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Category: Science

  • MIL-OSI Global: Maple seeds’ unique spinning motion allows them to travel far even in the rain, a new study shows

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Andrew Dickerson, Associate Professor of Mechanical, Aerospace and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee

    Winged seeds called samaras grow on maple trees. These are seeds from the Japanese maple, _Acer palmatum_. AlessandroZocc/iStock via Getty Images Plus

    When wind or other disturbances detach winged maple seeds called samaras from their parent tree, they spin through the air – and can even spin when it’s raining. Impacts by high-speed raindrops only briefly interrupt the seed’s spinning because the seed can shed the drop rapidly and restart its spinning in less time than it takes to blink.

    If you live somewhere with maple trees, you’ve probably seen their striking helicopter seeds – made up of a seed pod attached to a delicate wing. Maple samaras’ unique design and spinning movement can teach physicists like me about seed dispersal patterns and even engineering new types of flying vehicles.

    The samaras’ spinning movement, called autorotation, keeps them in the air for longer so they travel farther.

    The spinning flight of a maple samara.

    In a February 2025 study, my colleagues and I filmed raindrops as they crashed into autorotating samaras. The samaras shed drops by shattering them, flinging the drops off, or rolling out of the way – like they’re turning away from a punch. If a drop falls in just the right place, the spinning seed can cut it in half.

    The movement of a samara as it spins through the air. Our new study captured this pattern using a high-speed camera.
    Breanna Shaeffer and Andrew Dickerson, University of Tennessee-Knoxville

    In order to keep flying, the samaras must shed the entire drop. Samaras shed drops fastest when the drops hit the heavier, round nutlet part of the seed, rather than the wing. Shedding is made easier by the samaras’ mildly water-repellent surface. We estimated that raindrop collisions reduce a samara’s time in flight and the distance it travels while spinning, but by less than 10%.

    Why it matters

    Maples are an important species to the Eastern United States. They provide syrup and timber, making them economically and commercially significant.

    To proliferate in a rapidly changing climate, maples and other samara-bearing species need to disperse their seeds as far as possible.

    My team’s results provide context for other studies focused on how wind transports rotating and nonrotating seeds alike. Some seeds can even travel hundreds of miles.

    From an engineering perspective, the insights gained from our study could inform the design of new types of aerial vehicles that use autorotation to ride the wind without a motor. Mimicking the shapes of these seeds could help such vehicles quickly recover from disruptions to flight.

    Samaras are also visually intriguing. Discovering more about how small, beautiful parts of nature thrive could help scientists get people interested in the environment.

    What still isn’t known

    Maple samaras represent just one way that seeds use the wind to disperse farther. A dandelion’s parachute-like float relies on the seed’s light weight and high drag. A hop tree seed uses a single, wafer-shaped seed to flutter, while triplaris seeds have three wings that achieve a helicopter-like spin. Researchers still aren’t sure how raindrops can affect the flight of these seeds.

    What’s next

    Next, my colleagues and I hope to unravel the flight mechanics of the “rolling samaras” found on tulip poplar and ash trees. These seeds rotate like maple samaras, but the wing also rolls around the axis that runs across its wingspan as it does so.

    Not only do we plan to compare their flight performance against the more recognizable maple samara, but we will also study how these seeds respond to perturbations such as wing damage and crosswinds.

    How I do my work

    I like to uncover the complexity in seemingly simple systems. So many of the brief, small and common interactions in our world are wonderfully beautiful. I seek to tell those stories through a camera lens and with mathematical flair.

    Andrew Dickerson receives funding from the National Science Foundation.

    – ref. Maple seeds’ unique spinning motion allows them to travel far even in the rain, a new study shows – https://theconversation.com/maple-seeds-unique-spinning-motion-allows-them-to-travel-far-even-in-the-rain-a-new-study-shows-250341

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Human Factors in Latent Print Examination

    Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)

    The NIJ-sponsored Expert Working Group on Human Factors in Latent Print Analysis is clarifying potential sources of error in pattern recognition analysis. It will develop best practices to remove or minimize these sources. NIJ is addressing recommendations in the 2009 National Academy of Sciences’ report titled “Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward.” Specifically, the panelists focus on recommendation 5, which encourages research programs on human observer bias and sources of human error in forensic examinations.

    (Opinions or points of view expressed represent the speaker and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Any product or manufacturer discussed is presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product approval or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Justice.)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAX-s8dhbmw

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: 10th Anniversary of 9/11: Advances in Social Sciences

    Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)

    The tragedy of 9/11 posed unprecedented challenges to forensic science, social science, and physical science and technology — the three bedrock sciences at NIJ. Recovering from the attack and preventing another one have became topmost priorities in the 10 years since the attack. As we approach the 10th anniversary, Gary LaFree discusses how that fateful day impacted social scientific priorities and the outcomes from those changes.
    (Opinions or points of view expressed represent the speaker and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Any product or manufacturer discussed is presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product approval or enforcement by the U.S. Department of Justice.)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYC8gEWavM4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The UK’s food system is broken. A green new deal for agriculture could be revolutionary

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Benjamin Selwyn, Professor of International Relations and International Development, Department of International Relations, University of Sussex

    William Edge/Shutterstock

    The UK’s food system was described as broken in a recent parliamentary report – and it’s not hard to see why. High living costs, a health crisis of diet-related chronic disease, farmers’ incomes squeezed and low pay across the agricultural sector all play their parts.

    And these elements are underpinned by an environmentally destructive mode of agricultural production – the longer the livestock-intensive system prevails, the greater the environmental, economic and social costs.

    The opportunity cost of not dealing with the food crisis is severe. The Food, Farming and Countryside Commission found that the price of the UK’s unhealthy food system is around £268 billion a year – almost equivalent to the government’s entire expenditure on health. And farmers are also worried about the sector as they face an unpredictable climate, smaller profits and changes to tax relief policies.

    I have researched how a green new deal for agriculture – namely a food system that complements rather than undermines the environment, while tackling social inequities – could begin to address these problems.

    In 2024 the UK’s farming sector experienced its second-worst harvest on record. Huge levels of rain last winter disrupted farmers’ ability to grow crops and reduced yields.

    The UK’s population faces a significant health crisis, exacerbated by the high cost of living. In 2022, around two-thirds of the population across all four nations were either overweight or obese.

    Retailers, processors and distributors grab an exorbitant share of the final value of many agricultural products. Sometimes farmers make as little as 1p profit for each item they produce. And farm workers’ earnings can sometimes leave them facing absolute poverty.

    What’s more, the UK farming sector is systemically inefficient. Dairy and meat products provide about 32% of calories consumed in the UK, and less than half (48%) of the protein. At the same time, livestock and their feed make up 85% of the UK’s total land use for agriculture.

    To make matters worse, land ownership is highly concentrated – about 25,000 landowners, typically corporations and members of the aristocracy, own about 50% of England, for example.

    What would change look like?

    A green new deal for agriculture would require a significant reorientation of policy, akin to the 1945 Labour government’s establishment of the welfare state. Critics might decry the costs and difficulties – but the longer the government waits, the greater the economic and environmental costs are likely to be.



    Read more:
    Britain’s unearned wealth has ballooned – a modest capital tax could help avoid austerity and boost the economy

    The government could introduce compulsory sale orders to spread land ownership more evenly. These would enable public bodies to obtain land that has been left derelict, vacant or that has been used in environmentally damaging ways. These measures could be supported by the establishment of community land trusts – non-profit, democratic organisations that own and work land for the benefit of local people.

    And a green new deal for agriculture could start with the government using its ecosystems service payments, where farmers and landowners are paid to manage their land in an environmentally beneficial way, to stimulate a transition to more plant-based proteins. This could combat hardship among farmers and agricultural workers, and tackle food poverty and ill health in the population. It would also establish the basis for a more sustainable agricultural system.



    Read more:
    Subsidised community restaurants could help tackle the UK’s broken food system – here’s how

    The UK think tank Green Alliance has mapped a green protein transition. It would entail an increase in “agro-ecologically” farmed land – that is, methods that bring a more ecological approach to farming. At present, this is about 3% of UK land, and it would have to rise to 60% by 2050. Under the plan, by 2030 10% of farmland would become semi-natural habitat, rising to one-third by 2050. This would protect land and facilitate natural restoration, and would also support agro-ecological farming methods.

    In this scenario, Britons would be projected to eat 45% less meat and dairy, replacing them with alternative proteins – plants and synthetic foods such as those made from precision fermentation. This is a revolutionary technology producing proteins that can be used in new alternatives to meat and dairy.

    Many conceptions of the protein transition from animal sources to more plant products ignore the necessity of improving farmers’ and agricultural workers’ incomes. But this will be crucial.

    Ecosystems service payments should be broadened to include a focus on sustainable incomes. Farms can be paid directly by government for sustainable production to combat farmer poverty. And the real living wage of £12.60 an hour should be compulsory for agricultural workers.

    As land use shifts from livestock grazing and feed crop production, more ground could be used for food crops for human consumption. There would then be more scope to change which food crops are produced – from wheat to legumes, for example.

    Flour made from broad beans – which can be grown in the UK – packs a bigger protein punch than traditional wheat flour.
    Narsil/Shutterstock

    Research has shown that flour made from broad beans is higher in key nutrients – protein, iron and fibre – than wheat flour. Bread, pasta, pizza, cakes and biscuits could increasingly be produced using broad bean flour, underpinning a shift towards more nutritious diets.

    A protein transition would also free up land for fruit and vegetable production for domestic consumption, reducing the UK’s heavy import dependence by using polytunnels and environmentally sustainable greenhouses.

    Climate breakdown means that the frequency of poor harvests will increase. And the volatile economic and political global picture means that affordable food imports cannot be taken for granted.

    A green new deal for agriculture could begin to remedy many of the problems the UK faces due to its broken food system. What’s needed is a coalition including courageous political parties, farmers, and workers within and beyond food production. Working together, these groups would be well placed to withstand the economic, political and environmental shocks that are on the horizon.

    Benjamin Selwyn does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. The UK’s food system is broken. A green new deal for agriculture could be revolutionary – https://theconversation.com/the-uks-food-system-is-broken-a-green-new-deal-for-agriculture-could-be-revolutionary-250565

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How evolution might explain impatience

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Daniel Read, Professor of Behavioural Science, Warwick Business School, University of Warwick

    DC Studio/Shutterstock

    Nobody likes to wait, and we are willing to pay to avoid it. Expedited shipping, fast food and video streaming are all profitable because they reduce or eliminate that wait. You can test this by asking a group of people to choose between receiving £100 now or £110 in a year. Research shows a significant majority will choose the £100.

    But why do many people choose not to wait, when it seems obvious that they would be better off doing so? Sometimes this impatience is just put down to irrationality, impulsivity or short-sightedness, but there is also a long tradition in psychology and economics that views impatience as, at least in part, a rational response to the world.

    Perhaps the world of today, or perhaps the world in which we evolved.

    Recent research proposes that our evolutionary history shaped our impatience, and uses mathematical models to show how it works.

    The key idea is this. Imagine a large population of identical people who can choose between enjoying an early reward, or a larger reward later in time. An example might be choosing between two hunting grounds, one close and one further away.

    The closer one is guaranteed to yield a small animal quite quickly, while the farther one is likely to yield a big animal but only after a considerable wait or a gruelling hunt. Another example might be eating the juvenile, smaller fruit on a tree or waiting a few months until the fruit are abundant and ripe.

    Of course there is a catch. If the people wait too long for the large reward, there is a chance they won’t live long enough to earn it. And even if they do, the ripe fruit might have vanished before they reached it, perhaps stolen by a rival.

    As the authors of the recent study show, the animals (including humans) they model are better off taking the bird in the hand with even relatively small amounts of risk (you might not reach the birds) and uncertainty (there might not be two birds when you get there).

    Although models like this are simplifications of the real world, they are valuable for conceptualising how evolution might have produced particular tendencies in humans and other animals. But this model doesn’t do a lot to explain the human impatience we see now.

    In most studies of choice over time, people display high levels of impatience even in settings where risk is all but eliminated, and when it is financially beneficial to be patient.

    Struggle with impatience? It’s human nature.
    Khosro/Shutterstock

    One explanation is that the evolved way of valuing the future is still in place even in modern humans. We act as if the world is uncertain and risky, as it would have been for hunter gatherers, even when it is not.

    Good things come to those who wait

    Another explanation might be that we struggle to think about how the £110 is better than the £100. There is a lot of evidence for this.

    Consider, for example, an experiment I carried out in 2012 with psychologists Marc Scholten and Shane Frederick. Participants chose between £700 now or £700 plus £42 in one year.

    When given the choice in terms of monetary amounts, people were impatient. But if the £42 was described instead as “plus 6%” they were much more patient.

    People know that earning 6% a year is a great interest rate. But many people do not do the calculations and the extra £42 seems paltry compared to the £700.

    Another result that does not fit this evolutionary story concerns people’s responses to losses. Take a choice between paying a bill for £100 now or £100 later. A lot of people, often a majority, will prefer to pay the bill now. Indeed, some will prefer to pay £110 now rather than £100 later.

    Yet the possibility that you will not have to pay a future bill, or that the bill might have vanished by the time you get to it (the indebted has forgotten or died) should make you want to delay paying bills as long as possible. The more common response is probably partly due to a fundamental aversion to debt, which does not have an obvious evolutionary basis, but it is associated with religiosity.

    It remains to be seen if these complex preferences (such as patience for negative outcomes) can be explained by the process of natural selection, or if it is something that came later in human development.

    Evolutionary theory is an essential tool for thinking about the foundations of human decision making. The modern world is, however, very different from the environment in which we evolved.

    Daniel Read receives funding from the ESRC.

    – ref. How evolution might explain impatience – https://theconversation.com/how-evolution-might-explain-impatience-249325

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: LIS Technologies Inc. Appoints Distinguished Professor J. Gary Eden, Ph.D., as its Chairman of the Advisory Board for Laser Engineering and Innovation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Feb. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LIS Technologies Inc. (“LIST” or “the Company”), a proprietary developer of advanced laser technology and the only USA-origin and patented laser uranium enrichment company, today announced that it has appointed Professor J. Gary Eden, Ph.D., as its Chairman of the Advisory Board for Laser Engineering and Innovation.

    “It is a pleasure to be involved with such an innovative and highly impactful technology,” said Professor J. Gary Eden, Chairman of the Advisory Board for Laser Engineering and Innovation of LIS Technologies Inc. “I am excited to apply my expertise and in-depth knowledge of advanced laser technologies to help advance LIST’s proprietary, patented technology to its next stage of development and eventual commercialization. The technology holds numerous advantages over other enrichment schemes and will be crucial in ensuring that the roll-out of advanced nuclear technologies, such as Generation IV reactors, is successful.”

