Science beyond the lab
In 2019, in a survey by Nature of more than 6000 PhD students, 56% of respondents said that academia is their first choice for a career. Academia is seen as the gold standard in STEM careers, from a PhD all the way to professorship. This path will not suit every science graduate though, and there are many alternatives.
Unlocking innovation
In recognition of the fact the world is relying on the life sciences and pharmaceutical industries for innovation, it’s imperative that companies create safe spaces for their people to continue to challenge conventional thinking, have meaningful conversations and offer breakthrough ideas. Read the comment by Rebekah Martin, HR SVP Reward & Inclusion, AstraZeneca in C&I Magazine.
Not a simple target
The goal of creating a circular economy is one of many initiatives with the aim of reducing our environmental impact. Within the refining and chemical industries, there is an increasing focus on how technology and research can be applied to support the re-engineering of many product value chains, thereby reducing the environmental impact of specific products throughout their entire lifecycle.
Strong leaders needed
As a lynchpin in the supply chains of multiple other industries, the chemical industry is at the forefront of solving today’s most pressing issues: climate change, water and food scarcity, global health, and poverty.
Fuelling the future
In January 2021 fuel suppliers are required to increase the amount of renewable fuel they use to comply with latest updates to the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO).
Incentivising vaccines
As C&I went to press in early December, current affairs discussions focused on the welcome news that the UK government has authorised the first Covid-19 vaccine following approval by the independent medicines agency MHRA for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, expected to be made available before Christmas.
Getting ready
Harry Swan, CEO of UK chemical manufacturer Thomas Swan, is urging businesses to act now to be ready for new trading rules between the UK and EU. He says his firm has already taken action to prepare for the end of the Transition period on 31 December 2020, and he’s calling on others to do the same. Read the comment in C&I magazine.
Cultured meat
As the regulatory framework for cultured meat evolves, we can expect stringent biosafety standards to emerge and, if inventors are able to obtain patents ... they could be in a strong position to license their portfolio for significant royalties. Read the comment in C&I Magazine.
AI to measure emissions
In-house resources with the relevant capacities are lacking in most companies, and the process is both time and resource consuming. When outsourced, most often to consulting houses, the process generally proves expensive and lengthy. Read the comment in C&I magazine.
Industry outlook
The future companies will look drastically different from today. Companies that do not evolve and invest in sustainability initiatives and digital transformation will not survive the change. Read more in C&I Magazine.