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Category: Science

  • MIL-OSI Video: NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 Post-Splashdown News Conference

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Following the return of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission, NASA and SpaceX will hold a news conference to discuss the crew’s return and take media questions. The participants include:

    • Joel Montalbano, deputy associate administrator, NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate
    • Steve Stich, manager, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program
    • Bill Spetch, operations integration manager, NASA’s International Space Station Program
    • Sarah Walker, director, Dragon Mission Management, SpaceX

    NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission returned to Earth on Tuesday, March 18, carrying NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore, as well as Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, after completing a long-duration science expedition aboard the orbiting laboratory.

    Learn more about the Commercial Crew Program: https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/commercial-space/commercial-crew-program/

    Credit: NASA

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJVKM90SdKs

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Next-Generation Water Satellite Maps Seafloor From Space

    Source: NASA

    More accurate maps based on data from the SWOT mission can improve underwater navigation and result in greater knowledge of how heat and life move around the world’s ocean.
    There are better maps of the Moon’s surface than of the bottom of Earth’s ocean. Researchers have been working for decades to change that. As part of the ongoing effort, a NASA-supported team recently published one of the most detailed maps yet of the ocean floor, using data from the SWOT (Surface Water and Ocean Topography) satellite, a collaboration between NASA and the French space agency CNES (Centre National d’Études Spatiales).
    Ships outfitted with sonar instruments can make direct, incredibly detailed measurements of the ocean floor. But to date, only about 25% of it has been surveyed in this way. To produce a global picture of the seafloor, researchers have relied on satellite data.

    [embedded content]
    This animation shows seafloor features derived from SWOT data on regions off Mexico, South America, and the Antarctic Peninsula. Purple denotes regions that are lower relative to higher areas like seamounts, depicted in green. Eötvös is the unit of measure for the gravity-based data used to create these maps.NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio

    Why Seafloor Maps Matter
    More accurate maps of the ocean floor are crucial for a range of seafaring activities, including navigation and laying underwater communications cables. “Seafloor mapping is key in both established and emerging economic opportunities, including rare-mineral seabed mining, optimizing shipping routes, hazard detection, and seabed warfare operations,” said Nadya Vinogradova Shiffer, head of physical oceanography programs at NASA Headquarters in Washington.
    Accurate seafloor maps are also important for an improved understanding of deep-sea currents and tides, which affect life in the abyss, as well as geologic processes like plate tectonics. Underwater mountains called seamounts and other ocean floor features like their smaller cousins, abyssal hills, influence the movement of heat and nutrients in the deep sea and can attract life. The effects of these physical features can even be felt at the surface by the influence they exert on ecosystems that human communities depend on.

    Mapping the seafloor isn’t the SWOT mission’s primary purpose. Launched in December 2022, the satellite measures the height of water on nearly all of Earth’s surface, including the ocean, lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. Researchers can use these differences in height to create a kind of topographic map of the surface of fresh- and seawater. This data can then be used for tasks such as assessing changes in sea ice or tracking how floods progress down a river.
    “The SWOT satellite was a huge jump in our ability to map the seafloor,” said David Sandwell, a geophysicist at Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, California. He’s used satellite data to chart the bottom of the ocean since the 1990s and was one of the researchers responsible for the SWOT-based seafloor map, which was published in the journal Science in December 2024.
    How It Works
    The study authors relied the fact that because geologic features like seamounts and abyssal hills have more mass than their surroundings, they exert a slightly stronger gravitational pull that creates small, measurable bumps in the sea surface above them. These subtle gravity signatures help researchers predict the kind of seafloor feature that produced them.
    Through repeated observations — SWOT covers about 90% of the globe every 21 days — the satellite is sensitive enough to pick up these minute differences, with centimeter-level accuracy, in sea surface height caused by the features below. Sandwell and his colleagues used a year’s worth of SWOT data to focus on seamounts, abyssal hills, and underwater continental margins, where continental crust meets oceanic crust.
    Previous ocean-observing satellites have detected massive versions of these bottom features, such as seamounts over roughly 3,300 feet (1 kilometer) tall. The SWOT satellite can pick up seamounts less than half that height, potentially increasing the number of known seamounts from 44,000 to 100,000. These underwater mountains stick up into the water, influencing deep sea currents. This can concentrate nutrients along their slopes, attracting organisms and creating oases on what would otherwise be barren patches of seafloor.
    Looking Into the Abyss
    The improved view from SWOT also gives researchers more insight into the geologic history of the planet.
    “Abyssal hills are the most abundant landform on Earth, covering about 70% of the ocean floor,” said Yao Yu, an oceanographer at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and lead author on the paper. “These hills are only a few kilometers wide, which makes them hard to observe from space. We were surprised that SWOT could see them so well.”
    Abyssal hills form in parallel bands, like the ridges on a washboard, where tectonic plates spread apart. The orientation and extent of the bands can reveal how tectonic plates have moved over time. Abyssal hills also interact with tides and deep ocean currents in ways that researchers don’t fully understand yet.
    The researchers have extracted nearly all the information on seafloor features they expected to find in the SWOT measurements. Now they’re focusing on refining their picture of the ocean floor by calculating the depth of the features they see. The work complements an effort by the international scientific community to map the entire seafloor using ship-based sonar by 2030. “We won’t get the full ship-based mapping done by then,” said Sandwell. “But SWOT will help us fill it in, getting us close to achieving the 2030 objective.”
    More About SWOT
    The SWOT satellite was jointly developed by NASA and CNES, with contributions from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and the UK Space Agency. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, managed for the agency by Caltech in Pasadena, California, leads the U.S. component of the project. For the flight system payload, NASA provided the Ka-band radar interferometer (KaRIn) instrument, a GPS science receiver, a laser retroreflector, a two-beam microwave radiometer, and NASA instrument operations. The Doppler Orbitography and Radioposition Integrated by Satellite system, the dual frequency Poseidon altimeter (developed by Thales Alenia Space), the KaRIn radio-frequency subsystem (together with Thales Alenia Space and with support from the UK Space Agency), the satellite platform, and ground operations were provided by CNES. The KaRIn high-power transmitter assembly was provided by CSA.
    To learn more about SWOT, visit:
    https://swot.jpl.nasa.gov
    News Media Contacts
    Jane J. Lee / Andrew WangJet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.818-354-0307 / 626-379-6874jane.j.lee@jpl.nasa.gov / andrew.wang@jpl.nasa.gov
    2025-040

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 3.19.25

    Source: US State of California 2

    Mar 19, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:

    Emily Warren, of Orinda, has been appointed Deputy Secretary for Innovative Mobility Solutions at the California State Transportation Agency. Warren has been an Advisory Venture Parter at Fontinalis Partners, LLC since 2019. She was Head of Public Policy at EverCharge from 2023 to 2024. Warren was Head of Public Policy at Embark Trucks from 2022 to 2023. Warren was Senior Manager of Public Policy at Amazon from 2021 to 2022. She was Senior Policy Advisor at NelsonNygaard Consulting Associates from 2020 to 2021. Warren was Senior Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Lime from 2018 to 2019. She held several roles at Lyft from 2012 to 2019, including Senior Director of Transportation Policy, Director of Transportation Policy, Director of Community Relations, Director of Community Engagement, and Community Manager. Warren was a Municipal Financial Consultant at Public Financial Management from 2011 to 2012. She was Assistant Director of External Affairs for the University of Pennsylvania from 2009 to 2010. Warren is a member of the National Center of Sustainable Transportation Leadership Council and the University of California, Los Angeles Institute of Transportation Studies Advisory Board. She earned a Master of Public Administration degree in Public Finance from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Critical Gender Studies from the University of California, San Diego. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $176,004. Warren is a Democrat.

    Eva Spiegel, of Davis, has been appointed Deputy Director of Communications at the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Spiegel was Senior Communications Specialist at Kearns & West from 2021 to 2025. She was Founder and Principal of Spiegel Communications from 2019 to 2021. Spiegel was Director of Communications for the League of California Cities from 2007 to 2019. She was Director of Broadcast Operations and Special Projects at the American Communications Foundation from 1995 to 2006. Spiegel earned a Master of Arts degree in Broadcast and Electronic Communication Arts from California State University, San Francisco, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science for the University of California, Davis. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $150,000. Spiegel is a Democrat.

    Suzy Shuster, of Beverly Hills, has been appointed to the California Film Commission. Shuster has been Co-Host and Executive Producer of Women’s Sports Now on RokuChannel since 2025, Co-Host of the What the Football Podcast since 2023, and Guest Host on The Rich Eisen Show since 2014. Shuster was a Host/Reporter for University of Southern California Trojans Pregame Show on ESPN 710 from 2003 to 2009. Shuster was a reporter for ABC Sports from 2003 to 2006. She was a Reporter for the NBA on TNT from 2004 to 2006. Shuster was a Reporter/Host of Fox Sports Net and Fox Sports West from 2000 to 2002. She was a Producer for Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel from 1988 to 1999. Shuster was a Producer for ESPN’s SportsCenter from 1997 to 1999. She is a member of the Board of Hillel at Columbia. Shuster earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Art History from Columbia University. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and there is no compensation. Shuster is a Democrat.

    Thomas “Tom” Huntington, of San Francisco, has been appointed to the State Park and Recreation Commission. Huntington has been a Consultant in Non-Profit Organization and Foundation Management since 2013. He was the Western Regional Development Director for the Environmental Defense Fund from 1985 to 2013. Huntington was a River Protection Campaign Coordinator and the Executive Director for the Friends of the River Foundation from 1977 to 1984. He was the Regional Manager and River Guide at OARS Inc. Adventure Travel from 1974 to 1984. Huntington earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Teaching from the University of Oregon. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Huntington is a Democrat.

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Mar 19, 2025

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring March 2025, as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATIONCalifornia is proud to join states around the…

    Mar 19, 2025

    News What you need to know: In the first two months of 2025, California National Guard’s Counter Drug Task Force has seized 1,045 pounds of illicit fentanyl with a street valuation of $6.8 million. SACRAMENTO – Continuing an enhanced focus in 2025 to combat the…

    Mar 19, 2025

    News What you need to know: 51 projects — including 46 independent features — will generate nearly $580 million in economic activity and employ over 6,490 cast and crew thanks to California’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program. HOLLYWOOD — Governor Newsom today…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: WayWORD puts the spotlight on women in STEM and art The legacy of a mathematician and writer hailed as one of the earliest pioneers of computer science will be celebrated at an Aberdeen literary festival.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Ada LovelaceThe legacy of a mathematician and writer hailed as one of the earliest pioneers of computer science will be celebrated at an Aberdeen literary festival.
    Ada Lovelace, the daughter of Aberdeen-born Romantic poet Lord Byron, is remembered for her groundbreaking work on Charles Babbage’s proposed mechanical general purpose computer, first described in 1837.
    Her legacy is the focus of a special event at the University of Aberdeen’s cross-arts festival WayWORD that will combine the impact of Lovelace’s work on our lives today with a demonstration of new AI technology developed by Aberdeen engineers which enables audiences to enjoy a unique musical performance created from live painted drawings.
    The software, developed by AI developer Jack Caven and AI specialist Dr Andrew Starkey from the University of Aberdeen, translates tangible painted marks into audible sounds in real time and unique for each performance.
    They have worked with visual artist Kate Steenhauer’s on the ‘PaintingMusic’ project and her artwork depicts and pays tribute to Lovelace’s contributions to technological advancement, reflecting on the role of technology today, current advancements in AI and the impacts on our world.
    The project has also produced creative tools for audiences to explore AI’s limitations, encompassing performance and an interactive app which the audience will be able to try on the day.
    Developed using ‘Explainable, Green and Creative AI’, the app allows audiences to create their own interactive ‘performance’ by creating musical scores from their drawings through the Painting Music software.
    The free event will take place at 3.30pm on Wednesday 26th March at St Machar Academy and is supported by Aberdeen City Council Creative Funding and Explorathon: a pan-Scotland festival celebrating research taking place in Scottish institutions and the impact it has on people’s lives which will return in September. Public Engagement and Events Coordinator Charlotte Lever explains, ‘We are supporting this activity as it connects people in local communities who don’t have day-to-day engagement with universities and showcases important research’.
    Earlier in the day at St Machar Academy, all female S1 pupils will attend workshops with Kate exploring Lovelace’s legacy as well as Kate’s own career and experiences as an engineer and visual artist based in Aberdeen.
    Other events in the WayWORD ‘Spring into Summer’ programme across March to May includes a community readthrough of a brand-new play exploring the past, present and future of Torry in Aberdeen, street art workshops with Outlines Collective at Sunnybank Park, and a series of events at Sir Duncan Rice Library including the Aberdeen launch of a new queer Scottish writing anthology Fierce Salvage, and a Gothic writing workshop, Carrion Crow book launch and talk about what it’s really like to be a professional writer with acclaimed author Heather Parry. All of these other WayWORD’s events are free and supported by Creative Scotland’s National Lottery Open Fund for Organisations. Tickets can be booked online at www.waywordfestival.com
    WayWORD is part of the WORD Centre for Creative Writing within the School of Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: FUNDING SUPPORT FOR SPACE TECHNOLOGY STARTUPS

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 20 MAR 2025 2:52PM by PIB Delhi

    IN-SPACe has launched Technology Adoption Fund (TAF) scheme for promoting the Indian industry especially start-ups towards commercialization of early-stage space technologies.

    The objective of the fund is:

    1. Upgradation of the existing space technologies from TRL-3/4 to TRL 7/8 (or higher) towards commercialization.
    2. Development of innovative products.
    3. Import substitution of components whose technologies have not matured in the Indian industry.

    The criteria for startups to qualify for financial support are:

    1. The startup should be under Indian management and control.
    2. The proposal of the startup shall have potential commercial value.
    3. The startup shall not source any funding from any other central & state govt departments and/or ministries for the project forming the subject of their proposal(s).

    The scheme aims at making India self-sufficient and import substitution for complex space technologies thus aligning with Aatmanirbhar Bharat and also aims at supporting the startups working in niche space technologies by enhancing the domestic technical capabilities.

    This information was given by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

     

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: ENCOURAGING PRIVATE PARTICIPATION IN SPACE SECTOR

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 20 MAR 2025 2:52PM by PIB Delhi

     The Government is encouraging private-sector participation in space domain by taking following steps: –

    1. Liberalized the space sector to allow Non-Government Entities (NGEs) to engage in full space activities.
    2. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACE) is established to promote, enable, authorize, and supervise NGEs activities.
    3. Established the Indian Space Policy – 2023, Norms, Guidelines & Procedures (NGP) and FDI policy to ensure regulatory clarity and foster a thriving space ecosystem.
    4. Various schemes like Technology Adoption Fund (TAF), Seed Fund, Pricing Support, Mentorship, and Technical Labs to support startups and NGEs in space are being implemented, signed 78 MoUs with NGEs and issued 72 authorizations as on 31.12.2024.
    5. IN-SPACE is working towards establishing an Earth Observation (EO) System through PPP.
    6. Technology transfer of Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) to Indian companies is in progress.
    7. Opportunities are being created for Indian entities to access orbital resources.
    8. To encourage the start-ups, Govt has proposed to set up ₹1000 Crores Venture Capital Fund in the ensuing Financial Year.

    A total of approximately 330 industries/startup/MSME are associated with IN-SPACe for enablement of their activities viz. authorization for space activities, Data dissemination, technology transfer, promotional activity, access to IN-SPACe Technical Centre and ISRO test facilities etc.

    This information was given by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: AFMS and NIMHANS, Bengaluru Ink MoU for Collaborative Research & Training

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 20 MAR 2025 9:18AM by PIB Delhi

    In a significant step towards improving the mental well-being of the nation’s defense personnel, the Armed Forces Medical Services and the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), for collaborative research and training aimed at enhancing mental health support and care for the Armed Forces.

    The MoU was signed by Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, AVSM, VSM, Director General Armed Forces Medical Services and Dr Pratima Murthy, Director of NIMHANS in a ceremony attended by senior officials from both institutions. The collaboration between AFMS and NIMHANS will focus on strengthening mental health services, conducting specialized training for medical personnel, and developing innovative programs to address the mental health issues faced by Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, their families and dependants.

    The key objectives of the MoU include collaborative research, faculty exchange and academic activities. NIMHANS, with its expertise in Neuropsychiatry, will provide help in conducting research on advanced Psychiatric care and support to military personnel, addressing common issues such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD), Anxiety, and Depression.

    Surg VAdm Arti Sarin, in a statement said that the mental health of our soldiers is as important as their physical health. This partnership with NIMHANS will ensure that our personnel receive the best possible support to cope with the challenges they face while serving our country.

    Dr Pratima Murthy, Director of NIMHANS, stated that it is an honor to collaborate with the Armed Forces Medical Services to bring the Institute’s expertise in mental health care to the defence sector. The aim will be to provide world-class support to those who serve our nation, ensuring they receive the mental health care they deserve.

    This collaborative venture is a critical step in recognizing the importance of mental health for Armed Forces personnel and is expected to set a benchmark for similar initiatives across the country. Both organizations are committed to providing comprehensive mental health services that contribute to the overall welfare of the Armed Forces.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Continued momentum for Oxford Metrics’ smart manufacturing division

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    20 March 2025

    Oxford Metrics plc

    (“Oxford Metrics” or the “Group”)

    Continued momentum for Oxford Metrics’ smart manufacturing division

    Appointment of smart manufacturing managing director
    Industrial Vision Systems wins three contact lens inspection contracts since October 2024

    Oxford Metrics plc (LSE: OMG), the smart sensing and software company servicing life sciences, entertainment, engineering and smart manufacturing markets, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Simon Gunter as managing director of our smart manufacturing division. The Group also announces that Industrial Vision Systems (“IVS”) has secured three contracts for global contact lens manufacturers with a combined value of c. £1.6 million (contained within current FY25 market expectations).

    Appointment of managing director, smart manufacturing

    Dr Simon Gunter has been appointed managing director of our smart manufacturing division, to lead and build the Group’s position in this important market and growth area. Simon is an experienced c-level leader with an extensive track record of growing early-stage technology businesses and successfully implementing change through business transformation, strategy and direction, M&A, and launching innovative products.

    Simon has held executive board positions at Evinox Holding, Minibems, Nomad Digital and AlertMe and senior leadership positions at companies including Tiscali, Pirelli and 360networks, across the UK, Europe and North America.

    Contact lens inspection contracts

    IVS has secured three contracts for well-known, global, contact lens manufacturers. We are pleased to see that two of these contracts are with existing customers expanding their relationship with IVS. The third contract is with a new customer in contact lens manufacturing, as companies within IVS’ addressable market recognise the value of IVS’ specialised machine vision inspection systems for automated quality control.

    Under the contracts, IVS will supply non-contact inspection systems enabling the manufacturers to automatically detect lens defects, errors and other irregularities, ensuring ‘right first time’ products. These inspection systems offer state-of-the-art checking, guidance and sorting using machine learning AI techniques, optimising line efficiency and increasing yield, while guaranteeing contact lens production quality.

    Imogen O’Connor, CEO of Oxford Metrics, said, “Having established our presence in the smart manufacturing market, Simon, our new smart manufacturing managing director, brings a great deal of experience and will be a fantastic addition to the team as we work together to help build and capture more of this growth market.

    I am also pleased to announce the recent contract wins; as demand for machine vision inspection continues to grow, manufacturers are increasingly turning to IVS’ technology to automate complex visual tasks, detect defects, and ensure quality products. The opportunity for inspection automation in manufacturing sectors such as medical devices, pharmaceuticals, automotive and aerospace is very exciting, as smart manufacturing becomes the standard.”

    For further information please contact:

    Oxford Metrics +44 (0) 1865 261860
    Imogen O’Connor, CEO  
    Zoe Fox, CFO
    Emma Colven, Head of Communications    		  
       
    FTI Consulting +44 (0)20 3727 1000
    Matt Dixon / Emma Hall / Jemima Gurney  

    About Oxford Metrics

    Oxford Metrics is a smart sensing and software company that enables the interface between the real world and its virtual twin. Our smart sensing technology helps over 10,000 customers in more than 70 countries, including all of the world’s top 10 games companies and all of the top 20 universities worldwide. Founded in 1984, we started our journey in healthcare, expanded into entertainment, winning an OSCAR® and an Emmy®, moved into defence, engineering and smart manufacturing. We have a strong track record of creating value by incubating, growing and then augmenting through acquisition, unique technology businesses.

    The Group trades through its market-leading division Vicon, Industrial Vision Systems, and recently acquired, The Sempre Group. Vicon is a world leader in motion measurement analysis to thousands of customers worldwide, including Red Bull, Imperial College London, Dreamscape Immersive, Industrial Light & Magic, and NASA. Industrial Vision Systems is a specialist in machine vision software and technology for high precision, automated quality control systems trusted by blue-chip, smart manufacturing companies across the globe including BD, DePuy, Jaguar Land Rover, Johnson & Johnson, Zytronic and Alkegen. Sempre is a measurement specialist solving manufacturing challenges across multiple industries. Through their expert in-house consultants and partnerships with over 25 well-known manufacturers including Jenoptik, Renishaw and Micro-Vu, Sempre offers an extensive range of products and software to customers in aerospace, automotive, medical, energy and precision engineering.

    The Group is headquartered in Oxford with offices in the United Kingdom, United States and Germany. Since 2001, Oxford Metrics (LSE: OMG), has been a quoted company listed on AIM, a market operated by the London Stock Exchange. For more information about Oxford Metrics, visit www.oxfordmetrics.com.

    About Reach announcements

    This is a RNS Reach announcement. Reach is an investor communication service aimed at assisting listed and unlisted companies to distribute media only / non-regulatory news releases into the public domain. Information required to be notified under the AIM Rules, Market Abuse Regulation or other regulation would be disseminated as an RNS regulatory announcement and not on Reach.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic University scientists propose a new comprehensive approach to cancer therapy

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    A new combination approach to antitumor therapy has been developed at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. Studies on tumor models have shown its advantage over monotherapy. Scientists used the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin and nanoparticles to deliver radium-223 (²²³Ra) directly to the tumor. A scientific article describing the results was published in the international scientific journal Biomaterials scene.

    According to experts, the results obtained during the experiments bring us closer to solving the problem of tumor resistance to the standard treatment methods used today – chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.

    Despite promising results in cancer treatment, standard monotherapy remains insufficient for a wide range of cancers. Combination therapy can significantly improve therapeutic outcomes compared to single agent treatment.

    However, determining the optimal scheme can be a difficult task. For this purpose, scientists from the Polytechnic University are developing new approaches to the treatment of oncological diseases. The specialists created and studied the properties of new pharmacological combinations, and also conducted tests for the safety and compatibility of such systems with the body. In addition, the scientists proposed several therapeutic schemes at once that could become an alternative to existing ones. The Polytechnics worked with models of the most common types of cancer according to WHO: colorectal cancer, melanoma, and breast cancer.

    Our results showed that each tumor model studied demonstrated a clear response to combination and monotherapy. In particular, combination chemo- and radionuclide therapy using doxorubicin and the isotope Radium-223 demonstrated a significantly higher therapeutic result than monotherapy. The average therapeutic response was more than 35% for monotherapy and over 60% – 80% for combination therapy. This means that the combination of active substances that we proposed is twice as effective as the standard treatment protocol, – noted Daria Akhmetova, Junior Researcher at the Laboratory of Nano- and Microencapsulation of Biologically Active Substances at SPbPU.

    Scientists used a combination of the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX) and nanoparticles based on polylactic acid and calcium carbonate (PLA and CaCO₃) to deliver radium-223 (²²³Ra). The radioactive isotope can be administered to the body either systemically into the bloodstream or by injection directly into the tumor. In the case of local delivery, the isotope is distributed most effectively throughout the tumor volume.

    This approach can solve the problem of tumor resistance to the standard treatment methods used today. It is when using a combined treatment regimen that toxicity for healthy tissues and organs will be reduced and the burden on the patient’s health will be reduced, said Vladislava Rusakova, a research assistant at the Laboratory of Nano- and Microencapsulation of Biologically Active Substances at SPbPU.

    According to the scientists, the main difference between the proposed approach and other protocols for combined cancer treatment is the simplicity and low cost of synthesizing the nanoparticles needed to deliver the radioactive isotope to the tumor. The novelty of the study is in using the clinical method of chemotherapy with doxorubicin and supplementing it with gentle alpha-radionuclide therapy of targeted action.

    Experts noted that the combination therapy is not toxic to living organisms. This is evidenced by the data of laboratory and instrumental studies that were conducted during animal testing. The therapeutic effect of the action was assessed by regularly measuring the volume of tumors and the weight of laboratory mice. In addition, the morphological state of the tumors and organs of the animals was assessed using histological analysis.

    Our team plans to further improve the efficiency of nanoscale delivery systems with an emphasis on radionuclide therapy. Modern technologies for creating nanoplatforms for delivering therapeutic radionuclides have significant potential and can save lives, shared Alisa Postovalova, a junior researcher at the Laboratory of Nano- and Microencapsulation of Biologically Active Substances at SPbPU.

    The work was supported by the grant of the Russian Science Foundation “Development of a new dosage form based on nanosized vaterite for systemic combined photodynamic therapy of breast cancer” (number 22-75-10011). The research is carried out within the framework of agreement No. 075-15-2021-1360 of the Federal Scientific and Technical Program for the Development of Synchrotron and Neutron Research “Development of a domestic innovative theranostic drug based on terbium isotopes for radioimmune therapy of malignant neoplasms of various histological types.”

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Slavic Universities: Polytechnic University helps KRSU develop relations with industrial partners

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    In March, a working visit of the expert group of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU) to the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University (KRSU) took place. At the invitation of the acting rector of KRSU Sergey Volkov, representatives of the Polytechnic University and a number of other Russian universities took part in business meetings with industrial partners of KRSU and conducted expert work with the university development team.

    On behalf of Polytechnic University, the expert group included Nikita Golovin, Deputy Head of the International Cooperation Department, Head of the Slavic Universities Project Office, Maxim Dyuldin, Head of the Quality Control Department, Associate Professor Anton Kuznetsov, Senior Lecturer of the Higher School of Electric Power Systems of the Institute of Power Engineering Maria Lyulina, Associate Professor of the Higher School of Cyber-Physical Systems Management of the Institute of Cybernetics and Science, Director of the North-West Interuniversity Regional Educational and Scientific Center Polytechnic-Cyberphysics Vyacheslav Potekhin. The main goal of the visit was working meetings and negotiations between SPbPU representatives and industrial partners of the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University.

    The business program began with a visit to the office of the Alliance Altyn company, a key industrial partner of KRSU. During the meeting with the company’s representatives, the implementation of the roadmap for cooperation between KRSU and Alliance Altyn for 2024-2026 was discussed. Alliance Altyn is the first industrial partner of the university, and this opens up new opportunities for long-term scientific and educational cooperation. The roadmap provides for the development of more than ten educational courses for the managers and engineering and technical staff of Alliance Altyn. The participation of Russian universities, in particular SPbPU, in the implementation of the roadmap will strengthen the scientific and educational potential of the project. Joint efforts are aimed at training highly qualified specialists for the mining industry of Kyrgyzstan, as well as conducting scientific research in the field of improving the efficiency of mining operations and developing environmentally friendly technologies.

    In addition to the meeting at the company’s head office, the experts visited the largest gold ore deposit in the Kyrgyz Republic, Jerooy, which is being developed by Alliance Altyn. The specialists familiarized themselves with the technological processes of gold mining, working conditions and development prospects of the enterprise, assessed the scale of production, talked to employees and discussed the possibilities of organizing internships for students and the need to implement modern technologies to improve the efficiency of the deposit.

    Practice-oriented training is the most important aspect of modern training of specialists. We strive to ensure that KRSU students have the opportunity to undergo internships in leading industrial companies, such as “Altyn Alliance”. This will ensure their competitiveness in the labor market, – noted Sergey Volkov.

    The results of the expert work were summed up at the final meeting at KRSU. The participants discussed promising areas of joint research and educational projects in the interests of Alliance Altyn, mechanisms and possible formats for their implementation. Among the most relevant project areas were automation and digitalization of production (operation analysis, technology implementation, process optimization), energy audit (energy consumption analysis, identification of deficiencies, recommendations for improving energy efficiency), modernization of pumping units (equipment analysis, recommendations for improving efficiency, implementation of innovations), examination of the hydroelectric power station construction project (assessment of design solutions, compliance with standards, risk analysis, optimization), organization of courses on Lean Manufacturing (development of a curriculum, trainings, seminars on process optimization), examination of labor protection and safety (comprehensive assessment of workplaces, risk identification, PPE inspection, safety analysis).

    There is a lot of work ahead to coordinate, approve and implement joint projects. With such support, KRSU is obliged to become the flagship of Russian education and science in the region, emphasized Sergey Volkov.

    For the Polytechnic University, the task of supporting KRSU in terms of developing a scientific and technological partnership with the Alliance Altyn company is also one of the key ones – the parties agreed to develop a comprehensive applied engineering and technological project by the end of 2025.

    In addition to working on the formation of a potential portfolio of KRSU projects with industrial partners, SPbPU experts held a number of working meetings with the heads of KRSU scientific schools and expert sessions with the university development team. Thus, at the project and analytical session on the formation of the KRSU development strategy until 2036, recommendations were developed to supplement and focus the strategic goals and key areas of the university’s development. At a meeting with research groups and laboratories, potential areas of cooperation in the field of scientific research were discussed: joint projects, grants, internships. A meeting was also held to agree on and approve specific terms and conditions for the implementation of the SPbPU-KRSU work plan in 2025.

    The agreements reached during the visit will allow us to systematically move forward in fulfilling the key tasks of 2025. Activation of cooperation with the industry, launching real projects at the request of industrial partners are in line with the general task of increasing the competitiveness of KRSU, contribute to the modernization of engineering education and the formation of a system for training highly professional engineering personnel in KRSU, – summed up the results of the visit the head of the Project Office “Slavic Universities” Nikita Golovin.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 20 March 2025 News release Three cities honoured for public health achievements at 2025 Partnership for Healthy Cities Summit

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Today, during the annual Partnership for Healthy Cities Summit in Paris, three cities were recognized for their achievements in preventing noncommunicable diseases and injuries: Córdoba, Argentina; Fortaleza, Brazil; and Greater Manchester, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Summit, co-hosted by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the World Health Organization (WHO), Vital Strategies, and the City of Paris, convened mayors and officials from 61 cities in the Partnership for Healthy Cities network to address pressing public health issues and share effective strategies for saving lives and building healthier communities at the local level.

    “Noncommunicable diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, and injuries are responsible for more than 80% of all deaths globally, but the good news is, they are preventable,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg L.P. and Bloomberg Philanthropies, WHO Global Ambassador for Noncommunicable Diseases and Injuries, and 108th mayor of New York City. “Cities are leading the way in implementing policies that are protecting public health and saving lives. This year’s winning cities are proving that progress is possible with strong leadership and political will, and we look forward to seeing the results of their efforts.”

    The recipients of the 2025 Partnership for Healthy Cities Awards were chosen because they have made demonstrable progress in preventing noncommunicable diseases and injuries, setting an example that can be replicated in other jurisdictions.

    All three winning cities are part of the Partnership’s Policy Accelerator, which provides training and support for drafting policies and establishing the political strategies needed to develop and enact them. These cities are working with the Partnership to improve public health in the following ways:

    • Córdoba, Argentina, passed a new policy committing the city to promoting healthy school food environments by eliminating sugary and artificially sweetened beverages and ultra-processed products from all schools by 2026. The program has benefited 26 schools to date, reaching 15 000 of the city’s 138 000 primary school children.
    • Fortaleza, Brazil, established the city’s first legal framework for air quality surveillance. The 2023 decree guarantees the local monitoring of air pollutants to estimate their impact on residents’ health, along with the installation of low-cost sensors to improve data collection. Reliable data will help inform city policies that can significantly reduce air pollution.
    • Greater Manchester, United Kingdom, expanded the number of outdoor smoke-free areas as part of efforts to reduce smoking, including opening its first smoke-free park, covering 6.5 acres of public space. Greater Manchester also conducted a series of community consultations and workshops with residents to help with decision-making; launched a smoke-free toolkit and communication guidance for National Health Service (NHS) hospitals and sites; and is scaling this initiative by developing a broader smoke-free spaces toolkit for other organizations and groups that want to create smoke-free spaces.

    “Cities are at the forefront of the fight against noncommunicable diseases and injuries. The progress made in Córdoba, Fortaleza, and Greater Manchester is not only improving health today but also setting a model for others to follow,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “WHO is committed to working with cities to build healthier, safer and more resilient communities for all.”

    “Local leadership has emerged as a powerful force for addressing the complex challenges presented by noncommunicable diseases and injuries,” said Dr Mary-Ann Etiebet, President and CEO, Vital Strategies. “We applaud the work of city leaders around the globe in their efforts to create healthier, safer environments for their populations. Their efforts are having a significant impact on people’s lives and well-being, while also demonstrating to national governments that there is significant support for these policy solutions.”

    Launched in 2017, the Partnership for Healthy Cities is a global network of 74 cities working to prevent noncommunicable diseases and injuries. Supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, in partnership with the World Health Organization and Vital Strategies, this initiative empowers cities worldwide to implement high-impact policy or programmatic interventions to reduce noncommunicable diseases and injuries in their communities. Through this network, city leaders are enacting transformative measures to improve the health of 300 million people across the globe.

    The mayors participating in the Partnership for Healthy Cities Summit include:

    • Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán, Bogotá, Colombia
    • Municipal Commissioner Palitha Nanayakkara, Colombo, Sri Lanka 
    • Intendant Daniel Passerini, Córdoba, Argentina
    • Honorable Administrator Mohammad Azaz, Dhaka, Bangladesh
    • Municipal President Verónica Delgadillo, Guadalajara, Mexico
    • Mayor Juhana Vartiainen, Helsinki, Finland
    • Mayor Erias Lukwago, Kampala, Uganda
    • Mayor Chilando Chitangala, Lusaka, Zambia
    • Intendant Mauricio Zunino, Montevideo, Uruguay
    • Mayor Anne Hidalgo, Paris, France
    • Mayor Pabel Muñoz López, Quito, Ecuador
    • Governor Claudio Benjamín Orrego Larraín, Santiago, Chile.

    About Bloomberg Philanthropies

    Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 700 cities and 150 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on creating lasting change in five key areas: the arts, education, environment, government innovation, and public health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a philanthropic consultancy that advises cities around the world. In 2024, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed US$ 3.7 billion. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org, sign up for ournewsletter, or follow us onInstagram,LinkedIn,YouTube,Threads,Facebook, and X.

    About the World Health Organization
    Dedicated to the well-being of all people and guided by science, the World Health Organization leads and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere an equal chance at a safe and healthy life. We are the UN agency for health that connects nations, partners and people on the front lines in 150+ locations – leading the world’s response to health emergencies, preventing disease, addressing the root causes of health issues and expanding access to medicines and health care. Our mission is to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. For more information, visit www.who.int and follow WHO on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Pinterest, YouTube.

    About Vital Strategies

    Vital Strategies believes every person should be protected by an equitable and effective public health system. We partner with governments, communities and organizations around the world to reimagine public health so that health is supported in all the places we live, work and play. The result is millions of people living longer, healthier lives. To find out more, please visit www.vitalstrategies.org or follow us on LinkedIn.

    Media Contacts

    Veronica Lewin, Bloomberg Philanthropies, veronical@bloomberg.org

    Erin Pallotta, Allison Worldwide, bloomberghealth@allisonworldwide.com

    Jaimie Guerra, World Health Organization, guerraja@who.int

    Christina Honeysett, Vital Strategies, choneysett@vitalstrategies.org

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 2025 Zhongguancun Forum to be held in late March

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, March 20 — The 2025 Zhongguancun Forum (ZGC Forum) is scheduled to be held in Beijing from March 27 to 31, focusing on cutting-edge fields from large AI models to quantum technology, an official with the Ministry of Science and Technology said Thursday.

    Lin Xin, vice minister of science and technology, made the remarks at a press conference.

    Themed “New Quality Productive Forces and Global Technology Cooperation,” this year’s annual conference of the forum comprises five major sections, including meetings and technology trading.

    It will provide new ideas and insights for global innovative development in large AI models, embodied intelligence, quantum technology, biomedicine, 6G, brain-computer interfaces, and other frontier areas in 128 events, Lin said.

    Founded in 2007, the forum, with its enduring focus on innovation and development, has evolved into a national-level open innovation platform and an international forum over the years.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU Receives License for New Master’s Program “Industrial Pharmacy”

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    Novosibirsk State University has received a license for a new master’s program “Industrial Pharmacy”, the first intake of students will be in September 2025. This is a network educational program implemented jointly with the Engineering School of Moscow State University, the industrial partners are the companies “Generium”, “Pharmstandard” and “Medico-Biological Union”. This is the first such educational program beyond the Urals. It is planned that up to 20 people will study in the master’s program.

    The new master’s program will be implemented on the basis of the infrastructure new campus of NSU, which is being built within the framework of the national project “Youth and Children”. The master’s degree will combine fundamental scientific knowledge concentrated in the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the industrial experience of industrial partners. Students will also undergo practical training at Moscow State University and Sechenov University.

    — The buildings of the educational and scientific center of the Institute of Medicine and Medical Technologies (IMMT) of NSU and the scientific research center of NSU, which are related to the objects of the second stage of the new campus, will house both educational sites and pilot industrial production in various areas, including pharmaceutical ones, which will allow young specialists to obtain and hone their skills in a licensed production facility located directly at the place of their studies. No university beyond the Urals offers such an opportunity, — commented Mikhail Khvostov, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Cybernetics of IMMT NSU.

    Bachelors of natural science and medical fields will be able to enroll in the master’s program. Within the framework of the program, it will be possible to receive education in two tracks. The first is pharmaceutical development. The educational process will include training in basic, fundamental disciplines, and special courses that provide additional knowledge and develop skills required in scientific research work specifically in pharmacy. The second direction is biotechnology and the production of high-tech drugs, primarily gene therapy and based on human somatic cells. There are only a few such specialists in Russia now.

    — There is a major shortage of personnel in the pharmaceutical industry, including research, expert analysis and production. The new master’s program at NSU will allow training professionals in areas that are currently actively developing in our country. Thus, regenerative medicine and health preservation are important elements of the new national project. Therefore, the demand for specialists working in this area will grow every year, — emphasized Mikhail Khvostov.

    Master’s students of the new educational program will also participate in the development of products, the creation of which is supported by the Priority 2030 program.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Enerflex Ltd. Announces Leadership Transition

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MARC ROSSITER STEPS DOWN AS PRESIDENT, CEO, AND DIRECTOR

    PREET DHINDSA NAMED INTERIM CEO

    REAFFIRMS 2025 OUTLOOK AND CONCURRENTLY ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF DIRECT SHAREHOLDER RETURNS

    CALGARY, Alberta, March 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enerflex Ltd. (TSX: EFX) (NYSE: EFXT) (“Enerflex” or the “Company”) today announced that Marc Rossiter has stepped down as President, CEO, and Director, effective immediately.

    Preet Dhindsa, Enerflex’s current Senior Vice President and CFO, will serve as Interim Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Dhindsa joined Enerflex in October 2023 and is a seasoned executive with more than 25 years of experience, primarily in the energy and financial services industries.

    Joe Ladouceur, Vice President Treasury, Tax & Insurance, will serve as Interim CFO.

    The Board is undertaking a comprehensive search to identify the Company’s next CEO and has retained a leading executive search firm to assist with this process.

    Kevin Reinhart, Chair of the Board of Directors, stated, “As we look to the future and position Enerflex to create shareholder value over the long-term, the Board decided that now is the right time to undertake a leadership transition. We thank Marc for his more than 25 years of dedicated service and commitment to Enerflex, including the last six years as CEO, and wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

    Mr. Rossiter said, “Leading Enerflex has been a true privilege, and I’m incredibly proud of all that we’ve accomplished together to propel the business forward over the past six years. Thanks to the dedication of a talented team, Enerflex is well-positioned to build on its positive momentum and I believe the Company has a bright future.”

    Mr. Reinhart added, “Preet has been instrumental in Enerflex’s efforts to “Simplify, Optimize, and Grow” and we are fortunate to have him serve as Interim Chief Executive Officer. With the support and collaboration of a deep bench of executive talent, we are confident in Preet’s ability to lead Enerflex in this interim period as we complete our search for a permanent CEO.

    Enerflex’s near-term priorities remain unchanged and include: (1) enhancing the profitability of core operations; (2) leveraging the Company’s leading position in core operating countries to capitalize on expected increases in natural gas and produced water volumes; and (3) maximizing free cash flow to further strengthen Enerflex’s financial position, provide direct shareholder returns, and invest in selective customer supported growth opportunities.”

    Mr. Dhindsa commented, “I am excited to continue working closely with the Board, management, and our colleagues across the Company. Our focus remains on generating sustainable free cash flow, further improving balance sheet health, and positioning the Company for long-term growth and value creation. With the Company operating within its target leverage range, Enerflex is positioned to increase direct shareholder returns, as reflected by (1) the previously announced 50% increase of the Company’s quarterly dividend and (2) today’s concurrent announcement of the Company’s intention to implement a normal course issuer bid.”

    OUTLOOK

    All amounts presented are in U.S. Dollars (“USD”) unless otherwise stated.

    Enerflex is reaffirming its outlook for 2025, which reflects:

    1. Steady demand across the Company’s business lines and geographic regions, although Enerflex continues to closely monitor geopolitical tensions across North America, including the potential impact of tariffs. Based on currently available information, the direct impact of tariffs on Enerflex’s business is expected to be mitigated by the Company’s diversified operations and proactive risk management.
    2. Approximately 65% of the Company’s gross margin before depreciation and amortization is generated by the highly contracted Energy Infrastructure product line and the recurring nature of its After-Market Services business.
    3. The expectation that Engineered Systems’ gross margin before depreciation and amortization will be more consistent with the historical long-term average for this business line and that near-term revenue is expected to remain steady.
    4. A disciplined capital program in 2025, with total capital expenditures of $110 million to $130 million. Growth capital spending of $40 million to $60 million will focus on customer supported opportunities in the US and Middle East.

    About Preet Dhindsa

    Since joining Enerflex, Preet has spearheaded several corporate initiatives including improving balance sheet health and enhancing the global finance function. Prior to joining Enerflex, Preet served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at ENMAX Corporation, a regulated utility with energy generation and retail lines of business. Prior thereto, Preet was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Global Banking & Markets (GBM), at Scotiabank, leading international finance teams. Preet began his career as a professional accountant with KPMG and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics & Statistics from Western University and a Graduate Diploma in Accounting from Wilfrid Laurier University. Preet is a Chartered Professional Accountant and Chartered Director.

    About Joe Ladouceur

    Prior to joining Enerflex, Joe served as President and CEO of Platinum Energy Services Ltd. until he successfully managed its sale in 2022. With over 30 years of experience in the finance and energy industries, Joe has held numerous executive leadership roles with Canadian E&P, energy services, and equipment fabrication companies. He began his career with Royal Bank of Canada and RBC Dominion Securities, where he was involved in corporate banking and global energy projects. Joe holds an Honors Business Administration degree with a major in finance from the Ivey Business School in London, Ontario, a Master of Business Administration from KU Leuven in Belgium, and an Honorary Fellowship from St. Mary’s University in Calgary.

    ADVISORY REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

    This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and “forward-looking statements” (and together with “forward-looking information”, “FLI”) within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact are FLI. The use of any of the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “could”, “estimate”, “expect”, “future”, “intend”, “may”, “plan”, “potential”, “predict”, “should”, “will” and similar expressions, (including negatives thereof) are intended to identify FLI.

    In particular, this news release includes (without limitation) forward-looking information and statements pertaining to:

    • the Company’s near-term priorities and its positioning for long-term growth and value creation;
    • the CEO transition and the CEO search, including with respect to the time it will take to complete the CEO search and the impact the CEO search and the CEO transition may have on the Company and its operations;
    • the Company’s intention to implement a normal course issuer bid, the terms and conditions of such bid, the anticipated receipt of all required regulatory approvals, and the timing associated therewith;
    • disclosures under the heading “Outlook” including:
      • expectations for steady demand across the Company’s business lines and geographic regions;
      • the potential impact of tariffs and the expectation that such impact will be mitigated by the Company’s diversified operations and proactive risk management;
      • the highly contracted Energy Infrastructure product line and the recurring nature of After-Market Services will, together, account for approximately 65% of Enerflex’s gross margin before depreciation and amortization;
      • the expectation that Engineered Systems gross margin before depreciation and amortization will be more consistent with the historical long-term average for this business line and that near term revenue will remain steady;
      • total capital expenditures in 2025 being $110 million to $130 million with growth capital spending of $40 million to $60 million focused on customer supported opportunities in the US and Middle East; and
    • the ability of Enerflex to continue to pay a sustainable quarterly cash dividend.

    FLI reflects management’s current beliefs and assumptions with respect to such things as the impact of general economic conditions; commodity prices; the markets in which Enerflex’s products and services are used; general industry conditions, forecasts, and trends; changes to, and introduction of new, governmental regulations, laws, and income taxes; increased competition; availability of qualified personnel; political unrest and geopolitical conditions; and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Enerflex. More specifically, Enerflex’s expectations in respect of its FLI are based on a number of assumptions, estimates and projections developed based on past experience and anticipated trends, including but not limited to:

    • Enerflex has the financial capacity, regulatory compliance, and board approval necessary to pursue a normal course issuer bid and that market conditions will support such a buyback program within the anticipated timeframe;
    • any tariffs imposed will have a manageable impact on our operations and cost structure and increased domestic energy production will offset any negative effects of such tariffs;
    • market dynamics, including increased energy demand, infrastructure development, and production activity, will drive growth in natural gas and produced water volumes across Enerflex’s core operating countries;
    • market conditions, customer activity, and industry fundamentals will support stable demand across our business lines and geographic regions throughout 2025;
    • the high level of contractual commitments within the Energy Infrastructure product line and the predictable, recurring revenue from After-Market Services will continue;
    • existing customer contracts within the Energy Infrastructure product line will remain in effect and with no material cancellations or renegotiations over their remaining terms;
    • Enerflex will maintain sufficient cash flow, profitability, and financial flexibility to support the ongoing payment of a sustainable quarterly cash dividend, subject to market conditions, operational performance, and board approval.

    As a result of the foregoing, actual results, performance, or achievements of Enerflex could differ and such differences could be material from those expressed in, or implied by, the FLI. The principal risks, uncertainties and other factors affecting Enerflex and its business are identified under the heading “Risk Factors” in: (i) Enerflex’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024, dated February 27, 2025; and (ii) Enerflex’s Annual Report dated February 26, 2025, copies of which are available under the electronic profile of the Company on SEDAR+ and EDGAR at www.sedarplus.ca and www.sec.gov/edgar, respectively.

    The FLI included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and are based on the information available to the Company at such time and, other than as required by law, Enerflex disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any FLI, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. This news release and its contents should not be construed, under any circumstances, as investment, tax, or legal advice.

    The outlook provided in this news release is based on assumptions about future events, including economic conditions and proposed courses of action, based on Management’s assessment of the relevant information currently available. The outlook is based on the same assumptions and risk factors set forth above and is based on the Company’s historical results of operations. The outlook set forth in this news release was approved by Management and the Board of Directors. Management believes that the prospective financial information set forth in this news release has been prepared on a reasonable basis, reflecting Management’s best estimates and judgments, and represents the Company’s expected course of action in developing and executing its business strategy relating to its business operations. The prospective financial information set forth in this news release should not be relied on as necessarily indicative of future results. Actual results may vary, and such variance may be material.

    ABOUT ENERFLEX

    Enerflex is a premier integrated global provider of energy infrastructure and energy transition solutions, deploying natural gas, low-carbon, and treated water solutions – from individual, modularized products and services to integrated custom solutions. With over 4,600 engineers, manufacturers, technicians, and innovators, Enerflex is bound together by a shared vision: Transforming Energy for a Sustainable Future. The Company remains committed to the future of natural gas and the critical role it plays, while focused on sustainability offerings to support the energy transition and growing decarbonization efforts.

    Enerflex’s common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “EFX” and on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “EFXT”. For more information about Enerflex, visit www.enerflex.com.

    For investor and media enquiries, contact:

    Preet S. Dhindsa
    Interim Chief Executive Officer
    E-mail: PDhindsa@enerflex.com

    Jeff Fetterly
    Vice President, Corporate Development and Capital Markets
    E-mail: JFetterly@enerflex.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: If NZ wants to decarbonise energy, we need to know which renewables deliver the best payback

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alan Brent, Professor and Chair in Sustainable Energy Systems, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington

    Getty Images

    A national energy strategy for Aotearoa New Zealand was meant to be ready at the end of last year. As it stands, we’re still waiting for a cohesive, all-encompassing plan to meet the country’s energy demand today and in the future.

    One would expect such a plan to first focus on reducing energy demand through improved energy efficiency across all sectors.

    The next step should be greater renewable electrification of all sectors. However, questions remain about the cradle-to-grave implications of investments in these renewable resources.

    We have conducted life-cycle assessments of several renewable electricity generation technologies, including wind and solar, that the country is investing in now. We found the carbon and energy footprints are quite small and favourably complement our current portfolio of renewable electricity generation assets.

    Meeting future demand

    The latest assessments provided by the Ministry of Business, Employment and Innovation echo earlier work by the grid operator Transpower. Both indicate that overall demand for electricity could nearly double by 2050.

    Many researchers believe these scenarios are an underestimate. One study suggests the power generation capacity will potentially need to increase threefold over this period. Other modelling efforts project current capacity will need to increase 13 times, especially if we want to decarbonise all sectors and export energy carriers such as hydrogen.

    This is, of course, because we want all new generation to come from renewable resources, with much lower capacity factors (the percentage of the year they deliver power) associated with their variability.

    Additional storage requirements will also be enormous. Following the termination of work on a proposed pumped hydro project, other options need investigating.

    Wind and solar are becoming the primary renewable technologies.
    Shutterstock/Kyohei Miyazaki

    Building renewable generation

    The latest World Energy Outlook published by the International Energy Agency (IEA) shows that wind and solar, primarily photovoltaic panels, are quickly taking over as the primary renewable technologies.

    This is also true in Aotearoa New Zealand. An updated version of the generation investment survey, commissioned by the Electricity Authority, shows most of the committed and actively pursued projects (to be commissioned by 2030) are solar photovoltaic and onshore wind farms.

    Offshore wind projects are on the horizon, too, but have been facing challenges such as proposed seabed mining in the same area and a lack of price stabilisation measures typical in other jurisdictions. New legislation aims to address some of these challenges.

    Distributed solar power (small-scale systems to power homes, buildings and communities) has seen near-exponential growth. Our analysis indicates wind (onshore and offshore) and distributed solar will make an almost equal contribution to power generation by 2050, with a slightly larger share by utility-scale solar.

    Cradle-to-grave analyses

    The main goal is to maintain a stable grid with secure and affordable electricity supply. But there are other sustainability considerations associated with what happens at the end of renewable technologies’ use and where their components come from.

    The IEA’s Global Critical Minerals Outlook shows the fast-growing global demand for a suite of materials with complex supply chains. We have also investigated the materials intensity of taking up these technologies in Aotearoa New Zealand, and discussed the greater dependence on those supply chains.

    The challenges in securing these metals in a sustainable manner include environmental and social impacts associated with the mining and processing of the materials and the manufacturing of different components that need to be transported for implementation here. There are also operating and maintenance requirements, including the replacement of components, and the dismantling of the assets in a responsible manner.

    We have undertaken comprehensive life-cycle assessments, based on international standards, of the recently commissioned onshore Harapaki wind farm, a proposed offshore wind farm in the South Taranaki Bight, a utility-scale solar farm in Waikato and distributed solar photovoltaic systems, with and without batteries, across the country.

    The usual metrics are energy inputs and carbon emissions because they describe the efficiency of these technologies. They are considered a first proxy of whether a technology is appropriate for a given context.

    Beyond that, we used the following specific metrics, as summarised in the table below:

    • GWP: global warming potential (carbon emissions during a technology’s life cycle per energy unit delivered).

    • CPBT: carbon payback time (how long a technology needs to be operational before its life cycle emissions equal the avoided emissions, either using the grid and its associated emissions or conventional natural gas turbines).

    • CED: cumulative energy demand over the life cycle of a technology.

    • EPBT: energy payback time (how long a technology needs to be operational before the electricity it generates equals the CED).

    • EROI: energy return on investment (the amount of usable energy delivered from an energy source compared to the energy required to extract, process and distribute that source, essentially quantifying the “profit” from energy production).

    There is much debate about the minimum energy return on investment that makes an energy source acceptable. A value of more than ten is generally viewed as positive.

    Life cycle assessment metrics of wind and solar power in Aotearoa New Zealand.
    Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, CC BY-SA

    For all technologies we assessed, the overall greenhouse gas emissions are lower than the grid emissions factor. Because of New Zealand’s already low-emissions grid, the carbon payback time is around three to seven years for utility-scale generation. But for small-scale, distributed generation it can be up to 13 years. If the displacement of gas turbines is considered, the payback is halved.

    Energy return on investment is above ten for all technologies, but utility-scale generation is better than distributed solar, with values of between 30 and 75.

    To put this into perspective, the energy return on investment for hydropower, if operated for 100 years, is reported to be 110. Utility-scale wind and solar being commissioned now have an operational life of 30 years but are typically expected to be refurbished.

    This means their energy return on investment is becoming comparable to hydropower.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. If NZ wants to decarbonise energy, we need to know which renewables deliver the best payback – https://theconversation.com/if-nz-wants-to-decarbonise-energy-we-need-to-know-which-renewables-deliver-the-best-payback-251819

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: World’s 1st 10,000-km quantum-secured communication achieved

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    An international team led by Chinese scientists have realized quantum-secured communication across over 12,900 kilometers between China and South Africa.

    Using the Jinan-1 micro-nano satellite and compact ground stations, this new breakthrough in quantum technology demonstrates the potential for secure quantum communication on a global scale.

    In an international first, the team led by the University of Science and Technology of China enabled real-time quantum key distribution (QKD) between the satellite and miniaturized ground stations — including one in Stellenbosch, South Africa.

    Leveraging this engineering achievement, Chinese scientists, in collaboration with their counterparts from Stellenbosch University, have successfully demonstrated the longest-distance hacker-proof communication across hemispheres to date.

    The result was published on Wednesday in the journal Nature. The journal’s peer reviewer lauded it as “a technically impressive achievement” that represents “considerable progress towards trusted-node constellations for wide-spread satellite QKD services” and shows “the maturity of the satellite QKD technology.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Counseling platform supports mental health of sci-tech workers

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    This photo taken with a mobile phone shows a sandbox in the women’s mental health clinic’s consulting room at the First Hospital of Tsinghua University in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 23, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    An online counseling platform designed specifically for science and technology workers has been operational for nearly three years, handling over 420,000 inquiries through phone calls and messages, according to Tang Yicheng, executive secretary-general of the Psychological Emergency Volunteer Service Group under the China Association for Science and Technology.

    Tang, who also serves as a member and secretary of the Popularization Working Committee of the Chinese Psychological Society, said that the hotline was put into use in late May 2022 and now operates daily from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m., divided into three six-hour shifts.

    The platform is accessible via a mini program on WeChat, China’s leading social media app.

    “More than 100 volunteers take turns to address the mental health needs of science and technology workers,” Tang said during an event hosted by the China Association for Science and Technology earlier this month.

    “These operators have backgrounds in scientific research and are certified therapists. Their expertise enables them to better understand and empathize with the struggles faced by science workers,” he added.

    Tang said that science workers often experience cognitive fatigue, which can lead to memory decline, difficulty concentrating and reduced verbal coherence.

    “Exhaustion and a lack of creativity during scientific research can further exacerbate their distress, compounded by common challenges in interpersonal relationships and parenting,” he noted.

    Given the rising number of people experiencing mental health issues, Tang emphasized the need to enhance public psychological science literacy, including improving the ability to recognize signs of psychological problems in oneself and others.

    It is also important to train more mental health professionals and expand services at the grassroots level, he added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China equips college grads for evolving job market

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    A recruiter (C) introduces job requirements at a recruitment fair in Changsha, central China’s Hunan province, Feb. 11, 2025. [Photp/Xinhua]

    China is acting to better equip its college graduates with practical skills needed in the constantly evolving and highly competitive job market.

    The central government last week rolled out a plan to enhance college students’ abilities to secure jobs in areas with critical talent demand by establishing 1,000 skills-bridging “microprograms” and 1,000 vocational training courses nationwide.

    The “Double Thousand” plan, issued by the Ministry of Education (MOE), is primarily designed for undergraduate, junior college and vocational high school students, targeting talent development in future industries and strategic emerging sectors like the digital, green and low-altitude economies.

    Focusing on trending economic fields, “microprograms” are short and interdisciplinary curricula. The courses vary from quantum science to metallurgy big data technology, based on academic strength of individual universities.

    A senior official with the MOE said the initiative seeks to help students address gaps in their knowledge and skills, thereby, making them more employable.

    The move came ahead of this year’s graduation season and following the adoption of the government work report by the annual legislative session earlier this month, which highlighted the importance of employment.

    Official data shows a record number — 12.22 million college graduates are expected to enter the job market in 2025. The government work report pledged to expand employment and business start-up channels for students and other young people.

    In the general picture, China has set a target for a surveyed urban unemployment rate of around 5.5 percent in 2025 and aims to create over 12 million new urban jobs.

    “The program is a valuable supplement for students in relevant disciplines. It can enrich their knowledge and enhance their skills, thereby, boosting their employment prospects,” said Chu Zhaohui, a researcher at the China National Academy of Educational Sciences.

    In recent years, Chinese universities have begun to offer students the opportunity to expand their interdisciplinary knowledge and enhance practical engineering through micro-credentials based on their primary field of study, interests and career development needs.

    Among them, Shanghai University of Electric Power launched a specialized program in 2023 to train interdisciplinary professionals on new energy vehicles. The university partnered with U.S. automaker Tesla to build a center focused on new energy manufacturing and education integration.

    Yang Ning, a professor in charge of manufacturing and education integration at the university, said both university professors and engineers from Tesla and other automakers were invited to give lectures to students enrolled in the micro-major. “The students also have the chance to operate machines and visit the Tesla mega factory in Shanghai,” Yang added.

    In addition to improving students’ skills and competitiveness, the MOE has also instructed local authorities and universities to gather project proposals focused on the application of AI from enterprises and industry associations, aiming to help universities better align their talent development and employment services with new talent demands.

    The MOE promised to establish dedicated sections on national education platforms this year to gradually release the 1,000 micro-majors and 1,000 vocational training courses, as well as develop a number of career training centers for university students.

    Yun Donglai, an official with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, stressed a dual focus on job development and policy incentives, alongside capacity building and service optimization to better support employment and career development.

    “We will assist small, medium, and micro-sized enterprises in absorbing more employees, stabilize public sector positions, and continuously organize job recruitment events,” Yun added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese-led team achieves world’s first 10,000-km quantum-secured communication

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    An international team led by Chinese scientists have realized quantum-secured communication across over 12,900 kilometers between China and South Africa.
    Using the Jinan-1 micro-nano satellite and compact ground stations, this new breakthrough in quantum technology demonstrates the potential for secure quantum communication on a global scale.
    In an international first, the team led by the University of Science and Technology of China enabled real-time quantum key distribution (QKD) between the satellite and miniaturized ground stations — including one in Stellenbosch, South Africa.
    Leveraging this engineering achievement, Chinese scientists, in collaboration with their counterparts from Stellenbosch University, have successfully demonstrated the longest-distance hacker-proof communication across hemispheres to date.
    The result was published on Wednesday in the journal Nature. The journal’s peer reviewer lauded it as “a technically impressive achievement” that represents “considerable progress towards trusted-node constellations for wide-spread satellite QKD services” and shows “the maturity of the satellite QKD technology.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Presidential Message on Nowruz, 2025

    Source: The White House

    Warmest wishes to all those in the United States and around the globe celebrating the ancient holiday of Nowruz.  
     
    Nowruz is a joyous occasion for the Persian people, marking the beginning of spring, and the Persian New Year.  This long-standing tradition presents a time to reflect on the blessings of the previous year and prepare for the coming spring with a renewed spirit of optimism.
     
    The Persian people with their vibrant culture and exceptional talents in fields such as math, science, law, technology, and the arts, make many integral contributions to society.  On behalf of the United States, I extend my kindest regards for a joyous holiday.
    Nowruz Pirouz!

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to platform trial looking at the efficacy of anti-amyloid drugs to delay the onset of Alzheimer’s related dementia

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A platform trial published in The Lancet Neurology looks at the efficacy of anti-amyloid drugs that could delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

    Prof Robert Howard, Professor of Old Age Psychiatry, UCL, said:

    “The press release claims that gantenerumab treatment can delay or prevent the appearance of dementia, but this is not supported by the data and could give false hope to patients and their families about what treatments for Alzheimer’s disease are able to do.

    “Anyone who understands how to look at the results of a clinical trial will recognise that this paper reports the failure of gantenerumab to show treatment efficacy on any prespecified clinical outcomes in randomised controlled comparisons between drug and placebo. And, sadly, because of this and other negative trials, development of gantenerumab has been abandoned.

    “However, the authors carried out many further analyses from a small number of participants who chose to continue treatment in an open-label extension to the randomised controlled trial. Because this was an open-label extension, there was no randomly allocated placebo group to compare the effects of treatment to. Instead, the results from an “extended control” group were used for comparison and a large number of differently defined treatment groups were run through the analyses, increasing the risk that any apparent differences with treatment would be due to chance. For these reasons, no responsible clinical trialist should claim on the basis of these data to have shown a 50% lowering of the risk of developing dementia symptoms. If you look at the wording of the Summary of the published paper, you will see that such a claim does not appear, as presumably the scientific peer reviewers and editorial staff would not have permitted such a misleading overstatement to be published in the Journal.

    “I hope that journalists will question why the conclusions of the peer reviewed article are so different from the headline content of the press release and won’t disseminate what is unhelpful misinformation about the potential of a drug to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

     

    Dr Richard Oakley, Associate Director of Research and Innovation, Alzheimer’s Society, said:

    “As with all antiamyloid trials, this study stemmed from research funded by Alzheimer’s Society, shedding light on the role of amyloid in Alzheimer’s disease.  

    “These exciting early-stage results hint that long-term antiamyloid treatments, started before Alzheimer’s disease symptoms appear, could potentially delay symptom onset. 

    “However, these results need to be treated with caution; this trial focuses on a very small group of individuals with genetic forms of Alzheimer’s disease. Longer-term follow up of this group and larger studies will tell us more about the effect of these drugs in these types of Alzheimer’s. 

    “Ultimately, the field hopes to see similar progress in preventative trials of antiamyloid treatments in people at risk of Alzheimer’s disease later in life, which affects the majority of people with dementia. 

    “This is a hugely exciting time in dementia research and there is hope on the horizon for all affected by this condition – research will beat dementia.”  

     

    Prof Charles Marshall, Professor of Clinical Neurology, Queen Mary University of London, said:

    “This study focusses on a rare group of people with genetic mutations that cause Alzheimer’s disease that runs in famiilies. These people are of particular interest because we know for certain that they will develop Alzheimer’s disease, and can estimate when they are likely to develop it, making them an ideal group to evaluate preventive treatments.

    “It seems from these results that if treated for long enough with a drug that reduces amyloid beta protein in the brain we can delay the development of symptoms in those who will go on to develop Alzheimer’s disease, and this is very exciting. There are two major limitations of the study. The first is that it was a secondary evaluation of a relatively small number of people who were treated for a long time, and therefore the results are not as certain as they would have been if they were the main trial result. The other limitation is that gantenerumab is not nearly as effective as some of the other amyloid reducing treatments that are now available, suggesting that we may be able to do even better than these results suggest.

    “I look forward to seeing more results from the other treatments that are now being given in this trial. It is giving tremendous hope to the families that have these rare genetic mutations, and these results suggest that in years to come we may have preventive treatments to offer them.”

     

    Prof Tara Spires-Jones, Director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, Group Leader in the UK Dementia Research Institute, and President of the British Neuroscience Association said:

    “This study by Bateman and colleagues shows promising preliminary results of an experimental treatment in people with rare inherited forms of Alzheimer’s disease.  People who inherited a gene that causes early onset Alzheimer’s disease received the drug gantenerumab to remove sticky amyloid pathology before they developed symptoms.  Scientists observed that the 22 people who took the drug for the longest (an average of 8 years)  had delayed progression of cognitive symptoms.  While this study is important scientifically as evidence that amyloid-lowering drugs may potentially be able to delay symptom onset,  there are several important limitations to consider.  As the authors acknowledge, the delay in symptom onset with treatment was only found in people who were treated for an average of 8 years, probably because amyloid pathology accumulates in the brain for at least 10 years before symptom onset.  This study also did not include a control group receiving placebo alongside the drug which is a very important control.  Further, the drug used in this study, gantenerumab, has been discontinued by the company that developed it because it did not slow symptoms of the more common non-genetic forms of Alzheimer’s disease in a trial with over 1,900 participants.  While this study does not conclusively prove that Alzheimer’s disease onset can be delayed and uses a drug that will not likely be available, the results are scientifically promising.”

    ‘Safety and efficacy of long-term gantenerumab treatment in dominantly inherited Alzheimer’s disease: an open label extension of the phase 2/3 multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled platform DIAN-TU Trial’ by Bateman et al. was published in Lancet Neurology at 23:30 UK time on Wednesday 19th March. 

    Declared interests:

    Prof Robert Howard “No COIs”

    Dr Richard Oakley “this study stemmed from research funded by Alzheimer’s Society” as this is factually accurate.”

    Prof Charles Marshall “I have no relevant conflicts”

    Prof Tara Spires-Jones  “I have no conflicts with this study but have received payments for consulting, scientific talks, or collaborative research over the past 10 years from AbbVie, Sanofi, Merck, Scottish Brain Sciences, Jay Therapeutics, Cognition Therapeutics, Ono, and Eisai. I am also Charity trustee for the British Neuroscience Association and the Guarantors of Brain and serve as scientific advisor to several charities and non-profit institutions.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New cannabis formula will help epilepsy, multiple sclerosis sufferers

    Source: University of South Australia

    20 March 2025

    Cannabidiol is widely prescribed for its analgestic and anti inflammatory properties.

    Scientists at the University of South Australia have come up with an innovative solution to improve the effectiveness of cannabidiol to treat epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases.

    Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. It is widely prescribed for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, but its clinical applications to date have been limited by its poor water solubility and absorption in the human body.

    By developing a phospholipid complex – a class of lipids (fats) that contain phosphorus – UniSA researchers have increased the solubility of cannabidiol by up to six times and improved its absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.

    Lead researcher Professor Sanjay Garg says the breakthrough, reported in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, means that patients could experience more consistent and effective results with lower doses of oral CBD medications.

    Currently, only a small fraction of orally ingested CBD reaches the bloodstream, limiting its therapeutic effects.

    “For this reason, a number of different formulations have been explored, including the production of synthetic CBD, self-emulsifying delivery systems, and encapsulating CBD in gelatine matrix pellets, but all of them have only resulted in minor improvements in bioavailability,” Prof Garg says.

    His research team identified the optimal phospholipid composition to form nanosized CBD-PLC particles. Compared to pure CBD, the phospholipid complex improved dissolution rates from 0% to 67.1% within three hours, demonstrating a significant enhancement in drug release.

    In cellular uptake studies, CBD-PLC exhibited 32.7% higher permeability than unmodified CBD, ensuring greater absorption through the intestinal wall.

    Another critical advantage of this new delivery system is its stability. Traditional CBD formulations degrade over time when exposed to heat, light or oxygen, reducing potency and shelf life.

    However, testing over 12 months showed that CBD-PLC retained its performance under varied storage conditions, making it a more reliable option for pharmaceutical applications.

    The study’s first author, UniSA PhD candidate Thabata Muta, says the discovery has significant implications for the future of CBD-based therapeutics.

    “Improved bioavailability means that lower doses can achieve the same therapeutic effect, potentially reducing side effects and making treatment more cost effective,” Thabata says.

    The research team believes that this innovation could be applied beyond CBD, providing a blueprint for enhancing the absorption of other poorly water-soluble drugs.

    With the global CBD market projected to grow from USD 7.59 billion in 2023 to USD 202.45 billion by 2032, the findings of this study come at a crucial time, according to the study authors.

    The team is now exploring opportunities for commercialisation and clinical trials to validate their new formulation.

    Notes for editors

    “Optimising Cannabidiol Delivery: Improving Water Solubility and Permeability Through Phospholipid Complexation” is authored by Thabata Muta, Riya Khetan, Dr Yunmei Song and Professor Sanjay Garg from the University of South Australia. DOI: 10.3390/ijms26062647

    The study was supported by a PhD scholarship jointly funded by the University of South Australia, MedTEC Pharma, and the SA Government’s Industry Doctoral Training Centre program.

    …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

    Media contact: Candy Gibson M: +61 434 605 142 E: candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au
    Research contact: Professor Sanjay Garg E: sanjay.garg@unisa.edu.au

    Other articles you may be interested in

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Commerce Committee Passes Two Bipartisan Bills Led by Peters to Bolster Domestic Semiconductor Supply Chains and Strengthen U.S. Manufacturing Policy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
    WASHINGTON, DC – The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee passed two bipartisan bills authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) that aim to bolster domestic semiconductor supply chains and strengthen U.S. manufacturing policy.    
    “To support manufacturers in Michigan and throughout the United States, we need our industry partners, economic developers, and lawmakers reading from the same playbook,” said Senator Peters. “These bipartisan bills would help build a coordinated effort to attract new investments in our manufacturing sector, create good-paying jobs, and reduce our reliance on foreign adversaries for the semiconductor technologies that help power our economy.” 
    Peters’ Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act – which he introduced with U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Rick Scott (R-FL) – would help to strengthen federal efforts to expand domestic manufacturing of semiconductor chips. The bill would direct the U.S. Department of Commerce’s SelectUSA program, in collaboration with other federal agencies and state economic development organizations, to develop strategies that would attract investment in U.S. semiconductor manufacturers and supply chains. Peters’ bill – which previously passed the Senate with unanimous support – would help address the ongoing global shortage of semiconductor technologies that has disrupted a range of industries in recent years including manufacturers and automakers in Michigan.    
    “We appreciate Senator Peters’ continued commitment to strengthening our national security and economic resilience by building up the semiconductor industry and supply chain here in America,” said Quentin Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “As technology evolves and integrates further into every aspect of our lives, this industry remains poised for growth. Senator Peters’ understands that it is imperative we continue to collaborate in a bipartisan manner at the state, regional, and federal level on behalf of American workers, and especially future generations of innovative Michiganders.”  
    “American Automakers are grateful to Senator Peters for his leadership on this bipartisan legislation, which will boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing and strengthen our nation’s supply chains,” said Governor Matt Blunt, President of the American Automotive Policy Council. “This legislation is vital for U.S. automakers and their supplier partners, helping to foster economic growth throughout the U.S. auto sector.”    
    The committee also passed Peters’ National Manufacturing Advisory Council for the 21st Century Act, which would establish a National Manufacturing Advisory Council within the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Advisory Council would bring together leaders in manufacturing, labor, and education to advise both Congress and the Secretary of Commerce on how best to ensure the United States remains the top destination globally for investment in manufacturing. It would serve as a bridge between the manufacturing sector and federal government to improve communication and collaboration, and better support the industry and its workforce. The bill – which he introduced with U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) – passed the Senate with unanimous support last Congress.    
    “This initiative, the National Manufacturing Advisory Council Act, is designed to improve the resources and support for our nation’s small and medium-size manufacturers, which are a truly vital driver of our economy. I applaud Senator Peters for his steadfast, unwavering commitment to American manufacturing,” said Ingrid Tighe, President of the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, the Michigan representative of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program, part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).   
    “We applaud Senator Gary Peters for introducing this bill to improve the federal government’s planning and coordination of efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing,” said Scott Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing. “Recent supply chain disruptions have made clear that it is time for the United States to shore up its critical manufacturing capabilities, which will not only better prepare us for the next crisis but also create jobs and boost the economy. This increased coordination between the many programs designed to support our manufacturers and their workers is an important step towards rebuilding our industrial base. We are grateful to Senator Peters for his efforts to bolster American manufacturing.”   
    “The Association of Equipment Manufacturers applauds Senator Gary Peters and Senator Marsha Blackburn for their continued leadership on behalf of the manufacturing sector and for introducing legislation that will prioritize a national strategy focused on ensuring American manufacturing policy can rapidly respond to changes in the global marketplace,” said Kip Eideberg, AEM Senior Vice President of Government and Industry Relations. “Our economic prosperity and national security depend on a strong manufacturing sector, and establishing a National Manufacturing Advisory Council will help unleash innovation and mobilize a comprehensive, coordinated, and competent national effort in support of the manufacturing sector and its workforce.”     
    “We commend Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) and Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) for introducing legislation to establish a National Manufacturing Advisory Council,” said Ana Meuwissen, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association. “This council will be a forum for manufacturers and other key stakeholders to provide input to the Department of Commerce (DOC) on important long-range issues such as workforce, supply chain, technology, and defense industrial base. The NMAC legislation would also foster better coordination of federal manufacturing policy in the DOC and across the federal government. When this legislation is enacted, it will be an asset to assist in retaining U.S. competitiveness in critical manufacturing sectors like motor vehicle parts.”     
    Peters has made expanding domestic manufacturing and strengthening U.S. supply chains a top priority. Peters helped craft and pass into law the CHIPS and Science Act, which includes a provision Peters secured funding to support the domestic production of mature semiconductor technologies and ensure that projects supporting critical manufacturing industries, such as the auto industry, are given priority status. This funding was in addition to $50 billion already in the bill to incentivize the production of semiconductors of all kinds in the U.S. – for a total of $52 billion.   
    The CHIPS and Science Act also included Peters’ bipartisan Investing in Domestic Semiconductor Manufacturing Act, which ensures federal incentives to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing include U.S. suppliers that produce the materials and manufacturing equipment that enable semiconductor manufacturing. Peters’ provision directly supports Michigan manufacturers like Hemlock Semiconductor (HSC) in Hemlock, Michigan which was recently awarded up to $325 million in CHIPS and Science Act funding to build a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. The project will allow the company to expand production of hyper-pure polysilicon needed to manufacture semiconductor chips and is expected to create 180 good-paying manufacturing jobs, as well as thousands of construction jobs, in Michigan.        
    Peters additionally supported and helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which will strengthen domestic manufacturing, onshore our supply chains, combat the climate crisis and create millions of American jobs.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government of India Expands AI-Driven Skilling

    Source: Government of India

    Government of India Expands AI-Driven Skilling
    India AI Mission Gains Momentum with 67 Proposals for Indigenous AI Models

    Digital India Bhashini Initiative Boosts AI-Powered Vernacular Language Accessibility

    Posted On: 19 MAR 2025 9:40PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government of India emphasizes the concept of ‘AI for All,’ aligning with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision to democratise the use of technology. This initiative aims to ensure that AI benefits all sectors of society, driving innovation and growth.

    India is regarded as the skills capital in technology and Artificial Intelligence. The most reliable ranking in AI is placing India among the top countries with AI Skills, AI capabilities, and policies to use AI. Stanford University has ranked India among the top four countries along with the US, China, and the UK in the Global and National AI vibrancy ranking based on 42 indicators. GitHub, which is community of developers has ranked India at the top with the global share of 24% of all projects.

    Government is committed to harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the good of our people in various sectors. At the same time, the Government is cognizant of the risks posed by AI and the need to create guardrails to ensure that AI is safe and trusted.

    The Government of Maharashtra has informed that Meta’s AI model is an informational chatbot which is currently in its preliminary stage.

    Union Cabinet led by Hon’ble Prime Minister has approved the IndiaAI Mission on 7th March 2024, a strategic initiative to establish a robust and inclusive AI ecosystem that aligns with the country’s development goals. This mission is driven by a vision to position India as a global leader in artificial intelligence by focusing on seven foundational pillars: IndiaAI Compute, IndiaAIFutureSkills, IndiaAI Startup Financing, IndiaAI Innovation Centre, IndiaAI Datasets Platform, IndiaAI Applications Development Initiative and Safe & Trusted AI.

    One of the key pillars of the IndiaAI Mission is IndiaAI Innovation Centre (IAIC), under which IndiaAI on 30th January, 2025, launched a Call for Proposals inviting proposals from startups, researchers, and entrepreneurs to collaborate on building state-of-the-art foundational AI models trained on Indian datasets. The initiative aims to establish indigenous AI models that align with global standards while addressing unique challenges and opportunities within the Indian context.

    In the first month, IndiaAI Mission has received a total of 67 proposals till 15th February 2025 aimed at building India’s foundation models, with contributions from both established startups and new teams of researchers & academia. 22 are focused on Large Language Models (LLMs) & Large Multimodal Models (LMMs), while the remaining 45 are centered on domain-specific models (SLMs). The majority of SLMs target key sectors such as healthcare, education, and financial services. Along with funding support, a wide range of GPUs have been requested by teams submitting these proposals.

    Further, Government of India through MeitY implemented the Digital India Bhashini initiative to provide Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven language technology solutions through the Bhashini platform (https://bhashini.gov.in) for all 22 Scheduled Indian Languages including Marathi, providing voice-based access, and to assist in the creation of content in Indian languages. Digital India Bhashini aims to build speech-to-speech machine translation systems for various Indian languages and dialects and to evolve a Unified Language Interface (ULI). This initiative enabled citizens to access digital services in their vernacular languages, further increasing digital inclusion and accessibility, as recommended in SDG 10 (Reduce inequality within and among countries). In collaboration with over 70 research institutes, Bhashini has been at the forefront of developing state-of-the-art language AI models for Indian languages. The platform currently hosts over 350 AI-based language models, encompassing Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR), Machine Translation (MT), Text-to-Speech (TTS), Optical Character Recognition (OCR), and other services like Transliteration and Textual Language Detection, covering over 17+ language services.

    Additionally, IndiaAI in collaboration with Meta has announced the establishment of the Center for Generative AI, Srijan (सृजन) at IIT Jodhpur, along with the launch of the “YuvAi Initiative for Skilling and Capacity Building” in collaboration with the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), for the advancement of open source artificial intelligence (AI) in India. The partnership will enable development of indigenous AI applications, advance skill development in AI, boost research capabilities with the aim of contributing to India’s AI mission of ensuring tech sovereignty and the vision of building AI solutions that are tailor-made for India. Through education, capacity building, and policy advisory, the Government of India will be empowering the next generation of researchers, students, and practitioners with the knowledge and tools necessary for the responsible development and deployment of GenAI technologies.

    The Government of India is focused to meet the growing demand for professionals in emerging fields like data science and Artificial Intelligence (AI), some of the initiatives by the Government of India to integrate Al and cybersecurity training into existing skill development programs are as under:

    • MeitY through CERT-In conducts joint cybersecurity training programs in collaboration with Industry partners to upskill the cybersecurity workforce in Government, public and private organizations with the latest skills. Technical training sessions in the area of AI-powered cybersecurity threats were conducted with experts from Industry to help the participants understand the latest threat landscape and best practices. Also, CERT-In provided expert support in the Gen AI Exchange Hackathon organized by industry partners for working professionals, student developers, freelancers and entrepreneurs in October 2024.
    • MeitY has initiated ‘FutureSkills PRIME’ a programme for Re-skilling/Up-skilling of IT Manpower for Employability in new/emerging technologies namely Artificial Intelligence, Robotic Process Automation, Augmented/Virtual Reality, Internet of Things, Big Data Analytics, Additive Manufacturing/ 3D Printing, Cloud Computing, Social & Mobile, Cyber Security, and Blockchain. Under the FutureSkills Prime program, there are 119 courses specifically focused on the cutting-edge fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
    • MeitY launched the Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme in 2014 with the objective of enhancing the number of PhDs in the country to compete globally in the knowledge-intensive sectors of Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) and IT/IT Enabled Services (IT/ITES). Under the scheme, financial support is provided to Full-time & Part-time PhD candidates and Young Faculty who are undertaking research and technology development. The Scheme also provides infrastructure support to institutions.
    • MeitY through IndiaAIFutureSkills Pillar aims to increase the number of graduates, postgraduates, and PhD scholars in the AI domain while establishing Data and AI Labs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to offer foundational courses in Data and AI. As part of this initiative, IndiaAI Fellowships are awarded to students pursuing relevant undergraduate and postgraduate programs at Private or Centrally Funded Technical Institutes (CFTIs) recognized by AICTE, NBA, NAAC, or UGC. So far, 150 undergraduate students, 48 postgraduate students, and 3 PhD scholars have been selected for the fellowship. Additionally, IndiaAI has set up Data Labs at NIELIT’s Delhi centre and ICIT, Nagaland, with plans to establish 27 more labs in collaboration with NIELIT across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, details of which are placed in Annexure I.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Electronics & Information Technology Shri Jitin Prasada in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

     

    ******

     

    Annexure I

    List of Data & AI labs planned by IndiaAI in collaboration with NIELIT in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities across the country:

    S.No.

    NIELIT Centre

    State/UT

    1

    Gorakhpur

    Uttar Pradesh

    2

    Lucknow

    Uttar Pradesh

    3

    Shimla

    Himachal Pradesh

    4

    Aurangabad

    Maharashtra

    5

    Patna

    Bihar

    6

    Buxar

    Bihar

    7

    Muzaffarpur

    Bihar

    8

    Kurukshetra

    Haryana

    9

    Ropar

    Punjab

    10

    Haridwar

    Uttarakhand

    11

    Bikaner

    Rajasthan

    12

    Tezpur

    Assam

    13

    Bhubaneswar

    Odisha

    14

    Calicut

    Kerala

    15

    Guwahati

    Assam

    16

    Itanagar

    Arunachal Pradesh

    17

    Srinagar

    J&K

    18

    Jammu

    J&K

    19

    Ranchi

    Jharkhand

    20

    Imphal

    Manipur

    21

    Gangtok

    Sikkim

    22

    Agartala

    Tripura

    23

    Aizawl

    Mizoram

    24

    Shillong

    Meghalaya

    25

    Kohima

    Nagaland

    26

    Leh

    Ladakh

    27

    Silchar

    Assam

     

    Dharmendra Tewari/Navin Sreejith

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 8th Joint Working Group Meeting between INDIA-GERMANY on Agriculture held today.

    Source: Government of India (2)

    8th Joint Working Group Meeting between INDIA-GERMANY on Agriculture held today.

    Cooperation in digital agriculture, seeds sector, mechanization & technology, horticulture sector, animal husbandry and fisheries were discussed in detail.

    Posted On: 19 MAR 2025 9:00PM by PIB Delhi

    The meeting was chaired by co-chaired by Ms. AlkaUpadhyay, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Ms. Silvia Bender, State Secretary of the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL). Cooperation in digital agriculture, seeds sector, mechanization & technology, horticulture sector, animal husbandry and fisheries were discussed in detail.

    The 8th India-Germany Joint Working Group (JWG) Meeting on Agriculture was co-chaired by Ms. AlkaUpadhyay, Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and Ms. Silvia Bender, State Secretary of the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL), on 19th March 2025 at the National Agricultural Science Complex, PUSA, New Delhi.

    In her welcome address, Ms. Upadhyay underscored the strong ties between India and Germany, highlighting the robust collaboration on global issues and the strategic partnership nurtured through the Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC) since 2011. She emphasized the significance of cooperation in the agricultural sector, particularly in digital technologies, and noted the impressive agricultural trade between the two nations. She also pointed out ongoing collaborations in agroecology, seed production, and sustainable practices, reaffirming India’s commitment to deepening ties and exploring new avenues for agricultural cooperation.

    Ms. Silvia Bender expressed Germany’s deep appreciation for its partnership with India and reaffirmed the shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, especially in agriculture and allied sectors. She acknowledged the common challenges faced by both countries and stressed the importance of working together to find innovative solutions. She further reiterated Germany’s readiness to share its experience and vision to enhance cooperation in agriculture.

    Mr. Ajeet Kumar Sahu provided an insightful overview of India’s agricultural achievements, emphasizing its pivotal role in both domestic and global food security. He highlighted the government’s initiatives, including the Digital Agriculture Mission, the LakhpatiDidi Program, KrishiSakhi, and efforts to empower farmers through Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). Mr. Sahu also elaborated on programs such as Natural and Organic Farming, Crop Insurance, e-NAM, and AgriSURE, all aimed at advancing the agriculture sector and fostering rural development.

    In discussing areas of cooperation, Dr.PramodMehreda highlighted the crucial role of digital agriculture, emphasizing the importance of exchanging best practices in the use of digital technologies for pest and disease management.

    The meeting focused on critical areas of cooperation, including artificial intelligence, digitization in agriculture, mechanization, the seed sector, horticulture, animal husbandry, and fisheries.

    The German delegation included representatives from BMEL, its subordinate authorities, and various institutions.From Indian side, Joint Secretaries of Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare for Horticulture, Natural Resource Management, and Mechanisation participated in the meeting along with representatives of Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

     

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    MG/RN/KSR

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Four-day Symposium ‘India 2047: Building a Climate Resilient Future’ kick starts in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Four-day Symposium ‘India 2047: Building a Climate Resilient Future’ kick starts in New Delhi

    Important to maintain Growth and Accelerating Welfare while addressing Adaptation Challenges: Vice Chairperson (NITI Aayog), Shri Suman Bery

    Need to scale up South-South and Triangular Cooperation to ensure ‘Climate Resilience for All’: MoS (EFCC) Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh

    Posted On: 19 MAR 2025 6:36PM by PIB Delhi

    The Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute and The Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability at Harvard University, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India, are organizing a symposium, ‘India 2047: Building a Climate-Resilient Future’. The four-day symposium started today at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, beginning with the convening of stakeholders from Union Government, State Governments, scientists, researchers, industry experts, civil society representatives and other relevant stakeholders to deliberate on India’s climate adaptation and resilience priorities as the Nation aspires to be Viksit Bharat by 2047.

    The Inaugural Session on Day-1 was presided over by Shri Suman Bery, Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog and Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh. Other dignitaries gracing the occasion included Shri Tarun Kapoor, Adviser to the Prime Minister of India, Mr. James H. Stock, Vice Provost of Harvard University and Mr. Tarun Khanna, Director of The Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute.

    In his address, Shri Suman Bery, emphasized the need for India-centric adaptation strategies. He highlighted the importance of maintaining growth and accelerating welfare while addressing adaptation challenges. He called for flexibility in programme design, particularly in governance dimension, which remains largely unexplored. He stressed the need to empower both the people and the communities. Additionally, he underscored the significance of documenting case studies and fostering intellectual exchange within South Asia.

    Stressing on the critical need for stronger adaptation measures across all sectors, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh stated, “India has consistently led climate advocacy for the Global South, ensuring at international climate policies are fair and inclusive. As we move forward, it is crucial to scale up adaptation efforts and ensure that the most vulnerable communities have access to the resources and technologies they need to build resilience”. While India has made significant strides in mitigation through ambitious renewable energy goals and emission intensity reduction commitments, he emphasized that adaptation and resilience remains essential to safeguarding livelihoods, ecosystems, and infrastructure from the impacts of climate change.

    The Minister further highlighted the crucial role of climate finance in supporting adaptation initiatives. He stressed that financial resources must be significantly scaled up to meet the needs of vulnerable communities and ensure effective adaptation measures. He underscored the need for innovative financing mechanisms, including blended finance, risk-sharing frameworks, and greater private sector engagement, to complement public finance in driving adaptation efforts. Additionally, the Minister pointed out that adaptation investments must directly benefit those on the frontlines of climate change – farmers, small businesses, and coastal communities. He stated that by strengthening financial instruments such as green bonds, climate-resilient infrastructure funds and concessional financing, India aims to create a sustainable and equitable climate finance ecosystem. “India believes that international climate action must be built on trust, transparency, and equitable growth. We must scale up South-South and Triangular Cooperation to ensure climate resilience for all, accelerate innovation in clean energy transitions, and empower local communities through decentralized governance and ecosystem-based solutions,” the Minister concluded.

    Addressing the gathering, Shri Tarun Kapoor emphasized practical climate change solutions that ensure resource flows to individuals and affordable food security. He stressed the importance of delivering forecasts, technology and knowledge where needed. Earlier, in his welcome remarks, Secretary (MoEFCC), Shri Tanmay Kumar, set the tone for the symposium, emphasizing the need for actionable solutions related to adaptation. He said, “This Symposium is not just about identifying challenges – it is about coming together of experts, policy makers, academia, scientists, civil society and communities in developing adaptation strategies that are grounded in research, responsive to local needs, cost effective and scalable for long-term resilience. He highlighted that India’s adaptation strategy is to be built on a foundation of scientific evidence, cross-sectoral integration, and strong institutional frameworks.

    In a video address, Mr. Alan M. Garber, President of Harvard University, highlighted the role of The Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute as a hub connecting Harvard with India. He introduced The Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability, aimed at developing durable and effective climate solutions. Mr. James H. Stock, Vice Provost of Harvard University, underscored the university’s mission of teaching and research, with interdisciplinary teams working on climate solutions. He emphasized learning from local partners to address climate challenges. Mr. Tarun Khanna, Director of The Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute, spoke about the importance of synergizing traditional knowledge and advanced knowledge systems.

    Over the period of four days, the symposium will address four key themes that are central to India’s adaptation priorities – climate science and its implications for agriculture and water security, health risks associated with climate change, labor productivity and workforce adaptation, and resilience in the built environment. High-level plenaries, expert roundtables, and technical sessions will explore sector-specific challenges and identify best practices for mainstreaming adaptation across policies and programmes.

    The intersection of climate resilience and governance remains a crucial area of focus, with an emphasis on ensuring that adaptation measures are effectively implemented across all levels. Strengthening institutional capacity and fostering coordination among stakeholders will play a pivotal role in translating policies into tangible actions that protect communities, economy, and ecosystems from climate risks. The insights from this symposium could also contribute to the India’s first National Adaptation Plan (NAP) which is under preparation, for which the National Level Stakeholder Workshop was organized by the MoEFCC on 18th March, 2025. Deliberations will help shape evidence-based policy recommendations that integrate climate adaptation into development planning, safeguarding livelihoods, critical infrastructure, and economic stability.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India Plans Chandrayaan-4 Mission with Advanced Docking, Lunar Sample Collection: Dr. Jitendra Singh in Lok Sabha

    Source: Government of India (2)

    India Plans Chandrayaan-4 Mission with Advanced Docking, Lunar Sample Collection: Dr. Jitendra Singh in Lok Sabha

    Of the four astronauts undergoing rigorous training for the upcoming human mission “Gaganyaan” one of them, Group Captain Shukla, has been selected to join the  mission to the International Space Station

    Chandrayaan-4 to Pioneer Lunar Docking Tech as India Eyes 2040 Moon Mission

    PM Narendra Modi’s letter to Sunita Williams conveyed his good wishes and extended her invitation to visit India

    Posted On: 19 MAR 2025 4:56PM by PIB Delhi

    Of the four astronauts  undergoing rigorous training for the upcoming human mission, “Gaganyaan” one of them, Group Captain Shukla, has been selected to join the  mission to the International Space Station, while others remain in an intensive preparatory phase to ensure mission success.

    This was stated in the Lok Sabha today by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh. He asserted that  India’s space ambitions are set to reach new heights in reply to a question , while revealing crucial details about the upcoming Chandrayaan-4 mission. The mission, which will feature multiple advanced docking technology and lunar sample collection, is poised to be a major step toward India’s goal of establishing its own space station by 2040.

    Beginning his reply in the Lok Sabha to a discussion on Chandrayaan 4 and India’s Space missions, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh shared with the House that Sunita Williams had landed back on the surface of Earth this morning at 3.27 AM after spending more than 300 days in the Space and our message of congratulations was put out by the social media soon thereafter around 4 AM defining this “as a moment of glory, pride and relief”.

    The Minister referred to PM Narendra Modi’s letter to Sunita Williams in which he had conveyed his good wishes and extended her invitation to visit India. He also recalled that when Sunita came to India last time in 2007, he had met Shri Modi who was then the Chief Minister of Gujarat.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the importance of Chandrayaan-4 in strengthening India’s space capabilities. “This mission will not just be about landing on the Moon but also about mastering docking and undocking procedures, a key requirement for future interplanetary missions and space station operations,” he said. The Minister further noted that India’s long-term objective includes sending an Indian astronaut to the Moon, with Chandrayaan-4 serving as a precursor to that historic feat.

    The mission will involve two launch vehicles carrying five components in total. These modules will execute complex manoeuvres, including docking in Earth’s orbit before proceeding to the Moon. Upon reaching lunar orbit, the modules will separate, with the descender collecting samples while the ascender returns to dock with the remaining modules. The return module will then make its way back to Earth, simulating key aspects of crewed lunar missions.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh also touched upon the broader applications of space technology in governance and development. He emphasized that space-based innovations are now integrated into urban planning, disaster management, healthcare, and agriculture, demonstrating how India’s advancements in space science are benefiting the general public.

     

    Additionally, he addressed queries about India’s first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, confirming that the selected four astronauts are undergoing rigorous training. While one astronaut, Group Captain Shukla, was selected to participate in a mission to the International Space Station, the others remained in an intensive preparatory phase to ensure mission success.

    India’s space program has gained global recognition, and with Chandrayaan-4, the country aims to take another significant leap. As the mission takes shape, it is expected to further cement India’s standing in the global space race and pave the way for future deep-space exploration.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Inaugurates NDTL Annual Conference-2025 on “Anti-Doping Science: Innovations and Challenges”

    Source: Government of India

    Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Inaugurates NDTL Annual Conference-2025 on “Anti-Doping Science: Innovations and Challenges”

    India Committed to Promoting Clean and Fair Competition in Sports, Says Dr. Mandaviya at NDTL Conference

    NDTL Conference Explores Cutting-Edge Technologies in Doping Detection and Prevention

    Posted On: 19 MAR 2025 4:43PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) Annual Conference-2025 on the theme “Anti-Doping Science: Innovations and Challenges”, bringing together key stakeholders from the sports and scientific communities in New Delhi today. The conference was attended by Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Smt. Sujata Chaturvedi, Secretary (Sports), Shri Kunal, Joint Secretary (Sports), and Prof. (Dr.) P. L. Sahu, Director, NDTL.

    Delivering his keynote address, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya reaffirmed the Government of India’s commitment to promoting clean and fair competition in sports. He emphasized the importance of early education on doping, advocating for its inclusion in school curricula and the launch of awareness campaigns in rural areas. He also stressed the need for greater involvement of sports federations and organizations to ensure that all athletes are well-informed about anti-doping regulations. Furthermore, he highlighted the crucial role of cutting-edge research and technological advancements in anti-doping science, underscoring their significance in protecting athletes’ careers and preserving the credibility of national and international sporting events.

    The event provided a vital platform for scientists, coaches, physical education professionals, sports federations, and students to engage in insightful discussions on the latest advancements and challenges in anti-doping science. The conference highlighted the crucial role of scientific innovation in doping detection, addressed the constantly evolving nature of prohibited substances, and underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to uphold the integrity of sports.

    Subject experts engaged in in-depth discussions on several critical topics, including innovations in anti-doping science, where they explored groundbreaking advancements in detection methods and testing technologies. They also addressed the challenges in doping prevention, focusing on strategies to combat emerging threats, including the rise of undetectable substances. Additionally, the discussions emphasized the role of stakeholders in promoting clean sports, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts among federations, scientists, and educators to enhance awareness, strengthen enforcement, and uphold the integrity of sports.

    The conference also included interactive sessions, expert panel discussions, and knowledge-sharing initiatives designed to enhance anti-doping measures in India. The active participation of young scholars and students showcased a growing commitment to ethical sporting practices and underscored the importance of such initiatives.

    The NDTL Annual Conference-2025 reaffirmed India’s commitment to upholding global anti-doping standards and represented a significant step toward fostering a doping-free sports culture. In his closing remarks, the Director of NDTL expressed heartfelt gratitude to all dignitaries, speakers, panelists, and participants for their invaluable contributions. He emphasized the crucial role of such knowledge-sharing initiatives in driving awareness, advancing scientific research, and shaping policies to effectively combat doping in sports.

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    Himanshu Pathak

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PRITHVI Vigyan (PRITHVI) programme

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 19 MAR 2025 4:28PM by PIB Delhi

    The various components of ongoing research projects, such as ACROSS, O-SMART, PACER, SAGE, and REACHOUT, under the PRITHVI scheme are inter-dependent. The overarching scheme of PRITHVI holistically addresses all the components to improve the understating of the Earth System Sciences and to provide reliable services for the country. These integrated R&D efforts will help in addressing the grand challenges of weather, ocean, climate, seismological and geological hazards and explore the living and non-living resources for their sustainable harnessing.

    Ministry of Earth Sciences supports international collaborative projects of mutual interest under PRITHVI scheme. For the evaluation of collaborative proposals from global scientific institutions, a joint expert committee is set up, which evaluates and recommends the proposal.

    Deep Ocean Mission was launched in 2021 with a total budget outlay of Rs 4,077 crores to be implemented by the Ministry of Earth Sciences. It is a multi-disciplinary programme with activities encompassing six verticals, namely a) Development of Technologies for Deep Sea Mining and Manned Submersible, Underwater Vehicles and Underwater Robotics for exploring and harnessing ocean resources, b) Development of Ocean Climate Change Advisory Services, c) Technological innovation for exploration and conservation of deep-sea biodiversity, d) Deep Ocean Survey and Exploration, e) Energy and Freshwater from the Ocean, and f) Advance Marine Station for Ocean Biology. Survey has been conducted at potential sites of multi-metal hydrothermal sulphide mineralization along the Indian Ocean mid-oceanic ridges using autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) in March 2024 at ten locations, of which two locations of active and two locations of inactive vents showing sulphide mineralisation have been identified.

    In order to enhance India’s capacity to address climate change impacts through improved understanding of the atmosphere-ocean-pole interactions, a number of activities have been carried out, including augmentation of the existing observational networks on land, poles and in oceans, augmenting the High-Performance Computing (HPC) facility, improving understanding of weather and climate processes and enhancing prediction capabilities by developing improved earth system models, Training and Research at MoES Institutes, as well as Collaborative Research. Further, the Ministry has recently launched Mission Mausam with the goal of making Bharat a “Weather-ready and Climate-smart” nation to mitigate the impact of climate change and extreme weather events and strengthen the resilience of communities.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: LOCATIONS FOR NEW RADARS

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 19 MAR 2025 4:27PM by PIB Delhi

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has planned new radars across the country, including one at Lahual & Spiti in Himachal Pradesh. Tentative sites where the radars are planned to be installed are given below:

    • 12 no. of C-Band Doppler Weather Radars (DWRs) tentatively at Raipur, Mangalore, Ranchi, Lakshadweep, Malda, Aurangabad, Balasore, Sambalpur, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Rupsi & Port Blair.
    • 12 no. of X-Band DWRs tentatively at Pune, Kolkata, Purnea, Varanasi, Wayanad, Bhubaneswar, Dharwad, Lahaul & Spiti, Aligarh, Azamgarh, Jhansi, Lucknow.
    • 10 no. of X-Band DWRs for North East tentatively at Jorhat, Tezpur, Aizawl, Namsai, Silchar, Imphal, Dimapur, Mandala Top, Central Arunachal Pradesh, & Guwahati.
    • In addition, 53 radars (8 S-Band, 20 C-Band, and 25 X-Band) are also planned to be installed across the country under Mission Mausam so that the entire country is brought under radar coverage.

    The locations of the DWRs have been arrived upon considering the gap areas in the coverage of the existing DWR network.

    In addition to the proposed improvement in the radar coverage as mentioned above other observation systems like wind profilers, radio sonde/radio wind, microwave radiometers, etc, are also planned under Mission Mausam. Along with the improvement in the observational network, deployment of high-performance computing infrastructure, advanced Earth system models, integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies, etc, under Mission Masuam will help improvement in forecasts on various timescales, especially in location – specific nowcast (forecast up to a few hours) to short-range forecast up to 3 days. The implementation of the Mausam Mission is likely to help (i) in capturing and monitoring all the weather events happening in the country so that no weather system will go undetected, (ii) improve the frequency of nowcasting extreme weather such as thunderstorms, lightening, strong winds, etc. from 3 hrs. to 1 hr. (iii) Improve the short and medium range weather forecast accuracy by about 5-10%. and (iv) improve air quality forecasts by about 5-10% in the major metro cities.

    Entire country will be under radar coverage within next 2-3 years.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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