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In today's Daily Digest, investment in international animal health research, increasing the uptake of sustainable fuels in the aviation sector, and more.
Policy
The House of Commons Science and Technology Committee has been renamed the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, following the recent machinery of government changes and the creation of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. As part of the change, the Committee adds to its remit scrutiny of the expenditure, administration and policy of the Science, Innovation and Technology Department and its associated public bodies. These are the usual responsibilities of Departmental Select Committees.
The £4 million joint investment by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) will fund 10 transnational projects that:
- support cross-cutting research and innovation to better understand zoonoses focusing on the animal, human and environmental interface
- develop novel vaccine and diagnostics technology platforms to improve animal health and welfare
Energy
The Faraday Institution has published a report analysing how hydrogen and battery technologies are likely to be used in different sectors within the UK, including transportation, manufacturing, the built environment, and power sectors, to 2050. Both are anticipated to play an increasingly vital role as the UK transitions to a low-carbon future to address critical concerns of climate change and energy security.
Applications have now opened for energy and trade-intensive sectors that are most affected by the unprecedented rise in global energy prices to claim further discounts on their bills between April 1 2023 and 31 March 2024 – helping deliver on the government’s priority to halve inflation.
European Parliament and Council negotiators have agreed to increase the uptake of sustainable fuels, such as advanced biofuels or hydrogen, in the aviation sector. A provisional deal, reached on Tuesday night between the European Parliament and Council negotiators on RefuelEU Aviation rules, sets the minimum share of sustainable aviation fuels to be made available at EU airports, to cut emissions and ensure the EU becomes climate neutral by 2050.
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