Responding to the resignation of N Biren Singh as the Chief Minister of the state of Manipur in India yesterday, Aakar Patel, chair of the board at Amnesty International India, said:
“Biren Singh’s resignation presents in Manipur the opportunity for the authorities to uphold and ensure human rights for everyone, break with the violence and impunity of the past and work towards ending the ethnic violence in the state which has claimed the lives of more than 250 people in the last two years. The (BJP)-led governments at both state and central level have utterly failed to end the violence in Manipur, impunity of vigilante groups, and the divisive rhetoric that has flamed the ethnic violence. Their actions have led to repression of dissenting voices and an abject humanitarian crisis in the state.
“By the continued failure to hold to account those suspected to be responsible for serious human rights violations, the government risks sending the message that the impunity for these violations will continue. This in turn will fuel further violations. Unlike the emblematic cases taken over by the Central Bureau of Investigation, like the case of the gang-rape of two Kuki women in May 2023 that found the Manipur police complicit – many lesser-known ones continue to struggle for attention of the state and central governments. This must change.”
Biren Singh’s resignation presents in Manipur the opportunity for the authorities to uphold and ensure human rights for everyone, break with the violence and impunity of the past…
Aakar Patel, chair of the board at Amnesty International India
Background:
Since May 2023, more than 60,000 people have been displaced in Manipur due to the ongoing violence between the dominant ethnic community, the Meities and the other minority ethnic communities including the Kukis. Homes, business, villages and places of worship have been burnt down, attacked, looted and vandalised.
The resignation of Biren Singh comes after the Supreme Court of India earlier this month ordered for a sealed-cover report from the Central Forensic Sciences Laboratory into audio tapes that allegedly had him saying that the ethnic violence in the state had been instigated at his insistence.
In July 2024, Amnesty International documented the ongoing violence and impunity in Manipur state.
Letter from Lord Patrick Vallance to David Lane and Paul Clarke, Co-Chairs of the Robotics Growth Partnership regarding the Smart Machines Strategy 2035.
Lord Patrick Vallance, Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation wrote to David Lane and Paul Clarke, Co-Chairs of the Robotics Growth Partnership, welcoming the Smart Machines 2035 Strategy.
The Smart Machines 2035 Strategy provides a roadmap to position the UK as a global leader in robotics and Smart Machines. It highlights their transformative potential to address pressing societal challenges, enhance economic productivity, and establish national leadership in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
His Excellency Mr Guillaume Lemoine presented his Letter of Credence to the Head of State of Samoa, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II at a presentation of credential ceremony held this morning at the Head of State’s official residence in Vailele accrediting His Excellency as the first resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Samoa.
Samoa and France have enjoyed cordial relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations on 1 March 1974. The Ambassador expressed that with over 50 years of diplomatic relations, the establishment of a permanent French Embassy in Apia is a historical step forward, which will contribute to strengthening the ties with Samoa and the French territories of French Polynesia, New Caledonia and Wallis & Futuna. The Head of State echoed the Ambassador’s sentiments and stated that the decision to set up an Embassy in Samoa “…places prominence on the recognition of our growing relations and the mutual respect we have for each other.”
Both the Head of State and the Ambassador acknowledged the contributions of Ms Zita Martel as the French Honorary Consul in Samoa for the last 25 years in strengthening bilateral relations through the promotion of culture and friendship. Afioga Tuimalealiifano expressed that he is confident that the appointment of H.E Guillaume Lemoine as the first Ambassador of France to Samoa with residence in Apia, will further strengthen the existing relations between our two countries.
His Excellency Mr Guillaume Lemoine holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science Management, a Post-graduate degree in Computerization of Organizations and is a former student of the Paris Institute of Political Studies. Mr Lemoine is a career diplomat who served in various diplomatic missions of France in Athens, Beirut, Kuwait and Lomé. Mr Lemoine was the Ambassador of France to Papua New Guinea prior to his appointment as the first resident Ambassador of France to Samoa. He was awarded distinctions in Medal of Honour of Foreign Affairs and as Knight of the National Order of Merit. Mr Guillaume Lemoine is married to Ms Olivia de Saint-Luc and they have three daughters.
END.
SOURCE – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Photos by the Government of Samoa (Leaosa Faaifo Faaifo)
PHOENIX, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bishop Fox, the leading authority in offensive security, today announced the addition of Christopher Martin as the company’s new COO. Martin has extensive experience as an entrepreneur, scaling operations and driving growth from startups to multi-billion dollar organizations, while safeguarding culture and quality of services. Martin will be responsible for Bishop Fox Service Delivery, Finance, People, Product and R&D, reporting to Bishop Fox Co-Founder and CEO, Vinnie Liu.
Martin joins Bishop Fox at a time that has seen the company continue its steady growth and maintain its market leadership in continuous offensive security and penetration testing services. Notably, the company saw Annual Recurring Revenues grow by nearly 60 percent, and year-over-year partner bookings increase by more than 200 percent, beating targets by more than 70 percent. Bishop Fox also expanded its European presence, and added former @Stake and Neohapsis CEO, James Mobley to its Advisory Board.
Martin brings a wealth of experience in overseeing strong organic and inorganic growth for B2B SaaS and applied AI organizations. In particular he co-founded, grew and executed the successful acquisition of digital marketing services & consultancy firm MightyHive, and later served as public Executive Director of S4 Capital. He has held a number of executive positions including his time in the Controllership of Yahoo!’s $6 billion P&L, and later the Mergers and Acquisitions group, guiding acquisitions and operational integrations. Martin is an active investor and advisor in Applied AI and B2B SaaS startups. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from Lehigh University, and MBA from The Wharton School.
“Bishop Fox is at the forefront of the evolving offensive security landscape,” commented Martin. “Our technology-driven approach —combining elite human expertise with automation, AI-driven threat emulation, and deep integrations—delivers adaptive, real-time defense at enterprise scale. As attack surfaces expand and adversaries evolve, our ability to provide continuous, intelligence-led security validation, positions us as a strategic partner in fortifying large enterprises against emerging threats. The opportunity to redefine security resilience and drive measurable impact for our clients has never been greater.”
“Bishop Fox has always had a focus on all around quality – quality of life, quality of work and quality of our business,” added Liu. “So, as we searched for our next COO, we needed to find someone that respected and excelled at all three. In meeting and talking with Chris, his passion for taking care of people, a focus on collaboration, and a forward-thinking mindset came through as strongly as his many career accomplishments. We’re very happy to have him on the team and look forward to continuing to build great things together.”
About Bishop Fox
Bishop Fox is the leading authority in offensive security, providing solutions ranging from continuous penetration testing, red teaming, and attack surface management to product, cloud, and application security assessments. We’ve worked with more than 25% of the Fortune 100, half of the Fortune 10, eight of the top 10 global technology companies, and all of the top global media companies to improve their security. Our Cosmos platform, service innovation, and culture of excellence continue to gather accolades from industry award programs including Fast Company, Inc., SC Media, and others, and our offerings are consistently ranked as “world class” in customer experience surveys. We’ve been actively contributing to and supporting the security community for almost two decades and have published more than 16 open-source tools and 50 security advisories in the last five years. Learn more at bishopfox.com or follow us on Twitter.
War leaves scars not only on people but also on the land. In Ukraine, vast fields are littered with explosive remnants, threatening the future of farming. Tiphaine Lucas, a Programme Coordinator for FAO’s Mine Action and Land Rehabilitation Initiative, is on a mission to collect and analyze soil samples, ensuring the land can once again grow wheat and sustain communities. Watch how science and resilience are helping Ukraine rebuild.
Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs
No. 029 January 27, 2025
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung on January 24 conferred the Friendship Medal of Diplomacy on outgoing British Office Taipei Representative John Dennis in recognition of his efforts over the past five years to promote bilateral exchange and cooperation in all areas.
Minister Lin thanked Representative Dennis for raising British attention on the Taiwan Strait and Indo-Pacific during his tenure. Minister Lin expressed pleasure that the G7 had begun stressing the importance of cross-strait peace and stability as an indispensable element to global security and prosperity since United Kingdom’s G7 presidency in 2021. He also noted that Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Indo-Pacific at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Catherine West in November 2024 for the first time publicly expressed the UK government’s opposition to China’s misrepresentation of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758.
Furthermore, Minister Lin stated that Representative Dennis had initiated regular bilateral dialogue mechanisms on a wide range of issues and had facilitated the signing of bilateral memorandums of understanding on the exchange of driving licenses and organics equivalence, as well as the Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP) arrangement, thereby further deepening people-to-people, agricultural, economic, and trade exchanges between the two countries. Minister Lin added that during Representative Dennis’s tenure the United Kingdom had actively participated in and co-hosted activities under the Global Cooperation and Training Framework, helping to consolidate partnerships based on democratic values.
Representative Dennis said that considerable progress had been made in Taiwan-UK ties in recent years and that bilateral trade had continued to grow. He stated that he had been honored to witness the flourishing collaboration between the two countries, as well as Taiwan’s achievements in combating the COVID-19 pandemic, advancing supply chain resilience, and responding to climate change. He also expressed hope that Taiwan and the United Kingdom would soon conclude negotiations and sign subagreements on key pillars of the ETP, including investment, digital trade, and energy and net-zero emissions.
Meanwhile, Representative Dennis said that the United Kingdom would do its utmost to support Taiwan’s international participation so that the two countries could jointly contribute to global initiatives on health, ICT resilience, and sustainable development. He concluded his remarks by stressing that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait were vital to global prosperity and that the United Kingdom and the other G7 members would continue to pay close attention to Taiwan Strait developments.
Since taking office in December 2020, Representative Dennis has actively sharpened the United Kingdom’s focus on Taiwan Strait and Indo-Pacific affairs. He has also promoted bilateral exchange and collaboration in such areas as the economy, trade, investment, science and technology, and talent cultivation. His outstanding contributions have further enhanced the mutually beneficial and substantive partnership between Taiwan and the United Kingdom. (E)
Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 2
News Release
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Findings highlight the importance of infection prevention measures and personalized heart failure care.
A study funded by the National Institutes of Health has found that adults who were hospitalized for a severe infection, such as respiratory infections or sepsis, were more than twice as likely to develop heart failure years later. The findings, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, underscore the importance of measures that help prevent severe infections, such as getting up-to-date vaccines and practicing safe hygiene.
“These are ‘sit-up and take notice’ findings,” said Sean Coady, M.A., deputy branch chief in the Division of Cardiovascular Sciences at the NIH’s National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. “While there’s already a reasonable body of evidence linking previous infections with heart attack, this study is focused on heart failure, which has been less studied yet affects an estimated six million Americans.”
The study, part of the NHLBI-funded Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study, followed 14,468 adults aged 45-64 for up to 31 years, from 1987 to 2018. None had heart failure when the study began. The researchers found that individuals who experienced an infection-related hospitalization had a 2.35 times higher risk of developing heart failure at an average time of seven years after surviving the hospitalization, compared to those who did not get an infection. The researchers adjusted for sociodemographic and health-related factors and included different infection types, such as respiratory, urinary tract infections, and hospital-acquired in their assessment. They found that the association with heart failure was consistent no matter the type of infection.
Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to the body’s organs and tissues. While there are many different kinds, the study focused mainly on heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), which occurs when the left side of the heart is too stiff to fully relax between heartbeats, and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), which occurs when the left ventricle is too weak to pump out enough blood to the body. The researchers discovered that infections that required hospitalization were associated with an increased risk of both conditions. Notably, the risk was nearly three times higher for HFpEF, the most common form of heart failure among people over age 65 and the one with the most limited treatment options. Nearly half of participants experienced an infection-related hospitalization emphasizing the potentially large impact of severe infections on the heart health of older adults.
While the study only found an association between severe infections and heart failure – not a causal link – Ryan Demmer, Ph.D. professor of epidemiology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. and the study’s senior author, said patients still should consider commonsense approaches that keep severe infections at bay. He explained that someone who experiences an infection and are at high risk for cardiovascular disease should speak with their primary care provider to be sure they are receiving guideline directed medical therapies for cardiovascular disease.
Demmer said future research could build on the current findings by validating a causal link between infections and heart failure development. New research could also explore the potential for incorporating infection history into heart failure risk assessments and patient management strategies.
About the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI):NHLBI is the global leader in conducting and supporting research in heart, lung, and blood diseases and sleep disorders that advances scientific knowledge, improves public health, and saves lives. For more information, visitwww.nhlbi.nih.gov.
About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation’s medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.
NIH…Turning Discovery Into Health®
Reference
Molinsky RL, Shah A, Yuzefpolskaya M. Infection-Related Hospitalization and Incident Heart Failure: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. Journal of the American Heart Association. 2025. DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.123.033877R
Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 2
Media Advisory
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
NIH science lays groundwork for future studies in people.
What
National Institutes of Health (NIH) scientists and their colleagues report that a single dose of a broadly neutralizing antibody (bnAb) administered prior to virus exposure protects macaques from severe H5N1 avian influenza. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 viruses have sporadically spilled over from birds into many other animals, including humans and dairy cows, in recent years. Although it has not yet acquired the capacity to spread readily between people, H5N1 has pandemic potential, which has spurred efforts to develop effective treatments and other countermeasures.
The investigators studied a bnAb called MEDI8852, which was discovered and developed by Medimmune, now part of AstraZeneca. MEDI8852 targets a portion of a key flu protein that is less prone to change than other parts of the virus and thus is capable of conferring protection against a wide range of flu viruses. In the new study, a group of macaques received an injection of MEDI8852 and were exposed to aerosolized HPAI H5N1 virus three days later. All the pre-treated animals survived and experienced no or very limited signs of disease. In contrast, a group of control macaques developed severe or fatal illness within a short time after virus exposure. Of note, the scientists determined that MEDI8852 remained in the body for a prolonged time after the injection. According to scientists, protection from severe disease would extend to weeks beyond antibody infusion, providing a realistic preventative window in the face of an H5N1 outbreak.
The research was conducted by Masaru Kanekiyo, D.V.M, Ph.D., and colleagues from NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Vaccine Research Center (VRC) along with investigators from the University of Pittsburgh. It was published in Science.
Article
M Kanekiyo et al. Pre-exposure antibody prophylaxis protects macaques from severe influenza. Science DOI: 10.1126/science.ado6481 (2025).
Who
Dr. Kanekiyo, VRC, NIAID, is available to comment.
This research was supported by the Vaccine Research Center, NIAID, NIH, as well as grants R01AI154894 and UC7AI180311 and contracts 75N93021C00014 and HHSN261201500003.
NIAID conducts and supports research—at NIH, throughout the United States, and worldwide—to study the causes of infectious and immune-mediated diseases, and to develop better means of preventing, diagnosing and treating these illnesses. News releases, fact sheets and other NIAID-related materials are available on the NIAID website.
About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation’s medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.
Permettez-moi tout d’abord de remercier le Président Macron et le Premier ministre Modi d’avoir organisé ce Sommet pour l’action sur l’intelligence artificielle.
Mesdames et Messieurs,
Allons droit au but. Regardons le monde qui nous entoure au-delà de ceux qui sont dans cette salle.
Notre réunion pose une question fondamentale sur notre rapport à l’intelligence artificielle. Sommes-nous prêts pour l’avenir ?
La réponse s’impose d’elle-même. Non.
Nous ne sommes peut-être même pas prêts pour le présent.
En un battement de cils, l’Intelligence Artificielle a quitté l’univers de la science-fiction pour devenir une force puissante qui révolutionne notre monde.
Transformant nos modes de vie, de travail et d’interaction.
Alimentant des avancées majeures dans l’éducation, la santé, l’agriculture…
Mais mettant également à l’épreuve nos valeurs communes et nos droits fondamentaux.
Le pouvoir de l’intelligence artificielle impose d’immenses responsabilités.
Aujourd’hui, ce pouvoir est entre les mains d’une poignée de personnes.
Tandis que certaines entreprises et certains pays se lancent dans une course effrénée avec des investissements sans précédent, la plupart des nations en développement se retrouvent laissées pour compte.
Cette concentration grandissante des capacités en matière d’intelligence artificielle menace d’aggraver les clivages géopolitiques.
Nous devons empêcher l’émergence d’un monde de “nantis” et de “démunis” de l’Intelligence Artificielle.
Nous tous devons travailler ensemble pour que l’Intelligence Artificielle puissent combler le fossé entre les pays développés et les pays en développement – et non le creuser.
Elle doit accélérer le développement durable – au lieu de perpétuer les inégalités.
Excellencies,
The United Nations offers an inclusive, transparent and effective platform for AI solidarity.
And we are working to strengthen that platform.
The Global Digital Compact, adopted at the Summit of the Future, established the first universal agreement on the governance of AI.
It brings the world together around a shared vision:
One where technology serves humanity, not the other way around.
The creation of an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI will be central to translating this vision into reality.
By pooling global expertise, this Scientific Panel will promote a common understanding of AI risks, benefits and capabilities, and opportunities and help bridge knowledge gaps.
I urge everyone to support its creation without delay.
Member States also agreed to establish a Global Dialogue on AI Governance – within the United Nations – to ensure that all countries have a voice in shaping the future of AI.
Through the Global Dialogue, we can align governance efforts around the world and reinforce their interoperability; uphold human rights in AI applications and prevent misuse. The UN provides an inclusive forum for cooperation, complementing existing mechanisms such as the OECD AI Principles, G7 and theGlobal Partnershipon AI – as well as regional efforts by the African Union, European Union, ASEAN and the Council of Europe. And I am confident that discussions at this Summit will help enrich this Dialogue.
The Compact also calls for building AI capacity in developing nations.
This is not only about technology diffusion.
We need concerted efforts to build sustainable digital infrastructure at an unprecedented scale;
Foster talent and train workforces to develop, deploy and maintain AI systems;
And ultimately, empower peoples and nations to become not just users, but active participants in the AI revolution.
A global AI capacity-building network, as proposed by my High-Level Advisory Body on AI, is an economic necessity and a moral imperative.
Today’s launch of Current AI, a public interest partnership, is an important contribution.
I will soon present a report on innovative voluntary financing models and capacity-building initiatives to help all countries harness AI as a force for good.
Finally, we know that AI can be a force for climate action and energy efficiency.
But we also know AI power-intensive systems are already placing an unsustainable strain on our planet.
So it is crucial to design AI algorithms and infrastructures that consume less energy and integrate AI into smart grids to optimize power use.
From data centres to training models, AI must run on sustainable energy so that it fuels a more sustainable future.
Excellencies,
I began with a question. Let me end with a few more.
Who decides what problems AI should or should not resolve?
Who benefits most from its deployment?
Who bears the cost of its mistakes?
These questions affect everyone – so the answers must also involve everyone.
It is in all our interests for governments and technology leaders to commit to global guardrails, share best practices, and shape fair policy and business models.
The whole world benefits when development banks and the philanthropic community provide catalytic funding to jumpstart capacity-building worldwide.
And we all stand to gain when academia and thought leaders help us navigate through this complex landscape.
AI is not standing still.
Neither can we.
Let us move for an AI that is shaped by all of humanity, for all of humanity.
In other words, let’s make sure we are ready for the future… right now.
Thank you.
***
THE SECRETARY-GENERAL — REMARKS AT AI ACTION SUMMIT Paris, 11 February 2025
Excellencies,
Let me begin by thanking President Macron and Prime Minister Modi for convening this AI Action Summit.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Let’s get straight to the point.
Let’s look at the world around us beyond those who are in this room.
This meeting poses a fundamental question about our relationship with Artificial Intelligence:
Are we ready for the future?
The answer is easy.
No.
We may not even be ready for the present.
In what seems like the blink of an eye, AI has gone from the stuff of science fiction to a powerful force that is transforming our world.
Reshaping the way we live, work, and interact.
Fueling breakthroughs in education, healthcare, agriculture…
But also testing our shared values and rights.
The power of AI carries immense responsibilities.
Today, that power sits in the hands of a few.
While some companies and some countries are racing ahead with record investments, most developing nations find themselves left out in the cold.
This growing concentration of AI capabilities risks deepening geopolitical divides.
We must prevent a world of AI “haves” and “have-nots”.
Nous tous devons travailler ensemble pour que l’Intelligence Artificielle puissent
We must all work together so that artificial can bridge the gap between developed and developing countries – not widen it.
It must accelerate sustainable development – not entrench inequalities.
Excellencies,
The United Nations offers an inclusive, transparent and effective platform for AI solidarity.
And we are working to strengthen that platform.
The Global Digital Compact, adopted at the Summit of the Future, established the first universal agreement on the governance of AI.
It brings the world together around a shared vision:
One where technology serves humanity, not the other way around.
The creation of an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI will be central to translating this vision into reality.
By pooling global expertise, this Scientific Panel will promote a common understanding of AI risks, benefits, opportunities and capabilities, and help bridge knowledge gaps.
I urge everyone to support its creation without delay.
Member States also agreed to establish a Global Dialogue on AI Governance – within the United Nations – to ensure that all countries have a voice in shaping the future of AI.
Through the Global Dialogue, we can align governance efforts around the world and reinforce their interoperability; uphold human rights in AI applications and prevent misuse. The UN provides an inclusive forum for cooperation, complementing existing mechanisms such as the OECD AI Principles, G7 and theGlobal Partnershipon AI – as well as regional efforts by the African Union, European Union, ASEAN and the Council of Europe. And I am confident that discussions at this Summit will help enrich this Dialogue.
The Compact also calls for building AI capacity in developing nations.
This is not only about technology diffusion.
We need concerted efforts to build sustainable digital infrastructure at an unprecedented scale;
Foster talent and train workforces to develop, deploy and maintain AI systems;
And ultimately, empower peoples and nations to become not just users, but active participants in the AI revolution.
A global AI capacity-building network, as proposed by my High-Level Advisory Body on AI, is an economic necessity and a moral imperative.
Today’s launch of the AI Foundation for Public Interest is an important contribution.
I will soon present a report on innovative voluntary financing models and capacity-building initiatives to help all countries harness AI as a force for good.
Finally, we know that AI can be a force for climate action and energy efficiency.
But we also know AI power-intensive systems are already placing an unsustainable strain on our planet.
So it is crucial to design AI algorithms and infrastructures that consume less energy and integrate AI into smart grids to optimize power use.
From data centres to training models, AI must run on sustainable energy so that it fuels a more sustainable future.
Excellencies,
I began with a question. Let me end with a few more.
Who decides what problems AI should or should not solve?
Who benefits most from its deployment?
Who bears the cost of its mistakes?
These questions affect everyone – so the answers must also involve everyone.
It is in all our interests for governments and technology leaders to commit to global guardrails, share best practices, and shape fair policy and business models.
The whole world benefits when development banks and the philanthropic community provide catalytic funding to jumpstart capacity-building worldwide.
And we all stand to gain when academia and thought leaders help us navigate through this complex landscape.
AI is not standing still.
Neither can we.
Let us move for an AI that is shaped by all of humanity, for all of humanity.
In other words, let’s make sure we are ready for the future… right now.
Permettez-moi tout d’abord de remercier le Président Macron et le Premier ministre Modi d’avoir organisé ce Sommet pour l’action sur l’intelligence artificielle.
Mesdames et Messieurs,
Allons droit au but. Regardons le monde qui nous entoure au-delà de ceux qui sont dans cette salle.
Notre réunion pose une question fondamentale sur notre rapport à l’intelligence artificielle. Sommes-nous prêts pour l’avenir ?
La réponse s’impose d’elle-même. Non.
Nous ne sommes peut-être même pas prêts pour le présent.
En un battement de cils, l’Intelligence Artificielle a quitté l’univers de la science-fiction pour devenir une force puissante qui révolutionne notre monde.
Transformant nos modes de vie, de travail et d’interaction.
Alimentant des avancées majeures dans l’éducation, la santé, l’agriculture…
Mais mettant également à l’épreuve nos valeurs communes et nos droits fondamentaux.
Le pouvoir de l’intelligence artificielle impose d’immenses responsabilités.
Aujourd’hui, ce pouvoir est entre les mains d’une poignée de personnes.
Tandis que certaines entreprises et certains pays se lancent dans une course effrénée avec des investissements sans précédent, la plupart des nations en développement se retrouvent laissées pour compte.
Cette concentration grandissante des capacités en matière d’intelligence artificielle menace d’aggraver les clivages géopolitiques.
Nous devons empêcher l’émergence d’un monde de “nantis” et de “démunis” de l’Intelligence Artificielle.
Nous tous devons travailler ensemble pour que l’Intelligence Artificielle puissent combler le fossé entre les pays développés et les pays en développement – et non le creuser.
Elle doit accélérer le développement durable – au lieu de perpétuer les inégalités.
Excellencies,
The United Nations offers an inclusive, transparent and effective platform for AI solidarity.
And we are working to strengthen that platform.
The Global Digital Compact, adopted at the Summit of the Future, established the first universal agreement on the governance of AI.
It brings the world together around a shared vision:
One where technology serves humanity, not the other way around.
The creation of an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI will be central to translating this vision into reality.
By pooling global expertise, this Scientific Panel will promote a common understanding of AI risks, benefits and capabilities, and opportunities and help bridge knowledge gaps.
I urge everyone to support its creation without delay.
Member States also agreed to establish a Global Dialogue on AI Governance – within the United Nations – to ensure that all countries have a voice in shaping the future of AI.
Through the Global Dialogue, we can align governance efforts around the world and reinforce their interoperability; uphold human rights in AI applications and prevent misuse. The UN provides an inclusive forum for cooperation, complementing existing mechanisms such as the OECD AI Principles, G7 and theGlobal Partnershipon AI – as well as regional efforts by the African Union, European Union, ASEAN and the Council of Europe. And I am confident that discussions at this Summit will help enrich this Dialogue.
The Compact also calls for building AI capacity in developing nations.
This is not only about technology diffusion.
We need concerted efforts to build sustainable digital infrastructure at an unprecedented scale;
Foster talent and train workforces to develop, deploy and maintain AI systems;
And ultimately, empower peoples and nations to become not just users, but active participants in the AI revolution.
A global AI capacity-building network, as proposed by my High-Level Advisory Body on AI, is an economic necessity and a moral imperative.
Today’s launch of Current AI, a public interest partnership, is an important contribution.
I will soon present a report on innovative voluntary financing models and capacity-building initiatives to help all countries harness AI as a force for good.
Finally, we know that AI can be a force for climate action and energy efficiency.
But we also know AI power-intensive systems are already placing an unsustainable strain on our planet.
So it is crucial to design AI algorithms and infrastructures that consume less energy and integrate AI into smart grids to optimize power use.
From data centres to training models, AI must run on sustainable energy so that it fuels a more sustainable future.
Excellencies,
I began with a question. Let me end with a few more.
Who decides what problems AI should or should not resolve?
Who benefits most from its deployment?
Who bears the cost of its mistakes?
These questions affect everyone – so the answers must also involve everyone.
It is in all our interests for governments and technology leaders to commit to global guardrails, share best practices, and shape fair policy and business models.
The whole world benefits when development banks and the philanthropic community provide catalytic funding to jumpstart capacity-building worldwide.
And we all stand to gain when academia and thought leaders help us navigate through this complex landscape.
AI is not standing still.
Neither can we.
Let us move for an AI that is shaped by all of humanity, for all of humanity.
In other words, let’s make sure we are ready for the future… right now.
Thank you.
***
THE SECRETARY-GENERAL — REMARKS AT AI ACTION SUMMIT Paris, 11 February 2025
Excellencies,
Let me begin by thanking President Macron and Prime Minister Modi for convening this AI Action Summit.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Let’s get straight to the point.
Let’s look at the world around us beyond those who are in this room.
This meeting poses a fundamental question about our relationship with Artificial Intelligence:
Are we ready for the future?
The answer is easy.
No.
We may not even be ready for the present.
In what seems like the blink of an eye, AI has gone from the stuff of science fiction to a powerful force that is transforming our world.
Reshaping the way we live, work, and interact.
Fueling breakthroughs in education, healthcare, agriculture…
But also testing our shared values and rights.
The power of AI carries immense responsibilities.
Today, that power sits in the hands of a few.
While some companies and some countries are racing ahead with record investments, most developing nations find themselves left out in the cold.
This growing concentration of AI capabilities risks deepening geopolitical divides.
We must prevent a world of AI “haves” and “have-nots”.
Nous tous devons travailler ensemble pour que l’Intelligence Artificielle puissent
We must all work together so that artificial can bridge the gap between developed and developing countries – not widen it.
It must accelerate sustainable development – not entrench inequalities.
Excellencies,
The United Nations offers an inclusive, transparent and effective platform for AI solidarity.
And we are working to strengthen that platform.
The Global Digital Compact, adopted at the Summit of the Future, established the first universal agreement on the governance of AI.
It brings the world together around a shared vision:
One where technology serves humanity, not the other way around.
The creation of an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI will be central to translating this vision into reality.
By pooling global expertise, this Scientific Panel will promote a common understanding of AI risks, benefits, opportunities and capabilities, and help bridge knowledge gaps.
I urge everyone to support its creation without delay.
Member States also agreed to establish a Global Dialogue on AI Governance – within the United Nations – to ensure that all countries have a voice in shaping the future of AI.
Through the Global Dialogue, we can align governance efforts around the world and reinforce their interoperability; uphold human rights in AI applications and prevent misuse. The UN provides an inclusive forum for cooperation, complementing existing mechanisms such as the OECD AI Principles, G7 and theGlobal Partnershipon AI – as well as regional efforts by the African Union, European Union, ASEAN and the Council of Europe. And I am confident that discussions at this Summit will help enrich this Dialogue.
The Compact also calls for building AI capacity in developing nations.
This is not only about technology diffusion.
We need concerted efforts to build sustainable digital infrastructure at an unprecedented scale;
Foster talent and train workforces to develop, deploy and maintain AI systems;
And ultimately, empower peoples and nations to become not just users, but active participants in the AI revolution.
A global AI capacity-building network, as proposed by my High-Level Advisory Body on AI, is an economic necessity and a moral imperative.
Today’s launch of the AI Foundation for Public Interest is an important contribution.
I will soon present a report on innovative voluntary financing models and capacity-building initiatives to help all countries harness AI as a force for good.
Finally, we know that AI can be a force for climate action and energy efficiency.
But we also know AI power-intensive systems are already placing an unsustainable strain on our planet.
So it is crucial to design AI algorithms and infrastructures that consume less energy and integrate AI into smart grids to optimize power use.
From data centres to training models, AI must run on sustainable energy so that it fuels a more sustainable future.
Excellencies,
I began with a question. Let me end with a few more.
Who decides what problems AI should or should not solve?
Who benefits most from its deployment?
Who bears the cost of its mistakes?
These questions affect everyone – so the answers must also involve everyone.
It is in all our interests for governments and technology leaders to commit to global guardrails, share best practices, and shape fair policy and business models.
The whole world benefits when development banks and the philanthropic community provide catalytic funding to jumpstart capacity-building worldwide.
And we all stand to gain when academia and thought leaders help us navigate through this complex landscape.
AI is not standing still.
Neither can we.
Let us move for an AI that is shaped by all of humanity, for all of humanity.
In other words, let’s make sure we are ready for the future… right now.
Declaration made pursuant to Article L. 233-8-II of the French Commercial Code and Article 223-16 of the General Regulation of the Autorité des Marchés Financiers
Information relating to the total number of shares and voting rights comprising the share capital as of January 31, 2025
Date
Total number of shares1comprising the share capital
Theoretical number of voting rights2
01/31/2025
179,577,400
179,577,400
*
* *
SCOR, a leading global reinsurer
As a leading global reinsurer, SCOR offers its clients a diversified and innovative range of reinsurance and insurance solutions and services to control and manage risk. Applying “The Art & Science of Risk”, SCOR uses its industry-recognized expertise and cutting-edge financial solutions to serve its clients and contribute to the welfare and resilience of society.
The Group generated premiums of EUR 19.4 billion in 2023 and serves clients in around 160 countries from its 35 offices worldwide.
All content published by the SCOR group since January 1, 2024, is certified with Wiztrust. You can check the authenticity of this content at wiztrust.com.
1 Each at a nominal value of EUR 7.8769723 2 The gross number of voting rights is calculated on the basis of all shares carrying voting rights, including shares whose voting rights have been suspended (Art. 223-11 of the General Regulation of the AMF)
Today, NNIT has published financial estimates gathered from the four equity analysts covering the NNIT share ahead of the Q4/FY 2024 announcement scheduled for publication on February 18.
Media Relations Sofie Mand Steffens Senior Communications Consultant Tel: +45 3077 8337 smst@nnit.com
ABOUT NNIT NNIT is a leading provider of IT solutions to life sciences internationally, and to the public and private sectors in Denmark.
We focus on high complexity industries and thrive in environments where regulatory demands and complexity are high.
We advise on and build sustainable digital solutions that work for the patients, citizens, employees, end users or customers.
We strive to build unmatched excellence in the industries we serve, and we use our domain expertise to represent a business first approach – strongly supported by a selection of partner technologies, but always driven by business needs rather than technology.
NNIT consists of group company NNIT A/S and the subsidiary SCALES. Together, these companies employ more than 1,700 people in Europe, Asia and USA.
ALAMEDA, Calif., Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Jitterbit, a global leader in accelerating business transformation for enterprise systems, today announced its latest AI-infused capabilities within the Harmony platform, advancing AI from low-code development to natural language processing (NLP). With NLP, technical barriers are removed and users can create, modify, and expose APIs, as well as build, monitor, and manage complex applications — all through natural language commands.
“AI acts as a bridge between IT and line-of-business users, fostering true collaboration across the enterprise,” said Jitterbit President and CEO Bill Conner. “By infusing AI natural language processing into the Harmony platform, we’re simplifying the building, integrating, connecting, and exposing of applications. What were once isolated applications now become interconnected enterprise systems, enabling seamless connections and integrations to enterprise-wide processes.”
“AI is no longer just a tool — it’s the catalyst for seamless, end-to-end automation that drives innovation at every level of business,” said Antonio Cisternino, CIO and Professor of Computer Science at the University of Pisa. “With Jitterbit’s new AI capabilities, organizations can now gain a holistic view of their data, powered by enterprise systems that are fully automated from end to end, driving smarter decisions and accelerating business outcomes in a controlled way.”
Building on its vision for advancing AI, Jitterbit’s integration of NLP technology into its unified, AI-infused low-code Harmony platform makes it even easier for users to automate applications and workflows by significantly reducing the development time and effort required to develop applications, manage APIs and integrate complex enterprise systems.
“By eliminating the need for traditional coding, NLP makes developing applications, building and managing APIs, and integrating complex workflows accessible to everyone, regardless of technical expertise,” said Jitterbit CTO Manoj Chaudhary. “This advancement is a critical milestone on the path toward agentic AI, where systems can intelligently adapt, learn, and execute autonomously.”
New Jitterbit AI Assistants Accelerate Application, API Management
Jitterbit’s new AI-infused capabilities redefine how users leverage the Harmony platform to generate code faster and accelerate innovation.
“Users can use simple natural language to create actionable code, enabling them to develop, manage, and integrate applications and systems seamlessly across the business — saving hundreds of hours in the process,” said Chaudhary.
AI-Infused App Builder Assistant: An AI assistant designed to effortlessly create new applications and manage and modify existing ones using natural language. This feature is now in beta and available to Jitterbit customers. General availability is planned for Q2 2025.
AI-Infused API Manager: Jitterbit API Manager empowers users to create APIs using an AI assistant to simplify API development and accelerate time to value. A beta program for this feature is now available with general availability planned for Jitterbit customers in Q2 2025.
AskJB AI: An intelligent assistant providing real-time answers, guidance, and information is generally available within the Harmony platform and Jitterbit Documentation.
Jitterbit Introduces New Observability Tools, Cloud Datastore and Security Standards
Building on its AI-infused capabilities, Jitterbit introduced new observability and cloud storage features as well as new security certifications in the Harmony platform — designed to give organizations unmatched visibility, streamlined data management, and enhanced protection for their critical business processes.
Agent Observability for Integration Performance Optimization: offers real-time visibility into the performance and behavior of private agents deployed on customer-managed servers, within firewalls, or in virtual private clouds. With pre-built dashboards for Datadog and Elasticsearch, customers can access over 50 key metrics to gain deeper operational insights addressing anomalies before they disrupt operations. A beta is now open to Jitterbit customers.
Cloud Datastore for Streamlined Integration Data Management: Cloud Datastore is a cloud-based storage solution that allows users to store, manage, and retrieve data within their integration workflows. It acts as a central repository for data that various Jitterbit applications, APIs and integrations built on the Harmony platform can access. The Cloud Datastore is typically used to persist data for applications that require seamless data exchange or for integrations that need temporary or long-term storage of structured or unstructured data. Cloud Datastore also is GDPR-compliant for the European Union (EU). A beta is coming to Jitterbit customers in Q1 2025.
Elevated Security Standards: Building on its layered security foundation, Jitterbit has attained new security certifications, including ISO 27017 and ISO 27018 compliance, along with NZISM certification for New Zealand and Australia. These certifications ensure that Jitterbit meets the highest global security standards.
Beta Access for Jitterbit Customers
Jitterbit customers who are interested in participating in the beta programs may contact product@jitterbit.com.
Jitterbit Harmony Jitterbit Harmony is a unified AI-infused low-code platform for integration, orchestration, automation, and app development that accelerates business transformation. Consisting of iPaaS (Integration Platform as a Service), API Management, App Builder (low-code application development), EDI (Electronic Data Interchange), Harmony empowers IT teams and line-of-business groups to quickly become more productive, efficient, and responsive, leading to reduced organizational friction, improved efficiency, and better business outcomes.
About Jitterbit Inc. For organizations ready to modernize and innovate, Jitterbit provides a unified AI-infused low-code platform for integration, orchestration, automation, and app development that accelerates business transformation, boosts productivity, and unlocks value. The Jitterbit Harmony platform, including iPaaS, API Manager, App Builder and EDI, future-proofs operations, simplifies complexity and drives innovation for organizations globally. Learn more at www.jitterbit.com and follow us on LinkedIn.
Media Contact: Laura Hunter Senior Director of Communications Jitterbit Laura.Hunter@jitterbit.com 310-344-6426
The University of Aberdeen has secured a major award from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) to support PhD research across the arts and humanities disciplines.
This award underscores the University’s international reputation for research excellence in the arts and humanities, and also our commitment to supporting and preparing the next generation of scholars to ensure the vitality of arts and humanities disciplines.” Professor Nicholas Forsyth
The five-year £500K award will provide 15 scholarships to outstanding PhD candidates, with a further £1M provided to foster collaboration with other Scottish Universities through a regional training hub. The PhD candidates will come from a range of disciplines at the University including the School of Divinity, History, Philosophy and Art History, the School of Law, the School of Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture, and the Archaeology department within the School of Geosciences.
Professor Nicholas Forsyth, the University of Aberdeen’s Vice-Principal for Research said: “This award underscores the University’s international reputation for research excellence in the arts and humanities, and also our commitment to supporting and preparing the next generation of scholars to ensure the vitality of arts and humanities disciplines.”
The AHRC Executive Chair, Professor Christopher Smith said: “The AHRC doctoral landscape awards provide flexible funding to allow universities to build on existing excellence in research and opportunities for innovation across the arts and humanities.”
This AHRC award follows other recent successes in securing support for PhD research and training. The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) have confirmed a combined £9M investment in a PhD research and training programme led by the University of Aberdeen to prepare the next generation of environmental scientists who can tackle global environmental grand challenges such as the climate crisis and biodiversity loss.
This combined success has been welcomed in a motion raised in the Scottish Parliament by Kevin Stewart, MSP for Aberdeen Central, highlighting that “Investment recognises the excellence of the University of Aberdeen’s research and its commitment to training PhD students as innovative research leaders.”
Professor Stuart Piertney, the University’s Dean for Postgraduate Research said: “Securing funding for PhD research and training that spans science to arts subjects allows the University to deliver on its commitments to grow a vibrant and diverse postgraduate community that is empowered to make high-impact contributions to both academia and society.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
In November 2024, a social media storm saw people posting videos of themselves pouring milk down their sinks citing food safety fears. The health scare went viral after an announcement by Arla that they were trialling a new animal feed additive called Bovaer, which is scientifically proven to reduce methane in farm animals. What should have been a good news story about how science and innovation can help agriculture to get to net zero very quickly turned into a health scare complete with conspiracy theories about Bill Gates trying to poison us.
In fact adding additives to animal feed is just one of a myriad of exciting new science and innovation ideas in the works exploring different approaches to reducing methane emissions from farm animals. This Background Briefing will bring in experts across the agricultural field to explain the science behind some of these techniques, which include genetic breeding approaches, vaccine candidates and ways to alter the ruminant microbiome as well as the feed additives. The FSA’s Chief Scientist will also be with us to answer any remaining questions around Bovaer and the systems in place to test for the safety of dairy products.
Irish and UK based journalists came to this SMC briefing to hear the science behind some of these approaches.
Speakers included:
Prof Robin May, Chief Scientific Advisor, Food Standards Agency (FSA)
Prof Chris Reynolds, Professor of Animal & Dairy Science, University of Reading
Prof Richard Dewhurst, Professor of Ruminant Nutrition & Production Systems and Head of the Dairy Research Centre, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC)
Prof John Hammond,Director of Research, The Pirbright Institute
Dr Sinead Waters,Senior Researcher in Host Microbiome Interactions, University of Galway
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in a joint meeting of the heads of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Kurchatov Institute National Research Center and Rosatom, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the nuclear industry
February 11, 2025
Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in a joint meeting of the heads of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Kurchatov Institute National Research Center and Rosatom, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the nuclear industry
February 11, 2025
Presidential Aide Andrei Fursenko read out Vladimir Putin’s greeting at a joint meeting of the heads of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Kurchatov Institute National Research Center and Rosatom, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the nuclear industry
February 11, 2025
Director General of the State Corporation Rosatom Alexey Likhachev at a joint meeting of the heads of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the National Research Center Kurchatov Institute and Rosatom, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the nuclear industry
February 11, 2025
President of the Russian Academy of Sciences Gennady Krasnikov at a joint meeting of the heads of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Kurchatov Institute National Research Center and Rosatom, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the nuclear industry
February 11, 2025
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Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in a joint meeting of the heads of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Kurchatov Institute National Research Center and Rosatom, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the nuclear industry
Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in a joint meeting of the heads of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Kurchatov Institute National Research Center and Rosatom, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the nuclear industry.
Aide to the President of Russia Andrei Fursenko read out a greeting from Vladimir Putin, which, in particular, noted: “It is important that the unique potential and truly inexhaustible innovative capabilities of the nuclear industry today be fully utilized for the purpose of modernizing the national economy, ensuring the country’s defense capability and energy security, and training modern, qualified personnel.”
Dmitry Chernyshenko thanked the head of Rosatom Alexey Likhachev and the president of the Kurchatov Institute Mikhail Kovalchuk for their systematic and fruitful work on the development of nuclear science and technology. Thanks to the two flagships – Rosatom and the Kurchatov Institute – Russia is implementing the most ambitious projects.
He also noted the contribution of the First Deputy Chief of the Presidential Administration Sergei Kiriyenko, under whom the necessary foundations were laid for the transformation of the nuclear industry.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that Russian science has always demonstrated impressive results. This is especially noticeable in the history of the nuclear industry. Among the significant names and events are Igor Afrikantov and the construction of the first nuclear icebreaker “Lenin”, Igor Kurchatov and his invaluable contribution to the Soviet nuclear project, and others.
“Our President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin has set a national goal – technological leadership. In the field of nuclear energy, Russia is truly a leader. It is not easy to be a leader, but it is even more difficult to maintain such a position. To do this, we must continue to develop fundamental and applied science, primarily in the nuclear industry, and train young promising specialists, as the head of state said at a meeting of the Council for Science and Education. The guidelines here are the priorities outlined in the Strategy for Scientific and Technological Development of our country, in the Presidential Decree on priority areas of scientific and technological development and the list of the most important science-intensive technologies,” said Dmitry Chernyshenko.
The Deputy Prime Minister named the National Center for Physics and Mathematics in Sarov, which is being created on the instructions of the head of state, as an example of successful cooperation between the state, science and business. Modern infrastructure is being built there, including advanced midi-science laboratories and mega-science installations. More than 55 organizations are involved in the cooperation, and the center’s scientific program is currently being implemented by about 2,000 scientists and researchers.
2025 will be an important stage in the development of the Russian nuclear industry: the national project of technological leadership “New Nuclear and Energy Technologies” has been launched. It includes 10 federal projects, half of which are devoted to nuclear topics. The events were approved at the site of the Commission for Scientific and Technological Development of Russia with the participation of the President of the Russian Academy of Sciences Gennady Krasnikov. The implementation of federal projects is of strategic importance for ensuring the technological sovereignty and leadership of Russia.
One of the key areas is the development of thermonuclear energy. According to the federal project “Thermonuclear Energy Technologies”, it is planned to build a unique installation – a tokamak with reactor technologies. Russia also has a unique nuclear icebreaker fleet and is constantly increasing its potential. Not only powerful nuclear icebreakers have been put into operation on the Northern Sea Route, but also the world’s only floating nuclear thermal power plant “Akademik Lomonosov”, which is of key importance for the development of the Arctic.
“Dear friends! In the year of the 80th anniversary of the nuclear industry, our country looks confidently to the future. Of course, only through joint efforts will we successfully implement the tasks set by the President and strengthen Russia’s position as a world leader in the field of nuclear science and technology,” the Deputy Prime Minister addressed the meeting participants.
The event took place in the historic building of the Rosatom State Corporation in Moscow. It was attended by Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev, President of the Russian Academy of Sciences Gennady Krasnikov, President of the Kurchatov Institute National Research Center Mikhail Kovalchuk, as well as representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science, directors and scientific directors of leading industry institutes, outstanding Russian scientists and young specialists.
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.
Statement from Minister McPhee on Sexual Health Week jlutz
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:
“February 9 to 15 is Sexual Health Week, an opportunity to highlight the importance of accessible, inclusive and evidence-based sexual health education and services for all Yukoners.
“Sexual health is a fundamental part of overall wellbeing, influencing individuals, families and communities. Comprehensive sexual health education helps young people develop the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions, build healthy relationships, understand body science and understand their rights.
“Through collaboration with the Department of Education and the Department of Justice, we developed Better to Know, a comprehensive sexual health education and gender-based violence prevention program. Delivered by Certified Sexual Health Educators, it provides school-based resources, public health education and support services to help Yukoners have access to accurate and evidence-based information including information sessions for parents, caregivers, youth allies and community organizations.
“Beyond classroom resources, youth organizations and support services across the territory play a crucial role in ensuring that young people have access to guidance on consent, healthy relationships and 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusive education. Additionally, sexual health services, including Sexually Transmitted and Blood Borne Infections (STBBI) testing and treatment, birth control and reproductive health support are available in both Whitehorse and rural communities.
“By providing access to accurate sexual health education, encouraging open conversations and promoting healthy relationships, our government is working to empower individuals to make informed choices. These proactive measures not only reduce the risk of violence and abuse but also strengthen our communities, creating a more supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
“I encourage Yukoners to find more information on sexual health education, resources and services, by visiting bettertoknow-yukon.ca or email health.promotion@yukon.ca.
“This Sexual Health Week, our government reaffirms its commitment to providing Yukoners with access to inclusive, evidence-based sexual health education that meets the needs of our diverse communities.”
Jan De Wittejoins GHO Capital as Operating Partner
Former CEO of Integra LifeSciences with significant strategic and operational experience to support GHO Capital’s portfolio
London, UK – 11 February 2025: Global Healthcare Opportunities, or GHO Capital Partners LLP (“GHO”), the European specialist investor in global healthcare, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jan De Witte as Operating Partner.
Jan is an accomplished senior executive with extensive experience leading international growth and transformation for global technology and life sciences companies. Prior to joining GHO, he was Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors at Integra LifeSciences (“Integra”, NASDAQ: IART), a global leader in regenerative tissue technologies, and neurosurgical and ENT solutions. At Integra Jan drove international expansion and operational excellence, and through strategic acquisitions and innovation added $1 billion to the total addressable market of the company’s offerings.
Prior to Integra, Jan served as CEO of Barco N.V. (EBR: BAR), directing the advanced visualisation technology company’s digital transformation and global market expansion. He strengthened Barco’s position in the healthcare, entertainment, and enterprise sectors through new product launches and operational improvements and global market expansions. Earlier in his career, he spent 18 years at GE Healthcare leading global teams in Digital Health, Services, Manufacturing, Quality and Supply Chain across the Americas, EMEA, and Asia. Jan’s career started with foundational roles in Operations at Procter & Gamble and as Senior Consultant at McKinsey in Europe.
Jan currently serves as a Director of ResMed Inc. (NYSE: RMD), a digital health and medical device leader. His board experience includes previous roles at Barco N.V. and international joint ventures. He holds an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in electromechanical engineering with highest distinction from KU Leuven, Belgium.
As Operating Partner, Jan will leverage his extensive leadership experience and global network to support and grow GHO’s portfolio companies, as well as supporting with the firm’s transatlantic deal origination.
The Partners at GHO Capital commented: “Jan brings a wealth of healthcare industry expertise and a strong track record to our team as we look to implement our proven operational playbook and drive expansion and growth across our portfolio. The healthcare sector is experiencing significant innovation, supported by favourable market conditions, and Jan’s experience will help us identify businesses with the most substantial growth potential. On behalf of the entire GHO team, we warmly welcome him and look forward to the positive impact he will make.”
Commenting on his new appointment, Jan De Witte, Operating Partner at GHO Capital, said: “My focus throughout my career has always been to support innovative healthcare companies as they grow and transform, whilst creating long-term investor value. I am excited to be joining GHO Capital, one of Europe’s leading healthcare specialist private equity firms, who are committed to driving the highest standards across the healthcare sector. I look forward to working with the team and leveraging my expertise to support GHO’s portfolio companies realise their full potential.”
Global Healthcare Opportunities, or GHO Capital Partners LLP, is a leading specialist healthcare investment advisor based in London. GHO Capital applies global capabilities and perspectives to unlock high growth healthcare opportunities, targeting Pan-European and transatlantic internationalisation to build market leading businesses of strategic global value. GHO Capital’s proven investment track record reflects the unrivalled depth of our industry expertise and network. GHO Capital partners with strong management teams to generate long-term sustainable value, improving the efficiency of healthcare delivery to enable better, faster, more accessible healthcare. For further information, please visit www.ghocapital.com.
Marie Slowdoska Curie is a pillar in today’s scientific advancements and has inspired many women and girls to follow in her footsteps. On the 11th of February, we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –
We recently celebrated Russian Science Day and three days later we are returning to this topic again, but with a different holiday – International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
The United Nations is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the day this year and the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration affirming the full realization of the human rights of women and girls as an integral, indivisible part of universal human rights and fundamental freedoms. The theme for this year’s day is “Opening Careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM): Her Voice in Science.”
Women scientists have been known for quite a long time: the ancient Egyptian physician Peseshet, the ancient Greek female astronomer Aglaonica, Hypatia of Alexandria – a philosopher, mathematician and mechanic. During the Age of Enlightenment, the role of the fair half of humanity in science expanded significantly, but this was not considered the norm at all. In the 19th century, most of the most prominent female scientists were Russian women. The most famous of them was Sofia Kovalevskaya – the world’s first female doctor of mathematical sciences and university professor. But let’s also remember Nadezhda Suslova – the first in the world to receive a doctorate in medicine, Yulia Lermontova – the first doctor of chemistry, Maria Sechenova with two doctorates, in medicine and physiology. Of course, everyone knows the first woman to receive the Nobel Prize – Maria Sklodowska-Curie. Moreover, she also became the first person in the world to receive two Nobel Prizes. After her, only four scientists managed to do the same. Incidentally, Marie’s daughter, Irene Joliot-Curie, became the first Nobel Prize laureate, being the child of previous laureates.
The last century has finally equalized the rights of men and women. Nevertheless, according to the UN, only 30% of scientists worldwide are women. Girls still make up only 28% of engineering graduates. But in the field of computer science and information technology, their number is already 40%. Therefore, it is quite possible that the day is not far off when absolute gender balance will be achieved in science.
The State University of Management congratulates its wonderful women and girls-scientists on the holiday. We wish you rapid advancement in the research areas you have chosen, victories in scientific competitions, capitalization of your intellect, as well as professional and personal happiness. Let each of you always remember that for someone you are a real sun – a vital necessity, and all together you are a whole constellation for the State University of Management – bright, attractive and mysterious.
Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 02/11/2025
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Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –
A working meeting of representatives of regional executive authorities with a delegation of the Association of Innovative Regions of Russia (AIRR) was held in the Government of St. Petersburg. The event was dedicated to discussing issues of developing intellectual property, innovation and support for high-tech projects in the regions.
Key government and business representatives addressed the participants with welcoming remarks. Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Industrial Policy, Innovation and Trade of St. Petersburg Dmitry Prozherin emphasized the importance of developing innovative infrastructure and protecting intellectual property for the region’s economic growth. Deputy of the Legislative Assembly of St. Petersburg, Chairman of the specialized commission on investments and the city branch of “Business Russia” Dmitry Panov noted the need to create favorable conditions for investment and the introduction of new technologies.
Head of the Center for Strategic Communications of the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Federal Institute of Industrial Property” Daria Shipitsyna spoke about measures of state support in the field of intellectual property.
Head of the regional direction of AIRR Dmitry Mitroshin gave a report on the development of the intellectual property system at the regional and federal levels. He emphasized the importance of integrating efforts to create a unified strategy in this area. Representatives of various regions of Russia shared their experience in intellectual property management, as well as successful cases of implementing innovative solutions.
Of particular interest was the speech by the director of the SPbPU Center for Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Ismail Kadiev. He proposed creating a regional center for intellectual property and technology transfer, which would become a platform for interaction between science, business and government. The initiative was supported and enshrined in the final document of the meeting.
Natalia Petrova, Chairperson of the Board of the Intellectual Property Development Fund and CEO of the Patent and Legal Firm NEVA-PATENT LLC, spoke about the implementation of effective mechanisms for regulating intellectual property in the country’s regions. She noted that competent management of intellectual assets helps to increase the competitiveness of regions and attract investment.
The delegation visited the innovation infrastructure facilities of St. Petersburg, including JSC Technopark of St. Petersburg. The participants familiarized themselves with the work of the Prototyping Center, the regional engineering center for electronic instrumentation, the laboratory of the regional engineering center for active pharmaceutical substances (RIC APS), and the demonstration site of Russian vendors.
The event was an important step in strengthening cooperation between regions and federal structures in the field of intellectual property and innovation. Participants expressed confidence that such initiatives will contribute to the development of high-tech industries and increase the competitiveness of the Russian economy.
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.
en years ago, the first International Day of Women and Girls in Science recognized a fundamental truth: women’s participation is essential for building a better world through science and technology. I saw that enormous potential firsthand when I was teaching engineering, and I saw the remarkable talent, creativity, and determination of countless women scientists.
Yet today, women still represent just one-third of the global scientific community. Deprived of adequate funding, publishing opportunities and leadership positions in universities, women and girls continue to face an uphill battle in building careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
Look no further than the development of new digital technologies. Men dominate the field at every level—including in Artificial Intelligence. The result is a surge of biased algorithms and embedded inequality, risking a new era of digital chauvinism.
The more that women are excluded from STEM, the more we limit our collective power to address urgent global challenges, from climate change and food security to public health and technological transformation.
We can and must do more to level the playing field
By expanding scholarships, internships and mentorship opportunities to open doors for women and girls in STEM; creating workplaces that attract, retain and advance women in science; encouraging girls’ engagement in STEM from an early age; championing women leaders in science through the media; and dismantling gender stereotypes.
The Pact for the Future, agreed last September by Member States, gives renewed momentum to these goals by committing to address barriers preventing the full, equal and meaningful access for women and girls in scientific fields.
On the tenth anniversary of this important day, and as we reflect on 30 years since the Beijing Declaration, let’s help pave a path to STEM careers that women and girls deserve – and our world needs.
*** Il y a dix ans, la première Journée internationale des femmes et des filles de science consacrait une vérité fondamentale : la participation des femmes est essentielle pour bâtir un monde meilleur grâce à la science et à la technologie. J’ai pu constater par moi-même l’incroyable potentiel des femmes lorsque j’enseignais l’ingénierie, et j’ai vu le talent, la créativité et la détermination remarquables d’innombrables femmes de science.
Or, à l’heure actuelle, les femmes ne représentent qu’un tiers des scientifiques dans le monde. Privées de financements adéquats, de possibilités de publication et de postes de direction dans les universités, les femmes et les filles ont encore d’innombrables obstacles à surmonter pour faire carrière dans le domaine des sciences, de la technologie, de l’ingénierie et des mathématiques (STIM).
Pour s’en convaincre, il suffit d’observer le développement des nouvelles technologies numériques. Les hommes dominent le secteur à tous les niveaux, notamment dans l’intelligence artificielle. Il en résulte un déferlement d’algorithmes biaisés qui perpétuent des inégalités bien ancrées et risquent d’ouvrir une nouvelle ère de machisme numérique.
Plus les femmes sont exclues des STIM, plus nous limitons notre capacité collective de relever les défis urgents qui se posent dans le monde, qu’il s’agisse des changements climatiques, de la sécurité alimentaire, de la santé publique ou de la transformation technologique.
Nous pouvons et devons en faire plus pour que les femmes aient véritablement les mêmes chances que les hommes :
Il nous faut élargir les programmes de bourses d’études, de stage et de mentorat afin d’ouvrir aux femmes la porte des STIM ; créer dans ce secteur des lieux de travail qui attirent et retiennent les femmes et dans lesquels elles peuvent progresser ; encourager les filles à s’engager sur la voie des STIM dès leur plus jeune âge ; promouvoir, dans les médias, le leadership des femmes dans le domaine de la science ; venir à bout des stéréotypes de genre.
Le Pacte pour l’avenir, adopté par les États Membres en septembre dernier, crée une nouvelle dynamique pour la réalisation de ces objectifs. En effet, les États Membres s’y sont engagés à lever les obstacles qui empêchent les femmes et les filles d’accéder pleinement et véritablement, dans des conditions d’égalité, aux filières scientifiques.
En ce jour où nous célébrons, pour la dixième année, cette importante journée, et alors que nous réfléchissons aux 30 années qui se sont écoulées depuis l’adoption de la Déclaration de Beijing, agissons pour que les femmes et les filles puissent mener, dans le domaine des STIM, les carrières qu’elles méritent – et dont le monde a besoin.
Ten years ago, the first International Day of Women and Girls in Science recognized a fundamental truth: women’s participation is essential for building a better world through science and technology. I saw that enormous potential firsthand when I was teaching engineering, and I saw the remarkable talent, creativity, and determination of countless women scientists.
Yet today, women still represent just one-third of the global scientific community. Deprived of adequate funding, publishing opportunities and leadership positions in universities, women and girls continue to face an uphill battle in building careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
Look no further than the development of new digital technologies. Men dominate the field at every level—including in Artificial Intelligence. The result is a surge of biased algorithms and embedded inequality, risking a new era of digital chauvinism.
The more that women are excluded from STEM, the more we limit our collective power to address urgent global challenges, from climate change and food security to public health and technological transformation.
We can and must do more to level the playing field
By expanding scholarships, internships and mentorship opportunities to open doors for women and girls in STEM; creating workplaces that attract, retain and advance women in science; encouraging girls’ engagement in STEM from an early age; championing women leaders in science through the media; and dismantling gender stereotypes.
The Pact for the Future, agreed last September by Member States, gives renewed momentum to these goals by committing to address barriers preventing the full, equal and meaningful access for women and girls in scientific fields.
On the tenth anniversary of this important day, and as we reflect on 30 years since the Beijing Declaration, let’s help pave a path to STEM careers that women and girls deserve – and our world needs.
*** Il y a dix ans, la première Journée internationale des femmes et des filles de science consacrait une vérité fondamentale : la participation des femmes est essentielle pour bâtir un monde meilleur grâce à la science et à la technologie. J’ai pu constater par moi-même l’incroyable potentiel des femmes lorsque j’enseignais l’ingénierie, et j’ai vu le talent, la créativité et la détermination remarquables d’innombrables femmes de science.
Or, à l’heure actuelle, les femmes ne représentent qu’un tiers des scientifiques dans le monde. Privées de financements adéquats, de possibilités de publication et de postes de direction dans les universités, les femmes et les filles ont encore d’innombrables obstacles à surmonter pour faire carrière dans le domaine des sciences, de la technologie, de l’ingénierie et des mathématiques (STIM).
Pour s’en convaincre, il suffit d’observer le développement des nouvelles technologies numériques. Les hommes dominent le secteur à tous les niveaux, notamment dans l’intelligence artificielle. Il en résulte un déferlement d’algorithmes biaisés qui perpétuent des inégalités bien ancrées et risquent d’ouvrir une nouvelle ère de machisme numérique.
Plus les femmes sont exclues des STIM, plus nous limitons notre capacité collective de relever les défis urgents qui se posent dans le monde, qu’il s’agisse des changements climatiques, de la sécurité alimentaire, de la santé publique ou de la transformation technologique.
Nous pouvons et devons en faire plus pour que les femmes aient véritablement les mêmes chances que les hommes :
Il nous faut élargir les programmes de bourses d’études, de stage et de mentorat afin d’ouvrir aux femmes la porte des STIM ; créer dans ce secteur des lieux de travail qui attirent et retiennent les femmes et dans lesquels elles peuvent progresser ; encourager les filles à s’engager sur la voie des STIM dès leur plus jeune âge ; promouvoir, dans les médias, le leadership des femmes dans le domaine de la science ; venir à bout des stéréotypes de genre.
Le Pacte pour l’avenir, adopté par les États Membres en septembre dernier, crée une nouvelle dynamique pour la réalisation de ces objectifs. En effet, les États Membres s’y sont engagés à lever les obstacles qui empêchent les femmes et les filles d’accéder pleinement et véritablement, dans des conditions d’égalité, aux filières scientifiques.
En ce jour où nous célébrons, pour la dixième année, cette importante journée, et alors que nous réfléchissons aux 30 années qui se sont écoulées depuis l’adoption de la Déclaration de Beijing, agissons pour que les femmes et les filles puissent mener, dans le domaine des STIM, les carrières qu’elles méritent – et dont le monde a besoin.
Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, issued the following statement on the Trump administration and Elon Musk gutting the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences (IES).
“Every kid deserves a great public education and that can’t happen without nonpartisan research and data to understand what’s working and what needs to be fixed. Instead, an unelected billionaire is now bulldozing the research arm of the Department of Education—taking a wrecking ball to high-quality research and basic data we need to improve our public schools. Cutting off these investments after the contract has already been inked is the definition of wasteful.
“Elon Musk doesn’t care if working class kids in America get a good education, so whittling down the Department of Education means nothing to him. Make no mistake, this is just the first step Trump and Musk are taking to abolish the Department of Education, leaving our public schools with fewer resources and support to pay for massive tax cuts for billionaires and giant corporations. This former preschool teacher refuses to roll over and let Elon Musk gut public education in America. I’ll be sounding the alarm with every parent, student, and teacher who believes in public education to stand up to Elon and Trump’s illegal power grab.”
A senior member and former chair of the HELP Committee, Senator Murray has championed students and families at every stage of her career—fighting to help ensure every child in America can get a high-quality public education. Among other things, Senator Murray negotiated the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), landmark legislation that she got signed into law, replacing the broken No Child Left Behind Act. As a longtime appropriator, she has successfully fought to boost funding to support students and invest in our nation’s K-12 schools, and she has secured significant increases to the Pell Grant so that it goes further for students pursuing a higher education. Senator Murray also led the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018, landmark legislation on the use and development of evidence and data in federal policymaking across federal agencies.
ENDING THE FORCED USE OF PAPER STRAWS: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to end the procurement and forced use of paper straws.
The Federal government is directed to stop purchasing paper straws and ensure they are no longer provided within Federal buildings.
The Order requires the development of a National Strategy to End the Use of Paper Straws within 45 days to alleviate the forced use of paper straws nationwide.
BRINGING BACK COMMON SENSE: The irrational campaign against plastic straws has forced Americans to use nonfunctional paper straws. This ends under President Trump.
Cities and states across America have banned paper straws, caving to pressure from woke activists who prioritize symbolism over science.
Paper straws use chemicals that may carry risks to human health – including “forever chemical” PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) which are known to be highly water soluble and can bleed from the straw into a drink.
A study found that while PFAS were found in paper straws, no measurable PFAS were found in plastic straws.
Paper straws are more expensive than plastic straws, and often force users to use multiple straws.
Paper straws are not the eco-friendly alternative they claim to be – studies have shown that producing paper straws can have a larger carbon footprint and require more water than plastic straws.
Paper straws often come individually wrapped in plastic, undermining the environmental argument for their use.
PROMOTING A CLEAN AND HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT: President Trump has made it a top priority to promote a clean and healthy environment for the American people.
President Trump’s policies are promoting economic growth, while still maintaining standards that allow Americans to have among the cleanest air and water in the world.
This marks a sharp contrast from the previous Administration, which wasted American taxpayer dollars on virtue signaling instead of implementing effective solutions.
For instance, the Biden Administration spent billions on electric vehicle charging stations, yet only eight were completed.
Meanwhile, President Trump’s commonsense approach to environmental conservation has demonstrated his true commitment to preserving America’s natural resources.
President Trump has championed improved forest management in order to prevent forest fires that are devastating communities and ecosystems across the country.
By pausing the expansion of windmills, President Trump recognized their detrimental environmental impact, particularly on wildlife, often outweighs their benefits.
President Trump signed the Save Our Seas Act to preserve and protect our beautiful waters and oceans from being littered with garbage.
President Trump is committed to securing American energy independence, recognizing that America’s domestic supply of clean coal and natural gas not only strengthens national security but also provides some of the cleanest energy in the world.
Large power grids are among the most complicated machines humans have ever devised. Different generators produce power at various times and at various costs. A generator might fail and another fills the gap. Demand soars in the evenings and on hot days. In Australia, eastern and southern states trade power across borders. Meanwhile, Western Australia has two grids and the Northern Territory has several.
But these complicated machines are undergoing major change, as we shift from large fossil fuel plants to cleaner forms of power. Wind and sun are now the cheapest way to produce electricity. These renewable sources will soon overtake coal and gas – they’re already averaging 40% of power flowing through the national grid.
Solar and wind are often called “variable” renewable energy sources. Variable, here, refers to the fact the sun doesn’t always shine and the wind doesn’t always blow. On sunny, windy days we get lots of cheap power. But on still nights, we might get little.
This is where “firming” comes in. To firm renewables is to convert this cheap but variable source of power into what we really want: a reliable supply of electricity, there when we need it. Big battery projects are one way to do it. But there are others.
Storage is the best known way to firm renewables. As floods of cheap power come in, you can store it for later use.
Storage can be performed by grid-scale batteries, where the power is stored directly. But it can also be done by pumped hydro, where water is pumped uphill when power is cheap and plentiful and run back downhill, through turbines, when power is harder to source.
Firming can also be done by virtual power plants – aggregated fleets of smaller batteries in homes and electric vehicles.
Gas peaking plants are another way of firming renewables. In the future, gas plants will go from being a mainstay to the equivalent of a backup generator, fired up only when needed.
Generally, energy storage facilities offer either short- or long-term firming. As more renewable power enters Australia’s grids, we will need both. This is because they offer different levels of storage and response times.
Short term can be as short as seconds to a few hours. Batteries are a common way to provide short-term firming, because they can ramp up very quickly to tackle sudden fluctuations in supply or demand. These fast-response systems help stabilise the grid by smoothing out spikes caused by changing weather.
Long-term firming can be for hours, days or even weeks. This includes large-scale battery storage or back-up generators such as gas plants. Long-term options are crucial to maintain power supply during extended periods of low renewable generation, such as still, cold days and nights in winter.
In recent years, large-scale battery announcements have ramped up. Almost 8 gigawatts of battery capacity is now in progress or anticipated to start construction shortly. But the pipeline of future projects is much larger: 75 gigawatts of firming will be required.
While renewable power is cheap, to make it useful and reliable in addition to storage, we need transmission lines to connect large renewable zones to cities and towns. All this adds extra costs.
As the level of renewables in our power grids inches higher, firming costs increase. This is especially true when a grid goes from 95% to 100% renewables, when there’s a sudden jump in cost.
This is why experts have argued for keeping a few gas peaking plants. While they are not emission-free, they are flexible and can start up much more rapidly than coal. They will likely play a key role in firming the grid during renewable droughts and extreme demand – an estimated 5% of the year. That sounds small, but they will be essential.
Eventually, gas peaking plants could switch to hydrogen, if the fuel becomes cost effective. This would cut emissions further.
Firming – at home?
Homes with batteries can also help firm the network by joining a virtual power plant. These networks of batteries can be digitally coordinated to function as a single power plant, helping stabilise the grid.
If a home owner signs up to a virtual power plant program, they hand over some control in return for income. Technologies such as this can support grid stability by charging or discharging in response to supply fluctuations.
These networks are a flexible energy resource. They can inject power to the grid instantly if there’s a sudden drop in solar or wind generation. They can also soak up surplus energy.
These aren’t hypothetical. Several are running or in development in Australia, such as the AGL virtual power plant in South Australia, SolarHub in New South Wales and the new ARENA-funded Project Jupiter in Western Australia, which will commence soon.
Is firming helping?
Firming technologies are already helping in high-renewable grids overseas. Big batteries now allow California’s grid to absorb more renewables, by soaking up daytime solar and releasing it at evening peak.
We’re seeing the benefits of firming locally, too.
On January 20 this year, a heatwave in Western Australia triggered a new record for peak electricity demand – 4.4 gigawatts – in the state’s main electricity network, the South West Interconnected System.
In response, recently built battery storage at Kwinana, Collie, and Cunderdin stored excess power and discharged it at peak times.
The next day, dense clouds swept in, slashing solar output and reducing peak demand. In response, gas generators increased output to firm the grid.
Firming technologies are already playing a vital role in keeping our electricity supply stable, reliable and resilient – and it’s just the start.
The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
This undated file photo provided by Xing Lida, a paleontologist at the China University of Geosciences (Beijing), shows a set of skeletal dinosaur fossils discovered in Sihui City, south China’s Guangdong Province. (Xinhua)
Scientists have confirmed that a set of skeletal fossils discovered in southern China belonged to duck-billed dinosaurs from over 70 million years ago, expanding the region’s fossil record of these large, toothy creatures that likely migrated from North America.
The bones were found in May 2009 by a Chinese amateur fossil hunter at a construction site in Taipinggang, Sihui City, Guangdong Province, and he donated them to a local museum.
After cleaning and restoration, researchers in 2020 identified the fossilized skeleton comprising dorsal and caudal vertebrae, a humerus, ilium, femur and tibia. They believe the fossils belong to the tribe Lambeosaurini, a subfamily of plant-eating Hadrosauroidea dinosaurs that lived during the Cretaceous period.
The study, led by paleontologists from China and Canada, was published in the journal Historical Biology in late January.
According to the research team, Hadrosauroidea is renowned for its distinctive duck-billed mouth structure. These dinosaurs had thousands of teeth well arranged within their jaws, enabling them to exhibit strong chewing efficiency and viability.
Lambeosaurini also possesses a unique cranial structure featuring narrow hollow nasal bones, which is likely responsible for their ability to make trumpet-like sounds that they use for communication.
First author Wang Donghao, a PhD student from China University of Geosciences (Beijing), noted that the research team had identified long and narrow neural spines on the fossil specimen, which is an extremely rare feature. However, the fossils are mainly fragmentary bones and were not well-preserved, lacking substantial biological information about the dinosaur’s cranial structure.
The researchers estimated that the creatures were not yet fully grown, measuring about 8 meters in length. They identified them as a more derived clade of Lambeosaurini dinosaurs that migrated from North America back to Asia via the Bering Strait, as their tall and narrow neural spines are a common trait among North American dinosaurs.
The fossilized bones are the first record of Lambeosaurini in south China, and “they represent the only evidence suggesting a potential migration of North American dinosaurs to the region in Late Cretaceous,” co-author Xing Lida, a paleontologist from the university told Xinhua on Monday, noting that the study will help understand the ecological conditions across various regions before the mass extinction during the Late Cretaceous period.
This image provided by Xing Lida, a paleontologist at the China University of Geosciences (Beijing), shows a restoration drawing of the dinosaurs based on the skeletal fossils discovered in Sihui City, south China’s Guangdong Province. (Xinhua)
Rubin Observatory’s rapid scanning of the night sky will capture the largest sample of Type Ia supernovas yet, unlocking new insights into the nature of dark energy
NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory, jointly funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science, will soon begin scanning the Southern Hemisphere sky every night for 10 years. Among the trillions of cosmic events and objects it will capture will be millions of exploding stars called Type Ia supernovas.
These supernovas are produced by exploding white dwarf stars and are some of the brightest cosmic spectacles. They are particularly useful to researchers because they provide a sort of reliable cosmic yardstick that can be used to accurately measure vast distances in the universe. With enough observations of Type Ia supernovas, scientists can measure the universe’s expansion rate and whether it changes over time.
Every time NSF-DOE Rubin Observatory detects a change in brightness or position of an object, it will send an alert to the science community. With such rapid detection, Rubin will be the most powerful tool yet for spotting Type Ia supernovas before they fade away.
Observations of Type Ia supernovas were used to discover the mysterious phenomenon known as dark energy, thought to be causing the universe to expand faster than expected. In just its first few months of operation, Rubin Observatory will discover many more Type Ia supernovas than were used in the initial discovery of dark energy in the 1990s. The observatory will reveal a much larger set of the supernovas across the universe, allowing scientists to refine our existing map of space and time and create a fuller picture of dark energy’s influence.
Current measurements suggest that dark energy might change over time. Understanding the nature of dark energy will in turn refine understanding of the universe’s age and evolution, including when stars and galaxies first formed.
U.S. National Science Foundation-supported researchers published new findings suggesting a location where the Yellowstone Caldera could erupt, hundreds of thousands of years from now.
The Yellowstone Caldera is one of the largest volcanic systems on Earth. It lurks beneath Yellowstone National Park and touches three states: Idaho, Wyoming and Montana. Over the past two million years, the volcano significantly erupted three times, leaving behind calderas, or massive craters.
To better understand future eruptions, Ninfa Bennington, a volcanic seismologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, used magnetotelluric methods to identify four pots of magma stored underneath the Yellowstone Caldera.
Magnetotelluric instruments help scientists identify materials that can conduct electricity beneath Earth’s crust. The team used those instruments at over 100 measuring stations across the caldera to identify magma, which has a much higher conductivity than solid rocks.
Of the four magma-rich regions the team discovered, only the northeastern one will remain hot enough to keep magma liquid on a long-term scale and eventually erupt. Previous major eruptions took place in different locations across the caldera.
The manufacturing technique known as 3D printing, now being used everywhere, from aircraft manufacturers to public libraries, has never been more affordable or accessible. Biomedical engineering has particularly benefited from 3D printing as prosthetic devices can be produced and tested more rapidly than ever before. However, 3D printing still faces challenges when printing living tissues, partly due to their complexity and fragility.
Now, with support from the U.S. National Science Foundation, a research team at Boston University (BU) and the Wyss Institute at Harvard University has pioneered the use of gallium, a metal that can be molded at room temperature, to create tissue structures in various shapes and sizes.
This innovative approach to fabrication, engineered sacrificial capillary pumps for evacuation (ESCAPE), was highlighted in a recent study published in Nature, where the team used gallium casts to mold biomaterials. The scaffolds left behind by these casts are then filled with cells cultured to form tissue structures. Vascular structures were some of the first produced using ESCAPE, particularly because of the challenges faced due to blood vessel complexity. Few techniques exist to build large (millimeter-scale) and small (micrometer-scale) structures in scaffolds made of natural materials, making this multiscale fabrication capability a novel approach.
“ESCAPE can be used on several tissue architectures, but we started with vascular forms because blood vessel networks feature many different length scales,” said Christopher Chen, director of BU’s Biological Design Center and senior author on the study. Chen is also the deputy director of CELL-MET, an NSF Engineering Research Center at BU funded by a $34 million award from NSF, and co-principal investigator on the award for the NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering MechanoBiology at the University of Pennsylvania. “Our blood vessel demonstrations include trees with many branches, including dead ends and portions that experience fluid flow. This allows us to model a range of healthy structures as well as diseased abnormalities.”
Following the success of reproducing capillary structures, researchers are hopeful these methods can be used to generate distinct tissue structures found in organs. The reliability of these ESCAPE designs will also be tested using computational modeling, further expanding the types of material reproduced using the process.
Credit: Subramanian Sundaram, Boston University and Wyss Institute, Harvard University
A metallic (gallium) cast used to model networks of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels that come in close proximity but not in direct contact. The gallium structure is used as a sacrificial cast to mold soft materials into complex structures in the ESCAPE process.
“CELL-MET allows engineers, student trainees and medical professionals and their patients to collaborate across a broad innovation ecosystem,” said Randy Duran, the lead NSF program director for the CELL-MET award. “Using systems engineering, the team has developed a novel method of fabricating structures such as blood vessels that must be produced at scales ranging from microscopic capillaries to much larger blood vessels, all within centimeter-scale heart patches that will have a broad impact on human health.”
