Comment: A rising demand, a shrinking footprint
The Government is pushing for the UK to become a ‘science superpower’, but infrastructure is not keeping pace. Several factors contribute to the shortage, but the most significant is the rapid growth of the scientific research sector. Scientific publications are increasing at an exponential rate of 5.6%/year.
Comment: Robotics in reskilling and transition
The rapid advance of robotics is fundamentally altering the global industrial landscape. While this promises enhanced productivity, it also raises concerns about the future of employment. As automation becomes more integrated into factories, warehouses and supply chains, the critical issue of workforce adaptation and reskilling has emerged as a paramount challenge.
Comment: Chemical recycling
Chemical recycling in Europe remains nascent mostly due to unattractive economics. The industry can achieve cost parity with virgin plastics production, but this will take 20-30 years and require over €400bn in cumulative capex. Companies have a window of opportunity to be early movers and reap material benefits.
Oncology R&D
Oncology R&D activity continues to grow driven by novel modalities. Novel modalities, especially cell and gene therapies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and multispecific antibodies, now account for 35% of oncology trials. Multiple novel modalities are evolving rapidly with significant potential both alone and in combination with each other.
Ensuring chemical cybersecurity
Our economy and society rely on a wide range of digital infrastructure, yet these critical systems are under unprecedented threat. Recent UK Government research reveals that approximately half of UK businesses have faced a cyber-attack in the past year, drawing attention to the critical need for enhanced cybersecurity strategies.
Opportunities for 3-D bioprinting
Healthcare-associated infections remain a significant concern in modern medicine, with approximately 1-in-31 hospital patients in the US experiencing at least one infection on any given day. These infections, along with surgical complications and immune rejection of transplants, contribute to extended recovery times, increased healthcare costs and higher mortality rates. In the EU alone, more than 3.5m cases of HAI are reported each year, leading to more than 90,000 deaths annually.
Tech investment is outpacing labour approaches
Chemical companies are on course to be affected by waves of retirement, with around 30% of employees in the industry being 50 years of age or over and are due to retire within the next decade or so. Despite the rate of technological change in the sector, the approaches to labour have remained largely unchanged. Chemical companies can sustain digitalisation efforts while addressing the growing skills gap with AI.
Why demand for plastic pipes in increasing
Distributors and manufacturers of plastic pipes are once again seeing a slight increase in demand. Market consultant Ceresana has analysed the global market for pipes, pipe components and fittings made of PVC, polyethylene and other polymers for the seventh time.
The importance of IP
SCI recently explained why science startups need more access to scale-up and testing facilities; a topic SCI’s Science and Enterprise Group (SEG) has discussed at length. SMEs may use intellectual property (IP) to make the most of their resources and access essential funding. If startups are going to achieve success, they must maximise their opportunities to harness and leverage their ideas.
Making early Alzheimer’s disease trials feasible
Early intervention in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, offers the potential to slow or prevent disease progression, and increase success rates for clinical development.