have been stopped.

    “When MSF first started treating people with HIV/AIDS in South Africa 25 years ago, there were no antiretroviral medicines on the shelves, every diagnosis felt like a death sentence, and communities were desperately trying to curb the virus’ spread,” says Ellman.

    Since then, PEPFAR support has helped save more than 25 million lives and encouraged the fight against HIV to be a truly global one. But continued success relies on continued access to the full range of HIV-related programmes, services, and goods including prevention services and treatment, population-specific and targeted programmes, programmes related to gender-based violence, and other critical areas.

    As health care providers, we are deeply concerned by these disruptions to this lifesaving programme.

    “Even temporary interruptions to key components of PEPFAR will harm people at risk of acquiring HIV and people living with HIV,” says Benoît. “We urge the US government to immediately resume all funding of critical humanitarian and health aid, including the full range of PEPFAR operations.”

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Modernisation Committee announces next steps

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    Following its call for views, the House of Commons Modernisation Committee announces its next steps as it sets out to make the Commons more effective and accessible to all. Find out more: https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/736/modernisation-committee/news/205253/modernisation-committee-pushes-ahead-with-change-agenda/

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7UQgYTW2a4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Thousands of small businesses to benefit from new government buying rules, boosting local jobs, growth and innovation

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Thousands of small businesses across the country will have more opportunities to win valuable contracts with public sector organisations, kickstarting local economic growth and innovation

    • Complicated government buying processes will be simplified to make it easier for small businesses to win contracts, bringing jobs and growth to local areas and across the UK as government delivers on its Plan for Change.
    • Alongside measures for small business, companies that win public sector contracts will be told to advertise vacancies at local job centres to help get Britain back to work and breaking down barriers to opportunity for millions across the country. 
    • Further measures introduced to cut government waste and drive value for money.

    Thousands of small businesses across the country will have more opportunities to win valuable contracts with public sector organisations, kickstarting local economic growth and innovation and creating jobs for local communities as the Government delivers on its Plan for Change.

    Measures announced by the Government today will speed up and simplify procurement processes in the public sector, where £400 billion is spent each year on essential goods and services – driving growth and improving the lives of working people.

    The changes outlined today include proposals for a major shake-up of spending rules, with local councils able to reserve contracts for small businesses to maximise spend within their area and help boost local economies. 

    Alongside this, a new duty will be placed on firms that win contracts with government bodies to advertise jobs at job centres, delivering real change for people, bringing good jobs closer to home and getting Britain back to work. 

    The National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS), will gear all parts of the public sector towards delivering growth. The new rules include eight actions to return public procurement back into the service of the country and working people, and drive forward the Plan for Change.

    Georgia Gould, Parliamentary Secretary at the Cabinet Office, said:

    Businesses tell me that the current system isn’t working. It is slow, complicated and too often means small businesses in this country are shut out of public sector contracts.

    These measures will change that, giving them greater opportunity to access the £400 billion spent on public procurement every year, investing in home grown talent and driving innovation and growth.

    This new policy statement sets out our vision for how procurement can put this country back into the service of working people, and deliver our Plan for Change – by making sure the public sector is committed to growing the economy and empowering our communities with innovation and opportunity.

    Current processes require Social Value measures on contracts, which put requirements on businesses to help bring forward positive change in communities and the country as a whole.

    However, there are currently multiple different approaches used across the public sector and potentially many different criteria, confusing business and making it harder to ensure the commitments made are actually delivered.

    The Government will be updating and streamlining the system used by all central government departments and their agencies to align it with the Government’s missions. 

    This will make it simpler to use, giving small businesses a better chance when bidding for contracts, and will make sure companies who profit from government work give back to the community.

    Small Business Minister Gareth Thomas said:

    For too long small businesses have been stuck on the sidelines of the procurement process with complicated bureaucracy and a confusing system. That changes today.

    These measures will mean small firms can more easily offer their expertise to key projects both locally and nationally, helping SMEs to scale up, securing jobs and creating opportunities across the country.

    AI and Digital Government Minister Feryal Clark said:

    There is a £45 billion jackpot of potential productivity savings if we make full use of technology across our public services, it is not an opportunity we can miss.

    To get this right, we need to make sure public sector organisations can get their hands on the right technology for them, quickly. That’s why our Digital Commercial Centre of Excellence will help the rest of the public sector invest in long-term solutions and stop hasty quick fixes.

    Alongside the NPPS, a range of measures to support its delivery and make savings across government are also being introduced. 

    This includes the development of a new AI tool for commercial teams across government to cut bureaucracy wherever possible – such as to simplify redacting contracts and quality assurance of procurement documents. 

    This includes the development of a new AI tool for commercial teams across government to cut bureaucracy wherever possible – such as to simplify redacting contracts and quality assurance of procurement documents. 

    As first announced in the blueprint for a modern digital government, a new Digital Commercial Centre of Excellence will also be set up in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to embed a “buy once and well” attitude, and drive innovative solutions to problems facing our public sector, securing long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes for digital and IT products and opening up opportunities for small and medium businesses to work on digital transformation. 

    The current system is broken: two departments might buy two types of equipment for the same purpose, requiring two teams with different individual skills to service and maintain. 

    The new approach means buying only once – requiring only one team, and one set of skills, removing duplication, saving the taxpayer money, and reducing waste in government.

    A new Commercial Innovation Hub is also being considered, to establish a golden link across government departments, embedding learnings from extraordinary events such as vaccine procurement into our day to day processes. This will support departments to deliver greater value from the new flexible powers offered by the Procurement Act – and act as a workshop to seek out innovative commercial solutions that drive greater value. 

    The NAO recently estimated there are between 8,000 and 21,000 frameworks available to public sector buyers through external third party organisations. These agreements are often not transparent, with hidden fees and charges, racking up the cost of common goods and services.

    A new Register of Framework agreements will be produced, shining a light on those rip-off frameworks from third party providers that are profiting off our local councils and NHS, taking money away from front line services.

    The Government will also be consulting on more reforms including a requirement for large contracting authorities to publish their three-year targets for small business and social enterprise spend and report on this annually – as well as the exclusion of suppliers from contracts worth more than £5million if they don’t complete prompt payments of invoices.

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: HS2 Ltd response to Construction Commissioner’s 31st report

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    High Speed Two (HS2) Ltd responds to the thirty-first Construction Commissioner’s report published in January 2025.

    Documents

    HS2 Ltd response to Construction Commissioner’s 31st report

    PDF, 181 KB, 2 pages

    This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

    Request an accessible format.
    If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email HS2enquiries@hs2.org.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

    Details

    The HS2 independent Construction Commissioner’s report provides an update on issues raised in his previous report and comments on matters which may have an impact on future numbers of complaints.

    The independent Construction Commissioner’s role is to mediate and monitor the way in which HS2 Ltd manages and responds to construction complaints. The Construction Commissioner will mediate any unresolved construction related disputes between HS2 Ltd and individuals or bodies, and provides advice to members of the public about how to make a complaint about construction.

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 February 2025

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Fellowships launched to explore how AI could change the way scientists drive new discoveries

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    New government-funded fellowships will see researchers explore how AI can change the way we conduct research while 23 projects have been awarded funding to explore wider research and innovation.

    £4 million AI Metascience Fellowship Programme

    New government-funded fellowships exploring how AI could change the way scientists drive future discoveries are now open for applications, Science Minister Lord Vallance has announced today (Thursday 13 February).

    Metascience – the study of how science works – examines research practices, funding models, and how institutions operate to improve how science and research is conducted, and discoveries are made and applied. By understanding what makes scientific research more effective, metascience helps drive research breakthroughs faster and with greater impact – boosting economic growth and prosperity to drive our Plan for Change.

    The AI Metascience Fellowship Programme will fund research into key questions, including how AI is reshaping the research landscape and both changing and supporting the daily work of scientists. It will explore ethical concerns such as biases in AI-driven research and transparency in AI-generated discoveries and economic impacts like shifts in research jobs and funding priorities.

    The new fellowship builds on the momentum of the recent AI Action Summit, as global leaders work to ensure AI’s development benefits society and be rolled out across society in the public interest.

    AI is already revolutionising research with DeepMind’s AlphaFold accelerating drug discovery, while AI-powered lab robotics are automating complex experiments and machine learning is transforming how scientists analyse vast datasets.

    The programme will also examine how governments and businesses should respond, from ensuring AI-driven science remains rigorous and delivers reliable outcomes to supporting researchers to maximise their creative potential and spend less time on mundane tasks.

    Funding will go towards researchers to apply their expertise in examining the technology’s broader effects on research. The £4 million UK programme will run alongside a US-based cohort funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, creating a transatlantic research effort to examine AI’s impact on science. Fellows from both countries will attend a fully funded summer school, strengthening international collaboration and knowledge exchange.

    Applications are especially encouraged from projects exploring the impact of AI on research jobs and skills, how it affects the speed of scientific progress, and the challenges of ensuring AI-driven research remains reliable and explainable.

    Science Minister, Lord Vallance said:

    AI presents new opportunities in a range of sectors, and if researchers can demonstrate its potential to increase transparency, robustness and trust in science then this could pave the way to freeing them up from mundane paperwork tasks while driving growth.

    Supporting researchers to explore how AI can change the way we conduct research and through our joint support with Open Philanthropy for 23 projects exploring wider research and innovation, we will build a better understanding of what works in research – maximising impact, driving discoveries and improving lives.

    In addition to the Fellowship, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) have awarded £4.8 million in funding for 23 new research projects, which will tackle key questions about how to improve research and innovation, including AI’s impact on science, research integrity, and new models for funding and publishing research.

    It follows a funding call launched last year and includes £1.8 million in co-funding from Open Philanthropy, a US-based foundation.

    Among the winning projects:

    • University of Sheffield: Assessing whether large language models – like ChatGPT – can reliably review academic work and contribute to the UK’s Research Excellence Framework and journal peer review
    • University of Bath: Partnering with Sage Publishing and the Royal Society to test a two-stage peer review process, designed to increase trust in academic findings
    • University College London (UCL): Working with Google DeepMind and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) to explore how AI-driven research can be applied to global challenges, including sustainability and healthcare

    Notes to editors

    List of the Metascience grant winners.

    AI Peer: Large language models and academic peer review outcomes
    Michael Thelwall, University of Sheffield.

    Analysing the Reliability of Quantitative Impact Evaluations (ARGIE)
    Jack Blumenau, University College London.

    Assessing compliance with the FAIR Guiding Principles: a systematic evidence map of data availability in metabolomics research
    Matt Spick, University of Surrey.

    Big Science Beyond Science: The Innovation Impact of Research Infrastructure Procurement
    Riccardo Crescenzi, LSE.

    Commercialising Deep Tech: Understanding Frictions to University Invention Disclosure
    Ramana Nanda, Imperial College London.

    Cultural Traction: Embedding research culture strategy
    S Martin Holbraad, University College London.

    Evaluating the Development and Impact of AI-Assisted Integrity Assessment of Randomised Trials in Evidence Syntheses
    Alison Avenell, University of Aberdeen.

    Everything we (think we) know about Narrative CVs
    Liz Simmonds, University of Cambridge.

    Financial structures for enabling innovator participation and success: experimental evidence from challenge prizes
    Vidal Kumar, Nesta.

    Fostering a Dynamic Academic Ecosystem: Innovative Platforms and Methodologies for Econometrics
    Martin Weidner, University of Oxford.

    Making Replications Count: Identifying Barriers and Enhancing Impact with Innovative Dissemination Tools
    Lukas Wallrich, Birkbeck, University of London.

    Mapping impact pathways: improving our understanding of what mechanisms work in research translation
    Alexandra Pollitt, King’s College London.

    Metascience, research funding and policy priorities
    Annette Boaz, King’s College London.

    People or Projects (PoP)? Investigating different research funding styles
    Ohid Yaqub, University of Sussex.

    PRIME: Peer Review Improvement for Minimizing Bias in Evaluation
    Katherine Button, University of Bath.

    Providing empirical evidence to support greater equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in research funding
    Philip Clarke, University of Oxford.

    Public value mapping for AI
    Jack Stilgoe, University College London.

    Research Software Engineer Metascience
    Heather Packer, University of Southampton.

    Sharing Code for Medical Research: An Audit Tool and Pilot at The BMJ
    Nicholas DeVito, University of Oxford.

    Supporting Research and Researchers through the deployment of Digital Notebooks: A framework for implementation and impact
    Andrew Stewart, University of Manchester.

    Transparent and Reproducible Science in the 21st Century: Unlocking the Benefits of Open Source Code
    Albert Bravo-Biosca, Nesta.

    Understanding Scientific Prizes – Structure, Evolution and Impact
    Ching Jin, University of Warwick.

    Working together or writing together?
    Steven Wooding, University of Cambridge.

    DSIT media enquiries

    Email press@dsit.gov.uk

    Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm 020 7215 300

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: WFP welcomes contribution from Government of Uganda to support learning and nutrition from Karamoja students

    Source: World Food Programme

    KAMPALA – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a contribution of UGX2.5 billion (US$680,000) from the Government of Uganda to support Home-Grown School Feeding programmes in the Karamoja region of north-east Uganda.

    WFP supports 250,000 children in 320 schools in Karamoja with daily nutritious meals through Home-Grown School Feeding programmes. This programme provides children with safe, diverse, and nutritious foods which are sourced locally from smallholder farmers and school gardens. Providing children with a meal at school can increase school attendance, enrolment, and reduce dropout rates.

    “School feeding is a powerful investment in the future—nourishing children with healthy, locally-sourced meals while empowering smallholder farmers and strengthening communities,” said Marcus Prior, WFP’s acting Country Representative in Uganda. “By working with the Government of Uganda, we are creating sustainable solutions that drive better education, nutrition, and long-term food security for all.”

    The new five-year contribution, a part of the “Karamoja Feeds Karamoja” initiative, is implemented through the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Karamoja Affairs in coordination with the Ministry of Education and Sports. Originally launched in 2014, the initiative focuses on purchasing locally grown foods for school feeding programmes. 

    “By purchasing food directly from farmer organizations in Karamoja, the government aims to stimulate smallholder production and boost the local economy,” said Hon. Dr. Peter Lokeris, Minister for Karamoja Affairs. “This groundbreaking initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to fostering sustainable development in Karamoja.”

    Uganda is a member of the School Meals Coalition, a government-led initiative of over 100 nations, supported by over 140 partners and hosted by WFP as its Secretariat, working to scale and strengthen school meals programmes globally. In April 2024, the Government of Uganda announced its national commitments to school meals. This latest investment in Karamoja translates that commitment into action, leveraging national resources to support children’s health and education.

                                                               #                           #                         # 

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change. 

    Follow us on X @WFP_Uganda @WFP_Africa

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: Middlefield Canadian Income PCC – Statement re Notice of Requisition of a General Meeting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    13 February 2025

    Middlefield Canadian Income PCC (the “Company”)
    including Middlefield Canadian Income – GBP PC (the “Fund”), a cell of the Company
    Registered No:  93546
    Legal Entity Identifier: 2138007ENW3JEJXC8658

    Notice of Requisition of a General Meeting

    The Board of Middlefield Canadian Income PCC (the “Company”) and Middlefield Canadian Income – GBP PC (the “Fund”) announces that it has received a letter from a nominee account acting on behalf of the custodian and prime broker for Saba Capital Management, L.P. requisitioning the Board to convene a general meeting of shareholders (the “Requisition”).

    The Requisition proposes that shareholders be asked to consider, and, if thought fit approve, the taking by the Company of all necessary steps to implement a scheme or process by which shareholders would become (or have the option to become) shareholders of a UK-listed open-ended investment company (or similar open-ended investment vehicle) implementing a substantially similar strategy to the Company, and which could entail shareholders rolling into an existing or newly established UK-listed open-ended investment company (or similar open-ended investment vehicle), in either case managed by the Company’s existing investment manager or one of its affiliates.

    The Board is committed to acting in the best interests of all shareholders and will make a further announcement regarding the Requisition in due course. Accordingly, the Board recommends that shareholders take no action at this time.

    For further information, please contact:

    Middlefield Canadian Income – GBP PC                                via Investec Bank plc
    Michael Phair (Chairman)

    Investec Bank plc
    Corporate Broker
    Helen Goldsmith/David Yovichic
    Tel: 020 7597 4000

    JTC Fund Solutions (Jersey) Limited
    Secretary
    Matt Tostevin/Hilary Jones/Jade Livesey
    Tel: 01534 700 000

    Buchanan
    PR Advisers
    Charles Ryland/Henry Wilson
    Tel: 020 7466 5000

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Open Market Operation (OMO) – Purchase of Government of India Securities held on February 13, 2025: Cut-Offs

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Security 7.17% GS 2030 7.18% GS 2033 7.10% GS 2034 7.54% GS 2036 7.18% GS 2037
    Total amount notified Aggregate amount of ₹40,000 crore
    (no security-wise notified amount)
    Total amount (face value) accepted by RBI (₹ in crores) 7,315 8,840 4,105 10,000 9,740
    Cut off yield (%) 6.7306 6.8051 6.7643 6.8866 6.8914
    Cut off price (₹) 101.88 102.39 102.25 105.05 102.38
    Detailed results will be issued shortly.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2145

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Watch live: Lords marks Holocaust Memorial Day

    Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)

    Find out more and see who’s taking part https://www.parliament.uk/business/news/2025/february/lords-marks-holocaust-memorial-day-2025/

    Catch-up on House of Lords business:

    Watch live events: https://parliamentlive.tv/Lords
    Read the latest news: https://www.parliament.uk/lords/

    Stay up to date with the House of Lords on social media:

    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/UKHouseofLords
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/UKHouseofLords/
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UKHouseofLords
    • Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/ukhouseoflords/albums
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-house-of-lords
    • Threads: https://www.threads.net/@UKHouseOfLords

    #HouseOfLords #UKParliament

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVUrkE7ssvg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: RAF Digby personnel to benefit from £65 million new accommodation

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Defence Infrastructure Organisation has awarded a contract to construct 276 single occupancy bedrooms at RAF Digby.

    Artist’s impression of the new blocks. (Copyright Galliford Try/Arcadis)

    The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has awarded a £65 million contract for new Single Living Accommodation (SLA) at RAF Digby in Lincolnshire.

    RAF Digby is the RAF’s oldest station, established in 1918, but is now operated by Strategic Command. The contract was awarded to Galliford Try with Arcadis as a Technical Support Provider and will see 4 new blocks of bedrooms created for junior ranks.

    Each block contains a kitchenette, drying rooms, laundry rooms and social spaces, as well as 69 single ensuite rooms.

    The buildings have been designed to be as carbon efficient as possible as part of MOD and wider government push towards net zero. They will benefit from solar panels and be heated using air source heat pumps.

    Other energy efficiency measures include:

    • provision for a system to recover heat from the waste water in the showers
    • temperature-controlled heating zones
    • energy efficient LED lighting
    • electric car charging points

    The contract value also includes provision of car parking, street lighting and landscaped outdoor communal areas. The contractors will be using local suppliers and labour as much as possible to benefit the local economy.

    John Weatherby, DIO’s Principal Project Manager, said:

    It’s fantastic to have reached this important milestone in our goal to transform the accommodation provision at RAF Digby with some high-quality new rooms for junior ranks serving at the station. We look forward to working with Galliford Try on the designs as we prepare for the start of construction in the coming months.

    Wing Commander Neil Hallett, Station Commander RAF Digby, said:

    This is an eagerly anticipated announcement welcomed by the service men and women stationed here. Having modern Single Living Accommodation will significantly improve the lived experience and there is buzz of excitement across the station following this contract award.

    This investment into Royal Air Force Digby is a clear demonstration by the MOD of its intent to enhance the accommodation offer to our personnel while making buildings more sustainable.

    Bill Hocking, Chief Executive of Galliford Try, said:

    We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with the DIO to deliver this much-needed facility for those serving at RAF Digby. We have a strong track record in providing this kind of facility to the armed forces and look forward to ensuring the personnel receive the high-quality living spaces they deserve.

    Construction is expected to start in March.

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to systematic review of studies on impacts of global pesticide use on biodiversity

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A systematic review published in Nature Communications looks at the impact of pesticide use on biodiversity.

    Prof Oliver Jones, Professor of Chemistry, RMIT University, said:

    “There is a lot to like in this study. While the authors have not undertaken any new experiments, they have synthesised data from the existing scientific literature to make new deductions about the unintended effects of pesticides. They look at many different species worldwide and it’s great to see that they used environmentally realistic pesticide concentrations in the calculations

    “While the work has generated some useful insights, there are some points to keep in mind.

    “The word pesticide is a catch-all term for any substance used to control a species humans don’t want to be in a particular space. There are several subgroups: Herbicides are used to control plants, insecticides are used to control insects, etc. Because pesticides are designed to control classes of organisms, the fact that non-target species within those classes may also be affected is not new. While the study highlights negative impacts on over 800 non-target species, data was only available for these. Other species may also be impacted, but we don’t have the data on how.

    “There are also many, many pesticides in use, and some have much worse unintended effects than others. The types of pesticides and how they are used also differ between countries. Compounds used in one country are banned in others, making direct comparisons difficult.

    “Also, as the authors themselves point out, pesticide use is essential to modern agriculture; we could not feed the world’s population without them.

    “The above non-withstanding, the central tenet of this work—that if we are serious about reducing biodiversity loss, we need to be careful about how we use pesticides and look for alternative methods where possible—is very sensible. For example, the data from this work might be used to identify the compounds with the largest non-intended effects and remove them from common use in favour of those with the fewest non-intended effects.”

     

    Prof Toby Bruce, Professor of Insect Ecology, Keele University, said:

    “Increasing evidence of off-target effects of conventional pesticides means there is an urgent need to research and deliver alternative, better targeted approaches. Since the Green Revolution, farmers have been heavily reliant on pesticides for protecting their crops because many of the high yielding crop varieties we have today were developed as part of a package together with pesticides.”

    Dr Antonis Myridakis, Lecturer in Environmental Sciences, from Brunel University of London.

    “The study by Wan et al presents a comprehensive synthesis of the negative impacts of pesticides on a wide range of non-target organisms, incorporating data from over 1,700 studies and is methodologically sound. It is a quite extensive evaluation of pesticide effects on biodiversity. The findings reinforce existing concerns that pesticides have far-reaching consequences for non-target species, including plants, animals, fungi, and microbes, thereby contributing significantly to biodiversity loss.

    “The main conclusions are that pesticide exposure leads to reduced growth, reproduction and behavioural changes in a broad spectrum of species. However, while the study provides compelling evidence of harm to over 800 species, it does not comprehensively address the potential impacts on the vast number of other species not included in the dataset. Therefore, there is the possibility that the true extent of pesticide harm is even greater than reported. Another limitation is the reliance on available published data, which may introduce publication bias since studies reporting significant negative effects are more likely to be published than those finding minimal or no effects.

    “From a policy perspective, these findings highlight the need for stricter regulations on pesticide use and a broader implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. It also underscores the necessity for improved risk assessment methodologies that incorporate ecosystem-wide effects rather than focusing solely on a few model species.

    “Overall, this study provides strong evidence that pesticides pose a significant and widespread threat to biodiversity. While it does not address every possible ecological consequence, its findings are a crucial step toward informing policymakers, farmers, and the public about the hidden costs of pesticide use.”

    Prof Tom Oliver, Professor of Applied Ecology, and Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research (Environment), University of Reading:

    “Understanding the effects of the pesticides on wild species is hugely important. In combination with habitat loss and extreme weather from climate change, these chemicals are thought to be an important factor behind the devastation of our native biodiversity. Importantly, this study has corrected for ‘field-realistic’ levels of exposure. Many industrial chemicals are toxic if poured directly over animals and plants, but the important question is whether the concentration with which pesticides are applied from crops sprayers is damaging. The study finds that a whole range of ‘non-target’ organisations, i.e. those that aren’t pests, but are valuable plants, insects and fungi, are being impacted by these pesticides. Pesticides may be fatal to our native wildlife or they can have sub-lethal effects, such as disrupting growth, reproduction and behaviour (for example, the ability of bees to navigate effectively). The proliferation of certain harm causing human-made chemicals, which escape, or are purposely introduced, into the natural environment is a ticking time-bomb for the health of our ecosystems. It is fortunate that the UK Government (in the recently published 2025 National Risk Register) have now recognised pollution and environmental degradation as a ‘chronic risk’ faced by the UK.”

    ‘Pesticides have negative effects on non-target organisms’ by Nian-Feng Wan et al. was published in Nature Communications at 10:00am UK time on Thursday 13 February 2025. 

    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-56732-x

    Declared interests

    Dr Antonis Myridakis: Nothing to declare.

    Prof. Tom Oliver: employed by the University of Reading and has received funding from NERC, Green Finance Institute and BBSRC to develop methodologies for assessing nature-related risks.  He was previously seconded with the Government Office for Science to work with UK Cabinet Office on chronic and acute risks faced by the UK, and was seconded to Defra to help design their Systems Research Programme. He is lead educator on a Future Learn course “Using systems thinking to tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis” and is author of the book “The Self Delusion: The Surprising Science of Our Connection to Each Other and the Natural World” published by Weidenfeld & Nicholson. Oliver sits on the Food Standards Agency science council and is a member of the Office for Environmental Protection expert college.

    Prof Oliver Jones: Although it was over 15 years ago, I have worked and published papers with Dr David J. Spurgeon, who is one of the authors of this paper. I also conduct research on environmental contaminants, including pesticides. I have received funding from the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/) and various water utilities for research on environmental pollution

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Caisse Française de Financement Local:

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Paris, 13 February 2025

    2024 RESULTS PRESS RELEASE

    Caisse Française de Financement Local (Caffil) announces that the English version of its 2024 Results press release was filed with the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) on 13 February 2025 and that it can be obtained from its website: https://caissefrancaisedefinancementlocal.fr/en/news/press-releases/ (heading: Press releases).

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: State of the Nation Address Reply by President Cyril Ramaphosa | 13 February 2025

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

    State of the Nation Address Reply by President Cyril Ramaphosa | 13 February 2025
    #SONA2025 #GovZAupdates

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GlAqc9z-l4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Njord report and safety flyer published

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Capsize and foundering of a fishing vessel 150 nautical miles north-east of Peterhead, Scotland, with loss of 1 life.

    Image courtesy of SAR helicopter

    Today, we have published our accident investigation report into capsize and foundering of the stern trawler Njord (SH 90) on 6 March 2022, during which one crew member lost his life.

    The report, available via this link, contains details of what happened and subsequent actions taken.

    A safety flyer to the fishing industry has also been produced with this report.

    Media enquiries (telephone only)

    Media enquiries during office hours 01932 440015

    Media enquiries out of hours 0300 7777878

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Funding boost to enhance walking and cycling routes in Portsmouth

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    Portsmouth City Council will use the funding to deliver improvements designed to help residents embrace healthier and more sustainable travel options. If approved, the council expects to use the funding to improve a crossing on London Road in North End, to make it easier and safer for people walking to navigate the busy district centre.

    This proposed improvement will build on the success of previous funding rounds, which delivered significant upgrades such as the new toucan crossing on Victoria Road North and the improved shared cycling and walking path outside Somerstown Hub. Together, these initiatives are helping to create a safer, more connected network of walking and cycling routes across the city.

    By making it easier and more appealing to travel actively, these upgrades aim to transform Portsmouth into a cleaner, greener, and better-connected city. Portsmouth City Council remains committed to supporting active travel as part of its vision for a healthier, more sustainable future, helping to reduce congestion, improve air quality, and create accessible travel options for everyone.

     Cllr Peter Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport, Portsmouth City Council, said:
    “This funding allows us to build on the progress we’ve already made in improving walking and cycling across Portsmouth. Safer crossings, better routes, and School Streets are just some of the ways we’re making active travel the easy, accessible choice for everyone. These changes will create a healthier, better-connected city and support a cleaner, greener future for all.”

    The council’s transport service is now working to develop detailed plans for the proposed scheme, which will be presented for consideration at a future decision meeting.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Wavensmere Homes starts work at £150m Wolverhampton Canalside South

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Established through a partnership between City of Wolverhampton Council and the Canal & River Trust, the site is located off Qualcast Road, just moments from the transport interchange. Benefiting from a prime waterside position, it enjoys frontage onto both the Wyrley & Essington Canal and the Wolverhampton Branch of the Birmingham Main Line Canal.

    Site enabling works are underway, with groundworks scheduled to commence in Q2 2025. The development will be delivered in 3 phases – progressing sequentially from east to west – to minimise disruption to the surrounding community, and support the timely delivery of essential infrastructure and amenities.

    Phase 1 will comprise 153 contemporary 2 and 3 bedroom houses, with completion scheduled for Q2 2027. Access to the first 2 phases will be provided via Qualcast Road, which will function as the primary Spine Road, seamlessly connecting all secondary routes within the development. Phase 3 will be accessed via Bailey Street and fully integrated into the wider road network, ensuring efficient traffic flow throughout the site and surrounding areas.

    The full regeneration and build programme is projected to complete by the end of Q3 2031.

    James Dickens, Managing Director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “Having received confirmation of £20m of development funding from the West Midlands Combined Authority and Frontier Development Capital only last week, we are thrilled to be demonstrating our focus on deliverability by starting work at Canalside South immediately. With Wavensmere’s proud history of regenerating vacant land in the Black Country, we have mobilised our local and regional supply chain and will transform this current eyesore into a landmark development we can all be immensely proud of.”

    Pat McFadden, MP for Wolverhampton South East said: “It was great to visit and see work getting underway at the former British Steel and Crane Foundry site in Horseley Fields, which has been lying vacant for over 15 years. This redevelopment will revitalise our city centre, while creating hundreds of jobs and giving a major boost to the local economy, now and in the future.”

    The former British Steel site was a regional distribution and stockholding centre which has stood empty since the collapse of British Steel in 2019.

    Councillor Stephen Simkins, Leader of City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “Seeing this impressive scheme get on site is monumental and shows the game changing regeneration the council and its partners are delivering in Wolverhampton. As part of our brownfield first strategy, bringing life back to the redundant sites along our canal network is critical to boosting footfall into our city centre and building communities.

    “The decision to put our faith in Wavensmere Homes has paid off with one of the largest new housing developments in the Midlands and the hundreds of jobs for local people that come with it.

    Ultimately, this £150m development will enable Wolverhampton residents to benefit from superb connectivity, amenities, and health and wellbeing opportunities at this wonderful heritage location.”

    Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Wolverhampton desperately needs more homes and getting spades in the ground on Canalside South is part of the solution to that. It’s also why I have invested £20m into the scheme. But it’s more than just bricks and mortar, it’s about creating a thriving new community and shaping a bright future for the city. And it will provide more than a hundred affordable homes for local people, a key priority for me in tackling the region’s housing crisis.”

    Canalside South is one of the biggest regeneration projects of its kind in the region. The overall vision for the Wolverhampton Canalside masterplan is the delivery of around 1,000 homes to meet both the city and wider region’s housing needs, with sustainability and place making at its heart.

    Designed by Glancy Nicholls Architects, the low rise development will emulate the surrounding conservation area and maximise the canalside setting. The scheme will include 7 acres of vibrant green space and open up a new pedestrian route to the city core – reducing the previous walk time by 20 minutes – and igniting new investment into a commercial corridor.

    There will be a total of 378 2 and 3 bedroom townhouses, designed to target an EPC A rated specification, together with 145 1 and 2 bedroom apartments. A building of 10 co-living units – each containing 6 bedrooms – will deliver affordable living typologies to young professionals. 54 houses, together with 80 apartment and co-living bedrooms will benefit from waterside views. The multi award winning urban regeneration specialist will also be reanimating the disused railway arches on the site into 1,338sqm (14,400 sq ft) of lettable commercial space.

    Wavensmere Homes will future proof the new homes by installing electric only heating systems. A range of technologies will be utilised across the development, consisting of air source heat pumps, solar panels and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR). There will also be EV charging to each house or parking space, alongside an array of EV chargers for visitors.

    Birmingham headquartered Wavensmere Homes has 3,500 homes on site, or currently in planning. The firm is in the final phase of the £175m Nightingale Quarter, which is the redevelopment of the former Derbyshire Royal Infirmary into 925 energy efficient houses, apartments, and community amenities. The company is constructing 5 other major brownfield regeneration schemes, located in central Birmingham, Derby, Cheltenham, and Ipswich, and has further projects in the immediate pipeline.

    To view the plans, visit Canalside WV1.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council partners on largest affordable housing development in years 13 February 2025 Council partners to deliver largest affordable housing development in years

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    The Isle of Wight Council is supporting its partners in the delivery of a new affordable housing scheme on the Island — the largest of its kind in several years.

    A recent event at the Three Oaks development on the outskirts of Newport showcased the council’s commitment to the delivery of affordable housing, whether doing it themselves or supporting partners.

    At the event, three new homes were constructed in a single day, demonstrating the potential of modern methods of construction (MMC) and the impressive capability of the local workforce.

    Organised by Sovereign Network Group and their construction partner Captiva Homes, the event highlighted the progress of the 145 affordable homes project at Three Oaks.

    The first homes are due to be ready for occupation from summer 2025 and anyone interested in one of the homes for rent should ensure they are registered on the Island Homefinder website.

    Senior representatives from the council, including council Leader Councillor Phil Jordan and deputy leader and Cabinet member for housing, Councillor Ian Stephens, were present to witness this significant milestone.

    Three Oaks is a priority project within the council’s broader strategy to meet the growing housing demands on the Island, especially in light of a 60 per cent increase in the need for temporary accommodation over the past two years.

    The council’s housing and planning teams have worked closely with Sovereign Network Group and Captiva Homes to ensure that the housing mix at Three Oaks meets local needs.

    The development comprises 87 homes available for social rent and 58 for Shared Ownership, aimed at supporting the local community.

    Councillor Jordan said: “Affordable housing being delivered on the Isle of Wight is a major priority for the council.

    “Achieving this on a large scale requires innovation and close collaboration, and this event has been an excellent demonstration of both.

    “It has also provided a vital platform to discuss the best ways forward with local stakeholders and see first-hand the impressive plans Sovereign Network Group and Captiva Homes have for Three Oaks.”

    Attendees observed the staged assembly process, beginning with the ground floor panels being lifted into place in the morning, followed by first-floor cassettes, and culminating with the roofing structure in the afternoon.

    The precision and close collaboration between teams demonstrated how MMC can be effectively applied in residential construction, highlighting the local construction expertise on the Island.

    The event also included a tour of the nearby Gibbs Timber Frame factory, providing insights into the off-site construction process that underpins MMC.

    Additionally, six new employment positions have been created at Gibbs Timber Frame as a result of the Three Oaks contract, emphasising the broader local economic benefits of new housebuilding.

    By embracing MMC and fostering strong partnerships, Councillor Stephens said the council continues to demonstrate its commitment to creating sustainable, affordable housing for its residents.

    He said: “The shortage of affordable homes on our Island is a critical issue that demands innovative solutions and unwavering determination.

    “The collaboration between Sovereign Network Group and Captiva Homes, with the support of the Isle of Wight Council, on the Three Oaks development exemplifies our commitment to the delivery of affordable new homes for our community.

    “We must ensure that families, young people starting out on the housing ladder, and those struggling to find a place to live, whether rented or bought, have access to quality, affordable housing.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Bear In Bathrobe ($BIB) Now Listed on ZEBACUS: A New Milestone for the Meme Token Revolution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands, Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bear In Bathrobe ($BIB), the fun yet powerful meme token taking the crypto space by storm, has officially been listed on ZEBACUS, a leading cryptocurrency exchange. This landmark listing marks a significant step in $BIB’s mission to redefine the meme coin landscape and bring utility-driven engagement to its ever-growing community.

    With this new listing, traders and investors can now buy, sell, and trade $BIB seamlessly on ZEBACUS, enhancing the token’s accessibility and liquidity in the global crypto market.

    What Makes $BIB Unique?

    Bear In Bathrobe ($BIB) is more than just another meme token, it’s a movement. Combining humor, community engagement, and real-world use cases, $BIB is designed to bring a fresh perspective to the meme coin space. Built on a robust blockchain infrastructure, the project offers token holders exclusive benefits, including NFT integrations, staking opportunities, and community-driven incentives.

    What’s Next for Bear In Bathrobe ($BIB)?

    The $BIB team is continuously innovating, with exciting developments in the pipeline, including partnerships, NFT expansions, and additional exchange listings. This listing on ZEBACUS is just the beginning of an exhilarating journey.

    Buy $BIB Now!

    Crypto enthusiasts looking to join the Bear In Bathrobe movement can now trade $BIB on ZEBACUS and become part of a rapidly growing ecosystem.

    For more details, visit https://bearinbathrobe.com or follow us on social media for the latest updates.

    About Bear In Bathrobe ($BIB)

    $BIB is a community-driven meme token with a mission to combine entertainment, engagement, and real-world use cases in the blockchain space. With a strong and passionate community, $BIB aims to redefine how meme tokens are perceived in the crypto industry.

    With the meme coin rotation in full swing, investors are watching closely and speculation is mounting on whether BIB could be the next major 100x player.

    Stay updated and check the charts before it’s too late:

    Website: bearinbathrobe.com

    X (Twitter): x.com/BearInBathrobe

    Telegram: t.me/BearInBathrobe

    DEXTools Chart: dextools.io

    Contact Us:

    Mr. Junior Smith
    Bear In Bathrobe ($BIB)
    general@bearinbathrobe.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by “Bear In Bathrobe(BIB)”. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the sponsor and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial, investment, or trading advice. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities .Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/911b61a6-b0c7-42d9-9708-c4ac471d503d

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Governor, Reserve Bank of India meets MD & CEOs of Select NBFCs at Mumbai on February 13, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Governor, Reserve Bank of India today held a meeting with the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officers of select Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) across all layers, including Government NBFCs, Housing Finance Companies and Micro-Finance Institutions. These NBFCs constitute nearly 50 per cent of the total assets of the NBFC sector. Representatives from Self-Regulatory Organizations (SROs), Sa-Dhan and Micro Finance Institutions Network (MFIN), as well as from Finance Industry Development Council (FIDC) also participated in the meeting.

    The meeting was a part of the Reserve Bank’s series of engagement with the Boards and Senior Management of its Regulated Entities. The previous such meeting with select NBFCs was held on August 25, 2023.

    The meeting was also attended by Deputy Governors Shri M. Rajeshwar Rao, Shri T. Rabi Sankar and Shri Swaminathan J., along with Executive Directors-in-Charge of Regulation, Supervision and Financial Inclusion.

    The Governor, in his opening remarks, underscored the significant role played by NBFCs in credit intermediation, particularly in making credit available for small businesses and niche segments. Highlighting the collaborative efforts required between the Reserve Bank and the NBFCs, the Governor stressed upon balancing growth aspirations with sound practices for ensuring inclusive development, customer protection and financial stability. He also underscored the significance of ensuring fair treatment to customers and putting in place a prompt grievance redress mechanism. Urging the NBFCs to further their contribution towards financial inclusion, the Governor requested them to become part of Unified Lending Interface (ULI) being put in place by the Reserve Bank.   

    During the interactive session the participants shared their feedback on the sector, various industry level initiatives and their expectations from the Reserve Bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2144

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s message to the High-Level Dialogue on Tax Justice and Solidarity: Towards an Inclusive and Sustainable Common Home 

    Source: United Nations – English

    he promise to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals is slipping away – in large part, due to lack of finance.

    Taxation is vital to closing not only the finance gap, but also the justice and solidarity gap.

    Yet, countries struggle to mobilise resources. The situation requires a global response.  And we are seeing progress – from G20 commitments, to negotiations on a United Nations Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation.

    These efforts are a vital chance to create a framework anchored in inclusivity – essential for legitimacy and efficacy – that supports sustainable development.
     
    The Pact for the Future also includes a commitment to continue constructive engagement in the process, and to explore options for international cooperation on the taxation of the super-rich.

    I urge all countries to keep driving this work forward. Together, let’s build tax systems with justice, solidarity and inclusivity at their heart.
     
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Attracting and retaining nurses and midwives

    Source: Scottish Government

    Taskforce report highlights recommended actions.

    A taskforce has published 44 recommended actions on how to improve working conditions for Scotland’s nurses and midwives.

    The Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce was established by the Scottish Government in 2023 to build on efforts to make Scotland the best place for nurses and midwives to work.  Chaired by Health Secretary Neil Gray, it brings together key stakeholders, including the Royal Colleges of Nursing and Midwifery, to engage with nursing and midwifery staff, understand the challenges they face and recommend ways to improve the profession.

    A key part of this work was the Listening Project, which gathered insights from more than 4,000 nurses, midwives, students and academics to shape future improvements. The findings from the Listening Project have led to 44 recommended actions designed to improve recruitment and retention of staff and workplace conditions.

    These actions include:

    • ensuring appropriate staffing levels so that all staff can take the breaks they are entitled to
    • reviewing data-inputting and paperwork requirements to reduce the administrative burden on nurses and midwives
    • developing national guidance on rostering and flexible working to ensure better work-life balance
    • ensuring nurses and midwives can participate in decision making and planning
    • widening entry routes into nursing and midwifery careers

    The next stage of the taskforce will focus on implementation, with a dedicated group developing a detailed work plan and timeline that ensures these recommended actions are delivered effectively.

    Accepting all 44 recommendations, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Neil Gray said:

    “Our nurses and midwives are the backbone of Scotland’s healthcare system and we are committed to ensuring they have the support, flexibility and workplace conditions to thrive.

    “The publication of the Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce report marks an important milestone; we have heard directly from staff about what matters most to them, and this has shaped the recommended actions which will deliver real change for nurses and midwives. I am very grateful to everyone who has taken the time to take part in this important piece of work. The Scottish Government will now work with our partners to deliver the actions contained in the report.”

    Colin Poolman, RCN Scotland Director, said:

    “This is the culmination of two years of collaborative working, and we welcome the recommended actions announced today. We see this as a significant step and, as the implementation board begins its work, the recommendations should provide a strategic roadmap to begin to tackle the nursing retention and recruitment challenges in Scotland.

    “Implementation of the recommendations will take time and investment, we look forward to playing a key role in the Implementation Board to ensure delivery and enable Scottish government to meet its aspiration of making Scotland the best place for nurses and midwives to work.”

    Background 

    The report and recommended actions of the Ministerial Scottish Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce – gov.scot

    Listening Project: You shared, we listened – gov.scot

    Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce – gov.scot

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: University of Aberdeen secures third place in national work experience ranking The University of Aberdeen has been listed as one of the top three Universities in the UK for Work Experience in the 2025 Rate My Placement Awards.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    The University of Aberdeen has been listed as one of the top three Universities in the UK for Work Experience in the 2025 Rate My Placement Awards.
    Five hundred of the industry’s finest came together celebrate the outstanding achievements of Employers and Universities in providing work experience for students and to find out where they’d placed in the rankings.
    Coming third in the top 50 Universities for Work Experience, a rise of 12 places since 2024, is particularly special given the ranking is solely based on student feedback on the support provided by their University.
    Tracey Innes, Head of the University’s Careers Service, said: “We really do put our students at the heart of everything we do, so this is a terrific result for the Careers and Employability Service team.
    “In addition to supporting students to independently secure work experience, the team have work extremely hard to develop, launch and continually grow the now fully formed ABDN Internship Programme which provides high-quality, paid internships for students.
    “In the short time since its inception, the programme has seen over 135 students interning with over 100 organisations. The programme provides a true win-win, as students bring the kinds of skills needed to make a real impact on projects in the host organisation, while students build evidence of the skills and experience needed for their own career success.”

    The programme provides a true win-win, as students bring the kinds of skills needed to make a real impact on projects in the host organisation, while students build evidence of the skills and experience needed for their own career success.” Tracey Innes, Head of the University’s Careers Service

    Designed to be fully inclusive, the ABDN Internship Programme is open to all students across every discipline and all study levels. One student highlighted its accessibility, stating: “No previous work experience is required,” and praised the 10-hour-per-week structure as manageable alongside studies.
    The team has worked tirelessly to develop efficient, fair and effective application and selection processes, using innovative shortlisting methods. The system and process minimises the time burden for employers in selecting the best candidates, while ensuring applicants can learn from the application experience through constructive feedback, and gain valuable insights to improve future applications.
    The employer engagement team continues to expand partnerships to secure diverse opportunities that align with students’ aspirations. One employer praised the interns, saying: “The engagement and interest from the interns was amazing… the quality of the end result was better than expected.” 
    Commenting on the award, Gary Coull, Employer Engagement Manager recognises the role employers play in supporting students: “I’d also like to give a special thank you to our brilliant employer partners for giving students such impactful and career-enhancing experiences. This is a true partnership and we

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Culture Derby director appointed

    Source: City of Derby

    The new director of Culture Derby has pledged to work with communities to raise Derby’s profile as a creative and cultural city. 

    Alix Manning-Jones will head up the new strategic development agency to drive the growth and impact of the Derby’s culture and creative sectors. Culture Derby will work alongside the sectors as an advocate and champion, building relationships and working to increase investment.

    Funded by Arts Council England and Derby City Council for an initial two-year period, Culture Derby stems from the Derby Cultural Compact and the UK City of Culture 2025 bid. The Culture Derby Board will bring a wide range of professional skills and experience that is representative of the city, led by the director who will drive forward the plans and secure resources to achieve the project’s goals.

    Alix, who will take up her post at the beginning of April, said:

    Culture Derby will create a vibrant city centre, with culture at the heart. We know that the arts are struggling nationally and locally, and it’s important that we support the cultural sector by maintaining their presence through Culture Derby. 

    I’m committed to delivering high quality, accessible and enjoyable experiences for everyone, to celebrate our city. This is a shared vision and we’ll be working closely with our communities, partners, and businesses. 

    To be able to re-imagine culture in our city, we need to start with listening to our communities and young people and providing opportunities to help shape the programme. I hope to bring a fresh perspective and a new way of working in partnership across all sectors to bring Culture Derby to life.

    Our city needs a cultural beating heart and I’m really looking forward to making that happen.

    Alix has a strong background in the cultural sector. She started her career at the Royal Shakespeare Company and has worked in theatres across the country delivering and producing large-scale festival projects. In 2016 she was appointed as Derby’s Cultural Education Producer and then as Derby’s Opportunity Area Programme Manager, co-producing the This is Derby celebration in 2018. Most recently, Alix has worked at Derby City Council spearheading the city’s Family Hubs programme.

    Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council, said:

    I’m delighted to welcome Alix as Director of Culture Derby. Derby is a city that has always had creativity and innovation at its heart and we believe that every resident and visitor should benefit from the power that arts and culture have to change people’s lives for the better.

    It’s an exciting time in the city, as we look forward to the opening of Becketwell Live and Derby Market Hall. We’re on a mission to create a vibrant hub that celebrates culture and offers something for everyone and I’m excited to work with Culture Derby and our other partners to make that happen.

    Rebecca Blackman, Arts Council England’s Director of Engagement and Communities and Area Director for the Midlands, said:

    We’re delighted to welcome Alix Manning-Jones as Culture Derby’s new director, bringing a wealth of sector experience across the cultural sector, local government, and local communities in Derby.

    Culture Derby is an important new strategic development for Derby, and Alix’s extensive experience in creating collaborative partnerships across culture, education, health, business and the voluntary sector will be a great benefit to Culture Derby. We look forward to working with her.

    Artcore CEO Ruchita Shaikh was part of the interview panel for the director role. She said:

    I am optimistic about the opportunities this new role will bring to the cultural sector in Derby. With fresh perspectives and dedicated support, I am confident that the new director will play a pivotal role in strengthening and enhancing our city’s vibrant cultural landscape. I warmly welcome Alix on board and look forward to the positive impact their leadership will have on Derby’s cultural scene.

    Tony Butler OBE, Executive Director for Derby Museums, who was also on the interview panel, said:

    I want to see culture permeate every area of public policy within our city, from public health to social care, from the environment and net zero, to education and skills. Alix’s great experience in working in the front line and strategically developing cultural programmes in Derby means the cultural sector will be more allied and be able to respond to the needs of the city. She will be a fantastic advocate and connector for culture.

    Dr Rhiannon Jones, Associate Professor (Civic Practice). Head of Civic and Communities University of Derby said: 

    This is an exciting moment for the city, recognising the value of culture as a driver for change which is a key aspect of our Civic University Agreement. We welcome the announcement of Alix as the Culture Derby Director post holder; a role that is crucial and a critical opportunity to support the bold and exciting ambitions for both our communities and for Derby and beyond.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The semi-final of the “Star of Polytechnic” competition was held at SPbPU

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    On February 10, the semi-final of the largest student creative project “Polytech Star” took place in the White Hall. It has been revealing new names of talented singers and presenters for 17 seasons in a row.

    The participants went through castings and numerous rehearsals. The White Hall stage featured everything from original songs to world pop hits. It is worth noting that each of the 15 vocal numbers was carefully prepared and directed by the project organizers’ team under the direction of Maxim Pilyugin. Both the organizers themselves and representatives of the PolyDance dance studio acted as choreographers. The event was held with the support of the Student Club and the help of volunteers from the KOrgi Organizers’ Team.

    We have been preparing the semi-final for a long time and painstakingly, and we managed to make it grandiose and fun at the same time. Now we know how our audience behaves, we can fully adjust the future scenario of the competition final to the viewer, – commented the finalist in the nomination “Hosts”, 2nd year student of the Institute of Culture and Science Vladislava Chanysheva.

    Monday evening was remembered by viewers for its bright and dynamic numbers, unique media support and sincere emotions of the participants and support groups.

    In the semi-final, I experienced a whole range of feelings – from incredible awe, which you only experience when something is truly dear to you, to an absolute feeling of pleasure that penetrated every cell of the body, – shared the finalist of the 17th season, a second-year student of the IPMET Ivan Umrikhin.

    The performances were assessed by experienced experts, for whom creativity, music and youth initiatives have become an integral part of life: Director of the Center for Youth Trajectories “Polytech Tower” Andrey Dolgirev, Chairman of the SPbPU PROF Maxim Susorov, Head of the SPbPU MSN Dmitry Oshkin, as well as finalists of previous seasons of the project Alexey Papin and Adelina Borozdina.

    This season, the gap between the castings and the semi-final was longer than ever, and during this time, the organizers and participants managed to become very attached to each other. Of course, it is sad to realize that our work with some participants has ended, but “Polytech Star” is not only a competition, but also a real friendship and a warm family atmosphere, which we have maintained for many years now and are always happy to see the finalists and semi-finalists of past seasons at our events and rehearsals, – shared the project manager Maxim Pilyugin.

    Of the 22 semi-finalists, 13 made it to the final. The final stage of the competition will be held on April 28 in the White Hall. Then the name of the new “Polytech Star” will be announced. We wish the finalists determination and successful performances. See you in the final!

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –