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Category: Universities

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: The aftermath of floods, hurricanes and other disasters can be hardest on older rural Americans – here’s how families and neighbors can help

    Source: The Conversation – USA (3) – By Lori Hunter, Professor of Sociology, Director of the Institute of Behavioral Science, University of Colorado Boulder

    Edith Schaecher, center, and her daughter and granddaughter look at a photo album recovered from her tornado-damaged home in Greenfield, Iowa, in May 2024. AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall

    Hurricanes, tornadoes and other extreme weather do not distinguish between urban and rural boundaries. But when a disaster strikes, there are big differences in how well people are able to respond and recover – and older adults in rural areas are especially vulnerable.

    If a disaster causes injuries, getting health care can take longer in rural areas. Many rural hospitals have closed, leaving patients traveling longer distances for care.

    At the same time, rural areas have higher percentages of older adults, a group that is more likely to have chronic health problems that make experiencing natural disasters especially dangerous. Medical treatments, such as dialysis, can be disrupted when power goes out or clinics are damaged, and injuries are more likely around property damaged by flooding or powerful winds.

    As a sociologist who studies rural issues and directs the Institute of Behavioral Science at the University of Colorado Boulder, I believe that understanding the risks is essential for ensuring healthier lives for older adults. I see many different ways rural communities are helping reduce their vulnerability in disasters.

    Disasters disrupt health care, especially in isolated rural regions

    According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 20% of the country’s rural population is age 65 and over, compared with only 16% of urban residents. That’s about 10 million older adults living in rural areas.

    There are three primary reasons rural America has been aging faster than the rest of the country: Young people have been leaving for college and job opportunities, meaning fewer residents are starting new families. Many older rural residents are choosing to “age in place” where they have strong social ties. And some rural areas are gaining older adults who choose to retire there.

    An aging population means rural areas tend to have a larger percentage of residents with chronic disease, such as dementia, heart disease, respiratory illness and diabetes.

    According to research from the National Council on Aging, nearly 95% of adults age 60 and older have at least one chronic condition, while more than 78% have two or more. Rural areas also have higher rates of death from chronic diseases, particularly heart disease.

    At the same time, health care access in rural areas is rapidly declining.

    Nearly 200 rural hospitals have closed or stopped providing in-patient care since 2005. Over 700 more — one-third of the nation’s remaining rural hospitals — were considered to be at risk of closing even before the cuts to Medicaid that the president signed in July 2025.

    Hospital closures have left rural residents traveling about 20 miles farther for common in-patient health care services than they did two decades ago, and even farther for specialist care.

    Those miles might seem trivial, but in emergencies when roads are damaged or flooded, they can mean losing access to care and treatment.

    After Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans in 2005, 44% of patients on dialysis missed at least one treatment session, and almost 17% missed three or more.

    When Hurricanes Matthew and Florence hit rural Robeson County, North Carolina, in 2016 and 2018, some patients who relied on insulin to manage their blood sugar levels went without insulin for weeks. The county had high rates of poverty and poor health already, and the healthy foods people needed to manage the disease were also hard to find after the storm.

    Insulin is important for treating diabetes – a chronic disease estimated to affect nearly one-third of adults age 65 and older. But a sufficient supply can be harder to maintain when a disaster knocks out power, because insulin should be kept cool, and medical facilities and drugstores may be harder for patients to reach.

    Rural residents also often live farther from community centers, schools or other facilities that can serve as cooling centers during heat waves or evacuation centers in times of crisis.

    Alzheimer’s disease can make evacuation difficult

    Cognitive decline also affects older adults’ ability to manage disasters.

    Over 11% of Americans age 65 and older – more than 7 million people – have Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia, and the prevalence is higher in rural areas’ older populations compared with urban areas.

    Caregivers for family members living with dementia may struggle to find time to prepare for disasters. And when disaster strikes, they face unique challenges. Disasters disrupt routines, which can cause agitation for people with Alzheimer’s, and patients may resist evacuation.

    Living through a disaster can also worsen brain health over the long run. Older adults who lived through the 2011 Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami were found to have greater cognitive decline over the following decade, especially those who lost their homes or jobs, or whose health care routines were disrupted.

    Social safety nets are essential

    One thing that many rural communities have that helps is a strong social fabric. Those social connections can help reduce older adults’ vulnerability when disasters strike.

    Following severe flooding in Colorado in 2013, social connections helped older adults navigate the maze of paperwork required for disaster aid, and some even provided personal loans.

    Community support through churches, like this one whose building was hit by a tornado in rural Argyle, Wis., in 2024, and other groups can help older adults recover from disasters.
    Ross Harried/NurPhoto via Getty Images

    Friends, family and neighbors in rural areas often check in on seniors, particularly those living alone. They can help them develop disaster response plans to ensure older residents have access to medications and medical treatment, and that they have an evacuation plan.

    Rural communities and local groups can also help build up older adults’ mental and physical health before and after storms by developing educational, social and exercise programs. Better health and social connections can improve resilience, including older adults’ ability to respond to alerts and recover after disasters.

    Ensuring that everyone in the community has that kind of support is important in rural areas and cities alike as storm and flood risks worsen, particularly for older adults.

    Lori Hunter receives funding from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation.

    – ref. The aftermath of floods, hurricanes and other disasters can be hardest on older rural Americans – here’s how families and neighbors can help – https://theconversation.com/the-aftermath-of-floods-hurricanes-and-other-disasters-can-be-hardest-on-older-rural-americans-heres-how-families-and-neighbors-can-help-247691

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: 3 basic ingredients, a million possibilities: How small pizzerias succeed with uniqueness in an age of chain restaurants

    Source: The Conversation – USA (2) – By Paula de la Cruz-Fernández, Cultural Digital Collections Manager, University of Florida

    Variety is the sauce of life. Suzanne Kreiter/Boston Globe via Getty Images

    At its heart, pizza is deceptively simple. Made from just a few humble ingredients – baked dough, tangy sauce, melted cheese and maybe a few toppings – it might seem like a perfect candidate for the kind of mass-produced standardization that defines many global food chains, where predictable menus reign supreme.

    Yet, visit two pizzerias in different towns – or even on different blocks of the same town – and you’ll find that pizza stubbornly refuses to be homogenized.

    We are researchers working on a local business history project that documents the commercial landscape of Gainesville, Florida, in the 20th and 21st centuries. As part of that project, we’ve spent a great many hours over the past two years interviewing local restaurant owners, especially those behind Gainesville’s independent pizzerias. What we’ve found reaffirms a powerful truth: Pizza resists sameness – and small pizzerias are a big reason why.

    Why standardized pizza rose but didn’t conquer

    While tomatoes were unknown in Italy until the mid-16th century, they have since become synonymous with Italian cuisine – especially through pizza.

    Pizza arrived in the U.S. from Naples in the early 20th century, when Italian immigration was at its peak. Two of the biggest destinations for Italian immigrants were New York City and Chicago, and today each has a distinctive pizza style. A New York slice can easily be identified by its thin, soft, foldable crust, while Chicago pies are known for deep, thick, buttery crusts.

    After World War II, other regions developed their own types of pizza, including the famed New Haven and Detroit styles. The New Haven style is known for being thin, crispy and charred in a coal-fired oven, while the Detroit style has a rectangular, deep-dish shape and thick, buttery crust.

    By the latter half of the 20th century, pizza had become a staple of the American diet. And as its popularity grew, so did demand for consistent, affordable pizza joints. Chains such as Pizza Hut, founded in 1958, and Papa John’s, established in 1984, applied the model pioneered by McDonalds in the late 1940s, adopting limited menus, assembly line kitchens and franchise models built for consistency and scale. New technologies such as point-of-sale systems and inventory management software made things even more efficient.

    As food historian Carol Helstosky explains in “Pizza: A Global History,” the transformation involved simplifying recipes, ensuring consistent quality and developing formats optimized for rapid expansion and franchising. What began as a handcrafted, regional dish became a highly replicable product suited to global mass markets.

    Today, more than 20,000 Pizza Huts operate worldwide. Papa John’s, which runs about 6,000 pizzerias, built its brand explicitly on a promise rooted in standardization. In this model, success means making pizza the same way, everywhere, every time.

    So, what happened to the independent pizzerias? Did they get swallowed up by efficiency?

    Not quite.

    Chain restaurants don’t necessarily suffocate small competitors, recent research shows. In fact, in the case of pizza, they often coexist, sometimes even fueling creativity and opportunity. Independent pizzerias – there are more than 44,000 nationwide – lean into what makes them unique, carving out a niche. Rather than focusing only on speed or price, they compete by offering character, inventive toppings, personal service and a sense of place that chains just can’t replicate.

    A local pizza scene: Creativity in a corporate age

    For an example, look no farther than Gainesville. A college town with fewer than 150,000 residents, Gainesville doesn’t have the same culinary cache as New York or Chicago, but it has developed a very unique pizza scene. With 13 independent pizzerias serving Neapolitan, Detroit, New York and Mediterranean styles and more, hungry Gators have a plethora of options when craving a slice.

    What makes Gainesville’s pizza scene especially interesting is the range of backgrounds its proprietors have. Through interviews with pizzeria owners, we found that some had started as artists and musicians, while others had worked in engineering or education – and each had their own unique approach to making pizzas.

    The owner of Strega Nona’s Oven, for example, uses his engineering background to turn dough-making into a science, altering the proportions of ingredients by as little as half of a percent based on the season or even the weather.

    Satchel’s Pizza, on the other hand, is filled with works made by its artist owner, including mosaic windows, paintings, sculptures and fountains.

    Gainesville’s independent pizzerias often serve as what sociologists call “third places”: spaces for gathering that aren’t home or work. And their owners think carefully about how to create a welcoming environment. For example, the owner of Scuola Pizza insisted the restaurant be free of TVs, so diners can focus on their food. Squarehouse Pizza features a large outdoor space; an old, now repurposed school bus outfitted with tables and chairs to dine in, and a stage for live music.

    Squarehouse also is known for its unusual toppings on square, Detroit-style pies – for example, the Mariah Curry, topped with curry chicken or cauliflower and coconut curry sauce. It refreshes its specialty menus every semester or two.

    While the American pizza landscape may be shaped by big brands and standardized menus, small pizzerias continue to shine. Gainesville is a perfect example of how a local pizza scene in a small Southern college town can be so unique, even in a globalized industry. Small pizzerias don’t just offer food – they offer a flavorful reminder that the marketplace rewards distinctiveness and local character, too.

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

    – ref. 3 basic ingredients, a million possibilities: How small pizzerias succeed with uniqueness in an age of chain restaurants – https://theconversation.com/3-basic-ingredients-a-million-possibilities-how-small-pizzerias-succeed-with-uniqueness-in-an-age-of-chain-restaurants-259661

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: How slashing university research grants impacts Colorado’s economy and national innovation – a CU Boulder administrator explains

    Source: The Conversation – USA (2) – By Massimo Ruzzene, Vice Chancellor of Research and Innovation, University of Colorado Boulder

    Federal funding cuts to the University of Colorado Boulder have already impacted research and could cause even more harm. Glenn J. Asakawa/University of Colorado

    The Trump administration has been freezing or reducing federal grants to universities across the country.

    Over the past several months, universities have lost more than US$11 billion in funding, according to NPR. More than two dozen universities, including the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of Denver, have been affected. Research into cancer, farming solutions and climate resiliency are just a few of the many projects nationally that have seen cuts.

    The Conversation asked Massimo Ruzzene, senior vice chancellor for research and innovation at the University of Colorado Boulder, to explain how these cuts and freezes are impacting the university he works for and Colorado’s local economy.

    How important are federal funds to CU Boulder?

    Federal funding pays for approximately 70% of CU Boulder’s research each year. That’s about $495 million in the 2023-2024 fiscal year.

    The other 30% of research funding comes from a variety of sources. The second-largest is international partnerships at $127 million. Last year, CU Boulder also received $27 million in philanthropic gifts to support research and approximately $29 million from collaborations with industry.

    CU Boulder uses this money to fund research that advances fields like artificial intelligence, space exploration and planetary sciences, quantum technologies, biosciences and climate and energy.

    At CU Boulder, federal funding also supports research projects like the Dust Accelerator Laboratory that helps us understand the composition and structure of cosmic dust. This research allows scientists to reconstruct the processes that formed planets, moons and organic molecules.

    How much federal funding has CU Boulder lost?

    So far in 2025, CU Boulder has received 56 grant cancellations or stop-work orders. Those amount to approximately $30 million in lost funding. This number is not inclusive of awards that are on hold and awaiting action by the sponsor.

    This number also does not include the funds that have not been accessible due the considerable lag in funding from agencies such as the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.
    Nationwide, National Science Foundation funding has dropped by more than 50% through the end of May of this year compared to the average of the past 10 years. The university anticipates that our funding received from these agencies will drop a similar amount, but the numbers are still being collected for this year.

    What research has been impacted?

    A wide variety. To take just one example, CU Boulder’s Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences and the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research investigate how to monitor, predict, respond to and recover from extreme weather conditions and natural disasters.

    This research directly impacts the safety, well-being and prosperity of Colorado residents facing wildfires, droughts and floods.

    Michael Gooseff, a researcher from the College of Engineering and Applied Science, collects weather data from the McMurdo Dry Valleys in Antarctica.
    Byron Adams/University of Colorado Boulder

    Past research from these groups includes recovery efforts following the 2021 Marshall Fire in the Boulder area. Researchers collaborated with local governments and watershed groups to monitor environmental impacts and develop dashboards that detailed their findings.

    How might cuts affect Colorado’s aerospace economy?

    Colorado has more aerospace jobs per capita than any other state. The sector employs more than 55,000 people and contributes significantly to both Colorado’s economy and the national economy.

    This ecosystem encompasses research universities such as CU Boulder and Colorado-based startups like Blue Canyon Technologies and Ursa Major Technologies. It also includes established global companies like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Technologies.

    At CU Boulder, the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics is one of the world’s premier space science research institutions. Researchers at the lab design, build and operate spacecraft and other instruments that contribute critical data. That data helps us understand Earth’s atmosphere, the Sun, planetary systems and deep space phenomena. If the projects the lab supports are cut, then it’s likely the lab will be cut as well.

    The Presidential Budget Request proposes up to 24% cuts to NASA’s annual budget. These include reductions of 47% for the Science Mission Directorate. The directorate supports more than a dozen space missions at CU Boulder. That cut could have an immediate impact on university programs of approximately $50 million.

    Scientists test the solar arrays on NASA’s Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution orbiter spacecraft at Lockheed Martin’s facility near Denver.
    Photo courtesy of LASP

    One of the largest space missions CU Boulder is involved in is the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution orbiter. MAVEN, as it’s known, provides telecommunications and space weather monitoring capabilities. These are necessary to support future human and robotic missions to Mars over the next decade and beyond, a stated priority for the White House. If MAVEN were to be canceled, experts estimate that it would cost almost $1 billion to restart it.

    Have the cuts hit quantum research?

    While the federal government has identified quantum technology as a national priority, the fiscal year 2026 budget proposal only maintains existing funding levels. It does not introduce new investments or initiatives.

    I’m concerned that this stagnation, amid broader cuts to science agencies, could undermine progress in this field and undercut the training of its critical workforce. The result could be the U.S. ceding its leadership in quantum innovation to global competitors.

    Massimo Ruzzene receives funding from the National Science Foundation.

    – ref. How slashing university research grants impacts Colorado’s economy and national innovation – a CU Boulder administrator explains – https://theconversation.com/how-slashing-university-research-grants-impacts-colorados-economy-and-national-innovation-a-cu-boulder-administrator-explains-257869

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Higher ed’s relationship with marriage? It’s complicated – and depends on age

    Source: The Conversation – USA (2) – By John V. Winters, Professor of Economics, Iowa State University

    Education rates are rising; marriage rates are falling. But the relationship between those two trends isn’t straightforward. Ugur Karakoc/E+ via Getty Images

    The longer someone stays in school, the more likely they are to delay getting married – but education does not reduce the overall likelihood of being married later in life, according to our research recently published in Education Economics. Education also influences who Americans marry: Obtaining a four-year degree vs. just a high school diploma more than doubles someone’s likelihood of marrying a fellow college graduate.

    Previous research has documented that the more education you have, the more likely you are to get married. But correlation does not imply causality, and plenty of other factors influence marriage and education.

    My research with economist Kunwon Ahn provides evidence that there is indeed a causal link between education and marriage – but it’s a nuanced one.

    Our study applies economic theory and advanced statistics to a 2006-2019 sample from the American Community Survey: more than 8 million people, whom we divided into different cohorts based on birthplace, birth year and self-reported ancestry.

    To isolate the causal relationship, we needed to sidestep other factors that can influence someone’s decisions about marriage and education. Therefore, we did not calculate based on individuals’ own education level. Instead, we estimated their educational attainment using a proxy: their mothers’ level of education. On the individual level, plenty of people finish more or less education than their parents. Within a cohort, however, the amount of schooling that mothers have, on average, is a strong predictor of how much education children in that cohort received.

    We found that an additional year of schooling – counting from first grade to the end of any postgraduate degrees – reduces the likelihood that someone age 25 to 34 is married by roughly 4 percentage points.

    Among older age groups, the effects of education were more mixed. On average, the level of education has almost zero impact on the probability that someone age 45 to 54 is married. Among people who were married by that age, being more educated reduces their likelihood of being divorced or separated.

    However, more education also makes people slightly more likely to have never been married by that age. In our sample, about 12% of people in that age group have never married. An additional year of education increases that, on average, by 2.6 percentage points.

    Why it matters

    Marriage rates are at historical lows in the United States, especially for young people. Before 1970, more than 80% of Americans 25 to 34 were married. By 2023, that number had fallen to only 38%, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

    Over the same time, the percentage of Americans with a college degree has increased considerably. Additional education can increase someone’s earning potential and make them a more attractive partner.

    Yet the rising costs of higher education may make marriage less attainable. A 2016 study found that the more college debt someone had, the less likely they were to ever marry.

    While marriage rates have fallen across the board, the drop is most pronounced for lower-income groups, and not all of the gap is driven by education. One of the other causes may be declining job prospects for lower-income men. Over recent decades, as their earning potential has dwindled and women’s job options have grown, it appears some of the economic benefits of marriage have declined.

    Declining marriage rates have important effects on individuals, families and society as a whole. Many people value the institution for its own sake, and others assign it importance based on religious, cultural and social values. Economically, marriage has important consequences for children, including how many children people have and the resources that they can invest in those children.

    What still isn’t known

    Education levels are only part of the explanation for trends in marriage rates. Other cultural, social, economic and technological factors are likely involved in the overall decline, but their exact contribution is still unknown.

    One idea gaining traction, though little research has been done on it, considers the ways smartphones and social media may be reducing psychological and social well-being. We stay in more, go out less, and are increasingly divided – all of which could make people less likely to marry.

    The Research Brief is a short take on interesting academic work.

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

    – ref. Higher ed’s relationship with marriage? It’s complicated – and depends on age – https://theconversation.com/higher-eds-relationship-with-marriage-its-complicated-and-depends-on-age-258664

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Enrollment is open for Master’s programs founded by Chinese and Kazakh universities

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhua) — Admissions have opened for master’s programs jointly founded by China’s Nankai University and Kazakhstan’s L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Nankai University, located in the north Chinese city of Tianjin, said.

    The master’s programs in Belt and Road Economic and Trade Cooperation and Digital Economy and Industrial Innovation were launched with the approval of China’s Ministry of Education. Applicants can enroll in these programs without having to take the National Unified Examination for Master’s Degrees, according to a statement released on the website of Nankai University on Tuesday.

    Classes for these programs are scheduled to begin in September of this year.

    These educational projects are aimed at training specialists in the field of integrated economic management, competent in trade and economic cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road, the digital economy and industrial innovation.

    After successfully passing the tests and defending their final theses, students will receive a master’s degree from the L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Caliber Promotes Greg James to Chief Operating Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Caliber (NASDAQ: CWD), a real estate investor, developer, and manager, announced today that Greg James has been promoted to the company’s Chief Operating Officer. Greg joined Caliber in October 2024 as COO & Head of Hotel Asset Management and replaced Ignacio Martinez on July 7, 2025.

    “We thank Ignacio for his service. He joined Caliber at a time when building and scaling our business systems was critical,” said Chris Loeffler, CEO and Co-Founder of Caliber, “As we have made significant achievements in these areas, Caliber is now promoting Greg James from COO of Caliber Hospitality Trust & Head of Hotel Asset Management to Caliber’s new COO. In this expanded role, Greg brings a strong real estate focus on all aspects of Caliber’s acquisitions, development, and asset management services, applying his prior knowledge of running a hotel investment portfolio of over 100 assets valued at $3.5 billion across 26 states. This realignment takes full advantage of our talent, which is aligned with Caliber’s objective of the efficient use of capital and generating positive adjusted EBITDA.”

    “I am honored to step into the role of Chief Operating Officer at Caliber during such an exciting time of growth,” said Greg James Caliber’s new COO, “With Caliber’s strong foundation and talented team, I’m looking forward to building on our momentum, streamlining operations, expanding our hospitality platform, and delivering exceptional value to our investors and communities.”

    Mr. James brings over 34 years of experience in hotel operations and asset management. Prior to Caliber, he spent nearly two decades at Summit Hotel Properties [NYSE: INN], where he served as Senior Vice President of Operations overseeing revenue strategy, asset management, data analytics, PIP execution, acquisitions and dispositions, and day-to-day hotel operations. He began his career in 1991 with Marriott International, rising through the ranks and managing hotel operations at more than a dozen properties from coast to coast. Mr. James has a BA from Arizona State University.

    About Caliber (CaliberCos Inc.)

    With over $2.9 billion in Managed Assets, Caliber’s 16-year track record of managing and developing real estate is built on a singular goal: to make money in all market conditions, specializing in hospitality, multi-family residential, and multi-tenant industrial. Our growth is fueled by performance and a key competitive advantage: we invest in projects, strategies, and geographies that global real estate institutions often overlook. Integral to this advantage is our in-house shared services group, which gives Caliber greater control over our real estate and enhanced visibility into future investment opportunities. There are multiple ways to participate in Caliber’s success: invest in Nasdaq-listed CaliberCos Inc. and/or invest directly in our Private Funds.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled “Risk Factors” in the final prospectus related to the Company’s public offering filed with the SEC and other reports filed with the SEC thereafter. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

    CONTACTS:
    Caliber Investor Relations:
    Ilya Grozovsky
    +1 480-214-1915
    Ilya@CaliberCo.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Academic slams NZ government over ‘compromised’ foreign policy

    Asia Pacific Report

    A prominent academic has criticised the New Zealand coalition government for compromising the country’s traditional commitment to upholding an international rules-based order due to a “desire not to offend” the Trump administration.

    Professor Robert Patman, an inaugural sesquicentennial distinguished chair and a specialist in international relations at the University of Otago, has argued in a contributed article to The Spinoff that while distant in geographic terms, “brutal violence in Gaza, the West Bank and Iran marks the latest stage in the unravelling of an international rules-based order on which New Zealand depends for its prosperity and security”.

    Dr Patman wrote that New Zealand’s founding document, the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi, emphasised partnership and cooperation at home, and, after 1945, helped inspire a New Zealand worldview enshrined in institutions such as the United Nations and norms such as multilateralism.

    Professor Robert Patman . . . “Even more striking was the government’s silence on President Trump’s proposal to own Gaza with a view to evicting two million Palestinian residents.” Image: University of Otago

    “In the wake of Hamas’ terrorist attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023, the National-led coalition government has in principle emphasised its support for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and the need for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict over the occupied territories of East Jerusalem, Gaza and the West Bank,” he wrote.

    However, Dr Patman said, in practice this New Zealand stance had not translated into firm diplomatic opposition to the Netanyahu government’s quest to control Gaza and annex the West Bank.

    “Nor has it been a condemnation of the Trump administration for prioritising its support for Israel’s security goals over international law,” he said.

    Foreign minister Winston Peters had described the situation in Gaza as “simply intolerable” but the National-led coalition had little specific to say as the Netanyahu government “resumed its cruel blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza in March and restarted military operations there”.

    Silence on Trump’s ‘Gaza ownership’
    “Even more striking was the government’s silence on President Trump’s proposal to own Gaza with a view to evicting two million Palestinian residents from the territory and the US-Israeli venture to start the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in late May in a move which sidelined the UN in aid distribution and has led to the killing of more than 600 Palestinians while seeking food aid,” Dr Patman said.

    While New Zealand, along with the UK, Australia, Canada and Norway, had imposed sanctions on two far-right Israeli government ministers, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar ben Gvir, in June for “inciting extremist violence” against Palestinians — a move that was criticised by the Trump administration — it was arguably a case of very little very late.

    “The Hamas terror attacks on October 7 killed around 1200 Israelis, but the Netanyahu government’s retaliation by the Israel Defence Force (IDF) against Hamas has resulted in the deaths of more than 56,000 Palestinians — nearly 70 percent of whom were women or children — in Gaza.

    Over the same period, more than 1000 Palestinians had been killed in the West Bank as Israel accelerated its programme of illegal settlements there.

    ‘Strangely ambivalent’
    In addition, the responses of the New Zealand government to “pre-emptive attacks” by Israel (13-25 June) and Trump’s United States (June 22) against Iran to destroy Iran’s nuclear capabilities were strangely ambivalent.

    Despite indications from US intelligence and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that Iran had not produced nuclear weapons, Foreign Minister Peters had said New Zealand was not prepared to take a position on that issue.

    Confronted with Trump’s “might is right” approach, the National-led coalition faced stark choices, Dr Patman said.

    The New Zealand government could continue to fudge fundamental moral and legal issues in the Middle East and risk complicity in the further weakening of an international rules-based order it purportedly supports, “or it can get off the fence, stand up for the country’s values, and insist that respect for international law must be observed in the region and elsewhere without exception”.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Academic slams NZ government over ‘compromised’ foreign policy

    Asia Pacific Report

    A prominent academic has criticised the New Zealand coalition government for compromising the country’s traditional commitment to upholding an international rules-based order due to a “desire not to offend” the Trump administration.

    Professor Robert Patman, an inaugural sesquicentennial distinguished chair and a specialist in international relations at the University of Otago, has argued in a contributed article to The Spinoff that while distant in geographic terms, “brutal violence in Gaza, the West Bank and Iran marks the latest stage in the unravelling of an international rules-based order on which New Zealand depends for its prosperity and security”.

    Dr Patman wrote that New Zealand’s founding document, the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi, emphasised partnership and cooperation at home, and, after 1945, helped inspire a New Zealand worldview enshrined in institutions such as the United Nations and norms such as multilateralism.

    Professor Robert Patman . . . “Even more striking was the government’s silence on President Trump’s proposal to own Gaza with a view to evicting two million Palestinian residents.” Image: University of Otago

    “In the wake of Hamas’ terrorist attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023, the National-led coalition government has in principle emphasised its support for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and the need for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict over the occupied territories of East Jerusalem, Gaza and the West Bank,” he wrote.

    However, Dr Patman said, in practice this New Zealand stance had not translated into firm diplomatic opposition to the Netanyahu government’s quest to control Gaza and annex the West Bank.

    “Nor has it been a condemnation of the Trump administration for prioritising its support for Israel’s security goals over international law,” he said.

    Foreign minister Winston Peters had described the situation in Gaza as “simply intolerable” but the National-led coalition had little specific to say as the Netanyahu government “resumed its cruel blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza in March and restarted military operations there”.

    Silence on Trump’s ‘Gaza ownership’
    “Even more striking was the government’s silence on President Trump’s proposal to own Gaza with a view to evicting two million Palestinian residents from the territory and the US-Israeli venture to start the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in late May in a move which sidelined the UN in aid distribution and has led to the killing of more than 600 Palestinians while seeking food aid,” Dr Patman said.

    While New Zealand, along with the UK, Australia, Canada and Norway, had imposed sanctions on two far-right Israeli government ministers, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar ben Gvir, in June for “inciting extremist violence” against Palestinians — a move that was criticised by the Trump administration — it was arguably a case of very little very late.

    “The Hamas terror attacks on October 7 killed around 1200 Israelis, but the Netanyahu government’s retaliation by the Israel Defence Force (IDF) against Hamas has resulted in the deaths of more than 56,000 Palestinians — nearly 70 percent of whom were women or children — in Gaza.

    Over the same period, more than 1000 Palestinians had been killed in the West Bank as Israel accelerated its programme of illegal settlements there.

    ‘Strangely ambivalent’
    In addition, the responses of the New Zealand government to “pre-emptive attacks” by Israel (13-25 June) and Trump’s United States (June 22) against Iran to destroy Iran’s nuclear capabilities were strangely ambivalent.

    Despite indications from US intelligence and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that Iran had not produced nuclear weapons, Foreign Minister Peters had said New Zealand was not prepared to take a position on that issue.

    Confronted with Trump’s “might is right” approach, the National-led coalition faced stark choices, Dr Patman said.

    The New Zealand government could continue to fudge fundamental moral and legal issues in the Middle East and risk complicity in the further weakening of an international rules-based order it purportedly supports, “or it can get off the fence, stand up for the country’s values, and insist that respect for international law must be observed in the region and elsewhere without exception”.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Reduce, remove, reflect — the three Rs that could limit global warming

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dante McGrath, Postdoctoral Researcher, Centre for Climate Repair, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge

    NASA Johnson/flickr, CC BY-NC

    Since 2019, the UK has been committed to the target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Legally binding net zero targets form the basis for national efforts to meet the international goals of limiting global warming to “well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels” and ideally to 1.5°C.

    These goals, launched in 2015 as part of the UN’s Paris agreement, set the stage for climate action in a warming world. Much like the “reduce-reuse-recycle” sustainability initiative, various climate actions fit within three Rs — reduce, remove and reflect. These actions were the subject of a recent debate in the UK parliament.

    My colleagues and I have reviewed how these three Rs differ in scope, scale and state of knowledge. Our analysis reveals that a range of climate interventions may complement intensified mitigation efforts (to reduce greenhouse gas emissions), but more research is urgently needed.

    Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is at centre stage. This is non-negotiable. Emissions reduction must be deep, rapid and sustained if we are to limit global warming to less than 2°C. These drastic cuts demand an ensemble cast, players from all sectors, from energy to agriculture. The energy to power modern society accounts for almost 75% of our greenhouse gas emissions.

    We need a prop change at centre stage: an energy transition from fossil fuels to renewables. This requires electrification and energy efficiency measures — both are central to managing the growth in energy demand sustainably.

    At stage right, greenhouse gas removal offers a supporting role by removing historical emissions and offsetting residual emissions from sectors lagging behind in the energy transition (such as shipping and aviation). A number of academics have stressed that a range of removal methods is required to achieve net zero emissions and halt the rise in global temperature.

    Conventional carbon removal methods, such as forestation or the restoration of peatlands and wetlands, are vital. However, due to resource constraints (such as land and water security) and ecosystem impacts of global warming, we need to scale new methods rapidly to meet Paris agreement targets. These include ways to capture and store carbon on land and at sea.

    Novel methods have many challenges, however, related to their effectiveness (including storage durability and permanence), unintended environmental consequences, economic costs and demands on natural resources. The challenges constraining the scale-up of novel removal methods must be addressed if we are to achieve net zero and halt global warming.

    The consequences of climate change are outpacing efforts to abate it. With each year, the likelihood of exceeding 1.5 and 2°C warming increases, posing major risks to society and Earth’s ecosystems. That’s why the third R — reflect — needs to be assessed.



    Read more:
    UK funds controversial climate-cooling research

    Sunlight reflection methods have been in the wings on stage left. In the context of limiting global warming to 1.5°C, they have been considered feasible in theory, but fraught with challenges in practice. As the chance of exceeding 1.5°C in the coming years increases, this form of climate intervention needs further consideration. Experts brought together by the UN Environment Programme have concluded that, although this intervention is “not a substitute for mitigation”, it is “the only option that could cool the planet within years”.

    The most studied methods to reflect sunlight are called stratospheric aerosol injection and marine cloud brightening. These methods mimic natural processes that cool the earth by reflecting sunlight, be it through the release of reflective aerosols into the upper atmosphere, or the addition of droplet-forming salt crystals into marine clouds in the lower atmosphere.



    Read more:
    Five geoengineering trials the UK is funding to combat global warming

    Sunlight reflection methods pose immense challenges with respect to research, ethics and governance. There are many scientific uncertainties about how these interventions will influence the climate. There is also no global regulatory framework in place. Any legislation needs to be based on scientific evidence and informed decisions.

    Shining the spotlight

    Meeting climate goals requires an ensemble cast performing actions across the warming world stage. Emissions reduction is indispensable and should remain centre stage in climate policy. Climate interventions at stage right and left — in the form of greenhouse gas removal and sunlight reflection — need responsible and responsive direction. Their risks and benefits need to be assessed.

    Before curtains are drawn, let’s make sure every climate action — reduce, remove and reflect — gets a fair hearing.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

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

    – ref. Reduce, remove, reflect — the three Rs that could limit global warming – https://theconversation.com/reduce-remove-reflect-the-three-rs-that-could-limit-global-warming-258413

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Reduce, remove, reflect — the three Rs that could limit global warming

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dante McGrath, Postdoctoral Researcher, Centre for Climate Repair, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge

    NASA Johnson/flickr, CC BY-NC

    Since 2019, the UK has been committed to the target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Legally binding net zero targets form the basis for national efforts to meet the international goals of limiting global warming to “well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels” and ideally to 1.5°C.

    These goals, launched in 2015 as part of the UN’s Paris agreement, set the stage for climate action in a warming world. Much like the “reduce-reuse-recycle” sustainability initiative, various climate actions fit within three Rs — reduce, remove and reflect. These actions were the subject of a recent debate in the UK parliament.

    My colleagues and I have reviewed how these three Rs differ in scope, scale and state of knowledge. Our analysis reveals that a range of climate interventions may complement intensified mitigation efforts (to reduce greenhouse gas emissions), but more research is urgently needed.

    Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is at centre stage. This is non-negotiable. Emissions reduction must be deep, rapid and sustained if we are to limit global warming to less than 2°C. These drastic cuts demand an ensemble cast, players from all sectors, from energy to agriculture. The energy to power modern society accounts for almost 75% of our greenhouse gas emissions.

    We need a prop change at centre stage: an energy transition from fossil fuels to renewables. This requires electrification and energy efficiency measures — both are central to managing the growth in energy demand sustainably.

    At stage right, greenhouse gas removal offers a supporting role by removing historical emissions and offsetting residual emissions from sectors lagging behind in the energy transition (such as shipping and aviation). A number of academics have stressed that a range of removal methods is required to achieve net zero emissions and halt the rise in global temperature.

    Conventional carbon removal methods, such as forestation or the restoration of peatlands and wetlands, are vital. However, due to resource constraints (such as land and water security) and ecosystem impacts of global warming, we need to scale new methods rapidly to meet Paris agreement targets. These include ways to capture and store carbon on land and at sea.

    Novel methods have many challenges, however, related to their effectiveness (including storage durability and permanence), unintended environmental consequences, economic costs and demands on natural resources. The challenges constraining the scale-up of novel removal methods must be addressed if we are to achieve net zero and halt global warming.

    The consequences of climate change are outpacing efforts to abate it. With each year, the likelihood of exceeding 1.5 and 2°C warming increases, posing major risks to society and Earth’s ecosystems. That’s why the third R — reflect — needs to be assessed.



    Read more:
    UK funds controversial climate-cooling research

    Sunlight reflection methods have been in the wings on stage left. In the context of limiting global warming to 1.5°C, they have been considered feasible in theory, but fraught with challenges in practice. As the chance of exceeding 1.5°C in the coming years increases, this form of climate intervention needs further consideration. Experts brought together by the UN Environment Programme have concluded that, although this intervention is “not a substitute for mitigation”, it is “the only option that could cool the planet within years”.

    The most studied methods to reflect sunlight are called stratospheric aerosol injection and marine cloud brightening. These methods mimic natural processes that cool the earth by reflecting sunlight, be it through the release of reflective aerosols into the upper atmosphere, or the addition of droplet-forming salt crystals into marine clouds in the lower atmosphere.



    Read more:
    Five geoengineering trials the UK is funding to combat global warming

    Sunlight reflection methods pose immense challenges with respect to research, ethics and governance. There are many scientific uncertainties about how these interventions will influence the climate. There is also no global regulatory framework in place. Any legislation needs to be based on scientific evidence and informed decisions.

    Shining the spotlight

    Meeting climate goals requires an ensemble cast performing actions across the warming world stage. Emissions reduction is indispensable and should remain centre stage in climate policy. Climate interventions at stage right and left — in the form of greenhouse gas removal and sunlight reflection — need responsible and responsive direction. Their risks and benefits need to be assessed.

    Before curtains are drawn, let’s make sure every climate action — reduce, remove and reflect — gets a fair hearing.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

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

    – ref. Reduce, remove, reflect — the three Rs that could limit global warming – https://theconversation.com/reduce-remove-reflect-the-three-rs-that-could-limit-global-warming-258413

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Staying positive might protect against memory loss

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Christian van Nieuwerburgh, Professor of Coaching and Positive Psychology, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences

    PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

    Want to remember things better as you get older? The secret might be surprisingly simple: focus on feeling good.

    Recent research involving over 10,000 people aged 50 and above has found that people with higher wellbeing perform better on memory tests as they age. The study, which followed participants for 16 years, checked their wellbeing and memory every two years.

    The researchers expected that good memory might improve wellbeing, but found no evidence for that. Instead, it was wellbeing that predicted better memory performance over time.

    The study also found that the link between wellbeing and memory stayed strong even after taking things like depression into account. This means wellbeing may affect memory on its own, not just through effects on mood.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    However, the study’s authors acknowledge some limitations that should be taken into account when considering the real-life application of their findings.

    The study relied on people reporting their own wellbeing, which can be biased – some people might overestimate how good they feel. The research also can’t prove that wellbeing directly causes better memory – other factors like income or life experiences might play a role.

    Also, the memory tests used were relatively simple and might not capture the full complexities of how memory works in real life.

    Despite these limitations, the study offers a compelling reason to invest in your wellbeing now. Here are five evidence-based strategies to increase the positive emotions in your day-to-day experiences.

    Five strategies to boost your wellbeing now

    1. Be grateful

    Some people feel better when they keep a gratitude journal.

    2. Engage in acts of kindness.

    Being kind can boost the wellbeing of both initiators and receivers of kindness.

    3. Nurture your most important relationships

    Positive relationships are important for our wellbeing. These should be nurtured and maintained.

    4. Be more present.

    In a distracted world, being present in the moment can be difficult. Being present is the opposite of multitasking. This takes intentional practice and you can develop it through meditation or mindfulness practices.

    5. Do things that lead to a “flow” state.

    Being in a flow state means that we are fully engaged in an activity. It is a mental state where a person feels fully involved and enjoys a process or activity that provides just the right balance of challenge and reward. People often talk about this as “being in the zone”. Finding an engaging hobby or sport is a good way of increasing flow moments.

    Ensuring that you and the people around you experience positive emotions regularly is not just about feeling good in the moment. It is also an important investment for the future, ensuring better mental health and wellbeing for yourself and others. What will you do?

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

    – ref. Staying positive might protect against memory loss – https://theconversation.com/staying-positive-might-protect-against-memory-loss-259617

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: The online world comes with risks – but also friendships and independence for young people with disabilities

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Andy Phippen, Professor of IT Ethics and Digital Rights, Bournemouth University

    Kleber Cordeiro/Shutterstock

    “In the real world, I’m a coward. When I’m online, I’m a hero.”

    These words, paraphrased from a conversation with a young man with autism, have stayed with us throughout the years of research that underpin our recently published book exploring the relationship between children with special educational needs and disabilities and digital technology.

    We’re constantly bombarded with warnings about the potential dangers of digital technology, especially for children. But this quote captures something we might miss. The digital world can be a vital space of empowerment and connection.

    In our work, we’ve found that digital technology offers more than just access to learning for young people with special educational needs and disabilities. It opens doors to social lives, creative outlets and even employment opportunities that might be closed to them in the offline world. And yet, this potential is too often overshadowed by fears about the risks and harms they might encounter online.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Adolescence, the Netflix drama that delves into the hidden dangers of growing up in a digital world, has taken up a lot of the national conversation around social media, cyberbullying and online exploitation. But there is another show on Netflix that has received far less attention.

    The Remarkable Life of Ibelin is a powerful documentary that tells the story of Mats Steen, a young Norwegian man with a severe disability who found freedom, friendship and purpose in the online world of gaming. Though physically limited by Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Mats, known as “Ibelin” in World of Warcraft, built a rich life online.

    After his passing at 25, his gaming friends revealed just how much he had meant to them. Some travelled to his funeral. The film challenges stereotypes about online gaming. It shows it as a source of connection, compassion, and real human bonds.

    We’ve spoken to many young people with special educational needs and disabilities who echo the same themes. Online spaces offer a sense of identity and capability they don’t always feel offline.

    We found that the benefits of digital engagement for children with special educational needs and disabilities are extensive. It enhances communication: tools such as voice interfaces and text-to-speech software help those with speech or language difficulties express themselves confidently. Online platforms create spaces for friendships, especially for those who find face-to-face interaction challenging.

    Young people can build meaningful relationships online.
    Frame Stock Footage/Shutterstock

    Digital tools can also foster independence. Calendar apps can be useful for those with ADHD, or assistive technology for learners with dyslexia. And for education, tailored online content can bridge the gap between mainstream and specialist learning environments.

    But the digital world isn’t an equal playing field. Children with special educational needs and disabilities face disproportionate levels of online harm, including grooming, cyberbullying and exposure to inappropriate content. Crucially, they often lack the tools or support to report harm or seek help.

    This, of course, raises concerns for the parents, carers and teachers of young people with special educational needs and disabilities. We’ve found that parents, carers and teachers we’ve spoken to often reach for a “prohibition first” approach – feeling young people will be safer if they do not have the access to the internet and social media that a young person without their needs might enjoy.

    Safeguarding and empowerment

    We’ve been asked questions such as “What apps should I ban?” or “How do I stop my child going on the dark web?” These questions reflect a risk-averse mindset that fails to appreciate the value of digital engagement. Risk cannot be eliminated, but it can be managed. And, more importantly, opportunity must be protected.

    Too often, safeguarding strategies are done to children, not with them. It’s a good idea for parents and teachers of all children to talk to them about their digital life: what brings them joy, what worries them, where they feel confident or confused. Children are more likely to talk about fears or bad experiences if they feel believed, respected and understood. Make yourself a safe adult to talk to: one who listens without panic.

    While banning apps or limiting access might be useful in some cases, it should not be the starting point for safeguarding. It’s worth considering whether there are skills that a child could learn that would allow them to use technology safely.

    What’s more, online safety lessons are best when adapted to the communication style, cognitive ability and emotional maturity of an individual child. Visual aids, social stories, or interactive games may work better than text-heavy advice.

    Fear can limit what technology can offer the children who may need it most. For young people with special educational needs and disabilities, digital spaces are not simply entertainment, they are platforms for agency, creativity, relationships and voice.

    The role of adults here is to ensure these spaces are not only safe, but welcoming and empowering. That means moving past automatic restrictions and toward thoughtful, inclusive strategies that support children who might gain the most from using these technologies. We don’t need more bans. We need more belief.

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

    – ref. The online world comes with risks – but also friendships and independence for young people with disabilities – https://theconversation.com/the-online-world-comes-with-risks-but-also-friendships-and-independence-for-young-people-with-disabilities-260443

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI: Churchill Reports High-Grade Zinc Results on Polymetallic Veins at the Black Raven Property, Central Newfoundland

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Churchill Resources Inc. (“Churchill” or the “Company”) (TSXV: CRI) is pleased to announce the final due-diligence sample results on its Black Raven property with three over-limit zinc assays of 5.25%, 11.03% and 12.11% from grab samples 305, 315 and 321 respectively. These samples returned high-grade gold, silver, lead and zinc, emphasizing the polymetallic metal assemblage of critical minerals present in the Black Raven vein system, per the summary table and figure below.

    Sample #   300   304   305   315   321
    Silver grade (g/t)   153   329   321   251   395
    Gold grade (g/t)   3.07   7.70   7.79   5.09   2.16
    Lead grade (%)   3.10   6.47   5.80   8.83   7.34
    Zinc grade (%)   2.85   4.97   5.25   11.03   12.11
    Copper grade (%)   nil   0.37   0.50   0.39   0.40
                         

    These samples exceeded the laboratory’s original upper detection limit for zinc (50,000ppm or 5% – see release of June 23 2025), and the results reported herein are from the overage assay protocols. The Black Raven vein systems have never been drilled.

    “These excellent zinc results complete all of the over-limit ore-grade analyses from our due-diligence sampling, and continue to strongly confirm our belief that the Black Raven system includes high-grade polymetallic veins, as well as the known Frost Cove Antimony and Stewart Gold past-producers,” commented Paul Sobie, President of Churchill. “Our next batch of rock samples are at SGS and will be processed much more quickly than the due-diligence set, as we’re running the appropriate ore grade analyses concurrently on suspected high-grade samples.”

    The Black Raven Property hosts two past-producing mines dating back to the late 1800’s, the Frost Cove Antimony Mine, and the Stewart Gold Mine which returned antimony grades of 35.1% and gold grades of 14.4 g/t, respectively (see release of 12th June 2025). The zinc results reported herein are from different locations on the property (see attached map). Black Raven is located approximately 60km northwest of Gander, and approximately 100km north of the Beaver Brook Antimony Mine, currently on care and maintenance.

    Antimony: A Critical Mineral in High Demand

    Antimony is a critical mineral essential for national security and modern technology, with over 90% of global production controlled by China, Russia, and other non-Western jurisdictions. The metal is a vital component in military applications, while also being crucial for certain flame retardants, strengthening alloys in batteries, and emerging energy storage technologies. Recent Chinese export restrictions have driven prices to record levels exceeding $50,000 per tonne, highlighting antimony’s strategic importance to a “Fortress North America” approach to critical mineral supply chains and making domestic North American sources increasingly important for economic and national security.

    Due-Diligence Sampling Program

    Antimony, gold, silver, lead, zinc, copper and molybdenum samples were selected by Dr. Derek Wilton, independent QP to Churchill, during field visits on April 24th and 25th. All samples were labelled and securely bound and delivered to the prep laboratory of SGS Canada Inc. in Grand Falls-Windsor, for crushing and pulverizing. Splits were couriered to Burnaby, B.C. by SGS for GE_AAS33E50 zinc assays and overlimit samples by the GO_ICP90Q100 ore-grade analytical method. All due-diligence samples described in this news release were grab samples and are selective by nature and are unlikely to represent average grades of the property.

    Black Raven Antimony-Gold Property

    The Black Raven Property comprises nine map-staked licenses constituting a single contiguous block of 125 claims that in total cover 3,125ha or 31.25km2. Churchill and the vendors have agreed to a 4km wide area of interest around the property boundaries as part of their agreement.

    The past sampling data reported in this News Release is historic in nature and does not meet NI43-101 standards. Churchill has relied on the information supplied in the Government of Newfoundland field assessment reports and from information found in the Mineral Occurrence Database System operated by the Newfoundland Department of Industry, Energy and, Technology. Natural Resources.

    The technical and scientific information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Derek H.C Wilton, P.Geo., FGC, who is a “qualified person” as defined under National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”). Dr. Wilton is an honorary research professor of Economic Geology at Memorial University in St. John’s and is independent of the Company for the purposes of NI 43-101.

    References:

    Heyl, George R., 1936. Geology and Mineral Deposits of the Bay of Exploits Area. Newfoundland Department of Natural Resources, Geological Section, Bulletin No 3. 65 pages.

    Fogwill, W.D., 1968. Report on a copper prospect at Western Head, Moreton’s Harbour in the Notre Dame Bay Area, Newfoundland. Newfoundland and Labrador Geological Survey, Assessment File 2E/10/0350, 1968, 48 pages

    Kay, E.A. 1981. A geochemical and fluid inclusion study of the arsenopyrite-stibnite-gold mineralization, Moreton’s Harbour, Notre Dame Bay, Newfoundland. Master Thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Canada, 1981. Newfoundland and Labrador Geological Survey, Assessment File 002E/10/1075, 1981, 209 pages.

    Quinlan E, 2013. First Year Assessment Report for 019872M, Ninth Year Assessment Report for 015553M, and Third Year Assessment Report for 017787M for Exploration within the Black Raven Property, NTS Map Sheet 2E/10. Newfoundland and Labrador Geological Survey Assessment Report, 69 pages

    Quinlan, E. 2025. 21st, 8th & 4th Year Assessment Report of Diamond Drilling & Prospecting On Black Raven Property, License 023212M (21st Year), License 02840m (8th Year), License 35674m (4th Year) NTS 02E/10, North-Central Newfoundland. Property centered at approximately 49°57’N, 54°87’ W. 34 pages.

    About Churchill Resources

    Churchill Resources Inc. is a Canadian exploration company focused on strategic, critical minerals in Canada, principally at its prospective Black Raven, Taylor Brook and Florence Lake properties in Newfoundland & Labrador. The Churchill management team, board, and advisors have decades of combined experience in mineral exploration and in the establishment of successful publicly listed mining companies, both in Canada and around the world. Churchill’s Newfoundland and Labrador projects have the potential to benefit from the province’s large and diversified minerals industry, which includes world class nickel mines and processing facilities, and a well-developed mineral exploration sector with locally based drilling and geological expertise.

    Churchill’s Taylor Brook Nickel-Copper-Cobalt-Vanadium-Titanium Property, and Florence Lake Nickel Property, are both in good standing for a number of years, such that further exploration and development can await improved market conditions sentiment while the Company focuses on high-grade antimony-gold and other critical minerals.

    Further Information

    For further information regarding Churchill, please contact:

    Churchill Resources Inc.
    Paul Sobie, Chief Executive Officer
    psobie@churchillresources.com
    Tel. 416.365.0930 (o)
           647.988.0930 (m)

    Alec Rowlands, Business Development & IR
    Alec.rowlands1@gmail.com
    Tel. 416.721.4732 (m)

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements about Churchill’s objectives, goals and exploration activities proposed to be conducted on its properties; future growth potential of Churchill, including whether any proposed exploration programs at any of its properties will be successful; exploration results; and future exploration plans and costs. Wherever possible, words such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “predict” or “potential” or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. In particular, this release contains forward-looking information relating to, among other things, the Company’s goals and objectives, and future exploration work to be conducted on the Company’s Black Raven Antimony Property. These statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof.

    Forward-looking statements involve significant risk, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include: exploration results on the Black Raven Antimony Property; the expected benefits to Churchill relating to the exploration proposed to be conducted on its properties; receipt of all regulatory approvals in connection with the transaction contemplated herein; failure to identify any additional mineral resources or significant mineralization; the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, including to fund any exploration programs on the Churchill’s properties, if required; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold, silver, base metals or certain other commodities; change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations pressures, cave-ins and flooding); inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining and mineral exploration; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); the unlikelihood that properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines; geological factors; actual results of current and future exploration; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be evaluated; soil sampling results being preliminary in nature and are not conclusive evidence of the likelihood of a mineral deposit; and title to properties. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Churchill cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Churchill assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7bb07e79-51ac-4671-b042-3607a1200922

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Anti-discrimination campaign brings city together

    Source: City of Leeds

    The campaign, which takes a stand against all forms of discrimination, has been running for the past month with the unifying message of “What makes us different makes us Leeds”.

    With posters across the city and social media activity the Leeds City Council campaign has communicated non-tolerance for misogyny, racism, anti-Muslim prejudice, antisemitism, ageism, homophobia, biphobia and transphobia, and disability discrimination.

    Councillor Mary Harland, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, customer service and community safety, and Councillor Fiona Venner, executive member for equality, health and wellbeing, said: “It’s been wonderful to finally see this campaign come to life across the city, making sure that everyone knows Leeds does not tolerate discrimination in any form. We’ve had a lot of positive feedback from communities and residents, and any negative comments we receive only highlight the importance of continuing this work. 

    “Working towards strengthening social cohesion in our city is vital to ensure everyone feels like they belong and that they are and feel safe. Our ambition is for Leeds to be the best city in the UK and at the heart of this is our mission to tackle inequality. 

    “We will continue to work with all our communities to tackle discrimination and build a safer and stronger Leeds.” 

    The Leeds Anchor Network which brings together 14 of the city’s largest employers – including the council, NHS trusts, higher and further education, culture, and utilities, has also supported the campaign.

    Professor Peter Slee, chair of the Leeds Anchor Network and Vice Chancellor of Leeds Beckett University, said: “The Leeds Anchor Network welcomes this campaign. Leeds is a city built on communities, partnership and collaboration, and this strength is reflected in our network. We are committed to inclusion, to listening to our communities, and to working with everyone in the city for a united approach to inclusive growth.”

    Speaking up in support is also Leeds Older People’s Forum, a network of third sector organisations working with and for older people.

    Jo Volpe, chief executive of Leeds Older People’s Forum, said: “Leeds Older People’s Forum is proud to support this important campaign from Leeds City Council. Ageism can lead to real harm—excluding older people from opportunities, reinforcing damaging stereotypes, and increasing loneliness and isolation. Our communities need this kind of support to challenge discrimination and promote respect across all ages. We all have a role to play in making Leeds a city where everyone feels valued.”

    Read more about the campaign at leeds.gov.uk/strongerleeds. 

    ENDS

    The campaign has sourced funding from the community recovery fund: Community Recovery Fund: Guidance – GOV.UK. This is a pot made available to areas who experienced unrest in 2024, and can be used for a range of things, including “To reduce the risk of further disorder in the future” and “To rebuild social trust and promote cohesion between communities”.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Curiosity Blog, Sol 4588: Ridges and troughs

    Source: NASA

    Written by Lucy Thompson, APXS Collaborator and Senior Research Scientist at the University of New Brunswick, CanadaEarth planning date: Wednesday, July 2, 2025As we traverse the boxwork terrain, we are encountering a series of more resistant ridges/bedrock patches, and areas that are more rubbly and tend to form lower relief polygonal or trough-like features. We came into planning this morning in one of the trough-like features after another successful drive. The science team is interested in determining why we see these different geomorphological and erosional expressions. Is the rock that comprises the more resistant ridges and patches a different composition to the rock in the troughs and low relief areas? How do the rocks vary texturally? Might the resistant bedrock be an indicator of what we will encounter when we reach the large boxworks that we are driving towards?We managed to find a large enough area of rock to safely brush (target – “Guapay”), after which we will place APXS and MAHLI to determine the composition and texture. ChemCam will also analyze a different rock target, “Taltal” for chemistry and texture, and we will also acquire an accompanying Mastcam documentation image. The resistant ridge that we are planning to drive towards (“Volcan Pena Blanca”) and eventually investigate will be captured in a Mastcam mosaic. ChemCam will utilize their long-distance imaging capabilities to image the “Mishe Mokwa” butte off to the southeast of our current location, which likely contains bedrock layers that we will eventually pass through as we continue our climb up Mount Sharp.After a planned drive, taking us closer to the “Volcan Pena Blanca” ridge, MARDI will image the new terrain beneath the wheels, before we execute some atmospheric observations. Mastcam will make a tau observation to monitor dust in the atmosphere and Navcam will acquire a zenith movie. Standard DAN, RAD and REMS activities round out the plan.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: St Petersburg University and the Institute of the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences are launching a joint program to train archaeologists | Saint Petersburg State University

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    During the training, future archaeologists will acquire a solid theoretical base, the necessary technical competencies for working with archaeological equipment, material sources, and will also have the opportunity to develop analytical skills for the correct interpretation of finds. The curriculum includes disciplines on the study of the material culture of Eurasia, the Caucasus, Central Asia and Europe, the history of landowning and nomadic civilizations – from the Stone Age to the New Age.

    The practice-oriented disciplines include mastering methods of field and desk research, including 3D modeling, as well as immersion in issues of legal regulation of the protection of cultural heritage sites. In addition, students will take courses in Chinese and Hindi.

    A bachelor’s program has been opened at St. Petersburg State University in the 2025/26 academic year “Archeology” with additional qualifications: “History and Social Science Teacher”, “Curator of Museum Values” or “Museum Objects Accounting Specialist”. This direction is implemented in online form with the Institute of the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences, where students conduct practical training and research work.

    The classes will be taught by leading teachers of St Petersburg University and research fellows of the Institute of the History of Material Culture (IHMC) of the Russian Academy of Sciences — recognized experts in the field of studying the Paleolithic era, Finno-Ugric, Slavic-Russian, Scandinavian and Caucasian archeology, the New Age and the art of the Ancient East. Among them are Alexander Ocherednoy, Senior Research Fellow of the Paleolithic Department of the IHMC, Margarita Kholkina, landscape archeology specialist and Associate Professor of St Petersburg University, Evgenia Tkach, Academic Secretary of the IHMC, and other scientists.

    Telegram channel of the employees of the Paleolithic Department of the Institute of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences “It all started in the Paleolithic” (provided by Ksenia Stepanova)

    On a voluntary basis, students will be able to take part in archaeological expeditions: in Krasnoyarsk Krai, the Republic of Tuva, the North Caucasus, Crimea, the Kaliningrad and Leningrad regions, one of the largest Stone Age sites Kostenki in the Voronezh region, as well as in the territories of the near abroad. Immersion in a professional environment is not only gaining valuable practical experience for future archaeologists, but also an opportunity to contribute to the study and preservation of Russia’s cultural heritage.

    The university implements programs of additional education, including in areas dedicated to history. For example, advanced training for specialists “Protective archeology and preservation of cultural heritage sites” and online course “History of Russian Literature”. The full list of courses is presented on the SPbU website in the section “Additional education”.

    As noted by the head of the educational program “Archaeology”, professor of St. Petersburg State University Igor Tikhonov, the new direction of training continues the traditions of the Russian school of studying applied historical science. “For the first time, the resources of the Institute of the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences, which is the successor of the Imperial Archaeological Commission created in 1859, and the oldest department of archeology of St. Petersburg State University, which has existed since 1936, have been fully combined. This is a real combination of the potential of one of the leading academic institutions of our country and the educational traditions and practices of St. Petersburg University. The Institute of the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences is also the main employer for university students,” the professor added.

    Graduates can focus on professional activities in scientific institutes, museums and government agencies, manage educational and tourism projects, work in publishing houses or teach in secondary specialized educational institutions. Potential employers include the Institute of the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Archaeology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the State Hermitage Museum and other organizations.

    Admission to the program started on June 20.

    Read more

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: HSE’s Project Management Course Receives International Accreditation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University “Higher School of Economics” –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The Higher School of Business of the National Research University Higher School of Economics has received accreditation for teaching the discipline “Project Management” according to the international standard IPMA ICB 4.0.

    Accreditation confirms that the Project Management course at the HSB complies with international standards: from the content of the course and the qualifications of teachers to the teaching materials. These requirements are recognized in more than 70 countries, including the USA, China, India, Germany, Great Britain and France.

    The Project Management course is implemented as part of various educational programs of the Higher School of Business of the National Research University Higher School of Economics – from bachelor’s and master’s degrees to professional retraining programs and MBA. Particular attention is paid to unified international approaches so that graduates can work in the global market and “speak” with colleagues in the same professional language.

    Project management has long gone beyond the scope of narrow professional tools. Today, it is the key to implementing changes and the basis for sustainable growth of companies in an unstable and rapidly changing environment. Modern project management requires specialists to be flexible, able to work with a high degree of uncertainty, think strategically, and have a wide range of methodological approaches – from classical to Agile and hybrid. All this forms the basis for teaching the Project Management discipline at the Higher School of Business of the National Research University Higher School of Economics.

    The certificate was issued for two years by the Russian Project Management Association SOVNET, the representative of the International Project Management Association (IPMA) in Russia since 1991. To obtain accreditation, the HSE provided a full set of training materials, and the teachers confirmed their qualifications by undergoing certification according to the IPMA system. The assessment was carried out by a commission of national experts authorized by IPMA.

    Ilyina Olga Nikolaevna

    Associate Professor of the Higher School of Business, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Director of the Project Management Center of the Higher School of Business, National Research University Higher School of Economics

    “Accreditation according to the international IPMA standard is a significant step for the HSB. It confirms that our approach to teaching project management meets the high requirements of the global professional community. For us, this is not only an assessment of quality, but also confirmation that we are developing education in accordance with global trends and preparing specialists who are able to work effectively in an international environment.”

    International accreditation confirms HSE’s commitment to high educational standards and strengthens its reputation as a first-choice business school.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Innovations in Materials Science. International Conference Held at Polytechnic University

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    From July 4 to 6, the Polytechnic University hosted the international scientific conference “Implementation of Innovations. New Materials and Additive Technologies” (VINMiAT-25). Scientists and experts in the field of materials science discussed the latest achievements in the creation of new materials and equipment design.

    The organizers were the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, the Russian Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, PJSC Gazprom and SPbPU.

    The conference considered modern achievements of science and technology in the field of physical and chemical processes for obtaining new materials and designing technological equipment, problems of implementation and commercialization of innovative technologies of the country’s fuel and energy complex, as well as new approaches to solving urgent problems in modern materials science.

    The plenary session was held in the research building of Technopolis Polytech. It was opened by the rector of SPbPU, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy.

    I am pleased to welcome you to the international scientific conference “Implementation of Innovations. New Materials and Additive Technologies”. This significant event brought together leading representatives of the scientific community, experts in the field of materials science, as well as students and postgraduates. I am confident that the results of our joint work will find practical application in various industries, contributing to the technological development of our country,” noted Andrey Rudskoy.

    The Deputy Head of Department of PJSC Gazprom, Maxim Nedzvetsky, gave a welcoming speech, expressing gratitude to the Polytechnic University for the excellent organization and emphasizing the relevance of the issues discussed.

    At the plenary session, Director of the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport of SPbPU Anatoly Popovich made a report on the experience and prospects for the development of additive and laser technologies. As the chief designer of the Scientific and Technical Complex “New Materials, Technologies, Production” within the framework of the project “Strategic Technological Leadership”, Anatoly Popovich paid special attention to the manufacture, repair and restoration of components of power engineering in various ways. He also assessed the prospects for the development of the additive technology industry.

    Head of the Department of PJSC Gazprom Viktor Seredenok spoke about the implementation of innovative projects in the company. Associate Professor of the Higher School of Physics and Technology of Materials of the Institute of Metallurgical Engineering and Technology Oleg Panchenko gave a report “New Technological Approaches in Welding”. He presented a number of technologies that are being implemented at the Polytechnic University. These are electric arc welding with a consumable electrode with cold metal transfer and a non-consumable electrode with a focused arc, manual laser welding, friction stir welding of steels, as well as process automation technologies.

    Head of the structural division of the Russian Quantum Center (International Center for Quantum Optics and Quantum Technologies) Anton Guglya devoted his speech to quantum and related technologies in the oil and gas sector. Deputy Chief Engineer for Additive Technologies at UEC Aviadvigatel Alexander Aksenov shared his experience of using additive technologies in the company.

    Representatives from Russia, Uzbekistan, Belarus and China participated in the conference. Their work was organized into several sections:

    nature-like materials and additive technologies for their production; welding and related technologies; technology for producing powder, composite materials and coatings; equipment, automation and robotics of innovative technologies; physical and chemical processes and innovative technologies in modern materials science; implementation of innovations in high-tech products at PJSC Gazprom.

    Specialists from the research laboratory “LiAT” of IMMiT SPbPU presented three reports. The research group analyzed residual deformations of a welded joint using different welding methods. The report presented the results of the influence of the welding method on the level of residual deformations, energy input and the width of the heat-affected zone, as well as on technical and economic characteristics.

    A separate presentation was devoted to the restoration of nozzle blades made of cobalt and nickel alloy using laser cladding. SPbPU scientists created a laser cladding technology and developed measures to prevent cracks. The cladding blades successfully passed operational tests.

    Mikhail Kuznetsov, Head of the Research Laboratory “LiAT” of IMMiT, presented a series of robotic systems for the implementation of laser welding, laser cladding and direct laser deposition processes in industrial production conditions. Among the developments are the mobile laser cladding system “Nomad”, direct laser deposition systems, as well as laser and hybrid laser-arc welding. Special attention was paid to the laser foil welding system and the system for applying a porous coating to hip joint cups. The participants’ attention was drawn to examples of the systems’ application for solving industrial partners’ production problems.

    Participation in VINMiAT-2025 is very important for understanding the development trend of industry and science in the field of additive technologies, as well as identifying points of contact for further interaction with industry, commented Mikhail Kuznetsov.

    At the sections, experts considered various issues: research into the mechanical properties of continuously reinforced nature-like polymer composites, development of biocompatible titanium-tantalum composites using selective laser melting, 3D printing of metal products using melt extrusion technology, implementation of innovations at Gazprom Transgaz Saratov, the procedure for admitting MTRs for use at Gazprom facilities, modern solutions in instrument making using machine vision and FDM technology, and much more.

    A cruise on a motor ship with an excursion program was organized for the conference participants. A meeting was held on board the motor ship, where reports were presented by representatives of PAO Gazprom and its subsidiaries, scientific and educational institutions and enterprises.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mikhail Mishustin appointed Dmitry Volvach as head of the Federal Accreditation Service

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Order dated July 7, 2025 No. 1831-r

    The Federal Accreditation Service (Rosaccreditation) is headed by Dmitry Volvach. The order on his appointment to this position was signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

    Document

    Order dated July 7, 2025 No. 1831-r

    Dmitry Volvach was born in 1972 in Moscow.

    In 1996, he graduated from the Lomonosov Moscow State University with a degree in physics, in 1998, from the Law College – Specialized Institute of Jurisprudence of the Lomonosov Moscow State University with a degree in jurisprudence, and in 2001 from the All-Russian State Tax Academy with a degree in finance and credit. Candidate of Legal Sciences.

    From 1998 to 2000, he worked in the Interdistrict Inspectorate of the Ministry of the Russian Federation for Taxes and Duties No. 40 for the city of Moscow.

    Since 2000, he has worked in various positions in the Ministry of Taxes and Duties of the Russian Federation, and later in the Federal Tax Service. From 2019 to 2021, he was deputy head of this department.

    Since March 2021, he held the post of Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation.

    Nazariy Skrypnik, who until now headed the Federal Accreditation Service, has been relieved of his post at his request.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: The best students of the Pre-University of the State University of Management received medals and applied for admission

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Official website of the State –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    On July 8, not only applicants from different parts of Moscow, but also the best students of the GUU Pre-University came to the Admissions Office of the State University of Management.

    Vice-Rector Dmitry Bryukhanov and Director of the Pre-University of the State University of Management Marina Grigorieva presented thirteen students with medals from the Moscow Department of Education and Science “For Special Achievements in Education” and wished them successful admission.

    Most of the graduates came with their parents and brought documents to submit to the university that had become their home.

    Sofia Varenik, who graduated from the Pre-University this year with a gold medal, told us about her path to the award.

    “I have been an excellent student since the first grade, my example was my mother, who also received a gold medal upon graduation. I will not say that it was easy. The main thing in achieving success in any endeavor is patience, determination, the ability to wait and work. The Pre-University has a very comfortable atmosphere, excellent conditions, and the teachers and classmates have become a real family over these two years. We are going to continue to keep in touch,” Sofia shared.

    Earlier we told you how the graduation of the Pre-University of the State University of Management and the graduation of the students of the State University of Management went, and on our channel in Zen you can find out the rules for admission to the State University of Management, what has changed in the Admissions Campaign of 2025, as well as get acquainted with the institutes of the State University of Management and get useful advice.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: InvestHK signs MOU with Xi’an Hi-Tech Zone to foster Shaanxi-Hong Kong partnership in empowering enterprises’ global expansion (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) today (July 8) cohosted the “Shaanxi-Hong Kong Collaboration: Leveraging Hong Kong Strengths to Support Shaanxi Tech Companies in Going Global” seminar in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, in collaboration with the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the Shaanxi Provincial People’s Government and the Shaanxi Association for Science and Technology. The event was also co-organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Chengdu (CDETO), the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government’s Shaanxi Liaison Unit, Shaanxi Province Xixian New Area Development and Construction Management Committee, and the Xi’an High-Tech Industries Development Zone Management Committee.
          
         The Director of the CDETO, Mr Enoch Yuen; the Director-General of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, Shaanxi Provincial Government, Ms Yao Hongjuan; and Vice President of the Shaanxi Association for Science and Technology Mr Lv Jianjun delivered welcome remarks to guests and the media. Mr Yuen said, “The National 14th Five-Year Plan explicitly designates Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology hub, while Shaanxi serves as a key national base for technology and industry, with strong capabilities in energy and chemical engineering, equipment manufacturing, and aerospace, among others. Both Hong Kong and Shaanxi place great importance on the development of the innovation and technology industry, and frequent high-level exchanges between the two places have continued to deepen in recent years. We look forward to deeper collaboration, leveraging Hong Kong’s strengths in taxation, finance, and global connectivity, while combining them with Shaanxi’s strong industrial foundation and innovative vitality, to achieve a mutually beneficial partnership.”
          
         Ms Yao stated that efforts will be made to actively promote and deepen economic, trade, and investment co-operation between Shaanxi and Hong Kong, particularly in the fields of innovation and technology, as well as new quality productive forces. These efforts aim to help enterprises in both regions seize development opportunities and achieve complementary advantages. Mr Lv also delivered remarks at the event.
          
         One of the key highlights of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between InvestHK and the Xi’an High-Tech Industries Development Zone Management Committee, marking a solid step forward for Shaanxi and Hong Kong in promoting the international development of enterprises in the central and western regions.
          
         Xi’an High-tech Zone is one of the first national high-tech zones approved by the State Council. In 2024, Xi’an High-tech Zone ranked fifth in the country and first in the central and western regions in the comprehensive evaluation of national high-tech zones. The zone focuses on developing innovative industries such as optoelectronic information, smart manufacturing, biomedicine, automobiles, new materials and energy. It has successfully built two “hundred-billion-level industrial clusters” in the automobile industry and electronic information. At present, the zone has become the world’s largest production base for flash memory chips and new energy vehicles.
          
         Under the MOU, the Xi’an High-Tech Industries Development Zone Management Committee will encourage enterprises in the zone to utilise Hong Kong as a base for expanding overseas business. InvestHK will provide enterprises with information on the business environment and policies in Hong Kong, as well as support services for companies investing and operating in Hong Kong. The signing of this MOU establishes a structured collaboration framework, combining Hong Kong’s unique strengths as an international financial centre and Xi’an High-Tech Zone’s innovation capabilities to empower enterprises in accessing global resources efficiently and seizing early opportunities in international markets.
          
         The Head of the Go Global Unit/Business and Talent Attraction/Investment Promotion of Western China of InvestHK, Mr Jason Gan, and the Director of the Science and Technology Innovation Bureau of the Xi’an High-Tech Industries Development Zone, Mr Gao Yuntian, signed the memorandum of co-operation on behalf of their respective sides. Mr Gan said after the signing, “There are tremendous opportunities for co-operation between Shaanxi and Hong Kong in developing new quality productive forces and contributing to China’s high-quality development. As a vital bridge between the Mainland and international markets, Hong Kong has long been committed to providing comprehensive support for Mainland innovation-driven enterprises. We hope to further leverage the complementary advantages of the two places to assist high-quality enterprises in the zone to go global via Hong Kong, and work together to explore new innovative co-operation.”
          
         The Head of Innovation & Technology of InvestHK, Mr Andy Wong, delivered a keynote speech and highlighted Hong Kong’s competitive edge in the I&T sector. “We possess a number of competitive advantages in developing innovation and technology, including world-class academic research and talent, cutting-edge R&D infrastructure, robust intellectual property protection, and the strong support of the HKSAR Government. In 2024, InvestHK supported 120 innovation and technology companies to set up or expand in Hong Kong, making it the top sector among those we assisted. This reflects the international community’s confidence in and recognition of Hong Kong’s I&T development, and further affirms the city’s strategic role as a two-way platform between the Mainland and global markets. Hong Kong’s innovation and technology sector has recently made remarkable progress in several areas. For example, the first batch of regulatory sandbox pilot projects for the low-altitude economy has been launched, serving as a new engine for Hong Kong’s future development. In addition, the city’s new drug approval mechanism has been updated to accelerate the market entry of new pharmaceuticals. I sincerely hope that I&T enterprises in Shaanxi will seize the diverse opportunities offered by Hong Kong to expand into international markets,” he said.

         Senior Manager of the Leasing and Operations Department of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park Limited Mr Tandy Tan and Associate Director of the Research and Innovation Office of Hong Kong Polytechnic University Mr Victor Zhao also shared the opportunities of the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Center and highlighted Hong Kong’s R&D capabilities in empowering new quality productive forces raised from Hong Kong universities. Deputy Director of the Science, Technology Innovation and New Economy Bureau, Shaanxi Province Xixian New Area Ms Han Ping also shared the latest developments on Shaanxi’s I&T industry construction centre.
          
         This event featured a panel discussion with industry leaders from professional services in Hong Kong, especially in financial professional services. Guest speakers from Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, HSBC and Deloitte Tax shared insights on how Hong Kong’s financial and professional services can accelerate Mainland firms’ global expansion.
          
         The seminar included a dedicated exchange session to provide on-site consulting services for corporate representatives interested in expanding to Hong Kong. The event attracted 190 representatives from Shaanxi enterprises, institutions and local media.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HANDOVER CEREMONY FOR THE PROJECT, “CHANGING MINDSETS: REMOVAL OF SINGLE USE PLASTICS IN THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SAMOA”

    Source:

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    [JOINT PRESS RELEASE, 13 June 2025] – A handover ceremony was held earlier today (13 June) to mark the completion of installation of 10 water stations in the National University of Samoa (NUS) and provide 1300 reusable water bottles, funded under UK’s International Development Programme.

    The project, valued at a grant of £ 29,631 (approximately SAT104,350), has provided the students at the National University of Samoa with access to free, cool, filtered drinking water and an opportunity to change mindsets of immediate family members and promoting environmental benefits through the reduction of single use plastics.

    Apart from the “Changing Mindsets: Removal of Single Use Plastics in the National University of Samoa” project, the acting High Commissioner officially handover a selection of books from Her Majesty the Queen for the National University of Samoa’s library.

    Following the wonderful visit to the NUS during CHOGM, Her Majesty the Queen has sent five books for the library at NUS. Her Majesty the Queen is an avid reader and is an advocate to celebrate and promote the power and benefits of reading, Reading Room | The Duchess of Cornwall’s Reading Room.

    The Acting High Commissioner of the British High Commissioner, Mr. Daniel Garlick spoke about the significance of this project in continuing the ongoing relationship and collaboration between the National University of Samoa and UK.

    “We are proud of the UK’s on-going collaboration with the National University of Samoa. A year ago, we were preparing for the visit of Their Majesties to NUS as part of CHOGM. Our project in partnership with Pure Pacific Water in providing water stations and reusable water bottles to NUS is tangible example of how we can work together to change mindsets and protect the fragile environment in Samoa”.

    “We hope that students at the NUS will be able to access and enjoy the books sent by Her Majesty the Queen. The books will foster a lifelong love of literature and connect students with that special magic that can only be found in the leaves of a book.”

    The Vice-Chancellor of the National University of Samoa, Tuifuisa’a Dr. Patila Malua Amosa delivered a remark acknowledging the donation by UK for the behalf of the University.

    “On behalf of the University, I extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of water stations and water bottles and also books to our university community and that contribution is significant towards enhancing the learning environment and especially the wellbeing of our students”.

    “The books also will enrich our library resources, providing invaluable knowledge and fostering culture of learning and academic excellence”, said Professor Tuifuisa’a.

    UK’s International Development Programme Fund is designed to meet the diverse needs and supporting community-based projects that directly benefit local population.

    This project assured to continue to strengthen bilateral relations between Samoa and the United Kingdom during by focusing on our shared goals of social and economic development.

    END

    SOURCE – UK in Samoa, The National University of Samoa

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: First Digital Education Week by Education Bureau concludes

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The first Digital Education Week (DEW) organised by the Education Bureau (EDB) concluded yesterday (July 7). The two flagship events of the DEW, including the Learning and Teaching Expo 2025 (LTE 2025) and the International Summit on the Use of AI in Learning and Teaching Languages and Other Subjects and Post-Summit Workshop Series, attracted over 24 000 participants altogether, providing opportunities for education professionals to gain further insights into the latest developments in educational technology and inspiring them to apply emerging technologies to enhance learning and teaching effectiveness.

    The Summit, jointly organised by the EDB, the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and the Hong Kong Education City (EdCity), was held from July 4 to 7, attracting over 4 500 participants. The LTE 2025, was held from July 2 to 4, supported by the EDB, presented by EdCity and organised by the Smart City Consortium, attracted over 20 000 participants, setting a new record for attendance. Themed “Education: A Shared Future for All”, the LTE 2025 convened global educators, education leaders and innovators. Through keynote speeches, seminars, workshops and product showcases, participants explored innovative pedagogies and educational technology applications while shaping future educational directions.

    The LTE 2025 featured over 600 exhibition booths and introduced the Mainland and International Pavilions (including Singapore and Korea) to foster cross-regional collaborative exchanges. The Principals’ Conference, for the first time, brought together over 200 Hong Kong school principals for a 1.5-day “VASK” immersive experience, comprising seminars and expert discussions focused on “Values, Attitudes, Skills, and Knowledge”. A newly introduced Kids’ AI Summit engaged approximately 100 Hong Kong primary and secondary school students in a three-minute speech session, where they shared insights on AI in education, child well-being, and future careers. Additionally, over 270 keynote speeches, seminars, and demonstration classes showcased innovative teaching solutions and trends in technology applications, with more than 300 experts sharing their experiences in integrating AI and educational technology into teaching.

    The Summit included three main components: the Summit itself, a series of workshops, and the technology showcase. Participants engaged in different segments based on their backgrounds, needs, and interests. The first two days of the Summit featured keynote speeches from five top experts in AI education, namely Associate Professor of the Graduate School of Education at Stanford University, the United States, Professor Victor Lee; the Director of the Artificial Intelligence and Digital Competency Education Centre at the Education University of Hong Kong, Professor Kong Siu-cheung; Professor of the School of Animation and Digital Arts at the Communication University of China Professor Lyu Xin; Professor of Sociolinguistics at the University of Reading, the United Kingdom, Professor Rodney Jones; and the Director for Education and Skills at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Mr Andreas Schleicher. In addition to keynote speeches, the Summit arranged for scholars from around the world to present 83 papers and conducted seven teaching demonstrations by frontline teachers from Hong Kong and the Mainland.

    In the following two days, 11 workshops were held in Cantonese, Putonghua, or English, allowing participants to experience various AI educational tools and engage in in-depth discussions on ethical issues related to AI literacy and applications. Additionally, 20 exhibiting organisations and technology companies participated in the technology showcase, displaying cutting-edge tools and software to demonstrate the potential of AI in the teaching and learning of languages and other subjects.

    The first DEW has made a positive impact on the education sector, enhancing teachers’ and students’ understanding of digital education and the application of related educational technologies. The rich activities provided during the DEW comprehensively showcased the latest educational technologies, resources, and teaching methods from around the world, inspiring innovative thinking among educators. Through various rich interactive sessions, participants not only had the opportunities to engage with a wide range of effective innovative technology solutions to enhance learning and teaching, but the public awareness of future educational trends has also been strengthened.

    The series of activities during this year’s DEW was well received by various sectors, with total participation exceeding 24 000 visitors. Despite teachers and students being busy with post-examination activities, they actively supported the events, fully demonstrating the appeal and foresight of the themes of the two flagship events of this year’s DEW. It also reflected the intensive attention and support from the academic community and relevant stakeholders for the development of digital education in Hong Kong.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: MEXC Ventures Hosts Successful “Kickstart Your Future” Event at UNSW, Marking Australian Market Entry

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC Ventures successfully concluded its inaugural Australian event, “Kickstart Your Future at MEXC Ventures,” held at the University of New South Wales Roundhouse on 19 June 2025. The Web3 career-focused gathering brought together over 120 students, graduates, and industry professionals, marking a significant milestone in the global exchange’s expansion into the Australian market.

    Exceptional Student Response and Engagement
    The event exceeded expectations with remarkable attendance figures, drawing more participants than initially registered on the platform. More than 130 attended the event with high enthusiasm. The overwhelmingly positive response demonstrated a strong appetite among Australian students for Web3 career opportunities.

    “The turnout and engagement were incredible,” noted event organizers. “Students came with genuine interest in building careers in Web3, and many stayed long after the formal presentations to continue networking and discussions.”

    Industry Expertise Takes Center Stage
    The event featured three prominent speakers who delivered compelling presentations on blockchain fundamentals and career pathways. John, founder of Bitcoin Sydney, presented on Bitcoin principles including decentralization and financial sovereignty. Bob, founder of ETH Sydney, explored how Ethereum powers innovation across the ecosystem. Ray, a UNSW lecturer specializing in blockchain and fintech, provided academic insights into emerging technologies and career opportunities.

    The diverse panel discussions emphasized that Web3 offers career paths beyond traditional coding roles, spanning marketing, community management, governance, research, and content creation.

    Community Building and Brand Presence
    MEXC Ventures established a strong local presence through strategic brand activations, including custom Australian-themed merchandise featuring koala keyrings, prominent logo placement, and a dedicated photo wall. MEXC Ventures representative delivered an engaging presentation about career opportunities, emphasizing the global nature of Web3 work and the company’s commitment to empowering the next generation of blockchain talent.

    Attendees praised the event’s organization, quality of food and beverages, and the caliber of panel discussions, with many expressing interest in future MEXC Ventures initiatives.

    Talent Recruitment Initiative Launched
    Following the event’s success, MEXC Ventures opened student volunteer and ambassador recruitment for Australia, receiving numerous applications from interested participants. The company also highlighted its IgniteX initiative, a social impact program supporting blockchain education and developer empowerment, including the recently launched partnership with Superteam for the IgniteX Solana Talent Lab.

    Building Australia’s Web3 Future
    The event’s success signals strong momentum for MEXC Ventures’ Australian operations, with plans to expand programming and deepen university partnerships across the region. The enthusiastic student response and high-quality industry engagement demonstrate the readiness of Australia’s academic community to embrace Web3 innovation.

    “This is just the beginning,” said MEXC Ventures representatives. “We’re committed to creating more opportunities for Australian students to engage with the global Web3 ecosystem and build meaningful careers in this space.”

    About MEXC Ventures
    MEXC Ventures is a comprehensive fund under MEXC dedicated to driving innovation in the cryptocurrency sector through investments in L1/L2 ecosystems, strategic investments, M&A and incubation. Upholding the principle of “Empowering Growth Through Synergy,” MEXC Ventures is committed to supporting innovative ideas and active builders in crypto.

    MEXC Ventures is an investor and supporter of TON and Aptos, looking forward to staying at the forefront of TON and Aptos’ innovations and actively engaging with builders to drive ecosystem growth.

    For more information, visit: MEXC Ventures Website

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4f9e0774-c26c-4a61-832e-7c4fafc92cce

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9c1aca19-362f-467b-8a65-6a56f7488b39

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7ff52ac7-6d34-44ea-899d-50ccbf473036

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/736db56d-aaa3-46d6-8085-200150f0c698

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – New study maps key regions for killer whales in Australian waters – Flinders

    Source: Flinders University
     
    While well documented in the Northern Hemisphere and Antarctica, much less is known about killer whales  (Orcinus orca) in Australia. However, orcas are actually sighted year-round in all coastal states and territories and a new Flinders University study has now mapped this across three key regions.
     
    Research led by Flinders University’s Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL) models the distribution of killer whales in Australian waters, shedding light on habitat preferences and uncovering ecological distinctions between populations.
     
    In collaboration with the Cetacean Research Centre of WA, Project ORCA and Killer Whales Australia, the paper published in Ecology and Evolution collates 1310 sightings of killer whales around the country from the past four decades. Species distribution modelling is used to pinpoint places of high habitat suitability in southeast, southwest, and northwest Australia – notably the Bonney Upwelling (South Australia / Victoria), Bremer Sub-basin (Western Australia), and Ningaloo Reef (WA).
     
     “This work greatly increases our understanding of killer whales in Australian waters and identifies areas of biological importance for management and monitoring,” says Flinders University CEBEL PhD candidate Marissa Hutchings, lead author of the article.
     
    “Not only now do we have a nationwide picture, but our findings also support the idea that at least two ecologically distinct forms of killer whales exist in Australia – a temperate and a tropical form.”
     
    The research calls for stronger conservation measures to protect these unique populations – “particularly given their role as apex predators in the marine ecosystem and the fact that some of their most important habitats are currently only partially protected by legislation,” she says.
     
    “More research will be vital in ensuring that this species can be adequately managed in a changing environment, but this will only be made possible by collaboration between researchers, citizen scientists, and marine users to improve the size and accessibility of datasets on both killer whales and their prey.”
     
    Another author on the paper, Flinders University Associate Professor Guido Parra, says differences in range and drivers of occurrence are important to recognise because anthropogenic stressors such as commercial fishing, marine tourism, offshore drilling, and chemical pollutants are becoming increasingly prevalent in Australia.
     
    Senior author Flinders Associate Professor Luciana Möller says the study complements ongoing research into the genetics, feeding ecology and diversification of Australia’s killer whale populations – as well as highlights the usefulness of citizen science data.
     
     “We hope this study will help inform the conservation of this species, which is still considered data deficient and remains to be adequately protected under Australian Government legislation.”
     
    The article, ‘Species distribution modeling of killer whales (Orcinus orca) in Australian waters’ (2025) by Marissa J Hutchings (Flinders University), Guido J Parra (Flinders) and John A Totterdell (Cetacean Research Centre of WA), Rebecca Wellard (Project ORCA & Curtin University), David M Donnelly (Killer Whales Australia), Jonathan Sandoval-Castillo (Flinders) and Luciana Möller (Flinders) has been published in Ecology and Evolution (Wiley) DOI: 10.1002/ece3.71359.  First published: 3 July 2025
     
    Acknowledgements: This work was supported by the Royal Society for South Australia (RSSA) Small Research Grants Scheme. Researchers thank research collaborators and citizen scientists for providing the supporting data.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – New study maps key regions for killer whales in Australian waters – Flinders

    Source: Flinders University
     
    While well documented in the Northern Hemisphere and Antarctica, much less is known about killer whales  (Orcinus orca) in Australia. However, orcas are actually sighted year-round in all coastal states and territories and a new Flinders University study has now mapped this across three key regions.
     
    Research led by Flinders University’s Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL) models the distribution of killer whales in Australian waters, shedding light on habitat preferences and uncovering ecological distinctions between populations.
     
    In collaboration with the Cetacean Research Centre of WA, Project ORCA and Killer Whales Australia, the paper published in Ecology and Evolution collates 1310 sightings of killer whales around the country from the past four decades. Species distribution modelling is used to pinpoint places of high habitat suitability in southeast, southwest, and northwest Australia – notably the Bonney Upwelling (South Australia / Victoria), Bremer Sub-basin (Western Australia), and Ningaloo Reef (WA).
     
     “This work greatly increases our understanding of killer whales in Australian waters and identifies areas of biological importance for management and monitoring,” says Flinders University CEBEL PhD candidate Marissa Hutchings, lead author of the article.
     
    “Not only now do we have a nationwide picture, but our findings also support the idea that at least two ecologically distinct forms of killer whales exist in Australia – a temperate and a tropical form.”
     
    The research calls for stronger conservation measures to protect these unique populations – “particularly given their role as apex predators in the marine ecosystem and the fact that some of their most important habitats are currently only partially protected by legislation,” she says.
     
    “More research will be vital in ensuring that this species can be adequately managed in a changing environment, but this will only be made possible by collaboration between researchers, citizen scientists, and marine users to improve the size and accessibility of datasets on both killer whales and their prey.”
     
    Another author on the paper, Flinders University Associate Professor Guido Parra, says differences in range and drivers of occurrence are important to recognise because anthropogenic stressors such as commercial fishing, marine tourism, offshore drilling, and chemical pollutants are becoming increasingly prevalent in Australia.
     
    Senior author Flinders Associate Professor Luciana Möller says the study complements ongoing research into the genetics, feeding ecology and diversification of Australia’s killer whale populations – as well as highlights the usefulness of citizen science data.
     
     “We hope this study will help inform the conservation of this species, which is still considered data deficient and remains to be adequately protected under Australian Government legislation.”
     
    The article, ‘Species distribution modeling of killer whales (Orcinus orca) in Australian waters’ (2025) by Marissa J Hutchings (Flinders University), Guido J Parra (Flinders) and John A Totterdell (Cetacean Research Centre of WA), Rebecca Wellard (Project ORCA & Curtin University), David M Donnelly (Killer Whales Australia), Jonathan Sandoval-Castillo (Flinders) and Luciana Möller (Flinders) has been published in Ecology and Evolution (Wiley) DOI: 10.1002/ece3.71359.  First published: 3 July 2025
     
    Acknowledgements: This work was supported by the Royal Society for South Australia (RSSA) Small Research Grants Scheme. Researchers thank research collaborators and citizen scientists for providing the supporting data.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – New study maps key regions for killer whales in Australian waters – Flinders

    Source: Flinders University
     
    While well documented in the Northern Hemisphere and Antarctica, much less is known about killer whales  (Orcinus orca) in Australia. However, orcas are actually sighted year-round in all coastal states and territories and a new Flinders University study has now mapped this across three key regions.
     
    Research led by Flinders University’s Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL) models the distribution of killer whales in Australian waters, shedding light on habitat preferences and uncovering ecological distinctions between populations.
     
    In collaboration with the Cetacean Research Centre of WA, Project ORCA and Killer Whales Australia, the paper published in Ecology and Evolution collates 1310 sightings of killer whales around the country from the past four decades. Species distribution modelling is used to pinpoint places of high habitat suitability in southeast, southwest, and northwest Australia – notably the Bonney Upwelling (South Australia / Victoria), Bremer Sub-basin (Western Australia), and Ningaloo Reef (WA).
     
     “This work greatly increases our understanding of killer whales in Australian waters and identifies areas of biological importance for management and monitoring,” says Flinders University CEBEL PhD candidate Marissa Hutchings, lead author of the article.
     
    “Not only now do we have a nationwide picture, but our findings also support the idea that at least two ecologically distinct forms of killer whales exist in Australia – a temperate and a tropical form.”
     
    The research calls for stronger conservation measures to protect these unique populations – “particularly given their role as apex predators in the marine ecosystem and the fact that some of their most important habitats are currently only partially protected by legislation,” she says.
     
    “More research will be vital in ensuring that this species can be adequately managed in a changing environment, but this will only be made possible by collaboration between researchers, citizen scientists, and marine users to improve the size and accessibility of datasets on both killer whales and their prey.”
     
    Another author on the paper, Flinders University Associate Professor Guido Parra, says differences in range and drivers of occurrence are important to recognise because anthropogenic stressors such as commercial fishing, marine tourism, offshore drilling, and chemical pollutants are becoming increasingly prevalent in Australia.
     
    Senior author Flinders Associate Professor Luciana Möller says the study complements ongoing research into the genetics, feeding ecology and diversification of Australia’s killer whale populations – as well as highlights the usefulness of citizen science data.
     
     “We hope this study will help inform the conservation of this species, which is still considered data deficient and remains to be adequately protected under Australian Government legislation.”
     
    The article, ‘Species distribution modeling of killer whales (Orcinus orca) in Australian waters’ (2025) by Marissa J Hutchings (Flinders University), Guido J Parra (Flinders) and John A Totterdell (Cetacean Research Centre of WA), Rebecca Wellard (Project ORCA & Curtin University), David M Donnelly (Killer Whales Australia), Jonathan Sandoval-Castillo (Flinders) and Luciana Möller (Flinders) has been published in Ecology and Evolution (Wiley) DOI: 10.1002/ece3.71359.  First published: 3 July 2025
     
    Acknowledgements: This work was supported by the Royal Society for South Australia (RSSA) Small Research Grants Scheme. Researchers thank research collaborators and citizen scientists for providing the supporting data.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: China to train public servants on city governance

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Tuesday, July 8, 2025

    The National School of Government (NSG) has organised a learning exchange visit to China on city governance for public officials.

    Hosted by the Beijing Jiaotong University and supported by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, the programme seeks to promote knowledge exchanges on enhancing local government performance as municipalities face growing complexity and public expectations that they must respond to. 

    “The programme explores the Chinese advancement in local government innovation in service delivery, modernisation of governance, construction of smart cities, participatory governance, poverty alleviation and development,” the NSG said in a statement. 

    “Local government is an important sphere of government for implementation of national policy and China’s successes in the performance of this sphere of government has contributed to the abolition of absolute poverty in 2020, ten years before the 2030 deadline which the world set in the United Nations Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. 

    “This is the same deadline that South Africa has set in the National Development Plan to eliminate poverty and inequality by the year 2030,” the NSG said.

    The South African government, in the 7th Administration, has committed itself to drive inclusive growth and job creation, to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living with a developmental and capable state playing a central role. 

    “Municipalities therefore have a critical role in the achievement of this commitment. The exchange programme on city governance is part of the NSG’s international exchanges that are aimed at facilitating public servants’ access to specialist knowledge and skills needed to enhance public sector performance and development among others and learning from the development trajectory of other countries in the global South and North,” said NSG Principal, Professor Busani Ngcaweni. 

    Ngcaweni added that partnerships were a key focus for the NSG “as they enable us to expand the depth of training delivery, diversity and allow access to expertise that we do not have.” 

    The programme will run from 7 to 27 July. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The growing case for trees on farms Land managers, farmers, foresters, researchers, and policy makers will gather in Aberdeen for a landmark event to explore how integrating more trees into farmland could play a pivotal role in tackling climate change, improving biodiversity, and supporting resilient rural economies.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Tree planting at Glensaugh farm (James Hutton Institute)

    Land managers, farmers, foresters, researchers, and policy makers will gather in Aberdeen for a landmark event to explore how integrating more trees into farmland could play a pivotal role in tackling climate change, improving biodiversity, and supporting resilient rural economies.
    Agroforestry—the practice of integrating trees into crop or livestock systems—offers a range of benefits from improved water cycling and the enrichment of soil health to carbon sequestration and a reduction in erosion.
    Trees can also provide shade and shelter for animals, act as windbreaks and create habitats for pollinators and wildlife.
    The Farm Woodland Forum Annual Meeting, organised in partnership with the University of Aberdeen and The James Hutton Institute, will be held in Aberdeen for the first time in 30 years.
    Themed ‘The role of agroforestry in integrated land management’, the eventwill highlight how trees can work alongside farming to deliver both economic and environmental benefits.
    Dr Josie Geris, Reader in Hydrology at the University and lead host of the conference said: “Farmland trees have often been overlooked in traditional agricultural models, this event will shine a spotlight on their increasing importance in addressing the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and food production.
    “In addition to increasing environmental and farm resilience, well-planned tree planting can deliver wide-ranging benefits, including timber, fruit, fodder and biomass production, alongside other alternative income and energy sources.”
    The conference will take place July 9–10, 2025, starting with a full day of talks and poster sessions at King’s College Conference Centre, followed by a field visit to Glensaugh Research Farm, home of the James Hutton institute’s climate-positive farming initiative where participants will explore long-term agroforestry trials and tree-based climate resilience measures in action.
    Highlights include first-hand insights from farmers integrating trees into livestock and arable systems, research on the role of trees in reducing flooding, improving soil health, and enhancing biodiversity, updates on policy and payment schemes supporting farm woodland expansion and a look at decision-support tools helping farmers plan tree planting to fit their land and business goals.
    Dr Julie Rostan, whose UKRI Treescapes programme funded research with colleagues at the University of Aberdeen and James Hutton Institute has looked at balancing socio-economic and environmental factors of the potential for agroforestry across Scotland, will showcase her work at the event.
    She said: “The research has developed farmed based knowledge and practical tools that can help with decision making about integrating trees into farms for a more strategic approach to planting which can be tailored to individual needs whether it is improving benefits for livestock or farm ecosystem health.”
    “Understanding of the importance and challenges to integrate tree planting into farmland is gaining momentum and this conference is an opportunity to hear from practitioners already seeing the benefits, as well as scientists developing the tools and knowledge to support wider adoption, and third sector organisations that facilitate this.
    “Agroforestry is not about choosing between trees and food production. It’s about designing systems where both thrive.”
    Glensaugh Research Farm has several areas of mature agroforestry which were planted in 1988 to explore the production benefits of integrating trees within a livestock farming system. These were planted as part of a National Network of seven UK research sites, co-ordinated by the Farm Woodland Forum (then the UK Agroforestry Forum). Three species were selected (Scots Pine, Hybrid Larch and Sycamore) and planted at a range of different densities, which allowed comparison of these differences on a range of factors including tree growth, grass production and livestock output. Findings from this have contributed significantly to advancing agroforestry research and knowledge.
    The project continues to provide a living demonstration of the longer-term practicalities of agroforestry management as well as wider environmental benefits for climate change mitigation and adaptation and biodiversity. Currently, several research projects associated with the farm, including the UKRI-funded ‘FARM TREE’ project in collaboration with the University of Aberdeen, which is part of the Future of UK Treescapes Programme. The ‘FARMTREE’ project concerns balancing farm and landscape-scale demands for integrating trees on agricultural land and is developing practical tools for farmers to enhance the expansion of trees on agricultural land.
    Building on lessons learned from these original research plots, as well as from agroforestry studies elsewhere, Hutton researchers planted a new design of silvopastoral agroforestry in early 2024. This integrates oak, a range of other amenity trees and grazing pasture, aiming to maximise the multiple potential benefits and minimise any disbenefits from such a system.
    Professor Alison Hester, who heads up the Climate-Positive Farming Initiative at Glensaugh, said, “We’re delighted to host day two of this year’s farm Woodland Forum Annual Meeting at Glensaugh. Glensaugh has been a core site for agroforestry research since the 1980s and it is wonderful to see the bourgeoning enthusiasm for greater integration of trees into farming systems with all the multiple benefits that this can bring.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: University awarded prestigious AHRC Doctoral Focal Awards to power creative economy in rural areas The University of Aberdeen is part of a consortium which has been awarded a major AHRC Doctoral Focal Award in the Creative Economy.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    The University of Aberdeen is part of a consortium which has been awarded a major AHRC Doctoral Focal Award in the Creative Economy.
    The Celtic Crescent Creative Economy Doctoral Focal Award will spearhead innovative research into the role of bilingual and rural communities in the creative economy, with a focus on regions often overlooked in national creative strategies.
    This award will fund 20 PhDs and brings together a consortium of universities committed to bilingualism, led by Bangor University and including Aberystwyth University, Falmouth University, Glasgow School of Art, the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, The University of Aberdeen and the University of South Wales.
    The consortium is supported by 27 industry and sectoral partners, ranging from national public bodies, theatre groups, media producers and internationally recognised craft producers like Harris Tweed. The funding will support doctoral training focused on building research capacity in strategic areas.
    Professor Nick Forsyth, the University of Aberdeen’s Vice-Principal for Research said: “The University of Aberdeen is proud to work with partners on this important initiative which supports young scholars and will create inclusive, impactful research that will strengthen regional economies and enhance cultural life across the UK. This award underscores the University’s international reputation for research excellence in the arts and humanities, following our recent successful AHRC Doctoral Landscape Award, and demonstrates our commitment to supporting and preparing the next generation of scholars to ensure the vitality of these subjects.”
    This initiative will strengthen collaboration between academia, industry, and communities to deliver broader societal benefits with a key focus on addressing underrepresentation and closing skills gaps in the sector.
    Professor Michelle Macleod, Head of the School of Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture and Co-Investigator and Impact and Engagement Lead on the Celtic Crescent Management Board, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to develop a cohort of new researchers in the area of the creative economy with expertise in place-based, multidisciplinary research. Our focus is on the vital role that rural, coastal and multilingual communities play in the UK’s creative industry, recognised by the government as a driver for growth, and, crucially, creating a talent pipeline that will be a driving force for industrial innovation.”
    PhD students will be provided with hands-on research opportunities in collaboration with industry partners and community organisations. The focus will be on developing future-facing skills and opening up career pathways both within and beyond academia, particularly in underrepresented areas and sectors.
    Recruitment for the Celtic Crescent PhDs will open next year, with students beginning in autumn 2026.
    Thugadh Duaisean Dotaireachd Fòcasach cliùiteach AHRC do Oilthigh Obar Dheathain gus eaconamaidh chruthachail ann an sgìrean dùthchail a neartachadh
    Tha Oilthigh Obar Dheathain na phàirt de cho-bhanntachd a fhuair Duais Dotaireachd Fòcasach mhòr bhon AHRC ann an Eaconamaidh Chruthachail.
    Bidh Duais Dotaireachd Fòcasach Eaconamaidh Chruthachail Celtic Crescent a’ stiùireadh rannsachadh ùr-ghnàthach air àite choimhearsnachdan dà-chànanach is dùthchail san eaconamaidh chruthachail, le fòcas air roinnean air an dèanar dearmad gu tric ann an ro-innleachdan cruthachail nàiseanta. Bheir an duais seo maoineachadh do 20 PhD agus tha i a’ toirt còmhla com-pàirteachas de dh’oilthighean a tha dealasach a thaobh dà-chànanachais, air a stiùireadh le Oilthigh Bangor agus a’ gabhail a-steach Oilthigh Aberystwyth, Oilthigh Falmouth, Sgoil Ealain Ghlaschu, Colaiste Rìoghail Ciùil is Dràma na Cuimrigh, Oilthigh Obar Dheathain agus Oilthigh Chuimrigh a Deas. Tha 27 com-pàirtichean gnìomhachais is roinneil a’ toirt taic don cho-bhanntachd, a’ gabhail a-steach buidhnean poblach nàiseanta, buidhnean theatar, riochdairean meadhanan agus riochdairean ciùird a tha aithnichte gu h-eadar-nàiseanta leithid Clò na Hearadh.
    Cuiridh am maoineachadh taic ri trèanadh dotaireil a tha ag amas air comasan rannsachaidh a thogail ann an raointean ro-innleachdail.
    Thuirt an t-Àrd Ollamh Nick Forsyth, Iar-Phrionnsabal airson Rannsachadh aig Oilthigh Obar Dheathain:
    “Tha Oilthigh Obar Dheathain moiteil a bhith ag obair le com-pàirtichean air a’ phròiseact chudromach seo agus tha sinn a’ coimhead air adhart ri bhith ag obair air rannsachadh buadhmhor agus in-ghabhalach a bhios a’ cumail taic ri sgoilearan ùra agus aig a’ cheart àm a bhios a’ neartachadh eaconamaidhean roinneil agus a’ leasachadh beatha chultarail na RA. Tha an duais seo a’ daingneachadh cliù eadar-nàiseanta an Oilthigh airson sàr-mhathas rannsachaidh anns na h-ealain agus na daonnachdan, às dèidh dhuinn Doctoral Landscape AHRC fhaighinn o chionn ghoirid, agus tha e a’ sealltainn ar dealas a thaobh taic a thoirt don ath ghinealach de sgoilearan a neartaicheas na cuspairean seo.”
    Neartaichidh an iomairt seo co-obrachadh eadar an saoghal acadaimigeach, gnìomhachas agus coimhearsnachdan gus buannachdan sòisealta nas fharsainge a lìbhrigeadh le prìomh fhòcas air dèiligeadh ri fo-riochdachadh agus beàrnan sgilean san roinn a dhùnadh.
    Thuirt an t-Àrd Ollamh Michelle NicLeòid, Ceannard Sgoil Cànain, Litreachais, Ciùil agus Cultar Lèirsinnich agus Co-Rannsaiche agus Stiùiriche Buaidh is Conaltraidh air Bòrd Riaghlaidh Celtic Crescent:
    “’S e cothrom air leth a tha seo buidheann de luchd-rannsachaidh ùra a leasachadh ann an raon na h-eaconamaidh cruthachail le eòlas ann an rannsachadh ioma-chuspaireil suidhichte air àite. Tha ar fòcas air a’ phàirt chudromaich a th’ aig coimhearsnachdan dùthchail, ioma-chànanach air a’ chosta ann an gnìomhachas cruthachail na RA, aithnichte leis an riaghaltas mar chulaidh-bhrosnachaidh airson fàs eaconomach, agus ann a bhith a’ cruthachadh tàlant ùr a bhios na fheachd leasachaidh airson ùr-ghnàthachadh gnìomhachais.”
    Gheibh oileanaich PhD cothroman rannsachaidh practaigich ann an co-obrachadh le com-pàirtichean gnìomhachais agus buidhnean coimhearsnachd. Bidh am fòcas air sgilean a tha freagarrach don àm ri teachd a leasachadh agus slighean dreuchdail fhosgladh an dà chuid taobh a-staigh agus taobh a-muigh saoghal nan oilthighean, gu sònraichte ann an raointean air an riochdachadh gu leòr.
    Tòiseachaidh trusadh airson sgoilearachdan PhD Celtic Crescent an ath-bhliadhna, le oileanaich a’ tòiseachadh san fhoghar 2026.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –