Older adults have large digital archives that can be hard to access after their deaths.picture alliance/Getty Images
From family photos in the cloud to email archives and social media accounts, the digital lives of Americans are extensive and growing.
According to recent studies by the password management companies NordPass and Dashlane, the average internet user maintains more than 150 online accounts. Individuals produce hundreds of gigabytes of data each year. But few people have plans for what happens to that digital legacy after they die.
Unlike physical possessions, online assets often don’t pass smoothly from one generation to the next. Loved ones struggle to access important accounts or recover treasured photos. Many families face these challenges while already overwhelmed with grief.
Most tech companies haven’t kept up with this reality. Fewer than 15% of popular online platforms have clear systems for handling a user’s death, and customer support is often limited, according to our new study. As people’s “digital footprints” expand, the lack of planning has become both a practical and emotional burden for families. This is especially true for older adults who may not be aware of the steps required to manage their digital estate.
We realized there was no organization or comprehensive website to help people navigate the technical, privacy or practical challenges they were facing. In response, we launched what we believe is a first-of-its-kind solution: the Digital Legacy Clinic.
Our clinic opened in late 2024. The free clinic offers support both to people planning for the end of their digital lives and to those managing the digital estates of loved ones who have died.
Led by students and housed in the University of Colorado, Boulder’s Information Science department, the clinic operates much like a pro bono law clinic. Community members in the Denver and Boulder areas, as well as from across the country, can contact the clinic for help.
First, a person interested in getting support fills out a simple form. Then, a member of the clinic will send a follow-up email to clarify and offer preliminary advice. Since every case is different, often clinic workers will then meet via Zoom with a client to create a personalized plan for them and their family.
How the clinic helps
The clinic offers guidance on a wide range of digital estate concerns, including setting up digital legacy tools such as trusted contacts on Google and Apple or legacy contacts on Facebook – someone you choose to manage your main profile after you’ve died. People can also get guidance on how to memorialize or delete social media or other online accounts after a loved one has died.
For example, Facebook allows you to either memorialize an account or request its removal. To memorialize it, you’ll need to submit a form with the person’s name, date of death, proof of passing, such as an obituary, and verify your relationship to the deceased. Including these steps can help your loved ones manage a digital legacy with clarity and care.
The clinic also helps people recover and preserve digital assets. That includes photos, videos, emails and other important documents, such as legal documents stored on a Google Drive.
For those who are planning for after they die, the clinic can guide them in creating a digital estate plan. That plan might include inventorying online accounts, documenting login credentials and leaving instructions for account closure, or determining steps to email the documents to your lawyer.
Students supporting their community
The ongoing work of the clinic is run entirely by undergraduate and graduate students, who build and maintain the clinic’s website, manage the client intake process and research solutions tailored to each case.
For the students, it’s a hands-on learning opportunity that connects academic work to real-world needs. The experience is also professionally valuable. Students learn how to communicate complex tech topics with empathy, navigate privacy laws and manage sensitive data responsibly.
A resource for older adults
While the Digital Legacy Clinic is available to people across the country, its location in Boulder makes it especially accessible to older adults in the Boulder and Denver areas who may prefer or benefit from in-person support.
For older adults, the Digital Legacy Clinic can help them organize their digital lives and make passing their digital archives on to their families easier. Robert Alexander/Getty Images
For older adults, the clinic can play a crucial role in helping them organize their digital lives while they’re still alive. This can reduce confusion for loved ones later and even help prevent issues such as identity theft or account misuse. Many older adults now maintain extensive online presences, but they may not have the tools or knowledge to ensure their accounts are secure and accessible to people they trust.
Jed Brubaker currently receives research funding from the National Science Foundation and Google. In the past he has recieved research funding from Facebook and Mozilla. During 2014-2020 he worked as a research for the Legacy Contact and Memorialized Profile features at Facebook.
Dylan Thomas Doyle does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Scientists comment on news that the UK government is investing in a nuclear plant at the Sizewell C site and a small modular reactor programme.
Prof Patrick Regan, Professor of Nuclear Metrology, University of Surrey, said:
“The announcement that the UK government has committed £14.2bn of investment to build European Pressurized Reactors (EPRs) at the Sizewell C site will contribute to the UK tackling the delicate balance between ever-increasing secure energy requirements and our commitment to achieving net-zero. The EPRs planned at Sizewell C represent Generation 3+ technology and build on more than 70 years of operational reactor experience worldwide to provide the cleanest, safest and most efficient form of nuclear power yet.
“This large investment, however, brings with it the obvious need to produce and maintain a highly skilled, expert workforce related to all phases of the Sizewell C project. Science and Engineering Apprentice, Graduate and Post-Graduate training in areas such as chemical engineering, material science, nuclear physics & radiochemistry, environmental monitoring, radiation measurement and health physics will be key in enabling ‘life-long’ UK-based careers in this industry, in line with such a far horizon project. This is a long-term investment in the UK’s national infrastructure, and it needs a skilled workforce to ensure its ultimate success.”
Dr Phil Johnstone, Principal Research Fellow, University of Sussex Science Policy Research Unit, Patron of Nuclear Information Service, Member of Sussex Energy Group, and Member of Nuclear Consultation Group:
Is this a good move?
“The decision on Sizewell C is a bad move. It will likely lead to increasing costs for UK electricity consumers and represents a significantly slower means of combatting climate change than alternative options. The announcement comes alongside the decision to select submarine reactor manufacturer Rolls Royce as the winning bidder to develop Small Modular Reactors. These are part of the same underlying goal: to sustain the UK military nuclear industrial base via subsidies from civil nuclear power, with democratic scrutiny of this strategy almost entirely absent.”
Prof Andy Stirling, professor of science and technology policy at the University of Sussex Science Policy Research Unit:
Is this a good move (or not) when it comes to energy and fossil fuels?
“It is well acknowledged behind the scenes (but denied in public), that this move is more intended to support the kind of nuclear industrial base needed for military than for climate reasons. Nuclear power stations like Sizewell C are so slow and expensive compared to renewables and storage strategies, that they erode rather than enhance climate action.”
What does this mean for UK energy production? Is there overspeculation?
“This will make UK energy production needlessly more expensive, less secure and less effective in climate terms, than if the same money had been spent on renewables and energy storage.”
What does the science say?
“On this as on many other policy issues, what counts as ‘the science’ is more uncertain and context-dependent than any side typically implies. If either nuclear advocates or critics claim their arguments to be uniquely or unequivocally science-based then that is a sign that they are seeking to mislead.”
Dr Sarah Darby, Emerita Research Fellow, Energy Programme, Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford, said:
“The argument that building Sizewell C will be markedly cheaper and quicker than Hinkley C is weak. Hinkley C is ‘first of a kind’ in the UK but has the same design as Olkiluoto in Finland and Flamanville in France. These two have been, respectively, over 10 years late and almost four times over budget [1] and over 12 years late and over four times over budget in real terms [2,3]. Neither is yet working reliably [4,5].
“The unfinished Hinkley C was reported by EdF last year as already 90% over budget and 7 years late – and EdF do not expect it to be finished before 2029-31.
“In the light of these figures from three power plants of the same design as SZC, Ed Miliband’s forecast of a 10-year build time looks wildly optimistic. Where cost and complexity are concerned, there is the additional concern about the SZC site being on a flood-prone and eroding coastline, with sea levels on the rise.
“EdF are now wholly owned by the French government, following their extreme financial difficulties, and it is unclear whether they will take any stake at all in SZC. This is hardly a vote of confidence in the prospects of their own design.
“The argument that nuclear build helps with climate goals is similarly weak. New nuclear would arrive too late to assist – renewables already supply over half of UK generation [6] – and are on the rise. The massive sums involved are money not spent on quicker and more effective moves towards energy transition. Bloomberg NEF’s latest assessment of energy transition investment trends* refers to renewables, energy storage, electric vehicles, and power grids as ‘proven, commercially scalable [and with] established business models’, yet categorises nuclear power as an ‘emerging’ technology, with investment held back by lack of affordability and technology maturity [7].
“Nuclear is being presented by the Government as complementary to renewables, for ‘when the sun doesn’t shine and the wind doesn’t blow’. But what we need for these times – and for times of abundant renewable supply – is flexibility from storage and demand-side response, not large-scale inflexible power plants that cannot easily be turned down or up and that can be shut down at a moment’s notice [5,8].
“As so often, the debate is focused on supply rather than demand – what we use energy for. The government are citing figures of a doubling of demand by 2050 that are certainly not set in stone and likely to be exaggerated. AI demands are the new kid on the block but, as DeepSeek has shown, they need not be nearly as high as is often made out. There is still plenty of scope to improve energy security through energy efficiency, allied with storage and demand-side response, without compromising quality of life [9].
“Successive governments have already sunk £6.4bn of taxpayers’ money into Sizewell C, but this is no reason to compound the error. A further £14.2bn is substantial but falls a long way short of the £40bn ‘overnight’ cost estimated by the FT [10]. Further, this £40bn estimate does not take into account the costs of capital, decommissioning and disposal of waste. The last of these is itself a topic of major concern to the Public Accounts Committee [11].
“It is not too late to avoid a FID for Sizewell C and to steer funding in more productive directions, including modernisation of the electricity grid, energy efficient buildings and transport systems, and storage. Such investment could create jobs and improve living conditions around the country.”
Stephanie Baxter, Head of Policy, Institution of Engineering and Technology, said:
“The £14.2 billion of funding announced today for the development of Sizewell C, alongside selecting Rolls-Royce SMR as the preferred bidder to develop the UK’s first small modular reactors, marks an important step forward towards nuclear playing a significant role in the UK’s energy mix.
“Nuclear infrastructure, both large and small, will be needed in our energy system if the UK is to have a secure, affordable and sustainable energy system for 2030 and beyond. However, the Government must also take a whole system view of the wider energy system to ensure new nuclear infrastructure compliments other energy generation and distribution resources currently deployed and being developed.
“Significant infrastructure projects such as these rely on long-term stability – in the supply chain, regulations and the skills pipeline. That is why today’s announcements must be backed up by clear plans for delivery, including engagement with local communities.
“These ambitions will also not be met without the skilled engineering and technician workforce that will be critical to delivering and maintaining new nuclear infrastructure.
“Great British Energy must work closely with Skills England to ensure that these plans are backed by a long-term workforce strategy to deliver skilled job opportunities across the country – both by training up new workers in schools and colleges, and upskilling/reskilling the existing workforce through flexible funding in the Growth and Skills Levy.”
Will Davis, Nuclear Expert and a Member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s Sustainability and Net Zero Policy Centre, said:
“Today’s announcements are a clear demonstration of the government’s long-term commitment to low-carbon energy security, extending beyond the 2030 clean power target and taking concrete steps toward achieving net zero by 2050.
“To meet our net zero ambitions, we must significantly scale up electricity generation – by two to three times current levels – and this will only be possible through large-scale projects like Sizewell C and the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) programme.
“While these developments are both welcome and necessary, the UK nuclear industry must address its ongoing credibility challenges around delivering projects on time and within budget. Unlike the UK’s Hinkley Point C, nuclear projects in countries like China and the UAE have avoided major delays. Learning from these international examples is essential if we are to attract private investment and reduce reliance on gas-fired power stations.
“The selection of a preferred bidder for the SMR fleet is a long-awaited milestone – over a decade in the making – and we’re pleased to see it finally progressing.
“The clarification of roles between Great British Energy and Great British Energy – Nuclear, with NESO overseeing the critical upgrades to our national electricity infrastructure is welcomed. These upgrades are vital and must be properly funded, not treated as an afterthought.
“With the announcements on Sizewell C and SMRs, we urge the government to clarify its position on future gigawatt-scale nuclear projects, such as the previously proposed development at Wylfa.
“New nuclear power stations require a high-tech supply chain and a highly skilled workforce. Investment in key manufacturers like Sheffield Forgemasters is encouraging, but broader supply chain investment hinges on project certainty – contracts must be signed.
“The IET continues to support the sector through initiatives like the Nuclear Skills Taskforce. We’re also pleased to see continued investment in STEP, the UK’s prototype fusion power plant. A £2.5 billion commitment is significant and deserves more visibility.
“However, we note the absence of updates on advanced nuclear technologies, which could play a crucial role in decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors such as steelmaking and hydrogen production. We hope to see further clarity on this soon.”
Dr Lewis Blackburn, Lecturer in Nuclear Materials, University of Sheffield, said:
“Today the UK government demonstrated a clear and renewed commitment to nuclear fission as a means to achieve Net Zero, a key goal that was outlined in the 2024 White Paper “Civil Nuclear: Roadmap to 2050”. This comes in the form of an approximately £14B commitment to the Sizewell C project, comprising two EPR (European Pressurised Reactors) delivering a total of 3.2 GWe. The project is forecast to support 70k jobs and produce enough energy to power 6M UK homes. Today’s news also comes alongside an announcement that Rolls-Royce have been identified as the preferred bidder to construct the UK’s first Small Modular Reactors (SMR) – a fleet of smaller fission reactors designed to be built ‘modular’ on a production line, prior to shipping and assembly on-site.
“The UK faces a potential skills challenge in the field of nuclear engineering and projects like Sizewell C and Rolls-Royce SMR offer an exciting opportunity to build a skills pipeline, increasing the number and diversity of people entering the nuclear workforce, and bolstering the supply chain.
“In order for the UK to maintain its international reputation as a leader in civil nuclear, it must continue to invest heavily in new infrastructure, the wider industrial supply chain and R&D. Thus, producing the next generation of nuclear expertise in both the industrial and academic sectors, equipping them with the skills required for the UK to continue to utilise nuclear fission, safely, for generations to come.
“An important aspect of this is ensuring that highly radioactive waste, generated as a by-product of nuclear fission, is not passed onto future generations and is permanently disposed of. In this area, the UK is in the process of siting a geological disposal facility – a dedicated site wherein intermediate and high-level radioactive waste will be isolated from the wider environment permanently. The international consensus in the wider scientific and technical community is that this is the only feasible way to safely manage such wastes, ensuring passive safety. This is the focus of significant R&D in both the technical and academic space.”
Dr Mark Foreman, Associate professor of Nuclear Chemistry / Industrial Materials Recycling, Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, said:
“Building a new power plant based on light water reactors at Sizewell is a good idea, it will provide a reliable supply of electric power which will help society reduce its dependency on fossil fuels. I hold the view that it will be a safe means of providing for the energy needs of society. Many critics of nuclear power use the example of the Chornobyl accident to argue that all nuclear power plants are unsafe. This is unreasonable, operating the Chornobyl reactor in the same way as it was just before the accident can be thought of as like roller blading along the M1. While running modern (or even a 1980s era) light water reactor is like calmly driving a Volvo equipped with all the latest safety features along the M1.”
Prof Robin Grimes FRS FREng, Professor of materials physics, Imperial College London, said:
“Large plants such as Hinckley, currently under construction and this announced plant at Sizewell are very good at providing constant base load electricity capacity. They are also good for supporting grid stability and providing inertia. Of course they offer generation diversity and energy security. They will offer these benefits for many decades. As we turn to more electricity use to reduce carbon emissions we will need more nuclear electrify. However, large plant are less good at helping with the inherent intermittency of renewables. For this we need the greater flexibility as provided by small modular reactors or the higher temperatures of advanced modular reactors which offer access to more technology options for decarbonisation. I therefore see this announcement as part of the systems approach by which we progress to greater energy security and decarbonisation.”
Prof David Armstrong, Professor of Materials Science and Engineering (Department of Materials), University of Oxford, said:
“This is excellent news for the UK energy landscape. As the UKs aging AGR fleet retires new baseload energy is required. Sizewell C will sit alongside Hinkley Point B to provide sustainable emission free baseload energy complementing the growing wind and solar power and making a significant contribution to UK energy security.”
Dr Iain Staffell, Associate Professor of Sustainable Energy at the Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, said:
“Today’s decision is an important one, but even with Hinkley C and Sizewell C, the UK’s nuclear capacity in the 2030s will still be below its 1990s peak.
“After a decade of dithering, Sizewell C is a litmus test of the UK’s ability to deliver complex infrastructure on schedule.
“This deal lives or dies on its delivery. Sizewell C must be built on time and on budget, learning from the (many) mistakes from Hinkley Point C and other UK mega-projects.
“Nuclear power offers a strong energy security hedge. Fuel and key parts can be stockpiled, insulating consumers from foreign instability and gas price spikes.
“Sizewell C won’t start generating for nearly a decade if it is built on time, so it only just contributes towards the Government’s 2035 clean-power goal. But, it is building for the long-term, and will deliver carbon-free electricity well into the 2080s.
“People are rightly concerned by the environmental impacts and emissions from the enormous construction project, but compared to the scale of energy production over the next six decades, nuclear remains one of the cleanest power sources we have.
“The upfront cost is undoubtedly high. £14 billion could fund around 10 GW of offshore wind versus just 3.2 GW of nuclear. But, these reactors will run day and night, especially valuable when the wind is not blowing.”
Louis Barson, the Institute of Physics Director of Science, Innovation and Skills said:
“It is good to see this decision made about developing Sizewell C. New nuclear will play a vital role in bringing reliable, secure and affordable power to new markets, decarbonising industry and helping countries meet their net zero commitments – as part of our future low-carbon energy mix.
“But we need to make sure we also pay attention to the desperate need for hundreds of thousands of skilled workers to support both this project and the development of smaller, modular, nuclear reactors.
“Signing off on Sizewell C is only half the picture, we need the nuclear-ready scientific workforce to make it a reality: that means more physics teachers, well-funded physics departments in universities and a healthy pipeline of physics talent.”
Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive, Nuclear Industry Association, said:
On Sizewell C Given Go-Ahead from Government
“This is a momentous day for Sizewell C and for the British nuclear programme. Sizewell C is one of Britain’s most important clean power projects, and will give the country the jobs, the economic growth and the energy security we need to ensure a secure and reliable power supply for the future. This record investment confirms the government is serious about building new nuclear and all the economic benefits that come with it, and will be welcomed in communities the length and breadth of Britain.”
On Rolls-Royce SMR Winning the UK SMR Competition
“This is a hugely significant moment for Rolls-Royce SMR and for the British nuclear programme. These SMRs will provide essential energy security and clean power alongside large scale reactors, all the while creating thousands of well-paid, skilled jobs, opportunities for growth right across the country and significant export potential. We look forward to working with Rolls-Royce SMR and all other potential SMR vendors, including those not successful today, on making Britain the best place to build new nuclear anywhere in the world.”
Prof Mark Wenman, Professor in Nuclear Materials, Imperial College London, said:
“This is a big step forward. Since the 1990s the amount of nuclear energy the UK produces has been steadily declining from around 12 to 4.5 GWe today. Sizewell C will help reverse this trend and further provide the UK with energy security. It will help balance the grid with the increase of renewables, replace fossil fuel plants and protect us against potential blackouts, as recently seen in Spain. Whilst the costs may seem high initially, this needs to be balanced against the fact that these reactors will produce low carbon electricity for 80 or possibly 100 years, 24/7, providing around a tenth of the current UK electricity needs. Once paid for, nuclear reactors produce the cheapest electricity of any kind, so this investment should be seen as future proofing the UK electricity system.”
Prof Adrian Bull,Chair in Nuclear Energy and Society, Dalton Nuclear Institute, University of Manchester, said:
“It’s very welcome news to see the announcements today of Government support for a new wave of nuclear power in this country. We’ve known for decades that reliance on imported gas could ruin the environment – but recent years showed us that it can ruin the economy too. Nuclear gives much-needed resilience against global fossil fuel prices, without emitting the gases that cause climate change, so it’s excellent news that we are going to see new plants – both large and small – built.
“I’m especially pleased that we have finally got over our national phobia of replicating a previous project. We’ve never done that in our UK nuclear fleet before, but the rest of the world learned ages ago that series construction is the route to certainty over the time and budget for such projects. Doing the same things at Sizewell which we have already done at Hinkley Point is much easier than starting from scratch to build a massively complex plant for the first time.
“The announcement of Rolls Royce as the winner of the SMR competition is a welcome sign of progress, but it’s disappointing to see only one winner selected, when we had all anticipated more. Government has long been supporting the Rolls Royce SMR project – with over £200m of public funds provided already – so it was inconceivable they would not be on the podium at the end of the race. Seeing them there alone makes the two years spent by Great British Nuclear on running a competition look like time and effort that could have been better spent.
“Overall though, these nuclear plants – whilst not cheap – will produce reliable, low carbon electricity around the clock and will most likely do so for the best part of a century. This is an investment in our grandchildren’s future as well as helping towards our 2050 climate goal.”
Prof Dame Sue Ion GBE FREng FRS, a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said:
“It’s really good news that the Government is finally taking steps to ensure that nuclear energy plays the vital role it should in achieving significant quantities of stable low carbon electricity. Perhaps as importantly, if not more so, is the news that Rolls Royce’s Small Modular Reactor has been selected as the technology of choice to progress the opportunity presented by SMRs. These systems are designed from the outset to be modular, with modern construction techniques using much more factory fabrication, so they will be faster and easier to build.”
Prof Tom Scott, Professor in Materials, University of Bristol, said:
“This is an extremely important strategic step for the UK towards achieving net zero carbon emissions. Nuclear energy is a safe, secure and reliable form of electricity generation. With the lessons learnt from the Hinkley Point C project, and with the experienced workforce and supply chain that has been established because of it, my expectations are high for the delivery of Sizewell C at a much lower cost and shorter timescale.
“The announcement about Government investment in Sizewell C and more excitingly, about the investment in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), really shows the Government’s understanding and commitment towards nuclear as a key part of the solution towards achieving zero carbon emissions in the UK.
“SMRs offer the potential for providing new nuclear power stations much faster and more cheaply than conventional large-scale light water reactors like Hinkley Point C. Ultimately, the roll-out of SMRs delivered by British companies like Rolls-Royce will help to keep our electricity prices low whilst also generating high-value jobs across the U.K. This is a smart investment for the UK.”
Dr Mark Foreman, Associate professor of Nuclear Chemistry / Industrial Materials Recycling, Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, said:
“Building a new power plant based on light water reactors at Sizewell is a good idea, it will provide a reliable supply of electric power which will help society reduce its dependency on fossil fuels. I hold the view that it will be a safe means of providing for the energy needs of society. Many critics of nuclear power use the example of the Chornobyl accident to argue that all nuclear power plants are unsafe. This is unreasonable, operating the Chornobyl reactor in the same way as it was just before the accident can be thought of as like roller blading along the M1. While running modern (or even a 1980s era) light water reactor is like calmly driving a Volvo equipped with all the latest safety features along the M1.”
Prof Adrian Bull: “I am a (paid) part time Professor at the Dalton Nuclear Institute, part of the University of Manchester; I am a (paid) consultant for US nuclear communications consultancy Full On Communications; I am an (unpaid) Board member of the Northern Nuclear Alliance; I am an (unpaid) Trustee of the Nuclear Institute; and am also the President-Elect, taking over in Jan 2026.”
Prof Dame Sue Ion: “Sue is Honorary President of the National Skills Academy for Nuclear.” “Sue is also a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Task Force.”
Prof Tom Scott: “In terms of interests, I am Director of the Spur West Nuclear Hub and Professor of Nuclear Materials at the University of Bristol sponsored by the Royal Academy of Engineering and the UK Atomic Energy Authority.
The nuclear hub is a consortium of academic, industrial and governmental partners coalescing around the requirement for research, skills and innovation in the UK nuclear sector.”
Dr Mark Foreman: “I have worked on advanced nuclear reprocessing for years and have also have worked on nuclear reactor safety issues. I have done and supervised research on the chemistry of nuclear accidents.”
Prof Mark Wenman “I have previously received funding for research from EDF Energy, Rolls-Royce, the UK National Nuclear Lab”
Tom Greatrex “The NIA is funded by its 320 member companies from across the civil nuclear industry.”
Dr Iain Staffell “I receive industry funding from a several companies in the UK and European energy sector, I try to keep this balanced so as not to over-represent any one technology or organization. Recent funding sources include: Drax, Octopus, SSE, HM Government, NESO (National Grid), EWE, Aurora, Baringa, Shell, Uniper, SLB, and the World Bank.”
Prof David Armstrong “I’ve had funding from UKAEA, Rolls Royce and EdF for research and students over the last 20 years.”
Prof Robin Grimes “I am a non-executive director of UKAEA and receive research funding from the UK national nuclear laboratory.”
Dr Mark Foreman “I do not currently get any money from the nuclear industry, I do not stand to make any money from the sales of nuclear products / technology. I have not been employed by the nuclear industry. I think that in terms of conflicts of interest I have none.”
Dr Lewis Blackburn“He receives funding from industry via Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, National Nuclear Laboratory, and Nuclear Waste Services”
Stephanie Baxter “No conflicts of interest.”
Will Davis “No conflicts of interest.”
Prof Andy Stirling “no conflicts of interest to declare.”
Dr Phil Johnstone “no conflicts of interest to declare.”
Dr Sarah Darby “I have no conflicts of interest to declare.”
For all other experts, no reply to our request for DOIs was received.
Applications will open for the fifth year of the Marine Fund Scotland today.
The fund will make £14 million available in 2025-26 to help deliver Scotland’s Blue Economy Vision, transform the way the marine environment is used and how Scotland’s ‘blue’ resources are managed.
Eligible individuals, businesses, and organisations can apply for funding for new projects that will contribute to an innovative and sustainable marine economy, support coastal communities, and help Scotland reach net zero emissions.
Last year, a total of 67 projects received funding, with grants ranging from under £1,000 up to £1.6 million. These projects included the modernising of seafood processing facilities to reduce energy consumption and improve efficiency; the first Scottish facility to recycle mixed material from fishing and aquaculture nets and marine litter prevention; support for young fishers purchasing their first fishing vessel; and marine research and innovation to protect iconic wild salmon.
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Mairi Gougeon said:
“Since 2021 the Marine Fund Scotland has awarded more than £55 million in grants to 330 projects, facilitating a total of £121 million of investment and supporting jobs and communities right around our coastline and throughout our islands. I urge all those with ideas for projects to help marine industries to evolve and flourish to apply.
“We are backing Scotland’s marine economy, which is crucial to the economic, social and cultural fabric of our rural, coastal and island communities. They now need the UK government to do the same and to provide Scotland with its fair share of funding.
“The UK Government recently announced a new £360 million Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund, and I am calling for a fair share of the budget allocation to be devolved. This multi-year funding will be key to delivering benefits for the marine economy and environment, as well as supporting coastal communities, for years to come. If this newly announced funding isn’t devolved to Scotland, it will duplicate the current funding programmes, causing stakeholder confusion and dilution of intended benefits.”
Donna Fordyce Chief Executive of Seafood Scotland said:
“The Marine Fund Scotland funding has been vital to not only retain existing markets for our premium Scottish seafood but to develop new markets to achieve the highest value for the industry. Funding also allowed Seafood Scotland to further develop the Seafood in Schools programme launching the Scottish Seafood Ambassador scheme and Teach the Teacher curriculum-linked educational resources. The aim is to increase consumption of our delicious seafood and highlight the sector as a career of choice; this is very relevant given the labour shortage the industry is currently facing.”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMoA) will launch the exhibition “The Pride of Hong Kong: Three Preeminent Collections of Ancient Paintings and Calligraphies” from June 11 to October 7, converging for the first time treasures from three world-class collections – Xubaizhai, established by the late renowned local collector Low Chuck-tiew; Chih Lo Lou, by Ho Iu-kwong; and Bei Shan Tang, by Lee Jung-sen, which are highly revered locally and internationally. Ninety-three sets of masterpieces from the Tang to the Qing dynasties will be exhibited, showcasing Hong Kong’s golden age of collecting.
The exhibition, presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, is jointly organised by the HKMoA and the Art Museum of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). Addressing the opening ceremony held today (June 10), the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan, said that in the mid-20th century, Chinese national treasures were featured in a large quantity in Hong Kong. Foreign art dealers and collectors were highly enthusiastic to acquire these treasures. With the resolve to retain these embodiments of Chinese heritage on home soil, the three collectors were determined to collect ancient Chinese masterpieces. The three world-class private treasured collections, namely Xubaizhai, Chih Lo Lou and Bei Shan Tang, were thus built up. Moreover, the three collectors and their families donated their invaluable collections to the HKMoA and the Art Museum of the CUHK for exhibition and educational purposes, providing the public with the opportunity to appreciate Chinese painting and calligraphy. The three collectors and their families, committed to preserving and promoting Chinese culture, have demonstrated their honourable generosity.
In almost the same way the rope aboard the Pequod “folds the whole boat in its complicated coils,” so too have the details of the 14th International Melville Society Conference around UConn’s Mary K. Bercaw Edwards.
Who knew planning a weeklong event at UConn Avery Point for 150 Herman Melville scholars from lands as far away as those along the route in the hunt for Moby Dick would imitate passages from the English professor’s favorite chapter in the novel by the same name?
The whaling line, Melville writes of the rope, is both “magical, sometimes horrible.”
But once the scholars arrive and the opening plenary address begins on Monday, June 16, Bercaw Edwards says she’ll settle in and enjoy what the week has to offer as the UConn campus and southeastern Connecticut show off their maritime heritage.
“It’s going to be an amazing conference. The talks look outstanding, and everyone is so excited to be in this location,” Bercaw Edwards says.
Titled “Oceanic Melville,” the conference follows a 2022 gathering in Paris and other global destinations through the years including Poland in 2007, Israel in 2009, Italy in 2011, and Japan in 2015. The first was held in Greece in 1997, with gatherings planned generally biennially.
The latest exhibition, “Oceanic Melville,” at the Alexey von Schlippe Gallery of Art features artwork inspired by Herman Melville’s novel “Moby-Dick,” including artist Robert Del Tredici’s mixed media print, “Torn Body, Gnashed Soul.” The exhibition at UConn Avery Point is open through June 19. (Kimberly Phillips/UConn Today)
Bercaw Edwards says The Melville Society, an international organization dedicated to the study of the author, asked her to arrange a conference at Avery Point in part because of its proximity to Mystic Seaport Museum just 15 minutes down the road where the Charles W. Morgan, the last wooden whaleship in the world, is on display.
The Morgan was launched in 1841 from New Bedford, Massachusetts, built seven months after and 7 miles away from the Acushnet, the whale ship on which Melville served as a crewmember in the Pacific Ocean before writing “Moby-Dick,” making the Morgan as identical as possible to the Acushnet.
While several days of panel discussions and other academic talks (some are open to the public) on topics ranging from Melville in popular culture to Melville and his animals are the centerpiece of the conference, Bercaw Edwards says a daylong trip to the Museum, where she works in the summer, and the chance to get up close with the Morgan is a highlight.
“They’ll see us raise sails, lower and raise the whale boat. They’ll get to pull on the halyards, which will give them a visceral feeling of what it’s like to set sail,” she says of conference attendees. “We’re also going to give them an opportunity to actually row in whale boats.”
Participants’ day at the Museum also will include the daily activities available to the public, including a concert by staff musicians playing and singing the songs mentioned in “Moby-Dick” and a 35-minute play with three actors using Melville’s words to tell the story of Ahab and the whale.
“Monstrous: Whaling and its Colossal Impact,” the Museum’s newest exhibition that opened in late May and runs through Feb. 16, 2026, by happenstance coincides with the conference.
The exhibition has been built around Mexican American artist Jos Sances’ scratchboard mural, “Or, The Whale,” a 51-foot-long artwork the same size as a juvenile sperm whale. Bercaw Edwards says Sances created the piece after reading and finding inspiration in “Moby-Dick.”
“Sances is a screen printer and a scratchboard artist who’s from Mexico and lives in California – and then he read ‘Moby-Dick’ and was driven to make this mural,” she says. “With his background, there was nothing that would have drawn him naturally to reading a book by a white New England author, but he did just like so many others do.”
‘Deep and Important Questions’
From the perspective of Pequod crewmember Ishmael, “Moby-Dick” tells the story of Captain Ahab’s trek across the globe for vengeance against the albino sperm whale Moby Dick, which took off his leg during a previous encounter.
Some chapters are incredibly dense with precise details about whaling and sailing, while others are so action-packed the story moves quickly. It’s considered among the greatest American novels and for many English majors might be considered their very own white whale.
“Quenchless Feud (Ahab)” from artist Jos Sances is on display as part of “Oceanic Melville” at the Alexey von Schlippe Gallery of Art at UConn Avery Point. (Kimberly Phillips/UConn Today)
Bercaw Edwards says she’s oftentimes amazed that today’s audiences are so interested in something written in 1851 – that’s nearly 175 years ago – especially given that it’s authored by a dead, white male and features the killing of whales.
“It seems as politically incorrect as it can possibly be, and yet it feels as if it’s still on the ascendancy,” she says. “It’s a long, dense, tough book, and yet it’s immensely popular. There are graphic novels, movies, plays, concerts, memes, and T-shirts about it.”
She says she once witnessed a colleague who writes about Melville in popular culture mention the word “tattoo” during a talk, and afterward a throng of people gathered around to show him the Melville-inspired artwork on their biceps, forearms, and calves.
“It’s just amazing to me that Melville is so popular. I think it’s because he asks all kinds of deep and important questions: Is there truth? Is there justice? Is there anything beyond our human existence? How do we go about life? And he doesn’t give us any answers. Every time you think ‘OK, that’s the answer,’ he undercuts it. He wants you to realize there are no answers, but he’s asking these great questions. I think that’s part of why it’s still eternal,” she says.
Never mind the beauty of Melville’s writing.
“At the end of Chapter 1, Melville writes, ‘It is but well to be on friendly terms with all the inmates of the place one lodges in.’ I’ve always loved that. We should all get along,” Bercaw Edwards says. “I also love, ‘Ignorance is the parent of fear.’ People are afraid of things they don’t know. It’s so true.”
Pequod third mate Flask fears butter – yes, a stick of butter – Bercaw Edwards continues, noting the humor in the book. He feels as if he’s not entitled to the spread: “So when they’re all eating with Ahab – Starbuck, Stubb, and Flask – they’re always really quiet because they’re kind of nervous around Ahab, and Flask, of course, never dares to take butter. Then Melville writes, ‘For Flask is a butterless man.’”
Reading ‘Moby-Dick’
Every time “Moby-Dick” appears on a syllabus in one of Bercaw Edwards’ classes, she says she gives it a fresh read, no specific routine around it, no tableside requisite cup of black tea to share with Ahab.
She’s delighted in its humor during her at least 35 times rereading it through the years – so many instances that she finds herself quoting it as she goes along. And when she gets to her favorite chapter – number 60, “The Line” – she knows she’ll get the best Melville has to offer.
“He’s describing the whale line, which is attached to the harpoon and thrown into the whale. He has really basic information about the line, about rope, and then it’s infused with all kinds of humor,” she says, quoting his description of hemp: “Hemp is a dusky, dark fellow, a sort of Indian; but Manilla is as a golden-haired Circassian to behold.”
Melville then builds to what Bercaw Edwards calls a “metaphysical lift,” explaining that the whale-line surrounds the boat, crisscrossing it and traveling by each of the crewmembers. He then notes that we’re all surrounded by ropes, and no one knows when it will take you to eternity.
“It’s set up like a sermon,” she says of the chapter. “Sermons pick apart a line from biblical text. This does the same thing. It just does it with real line rather than a line of text.”
Then again, Bercaw Edwards can relate to Melville and journeys around the world better than most.
As her friends shifted into high school upperclassman status at 16 years old, she and her family went to sea, she says. The family of five – Mom and Dad, sister and brother, and her – sailed around the globe on a journey that took 3½ years.
“When I went to college, I knew I wanted to be an English major, but I was thinking I would study Henry James,” she says of the American British author. “Then my professor suggested that with my sailing background I should be a Melville scholar – and now I can’t imagine anything else. All my scholarship has been on Melville, with a little on Joseph Conrad and Jack London, but always centered on Melville.”
She acknowledges, though, that for some, reading “Moby-Dick” might be daunting, to which she offers four words of advice: Visit Mystic Seaport Museum.
Seeing the whale boat demonstrations and getting onboard the Morgan to imagine sleeping in its belly every night for between two and five years oftentimes help people get through those challenging whaling chapters.
She further recommends listening to the story as an audio book.
“When people hear it read aloud, they’ll often see how funny it is. I mean, it’s full of humor, and that’s often lost when people get stuck on the fact that this is The. Great. American. Novel,” she says.
From July 31 to Aug. 1, Mystic Seaport Museum will host its 40th annual “Moby-Dick” Marathon reading of the book to coincide with Melville’s Aug. 1 birthday. Readers gather onboard the Morgan and take about 24 consecutive hours to get through the 135 chapters.
“One of the things I always notice is people listening and then they start to laugh and feel embarrassed, like they’re not supposed to. This is The Great American Novel, but of course we’re supposed to laugh,” she adds.
Public Events and AVS Exhibition
With grant funding from Connecticut Humanities and the Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation, several events during The Melville Society conference will be open to the public, Bercaw Edwards says.
The opening plenary talk at 10:15 a.m. on Monday, June 16, “Other Seas: Sailing Without Ahab,” will come from St. John’s University English professor Steve Mentz, who’s figured prominently in the field of blue humanities. He will discuss how humans engage with water, along with the history and theory of water-centric thinking.
“The Pod” from artist George Klauba is on display as part of “Oceanic Melville” at the Alexey von Schlippe Gallery of Art at UConn Avery Point. (Kimberly Phillips/UConn Today)
Then, at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18, “Does the Whale Diminish? – Will He Perish? Cross-Disciplinary Currents in Conversation” will offer a panel discussion with Anne Cohen from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, conservation biologist and author Joe Roman, and Portuguese marine researcher Rui Prieto.
The closing plenary address at 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, also is open to the public. It features Lenora Warren from Cornell University, one of the leading scholars about Melville and race. Her talk, “Melville’s Ghosts,” dovetails with the day also being Juneteenth.
At the Alexey von Schlippe Gallery of Art at Avery Point, the exhibition “Oceanic Melville” comes together thanks to curator and gallery director Jeanne Ciravolo, along with Bercaw Edwards and Robert K. Wallace from Northern Kentucky University.
Ciravolo says she mentioned during a campus faculty meeting more than a year ago that she enjoys making the gallery’s exhibitions interdisciplinary experiences and afterward Bercaw Edwards asked if she was interested in working together on a show to dovetail with the conference.
“I absolutely was,” Ciravolo says. “I’m a reader. I once thought I’d be an English teacher, but I became an artist, so to have the opportunity to marry literature plus art is very unusual for me and special.”
About two dozen framed artworks on loan from The Melville Society, which houses its collection at the New Bedford Whaling Museum in Massachusetts, are part of the show, along with several artists’ books, Ciravolo says, noting that most of the pieces relate to “Moby-Dick.”
This includes three full-color pieces from artist George Klauba, prints from sculptor and graphic artist Leonard Baskin, and an abstract piece, “Skin’s Path/Moby Dick,” from artist Aileen Callahan, a charcoal on paper that depicts the damaged skin of a whale that’s been beaten with time.
“The idea is to always get a mix of things, a variety of style and media, into the gallery,” Ciravolo says, explaining she and Bercaw Edwards visited the New Bedford Museum to pour through The Melville Society’s full collection, as well as the Museum’s Elizabeth Schultz Collection, and select the most powerful artworks from watercolor to printmaking.
“The scholars who are coming are going to appreciate seeing these artworks,” Ciravolo says. “I love that it will be a generative experience for them and that the public will have the chance to see this very interesting show. We’re here on Long Island Sound, near the whaling center of New England, so it’s a perfect place for this.”
The AVS Gallery is open Thursdays through Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. in the Branford House at UConn Avery Point. It will have extended hours from noon to 4 p.m. on Monday, June 16, and Tuesday, June 17, during the Melville conference for both participants and the public. The “Oceanic Melville” exhibition is open now through Thursday, June 19.
Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –
The webinar “The Impact of Mobile Devices on Human Well-Being” was conducted by neurologist, manual therapist of the Medical Scientific and Educational Center of the Institute of Medicine and Medical Technologies of the Novosibirsk State University Alexey Tamchuk. He spoke about the consequences of improper use of smartphones and the mechanisms of influence of mobile gadgets on human health, and also explained how you can independently minimize their harmful effects on the body, and in which cases you cannot do without the help of specialists.
— Mobile phone use is a mass phenomenon. By 2024, there were about 4.88 billion mobile phone users in the world, which is 60.42% of all the planet’s inhabitants, including infants and the elderly. Accordingly, all the effects of mobile devices are of a mass nature. A person with a smartphone in his hands, scrolling through the news feed in every free minute, is a common phenomenon. But spending a long time in this position is, at the very least, unphysiological. Researchers do not consider the mobile phone itself as a direct cause of diseases, but it may well be a risk factor, adding its contribution to the “piggy bank” of negative effects on the body, which in total lead to various unpleasant consequences, — explained Alexey Tamchuk.
The first to suffer are vision, the musculoskeletal system, the nervous system and the psyche. The strain on the eyes is the most obvious. With excessive use of the phone, especially if you bring it too close to the eyes or too far from them, there is a strain on the visual apparatus, which causes a spasm of the ciliary muscles, which change the curvature of the lens. As a result, accommodation and convergence are disrupted. To be more precise, accommodation is the ability of the eye to focus on objects located at different distances, which ensures clear vision. This process allows light to refract correctly and form an image on the retina. And convergence is the reduction of the pupils to the bridge of the nose when examining an object close up or while reading. This function, like accommodation, is part of binocular vision. In both cases, when we finally look away from the smartphone, looking into the distance, we see a blurry picture.
It has been noted that when using a mobile phone, a person blinks twice less often than in everyday life. For this reason, the cornea of the eye dries out and there is a feeling as if there is sand in the eyes. This leads to reddening of the sclera and painful sensations.
The listed vision changes are reversible, they can disappear if you give your eyes a rest or choose glasses. If this rest is insufficient, such “fatigue” can precede the development of more serious conditions. For example, myopia (nearsightedness, when a person sees poorly in the distance, but sees well up close) or macular degeneration (a group of diseases in which the retina is affected and central vision is impaired). The latter can occur due to the accumulation of lipofuscin when blue light affects the retina, which leads to dystrophy of the middle part of the retina and accelerated aging of the visual organ as a whole. In this case, the perception of light and color is impaired, and visual acuity is significantly reduced. Rest and wearing glasses will not help here.
– The blue spectrum of light from the screen of the smartphone can be harmful not only because it leads to eye fatigue. Potential damage to the retina is also associated with it. The main source of blue light is the sun for us, but in nature we never look at the light source, and therefore we do not perceive it to the central department of the retina. At the same time, it is very important, since it regulates circus rhythms, that is, 24-hour cycles that control various biological processes in the body, including sleep, wakefulness, production of hormones, metabolism and other functions. When the blue light falls on the retina, the body is produced in the body, among which is serotonin. This happens in all animals, which, like a person, have a daily type of activity. At night, in the absence of daytime (and, therefore blue) light, a melatonin is produced, which is unofficially called the “hormone of sleep” due to its ability to immerse the body into an altered state of consciousness, providing a full rest. When you spend the clock in the dark or at night in the dark, peering into the smartphone monitor, the consumption of blue light becomes excessive and melatonin is not produced. As a result, sleep architecture is violated – the phases of sleep become shorter, more night awakenings are happening, which the person himself does not remember the next morning, although it later turns out that he not only woke up, but responded to reports on social networks. Such a dream is unproductive, since a number of important physiological processes do not occur. There is no restoration of the nervous and endocrine systems, a body weight set, hypertension develops, intraocular pressure does not decrease, which can be very harmful to people predisposed to hypertension, ”explained Alexei Tamchuk.
Smartphone addiction can lead not only to vision impairment. With prolonged forced position of the hands, the function of the median and ulnar nerves can be impaired. Numbness and pain in the fingers and then the wrists appear. Subsequently, motor symptoms, including weakness, can join the sensory symptoms. Long stay in the same non-physiological position leads to tension of the muscles of the cervical-collar region, which causes discomfort, can be combined with headaches, gradually this condition can be joined by symptoms of narrowing of the intervertebral canal – pain in the neck, lower back, arms and legs, numbness of the shins and feet, weakness and fatigue in the legs, burning, tingling and pressure in the legs, impaired sensitivity in the limbs, problems with balance. Excessive use of the smartphone also causes an increase in the level of situational anxiety, apathy and irritability. Quite often, a condition called phubbing occurs – when a person is distracted by their gadget during a live conversation, paying primary attention to it, while trying to maintain a conversation. At the same time, the person constantly checks the phone, texts, scrolls through social networks or views content, ignoring the presence and words of the interlocutor. In parallel with this, there is a decrease in academic performance, emotional-volitional disorders and a deterioration in general well-being.
Alexey Tamchuk told how to build the right relationship with a smartphone using a cognitive-behavioral approach. It is necessary to set a screen time counter. Time flies when you are browsing news feeds and communicating on social networks, so it is best to control it. It would also be useful to set up a “reading”, “book reading” or “eye protection mode” mode on your smartphone, where there is less blue light spectrum and warmer shades. The gadget should be held at a distance of 30-40 cm from the eyes, using comfortable stands if necessary.
— It is essential to split up your phone’s screen time — take 20-20-20 breaks: after every 20 minutes of focusing your gaze on the smartphone screen, look away for 20 seconds, at a distant object, and look into the distance. It is also recommended to blink more often while spending time with a smartphone, but it is quite difficult to develop such a habit by consciously ordering yourself to blink, — advised the webinar host.
To prevent insomnia, Alexey Tamchuk advised not to use a smartphone 2 hours before bedtime and generally put it away at night. You shouldn’t fall asleep with a gadget by your pillow, so as not to be tempted, while falling asleep, to check messages for the very last time or scroll through the news feed a little. Can’t fall asleep? Read a book. And better yet – not a detective story, but a serious one. As a rule, healthy sleep comes quickly from smart books.
Unfortunately, smartphone addiction is not a myth, but a reality, so the user cannot always cope with this problem. In some cases, the help of specialists is required. For example, with persistent disorders in the emotional sphere, the patient may need the help of a psychotherapist or even a psychiatrist. And if sensitivity disorders, pain in the musculoskeletal system, headaches, dizziness, memory impairment, or other incomprehensible symptoms occur, you should visit a neurologist to clarify the causes. Regular systematic examinations by an ophthalmologist should also be carried out. Alexey Tamchuk noted that the Medical Scientific and Educational Center of NSU has everything to solve such problems.
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.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
VIENNA, June 10 (Xinhua) — At least nine people were killed in a shooting at a school in Austria’s second-largest city of Graz, local media reported on Tuesday.
Several students and teachers were seriously injured, local media reported, citing police. The suspect apparently committed suicide, the reports added.
According to Austria’s largest newspaper, Kronen Zeitung, the incident took place at a school in the Lend district at around 10:00 /08:00 GMT/ on Tuesday.
Local police have been mobilized and a helicopter has been dispatched. The school has been evacuated and there is no further danger, local police said on social media X. –0–
President Donald Trump has praised the Gilded Age, which he believes was a time of immense national prosperity thanks to tariffs, no income tax, and few regulations on business.
Similar to today, the late 19th century was a time where a small group of men enjoyed immense wealth, privilege and power to shape the nation. It was a time of immense inequality, as factory and housing conditions crushed the lives of the poor.
And it was a time of white Christian nationalism.
In Northern cities, reformers saw the wealth gap, the plight of workers and the squalid conditions in tenements as undermining their vision of a Christian America. Fueled by faith, the Social Gospel movement worked to expand labor rights and improve living conditions at the turn of the 20th century.
At the same time, many of these white Protestant activists believed their own culture and race to be superior, and this prejudice hindered their efforts. They often spouted anti-Catholic and anti-immigrant rhetoric, and mostly ignored Black workers’ plight.
One of Jacob Riis’ many photographs of living conditions on New York’s Lower East Side. Bettmann via Getty Images
Ever since the Puritans landed, white Christian nationalism has informed how many Protestants try to shape their country – a history I trace with church historian Richard T. Hughes in the book “Christian America and the Kingdom of God.” But Christian nationalism has taken dramatically different forms over time. The progressive Social Gospellers of a century ago are a particularly striking contrast to the conservative Christian right that has shaped U.S. politics for half a century, up to today.
Guardians of a Christian nation
There are many differences between Christian nationalism then and now. Like many conservative Christians today, however, the Social Gospellers believed that the United States was uniquely chosen and blessed by God, and called to be a Christian nation. They saw themselves as the rightful guardians of that mission. And though the country was still overwhelmingly Protestant, they feared they were losing influence.
New research explored the history of the Bible – research that many Christians feared would undermine people’s trust in Scripture as the word of God, by emphasizing its human composition. New scientific ideas about the Earth’s creation and human evolution challenged their visions of an all-powerful, all-knowing God. Meanwhile, rapid industrialization and urbanization had created new social challenges, such as workers’ safety and living conditions, leading some to reject faith as irrelevant to their needs.
Social Gospellers wanted to vindicate Christianity and show it was still relevant to modern life. But white leaders’ vision of what a Christian America should look like conflated their Protestant faith with their race and culture.
Josiah Strong, for example, was a Congregationalist minister known for promoting factory safety. But he stoked fear of Catholic immigrants and endorsed the expansion of the U.S. as a benevolent empire. The Anglo-Saxon race “is destined to dispossess many weaker races, assimilate others, and mold the remainder,” Strong argued in his 1885 book, “Our Country.”
Another Social Gospel reformer, Northern Baptist theologian Walter Rauschenbusch, railed against unrestrained greed, political corruption, militarism and contempt between elites and the working class. But he shared the white supremacy of his age. God was favoring Germanic and Anglo-Saxon people, he claimed, to enact God’s purposes.
“Other races are as dear to God as we and he may be holding them in reserve to carry His banner when we drop it,” he wrote in an undated article. But it was part of God’s plan, he believed, for Northern Europeans to “hold the larger part of the world’s wealth and power in the hollow of their hands and the larger share of the world’s intellectual and spiritual possessions in the hollow of their heads.”
The ‘right’ kind of Christian
Though many white Protestants felt threatened by the challenges of immigration, they were still a clear majority, and they presumed that most Americans would endorse applying Christian ethics to public policy and social reform.
What’s more, women gaining the right to vote in 1920 meant Social Gospel leaders expanded Protestants’ power at the ballot box. Many Social Gospel leaders embraced women’s suffrage because women were already leading supporters for their causes: For example, Frances Willard, who promoted temperance and workers’ rights; and Jane Addams, who ran a Christian “settlement house,” or community center, for the poor.
But in another sense, demographics were not on their side. The U.S. might have been a very white and Christian country, but in some Social Gospellers’ minds, the era’s waves of immigrants were not the “right” kind of Christian: Northern European and Protestant. Immigration was shifting from Great Britain, Ireland and Germany to Russia, Poland, Hungary and Italy. While Protestants far outnumbered Catholics nationally, Strong wrote that they were double the Protestant population in major cities like New York, Chicago and Philadelphia.
Strong argued that Catholic immigrants were lazy, prone to alcoholism and criminal activity, and willing to sell their vote to corrupt city politicians. He claimed they would corrupt the morals of Anglo-Saxon Americans, and that if the Catholic population grew, it would undermine Protestants’ religious liberty.
Nativist views like these led to the National Origins Act of 1924, which restricted the number of immigrants. Quotas for each country were based on the profile of the American population in 1890 – an attempt to maintain Protestant dominance against Catholic and Jewish immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe. That distrust also kept Social Gospellers from partnering with Roman Catholic leaders on shared concern for workers.
Flourishing for all, or some?
Still, when it came to workers’ basic needs, reformers cared deeply about improving circumstances for the “least of these.” The movement was strongly influenced by the biblical parable of the sheep and the goats: verses in the Book of Matthew where Jesus promotes feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, clothing the naked and visiting those in prison.
Social Gospellers aimed to prove that Christianity could answer the social challenges caused by industrialization, urbanization and immigration. For the most part, they sought to use their privilege in ways that promoted the flourishing of all Americans, such as expanding labor rights and providing services to the poor through settlement houses.
A photograph by Jacob Riis in a small New York City sweatshop in the 1880s. Bettmann via Getty Images
In 1908, for example, the Federal Council of Churches adopted a 14-point statement called the “Social Creed,” affirming that churches should support reforms “to lift the crushing burdens of the poor, and to reduce the hardships and uphold the dignity of labor.” While some of the reforms they called for are taken for granted today — like one day off per week — other calls, like a living wage for all, are yet to be realized.
Over the past half-century, the modern Christian right, too, has feared that its vision for the nation is eroding. Conservative churches have seen their influence drop as more Americans move awayfrom organized religion and reject their rejection of LGBTQ+ people.
Like the Social Gospellers of a century ago, the Christian nationalists of recent decades are wary of religious and racial change in their country. Yet the movement’s priorities – often focused around its vision of families, sex and gender – are starkly more limited than the broader quality-of-life issues that Social Gospellers addressed.
Both groups desired an America rooted in biblical values. But each interpreted Scripture through its own lens, seeking to remake America in its own, white Protestant image.
Christina Littlefield does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Correspondence
UK Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre: letters of support
The UK Holocaust Memorial Foundation has received letters of support from leading figures in Holocaust education and remembrance, encouraging Peers to vote in favour of the UK Holocaust Memorial Bill.
The UK Holocaust Memorial Bill will return to the House of Lords on Wednesday, 11 June. In anticipation, the UK Holocaust Memorial Foundation has received letters of support from 16 individuals and organisations, urging Peers to support the Bill. Prominent figures in Holocaust education, Jewish organisations, and security services have voiced their support of the Bill and encourage Peers to do the same.
CALGARY, Alberta, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mawer Investment Management Ltd. (Mawer) announced today the following executive leadership updates:
Bruce Geddes, CFA, Appointed Chief Executive Officer
Mawer is pleased to announce the appointment of Bruce Geddes as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective July 2, 2025.
Mr. Geddes brings over 30 years of progressive leadership in capital markets and investment management to Mawer. Most recently, he spent 16 years with RBC Global Asset Management as President, PH&N Canadian Institutional. Renowned for his client-centric approach, talent management, and disciplined execution, Mr. Geddes has led high-performing teams, consistently achieving top industry recognition across the Canadian and North American markets.
“We are thrilled to welcome Bruce Geddes as Mawer’s new CEO,” says Craig Senyk, Board Chair. “Bruce’s proven leadership, deep industry expertise, and commitment to clients aligns directly with our strategic vision and values. I am confident that under his guidance, Mawer will continue to deliver exceptional results for our clients, employees, and community.”
Prior to RBC, Mr. Geddes held senior roles at TD Asset Management, where he was a key contributor to the growth of the Canadian Institutional Fixed Income franchise, and at RBC Capital Markets as a derivatives trader. He holds a CFA designation and a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance from Carleton University. He is also recognized for his community leadership, notably as part of a top fundraising team for cancer research and other charitable initiatives.
“I’ve followed Mawer’s journey for some time and I’m excited for the opportunity to join this remarkable firm,” says Geddes. “I look forward to collaborating closely with the Board and the talented team to continue the firm’s legacy of long-term investment excellence, commitment to clients, and doing the right thing, always.”
Jim Hall, CFA, Appointed Chief Investment Officer
Mawer is pleased to announce that Jim Hall has been appointed Chief Investment Officer (CIO), effective July 2, 2025. Christian Deckart will step down from the CIO role to focus his full attention as lead portfolio manager for the Mawer global equity strategy. As part of the transition, Mr. Hall will be stepping down from his role as President and as a member of the firm’s Executive Team and Board of Directors to focus directly on his role as CIO.
“It’s been a great honour to serve this term in the President role,” said Mr. Hall. “The Executive Team has done outstanding work during this period and is in great shape to carry on from here. I’m delighted to be picking back up the CIO position full-time, a role that I love.”
Mr. Hall brings extensive portfolio management experience as lead manager of the Mawer EAFE large cap strategy and previously as portfolio manager for the Mawer Canadian equity, global equity, and international equity strategies. Since joining Mawer in 1997, he has played a key role in shaping the firm’s investment philosophy and process, including serving as Chief Investment Officer from 2004 to 2018. Mr. Hall has served on the Board since 2000, chairing it from 2008 to 2023.
“Jim has been an integral part of Mawer’s growth and success for almost three decades. His deep investment expertise, steadfast commitment to the firm, and ability to bring out the best in those around him have set a standard for excellence at Mawer,” says Craig Senyk, Board Chair. “We are grateful for his leadership as President and Board member, and we look forward to his continued impact as Chief Investment Officer.”
About Mawer Investment Management Ltd. Founded in 1974, Mawer is an independent investment firm managing portfolios for a broad range of foundations and not-for-profit organizations, pension plans, strategic alliances, and individual investors. For more information, visit Mawer at www.mawer.com.
Keith Barr was born only months before the historic Apollo 11 landing in 1969. While he was too young to witness that giant leap for mankind, the moment sparked a lifelong fascination that set him on a path to design technology that will carry astronauts farther into space than ever before. Today, Barr serves as a chief engineer and Orion Docking Lidar Field Test lead at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. He spearheads the field testing of docking lidars for the Orion spacecraft, which will carry astronauts to the Moon on the Artemis III mission. These lidars are critical to enabling Orion to autonomously dock with the human landing system on Artemis III — the mission that will land astronauts near the Moon’s South Pole for the first time in history.
“The Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo missions are some of humanity’s greatest technical achievements,” he said. “To be part of the Artemis chapter is a profound honor.” In recognition of his contributions, Barr was selected as a NASA Space Flight Awareness Honoree in 2025 for his exceptional dedication to astronaut safety and mission success. Established in 1963, NASA’s Space Flight Awareness Program celebrates individuals who play a vital role in supporting human spaceflight. The award is one of the highest honors presented to the agency’s workforce. With a career spanning over 25 years at Lockheed Martin, Barr is now recognized as a renowned leader in lidar systems—technologies that use laser light to measure distances. He has led numerous lidar deployments and test programs across commercial aviation, wind energy, and military markets. In 2019, Barr and his team began planning a multi-phase field campaign to validate Orion’s docking lidars under real-world conditions. They repurposed existing hardware, developed a drone-based simulation system, and conducted dynamic testing at Lockheed Martin facilities in Littleton, Colorado, and Santa Cruz, California. In Littleton, the team conducted two phases of testing at the Space Operations Simulation Center, evaluating performance across distances ranging from 50 meters to docking. At the Santa Cruz facility, they began much farther out at 6,500 meters and tested down to 10 meters, just before the final docking phase. Of all these efforts, Barr is especially proud of the ingenuity behind the Santa Cruz tests. To simulate a spacecraft docking scenario, he repurposed a lidar pointing gimbal and test trailer from previous projects and designed a drone-based test system with unprecedented accuracy. “An often-overlooked portion of any field campaign is the measurement and understanding of truth,” he said. “The system I designed allowed us to record lidar and target positions with accuracy never before demonstrated in outdoor docking lidar testing.”
The test stand at the Santa Cruz Facility had once been used for Agena upper stage rockets—a key piece of hardware used during the Gemini program in the 1960s. “We found a Gemini-era sticker on the door of the test bunker—likely from the time of Gemini VIII, the first space docking completed by Neil Armstrong and David Scott,” Barr said. “This really brought it home to me that we are simply part of the continuing story.”
Barr spent more than two decades working on WindTracer—a ground-based Doppler wind lidar system used to measure wind speed and turbulence at airports, wind farms, and in atmospheric research. The transition from WindTracer to Orion presented new challenges. “Moving onto a space program has a steep learning curve, but I have found success in this new arena and I have learned that I can adapt and I shouldn’t be nervous about the unknown,” he said. “Learning new technologies, applications, and skills keeps my career fun and exciting and I look forward to the next giant leap—whatever it is.”
Barr’s passion for flight moves in tandem with his pursuit of innovation. Over his career, he has flown over 1.6 million miles on commercial airlines. “I often joke that I’m on my fourth trip to the Moon and back—just in economy class,” he said. Before specializing in lidar systems, Barr flew as a captain and assistant chief pilot at New England Airlines, operating small aircraft like the Piper Cherokee 6 and the Britten-Norman Islander. He also worked at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, contributing to several NASA airborne missions aimed at unraveling the science behind global ozone depletion.
As Barr reflects on his journey, he hopes to pass along a sense of legacy to the Artemis Generation. “We are in the process of writing the next chapter of human space exploration history, and our actions, successes, and troubles will be studied and analyzed well into the future,” he said. “We all need to consider how our actions will shape history.”
Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) – “We are deeply disturbed by the tragic and suspicious death of Albert Ojwang while in police custody. His death is not just a personal loss to his family, but a painful wound to our national conscience and a reminder of the urgent need for accountability in our justice system,” is what the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) expressed, demanding clarification on the death of Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher and influencer who died on June 8 while in pre-trial detention.Ojwang was arrested on June 6 at the family home in Kakot, Homa Bay County, following a social media post that allegedly defamed Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat. He was taken more than 350 kilometers to Nairobi Central Police Station and charged with violating a cybercrime law. On June 8, he was found unconscious in his cell during a routine check, apparently with head injuries. Police alleged he had committed suicide by repeatedly banging his head against a wall, and he was pronounced dead upon arrival at Mbagathi Hospital. However, the family’s lawyer reported that the body showed severe trauma, including head swelling, bruises, and bleeding from the nose and mouth, signs that do not match the official police account.Kenya’s Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched an inquiry into his death. The Inspectorate General of Police has suspended six officers stationed at Nairobi Central Police Station as a precautionary measure while the exact circumstances of Ojwang’s death are investigated.” We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the late Albert Ojwang. We share in their grief and in the public’s rightful demand for truth and justice,” the episcopal statement continues.” We strongly support the directive by the Inspector General to interdict officers linked to this case and urge that investigations be swift, transparent, and free from interference. No one is above the law, and those found culpable must face full legal consequences,” the bishops add. Ojwang’s case comes amid a climate of growing social tension, following the Generation Z protests in 2024 (see Fides, 1/7/2024), which were harshly repressed by the authorities and left 60 dead.Furthermore, between 2020 and 2024, more than 100 deaths in custody were recorded, according to data from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), which has intensified demands for profound reform of the police force. In this context, the bishops called on Kenyan youth to remain calm. “At this difficult time, we call upon all Kenyans, especially the youth, to remain calm, peaceful, and prayerful. Let us not be provoked into violence or division. Our strength is in our unity and our collective demand for justice through lawful means.” “We remind our institutions: the measure of any just society is how it treats the vulnerable. Let this not be another case swept under the rug. Let Albert Ojwang’s name not be added to a growing list of forgotten victims,” the prelates conclude.The Supreme Council of Muslims of Kenya has also requested a transparent investigation into the death of the young teacher, while calling on the population to remain calm. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 10/6/2025)
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Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2
Speech
Peter Kyle’s speech at London Tech Week 2025
A speech delivered by Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Peter Kyle, at London Tech Week on Tuesday 11 June 2025.
Last Thursday, I was in Salford for a CyberFirst event.
Hundreds of girls from across Greater Manchester were there.
Some of them were busy playing e-sports, hidden behind VR goggles.
Others were programming robots – or learning how to pitch a tech business.
But all of them said the same thing.
They were excited for the future they were starting to see. And what it meant for them
What really struck me was their ambition, hope and sheer enthusiasm.
It was as humbling as it was inspirational: but it made me think.
In government, we spend so much time talking about risk.
What happens if reform goes wrong?
Who is responsible – and who do we hold to account?
We often talk about making the state feel more like a start-up.
Less slow and static.
More agile and active.
But we have unique obligations to our citizens that we simply cannot ignore.
Duties to defend our national security and protect public health.
To make our streets safer and borders stronger.
It is understandable that these obligations might make us more cautious about change.
But, when countries or institutions become preoccupied with avoiding risk, they risk resisting innovation.
They might delay reform.
They might grasp too tightly to the here and now…
…and lose sight of the possibilities tomorrow could bring.
When this happens, caution slides into complacency.
Incrementalism gives way to inertia.
Worrying about getting every aspect of change right becomes fear of change itself.
And fearing the challenge of change is the fastest route for a great nation to become mired in stagnation.
When I spoke at London Tech Week last year, that’s what I saw.
Our citizens, they wanted change.
The sector wanted change.
But a refusal to face up to the risks change brings – or face down resistance to it…
…meant that government after government were stuck with a model we all knew was failing.
Suddenly, the real risk wasn’t trying something new.
It was doing nothing at all.
People waited months for hospital appointments.
Young people couldn’t find a good job in the town they called home.
Businesses unable to innovate, unable to invest, or unable to grow.
Stifled by a regulatory regime that was stuck in the past.
Unsure about whether to waste time applying for government contracts – because they always seemed to favour the same old suspects.
Undecided about whether to stay here in the UK – because they just couldn’t access the capital they needed to grow.
Too often in the last decade, Britain felt like a country short on ambition, long on apathy.
Where optimism shrank in the face of opposition.
On this stage last year, I said it was time for a change.
Time to seize the power of technology.
And wield it to deliver us towards a better future.
That is exactly what we’ve done.
I said we’d tear up planning rules.
And we have, making it easier to build the infrastructure that powers our digital economy.
I said we’d radically reform regulation.
And we have, cutting the time it takes to get new products and services onto the market and into people’s hands.
I said we’d design new digital tools with a streamlined state and make engaging with government easier than it’s ever been before.
And we have, from a digital driving licence and an app that will put public services into people’s hands.
To a new tool that will digitise decades-old planning records in minutes, slashing the time it takes to make decisions and get millions of new homes built right across our country.
And a platform that lets people in the public sector rate and review tech products, saving over a billion by helping councils and schools get better deals faster.
Now none of that has been without risk.
In early trials, the government chatbot we built started speaking French.
I’m relieved to tell you that, after a brief flirtation with life across the Channel, it’s firmly back on British soil.
But – even if its identity crisis had lasted a little longer – how many people would rather we’d stopped at the first sign of trouble?
What’s a bonjour here, an au revoir there….
… compared to hours spent on hold, waiting to work out whether your benefit payment has been made and made on time?
Trawling through webpage after webpage to work out what you need to do to start a business?
Because our choice actually was a simple one.
Towards a future that is bright, bold, but risky.
Or back to more of the same: stagnation and a slow but certain slide into decline.
Today, we find ourselves at another critical moment.
The risks we take – and the investments we make – will determine the path our country follows in the decades to come.
And we must once again seize the opportunities in front of us with courage and conviction.
A new partnership between my department, Imperial College and the World Economic Forum will see London host the new Centre for AI-Driven Innovation.
This is the first World Economic Forum Global Centre to be based right here in Britain.
Focused on accelerating the adoption of AI, it will ensure that we can embed AI across our economy and put it to work for working people.
And this is just the start.
Boston might be the birthplace of biotech.
But – with Google DeepMind on one side and the Crick on the other – King’s Cross is emerging as a global powerhouse for AI-driven drug discovery.
Today, we’re launching a new project, OpenBind, to create the world’s largest database explaining how drugs interact with the proteins they target.
20 times bigger than all the data collected worldwide over the last half a century, OpenBind will provide an exceptionally detailed picture of how diseases work.
And it could cut the cost of developing new treatments by up to £100 billion.
The results for the health of our people, our nation and our economy could be revolutionary.
As Demis Hassabis said himself, this is a brilliant initiative for UK science.
But initiatives like this will only succeed if we can attract top global talent.
Our tech success story wouldn’t have been possible without brilliant people choosing time and time again to call Britain home.
In an ever more competitive world, we simply cannot afford to lose that status.
So, we’ll be introducing a new scheme to attract the brightest and best brains to Britain.
Today, I can announce that we’re working with Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) and Pillar to double Encode AI for Science Fellowships and get top AI talent from around the world working in UK labs.
We’re also launching Turing AI Global Fellowships, which will bring AI experts from across the world to the UK and support them to carry out cutting-edge research.
At the same time, we’re starting a national skills drive at home, giving over a million students the chance to start careers in AI.
And creating a new generation of British leaders as our country enters the digital economic age.
Leaders just like the young people I met in Salford.
Talking to them about their hopes for the future, I couldn’t help but think about my own journey through education
Struggling with dyslexia, my teachers didn’t see any potential in me.
I was held back in remedial classes, I left at 16 with no qualifications to my name.
No sense of what the future would hold.
It wasn’t until I got a job at the Body Shop.
Until I met Anita Roddick.
And she saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself.
Sending me out to give speeches for her.
That I got over my fear of public speaking.
I then went to university.
And my life began to change.
I choose to tell that story.
Not because I think it’s unique.
I tell it because I think it’s all too common in this country.
And I think it says something about what is at stake right here today.
This government don’t take risks lightly.
Nor do we pursue change for change’s sake.
We choose the path of progressive change. To build a modern economy and opportunistic society.
We do so because any alternative leaves Britain poorer, weaker, more vulnerable in a complex world.
Less able to promote and protect our prosperity and security for all our citizens.
In the last year, the work of progressive change has begun.
But we will only succeed if you take risks, too.
If you choose to join us in transforming Britain for the better.
As the place you pick to build new data centres.
Or train new AI models.
The country you choose when you’re developing life-saving drugs.
Or designing the next generation of chips.
A bolder, brighter future for Britain is in our hands.
We’ve spent the last year getting the foundations right.
New York, N.Y., June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) (“NANO Nuclear” or “the Company”), a leading advanced nuclear energy and technology company focused on developing clean energy solutions, today announced that it has appointed Rick Perry, former Governor of Texas and the United States Secretary of Energy from 2017 to 2019, as the Chairman of its Executive Advisory Board.
NANO Nuclear has assembled a distinguished Executive Advisory Board comprised of high-level military, scientific and governmental experts, including former generals, members of Congress, and other U.S. and international figures. These leaders provide deep industry knowledge and important contacts to NANO Nuclear’s senior management. While each member of the Board covers a particular expertise mandate, Gov. Perry will serve as Chair of the Executive Advisory Board and lead its overall efforts to assist NANO Nuclear.
“The United States has a distinguished legacy of nuclear‑energy innovation, and I’m confident NANO Nuclear will play an essential role in the next chapter,” said Rick Perry, Chairman of NANO Nuclear’s Executive Advisory Board. “As Secretary of Energy, I advocated for nuclear power because it offers an amazing prospect for a stable, safe, and efficient source of clean power. NANO Nuclear in particular is driving advancements in nuclear energy technology with its cutting edge microreactor designs and overall commercial strategy. I’m honored to join and lead NANO’s Executive Advisory Board, and I look forward to contributing my experience as this exciting company advances its vision to become a vertically integrated leader in the nuclear power sector.”
“It is an incredible honor to welcome Governor Perry as Chairman of our Executive Advisory Board,” said Jay Yu, Founder and Chairman of NANO Nuclear. “He is a thoughtful and experienced leader, with an in-depth knowledge of U.S. energy infrastructure and a great understanding of America’s energy needs. His leadership will help guide our efforts to put the U.S. at the forefront of nuclear technology and drive the next wave of innovation, which is sorely needed as the energy demands continue to rise in support of cutting-edge artificial intelligence, datacenters and other energy intensive advancements. I am confident that his expertise will be instrumental in the near- and long-term success of our mission.”
“Governor Perry’s record of public service and advocacy for nuclear energy align perfectly with our mission,” said James Walker, Chief Executive Officer of NANO Nuclear. “The relationships he built during his decades in public service, including his tenure as U.S. Secretary of Energy, will be invaluable as we make progress towards the demonstration, construction, and licensing phases of our reactor programs and other nuclear technology. His acceptance of this position affirms the progress we’ve made and reinforces our position at the forefront of advanced reactor technology.”
John Vonglis, NANO Nuclear’s Executive Director of Global Government Affairs, who served as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and acting Director of ARPA-E under Gov. Perry when he was Secretary of Energy, added “I know first-hand the importance Secretary Perry places on endeavors focused on retaining America’s primacy in all sectors, but especially energy. His extensive wealth of experience will most certainly help propel NANO Nuclear to the next level, and I welcome the opportunity to again serve with this great leader.”
Rick Perry has led a life of public service, starting in the United States Air Force and continuing over two decades in elected office. He served as the 14th Secretary of Energy from 2017 to 2019 in the first Trump administration. As Secretary of Energy, Perry worked to advance energy policies to promote American energy independence, notably backing nuclear power.
Figure 1 – NANO Nuclear Appoints Former Secretary of Energy Rick Perry as Chairman of its Executive Advisory Board.
Prior to his service as Secretary of Energy, Perry served as the 47th governor of the State of Texas. His political career began in 1985 as a representative for a rural West Texas district in the state House of Representatives, and beginning in 1990, he served two terms as Texas Commissioner of Agriculture. Perry twice sought the Republican nomination for president, running in 2012 and again in 2016.
He attended Texas A&M University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in animal science in 1972. Between 1972 and 1977, Perry served in the United States Air Force, flying C‑130 tactical airlift aircraft in the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East; by the time of his discharge, he had attained the rank of captain.
About NANO Nuclear Energy, Inc.
NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) is an advanced technology-driven nuclear energy company seeking to become a commercially focused, diversified, and vertically integrated company across five business lines: (i) cutting edge portable and other microreactor technologies, (ii) nuclear fuel fabrication, (iii) nuclear fuel transportation, (iv) nuclear applications for space and (v) nuclear industry consulting services. NANO Nuclear believes it is the first portable nuclear microreactor company to be listed publicly in the U.S.
Led by a world-class nuclear engineering team, NANO Nuclear’s reactor products in development include patented KRONOS MMR™ Energy System, a stationary high-temperature gas-cooled reactor that is in construction permit pre-application engagement U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in collaboration with University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (U. of I.), “ZEUS”, a solid core battery reactor, and “ODIN”, a low-pressure coolant reactor, and the space focused, portable LOKI MMR™, each representing advanced developments in clean energy solutions that are portable, on-demand capable, advanced nuclear microreactors.
Advanced Fuel Transportation Inc. (AFT), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is led by former executives from the largest transportation company in the world aiming to build a North American transportation company that will provide commercial quantities of HALEU fuel to small modular reactors, microreactor companies, national laboratories, military, and DOE programs. Through NANO Nuclear, AFT is the exclusive licensee of a patented high-capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket developed by three major U.S. national nuclear laboratories and funded by the Department of Energy. Assuming development and commercialization, AFT is expected to form part of the only vertically integrated nuclear fuel business of its kind in North America.
HALEU Energy Fuel Inc. (HEF), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is focusing on the future development of a domestic source for a High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel fabrication pipeline for NANO Nuclear’s own microreactors as well as the broader advanced nuclear reactor industry.
NANO Nuclear Space Inc. (NNS), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is exploring the potential commercial applications of NANO Nuclear’s developing micronuclear reactor technology in space. NNS is focusing on applications such as the LOKI MMR™ system and other power systems for extraterrestrial projects and human sustaining environments, and potentially propulsion technology for long haul space missions. NNS’ initial focus will be on cis-lunar applications, referring to uses in the space region extending from Earth to the area surrounding the Moon’s surface.
This news release and statements of NANO Nuclear’s management in connection with this news release contain or may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this context, forward-looking statements mean statements related to future events, which may impact our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “potential”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “would” or “may” and other words of similar meaning. In this press release, forward-looking statements relate to the anticipated benefits to NANO Nuclear of Gov. Perry joining as Chairman of the Company’s Executive Advisory Board. These and other forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this news release and represent management’s current views and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control. For NANO Nuclear, particular risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the following: (i) risks related to our U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) or related state or non-U.S. nuclear fuel licensing submissions, (ii) risks related the development of new or advanced technology and the acquisition of complimentary technology or businesses, including difficulties with design and testing, cost overruns, regulatory delays, integration issues and the development of competitive technology, (iii) our ability to obtain contracts and funding to be able to continue operations, (iv) risks related to uncertainty regarding our ability to technologically develop and commercially deploy a competitive advanced nuclear reactor or other technology in the timelines we anticipate, if ever, (v) risks related to the impact of U.S. and non-U.S. government regulation, policies and licensing requirements, including by the DOE and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, including those associated with the enacted ADVANCE Act and the May 23, 2025 presidential executive orders seeking to support nuclear energy, and (vi) similar risks and uncertainties associated with the operating an early stage business a highly regulated and rapidly evolving industry. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statement, and NANO Nuclear therefore encourages investors to review other factors that may affect future results in its filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov and at https://ir.nanonuclearenergy.com/financial-information/sec-filings. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law.
LOS ANGELES, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — InStride, a leading provider of strategic education and skilling solutions, today announced continued growth, accelerated by its new and transformative approach to workforce development. Recently named by TIME and Statista as one of the World’s Top EdTech Companies of 2025, InStride has advanced its offerings to address critical talent challenges through education and skilling solutions designed to be career-aligned, industry-relevant, and tailored to its corporate partners’ needs. In partnership with some of the most influential organizations in the Fortune 250, InStride provides nearly one million eligible employees access to over 2,500 education opportunities, helping prevent $73 million in student loan debt to date.
“Education benefits have come a long way from basic tuition reimbursement,” said Craig Maloney, CEO of InStride. “We’ve reimagined them as strategic levers for HR teams to attract and retain talent, upskill their workforce, fill critical roles, and ensure their people are ready for what’s next. Over the past six years, we’ve built programs that address such challenges and have seen the difference they can make for people and businesses alike.”
Each of the following innovations was designed to make strategic education solutions more relevant, flexible, and effective—for the people using them and the companies supporting them.
Award-winning, expanded offerings
A broader, more flexible learning network Gone are the days of a one-size-fits-all workforce development. InStride’s expanding portfolio of 2,500+ educational offerings with leading universities, such as Arizona State University, creates flexible pathways aligned with workforce demands. Formats include English-language programs, specialized healthcare certifications, and stackable credentials, all tailored to how people learn and grow.
Career Education Paths InStride’s award-winning Career Education Paths connect learning directly to career outcomes, increasing program completion rates. Honored by Fast Company and EdTech Breakthrough Awards, these structured paths are designed using Lightcast to map learning to 40+ specific roles across technology, healthcare, and corporate services. The result: higher engagement and a reliable pipeline of skilled talent.
Dependent education benefits InStride enables businesses to extend education benefits to employees’ dependents. This allows employees at participating companies to use their benefits for spouses and children who gain access to career-aligned courses, certifications, and degrees, which enhances employee loyalty and retention as workers feel a deeper commitment to companies investing in their families. In turn, dependent benefits create a ripple effect beyond the workplace, helping to uplift communities by expanding access to education and opportunity for future generations.
Supporting a skills-first approach InStride helps companies build talent strategies grounded in employee skills and capabilities. This includes helping companies identify the skills needed for key roles, map career paths, and uncover gaps between the skills employees have and the ones their businesses need. With that foundation in place, companies can make more informed hiring and promotion decisions—and use targeted learning programs to help employees build the skills to grow into critical roles.
Pioneering, scalable, customizable solutions
Hybrid clinical cohorts Healthcare systems can’t rely solely on external hiring. InStride’s hybrid clinical cohorts address staffing shortages in healthcare by combining online coursework with in-hospital training. With structured learning models to boost completion rates, they create pathways to in-demand roles like medical assistants, surgical technologists, and clinical lab specialists. This empowers employers to develop talent from within, which has proven to reduce staffing shortages and improve career mobility for existing employees.
Industry-first franchise workforce education model InStride’s hub-and-spoke franchise education model allows franchisees to opt into and manage corporate education programs while customizing them for their workforce, providing centralized tracking and reporting tools for improved oversight. This balance between corporate structure and local flexibility helps franchise businesses retain and develop talent while maintaining a consistent workforce strategy. This approach has delivered impressive results, with over 50% of franchisees at one partner adopting the program in its first year and achieving a one-third higher retention rate for participating employees compared to non-participants.
Custom solutions for accelerated capability building To help businesses build specialized professional skill sets, InStride introduced Capability Accelerators, which provide custom academies tailored for specific roles including first-line managers, manufacturing and healthcare leaders; cohort-based learning with applied, real-world training featuring expert coaching and AI-enhanced tools; and university-backed content that blends academic insights with practical, job-relevant learning.
“We remain committed to building solutions that meet real workforce needs,” said Craig Maloney, CEO of InStride. He says of the company’s future development: “We’re now investing more in AI that truly transforms individual careers and organizational success. We always start with our partners’ business goals in mind—and by intelligently analyzing employee data like job roles, skills, and aspirations, we’re better able to connect talent to the right education opportunities and personalized coaching support. That precision is what drives meaningful outcomes.”
About InStride
InStride solves corporate talent challenges with strategic education and skilling solutions. By breaking down barriers to learning, fostering career growth aligned with organizational goals, and simplifying program management, InStride delivers lasting impact. Partnering with forward-thinking companies like Labcorp, Adidas, and SSM Health, InStride drives meaningful social and business outcomes by providing access to life-changing education. Visitinstride.comor follow InStride onLinkedInfor more information and up-to-date news.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE, OTCQX: ORZCF) (the “Company” or “Orezone”) is pleased to provide additional drill results from its ongoing multi-year exploration campaign at its flagship Bomboré Gold Mine. These latest results are from multiple targets identified along the broader 14km long reserve defined Bomboré gold system, which remains open for further expansion.
Selected Drill Highlights1:
11.33g/t Au over 11.00m (BBC6960)
10.28g/t Au over 5.00m (BBC7132)
6.79g/t Au over 8.00m and 2.22g/t Au over 14.00m (BBC7141)
7.40g/t Au over 6.70m (BBD1124)
6.61g/t Au over 4.15m (BBD1341)
2.96g/t Au over 10.00m (BBC7158)
1.84g/t Au over 15.70m (BBD1346)
1.53g/t Au over 17.00m (BBC7148)
1.45g/t Au over 14.10m (BBD1344)
1.23g/t Au over 9.65m (BBD1329)
Patrick Downey, President and CEO stated, “These latest drill results further underscore the significant exploration upside at Bomboré and clearly illustrate that the broader system remains open to depth, along strike and outside of the currently delineated mineralized trends. At P17, drilling was successful in tracing higher-grade sub-zone mineralization a further 300m down plunge, while wide spaced step-out drilling at P16 and Siga have extended mineralization a respective 600m and 550m along strike. As we ramp up our exploration efforts at Bomboré, we continue to re-evaluate and update the project’s existing exploration framework. The latest results also provide clear evidence that the hanging wall and footwall of the broader 14km long reserve defined system are prospective for additional near-surface discoveries, which was not previously recognized.
While Bomboré currently hosts a stated 5 million ounce global resource, which is the basis for the ongoing production expansion to 220,000 to 250,000 ounces per annum, the results of the current exploration program continue to provide support for the Company’s long-term targeted resource base of 7 to 10 million ounces.”
P17 Trend: Higher-Grade Sub-Zones
Drilling at P17 was successful in further illustrating the down plunge continuity of the higher-grade sub-zones, the highlight of which was an intercept of 7.40g/t Au over 6.70m (BBD1124), which marks a 300m down plunge extension from the previously reported 11.52g/t Au over 10.60m (BBD1081, Figure 3). Other notable sub-zone intercepts from this recent round of drilling include 5.22g/t Au over 4.00m (BBD1346), 20.14g/t Au over 2.00m (BBD1341) and 15.61g/t Au over 1.00m (BBD1335).
While the Company continues to define the structural setting of the P17 Trend, and further develop a predictive model for future sub-zone targeting, a key takeaway from the recent drilling was a better understanding of the controls of the higher-grade mineralization which comprise these sub-zones. It is now recognized that the higher-grades are associated with a later-stage quartz veining event, within which multiple occurrences of visible gold were observed for the first time (Figure 1). This marks an important development in the Company’s understanding of the Bomboré system, which to date has been focused on a low grade, bulk tonnage open pit model. While still early-stage, the Company continues to evaluate the sub-zones along the P17 Trend, and other localized higher-grade areas along the broader 14km system, as future potential sources of higher-grade underground feed, beneath the open pits.
In addition to extending the Bomboré mineral system to depth, and defining higher-grade sub-zones within, further delineating near-surface strike extensions to multiple resource areas continues to be another important area of investigation. A highlight of such recent targeting was at P16, where a series of step-out holes successfully identified mineralization an additional 600m to the north (Figure 2), as supported by intercepts of 0.92g/t Au over 14.35m (BBD1348), 0.71g/t Au over 9.00m (BBD1349), 0.68g/t Au over 17.00m (BBD1338) and 1.27g/t Au over 5.00m (BBC7180). These initial step-out results support the interpretation that P16 is a sub-parallel trend to the P17 Trend, which significantly expands the exploration model and potential within this area of the project.
Future targeting of the P16 strike extension will be centered on backfill drilling, with the goal of delineating open pittable near-surface mineralization, as well as to further investigate the potential for higher-grade sub-zones, as is observed within the P16 resource area.
At Siga, initial testing of the southern strike extension yielded encouraging results, with mineralization intercepted approximately 550m to the south of the current mineral resource. This area of the project has not been previously explored with results of the initial scout drilling returning 5.93g/t Au over 0.85m and 6.35g/t Au over 1.00m (BBD1340). Follow-up drilling will comprise a series of wide spaced backfill fences to further delineate this broad southern extension.
Additionally, significant potential remains to extend resources to the north of the existing open pit designs in the North Zone. Localized 50-100m step-outs along the broader North Zone strike extension have demonstrated promising continuity, with initial results of 2.22g/t Au over 14.00m and 6.79g/t Au over 8.00m (BBC7141) and 2.21g/t Au over 7.00m (BBC7201). Further drilling along this northern strike extension, which has seen limited testing to date, is planned for upcoming campaigns.
Expanding Exploration Model
In addition to testing the extent of known mineralization, the Company continues to challenge the broader exploration model at Bomboré. The previously established exploration framework was centered on gold mineralization being confined to the Bomboré Shear Zone, with limited prospects within the hanging wall and footwall of the broader system. However, more recent targeted drilling, and local surface excavations outside of the mining lease, provide evidence to the contrary. Initial testing within the immediate hanging wall to the Siga Zone has led to the discovery of the HK Zone (Figure 2), which is marked by intercepts of 11.33g/t Au over 11.00m (BBC6960), 10.28g/t Au over 5.00m (BBC7132), 1.35g/t Au over 9.00m (BBC6976), and 1.46g/t Au over 6.00m (BBC7120).
With the prospects of identifying additional high-grade centers of mineralization outside of the Bomboré Shear Zone, the Company has recently commenced a near-mine and regional air core drill program, comprising a series of wide spaced drill fences within the mining lease and surrounding exploration tenements.
Figure 2 – Bomboré Plan Map Highlighting Selected Intercepts
* True widths for all zones are reported as a percentage of drilled lengths: North Zone 85%, P8/P9 70-85%, Siga 90%, P11 75-85%, P17S 70% and 90-100%, P17N 70% and HK 75-80%.
About Orezone Gold Corporation
Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE OTCQX: ORZCF) is a West African gold producer engaged in mining, developing, and exploring its 90%-owned flagship Bomboré Gold Mine in Burkina Faso. The Bomboré mine achieved commercial production on its oxide operations on December 1, 2022, and is now focused on its staged hard rock expansion that is expected to materially increase annual and life-of-mine gold production from the processing of hard rock mineral reserves. Orezone is led by an experienced team focused on social responsibility and sustainability with a proven track record in project construction and operations, financings, capital markets, and M&A.
The technical report entitled Bomboré Phase II Expansion, Definitive Feasibility Study is available on SEDAR+ and the Company’s website.
Contact Information
Patrick Downey President and Chief Executive Officer
Kevin MacKenzie Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations
For further information please contact Orezone at +1 (778) 945 8977 or visit the Company’s website atwww.orezone.com.
The Toronto Stock Exchange neither approves nor disapproves the information contained in this news release.
Qualified person
Alastair Gallaugher (CGeol), Exploration Manager for Orezone, is the Qualified Person under NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.
QA/QC
The mineralized intervals are based on a lower cut-off grade of 0.28g/t in the Oxide+Upper Transition zone, and 0.45g/t Au in the Lower Transition+Hard Rock zone. The half-core drilling samples were cut using a diamond saw by Orezone employees. The samples were prepared by BIGS Global Burkina s.a.r.l. (“BIGS Global”) and then split by Orezone to 1 kg using Rotary Sample Dividers (“RSDs”). A 1kg aliquot was analyzed for leachable gold at BIGS Global in Ouagadougou, by bottle-roll cyanidation using a LeachWellTM catalyst. The leach residues from all samples with a leach grade greater than or equal to 0.25g/t Au were prepared by BIGS Global and then split by Orezone to 50g using RSDs. A 50g aliquot was analyzed by fire assay at BIGS Global.
Orezone employs a rigorous Quality Control Program including a minimum of 10% standards, blanks and duplicates. The composite width and grade include the final leach residue assay results for most of the drill intercepts reported.
This press release contains certain information that constitutes “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian Securities laws and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable U.S. securities laws (together, “forward-looking statements”). Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as “plan”, “expect”, “project”, “intend”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “potential”, “possible” and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions “may”, “will”, “could”, or “should” occur.
Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to statements with respect to the exploration program and the significant exploration upside at Bomboré including that the broader system remains open to depth, along strike and outside of the currently delineated mineralized trends; the potential to materially expand the project’s resource base from the current global 5 million gold ounces, to a targeted 7 to 10 million gold ounces longer term and the ongoing production expansion to 220,000 to 250,000 ounces per annum; evidence that the hanging wall and footwall of the broader 14km long reserve defined system are prospective for additional near-surface discoveries; the initial step-out results support the interpretation that P16 is a sub-parallel trend to the P17 Trend, which significantly expands the exploration model and potential within this region of the project; and significant potential remains to extend resources to the north of the existing open pit designs in the North Zone.
All forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, terrorist or other violent attacks, the failure of parties to contracts to honour contractual commitments, unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; social or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; unexpected failure or inadequacy of infrastructure, the possibility of project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses, accidents and equipment breakdowns, political risk, unanticipated changes in key management personnel, the spread of diseases, epidemics and pandemics diseases, market or business conditions, the failure of exploration programs, including drilling programs, to deliver anticipated results and the failure of ongoing and uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, and other factors described in the Company’s most recent annual information form and management’s discussion and analysis filed on SEDAR+ on www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements are based on the applicable assumptions and factors management considers reasonable as of the date hereof, based on the information available to management at such time. These assumptions and factors include, but are not limited to, assumptions and factors related to the Company’s ability to carry on current and future operations, including: development and exploration activities; the timing, extent, duration and economic viability of such operations, including any mineral resources or reserves identified thereby; the accuracy and reliability of estimates, projections, forecasts, studies and assessments; the Company’s ability to meet or achieve estimates, projections and forecasts; the availability and cost of inputs; the price and market for outputs, including gold; foreign exchange rates; taxation levels; the timely receipt of necessary approvals or permits; the ability to meet current and future obligations; the ability to obtain timely financing on reasonable terms when required; the current and future social, economic and political conditions; and other assumptions and factors generally associated with the mining industry.
Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Subject to applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
Headline: W&T Announces Appointment of Presiding Director for 2025
HOUSTON, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — W&T Offshore, Inc. (NYSE: WTI) (“W&T” or the “Company”) today announced that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) appointed Mr. John D. Buchanan as Presiding Director for 2025. He has served in that role since the 2024 Annual General Meeting and will continue as Presiding Director this year. Mr. Buchanan joined the Board in April 2024 and has more than 30 years of experience as a seasoned oil and gas, commercial and banking attorney, in addition to his prior service as a military officer.
Tracy W. Krohn, W&T’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer stated, “We are very pleased that our Board has named John as our continuing Presiding Director. That position serves a valuable leadership role on our Board and John’s extensive legal experience in the energy industry and banking industry has served him well in that Board capacity. John has been a valuable advisor to and served several Boards for large public companies prior to joining our Board.”
About Mr. Buchanan
Mr. Buchanan has served in top legal roles as Chief Legal Officer/General Counsel/Corporate Secretary at several S&P 500 companies. Mr. Buchanan most recently served at ExxonMobil Corporation (“Exxon”) as an Assistant General Counsel where he also served as the Secretary to the Exxon Audit Committee and the Exxon Finance Committee. Mr. Buchanan also previously served in the top legal role with the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, where he was the Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary Mr. Buchanan has held a number of other Chief Legal Officer positions over the course of his career at various S&P 500 financial institutions. Mr. Buchanan has served on numerous committees and boards of directors during his career, including the board of directors for Mercedes Benz US International Inc., with service as the Chair of the Audit Committee. Prior to his legal career Mr. Buchanan was a U.S. Army officer, helicopter pilot and paratrooper, serving with distinction.
Mr. Buchanan holds a Master’s of Laws in Taxation from New York University School of Law and a Juris Doctorate degree from the Vanderbilt University School of Law. He also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Washington & Lee University.
About W&T Offshore
W&T Offshore, Inc. is an independent oil and natural gas producer with operations offshore in the Gulf of America and has grown through acquisitions, exploration and development. As of March 31, 2025, the Company had working interests in 52 fields in federal and state waters (which include 45 fields in federal waters and seven in state waters). The Company has under lease approximately 634,700 gross acres (496,900 net acres) spanning across the outer continental shelf off the coasts of Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Alabama, with approximately 487,200 gross acres on the conventional shelf, approximately 141,900 gross acres in the deepwater and 5,600 gross acres in Alabama state waters. A majority of the Company’s daily production is derived from wells it operates. For more information on W&T, please visit the Company’s website at www.wtoffshore.com.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
VIENNA, June 10 (Xinhua) — At least five people were killed and several others were seriously injured in an attack on a school in Graz, Austria’s second-largest city, media reported on Tuesday morning.
The victims included students and teachers, reports said, citing local police. The gunman, believed to be a student, committed suicide, the reports said. –0–
“I am delighted that 1energy has been successfully awarded £21m from Green Heat Network Fund. This funding will enable us to explore the potential to develop Oxford’s first District Heat Network (DNC).
“This exciting project will explore the merits and opportunities to develop a heat network across Oxford, helping reduce carbon emissions from buildings. With buildings responsible for 60% of Oxford’s carbon emissions, a heat network like this has been identified as one of the key pathways to achieve a net zero carbon city by 2040.”
“As well as reducing city-wide emissions, we hope this funding will help to support other organisations and businesses in their efforts to save energy and access affordable heating through establishing low carbon infrastructure.
“This is a brilliant opportunity for Oxford, and together with our partners Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford University, and Oxford Brookes University we are looking forward to working with 1Energy on this project.”
Councillor Anna Railton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Zero Carbon Oxford, Oxford City Council
“This is an exciting first step in establishing a heat network for Oxford. We look forward to working with our partners across the city to explore options for heat decarbonisation. The potential benefits of a wider heat network are huge, both for the University – the project could help us achieve our ambitious target of reaching net zero by 2035 – and for the community as a whole, supporting Oxford’s transition to a resilient, low-carbon energy system.”
Trevor Payne, Director of Estates, University of Oxford
“Heat networks are one of the most efficient ways of providing reliable, clean, competitively priced heat to very large areas, especially for old buildings which are difficult to retrofit with heat pumps. As well as supplying reliable decarbonised heat, heat networks deliver positive impacts for air quality.”
Councillor Judy Roberts, Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action, Oxfordshire County Council
“We are engaging with 1Energy who are bringing forward this proposal particularly in our role of seeking to manage the impact of the proposed development on the highway network, and our interest in maximising community value of the scheme.”
Councillor Andrew Gant, Cabinet Member for Transport Management, Oxfordshire County Council
“Oxford Brookes University looks forward to working collaboratively with 1Energy and our city wide partners to explore the case for participation in an Oxford heat network. This supports our aims as a member of the Zero Carbon Oxford Partnership in Oxford becoming a Net Zero City by 2040 and also supports the university in reaching its Net Zero carbon goals potentially faster and at lower cost than possible to do alone.”
Jerry Woods, Director of Estates & Campus Services, Oxford Brookes University
Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –
X5 has increased the number of student grants for applicants to the Higher School of Business at the National Research University Higher School of Economics. The company will compensate part of the tuition fees for twenty-five talented applicants in the Master’s program “B2C Business Management: Technologies and Innovations” (previously “Retail Management”). Applications for grants can be submitted from June 20.
X5 has been a strategic partner of the Master’s program for more than three years. Currently, almost a quarter of the company’s employees are under 25 years old, so developing relationships with universities and educational institutions is a priority for preparing a personnel reserve. This year, the program’s content was completely revised — “B2C Business Management: Technologies and Innovations” became the first specialized master’s program that trains leaders in retail and e-commerce. The company, together with the Higher School of Business of the Higher School of Economics, took into account all the latest market trends and built the program around three main blocks: customer experience, new technologies and innovations, leadership and management.
The Master’s degree is suitable for both bachelors and specialists aiming for a career in retail and e-com, as well as for those who already work in retail and B2C companies, as well as those who run their own business. Five HSE graduates who successfully pass the entrance exams and score high will be able to study with a 35% discount. Another 20 applicants will receive a grant in the amount of 25% of the cost of tuition. The best students will receive financial support from X5 for the entire period of study.
Students of the program study Data Science, business analytics, digital platforms, digital marketing, customer experience management in an omnichannel environment. That is, the disciplines that are necessary for working in modern business. Each area is supervised by top managers and executives of X5 – the program is designed for full integration, where there is a lot of practice, research and project work. Experts from X5 give lectures, hold open meetings, seminars and excursions, visit stores, distribution centers, innovation labs and ready-to-eat food production together with students.
Ksenia Mardanova
Director of Work with Educational Institutions X5
“We pass on our knowledge and experience as an industry leader to students and tell them that modern retail is much more than just retail. X5 includes not only retail chains, but also IT, delivery, transport, and prepared food services. And our partnership with the HSE uniquely combines academic depth with applied approaches, including elements of an MBA in management practice. Over two years, students develop a portfolio of more than 10 projects based on real-life retail and e-commerce challenges. Graduates make good careers in major companies; we see them as promising specialists and are ready to consider them for work at X5. At the same time, the program improves the competencies of our own employees, who, while studying here, gain new skills for growth within the company.”
Academic Director of the program, Associate Professor of Practice at the Higher School of Business, National Research University Higher School of Economics
“Thanks to the support of X5, our program gives talented students the opportunity to receive a quality management education at one of the leading business schools in Russia and build a career in B2C business. The program’s special feature is its practice-oriented approach: courses are implemented using the co-teaching scheme, when HSE teachers and business professionals conduct classes together. In addition, students prepare coursework and diploma projects in a consulting format, solving real-life problems of companies. The involvement of practitioners in the educational process provides valuable networking and deep immersion in the professional environment.”
For admission to the program In 2025, applications will be accepted from June 20 to August 8: 63 places are open for students from Russia and one for students from foreign countries.
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.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Raft of tech companies investing in Britain as government vows to unleash growth
From AI to fintech, leading global tech firms that will power the next Industrial Revolution announce major UK investments, creating highly-skilled jobs from Edinburgh to Warwick.
From AI to fintech, leading global tech firms that will power the next Industrial Revolution announce major UK investments, creating highly-skilled jobs from Edinburgh to Warwick.
Technological progress will define the decades ahead, unleashing new innovations that could make us healthier, wealthier and safer – Science and Tech Secretary Peter Kyle told an audience today.
Government will go all in on science and tech to deliver the growth, improved healthcare, and clean energy breakthroughs that are central to the upcoming modern Industrial Strategy and Plan for Change.
Hundreds of well-paid, highly-skilled tech jobs will be created from Edinburgh to Warwick, and beyond, as the Science and Technology Secretary has confirmed a raft of investments into the UK by leading global technology companies today (Tuesday 10 June). These significant investments range from AI to fintech, and some see the companies involved setting up shop in the UK for the very first time.
Peter Kyle unveiled this news in a keynote speech at London Tech Week, where he also set out more of the government’s plan to put the white-hot potential of science and technology to work, building a better UK. Investments like these, together with partnerships like that announced with NVIDIA by the Prime Minister yesterday, and new government measures set out by the Secretary of State, will ignite the growth the UK needs to truly deliver on the government’s Plan for Change.
From harnessing AI to boost healthcare and clean energy, to new measures to support innovative early-stage science and tech companies to thrive, going all in on science and tech is the route to the medical breakthroughs, ways of making energy cheaper and greener, and good-quality jobs that will make all our lives better. It’s one of the growth-driving sectors in the government’s forthcoming modern Industrial Strategy, and today’s speech sets out elements that will drive the success of the strategy.
Investments being announced today:
Liquidity, a US-based global AI fintech, will launch its European headquarters in London as part of a plan to invest an additional £1.5 billion into cutting-edge enterprises over the next 5 years
InnovX AI, one of Europe’s leading startup hubs, investing £14.7 million in a new London technology hub, creating 30 jobs
Nebius, a Dutch AI infrastructure company, announcing a long-term commitment to back the UK’s AI sector, starting with an initial investment of £200 million. They will establish a UK AI Factory – with 2 potential sites in South East England currently being assessed – that could result in thousands of jobs coming online in the decades to come
Capgemini, one of the world’s largest business and technology transformation partners, expanding its UK presence with a new London HQ, following strong revenue growth over the years.
Netcompany, a Danish IT consultancy, investing £2 million as it expands its Leeds office and launches a new site in Edinburgh, eventually set to create 150 jobs
Ekimetrics, a French AI solutions firm, is investing £8.5 million in their UK operations, creating over 150 roles in London over 3 years as part of its Elevate 2028 strategy
Yuno, a Colombia-based global fintech that is rapidly expanding, is choosing London for its European headquarters
Rebeldot, a Romanian software and tech consultancy, opening its UK subsidiary in Warwick, as part of plans to expand its presence in the UK
To succeed, the UK’s tech leaders need stability and certainty. Today the Science and Tech Secretary has set out the ways in which the British state will be an active partner and enabler, working with the private sector to unlock the promise of technology, to help unleash the next Industrial Revolution and build a better Britain.
The government’s upcoming modern Industrial Strategy will also provide a credible 10-year plan to deliver the certainty and stability businesses need to invest in high-growth sectors like digital and technologies. This will secure the UK’s position as the best place in Europe to create, invest, and scale-up a fast-growing digital and technologies business.
These include an £86 billion commitment to funding for R&D, a new £25 million scheme to bring elite AI experts to the UK, £187 million for new schemes to train up the tech workforce of tomorrow, and £1 billion funding for the AI Research Resource announced by the Prime Minister yesterday.
Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said:
We have all seen over the last few years, just how rapidly and profoundly technologies like AI are transforming the economy, and our society. Britain can – and must – be at the cutting edge of this change. The era of hesitancy is over: we can be the masters of our fate, and through the measures I am announcing today, we will harness the vast potential of our trillion-pound tech sector to help remake our country for the better.
This is the Plan for Change, in action. The UK has all the tools needed for success in science and technology, and by working as an active partner to our world-leading universities and cutting-edge businesses, this government will ensure that we seize the era-defining opportunities before us.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:
The UK continues to be a prime destination for tech businesses from across the world to come and succeed, and London Tech Week is a shining example of this.
Securing valuable high-tech investment is an integral mission of this government and seeing global investors put billions in the UK economy shows the Plan for Change is working, with more and more companies choosing Britain.
With tech being identified as a key growth sector in our upcoming modern Industrial Strategy, we’re not only helping attract and secure investment, but delivering long-term, stable growth that supports skilled jobs and raises living standards across the UK.
Announcements being made today are evidence of the holistic approach the government is taking to turbo-charging Britain’s tech sector.
Science and Technology Venture Capital Fellowship
To encourage the investment and access to risk capital that is critical for science and tech-backed businesses in the early stages, we are opening the Science and Technology Venture Capital Fellowship for a second cohort and round of applications, to increase the capacity of the UK financial sector to invest in the tomorrow’s breakthroughs, today. This will be delivered by the Royal Academy of Engineering and Imperial Business School.
Turing AI ‘Global’ fellowships
New efforts to build the skills base Britain needs to seize the potential of AI, are being backed with £25 million. A prestigious new AI talent fellowship will be launched, to attract 5 top AI experts to the UK: the Turing AI ‘Global’ fellowships. Fellows will receive substantial packages to relocate to the UK and quickly build a team of experts to conduct frontier AI research and contribute to the UK’s AI ecosystem.
Encode: AI for Science Fellowship
The government also intends to fund a UK-based expansion of the Encode: AI for Science Fellowship. Conceived and delivered by Pillar VC and enabled by ARIA, the programme embeds world-class AI researchers into cutting-edge scientific labs, accelerating the pathway to industry, and enabling talent to spend one year immersed in intensive exploration, feedback, and development cycles.
The Encode fellowships will commence earlier, with new talent arriving in the UK by Autumn 2025. This will be backed by the UK Sovereign AI Unit with up to £5 million in government funding.
This investment will ensure the UK further benefits from the extraordinary talent Encode has already attracted, catalysing new collaborations in areas such as climate modelling, rare disease treatment, crop development, and neuroscience. Encode is one of the first initiatives launched and supported through ARIA’s flagship Activation Partners initiative.
Spinouts Register
Meanwhile a world-first new Spinouts Register marks a step-change in the type and quality of information available on the UK’s spinouts – which will inform better policymaking, and enable better support for these important companies. This comprehensive database covering the more than 2,000 spinouts formed since 2012/2013 in the UK, represents the first ever ‘official’ list of all spin-out companies produced by UK universities.
The first flagship analysis to better understand how spinouts grow and succeed, drawing on data within the Register, is also being published today, by the University of Cambridge’s Policy Evidence Unit for University, Commercialisation and Innovation (UCI). Initial findings show university spinouts outperform other start-ups, including contributions in key strategically important sectors, with university spinouts comprising 70% of the top 20 life science startups by investment raised. The Register has been developed by the Higher Education Statistics Agency with Research England and UCI.
Working internationally delivers benefits beyond investment, and working with global partners is also critical to the UK’s ambitions for science and technology. The vast opportunities for our innovators through schemes like Horizon Europe are central to that. Later today, Peter Kyle will meet with European Commissioner for Research and Innovation Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva to discuss how to exploit these opportunities even further, building on the UK having recently gained access to more quantum and space Horizon funding calls.
All of this is on top of commitments to the UK’s innovation and technology-forward future announced by the Prime Minister, yesterday, including greater support for researchers to spin their ideas out into successful businesses, and new schemes like the Tech First programme that will give British workers the skills they need to thrive in the decades ahead. The government is also developing the National Digital Exchange, a web platform that could save the public sector £1.2 billion on buying tech, as well as cutting duplicative costs and processes.
This new team will create a dynamic and unified service designed to enhance community safety, improve local environments, and deliver more responsive support to residents across the region.
The new team brings together the Council’s Parking and Civil Contingencies Service, Community Safety Team and Visitor Management into a single, streamlined unit under one leadership structure. The move is part of a broader strategy to deliver on the Council’s vision of a Perth and Kinross, where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality.
By focusing resources where they’re needed most, the team will serve as the “eyes and ears” of the community, providing visible, intelligence-led patrols and rapid responses to local concerns. They will help protect our shared spaces, streets, landscapes, and local wildlife—ensuring Perth and Kinross remains welcoming and secure for everyone, whether residents or visitors.
Working closely with local partners and residents, the team will take a proactive, community-first approach to address key concerns such as illegal parking, irresponsible visitor behaviour, shoplifting, and anti-social activity.
This collaborative strategy will not only enhance public safety but also support local businesses and strengthen community trust.
Recently, in partnership with Snaigow Estates, Rangers from our Community Support and Enforcement and Community Greenspace teams installed new fencing and signage at Loch Clunie. This initiative is designed to prevent access to a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Protecting these areas is vital, as it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly cause damage to the protected environment.
The CSE Rangers will continue to work with partners to patrol known hotspots such as Loch Clunie to ensure everyone is following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, protecting our landscapes for everyone. On a recent patrol, several pieces of outdoor camping kit were abandoned. However, this has now been donated to Blair Atholl Primary School and Our Lady’s RC Primary School.
Supporting community resilience is also a key part of the team’s remit. In partnership with River Track, Scottish Flood Forum and Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Council, a new river level monitoring system has been installed at the Rattray Burn. This early warning system will provide residents with timely flood alerts, empowering them to take preventative action and stay safe during periods of heavy rainfall.
The team will continue to take a strong, visible stance against unsafe, unfair and illegal parking as well as anti-social behaviour.
Councillor Eric Drysdale, convener of Perth and Kinross Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee said: “It’s been fantastic to see the positive impact that the team have already made across Perth and Kinross in such a short time since coming together.”
“From encouraging responsible outdoor behaviour during the recent spell of sunny weather, supporting events on VE Day, to working closely with local flood groups in preparation for future storms, the team is making a real difference.
“By working in new and more effective ways with communities and partners, the team is helping to create a safer, cleaner and more welcome Perth and Kinross for everyone.”
At least five people have been killed in an attack at a school in the Austrian city of Graz and others were injured, Austrian media including tabloid Kronen Zeitung reported on Tuesday.
Citing local police, Austrian state media ORF said several people had been seriously injured, including students and teachers.
Police said an operation was underway in a street called Dreierschuetzengasse, on which there is a secondary school, but declined further comment.
Police are currently evacuating the building, ORF said.
It was not immediately clear whether the suspect was among the reported victims.
AI revolution to give teachers more time with pupils
Government driving forward AI tools to deliver excellence everywhere for every child, as part of Plan for Change
Pupils across England will benefit from more face-to-face time with teachers as the government forges ahead with plans to harness the power of AI to deliver educational excellence.
The Department for Education has today (June 10th) launched a package of measures to transform how schools use AI – including the first ever AI guidance for schools and colleges setting out how schools can safely and effectively use AI to transform the classroom experience for students.
A recent survey showed 43% of teachers rate their AI confidence at just 3/10, with over 60% asking for help applying AI to planning and support tasks. Nearly all teachers wanted safety guidance and additional training.
The comprehensive guidance delivers on this and gives teachers and leaders the confidence to power-up learning and swap wasted hours spent on admin for time spent inspiring our children – as part of our Plan for Change pledge to deliver an excellent education for every child.
Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said:
We’re putting cutting-edge AI tools into the hands of our brilliant teachers to enhance how our children learn and develop – freeing teachers from paperwork so they can focus on what parents and pupils need most: inspiring teaching and personalised support.
Our Plan for Change demands an excellent education for every child, and making all sure young people are benefitting from the latest technology is a vital step.
By harnessing AI’s power to cut workloads, we’re revolutionising classrooms and driving high standards everywhere – breaking down barriers to opportunity so every child can achieve and thrive.
Developed in partnership with education experts from the Chiltern Learning Trust and the Chartered College of Teaching, it sets out clear principles for AI use, with education standards and child safety at the fore. It makes clear that AI should be used to ensure learning remains teacher-led and that teachers should verify accuracy and protect personal data.
For staff, AI can automate some tasks such as generic letters – giving them hours back to focus on personalised parent communications around children’s education progress and wellbeing.
An additional £1 million of Contracts for Innovation funding will accelerate development of pioneering AI tools to help with marking and generating detailed, tailored feedback for individual students. Building on the successful AI Tools for Education programme announced last August, this investment will take the tools from the design stage into teachers’ hands – meaning world-first AI interventions are a step closer to being classroom-ready.
Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said:
These resources are a welcome source of support for education staff. AI has huge potential benefits for schools and children’s learning, but it is important that these are harnessed in the right way and any pitfalls avoided.
Government investment in future testing and research is vital as staff need reliable sources of evaluation – supported with evidence – on the benefits, limitations and risks of AI tools and their potential uses.
As part of this innovation drive, schools and colleges are being invited to become ‘test beds’ for evaluating promising EdTech products, creating an evidence base for technologies that genuinely improve both teaching quality and pupil outcomes.
These innovations will redefine teaching as a profession, transforming it into a more appealing career choice by significantly reducing administrative workload. It will play a crucial role in attracting and retaining talented educators, accelerating progress toward the government’s pledge to recruit 6,500 additional teachers.
Earlier this week the Prime Minister set out a package of digital and AI training opportunities as part of a new £187m TechFirst programme to bring digital skills and AI learning into classrooms and communities. This package will train up people of all ages and backgrounds for the tech careers of the future, including giving 1 million secondary school students yearly the chance to learn about technology and gain unprecedented access to skills training and career opportunities.
These initiatives form a key element of the government’s ambitious Plan for Change, directly supporting the mission to break down barriers to opportunity by ensuring every child benefits from exceptional teaching.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)
A son of downstate Illinois, strengthening CTE programming has been a career-long priority for the Congressman
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) re-introduced a congressional resolution calling for the doubling of federal funding for career and technical education (CTE). The resolution, endorsed by the Association for Career and Technical Education, builds on years of work advocating for greater funding for CTE programs by Congressman Krishnamoorthi. This includes his 2018 bipartisan law, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, which reformed CTE programs for the first time in more than a decade and provided nearly $1.4 billion annually to programs across Illinois and around the country for millions of Americans.
“The ability to adapt and evolve is what has kept American workers and our economy ahead of the curve in an increasingly competitive world,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “By doubling funding for career and technical education programs, we can equip workers with in-demand skills before they enter the job market, creating an expanded pathway to the middle class and a stronger state and country. Now is the time to invest in our workforce and secure a better future for workers and our economy.”
“Our nation relies on career and technical education (CTE) to equip students with strong skills and experiences that prepare them for meaningful and rewarding careers, boosting our economy and closing the skills gap,” ACTE Executive Director LeAnn Curry said. “ACTE is proud to endorse Congressman Krishnamoorthi’s resolution expressing the vital need for federal investments in Perkins V, which is critical to the sustainability of CTE programs nationwide. We are grateful to Congressman Krishnamoorthi for his support in CTE and for introducing this resolution that recognizes how significant these investments are for our students, our communities, and the country.”
During his time in Congress, Congressman Krishnamoorthi has become a leading voice in calling for expanding funding for CTE programs. In addition to his 2018 law, Congressman Krishnamoorthi has spent time traveling across Illinoisto speak with labor leaders, educators, students, and workers alike on how best to improve CTE programs. Congressman Krishnamoorthi has also introduced the Opportunity to Compete Act, legislation that would ensure qualified candidates who lack a four-year college degree are not automatically dismissed by computer hiring systems.
The full text of the resolution can be found here.
The eighth session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction took place from 2 to 6 June 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland. It was co-chaired by Ambassador Patricia Danzi, Director-General of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, and Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Head of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction.
This edition of the Global Platform was the first since the Midterm Review of the Implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. Since 2015, countries have made significant progress, but challenges remain. Recognising this, the Global Platform was organised under the theme of “Every Day Counts, Act for Resilience Today.”
The 8th Global Platform’s outcome document, the Co-Chairs’ Summary, is titled the “Geneva Call for Disaster Risk Reduction.” It aims to serve as a guide and a rallying call to governments and stakeholders to accelerate the implementation of the Sendai Framework in the remaining five years until 2030. The Summary concludes with an eight-point call to action: The Geneva Call for Disaster Risk Reduction:
The Geneva Call for Disaster Risk Reduction
Successes over the last ten years in the implementation of the Sendai Framework are a cause for optimism, especially as local actors and communities are inspiring the world with examples of how they are managing risks. As the cost of disasters increases and international assistance dwindles, urgent, more concrete actions are needed in the next five years to sustain progress towards achieving the expected outcome and goal of the Sendai Framework by 2030, thereby contributing to meeting the goals of the 2030 Agenda, and post-2030 considerations.
Better data to understand risk: The collection, analysis and application of risk information should underlie all resilience-building measures. Countries need to collect and share historical data, track disaster impacts, broken down by sex, age, disability and income, and conduct predictive analyses. The use of the disaster tracking system and the Sendai Framework Monitor should be scaled up.
Use technology to leapfrog progress: All countries and communities can benefit from the ethical use of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to accelerate disaster risk reduction. Technology access should be facilitated for developing countries and ‘last mile’ communities in all countries.
Promote integrated risk governance and cooperation: The growing complexity of risk demands breaking institutional and policy silos and integrate plans across To that end, a comprehensive risk management approach should be pursued to integrate the implementation of climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and social and environmental protection. International and regional cooperation needs to be enhanced to address transboundary and emerging risks, such as glacial lake outburst floods, sea-level rise and sand and dust storms, as well as extreme heat in line with the UN Secretary-General’s Call to Action on Extreme Heat.
Invest in prevention: Increasing funding for disaster risk reduction is crucial to generate benefits across the development, humanitarian and climate agendas. This includes funds from domestic public budgets and climate finance, also leveraging innovative mechanisms with the private The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development is an opportunity to scale this up. International funding and technical assistance, as mutually agreed, should be enhanced for the most at-risk developing countries, as well as countries in fragile and conflict settings. Capacity building for disaster risk management can be reinforced through the Santiago network.
Risk-inform all investments: When disaster risks are ignored, even the most ambitious development projects are likely to Public and private investments should be guided by a thorough understanding of disaster risk. For example, investment in the resilience of the education sector has a multiplier effect. Implementing the Comprehensive School Safety Framework will help protect children and youth from disasters.
Scale-up early warning systems: Despite their value in reducing disaster deaths, nearly half of the world still lacks MHEWS. Achieving ‘Early Warnings for All’ requires increased international support and national ownership. Moreover, investing in anticipatory action, social safety nets and combating inequality can minimise disaster impacts and expedite
Leave no one behind: All members of society can be leaders and agents for resilience. Governments and stakeholders should ensure full-scale implementation of the Sendai Gender Action Plan, the Global Children and Youth Call to Action and recommendations for accelerating disability inclusion.
Prepare to ‘Build Back Better’: The Priority Actions to Enhance Readiness for Resilient Recovery provide a guide for countries to better plan how they will Build Back Better after Moreover, recovery efforts should be inclusive to address social and cultural needs.
Keynote speech by Frank Elderson, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB and Vice-Chair of the Supervisory Board of the ECB, at the Italian constitutional court
Rome, 9 June 2025
Introduction
Thank you very much for inviting me.
The writings, judgments and speeches of many among this distinguished audience have shaped our understanding of the rule of law. I find it a privilege – and slightly daunting – to address you today on such a fundamental issue.
Today I am speaking to you as a central banker and banking supervisor. However, before I do so, allow me to take a moment to speak from a more personal perspective. Not as an official, but as the young law student I once was, reflecting on how I first came to understand and appreciate the rule of law.
As a law student at the University of Amsterdam in the early 1990s, I often cycled past a monument to Henk van Randwijk, a member of the anti-Nazi resistance during the Second World War. The monument is simple. A plain red brick wall, bearing the final lines of Van Randwijk’s most famous poem in simple white lettering:
“een volk dat voor tirannen zwicht zal meer dan lijf en goed verliezen dan dooft het licht …”
“a people that bows to tyrants will lose more than body and belongings then, the light goes out …”
I would sometimes stop, park my bicycle against a tree, and contemplate these words, hearing the echo of the heinous crimes committed on the streets of Amsterdam, and far beyond, during those hellish years when the light had indeed gone out.
I would think of the US military cemetery in Margraten, in the South of the Netherlands, where my parents used to take me and my sisters as children to see the endless rows of meticulously kept graves, each honouring one of the 10,000 US soldiers buried there, who had given their lives so that the light might shine once again in all its splendour.
I would continue my way to law school, thinking of one of the most fundamental lessons our professors had taught us: if the horrors of the past are to be avoided, if minorities are to be protected, if the individual is to be free, democracy needs to be accompanied by the rule of law. We studied the small, but fundamental, book, “Democracy and the Rule of Law”, which I keep on a shelf facing my desk to this day. Our professors never tired of explaining how vital the word “and” is in that title: the rule of law is both a precondition for democracy, and an essential limit to majority rule. For tyranny, which Van Randwijk’s poem so poignantly warns against, can be exercised not only by a single ruler, but also by half the population plus one. Put succinctly, democracy protects the majority against the minority, while the rule of law protects the minority, even a minority of one, against the majority. And this, so we were taught, is why we need both.
Although the importance of the rule of law has been impressed on me since my earliest days, I am not speaking to you today as a historian, a legal scholar, or a young law student. Today I speak to you as a central banker and banking supervisor. Today, I intend to show that the rule of law is of the highest relevance for us as a central bank and supervisor to deliver on our mandate. In addition, I will present the case that we have a specific role to play in upholding the rule of law.
The rule of law is not merely the bedrock upon which lawyers, judges and legal scholars build their work. In recent years, its pivotal role in fostering economic prosperity has come to the forefront of public debate, underscoring its profound relevance far beyond the boundaries of the legal profession.
The rule of law is not a binary concept – it is not simply present or absent. Instead, it exists on a continuum, shaped by various factors such as constraints on government powers, independent courts, the absence of corruption, and respect for human rights. Its strength is also wide-ranging, varying significantly across jurisdictions, and it evolves over time. For many decades, the global rule of law experienced a steady and encouraging ascent. However, some recent indicators suggest that this progress may have reached its peak, while others point to signs of retreat.[1]
Today I will discuss how the rule of law supports central banks in delivering on their price stability mandate, and banking supervisors in fostering financial stability.
It is worth emphasising that the connection between the rule of law and a thriving economy is well-established: a strong rule of law correlates consistently with robust and sustained economic growth.[2]
Last year, economists Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson and James Robinson were awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics for their groundbreaking research, which persuasively demonstrated not just such a correlation, but a causal relationship between weak institutions – closely linked with a poor rule of law – and lower economic growth.[3] Their findings highlight an important insight: economies thrive when institutions are strong, as institutional strength enables investors, entrepreneurs and consumers to make long-term decisions with confidence, knowing that contracts will be enforced, corruption fought and property rights upheld. Institutional reliability thus forms the backbone of innovation, creativity and sustained growth.
However, this relationship is not one-directional. Strong economic growth, in turn, reinforces institutional resilience, creating a virtuous cycle in which institutional strength and economic prosperity feed into one another.[4]
Central banks are a crucial part of this mutual dependence. They are significantly more effective in delivering on their mandates when the rule of law is strong. At the same time, strong central banks and strong supervisors are essential institutions in supporting a strong economy. As such, within their mandates, central banks and prudential supervisors have a vital role to play in upholding, promoting and, when necessary, determinedly defending the rule of law.
Why does the rule of law matter for the European Central Bank?
The Treaty on European Union proudly declares that the Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights. The rule of law forms the backbone of some of the most tangible and far-reaching achievements of our European Union – ranging from the single market and the protection of human rights to the mutual recognition of judgments. Few aspects of European integration reflect its unity more clearly than the shared commitment to upholding the rule of law.
For the ECB, the rule of law is a critical foundation of its mandate in multiple important ways. Today, I will focus on three closely connected areas: first, the role of the rule of law in laying the very foundations for, and safeguarding trust in, money; second, the importance of the rule of law for delivering on our mandates; and third, the role of the rule of law supporting price and financial and price stability by ensuring the independence of the central bank.
Money
Let me start with trust in money. Aristotle declared long ago that money was introduced by convention as a kind of substitute for a need or demand, and its value is derived not from nature but from law.[5] While money has classically been thought of as serving the functions of medium of exchange, store of value, unit of account and means of payment, it is the law which determines whether a thing is money and what nominal value is attributed to it. It is the law which determines which things are legal tender.[6]
Modern money is “fiat money” meaning that it has no intrinsic value. Following the end of the gold standard with the collapse of the Bretton Woods system in 1971, its value is also no longer tied to physical assets like gold. Instead, the value of our money rests entirely on trust – trust in public authorities, trust in the institutional frameworks that uphold it, and, fundamentally, trust in the central bank as the issuing authority.
Consider the euro banknotes in your pockets. The paper itself holds no intrinsic value. The worth we collectively assign to those €10, €20 or €50 banknotes is rooted in a strong legal foundation. Law gives central bank money legal tender status, meaning that it must be accepted for settling a debt. Trust in all other forms of “money”, such as commercial bank deposits, ultimately rests on convertibility at par with central bank money. The law thus helps preserve the value of today’s banknotes as well as the savings in your bank account.[7]
We are currently taking a pivotal step in adapting central bank money to the digital age, by progressing towards the possible issuance of a digital equivalent: a digital euro. As cash today, which will remain available, a digital euro builds on the treaty-based competence to issue legal forms of public money, leveraging advanced technology within a robust legal framework to ensure people trust the numbers on their screens. The rule of law underpins these frameworks, transforming algorithms into a reliable and trustworthy form of public money.
Delivering on our mandates
Let me now turn to the function of the rule of law in enabling central banks to effectively deliver on their mandates.
For central banks to effectively fulfil their mandate of price stability, they must carefully assess the economic outlook. This assessment requires leveraging models and historical patterns to forecast economic developments. However, for us to be able to predict and forecast economic developments, the economy must operate within a framework of consistent and transparent rules. The rule of law plays a vital role in this regard. By fostering predictability and stability, it provides the essential foundation for robust economic analysis and informed monetary policy decision-making.
The effectiveness of the ECB’s banking supervision mandate to promote the safety and soundness of banks also hinges on a strong legal system with enforceable supervisory decisions. The laws give the supervisor a broad toolkit to ensure that banks remain safe and sound. For instance, this toolkit includes the power to require banks to hold more capital as part of the bank-specific annual Supervisory Review and Evaluation Process, and the power to sanction banks if they do not adhere to prudential rules.
Beyond these broader principles, a sound legal system is indispensable for central banking operations in practical terms. For instance, the legal requirement for adequate collateral is a cornerstone of both monetary policy implementation and financial stability. Yet collateral can only be deemed adequate if the legal framework guarantees that central banks can enforce their rights over it when necessary.
Another example is the central bank’s reliance on accurate statistics to carry out its mandate effectively. To ensure that reporting agents fulfil their obligations, central banks require enforceable sanctioning powers.
All these examples show that the rule of law is a precondition of central banking and prudential supervision.
Central bank independence
The effectiveness of a central bank in achieving its price stability mandate rests on its independence. Like the judiciary and other independent agencies, independent central banks are part of a constitutional model that recognises the role of independent institutions as checks and balances on executive and legislative power. Most legal systems in advanced economies ensure that the power to create money should be entrusted to bodies operating outside the electoral cycle to mitigate a time-inconsistency problem: the tendency of policymakers to prioritise short-term gains over long-term stability.[8] Independence insulates the central bank from the short-term pressures of daily politics, enabling it to focus on its mandate.
Hence central bank independence, price stability and the rule of law are closely intertwined. Empirical evidence suggests that price stability depends on both the strength of the rule of law and the independence of the central bank. Social trust in the central bank depends on the overall level of trust in the legal system as a whole. If a perfectly independent central bank were to operate in a system with systematic deficiencies in the rule of law, it would not be able to deliver effectively on its mandate.[9] In short, an independent central bank can only function if its decisions are seen as credible, and, crucially, credibility depends on the overall system based on the rule of law functioning well.
Moreover, the distinct character of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) also illustrates the crucial importance of the rule of law for the ECB. As the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has ruled, the ESCB is based on a highly integrated system that brings together national central banks and the ECB.[10] National central banks are not merely national institutions – they are also integral components of the ESCB. Importantly, the governors of the national central banks of the euro area are also members of the ECB’s Governing Council, which is responsible for taking monetary policy decisions.
A similar principle applies to the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM). For instance, the Joint Supervisory Teams that inspect banks are composed of staff from both the ECB and national competent authorities (NCAs). Likewise, the ECB Supervisory Board includes representatives from both the ECB and NCAs.
Because of the integrated nature of both the ESCB and the SSM, which both bring together national authorities and the ECB, rule of law deficiencies at the national level can affect the functioning of the ESCB, the SSM and the ECB. Respect for the rules governing the organisation and safeguarding the independence of these national components of the ESCB and the SSM are thus essential to achieving their mandates of price and financial stability.
What central banks can do to support the rule of law
Now that we have explored how the rule of law is a precondition for central banks and supervisors being able to deliver on their mandates, let us turn to the other side of the coin: the role of the European Central Bank in upholding and protecting the rule of law.
Clearly, central banks cannot oversee the general conditions of the rule of law – that is not their mandate. But central banks do have specific responsibilities in this context.
First, central banks must themselves adhere to rule of law principles under the scrutiny of courts. And second, central banks have instruments at their disposal that can be used to reinforce the legal fabric that supports the rule of law.
Let me start with the former: central banks are fully embedded in the rule of law architecture. For instance, the Treaties explicitly place the ECB under the jurisdiction of the CJEU, and the ECB’s actions – in all areas, including monetary policy, banking supervision and transparency – have been subject to judicial scrutiny.[11] Compared with other major central banks, the ECB is among those most frequently brought before court.[12] By contrast, most other central banks are practically exempt from the jurisdiction of the courts when conducting monetary policy.[13] The preliminary reference procedure has also brought ECB monetary policy measures before the CJEU.[14] In essence, even when discretion is granted to the ECB by the courts or the legislature, it is discretion within the bounds of the law – not beyond it – and both its scope and conditions remain subject to judicial review.
This duty of the ECB has both a negative and a positive dimension. Not only is the ECB responsible for remaining within the confines of the law, it also has to react when other institutions with which it cooperates threaten to violate the law.[15]
Legal scrutiny by the courts is not the only form the legally required ECB’s accountability takes, however. In fact, a key pillar of our transparency and accountability to citizens includes explaining our decisions to the public and reporting regularly to elected bodies. For example, the ECB publishes detailed accounts of the monetary policy meetings of the Governing Council, explains its policies in dedicated press conferences and answers questions from Members of the European Parliament. (MEPs). Moreover, the President of the ECB and the Chair of the Supervisory Board appear regularly in front of the European Parliament to exchange views with MEPs. This not only makes monetary policy and banking supervision more understandable, but also proactively submits our institution to public scrutiny. Public scrutiny is an indispensable element of the rule of law: the law must be seen to be upheld for its acceptance by the general public.
Let me now turn to the ECB’s role in maintaining the rule of law. And I would like to be crystal clear again: in the EU, maintaining the rule of law is mainly a task for the courts and the political institutions. But the ECB also has responsibilities in this area, and I will outline five that I think are particularly important.
First, the Treaties give the ECB special powers to monitor respect for central bank independence, in particular personal independence. The Statute of the ESCB, which is a Protocol of the Treaty on the functioning of the EU (TFEU), exceptionally empowers the Governing Council of the ECB and national governors to bring to the European Court of Justice an action for annulment of a national measure that does not respect the independence of central bank governors.[16] This is the only case where the EU legal order provides for an annulment by the European Court of Justice of a national measure. I am sure that the jurists in today’s audience will immediately recognizes how exceptional this is. By allowing a direct change of the legal reality within the national legal order by means of an EU remedy, the Statute of the ESCB ensures, very effectively, that the rule of law is upheld.
Second, the ECB Governing Council has the role of acting as guardian of the Treaties vis-à-vis the national central banks in the same way as the Commission is guardian of the Treaties vis-à-vis the Member States.[17] While the ECB has never instituted infringement proceedings against a national central bank before the CJEU, the very existence of this power enables the ECB to ensure compliance by national central banks with the requirements of central bank independence and the prohibition of monetary financing of the public sector. Another as yet unused power of the ECB under the Statute of the ESCB/ECB is the power of the ECB Governing Council, by a two thirds majority vote, to prohibit national central banks from performing functions other than those specified in the Statute where these interfere with the objectives and tasks of the ESCB.[
This decision is the result of a simultaneous international litigation strategy initiated in 2019 by the Son Niñas, No Madres (Girls, Not Mothers) Movement, and marks a milestone in guaranteeing sexual and reproductive rights, not only locally but globally.
TheSon Niñas, No Madres Movementurgently calls on the Guatemalan state to comply with the decisions of the United Nations, and on the international community to demand transparency, reforms and immediate action.
The Son Niñas, No Madres Movement welcomes this decision, which joins the rulings against Ecuador and Nicaragua, published on January 20 by the United Nations Human Rights Committee, to prevent any other girl from being forced to become a mother.
On 5 June 2025, the UN Human Rights Committee issued a ruling against the State of Guatemala for violating the human rights of Fátima, a girl who survived repeated sexual violence by a teacher, and who was forced to continue with pregnancy and motherhood as a result of rape. This decision, which was made possible by litigation initiated in 2019 by the Son Niñas, No Madres Movement, reaffirms a fundamental principle: no girl should be forced to face unwanted pregnancy and motherhood.
“This ruling is a fundamental precedent in the protection of the human rights of girl victims of sexual violence and reaffirms the responsibility of the Guatemalan authorities to guarantee access to justice, comprehensive reparation and non-repetition. Just as importantly, this conviction is a crucial step towards justice for Fátima and her firm desire that no girl’s childhood should be taken away from her”, said the movement Son Niñas, No Madres.
This ruling is a fundamental precedent in the protection of the human rights of girl victims of sexual violence and reaffirms the responsibility of the Guatemalan authorities to guarantee access to justice, comprehensive reparation and non-repetition. Just as importantly, this conviction is a crucial step towards justice for Fátima and her firm desire that no girl’s childhood should be taken away from her.
The movement Son Niñas, No Madres
In its ruling, the committee stressed that by forcing Fátima to maintain a pregnancy with which she explicitly stated she did not want to continue, the state violated her rights to a dignified life, to make autonomous decisions about her body, to receive information, and to equality and non-discrimination. In this regard, the committee emphasized that forced motherhood interrupts and hinders girls’ personal, educational and professional goals, and severely restricts their right to a dignified life.
The committee also recognized that the sexual violence, forced pregnancy, and forced motherhood that Fátima faced caused her extreme suffering, including suicide attempts. Likewise, the state’s refusal to provide her with the reproductive health services to which she was entitled constituted cruel and inhuman treatment, and a form of discrimination based on stereotypes about the reproductive function of women.
The committee also establishes non-repetition measures to prevent other cases like Fátima’s from occurring, a particularly relevant decision given the worrying situation in Guatemala regarding child pregnancy. The figures are striking: between 2018 and 2024, the National Registry of Persons (RENAP) documented more than 14,000 births in girls aged 10 to 14 (an average of 2,000 births per year). The trend continues, as evidenced by Guatemala’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Observatory (OSAR), which between January and March 2025 documented 556 births in girls of the same age range.
Among the measures that the committee demanded from the State of Guatemala are:
Ensure access to reproductive health services, eliminating medical, judicial and administrative barriers, as well as strengthening existing protocols for therapeutic abortion.
Undertake actions to prevent sexual violence, including access to comprehensive sex education.
Create a public reparation policy for survivors of sexual violence, forced pregnancy and forced motherhood, covering education, health and psychosocial support.
Create a unified national registration system that documents cases of sexual violence and forced pregnancies to design effective public policies.
Provide mandatory training for health, justice and education personnel on issues relating to gender, children, and human rights.
The decision in Fátima’s case joins previous rulings against Ecuador and Nicaragua (the cases of Norma, Lucía and Susana, January 2025) and against Peru (Camila’s case, in 2023, before the committee on the Rights of the Child).
“With the decision in Fátima’s case, the United Nations has recognized something that we can no longer continue to ignore: no girl in this world should ever be forced to become a mother. Our girls were born to learn, to play, to dream of bright futures—not to mother or bear the consequences of violence. Forced motherhood is a form of torture. This is what the UN has established. It is the duty of states to act accordingly to eradicate sexual violence, ensure essential health services and guarantee the protection of girls’ rights, including the right to make decisions about their own bodies and life plans. Today, in honour of Fátima’s courage, we remind the entire world of a fundamental truth: They are girls, not mothers”, said Catalina Martínez Coral, Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean at the Center for Reproductive Rights.
“Each ruling is not only a vindication for the girls who survived these violences, and who waited years for justice from the judicial systems in their countries, but also a beacon of hope for thousands who still face a landscape with no protection after surviving an event as painful as rape. With this ruling, we ratify the power of survivors’ voices, the importance of collective struggle, and the urgency of comprehensive approaches to prevent any other girl from having to abandon her childhood for forced motherhood”, says Marianny Sánchez, Communications Director for Latin America at Planned Parenthood Global, one of the movement’s founding organizations.
This decision is a milestone in guaranteeing human rights, not only at the local level, but also globally, as it obliges Guatemala and the more than 170 states that signed the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to modify their legislation to guarantee the voluntary termination of pregnancy and ensure that no girl faces forced pregnancies or motherhood.
The Son Niñas, No Madres Movement urgently calls on the Guatemalan state to comply with its international obligations and implement all necessary measures so that no girl has to be forced to give up her dreams and life plans to take on forced motherhood.
With the decision in Fátima’s case, the United Nations has recognized something that we can no longer continue to ignore: no girl in this world should ever be forced to become a mother. Our girls were born to learn, to play, to dream of bright futures—not to mother or bear the consequences of violence. Forced motherhood is a form of torture.
Catalina Martínez Coral, Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean at the Center for Reproductive Rights
Choice overload, a prevalent cognitive bias in decision-making, occurs when individuals face too many options, leading to anxiety and stress. The brain struggles to process and evaluate a large number of choices, and this phenomenon is closely linked to the “Paradox of Choice,” which suggests that while options are generally beneficial, an excess can paralyze decision-making and induce dissatisfaction. This mental strain is associated with decision fatigue, where cognitive resources are depleted from repeatedly choosing among numerous alternatives. As a result, stress levels increase, and decision-making becomes more complex, often leading to decision paralysis or regret.
When individuals perceive options as similar, the analysis of potential outcomes becomes intricate and burdensome, further complicating decision-making. The psychological basis of choice overload is rooted in the limitations of human cognitive processing and inherent biases that arise when overwhelmed by choices.
Research and Studies
Over the past two decades, choice overload has been extensively studied in consumer behavior research. A literature review spanning 22 years and 92 articles highlights the circumstances under which choice overload occurs. The phenomenon suggests that too many options can lead to decreased satisfaction with choices or inability to decide. Studies demonstrate that choice complexity and factors like preference uncertainty significantly affect choice overload experiences.
Notably, even with fewer options, some choice sets can cause overload if choices are complex or not easily comparable. Conversely, larger sets may not always lead to overload if there is a clearly dominant option or attractive choices. Research shows that choice overload varies depending on context and individual differences. Identifying specific conditions that mitigate or exacerbate choice overload offers valuable insights for consumers and marketers in navigating complex decision landscapes.
Factors Contributing to Choice Overload
Understanding the factors contributing to choice overload is crucial for improving decision-making.
Perceptual Attributes and Information Load
The complexity of perceptual attributes and the volume of information contribute to choice overload. As attributes describing options increase, so does the difficulty of decision tasks. The arrangement and presentation of options also influence decision-making by affecting how information is processed.
Choice Set Complexity
Choice set complexity amplifies choice overload. Factors like dominant options, overall attractiveness, and alignability of choices affect how assortment size impacts choice overload. Higher complexity makes it harder to distinguish between options, increasing anxiety and uncertainty.
Decision Task Difficulty and Preference Uncertainty
Decision task difficulty and preference uncertainty are pivotal factors. More challenging tasks and uncertain preferences increase the likelihood of choice overload, as they require greater cognitive effort, overwhelming individuals.
Brand Association and Decision Goals
Brand associations and decision goals moderate the impact of assortment size on choice overload. Strong brand associations can simplify or complicate decisions, depending on alignment with consumer preferences. Decision intent—choosing or browsing—also influences choice overload experiences.
Impacts on Consumer Behavior
Despite the promise of greater freedom, an abundance of choices often leads to decision paralysis and decreased satisfaction. Choice overload manifests in various ways, impacting buying decisions and overall satisfaction. Consumers may experience analysis paralysis, where evaluating all outcomes leads to indecision, resulting in abandoned purchases due to overanalysis and fear of making the wrong choice.
The emotional and cognitive toll of choice overload ext
Dundee’s Our Lady’s RC Primary School has been awarded Gold by UNICEF UK’s Rights Respecting School programme.
UNICEF is the world’s leading organisation working for children and their rights. The Rights Respecting Schools Award is granted to schools that show commitment to promoting and realising children’s rights and encouraging adults, children and young people to respect the rights of others in school. Gold is the highest accolade given by UNICEF UK and shows a deep and thorough commitment to children’s rights at all levels of school life. There are two schools in Dundee that have received Gold.
This school has been working with UNICEF UK since June 2021. They received their Silver Certificate in June 2023.
Children Families and Communities Convener Stewart Hunter said:“I am delighted to see that Our Lady’s RC Primary has been awarded this Gold Award.
“This achievement highlights the school’s dedication to placing children’s rights at the heart of everything they do. It was great to see several of the school’s strengths play a key role in earning this award, including its positive ethos based on mutual respect and trust, as well as children feeling valued, supported and safe in school.”
“I want to thank the staff, the young people and community for all their efforts, I know how important it was for them to win this award.”
Headteacher of Our Lady’s Primary School Lorna Dashwood said: “I am incredibly proud of our school community for achieving the Gold Award from UNICEF UK. This recognition reflects our deep commitment to placing children’s rights at the heart of our school, and it celebrates the ongoing support and dedication of everyone involved.
“A heartfelt thank you to Kirsty Keegan, our Principal Teacher, for her outstanding leadership, and to our children, families, staff, and the wider Our Lady’s school community for their continued support and commitment.”
The Award recognises achievement in putting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child at the heart of a school’s planning, policies and practice. A Rights Respecting School is a community where children’s rights are learned, taught, practised, respected, protected and promoted.
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