Nitrate pollution threat
Global pollution trends are of big concern for environmental research laboratories; however, certain environmental issues receive less attention than others. While much of the current focus centres on carbon emissions, for example, the role of the global nitrogen cycle in the planet’s ecological processes cannot be underestimated.
Period of growth for AI markets
The Artificial Intelligence market was valued at $68.1bn in 2021 and is expected to grow at 14.8% CAGR during the period 2021-2026. Growing popularity of the metaverse and its integration with AI is expected to bode well for growth over the period. Furthermore, increasing adoption of explainable AI (XAI) technique, in banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI), retail, e-commerce and advances in quantum computing is also expected to favour growth.
Safer with tech
For centuries, chemical innovations have advanced every sector of the economy. But novel chemicals may introduce a degree of risk that must be carefully managed. In Sphera’s 2022 Safety Report, we highlight the trends and developments in process safety management (PSM) and operational risk management (ORM) that have implications for chemical management.
Valuing apprenticeships
From life-improving medical advancements to technologies that reduce our carbon footprint, our vibrant and diverse science industries are creating the jobs of tomorrow and have the potential to change our world. Yet delivering this level of transformation and innovation while remaining competitive on the global stage is only possible through the support of a highly talented scientific workforce, proficient in the necessary technical skills.
Regulation impact on digitisation
Regulation may be slowing the march to digitalisation for some pharma companies, but the most innovative and forward-looking are proactively engaging with regulatory agencies, boldly moving forward and using advanced technologies that drive a raft of benefits for their own businesses and for the broader community.
Building on discovery
The UK ranks third in the world for published scientific research, with nearly 200,000 citable publications in 2020 alone. Unfortunately, however, the UK is rarely the country to make the highest commercial return from its discoveries.
Money down the drain
Thousands of litres of chemicals are used each day across these facilities. Inaccurate dosing can cost an operator tens of thousands of Euros in wastage and fines — not to mention irreparable damage to the environment and their reputation.
Spotlight on security
The last decade has seen a marked increase in the number of governments and regulators requiring a greater and more stringent exchange of data to protect patient and consumer safety. Often this is achieved via 2D codes and serialisation – assigning an individualised or variable code to items so they can be uniquely identified, tracked, and traced throughout their lifetime.
Layering cybersecurity
Ransomware is not a new phenomenon, but the scale of attacks has accelerated both in sophistication and frequency. Ransomware incidents handled by the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) increased from 326 in 2020 to 654 in 2021. Cybersecurity is a constant threat for businesses of all sizes, across all industries.
Bioplastics to rapidly expand
As bioplastic materials transition from being a ‘nice-to-have’ to materials with a very strong, viable business case, manufacturers are racing to keep up with demand. Brand-owners, striving to hit their decarbonisation targets by taking the initiative to transition to bioplastics, are generating a stronger brand-owner pull than ever before.