Welcome to The Innovation Platform Issue 16, covering expert insights into climate change, the energy transition, electric vehicles, medical science, AI and much more.
I’m delighted to be taking over the Innovation Platform publication while Georgie is on maternity leave, and I look forward to working with Matt to bring you many more exciting editions.
As we reach the end of 2023, both here in the UK and around the world, we are clearly still reeling from the events of the past few years. An unseasonably warm UK autumn and dramatic weather events across the globe, ranging from floods to wildfires, serve to highlight the presence of climate change.
Though the pandemic has officially come to an end, its disruption on economies and supply chains continues to be felt worldwide, and has only been exacerbated by the upheaval of new and ongoing conflicts. The need for collaborative and alternative solutions is crucial if we are to secure our future.
Electric vehicles and battery development
This edition’s foreword, by Beth Burmahl of the U.S Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory, considers the variety of innovation required for a successful transition to a cleaner, greener society. With electric vehicles representing this shift, she explains the importance of upgrading our infrastructure and utilising technology to facilitate widespread adoption.
Our Electric Vehicles, Battery Research and Development section expands on Burmahl’s comments, considering strategies to meet ever-rising demand and sustainable goals. We hear from Gert Meylemans of EUROBAT on the evolution of the European battery industry and the promise of mainstream and future technologies.
Across the globe, Battery Council International considers lead batteries as a potential energy storage solution for increased pressure on supply chains. The Government of Nova Scotia provides an update on its role in the critical minerals supply chain and considers how the province is navigating the move to net-zero mining and manufacturing as a leading global supplier.
Environment and sustainable practices
Sustainability is at the heart of this issue; both in terms of sustainable practices and the transition to green energy, as well as in regard to the conservation of resources and creation of a circular economy. Our Environment section is packed with an interesting array of expert opinions.
The European Commission details its plastic waste management strategy, key objectives, and involvement in the implementation of global initiatives, while Ofwat considers sustainable water management and the role of the community in enacting change.
We also gain insight into the development of biobased industries, as Dr Jen Vanderhoven of the Biobased and Biodegradable Industries Association discusses the applications of, and potential for, biobased materials.
A significant aspect of the transition to renewable materials and a circular economy is, of course, alternative energy sources. Lisa Mackenzie from the European Marine Energy Centre details its cutting-edge green energy technologies.
Clean energy
We also hear the expert opinions of Professors Jon Gluyas from Durham University, and Christopher Ballentine of the University of Oxford, on the continued relevance of helium and the ongoing work to detach helium exploration from carbon emissions.
The Nuclear Energy Agency delves into the potential of the cleaner and safer small module reactor, considering its role in securing the global energy supply and the importance of international collaboration.
Scientific and medical breakthroughs
Elsewhere in the issue, Cancer Research UK discusses its research strategy, recent breakthroughs and treatments.
Featured in our Physics section is an interview with CERN Physicist Jamie Boyd discussing two of the latest experiments underway in Run 3 of the LHC, and their potential significance.
Fermilab’s Jeremiah Holzbauer also speaks to us about the ongoing PIP-II project that intends to upgrade the particle accelerator for the particle physics of the future.
These are only some of the many fascinating subjects featured in this issue of the publication. I hope you enjoy the read and I wish you all a happy new year!
Maddie Hall
Editor
The Innovation Platform