    Professor Eden has authored more than 370 referred, archival publications and 106 awarded patents, is a member of multiple honorary organizations, and is a Fellow of the IEEE, Optica, the American Physical Society, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), and SPIE. In 1975, he was appointed a National Research Council Postdoctoral Research Associate at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (Washington, DC). Professor Eden has demonstrated several powerful laser spectroscopic techniques that have resulted in the discovery of (for example) Rydberg series in the rare gas dimer molecules, the first observation of excitation spectra for the photoassociation of thermal atom pairs, and three body photoassociation.

    As a research physicist in the Laser Physics Branch (Optical Sciences Division) of NRL from 1976 to 1979, he made several contributions to the area of visible and ultraviolet lasers and laser spectroscopy, including the co-discovery of the KrCl rare gas-halide excimer laser, and received a Research Publication Award (1979) for his work at NRL in which he co-discovered the proton beam pumped laser (Ar-N2, XeF). Since joining the faculty of the University of Illinois in 1979, he has been engaged in research in atomic, molecular, and optical physics, laser spectroscopy, and the discovery and development of ultraviolet and vacuum-ultraviolet lasers and lamps for applications in atomic clocks, laser fusion energy, and photochemical processing.

    Figure 1 – LIS Technologies Inc. Appoints J. Gary Eden as its Chairman of the Advisory Board for Laser Engineering and Innovation.

    He has served as Editor-in-Chief of the IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics, and Editor-in-Chief of Progress in Quantum Electronics. In 1998, Professor Eden served as President of the IEEE Lasers and Electro-Optics Society (LEOS), following earlier service as a member of the LEOS Board of Governors. Professor Eden received the LEOS Distinguished Service Award in 1996, was awarded the IEEE Third Millennium Medal in 2000 and was named a LEOS Distinguished Lecturer for 2003-2005. Between 2015 and 2017, he also served as a Distinguished Lecturer for the American Physical Society Division of Plasma Physics.

    He was awarded the C.E.K. Mees Medal of the Optical Society of America in 2007 and was the recipient of the Fulbright-Israel Distinguished Chair in the Natural Sciences and Engineering for 2007-2008. J. Gary Eden received the Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois, Urbana. He is a co-founder of Eden Park Illumination and EP Purification.

    “LIS Technologies has assembled an outstanding team of researchers and leaders to spearhead the revival of our proprietary technology,” said Jay Yu, Executive Chairman and President of LIS Technologies Inc. “Professor Eden is an ideal addition to this group, and I am delighted to welcome him to the team. His distinguished career sets a benchmark in the laser spectroscopy field, and I am confident that his role on our Advisory Board will allow us to harness his unique expertise. This will be instrumental in driving innovation and positioning the Company to accelerate the deployment of our technology.”

    Professor Eden joins LIS Technologies as the Company builds on the growing momentum within the United States nuclear energy industry, having been selected on December 2024 as one of six companies to participate in the Low-Enriched Uranium (LEU) Enrichment Acquisition Program. This initiative allocates up to $3.4 billion overall, with contracts lasting for up to 10 years. LIST intends to leverage Professor Eden’s unique expertise to further refine and develop its proprietary laser-based technology. Optimized for both Low-Enriched Uranium (LEU) and High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU), it overcomes the limitations of traditional pulsed 16µm CO2 lasers, featuring a streamlined design due to its lower absorption and shorter wavelength at 5.3µm. Demonstrated in the 1980s and 90s, this technology is protected by a patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

    “Professor Eden is one of the leading experts in molecular laser spectroscopy, dedicating his life to advancing innovative technologies across multiple disciplines,” said Christo Liebenberg, CEO of LIS Technologies Inc. “His addition is a significant endorsement of our ambitions and long-term strategy, and his decades of experience and extensive network will be invaluable as we continue developing our proprietary technologies. A reliable and abundant supply of enriched uranium is essential to the United States’ nuclear energy objectives, and I am confident Professor Eden will be instrumental in positioning the Company at the forefront of the industry.”

    About LIS Technologies Inc.

    LIS Technologies Inc. (LIST) is a USA based, proprietary developer of a patented advanced laser technology, making use of infrared lasers to selectively excite the molecules of desired isotopes to separate them from other isotopes. The Laser Isotope Separation Technology (L.I.S.T) has a huge range of applications, including being the only USA-origin (and patented) laser uranium enrichment company, and several major advantages over traditional methods such as gas diffusion, centrifuges, and prior art laser enrichment. The LIST proprietary laser-based process is more energy-efficient and has the potential to be deployed with highly competitive capital and operational costs. L.I.S.T is optimized for LEU (Low Enriched Uranium) for existing civilian nuclear power plants, High-Assay LEU (HALEU) for the next generation of Small Modular Reactors (SMR) and Microreactors, the production of stable isotopes for medical and scientific research, and applications in quantum computing manufacturing for semiconductor technologies. The Company employs a world class nuclear technical team working alongside leading nuclear entrepreneurs and industry professionals, possessing strong relationships with government and private nuclear industries.

    In 2024, LIS Technologies Inc. was selected as one of six domestic companies to participate in the Low-Enriched Uranium (LEU) Enrichment Acquisition Program. This initiative allocates up to $3.4 billion overall, with contracts lasting for up to 10 years. Each awardee is slated to receive a minimum contract of $2 million.

    For more information please visit: LaserIsTech.com
    For further information, please contact:
    Email: info@laseristech.com
    Telephone: 800-388-5492
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    Forward Looking Statements

    This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this context, forward-looking statements mean statements related to future events, which may impact our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “would” or “may” and other words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this news release and represent management’s current views and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control. For LIS Technologies Inc., particular risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the following which are, and will be, exacerbated by any worsening of global business and economic environment: (i) risks related to the development of new or advanced technology, including difficulties with design and testing, cost overruns, development of competitive technology, loss of key individuals and uncertainty of success of patent filing, (ii) our ability to obtain contracts and funding to be able to continue operations and (iii) risks related to uncertainty regarding our ability to commercially deploy a competitive laser enrichment technology, (iv) risks related to the impact of government regulation and policies including by the DOE and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission; and other risks and uncertainties discussed in this and our other filings with the SEC. Only after successful completion of our Phase 2 Pilot Plant demonstration will LIS Technologies be able to make realistic economic predictions for a Commercial Facility. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statement. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Inuvo, Inc. Announces Charles D. Morgan’s Retirement; Rob Buchner Joins Board

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Feb. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Inuvo, Inc. (NYSE American: INUV), a leading provider of artificial intelligence AdTech solutions, announced today that Charles D. Morgan has retired from the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) effective February 27, 2025. Mr. Morgan joined the Board in 2009 and has remained a significant investor in the Company. Concurrently with Mr. Morgan’s retirement, Rob Buchner was appointed, effective February 27th, as a Class III Director of the Company to fill the vacancy created by Mr. Morgan’s departure.

    Richard Howe, Chairman and CEO of Inuvo, stated, “Charles is a visionary leader who has shaped numerous successful companies, including industry giants like Acxiom and more recently, First Orion. His wisdom, vast experience, and sharp decision-making have been instrumental in building Inuvo into the company it is today. I want to express my profound appreciation for his service and leadership.”

    Mr. Morgan commented, “Inuvo’s generative AI technology has the potential to revolutionize modern marketing, much like Acxiom’s consumer data did. It’s been a privilege to contribute to this evolution in audience discovery and targeting. Rich and the team have created something truly groundbreaking, and I’m excited to watch them continue to succeed.”

    Mr. Howe added, “We are pleased to welcome Rob to our board. Rob’s impressive leadership experience at prominent agencies, including Campbell Mithun and Fallon Worldwide, where he was CEO and CMO, makes him a valuable addition to our Board. His expertise in founding and managing companies, as well as his track-record in business growth and transformation, will be a strong asset to Inuvo.”

    Mr. Buchner remarked, “My interactions with Inuvo’s board and executives over the past six months have been incredibly exciting. Their talented team, innovative AI, and disruptive potential make this a truly compelling opportunity. I’m honored to be a part of Inuvo’s future and eager to contribute to its growth.”

    Mr. Buchner is currently Chief Marketing Officer at Covet™, a fintech leveraging AI for personal asset management. Previously, he was CEO of Campbell Mithun (Interpublic Group), where he restructured the agency around data-driven marketing. Prior to that, Mr. Buchner was CMO of Fallon Worldwide, where he led business growth, adding $80 million in net recurring revenue. He also played a key role in developing Fallon’s digital and entertainment practices, earning acclaim for Amazon Theater and BMW Films. He holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

    About Inuvo
    Inuvo®, Inc. (NYSE American: INUV) is a market leader in Artificial Intelligence built for advertising. Its IntentKey AI solution is a first-of-its-kind proprietary and patented technology capable of identifying and actioning to the reasons why consumers are interested in products, services, or brands, not who those consumers are. To learn more, visit www.inuvo.com.

    Safe Harbor / Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including, without limitation risks detailed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and represent our views only as of the date they are made and should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any subsequent date. You are urged to carefully review and consider any cautionary statements and other disclosures, including the statements made under the heading “Risk Factors” in Inuvo, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 as filed on February 27, 2025, and our other filings with the SEC. Inuvo cannot provide assurances that the assumptions upon which these forward-looking statements are based will prove to have been correct. Should one of these risks materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements, and investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are current only as of this date. Inuvo does not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statements made herein or any other forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Inuvo further expressly disclaims any written or oral statements made by a third-party regarding the subject matter of this press release. The information which appears on our websites and our social media platforms is not part of this press release.

    Inuvo Company Contact:
    Wally Ruiz
    Chief Financial Officer
    wallace.ruiz@inuvo.com

    Investor Relations :
    David Waldman / Natalya Rudman
    Crescendo Communications, LLC
    Tel: (212) 671-1020
    inuv@crescendo-ir.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “A Journey into the World of Research and Discovery”: HSE Introduces Schoolchildren to Become Future Professionals

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    © Higher School of Economics

    On Science Day, the Higher School of Economics hosted a ceremonial event, “Initiation into Future Professionals,” for 10th-grade students in the pre-professional education projects, “Engineering Class in a Moscow School,” “IT Class in a Moscow School,” “Entrepreneurial Class in a Moscow School,” and “Media Class in a Moscow School.”

    At the HSE Culture Center Laboratory of Media Communications in Education met almost three hundred tenth-graders — participants of the project “Media class in a Moscow school”. Director of strategic work with applicants, Deputy Vice-Rector Alexander Chepovsky opened Science Day with the following words: “Science is not just a set of facts and theories. It is a fascinating journey into the world of research, experiments and discoveries. Each of you has the opportunity to become a part of it. We hope that Science Day will inspire you to new achievements and help you discover the world of media. Do not be afraid to experiment and try new things. Each of you is unique, and it is your individuality that will make this world brighter and more interesting. Set ambitious goals and always strive for new heights. You are the future of the media industry, and we believe that you can change this world for the better. I wish you good luck and hope to see your achievements!” He also invited everyone to get acquainted with the prospects of studying at the National Research University Higher School of Economics, after which a series of interesting and useful speeches were held for the visitors.

    Deputy Dean Faculty of Creative Industries Tatyana Tikhomirova spoke about media programs and training areas, as well as about the teachers, many of whom are active media specialists. Press Secretary of the Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences Oleg Voloshin held a master class, where he examined cases of media coverage of research by scientists who ensure the health of astronauts working in orbit. In addition, a media quiz prepared by Anastasia Chesnokova, an expert of the Laboratory of Media Communications in Education, helped the children test their knowledge gained during their studies in media classes.

    The initiation into future professionals for students of Moscow’s entrepreneurship classes began in the atrium of the main building of the HSE on Pokrovsky Boulevard, 11. Director Center for Academic Development of Students of the National Research University Higher School of Economics Andrey Kozhanov gave an opening speech, after which congratulatory letters were read from the President of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs and the Higher School of Economics, Alexander Shokhin, and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the All-Russian Public Organization of Small and Medium-Sized Entrepreneurship “OPORA RUSSIA” Sergey Borisov.

    On behalf of the business, the participants were congratulated by the Director of Innovation and Ecosystem Development at Wildberries

    However, Science Day did not end with this fiery dance. According to the already established tradition, four business trainings were organized for schoolchildren.

    1. General Director of the Prospect company Olga Barinova held a unique master class on the topic of “Creating and implementing a business idea,” focusing specifically on the implementation of creative ideas.

    2. Lyudmila Bulavkina, serial entrepreneur, business angel, strategic consultant and leading expert at the National Research University Higher School of Economics, conducted a training session in a game format called “Roles in Business, Roles in a Team”.

    3. Angelina Akatova, business trainer of the department for work with educational organizations of the Wildberries company

    4. Co-owner of the IT company RiskProf Alexander Bragin told schoolchildren in accessible language about the opportunities that the use of neural networks in business opens up today.

    The icing on the cake was the speeches of the finalists of the Science for Life conference (in the Step into Business nomination) 2023 Alena Adoratskikh and Veronika Gileva (school No. 1799) and student MIEF, graduates of Irina Balberova’s entrepreneurship class.

    MIEM HSE hosted more than 200 tenth-graders from six Moscow schools participating in the projects “Engineering Class in a Moscow School” and “IT Class in a Moscow School”, who immersed themselves in the world of advanced technologies and engineering professions.

    The official part of the ceremony was opened by the performance of the Russian anthem. The Vice-Rector and Director of MIEM HSE Dmitry Kovalenko addressed the participants with a welcoming speech. He congratulated the schoolchildren on the Day of Russian Science, noted the importance of engineering and IT specialties in the modern world and invited them to continue their education within the walls of the university.

    Leading specialists from HSE partner companies, such as ScanEx Group, Aquarius, and YADRO, as well as MIEM employees, spoke to the participants. They presented current trends in engineering, geoinformatics, IT, computer technology, and artificial intelligence, shared professional insights, and talked about the in-demand competencies of the future.

    The program also included an intellectual quiz “Interesting facts from the engineering and IT industry”, the winners of which received souvenirs from the university. The event ended with a lecture “Professions of the Future and AI”, which aroused keen interest among the audience.

    Throughout the day, there was a thematic photo zone where schoolchildren could take memorable photos with the HSE symbol – a crow.

    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 USA: UConn’s Institute of Materials Science Celebrates 60 Years of Innovation

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    The Institute of Materials Science (IMS) at the University of Connecticut will celebrate its 60th anniversary throughout 2025, beginning with a special seminar series featuring alumni from the IMS Polymer Program, the IMS Materials Science Program, and the Department of Materials Science and Engineering.

    One of the oldest materials science programs in the nation, IMS was established in 1965 by an act of the Connecticut Legislature with a threefold mission to foster education, research, and outreach in the field of materials science. Since its inception, four directors have led IMS. Leonid V. Azaroff was the Institute’s first director and led IMS from 1966 to 1991. Anthony T. DiBenedetto served as director from 1991 to 1995. Harris L. Marcus served from 1995 to 2013. Today, Steven L. Suib serves as director of the Institute and has seen IMS through 12 years of growth.

    Steven Suib, director of the Institute of Materials Science, leads elected officials and University leaders on a tour of the Science 1 Research Center on June 15, 2023. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)

    In fulfillment of its mission to provide educational opportunities in materials science, IMS offers superior graduate research education in the interdisciplinary fields of materials science, polymer science, materials science and engineering, and a certificate program in advanced materials characterization. Its graduates have gone on to become professors, researchers, business owners, and innovators.

    With 36 resident faculty members and 95 affiliate members from 20 departments and UConn Health, the Institute represents the spectrum of STEM disciplines. Suib notes that “the interdisciplinary and highly collaborative traits of faculty throughout IMS are big drivers in terms of new research projects. Our excellent administrative and technical staff work very hard to support our faculty members.”

    Also under the umbrella of IMS are several centers of excellence and specialized laboratories including the Electrical Insulation Research Center (EIRC), the UConn Thermo Fisher Scientific Center for Advanced Microscopy and Materials Analysis (CAMMA), Collins Aerospace Center for Advanced Materials, the Pratt & Whitney Additive Manufacturing Center (PW AMC), the Reverse Engineering Fabrication & Non-Destructive Evaluation (REFINE) lab, and the X-ray Lab. IMS enjoys a partnership with Anton-Paar, a leader in laboratory equipment manufacturing, which brought one of the company’s most high-end rheometers to IMS.

    Through its industry outreach program (the Industrial Affiliates Program or IAP), the Institute offers materials characterization and analysis services to industries throughout the state of Connecticut and beyond. From major corporations to startup operations, the IAP provides many benefits for member and non-member companies, including access to facilities and faculty at UConn, technical programming, and other resources to assist industry partners in resolving materials challenges.

    “Several new outstanding leaders from industry, state agencies, law firms, and other entities have joined our External Advisory Board. We have received excellent advice and support from this group,” Suib says.

    Originally housed in the Edward V. Gant Science Complex, the Institute eventually outgrew that space and in 2023, moved to the newly built Science 1 Research Center, which had been designed specifically for IMS and the Materials Science and Engineering Department (MSE). The move to Science 1 provided for updated laboratory spaces for faculty labs, eight IMS core labs, a state-of-the-art cleanroom, and four undergraduate teaching labs for MSE student instruction.

    “Where you work can make a big difference and this new facility has helped boost the morale of staff, faculty, students, and visitors,” Suib says.  “There are new initiatives and available facilities that have enhanced the educational, research, and outreach activities of IMS.”

    The 60th anniversary celebration began on Friday, Feb. 21, with a seminar featuring Arun Mannodi Kanakkithodi ’17 Ph.D., a Materials Science and Engineering Department graduate who is currently an assistant professor of materials engineering at Purdue University.

    On Friday, March 14, IMS will welcome Jonathan Doll ’11 Ph.D., a graduate of the IMS Polymer Science Program. Doll currently serves as technology manager for materials physics and chemistry at GE Aerospace Research.

    The series will conclude with a seminar on Friday, April 25, featuring Weina Li ’07 Ph.D., a graduate of the IMS Materials Science Program who is currently a technical fellow of non-metallic materials and chemistry at Carrier Global Corporation.  She is also a member of the IMS External Advisory Board.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko: The third wave of selection of research centers in the field of artificial intelligence is starting

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The Ministry of Economic Development is launching a competitive selection of the “third wave” of research centers in the field of artificial intelligence.

    February 28, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    The Ministry of Economic Development is launching a competitive selection of the third wave of research centers in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Grants to universities and research organizations for scientific research in the field of artificial intelligence technology development for the period 2025–2026 will be distributed within the framework of the federal project “Artificial Intelligence” of the national project “Data Economy”. The four-year cycle of work of six research centers of the first wave ended at the end of 2024.

    “President Vladimir Putin set the task of ensuring the availability of our own developments of a new generation of artificial intelligence, emphasizing that this is one of the key conditions for the scientific, technological and ideological sovereignty of the country. To strengthen breakthrough scientific discoveries within the third wave, at least six research centers will be selected, which will be allocated about 4.5 billion rubles in grants. They will focus on the development of strong AI, technology forecasting and attracting industrial partners, forming a basis for fundamental scientific research and accelerating the emergence of innovative solutions that can provide Russian science with leading positions in the world,” emphasized Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    In particular, the new centers will work in such areas as “Elements of Strong AI”, “Control, Decisions, Agent/Multi-Agent Systems”, “Fundamental and Generative Models”, and others.

    The specific achievements of the recipients of support will contribute to the development of the potential of Russian science and the technological growth of the economy, noted First Deputy Minister of Economic Development Maxim Kolesnikov.

    “The task of the research centers is to conduct breakthrough scientific research at the world level. Each center that passes the selection procedure will be able to receive about 336 million rubles in 2025, and up to 422 million rubles in 2026. At the same time, the volume of extra-budgetary co-financing should be at least 30% annually,” commented Maxim Kolesnikov.

    He expressed confidence that it would be possible to support the best teams with the most ambitious programs. On the instructions of the President, support for research centers in the field of AI will continue until 2030.

    The first wave of selection of research centers in the field of AI took place in 2021 within the framework of the federal project “Artificial Intelligence” of the national program “Digital Economy of the Russian Federation”. Six scientific and educational organizations received state support for the implementation of programs in the field of AI: Skoltech, Innopolis University, ITMO University, HSE University, MIPT and V.P. Ivannikov Institute of System Programming of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The total amount of support exceeded 8 billion rubles.

    Research center staff have published 165 articles on AI topics in first quartile journals indexed in WoS/Scopus systems, made 206 publications at A* level conferences in the field of artificial intelligence, and created and maintain 15 frameworks.

    Research centers, together with 36 industrial partners, including Sber, Yandex, MTS, Gazprom Neft, Sibur, KhimRar, and Kaspersky Lab, have already launched about 50 applied solutions.

    As part of the second wave of selection of research centers, programs of industry centers in the field of AI were supported at the N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, S.P. Korolev Samara University, MEPhI, N.I. Lobachevsky UNN, St. Petersburg State University, and Novosibirsk State University.

    Expert support for the competitive selection and subsequent support for the implementation of research center activity programs will be provided by the Strategic Agency for Support and Formation of AI Developments, a project office created on the basis of the Skolkovo Foundation. You can get advice on preparing applications for the competition by contacting the e-mail address aicenters3@sk.ru.

    Documentation for participation in the selection is posted on the portal Rinse. Bujet.gh.ru.

    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 China: Chinese astronomer details dual targets of Tianwen-2 mission

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

    BEIJING, Feb. 28 — China is set to launch the Tianwen-2 mission this year, aiming to unravel the mysteries of a “living fossil” of the solar system and one “rebel” of the main asteroid belt.

    The Tianwen-2 mission aims to achieve multiple goals in a single launch: it will collect samples from the near-Earth asteroid 2016HO3, as well as explore the main-belt comet 311P.

    An astronomer with the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (NAOC) recently explained why these two targets are so intriguing and what cosmic secrets they might hold.

    Discovered in 2016 by the Pan-STARRS telescope in Hawaii, asteroid 2016HO3, located millions to tens of millions of kilometers away from Earth, is the first quasi-satellite of Earth ever discovered. Though not a natural moon, this 40-100 meter-wide asteroid orbits the Sun with parameters almost identical to Earth’s, constantly “wandering” near our planet.

    “A quasi-satellite is essentially a small celestial body that orbits the Sun, just like Earth. Its trajectory is quite similar to Earth’s. From our perspective on Earth, it appears to oscillate periodically around us. That’s why we call it a quasi-satellite,” explained Yan Wei, senior engineer at the NAOC.

    Scientists believe such asteroids preserve critical information about the solar system’s infancy. “These ‘cosmic fossils’ could reveal details about early solar system composition and evolution,” Yan noted.

    However, some researchers speculate the asteroid 2016HO3 might be debris from an ancient cosmic collision.

    Upon arrival, the Tianwen-2 probe will photograph the asteroid’s surface, analyze its rotation patterns and composition. “Comparing its material composition with that of the moon and Earth will be the focus of our exploration,” Yan emphasized.

    The mission also targets main-belt comet 311P, a celestial anomaly discovered in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter by American scientists in 2013. It had multiple dust tails and resembled a comet, which was highly unusual in the dry asteroid belt. Further observations confirmed that this object had the stable orbit of an asteroid but occasionally released dusts. It was thus classified as a main-belt comet and became the seventh such object ever confirmed and the most peculiar one to date.

    “Main-belt comets are actually a unique type of asteroid, but exhibiting some cometary features. When they get closer to the Sun, they can release materials, including gases and particles,” Yan explained.

    Traditionally, comets are believed to originate from the outer edges of the solar system with large amounts of ice. When they approach the Sun, the ice evaporates, forming a spectacular tail.

    Located in the main asteroid belt, a region hosting over 90 percent of the solar system’s asteroids, 311P challenges astronomers’ conventional understanding, as the region is too close to the Sun for the celestial body to retain its volatile materials like water ice.

    Tianwen-2 will visit this “rebel” of the asteroid belt to uncover its mysteries and advance human’s understanding of the solar system.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Construction sites in Xiong’an New Area, China’s Hebei

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

    Construction sites in Xiong’an New Area, China’s Hebei

    Updated: February 28, 2025 20:57 Xinhua
    A drone photo taken on Feb. 27, 2025 shows the construction site of Sinochem Holdings building and Xiong’an’s Guomao area in Xiong’an New Area, north China’s Hebei Province. Xiong’an New Area is pushing forward construction projects with top quality and high standards. Since China announced plans to establish the Xiong’an New Area in April 2017, it has evolved from a blueprint into a vibrant city. As of the end of 2024, Xiong’an has developed an area of over 200 square kilometers and has drawn investments exceeding 830 billion yuan. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A drone photo taken on Feb. 27, 2025 shows the construction site of a primary school in Xiong’an’s start-up area, north China’s Hebei Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People work at the construction site of a college town in Xiong’an New Area, north China’s Hebei Province, Feb. 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A drone photo taken on Feb. 27, 2025 shows the construction site of Xiong’an’s Guomao area in north China’s Hebei Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Staff members of China Construction Third Engineering Bureau Group Co., Ltd. work at the construction site of the headquarters of China Mineral Resources Group Ltd. (CMRG) in Xiong’an New Area, north China’s Hebei Province, Feb. 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Staff members of China Construction Third Engineering Bureau Group Co., Ltd. work at the construction site of the headquarters of China Mineral Resources Group Ltd. (CMRG) in Xiong’an New Area, north China’s Hebei Province, Feb. 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A drone photo taken on Feb. 27, 2025 shows the construction site of a college town in Xiong’an New Area, north China’s Hebei Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People work at the construction site of a college town in Xiong’an New Area, north China’s Hebei Province, Feb. 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A drone photo taken on Feb. 27, 2025 shows staff members of China Construction Third Engineering Bureau Group Co., Ltd. working at the construction site of Xiong’an Science and Technology Innovation Center in Xiong’an New Area, north China’s Hebei Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A drone photo taken on Feb. 27, 2025 shows the construction site of the headquarters of China Mineral Resources Group Ltd. (CMRG) in Xiong’an New Area, north China’s Hebei Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Feb. 27, 2025 shows people working at a construction site of a college town in Xiong’an New Area, north China’s Hebei Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 2.27.25

    Source: US State of California 2

    Feb 27, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:

    Aaron Maguire, of Roseville, has been appointed Executive Officer of the Board of State and Community Corrections, where he has been Acting Executive Officer at the Board of State and Community Corrections since 2024, and was previously Chief Deputy Director and General Counsel from 2022 to 2024, and General Counsel from 2016 to 2022. Maguire was Owner and Managing Partner at Maguire & Pank from 2014 to 2016. He was General Counsel and Legislative Representative at Warner & Pank, LLC from 2012 to 2016. Maguire was Assistant Secretary of Legislation at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in 2012. He was a Deputy Legislative Affairs Secretary in the Office of Governor Brown from 2011 to 2012. Maguire was a Deputy Legislative Affairs Secretary in the Office of Governor Schwarzenegger from 2009 to 2010. He was Deputy Attorney General in the Office of the California Attorney General from 2001 to 2009. Maguire earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Davis and a Bachelor of Arts in Literature from the University of California, San Diego. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $219,156. Maguire is a Democrat. 

    Abby Edwards, of Sacramento, has been appointed Senior Deputy Director of State Planning and Policy at the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation. Edwards has held multiples roles at the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation since 2022, including Acting Senior Deputy Director, Deputy Director of Climate and Planning Programs, and Adaption Planning Program Manager. She was Program Development and Operations Manager at CivicWell from 2019 to 2022. Edwards was a Manager for Twisted Fields from 2018 to 2019. She was a Sustainable Agricultural Specialist at the Peace Corps from 2016 to 2018. Edwards was a Course Manager at the University of California, Santa Cruz from 2014 to 2016. She earned a Master of Public Administration degree in Environmental Policy and Management from University of Colorado, Denver and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Science from University of California, Santa Cruz. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $170,004. Edwards is a Democrat.

    Gareth Elliott, of Sacramento, has been reappointed to the University of California Board of Regents, where he has served since 2015. Elliott has been Partner at Sacramento Advocates, Inc. since 2015. He was Legislative Affairs Secretary in the Office of Governor Edmund Brown Jr. from 2011 to 2015. Elliott was Policy Director at the Office of State Senator Alex Padilla in the California State Senate from 2008 to 2011. He held multiple roles in the Office of State Senate President Pro Tempore Don Perata from 2004 to 2008, including Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director. Elliott held multiple roles in the Office of State Senate Don Perata in the California State Senate from 1996 to 2004, including Legislative Director and Legislative Aide. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from California State University, Humbolt. This position requires Senate confirmation, and there is no compensation. Elliott is a Democrat. 

    Darnell C. Grisby, of Oakland, has been reappointed to the California Transportation Commission, where he has served since 2021. Grisby has been Senior Vice President of Beneficial State Foundation since 2022. He was Executive Director of TransForm from 2020 to 2021. Grisby was Director of Policy Development and Research at the American Public Transportation Association from 2011 to 2020. He was Deputy Policy Director at Reconnecting America from 2010 to 2011. Grisby was Government Affairs Representative at Farmers Insurance from 2007 to 2010. He was Legislative Director in the Office of Assemblymember Mike Davis from 2006 to 2007. Grisby was a Budget and Policy Analyst at the New York Independent Budget Office from 2003 to 2006. He was Legislative Assistant in the Office of Assemblymember Jenny Oropeza from 2000 to 2001. He earned a Master of Public Policy degree from Harvard University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Grisby is a Democrat. 

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Feb 27, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – California and a consortium of 21 Brazilian states are partnering together to combat pollution and foster sustainable economic growth. Governor Gavin Newsom and Governor Renato Casagrande of the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo signed a Memorandum…

    Feb 26, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced multiple clemency actions. He granted pardons in three cases. He also sent multiple clemency cases to the Board of Parole Hearings, initiating the process for granting clemency in fifteen cases. He also sent two…

    Feb 26, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom today released a new economic vision for California’s future with a bold plan, realized locally. The unveiling comes alongside the announcement of more than $245 million in investments to help support workers statewide,…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 28 February 2025 Donors making a difference: community engagement to promote, provide and protect the health and well-being of all

    Source: World Health Organisation

    WHO defines community engagement as “a process of developing relationships that enable stakeholders to work together to address health-related issues and promote well-being to achieve positive health impact and outcomes”.

    WHO’s partners and donors support the Organization to work in this area as there are undeniable benefits to engaging communities in promoting health and well-being. At its core, community engagement enables changes in behaviour, environments, policies, programmes and practices within communities.

    Below are some country stories that demonstrate the breadth of community engagement work that WHO conducts, resulting in more positive health outcomes for the people in these communities than before.

    Uganda trains district health workers on community-based approach to Ebola

    Uganda trains Community Health workers from Kole, Mukono and Wakiso districts on community-based approach to Ebola. Photo by: WHO/Sadat Kamugisha 

    Uganda’s Ministry of Health conducted a training on Ebola disease detection and management for Community Health Workers representatives from Kole, Wakiso, and Mukono districts. Participants focused on multi-sectoral action to safeguard communities from emerging zoonotic diseases with pandemic potential such as Ebola.

    Communities play an integral role in raising awareness, supporting case identification, tracing contacts, and maintaining essential health services. The emphasis on collaboration with local leaders, volunteers, and health workers is vital for effective responses to public health emergencies. Building on lessons learned from past health crises, Uganda has already made substantial advancements in emergency preparedness.

    The three-day event was supported by WHO, and the UK Public Health Rapid Support Team (UK-PHRST), which is a UK aid project funded by the Department of Health and Social care. The community protection approach is a central component of WHO’s new Health emergency prevention, preparedness, response, and resilience framework.

    Visit the WHO/Uganda web page to read the full story.

    Community engagement for access to health services in Lao PDR

    CONNECT team members discuss community health priorities in Khammouane Province, Lao PDR. Photo by: WHO/Enric Catala

    Developed by the Lao Ministry of Health and Ministry of Home Affairs in response to COVID-19 with the support of WHO and partners, the CONNECT initiative enhances local governance and community engagement for equitable access to public services, particularly health.

    Supported by USAID, the Australian Government and Luxembourg, as of July 2024, CONNECT reached over 230 villages across 10 provinces (including Vientiane Capital) and support already in-place for expansion to all provinces.

    An external evaluation of implementation in 12 villages found an increase in essential service uptake for maternal health and improved attitudes towards using primary care; increased trust in health providers; increased sense of ownership of health at community level; and increased vaccination uptake and confidence, especially among ethnic groups and previously unreached communities.

    Visit the WHO/WPRO web page to read the full story.

    Côte d’Ivoire community radios boost public awareness on mpox outbreak

    Community radios, pillar of the fight against mpox. Photo by: WHO/Toiherou De Marfere Sidibe

    A network of community radio stations, known as Radio Santé, comprises 350 stations in West African, with over half based in Côte d’Ivoire. Launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic with major support from WHO, Radio Santé has become a preferred channel for disseminating reliable, verified health information. It brings together nearly 1000 journalists and communications specialists.

    Radio Santé is an interactive and accessible tool for mobilizing communities around health issues, throughout Côte d’Ivoire and across borders. Health authorities use Radio Santé to counter rumours and misinformation, and to strengthen community engagement, which is crucial to curbing the spread of diseases such as mpox.

    After WHO declared mpox as a public health emergency of international concern in August 2024, Radio Santé devoted its health talk show to mpox. 185 Ivorian community radio stations have since broadcasted messages on mpox. Over 50 programmes have been produced and broadcast in eight countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo.

    Visit the WHO/Côte d’Ivoire web page to read the full story.

    Bolivia strengthens social participation in health for indigenous population

    Indigenous organizations are clear about their requests. They want free and equitable access to health care, an improved indigenous health network, incorporation of traditional medicine, and the consideration of the indigenous population’s culture, customs, and practices. Photo by: WHO/PAHO

    The Ministry of Health and Sports of Bolivia is engaging indigenous populations in community participation processes, creating space for them to discuss health topics, share concerns, and contribute to a health improvement plan.

    The meaningful inclusion and engagement of indigenous populations in health policy planning, taking into account the social determinants of health, is critical to ensure context-specific interventions, uptake of guidance and services, and positive health outcomes for all.

    PAHO/WHO, through the Universal Health Coverage Partnership, has supported the Ministry of Health and Sports of Bolivia in this endeavour since 2021. The UHC Partnership operates in over 125 countries, representing over 3 billion people. It is supported and funded by Belgium, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Japan, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and WHO

    Visit the PAHO/AMRO web page to read the full story.

    Weaving hope in Honduras: the community wisdom that saves lives

    Maternal health in Honduras Hermelinda shares her experience. Photo by: WHO/Honduras

    In Honduras, high rates of maternal and neonatal mortality are often the result of multiple factors, including socioeconomic barriers, lack of access to adequate healthcare services, gaps in education and awareness about maternal and child health, and cultural differences.

    Hermelinda Hernández, who is familiar with the local practices and beliefs of her community and also recognizes the value of professional medical interventions, participated in the “Knowledge Dialogues Methodology” workshop organized by the Honduran Ministry of Health with the support of PAHO/WHO and funded by Global Affairs Canada.

    The workshop aimed to promote mutual understanding between midwives and healthcare providers to reach agreements that improve the health of women, and adolescent girls in situations of vulnerability within the community.

    Visit the PAHO/AMRO web page to read the full story.

    Grassroots heroes in Cambodia

    Mrs Say Sa with her Baby in Cambodia’s Principal of Health Centre Kok Chuk. Photo by: Aforative media

    In Cambodia, village chiefs stepped up to create a healthier future for their communities. In villages across 25 provinces, 2000 village chiefs and nearly 5400 village health support groups received trainings, organised by the Ministry of Heath with support from WHO and the EU.

    This equipped the chiefs with knowledge and skills necessary to control transmission of COVID-19, influenza, and other respiratory diseases, and collaborate with authorities more closely on health issues facing their communities.

    The chiefs then shared their newfound knowledge during community dialogues, which then transformed how community members adopted healthier practices. Empowered with accurate information, communities embraced protective measures during times of high COVID-19 transmission.

    Visit the WHO/WPRO web page to read the full story, and more on EU’s support to WHO in ASEAN region.

    Bolstering public awareness to help curb mpox spread in Uganda

    Dr Kenneth Kabali, WHO Field Coordinator for Busoga Sub-region sensitizes the community on mpox in Mayuge district, Eastern Uganda. Photo by: WHO/Abdu Mutwalibu Seguya

    Uganda witnessed an upsurge in mpox cases, with laboratory-confirmed cases increasing from 24 as of 21 September to 413 as of 7 November 2024. Health authorities, with support from WHO and partners, worked closely with communities to raise awareness about the dangers of the disease and how to stay safe, and address misinformation and stigma.

    The risk communication and community engagement team reached more than 100 fishmongers, fisherfolk, boda boda (motorbike taxi) riders, 8000 school children and 30 sex workers. In addition, 500 teachers in the district have been oriented on mpox.

    WHO is also using mass media to expand the reach of mpox response communication. With funding from USAID, WHO has contracted 10 regional radio stations and 2 national TV stations to raise awareness and promote preventative behaviour.

    Visit the WHO/AFRO web page to read the full story.

    Combating measles: a comprehensive community-centred approach in Ethiopia

    Combating measles, a comprehensive community-centred approach in Ethiopia. Photo by: WHO/Hassen Ali

    In the districts of Sidama, Central, and South Ethiopia, access to healthcare is often challenging, exacerbated by various health emergencies. A community-led initiative made remarkable progress in combating measles, malaria, and malnutrition through collaborative efforts between local health facilities, community health workers, and government agencies.

    The initiative received significant financial support from the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) bolstering community-based intervention efforts.

    By leveraging collaboration between healthcare facilities, community health workers, and local communities, this initiative represents a beacon of hope in improving healthcare access and outcomes in regions of Ethiopia.

    Visit the WHO/Ethiopia web page to read the full story.

    WHO races to contain malaria resurgence in southeastern Iran

    Malaria resurgence in Iran. Photo by: WHO/Iran

    A race against time is underway in southeastern Iran, where the resurgence of malaria threatens to undo years of progress. The dramatic rise in cases has been attributed to the devastating floods in neighbouring Pakistan in September 2022 which led to an expansion of malaria breeding sites.

    WHO, with crucial support from the Government of Japan, is on the ground in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, battling this public health emergency and working to protect vulnerable communities. Japan’s generous contribution provided 4902 mosquito dome tents offering families protection from infected mosquitos, 50 000 malaria rapid diagnostic tests enabling health care workers to quickly identify and treat infected individuals, and 1655 kg of insecticides, deployed to contain mosquito populations at their source. The combined resources are estimated to benefit 77 400 people in the province.

    In December 2024, a WHO mission observed a proactive approach to malaria control demonstrated by local health workers as they conducted house-to-house screenings, distributed mosquito nets and educated communities on how to use them.

    Visit the WHO/Iran web page to read the full story.

    Mali: screening for malnutrition in affected children to avoid complications

    Screening for malnutrition in affected children to avoid complications, Mali. Photo by: WHO/Razzack Saizonou

    Malnutrition among children is one of the main health problems that the affected populations of Ségou had to face after severe floods hit Mali between July and October 2024. Having lost everything including their food reserves and their means of subsistence, people found themselves in a very precarious situation.

    Among the more than 370,000 people affected by these floods, children, who represent 45% of the affected population, are particularly vulnerable. To enable access to health care, WHO, with thanks to the Central Emergency Response Fund, supported the deployment of mobile clinics on relocation sites.

    In the Ségou region, three sites were set up and equipped with medical tents. Medical staff go there five times a month. Between July and October 2024, nearly 700 children suffering from malnutrition were identified in the three health districts of the Ségou region.

    Visit the WHO/Mali web page to read the full story in French.

    Effective community engagement saving lives in Tanzania during cholera outbreak

    Abdul Zachari, a young man is washing his hands. Photo by: WHO/Clemence Eliah

    The recurrence of Cholera outbreaks has been a threat to many lives in the United Republic of Tanzania for decades now. In mid-2024, situation reports from the Ministry of Health indicated that, the outbreak have been reported in 19 regions of Tanzania Mainland. Thanks to flexible funding available for responding to outbreaks such as this, WHO has been able to support the Government’s efforts to control cholera outbreaks. Risk Communications and Community Engagement (RCCE) Experts worked on the ground delivering an intensive community sensitization in over 92 households and 32 villages . The joint and community-based action plan against Cholera outbreak was built jointly, this way enhancing 54 community members and local authorities from the affected wards and districts. The community engagement strategies adopted generate local solutions tailored to control and prevent further transmissions in these areas. In addition, WHO applied behavioral science approaches to guide tailored interventions to community protection and resilience – and as a result, enhancing many lives in Tanzania.

    Visit the WHO/Tanzania web page to read the full story.

    * * * *

    Read more about the WHO’s community engagement work.

    The donors and partners acknowledged in this story are (in alphabetical order) Australia, Belgium, Canada, the European Union (ECHO), France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Japan, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund, and the USA Agency for International Development.

    WHO’s work is made possible through all contributions of our Member States and partners. WHO thanks all donor countries, governments, organizations and individuals who are contributing to the Organization’s work, with special appreciation for those who provide fully flexible contributions to maintain a strong, independent WHO.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM greets everyone on occasion of National Science Day

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 28 FEB 2025 10:00AM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi greeted everyone today on the occasion of National Science Day. He wrote in a post on X:

    “Greetings on National Science Day to those passionate about science, particularly our young innovators. Let’s keep popularising science and innovation and leveraging science to build a Viksit Bharat. 

    During this month’s #MannKiBaat, had talked about ‘One Day as a Scientist’…where the youth take part in some or the other scientific activity.”

    ****

    MJPS/SR/SKS

    (Release ID: 2106799) Visitor Counter : 47

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Boralex reports net earnings of $74 million for fiscal 2024 and continues construction of its large-scale projects in Québec, Ontario and the United Kingdom

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MONTREAL, Feb. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Boralex Inc. (“Boralex” or the “Corporation”) (TSX: BLX) is pleased to report its results for the three-month period and year ended December 31, 2024.

    Highlights
    Financial results

    • EBITDA(A)1, operating income and net earnings under pressure in Q4-2024 owing to adverse wind and hydropower conditions
      • Production 16% (11% on a Combined1 basis)2 lower than in Q4-2023 and 16% (12%) below anticipated production1, due primarily to the adverse climate conditions. For fiscal 2024 overall, production was 5% (2%) lower than in 2023 and 10% (8%) below anticipated production.
      • EBITDA(A) of $169 million ($191 million) for Q4-2024, down $33 million ($38 million) from Q4-2023. For fiscal 2024, EBITDA(A) was $581 million ($670 million), up $3 million (down $5 million) from 2023. The decrease in production was partly offset by the contribution of newly commissioned sites in France and the positive impact of the electricity selling price optimization strategy.
      • Operating income of $78 million ($53 million) for Q4-2024, down $20 million ($66 million) from Q4-2023. For fiscal 2024, operating income totalled $226 million ($267 million), unchanged (down $39 million) from 2023.
      • Net loss of $2 million in Q4-2024, down $60 million from T4-2023. For fiscal 2024, net earnings amounted to $74 million, $41 million lower than in 2023. Excluding the impairment of an asset, net earnings would have been $6 million higher in fiscal 2024 compared to fiscal 2023.
    • Lower cash flow related to operating activities for the quarter but balance sheet remains strong
      • Net cash flows related to operating activities of $31 million for Q4-2024 and $215 million for fiscal 2024, compared to $107 million for Q4-2023 and $496 million for fiscal 2023.
      • Discretionary cash flows1 of $47 million for Q4-2024 and $158 million for fiscal 2024, down $44 million from Q4-2023 and $26 million from fiscal 2023.
      • Boralex has $592 million in cash and cash equivalents and $523 million in available cash resources and authorized financing1 as at December 31, 2024.
      • A record of nearly $1.2 billion in project financing, bridge financing and letter of credit facilities obtained in 2024.

    Update on development and construction activities

    • Portfolio of projects under development and growth path totalling 8,005 MW in the high growth potential markets of Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and France, 1,227 MW or 18% higher than in 2023
    • Progress in under-construction and ready-to-build projects
      • Start of electrification of the Limekiln wind farm in the United Kingdom (106 MW) in February 2025, with full commissioning planned for early April, and work continues on the Apuiat wind farm in Quebec (total 200 MW, Boralex’s share 100 MW), with commissioning planned for the first half of 2025.
      • Construction of the Hagersville (300 MW) and Tilbury (80 MW) storage projects in Ontario progressing on schedule, with commissioning planned for the fourth quarter of 2025. Financings closed in December 2024.
      • Start of work on the Des Neiges Sud wind project in Quebec (total 400 MW, Boralex’s share 133 MW), with commissioning scheduled for 2026.
    • Acquisition of the Clashindarroch Wind Farm Extension project in the United Kingdom, with an installed capacity of 145 MW, and the adjacent battery energy storage system (BESS) with a maximum capacity of 50 MW, for a total capacity of 195 MW. Boralex has a 50% interest, but has control over the project and will fully consolidate the results in the financial statements.
    1 EBITDA(A) is a total of segment measures. Anticipated production is an additional financial measure. “Combined,” “discretionary cash flows” and “available cash resources and authorized financing” are non-GAAP financial measures and do not have a standardized definition under IFRS. Consequently, these measures may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies. For more details, see the Non-IFRS financial measures and other financial measures section of this press release.
    2 Figures in brackets indicate results on a Combined basis as opposed to a Consolidated basis.
       

    “The year 2024 proved to be full of challenges, which our employees met head-on. I would highlight in particular the significant effort our team invested in 2024 to secure nearly $1.2 billion in financing, a record for Boralex, on very good terms. Despite high volatility in the financial markets and pressure on the stock prices of renewable energy companies, notably in the wake of the American elections, we are convinced that renewable energy development will continue in many regions. Strong growth in electricity demand is expected in the regions where we are developing wind and solar farms and battery storage systems, namely Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States and France,” said Patrick Decostre, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boralex.

    Renewable energy, which is the most competitive type of energy, can be brought on line to meet demand much faster than other types of energy. Boralex is in a position to capitalize on its project pipeline and growth path, which now represent more than 8 GW of power, and will continue to develop key projects with rates of return in line with its targets.

    “Boralex saw its financial results decline in fiscal 2024, mainly as a result of adverse wind conditions in France and to a lesser extent in Canada, as well as impairment of an asset. During the year, we continued to implement our various initiatives aimed at optimizing administrative, financial and development costs. We ended our 2024 financial year with net earnings of $74 million, a strong balance sheet and good financial flexibility, with over $500 million in available cash resources and authorized financing,” Mr. Decostre added.

    Boralex continues to excel on the corporate social responsibility front. In 2024, the Corporation announced that it was one of the few in the industry to have had its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This recognition shows Boralex’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. In addition, Boralex ranked 94th out of the 215 S&P/TSX Composite Index companies and trusts analysed as part of The Board Games, with a score of 80/100, while in 2023 it was 102nd with a score of 76. Finally, Boralex placed 15th in the ranking of Canada’s 50 best corporate citizens, out of the 340 leading Canadian organizations analysed.

    4th quarter highlights

    Three-month periods ended December 31

      Consolidated Combined
    (in millions of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise specified)   2024     2023 Change   2024     2023 Change
            $   %           $   %  
    Power production (GWh)1   1,520     1,814   (294 ) (16 )   2,099     2,351   (252 ) (11 )
    Revenues from energy sales and feed-in premium   228     315   (87 ) (28 )   258     345   (87 ) (25 )
    Operating income   78     98   (20 ) (21 )   53     119   (66 ) (55 )
    EBITDA(A)   169     202   (33 ) (17 )   191     229   (38 ) (17 )
    Net earnings (loss)   (2 )   58   (60 ) >(100 )    (2 )   58   (60 ) >(100 )
    Net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders of Boralex   (16 )   37   (53 ) >(100 )    (16 )   37   (53 ) >(100 )
    Per share – basic and diluted   ($0.15 ) $0.36   ($0.51 ) >(100 )    ($0.15 ) $0.36   ($0.51 ) >(100 )
    Net cash flows related to operating activities   31     107   (76 ) (71 )   —     —   —   —  
    Cash flows from operations2   105     161   (56 ) (35 )   —     —   —   —  
    Discretionary cash flows   47     91   (44 ) (48 )   —     —   —   —  
                                             

    In the fourth quarter of 2024, Boralex produced 1,520 GWh (2,099 GWh) of power, 16% (11%) less than the 1,814 GWh (2,351 GWh) produced in the same quarter of 2023. The decrease was mainly attributable to adverse weather conditions. As a result, Boralex ended the quarter with total production that was 16% (12%) below anticipated production.

    Revenues from energy sales and feed-in premiums for the three-month period ended December 31, 2024, amounted to $228 million ($258 million), 28% (25%) lower than in the fourth quarter of 2023. The decrease was mainly attributable to the lower production. EBITDA(A) amounted to $169 million ($191 million), down 17% (17%) from the fourth quarter of 2023. The decline in production was partly offset by the contribution of new assets commissioned in France and the positive impact of the electricity selling price optimization strategy. Operating income totalled $78 million ($53 million), compared to $98 million ($119 million) for the same quarter of 2023. The Company posted a net loss of $2 million, which represents a $60 million decrease from the $58 million in net earnings reported for the fourth quarter of 2023.

    1 Power production includes the production for which Boralex received financial compensation following power generation limitations as management uses this measure to evaluate the Corporation’s performance. This adjustment facilitates the correlation between power production and revenues from energy sales and feed-in premium.
    2 The cash flows from operations is a non-GAAP financial measure and does not have a standardized meaning under IFRS. Accordingly, it may not be comparable to similarly named measures used by other companies. For more details, see the Non-IFRS and other financial measures section of this press release.
       

    Years ended December 31

      Consolidated Combined

    (in millions of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise specified)

    		   2024   2023 Change   2024   2023 Change
            $   %           $   %  
    Power production (GWh)1   5,691   5,973   (282 ) (5 )   7,845   8,020   (175 ) (2 )
    Revenues from energy sales and feed-in premium   817   994   (177 ) (18 )   933   1,104   (171 ) (15 )
    Operating income   226   226   —   —     267   306   (39 ) (12 )
    EBITDA(A)   581   578   3   —     670   675   (5 ) (1 )
    Net earnings   74   115   (41 ) (35 )   74   115   (41 ) (35 )
    Net earnings attributable to shareholders of Boralex   36   78   (42 ) (54 )   36   78   (42 ) (54 )
    Per share – basic and diluted $0.35 $0.76 ($0.41 ) (54 ) $0.35 $0.76 ($0.41 ) (54 )
    Net cash flows related to operating activities   215   496   (281 ) (57 )   —   —   —   —  
    Cash flows from operations   415   445   (30 ) (7 )   —   —   —   —  
    Discretionary cash flows   158   184   (26 ) (14 )   —   —   —   —  
      As at
    Dec. 31    		 As at
    Dec. 31    		 Change As at
    Dec. 31    		 As at
    Dec. 31    		 Change
            $   %           $   %  
    Total assets   7,604   6,574   1,030   16     8,476   7,304   1,172   16  
    Debt – principal balance   4,032   3,327   705   21     4,588   3,764   824   22  
    Total project debt   3,608   2,844   764   27     4,166   3,281   885   27  
    Total corporate debt   424   483   (59 ) (12 )   424   483   (59 ) (12 )
                                         

    For the year ended December 31, 2024, Boralex produced 5,691 GWh (7,845 GWh) of power, less than the 5,973 GWh (8,020 GWh) produced during the same period in 2023. Revenues from energy sales and feed-in premiums for the financial year ended December 31, 2024, amounted to $817 million ($933 million), down $177 million ($171 million) or 18% (15%) from the same period in 2023.

    EBITDA(A) amounted to $581 million ($670 million), up $3 million (down $5 million) from the same period last year. Operating income totalled $226 million ($267 million), essentially unchanged (down $39 million) from the same period in 2023. Overall, Boralex posted net earnings of $74 million ($74 million) for the financial year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $115 million ($115 million) for fiscal 2023.

    1 Power production includes the production for which Boralex received financial compensation following power generation limitations imposed by its customers since management uses this measure to evaluate the Corporation’s performance. This adjustment facilitates the correlation between power production and revenues from energy sales and feed-in premiums.
       

    Outlook

    Boralex’s 2025 Strategic Plan is built around the same four strategic directions as the plan launched in 2019 – growth, diversification, customers and optimization – and six corporate targets. The details of the plan, which also sets out Boralex’s corporate social responsibility strategy, are found in the Corporation’s annual report. Highlights of the main achievements for the 2024 financial year in relation to the 2025 Strategic Plan can be found in the 2024 Annual Report, in the Investors section of the Boralex website.

    In the coming quarters, Boralex will continue to work on its various initiatives under the strategic plan, including project development, analysis of acquisition targets and optimization of power sales and operating costs. The Corporation will present a new plan for the period to 2030 during the course of 2025.

    Finally, to fuel its organic growth, the Corporation has a portfolio of projects under development and growth path based on clearly identified criteria, totalling more than 8 GW of wind, solar and energy storage projects.

    About Boralex

    At Boralex, we have been providing affordable renewable energy accessible to everyone for over 30 years. As a leader in the Canadian market and France’s largest independent producer of onshore wind power, we also have facilities in the United States and development projects in the United Kingdom. Over the past five years, our installed capacity has more than doubled to over 3.1 GW. We are developing a portfolio of projects in development and construction of more than 8 GW in wind, solar and storage projects, guided by our values and our corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach. Through profitable and sustainable growth, Boralex is actively participating in the fight against global warming. Thanks to our fearlessness, our discipline, our expertise and our diversity, we continue to be an industry leader. Boralex’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BLX.

    For more information, visit www.boralex.com or www.sedarplus.ca. Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

    Non-IFRS measures
    Performance measures

    In order to assess the performance of its assets and reporting segments, Boralex uses performance measures. Management believes that these measures are widely accepted financial indicators used by investors to assess the operational performance of a company and its ability to generate cash through operations. The non-IFRS and other financial measures also provide investors with insight into the Corporation’s decision making as the Corporation uses these non-IFRS financial measures to make financial, strategic and operating decisions. The non-IFRS and other financial measures should not be considered as substitutes for IFRS measures.

    These non-IFRS and other financial measures are derived primarily from the audited consolidated financial statements, but do not have a standardized meaning under IFRS; accordingly, they may not be comparable to similarly named measures used by other companies. Non-IFRS and other financial measures are not audited. They have important limitations as analytical tools and investors are cautioned not to consider them in isolation or place undue reliance on ratios or percentages calculated using these non-IFRS financial measures.

    Non-IFRS financial measures
    Specific financial
    measure    		 Use Composition Most directly
    comparable IFRS
    measure
    Financial data – Combined (all disclosed financial data) To assess the operating performance and the ability of a company to generate cash from its operations and investments in joint ventures and associates. Results from the combination of the financial information of Boralex Inc. under IFRS and the share of the financial information of the Interests.

    Interests in the Joint Ventures and associates, Share in earnings (losses) of the Joint Ventures and associates and Distributions received from the Joint Ventures and associates are then replaced with Boralex’s respective share in the financial statements of the Interests (revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities, etc.)

    		 Respective financial data – Consolidated
    Discretionary cash flows To assess the cash generated from operations and the amount available for future development or to be paid as dividends to common shareholders while preserving the long-term value of the business.

    Corporate objectives for 2025 from the strategic plan.

    		 Net cash flows related to operating activities before “change in non-cash items related to operating activities,” less
    (i) distributions paid to non-controlling shareholders;
    (ii) additions to property, plant and equipment (maintenance of operations);
    (iii) repayments on non-current debt (projects) and repayments to tax equity investors;
    (iv) principal payments related to lease liabilities;
    (v) adjustments for non-operational items; plus
    (vi) development costs (from the statement of earnings).    		 Net cash flows related to operating activities
    Cash flows from operations To assess the cash generated by the Company’s operations and its ability to finance its expansion from these funds. Net cash flows related to operating activities before changes in non-cash items related to operating activities. Net cash flows related to operating activities
    Non-IFRS financial measures
    Specific financial
    measure    		 Use Composition Most directly
    comparable IFRS
    measure
    Available cash and cash equivalents To assess the cash and cash equivalents available, as at balance sheet date, to fund the Corporation’s growth. Represents cash and cash equivalents, as stated on the balance sheet, from which known short-term cash requirements are excluded. Cash and cash equivalents
    Available cash resources and authorized financing To assess the total cash resources available, as at balance sheet date, to fund the Corporation’s growth. Results from the combination of credit facilities available to fund growth and the available cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents
    Other financial measures – Total of segments measure
    Specific financial measure Most directly comparable IFRS measure
    EBITDA(A) Operating income
    Other financial measures – Supplementary Financial Measures
    Specific financial measure Composition
    Credit facilities available for growth The credit facilities available for growth include the unused tranche of the parent company’s credit facility, apart from the accordion clause, as well as the unused tranche credit facilities of subsidiaries which includes the unused tranche of the credit facility- France and the unused tranche of the construction facility.
    Anticipated production For older sites, anticipated production by the Corporation is based on adjusted historical averages, planned commissioning and shutdowns and, for all other sites, on the production studies carried out.
       

    Combined

    The following tables reconcile Consolidated financial data with data presented on a Combined basis:

        2024     2023  
    (in millions of Canadian dollars) Consolidated   Reconciliation(1)   Combined   Consolidated  Reconciliation(1) Combined  
    Three-month periods ended December 31:              
    Power production (GWh)(2) 1,520   579   2,099   1,814 537 2,351  
    Revenues from energy sales and feed-in premium 228   30   258   315 30 345  
    Operating income 78   (25 ) 53   98 21 119  
    EBITDA(A) 169   22   191   202 27 229  
    Net earnings (loss) (2 ) —   (2 ) 58 — 58  
    Years ended December 31:                    
    Power production (GWh)(2) 5,691   2,154   7,845   5,973 2,047 8,020  
    Revenues from energy sales and feed-in premiums 817   116   933   994 110 1,104  
    Operating income 226   41   267   226 80 306  
    EBITDA(A) 581   89   670   578 97 675  
    Net earnings 74   —   74   115 — 115  
      As at December 31, 2024
    		   As at December 31, 2023
    		  
    Total assets 7,604   872   8,476   6,574 730 7,304  
    Debt – Principal balance 4,032   556   4,588   3,327 437 3,764  
    (1) Includes the respective contribution of joint ventures and associates as a percentage of Boralex’s interest less adjustments to reverse recognition of these interests under IFRS. This contribution is attributable to the North America segment’s wind farms and includes corporate expenses of $2 million under EBITDA(A) for the year ended December 31, 2024 ($2 million as at December 31, 2023). 
    (2) Includes compensation following electricity production limitations.
       

    EBITDA(A)

    EBITDA(A) is a total of segment financial measures and represents earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, adjusted to exclude other items such as acquisition and integration costs, other losses (gains), net loss (gain) on financial instruments and foreign exchange loss (gain), with the last two items included under Other.

    EBITDA(A) is used to assess the performance of the Corporation’s reporting segments.

    EBITDA(A) is reconciled to the most comparable IFRS measure, namely, operating income, in the following table:

      2024       2023   Change 2024 vs 2023
    (in millions of Canadian dollars) Consolidated Reconciliation(1) Combined Consolidated Reconciliation(1) Combined Consolidated   Combined
    		  
    Three-month periods ended December 31:            
    EBITDA(A) 169   22   191   202   27   229   (33 ) (38 )
    Amortization (73 ) (15 ) (88 ) (75 ) (14 ) (89 ) 2   1  
    Impairment —   (47 ) (47 ) (20 ) (1 ) (21 ) 20   (26 )
    Other gains (losses) (3 ) —   (3 ) 1   (1 ) —   (4 ) (3 )
    Share in earnings of joint ventures and associates (3 ) 3   —   (17 ) 17   —   14   —  
    Change in fair value of a derivative included in the share in earnings of a joint venture —   —   —   7   (7 ) —   (7 ) —  
    Impairment included in the share in earnings of a joint venture (12 ) 12   —   —   —   —   (12 ) —  
    Operating income 78   (25 ) 53   98   21   119   (20 ) (66 )
                 
    Years ended December 31:            
    EBITDA(A) 581   89   670   578   97   675   3   (5 )
    Amortization (297 ) (59 ) (356 ) (293 ) (58 ) (351 ) (4 ) (5 )
    Impairment (5 ) (47 ) (52 ) (20 ) (1 ) (21 ) 15   (31 )
    Other gains 5   —   5   1   2   3   4   2  
    Share in earnings of joint ventures and associates (46 ) 46   —   (59 ) 59   —   13   —  
    Change in fair value of a derivative included in the share in earnings of a joint venture —   —   —   19   (19 ) —   (19 ) —  
    Impairment included in the share in earnings of a joint venture (12 ) 12   —   —   —   —   (12 ) —  
    Operating income 226   41   267   226   80   306   —   (39 )
    (1) Includes the respective contribution of joint ventures and associates as a percentage of Boralex’s interest less adjustments to reverse recognition of these interests under IFRS.
       

    Cash flow from operations and discretionary cash flows

    The Corporation computes the cash flow from operations and discretionary cash flows as follows:

      Consolidated
      Three-month periods ended Years ended
      December 31 December 31
    (in millions of Canadian dollars) 2024   2023   2024   2023  
    Net cash flows related to operating activities 31   107   215   496  
    Change in non-cash items relating to operating activities 74   54   200   (51 )
    Cash flows from operations 105   161   415   445  
    Repayments on non-current debt (projects)(1) (53 ) (50 ) (240 ) (232 )
    Adjustment for non-operating items(2) 5   2   7   6  
      57   113   182   219  
    Principal payments related to lease liabilities(3) (6 ) (4 ) (19 ) (17 )
    Distributions paid to non-controlling shareholders(4) (17 ) (33 ) (52 ) (57 )
    Additions to property, plant and equipment (maintenance of operations)(5) (3 ) 2   (10 ) (6 )
    Development costs (from statement of earnings)(6) 16   13   57   45  
    Discretionary cash flows 47   91   158   184  
    (1) Includes repayments on non-current debt (projects) and repayments to tax equity investors, and excludes VAT bridge financing, early debt repayments and repayments under the construction facility – Boralex Energy Investments portfolio and the CDPQ Fixed Income Inc. term loan.
    (2) For the years ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, favourable adjustment consisting mainly of acquisition, integration and other non-operating miscellaneous items.
    (3) Excludes the principal payments related to lease liabilities for projects under development and construction.
    (4) Comprises distributions paid to non-controlling shareholders as well as the portion of discretionary cash flows attributable to the non-controlling shareholder of Boralex Europe Sàrl.
    (5) Excludes the additions to the property, plant and equipment of regulated assets (treated as assets under construction since they are regulated assets for which investments in the plant are considered in the setting of its electricity selling price). During the fourth quarter of 2023, an amount of $4 million was reclassified as new property, plant, and equipment under construction.
    (6) During Q1-2024, the Corporation reclassified the employee benefits for 2023 and 2024 related to its incentive plans, which were reported in full under Operating expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings. To better allocate these expenses to the Corporation’s various functions and thus provide more relevant information to users of the financial statements, the Corporation is now allocating these costs to Operating, Administrative and Development expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings according to the breakdown of staff. This change resulted in a $1 million increase in development costs for the three-month period ended December 31, 2023 and $5 million increase for the year ended December 31, 2023.
       

    Available cash and cash equivalents and available cash resources and authorized financing

    The Corporation defines available cash and cash equivalents as well as available cash resources and authorized financing as follows:

      Consolidated
      As at December 31   As at December 31  
    (in millions of Canadian dollars) 2024   2023  
    Cash and cash equivalents 592   478  
    Cash and cash equivalents held by entities subject to project debt agreement and restrictions(1) (526 ) (388 )
    Bank overdraft (5 ) (6 )
    Available cash and cash equivalents 61   84  
    Credit facilities available for growth 462   463  
    Available cash resources and authorized financing 523   547  
    (1) This cash can be used for the operations of the respective projects, but is subject to restrictions for non-project related purposes under the credit agreements.
       

    Disclaimer regarding forward-looking statements

    Certain statements contained in this release, including those related to results and performance for future periods, installed capacity targets, EBITDA(A) and discretionary cash flows, the Corporation’s strategic plan, business model and growth strategy, organic growth and growth through mergers and acquisitions, obtaining an investment grade credit rating, payment of a quarterly dividend, the Corporation’s financial targets, the projects commissioning dates, the portfolio of renewable energy projects, the Corporation’s Growth Path, the bids for new storage and solar projects and its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) objectives are forward-looking statements based on current forecasts, as defined by securities legislation. Positive or negative verbs such as “will,” “would,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “plan,” “project,” “continue,” “intend,” “assess,” “estimate” or “believe,” or expressions such as “toward,” “about,” “approximately,” “to be of the opinion,” “potential” or similar words or the negative thereof or other comparable terminology, are used to identify such statements.

    Forward-looking statements are based on major assumptions, including those about the Corporation’s return on its projects, as projected by management with respect to wind and other factors, opportunities that may be available in the various sectors targeted for growth or diversification, assumptions made about EBITDA(A) margins, assumptions made about the sector realities and general economic conditions, competition, exchange rates as well as the availability of funding and partners. While the Corporation considers these factors and assumptions to be reasonable, based on the information currently available to the Corporation, they may prove to be inaccurate.

    Boralex wishes to clarify that, by their very nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and that its results, or the measures it adopts, could be significantly different from those indicated or underlying those statements, or could affect the degree to which a given forward-looking statement is achieved. The main factors that may result in any significant discrepancy between the Corporation’s actual results and the forward-looking financial information or expectations expressed in forward-looking statements include the general impact of economic conditions, fluctuations in various currencies, fluctuations in energy prices, the risk of not renewing PPAs or being unable to sign new corporate PPA, the risk of not being able to capture the US or Canadian investment tax credit, counterparty risk, the Corporation’s financing capacity, cybersecurity risks, competition, changes in general market conditions, industry regulations and amendments thereto, particularly the legislation, regulations and emergency measures that could be implemented for time to time to address high energy prices in Europe, litigation and other regulatory issues related to projects in operation or under development, as well as certain other factors considered in the sections dealing with risk factors and uncertainties appearing in Boralex’s MD&A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.

    Unless otherwise specified by the Corporation, forward-looking statements do not take into account the effect that transactions, non-recurring items or other exceptional items announced or occurring after such statements have been made may have on the Corporation’s activities. There is no guarantee that the results, performance or accomplishments, as expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, will materialize. Readers are therefore urged not to rely unduly on these forward-looking statements.

    Unless required by applicable securities legislation, Boralex’s management assumes no obligation to update or revise forward- looking statements in light of new information, future events or other changes.

    For more information:

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by DSJ at closing ceremony of National Training Course for Talents Handling Foreign-related Arbitration (Hong Kong) (English only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is the speech by the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung kwok-kwan, at the closing ceremony of the National Training Course for Talents Handling Foreign-related Arbitration (Hong Kong) today (February 28):

    Mr Zhao (Vice Chairman and General Manager of China Legal Service (H.K.) Limited, Mr Zhao Zhenhua), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

    Good afternoon. As we gather here today to conclude the National Training Course for Talents Handling Foreign-related Arbitration (Hong Kong), I am reminded of the saying that “time flies when you are having fun. It seems like just yesterday we were welcoming you to this Course. Yet, here we are, at the end of an enriching journey that has spanned several days of insightful lectures, engaging dialogues and practical experience.

    First, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Justice, the China University of Political Science and Law, and the China Legal Service (H.K.) Limited for their support and trust in the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy. We are deeply grateful for their support and assistance, which have been crucial to the success of this Course. I eagerly anticipate our continued collaboration and future endeavors together.

    I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to each of you for your active participation and valuable contributions. The thoughtful questions you asked, the insightful perspectives you shared, and the engaging discussions you participated in have all significantly enriched our collective learning experience.

    As you may be aware of, the Supreme People’s Court and the Ministry of Justice of the People’s Republic of China have jointly issued the (Opinions on Giving Full Play to the Role of Arbitration to Serve the High-quality Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area), expanding the scope of arbitration services regarding “Hong Kong-invested enterprises choosing Hong Kong Law” and “Hong Kong-invested enterprises choosing Hong Kong as the arbitration place.

    The new measures, effective from February 14 of this year, include that (i) Hong Kong-invested enterprises registered in Shenzhen and Zhuhai may choose Hong Kong law as the applicable laws in contracts, regardless of the proportion of investment; and (ii) Hong Kong-invested enterprises registered in the nine Mainland municipalities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) may choose Hong Kong as the place of arbitration to resolve commercial disputes, in addition to being able to agree on the Mainland as the arbitration location.

    These new measures implement the content of the Second Agreement Concerning Amendment to the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement Agreement on Trade in Services in October last year, providing investors and enterprises in the GBA with more and broader legal services options. They also establish a better, more diversified dispute resolution mechanism based on joint discussion, joint construction, and shared benefits.

    The Opinions provide suggestions for accelerating the construction of world-class arbitration institutions in the GBA, establishing unified first-class arbitration rules and online negotiation and resolution platforms in the GBA, expanding the service areas of arbitration institutions in the nine Mainland municipalities of the GBA, improving the arbitration and succession mechanisms, as well as the judicial supervision mechanisms, and establishing a training mechanism for foreign-related arbitration.

    The Department of Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administration Region will continue to actively co-operate with municipalities in the GBA to promote the integrated development, seeking to give full play to Hong Kong’s capability in nurturing foreign-related legal talents, and assist the country in providing more training for foreign-related talents.

    As the Academy strives to continuously improve and enhance our training programmes, we would greatly appreciate your feedback on this Course. As you all hail from diverse backgrounds in government, universities, lawyers’ associations and enterprises, and are all leaders and experts in your respective fields, your insights and suggestions are very invaluable to us, helping us tailor future courses to better meet your needs and expectations.

    As we move forward, let us continue to build on the connections and insights that we gained from this Course. I wish you all a safe journey back home, and continued success in your professional pursuits. Thank you very much.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prof. Brian Greene renowned American Physicist and Professor of Mathematics & Physics, Columbia University visits IIT Delhi and interacts with students

    Source: Government of India

    Prof. Brian Greene  renowned American Physicist and Professor of Mathematics & Physics, Columbia University visits IIT Delhi and interacts with students

    Rapid advancements in scientific innovation will position India as a global leader in S&T – Prof. Brian Greene

    Posted On: 28 FEB 2025 5:34PM by PIB Delhi

    Prof. Brian Greene, renowned Theoretical Physicist, Author, and Professor of Mathematics & Physics, Columbia University, visited Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi today and interacted with the students. Director of IIT Delhi, Dr. Rangan Banerjee, faculty and students were present at the event. Prof. Greene also visited the Research & Innovation Park of the Institute and appreciated the facilities.

    While interacting with the students, Prof. Greene expressed his gratitude for the wonderful visit and the engaging discussions with both the faculty and students. He appreciated their energy, creativity, and zeal for innovation. He also emphasized that their keen interest in scientific and technological development is highly significant, as it will pave the way for a better future.

    Acknowledging India’s rapid advancements in scientific innovation, Prof. Greene expressed his hope that this progress would position the country as a global leader in science and technology. He praised IIT as a world-class institute, highlighting the remarkable faculty dedicated to nurturing some of India’s greatest minds.

    During the session, students posed intriguing questions, including where, in his opinion, subjects such as physics and mathematics diverge and converge, as well as inquiries about string theory. In response, he elaborated on his work related to the mathematics of string theory.

    Prof. Greene visited the Research & Innovation Park of IIT Delhi. The establishment was inaugurated by President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu during the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of the Institute. It focuses on innovation and product development where IIT Delhi, industry, entrepreneurs and government agencies interact and enable creation of advanced technological solutions. The Park works towards accelerating research translation, providing avenues for IIT Delhi students and faculty to interact more closely with industry and bring to market technological breakthroughs through incubation, amplifying technological and societal impact of R&D, and galvanizing entrepreneurial aspirations. It has facilities including labs for start-ups, board rooms, conference hall, meeting and training rooms, etc.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh visits DRDO’s Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 28 FEB 2025 5:23PM by PIB Delhi

    Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh visited DRDO’s Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex,  the nerve centre for design and development of indigenous missile systems, in Hyderabad, Telangana on February 28, 2025. He was briefed about the missile technologies and related programmes being carried out by Research Centre Imarat (RCI). Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat and senior scientists & officials of RCI were present on the occasion.

    Shri Rajnath Singh also felicitated the team of the Long-Range Hypersonic Anti-Ship Missile project, successful flight-trials of which took place in November 2024. The successful testing positioned India among the select group of nations with hypersonic missile capabilities.

    Interacting with the scientists, Raksha Mantri commended them for their unparalleled contribution to India’s defence capabilities and exuded confidence that, with concerted efforts, India will find itself among the top-three economies by 2027. He called upon them to continue factoring-in the rapidly-evolving technological transformation into their projects while working with dedication and honesty.

    Shri Rajnath Singh also paid glowing tributes to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on the occasion. He stated that the former President’s contributions to science & technology, missile development in particular, can never be forgotten.

    In his address, the DRDO Chairman reiterated the organisation’s commitment towards developing critical technologies and ensuring that India becomes ‘Aatmanirbhar’ as well as a technology leader. “DRDO will strive to realise Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision that defence systems are made in India and made for the world,” he said.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CEDD and HKUST sign MOU on research studies (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today (February 28) to set out the framework of collaboration on research studies related to sustainable infrastructure development and land formation.
                 
         The MOU was signed by the Director of Civil Engineering and Development, Mr Michael Fong, and the Vice-President for Research and Development of the HKUST, Professor Tim Cheng, and witnessed by the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Ricky Lau, and the President of the HKUST, Professor Nancy Ip.
          
         The MOU, effective from March 1 for a duration of two years, will cover research areas in novel construction materials, innovative landslide mitigation strategies, digitalisation, artificial intelligence technology, innovative engineering and sustainable solutions.
          
         Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr Fong said that the CEDD has been applying innovative technologies to facilitate the implementation of construction projects. With the CEDD’s experience in construction projects and the HKUST’s top-notch research team, the collaboration between the two parties promotes the research in sustainable infrastructure development and land formation, and would help the industry enhance productivity, quality and site safety.
          
         Professor Cheng said that the HKUST’s multidisciplinary research expertise, covering AI, the Internet of Things, digital twins, material science and civil engineering, will synergise with the CEDD’s practical experience, work data and scenario applications to create innovative and practical solutions.

         The CEDD has been collaborating closely with academic institutions and the construction industry to develop various smart and innovative technologies for application in public works projects. The CEDD has applied research deliverables in various projects to effectively facilitate their implementation, such as optimising the design of debris-resisting barriers for landslide mitigation, and advocating the recycling of construction and demolition materials.   

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Giloy Takes the Global Stage: Research Publications Soar Over 300% in a Decade

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Giloy Takes the Global Stage: Research Publications Soar Over 300% in a Decade

    New Studies Reveal Promising Role of Giloy in Immunity & Clinical Research

    Posted On: 28 FEB 2025 4:52PM by PIB Delhi

    The data from PubMed, a globally recognised database for biomedical and life sciences research, reveals a staggering 376.5% increase in the number of research publications around Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) over the past decade, highlighting a growing global interest in the plant’s therapeutic potential. On searching the database for studies on ‘guduchi or tinospora cordifolia or amrita’, the results show 243 studies published in 2014. In contrast, in 2024, the number rose to 913, i.e. 376.5% increase.

    Image: Tinospora cordifolia, commonly known as Guduchi or Giloy, familiar as Amrita in Sanskrit, which translates to the ‘herb of immortality’, because of its abundant beneficial properties

    Post-COVID Boom in Giloy Research

    Notably, Guduchi is a popular herb known as Giloy and has been used in therapeutics for a long time in Ayush systems. While scientists have long been intrigued by Giloy’s medicinal properties, the years following the COVID-19 pandemic saw a major spike in research as experts explored natural immunity boosters and holistic healthcare solutions. Emerging studies reinforce its immune-modulatory, antiviral, and adaptogenic properties, making it a subject of keen interest among global researchers and healthcare practitioners.

    While highlighting the efforts of the Ministry to boost scientific research in Ayush, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, stated, “Scientific validation of Ayush formulations, herbs, etc., including medicinal plants like Giloy, is a top priority for the Ministry. We are committed to strengthening research collaborations, funding scientific studies, and promoting evidence-based integration of Ayurveda with mainstream healthcare to benefit global health.”

    Emphasizing the importance of scientific research and publication, Director General, CCRAS, Prof. Rabinarayan Acharya stated, “Research on medicinal plants is vital for bridging traditional wisdom with modern science. Scientific publications serve as a foundation for evidence-based validation, enhancing global acceptance and integrating Ayurveda into mainstream healthcare.”

    What Makes Giloy So Special?

     

    The increasing number of clinical studies and laboratory research suggests that Giloy may have a significant role in cancer therapy, autoimmune disease management, and even inflammatory disorders.

    Dr Galib, Associate Professor at the All-India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi, explains, “Scientific exploration of Giloy is gaining momentum, with increasing studies showcasing its medicinal potential. Recent research highlights its bioactive compounds and therapeutic benefits, including immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. This growing interest positions Giloy as a promising candidate for future clinical applications in various medical fields.”

    Giloy & Scientific Research: Some Latest Findings

    Among the many recent studies that have particularly piqued scientific curiosity:

    February 2025: A study by Harsha Vaghasia (University School of Sciences, Gujarat University) and the team, published in PubMed, investigated the role of Giloy extracts in HPV-positive cervical cancer treatment. The findings highlight Giloy’s potential immunomodulatory benefits, paving the way for safer, more effective cancer therapies combined with conventional treatments.

    January 2025: Researchers from Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, led by Ankita Das Sheth, explored Giloy’s effectiveness in managing Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis (IGM), a benign yet challenging breast disorder often mistaken for cancer. The study reported that Giloy-based phytopharmaceutical drugs provided a safe, steroid-free treatment alternative, offering a cost-effective and efficient option to avoid aggressive surgeries.

    Ayush Ministry’s Proactive Support to Scholars with Technical Dossier

    Recognising the increasing scientific interest in Giloy, the Ministry of Ayush has taken a proactive step by launching a technical dossier on the herb. This one-of-a-kind resource combines scientific research, therapeutic applications, and key insights to promote evidence-based practices in traditional medicine.

    By integrating traditional Ayurveda wisdom with modern research, this initiative aims to raise awareness among healthcare professionals and the public, reinforcing India’s leadership in holistic wellness and integrative medicine.

    With scientific studies continuing to validate the medicinal properties of Giloy, experts believe this Ayurvedic marvel is on its way to becoming a mainstream integrative healthcare solution. As the world looks toward natural, plant-based therapies, India’s centuries-old herbal wisdom may hold the key to safer, more effective treatments for some of the most pressing health challenges of our time.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Excel in frontier tech by making best use of internationally-competitive infrastructure being set-up in India: Raksha Mantri to youth during National Science Day celebrations in Hyderabad

    Source: Government of India

    Excel in frontier tech by making best use of internationally-competitive infrastructure being set-up in India: Raksha Mantri to youth during National Science Day celebrations in Hyderabad

    “India can remain strong & secure in adverse situations if it has solutions to critical technological challenges”

    Govt’s endeavour is to harness the potential of India’s youth to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047, says Shri Rajnath Singh

    Posted On: 28 FEB 2025 2:43PM by PIB Delhi

    Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has called upon the youth to inculcate scientific temper and excel in frontier technologies by making best use of the internationally-competitive infrastructure being established in the country due to the Government’s efforts. He was inaugurating Vigyan Vaibhav, a two-day science and technology extravaganza organised in Hyderabad, Telangana as part of National Science Day celebrations on February 28, 2025.

    “War is increasingly moving from hardware to software-oriented. New technological breakthroughs are on the horizon and we have to take a lead in transformative technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, Machine Learning and Clean-tech. India can remain strong and secure in adverse situations if it has solutions to critical technological challenges. Our youth must adopt scientific outlook & critical thinking and try to go beyond the ordinary,” said Shri Rajnath Singh. He recalled the words of former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam who said “Science is a beautiful gift to humanity; we should not distort it but use it for betterment of society”.

    Raksha Mantri reiterated Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi-led Government’s commitment to harness modern technology for the safety and security of the nation, terming education in the field as crucial for the future. India’s youth possesses tremendous potential and it is the Government’s endeavour to harness their capabilities to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, he said.

    Shri Rajnath Singh threw light on the New Education Policy 2020 which aims to transform science education in the country by encouraging creativity, critical thinking and innovation. He added that the theme of this year’s National Science Day i.e. ‘Empowering Indian youth for global leadership in Science and Innovation for Viksit Bharat’ reflects the same approach. He described the theme as a reflection of New India’s aspiration for progress through innovation and global scientific leadership.

    Speaking on the occasion, Telangana Chief Minister Shri A Revanth Reddy stated that Hyderabad has long been a hub of scientific excellence and technological innovation. He urged the young minds participating in Vigyan Vaibhav 2025 to dream big and embrace innovation with passion.

    As part of the event, a grand exhibition has been organised which welcomed over 30,000 students. Featuring 200+ exhibition stalls, it provided a rare opportunity for students to witness cutting-edge defence and aerospace technologies developed by DRDO and leading Indian industries. The exhibition aimed to ignite curiosity, inspire innovation, and encourage young minds to pursue careers in STEM fields, fostering the next generation of scientists, engineers, techno-preneurs who will propel India towards global technological leadership.

    Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat; President, Aeronautical Society of India (AeSI) Dr G Satheesh Reddy; Director Generals and Directors of DRDO; CMDs of PSUs and heads of industries attended the event.

    Vigyan Vaibhav is jointly organised by DRDO, AeSI, and Kalam Institute of Youth Excellence to commemorate National Science Day in honour of legendary scientist Sir CV Raman and his ground-breaking contributions to science. The event brings together policymakers, scientists, industry leaders, academicians, and young innovators to discuss and showcase advancements that will shape the nation’s future. As India advances towards Viksit Bharat by 2047, it serves as a reminder that the path to self-reliance is paved with scientific excellence, innovation, and collaboration.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister for Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy to Inaugurate 175th Foundation Day Celebrations of Geological Survey of India at Kolkata on 4th March 2025

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Minister for Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy to Inaugurate 175th Foundation Day Celebrations of Geological Survey of India at Kolkata on 4th March 2025

    GSI to Organize Mega Walkathon Across the Country on 2nd March 2025 to Kick Off the Commemorative Celebrations

    Posted On: 28 FEB 2025 1:50PM by PIB Delhi

    The Geological Survey of India (GSI), one of the oldest scientific organizations in the country, is set to celebrate its 175th year of geoscientific legacy. To mark this historic milestone, Union Minister of Coal & Mines, Shri G Kishan Reddy will inaugurate the Foundation Day celebrations on 4th March 2025 at Central Headquarters, Kolkata, in the esteemed presence of Shri Asit Saha, Director General, GSI, heads of organisations along with senior officials, geoscientists, and stakeholders.

    Established in 1851 by Sir Thomas Oldham, GSI has played a pioneering role in geological mapping, mineral exploration, disaster studies, and geoscientific research, significantly contributing to India’s industrial and economic growth.

    As a curtain-raiser to this grand celebration, GSI will organize a Pan-India Walkathon on 2nd March 2025, bringing together geoscientists, students, policymakers, and the general public, across all GSI offices in the country. The Central Headquarters, Kolkata will serve as the focal point, with the event taking place at CK-CL Park, Salt Lake, Sector-II, led by Shri Asit Saha, Director General, GSI. More than just a commemorative event, the Walkathon will provide a unique platform to engage with communities, raise awareness about the significance of geoscience, and inspire future generations to explore and innovate. Participants from diverse backgrounds will join hands to celebrate GSI’s 175-year legacy of excellence in geosciences.

    During the 175th Foundation Day celebrations on 4th March 2025, GSI will showcase its rich legacy and scientific contributions through a series of engaging events, insightful publications and unveiling of Special Postal Cover, My stamp and two geoscientific mobile apps. Diverse exhibitions and historical photo gallery highlighting a visual journey through GSI’s 175-year legacy, its milestones and achievements will be showcased. To foster public engagement and awareness about geosciences, various competitions, interactive events and a blood donation camp will be organized, encouraging participation from all walks of life, reinforcing GSI’s commitment to social responsibility and community welfare.

    As one of India’s pioneering scientific institutions, GSI has evolved from discovering coal for railways to driving cutting-edge innovations in geoscience. The 175th Foundation Day celebrations will not only honour its rich legacy but also reaffirm its commitment to advancing geoscientific investigations, mineral exploration, and technological innovation for the Nation’s progress. With an overwhelming spirit of participation, the Geological Survey of India looks forward to an inspiring and impactful celebration of knowledge, fitness, and consciousness for geoscience.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PRESIDENT OF INDIA GRACES CONVOCATION CEREMONY OF NATIONAL FORENSIC SCIENCES UNIVERSITY

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 28 FEB 2025 12:35PM by PIB Delhi

    The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, graced the convocation ceremony of the National Forensic Sciences University at Gandhinagar today (February 28, 2025). 

    Speaking on the occasion, the President said that a justice-based social system is considered the best in our country. By combining heritage and development, we are building a developed India based on justice. In the last few years, the Ministry of Home Affairs has taken several effective steps to strengthen the role of forensic sciences and develop facilities and capacity in this field. 

    The President said that any justice system would be considered robust only if it is truly inclusive. She told students that their goal should be to provide fair and speedy justice based on forensic evidence to all sections of society, especially those from the weaker and disadvantaged sections. She urged them to contribute to the good governance of the country. 

    The President said that changes related to crime investigation and evidence have been made in the three new criminal laws. In cases where the punishment period is seven years or more, it has now become mandatory for a forensic expert to visit the crime scene and investigate. The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita made provision for development of Forensic facilities in all states in a time-bound manner. Time-bound forensic examination has been made mandatory in many statutes. The President said that these changes would increase demand for forensic experts.  

    The President said that due to rapid changes in technology, especially in the fields of digital technology and Artificial Intelligence, the capabilities of forensic sciences experts are increasing, but at the same time, criminals are also discovering new ways. People associated with our policing, prosecution and criminal justice delivery system can be successful in controlling crime and making justice accessible only by being smarter, more prompt and alert than the criminals. She expressed confidence that with the contribution of National Forensic Sciences University, a strong forensic system would develop, the conviction rate would increase and criminals would be afraid of committing crimes. 

    Please click here to see the President’s Speech

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appointments to Committee on Innovation, Technology and Industry Development announced

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Appointments to Committee on Innovation, Technology and Industry Development announced
    Appointments to Committee on Innovation, Technology and Industry Development announced
    **************************************************************************************

         The Government announced today (February 28) the appointment of two non-official members recruited through the Member Self-recommendation Scheme for Youth (MSSY) and the reappointments of 16 incumbent non-official members to the Committee on Innovation, Technology and Industry Development (CITID) for a two-year term from March 3, 2025, to March 2, 2027.           The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, thanked outgoing members Mr Nicholas Chan Hiu-fung and Mr Kingsley Wong Kwok for their contributions during their term of service.      Established on March 3, 2023, the CITID is chaired by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, and advises the Government on the strategic development of innovation and technology in Hong Kong. The updated membership of the CITID is as follows: Chairman————Secretary for Innovation, Technology and IndustryProfessor Sun Dong Ex-officio members—————————–Chairman, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks CorporationDr Sunny Chai Ngai-chiu Chairman, Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company LimitedMr Simon Chan Sai-ming Chairman, Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company LimitedMr Sunny Lee Wai-kwong Chairman, Hong Kong Productivity CouncilMr Sunny Tan Non-official members—————————–Professor Chan Ching-chuenMr Calvin Chan Ka-waiMr Duncan ChiuMr Holden Chow Ho-dingMr Steve Chuang Tzu-hsiungMr Hsu Hoi-shanProfessor Nancy Ip Yuk-yuMr Victor Kwok Hoi-kit*Mr Liu DaProfessor Liu Yun-huiProfessor Lu JianProfessor Anderson Shum Ho-cheungMr Hendrick SinProfessor Teng Jin-guangMs Karmen Yeung Ka-yinMr Yuan Xiao-hang*Ms Eunice Yung Hoi-yanDr Philip Zhai Pu Official members—————————-Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (or his/her representative)Secretary for Education (or his/her representative)Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (or his/her representative)Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and IndustryUnder Secretary for Innovation, Technology and IndustryCommissioner for Innovation and TechnologyCommissioner for Digital Policy * Joined through the MSSY

     
    Ends/Friday, February 28, 2025Issued at HKT 15:00

    NNNN

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – STEM education high on the EU agenda – 28-02-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    In her political guidelines of July 2024, Commission President von der Leyen proposed a STEM education strategic plan, related to the Union of Skills, a key initiative from 2024 to 2029. The President highlighted not only the lack of qualified teachers in areas linked to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), but also the aim of attracting more girls and women into STEM education and careers.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ECB Consumer Expectations Survey results – January 2025

    Source: European Central Bank

    28 February 2025

    Compared with December 2024:

    • median consumer perceptions of inflation over the previous 12 months decreased, as did median inflation expectations for the next 12 months, while median inflation expectations for three years ahead remained unchanged;
    • expectations for nominal income growth over the next 12 months decreased, while expectations for spending growth over the next 12 months increased;
    • expectations for economic growth over the next 12 months became less negative, while the expected unemployment rate in 12 months’ time decreased;
    • expectations for growth in the price of homes over the next 12 months increased, while expectations for mortgage interest rates 12 months ahead declined.

    Inflation

    The median rate of perceived inflation over the previous 12 months decreased slightly in January to 3.4%, from 3.5% in December. Median expectations for inflation over the next 12 months also decreased, to 2.6% from 2.8%. In both instances, these decreases reversed the increases observed in the December 2024 data. Median expectations for inflation three years ahead were unchanged at 2.4% in January 2025. Inflation expectations at the one-year and three-year horizons thus remained below the perceived past inflation rate. Uncertainty about inflation expectations over the next 12 months remained unchanged, for the sixth month in a row, at its lowest level since February 2022. While the broad evolution of inflation perceptions and expectations remained relatively closely aligned across income groups, expectations for lower income quintiles were slightly above those for higher income quintiles. Younger respondents (aged 18-34) continued to report lower inflation perceptions and expectations than older respondents (those aged 35-54 and 55-70), albeit to a lesser degree than in previous years. (Inflation results)

    Income and consumption

    Consumers’ nominal income growth expectations over the next 12 months decreased to 0.9% in January from 1.1% in December. The drop in income growth expectations was mainly driven by the lowest income quintile, while the income growth expectations of the two highest quintiles remained unchanged. Perceived nominal spending growth over the previous 12 months decreased to 5.1% in January, from 5.2% in December, while expected nominal spending growth over the next 12 months increased to 3.6%, from 3.5% in December. (Income and consumption results)

    Economic growth and labour market

    Economic growth expectations for the next 12 months were less negative, standing at -1.1%, compared with -1.3% in December. Expectations for the unemployment rate 12 months ahead decreased to 10.4%, from 10.5% in December. Consumers continued to expect the future unemployment rate to be only slightly higher than the perceived current unemployment rate (9.9%), implying a broadly stable labour market. Quarterly data showed that unemployed respondents reported a decrease in their expected probability of finding a job over the next three months, which declined to 25.1% in January, from 29.3% in October. Employed respondents, by contrast, reported that their expected probability of job loss over the next three months decreased to 8.6% in January, from 9.0% in October. (Economic growth and labour market results)

    Housing and credit access

    Consumers expected the price of their home to increase by 3.0% over the next 12 months, which was slightly higher compared than in December (2.9%). Households in the lowest income quintile continued to expect higher growth in house prices than those in the highest income quintile (3.4% and 2.8% respectively), although the difference narrowed compared with earlier months. Expectations for mortgage interest rates 12 months ahead declined slightly to 4.5%, their lowest level since July 2022. As in previous months, the lowest income households expected the highest mortgage interest rates 12 months ahead (5.1%), while the highest income households expected the lowest rates (3.9%). The net percentage of households reporting a tightening (relative to those reporting an easing) in access to credit over the previous 12 months increased, as did the net percentage of those expecting a tightening over the next 12 months. The share of consumers who reported having applied for credit during the past three months, which is measured on a quarterly basis, declined to 15.0% in January from 15.9% in October. (Housing and credit access results)

    The release of the Consumer Expectations Survey (CES) results for February is scheduled for 28 March 2025.

    For media queries, please contact: Nicos Keranis, Tel: +49 172 758 7237

    Notes

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: National Training Course for Talents Handling Foreign-related Arbitration (Hong Kong) organised by Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy and Ministry of Justice concludes

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The two-week National Training Course for Talents Handling Foreign-related Arbitration (Hong Kong), organised by the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy and the Ministry of Justice, concluded today (February 28).

         The Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, attended the closing ceremony this afternoon and expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Justice, the China University of Political Science and Law, and the China Legal Service (H.K.) Limited for their support and assistance that was crucial to the success of the training course. He also extended his gratitude to the participants for their active participation. He further mentioned that the Academy will continuously organise more tailor-made training programmes to give full play to Hong Kong’s unique strength in nurturing more foreign-related legal talent for the country.

         The two-week training course for more than 80 participants, comprising Mainland in-house counsel, experienced arbitrators, lawyers and arbitration practitioners, commenced last Monday (February 17). Speakers of the training course included members of the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Expert Committee and experienced local legal professionals.

         The Academy will capitalise on Hong Kong’s bilingual common law system and international status and continue to leverage the unique advantages of enjoying the strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world under the “one country, two systems” principle. Also, it will promote exchange of international legal talent and reinforce Hong Kong’s status as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia‑Pacific region, in order to develop Hong Kong as a capacity-building centre and play a better role in the construction of foreign-related rule of law of the country.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft continues large-scale scientific research in the Arctic

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    On February 28, Russia celebrates Arctic Day, which aims to draw attention to the issue of preserving the nature of this unique region.

    Rosneft pays special attention to environmental issues and the preservation of biodiversity in the Arctic region. Since 2012, the Company has been implementing the largest comprehensive scientific research program in the Arctic since Soviet times. During this time, more than 50 expeditions have been conducted, and a unique array of information about the region has been collected. Geological, oceanographic, hydrometeorological and environmental research is carried out in cooperation with key scientific institutes of the country.

    The Company’s expeditions are unprecedented in their scale – research is conducted of the waters of the northern seas, the seabed, the coastal zone, glaciers and icebergs, as well as animal bioindicators. The results of many years of work on studying the region are presented in the ecological atlases of Rosneft and the non-governmental development institute Innopraktika, and are also reflected in numerous documentaries filmed with the support of the Company.

    In 2024, Rosneft, together with scientists from the country’s leading research institutes, launched a new corporate biodiversity conservation program called Tamura. Its goal is to update information on the state of the region’s key animal species, including its bioindicators.

    During the first field season alone, Rosneft organized 5 expeditions in the north of Krasnoyarsk Krai, during which studies were conducted of the Kara subpopulation of polar bears, wild reindeer, and rare bird species. The total length of air routes was almost 17,000 km, and water routes – more than 3,000 km.

    At the mouth of the Yenisei River on the Brekhov Islands, scientists from the Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences recorded 60 rare bird species. As part of the program, Rosneft, together with SFU, also continued long-term research into the wild reindeer population. In addition, on the northwestern coast of Taimyr and the islands of the Kara Sea, the Company’s scientists conducted a polar bear census during the ice-free period, recording 50 Arctic predators. In 2025, scientists are faced with the task of conducting the first full-scale aerial census of the Kara polar bear subpopulation in Russian practice.

    The data obtained will allow scientists to draw conclusions about the state of ecosystems and develop measures to preserve the biodiversity of the Arctic region. In total, ten expeditions will be conducted over four years.

    In addition, Rosneft, together with Innopraktika and the Center for Full Genome Sequencing, are implementing a unique project to create a genomic database of living organisms in the Russian Arctic. This information is necessary for long-term planning of sustainable development of the region and preservation of its fragile ecosystems. Among the priority works is the assembly of the full genome of the polar bear.

    Since 2013, Rosneft has been caring for all polar bears living in Russian zoos. Currently, the Company patronizes 35 polar bears in 16 zoos in the country, providing them with care, feeding, veterinary support, and updating their enclosures. With the Company’s support, special toys have been developed to increase the animals’ physical activity. In addition, Rosneft is implementing a program to rescue and rehabilitate young polar bears left in the wild without their mother’s care. Thanks to the Company’s support, six orphaned bear cubs have already been rescued in the Russian sector of the Arctic since 2016.

    Rosneft and Innopraktika are also implementing a large-scale environmental project in the White Sea. As part of the expeditions, scientists have repeated the route of the famous Soviet hydrobiologist Konstantin Deryugin, which he completed more than 100 years ago. Specialists plan to obtain data on the current state of the White Sea biota and assess the changes in the region’s ecosystems that have occurred over the past 100 years.

    This year, Rosneft continued geological exploration of the Arctic. The project, which has been implemented since 2020, already covers all the seas of the Russian Arctic. The goal of the expeditions is to obtain core samples to build a reliable geological model of the studied regions, as well as to estimate the length of the Russian continental shelf in the Arctic Ocean.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft February 28, 2025

    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 Kingdom: UK-Italy Trustworthy AI Visiting Researcher Programme

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    UK-Italy Trustworthy AI Visiting Researcher Programme

    From 2023 to 2024 over 30 researchers from the UK and Italy participated in the UK-Italy Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (AI) Visiting Researcher Programme

    Conference of UK-Italy Trustworthy AI Visiting Researcher Programme

    From 2023 to 2024 over 30 researchers from the UK and Italy participated in the UK-ItalyTrustworthy Artificial Intelligence (AI) Visiting Researcher Programme, fostering collaboration across diverse AI fields such as healthcare, cybersecurity, and machine learning. Supported by the FCDO Tech Standard and Partnership Fund, the initiative strengthened bilateral ties and advanced ethical AI research.

    Programme Highlights

    Launched at the Ital-IA conference in May 2023, the programme was delivered in collaboration with The Alan Turing Institute and FAIR Foundation. It tackled the challenges of developing trustworthy AI, ensuring AI systems are resilient, safe, secure and ethical.

    This critical area benefits from international collaboration to establish shared standards and practices. The exchange saw 36 researchers spending one week to two months in host institutions, generating 70 research outputs, including joint publications, conference submissions, and project proposals for European and national funding.

    Conference panel

    Key Impacts

    With an average cost of £2,400 per exchange, the initiative was a cost-effective way to generate impactful outcomes and foster a shared commitment to ethical AI research.

    • Enhanced Collaboration: Researchers developed joint algorithms, methodologies, and solutions in safety-critical domains. This fostered alignment in approaches and laid the groundwork for future long-term placements.
    • New Opportunities: Participants advanced proposals for initiatives like Horizon Europe and a Marie Curie Fellowship, ensuring continued innovation and funding prospects.
    • Widespread Engagement: Institutions across the whole of the UK and Italy accessed the programme, ensuring a balanced geographical representation and broadening research networks.
    • Professional Development: The programme supported early-career researchers, offering valuable opportunities to establish international partnerships and enhance expertise.

    Closing Workshop and Future Directions

    The programme culminated in November 2024 with a workshop, “UK-Italy Exchange of Researchers in Trustworthy AI: A Blueprint for Future Collaboration?”

    Hosted by SIN Italy, the event celebrated achievements and identified priorities for strengthening UK-Italy AI collaboration, aligning with the upcoming Science and Technology Dialogue between the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and the Italian Ministry for University and Research.

    The UK-Italy Trustworthy AI Visiting Researcher Programme demonstrated the power of international cooperation in addressing the challenges of trustworthy AI. By creating lasting networks, advancing research, and aligning on ethical principles, this initiative sets a strong foundation for future bilateral collaboration in science and technology.

    For more information on this, please contact Alessandra Ferraris, SIN Italy: alessandra.ferraris@fcdo.gov.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 28 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –