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Small Business Specials Submission Form
COVINGTON, Ky. – As part of the City of Covington’s Bridging the Gap initiative, we're launching a roundup to help promote existing specials and discounts from our restaurants, bars, retailers, and other small businesse...
Grice Connect’s local sports coverage builds community connection across Bulloch County
Grice Connect highlighted the growth of its high school sports coverage at its annual Stakeholder Luncheon, emphasizing consistent reporting across all four Bulloch County programs and a team-based approach to same-night coverage. Leaders said the expanded sports initiative strengthens community pride, youth engagement, and connection by celebrating student-athletes beyond the scoreboard.
Trump Rural Health Grants Come With Clawback Threat to States
The Trump administration is announcing awards to states from a rural health care fund, with the threat that some of that money can be clawed back if jurisdictions fail to embrace policy initiatives backed by the president.
Virginia awaits decision on $1 billion rural health grant
Outdated technology, provider shortages, long travel times to care and high rates of chronic disease are among the issues the application aims to address. To tackle those challenges, the administration proposes directing any awarded funds into four integrated initiatives it has developed.
In 2026, Kennedy’s MAHA vision gets put to the test. Here are 3 issues to watch
In 2026, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s health policy changes will start playing out on GLP-1s, dietary guidelines, and rural health initiatives.
HKSH Medical Group and Southern University of Science and Technology Collaborate for Medical and Medical Physics Training, Enhancing Medical Education and Research Innovation
HKSH Medical Group ("HKSH") and Southern University of Science and Technology ("SUSTech") officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") on 15 December 2025, a significant initiative to deepen collaboration between Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland in the fields of medicine and medical physics.
2025 in Review: ORNL’s Top Science News Stories
The Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory marked another year of research driven by innovation and collaboration in 2025, as reflected in the laboratory’s most-read stories. The year’s top story announced two new AI supercomputers, establishing ORNL’s vital role as part of DOE’s Genesis Mission, a national initiative to accelerate science through artificial intelligence.
White business owners are biggest share of Illinois' diversity-preferred contract group
(The Center Square) – Illinois' initiative to boost the amount of state contract money it awards to businesses owned by racial minorities and women continues to struggle despite the tens of millions of dollars the state has spent. This month, the number of those businesses that are certified for preference in state contracting dropped again, extending a 17-month downward trend.
NH's Business: Developing initiatives & projects within the Monadnock Region
Fred Kocher sits down with Cody Morrison with Monadnock Economic Development Cooperation to talk about forging business partnerships within the Monadnock Region.
Huntsville Nightlife Businesses Launch Unified Safety Initiative While Navigating Privacy Questions
Huntsville City Councilwoman Michelle Watkins joined local club and restaurant owners to announce a coordinated, business-led effort to improve safety across
Maryland launches Community Business Compass for entrepreneurs
Maryland unveils Community Business Compass with data tools and $10M in funding to boost child care and fresh food access.
Highmark prepares for the future of health care with AI initiatives
Highmark Health is preparing for the future by expanding its artificial intelligence capabilities in 2026. Highmark’s history with AI reaches back...
State broadband access initiative approved for federal funding
State broadband access initiative approved for federal funding
Federal Health Programs Will Cover Up To $500 Worth Of CBD For Certain Patients By April, Trump Official Dr. Oz Says
A top Trump administration health official said last week that his agency will soon launch a novel program to have Medicare cover the costs of CBD for certain patients. But while the administration has not yet released specific details about the initiative’s rollout, one cannabis company that says it’s partnering with the government on the […]
NY advocates raise concerns over gender-related proposals
Advocates said the new stance could cause harm to a population that’s already vulnerable.
WHO updated recommendations on HIV clinical management: recommendations for a public health approach
This document provides an overview of the updated World Health Organization recommendations for HIV clinical management, which focus on optimizing antiretroviral therapy, preventing vertical transmission, and enhancing tuberculosis prevention among individuals with HIV. These updates are intended to support global initiatives aimed at ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Key changes include the introduction of new antiretroviral drugs and regimens, revised postnatal prophylaxis and breastfeeding guidelines for managing infants at risk of vertical transmission, and the endorsement of shorter tuberculosis preventive treatments to improve efficacy and adherence. The recommendations are designed to simplify and advance HIV care, promote equity, and contribute to improved health outcomes and quality of life for individuals living with HIV. The updated guidance will be incorporated into the forthcoming revision of the antiretroviral therapy chapter within the Consolidated Guidelines on HIV Prevention, Testing, Treatment, Service Delivery, and Monitoring: Recommendations for a Public Health Approach.
VIDEO: The future of health education in North Dakota
UND President Armacost talks with Dean Marjorie Jenkins about UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences initiatives for 2026 and beyond
Maridea Wealth Launches Tax & Business Services Unit With Strategic Acquisition of Hyperion Accounting Group
BROOKLYN, N.Y., December 22, 2025--Maridea Wealth ("Maridea") today announced the launch of its dedicated Tax & Business Services unit, marking a major expansion of the firm’s mission to provide clients with a comprehensive, integrated financial-services platform. As part of this initiative, Maridea is acquiring Hyperion Accounting Group, led by David Papotta, who will join as Director of Tax & Business Services.
RWJBarnabas Health’s Monmouth Medical Center and Seaview Orthopaedics Partner with Operation Walk USA
Monmouth Medical Center (MMC), an RWJBarnabas Health facility, and Seaview Orthopaedics, a partner practice of RWJBarnabas Health, teamed up to give the gift of mobility to two Jersey Shore residents this holiday season through Operation Walk USA, a nationwide initiative that provides free joint replacement surgeries to uninsured patients in need.
Trump secures agreements with major drugmakers to lower Medicaid prescription costs for Americans
President Donald Trump announced Friday that nine additional pharmaceutical companies joined its most-favored-nation pricing initiative.
Advancing health equity for people on the move
On International Migrants Day, WHO celebrates the contributions of 304 million international migrants and calls for health equity for people on the move. This year’s theme, “My Great Story: Cultures and Development”, underscores that refugee and migrant health is a right, essential for resilience and thriving communities. WHO works with Member States and partners to build inclusive, culturally sensitive health systems, guided by its Global Action Plan on Refugee and Migrant Health. Recent initiatives include the WHO Dashboard on global experiences, leadership training through the Health and Migration School, and free competency courses for health workers. WHO urges continued action to remove barriers, invest in migrant-sensitive systems, and achieve health for all.
Maternal health bus, midwife training coming to Alabama
A new maternal health initiative is coming to Alabama to establish a community-driven effort.
WATCH: Doctor-lawmaker blames Obamacare for driving health costs higher
House Republicans unveil healthcare bill promising to cut premiums by 11-12% through association health plans and transparency measures for all Americans, among other initiatives.
A new era for sports communication at UNC Hussman | UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media
As director of UNC Hussman’s Sports Communication Focus Program, Distinguished Associate Professor of Sports Communication Livis Freeman is building on the work of the school’s legendary Distinguished Professor for Sports Communication John Sweeney. Sweeney, who retired last year, developed one of the most respected sports communication programs in the country. Freeman, now in his 12th year at the school, is launching an ambitious expansion of the program that is transforming how UNC prepares students for careers in sports media. The most visible change came this fall with a reimagining of “MEJO 377: Sports Communication.” Previously offered as two sections with 30 students each, the course expanded to 96 students and welcomed former UNC basketball star and NBA veteran Tyler Hansbrough as the co-instructor with Freeman, bringing real world professional experience directly into the classroom every week. The course has been a huge success. Students have participated in recording a podcast with Hansbrough and learned from an impressive lineup of guest speakers. Steve Kirschner, UNC’s senior associate director of athletics for communications, was the first in the course’s guest speaker series, followed by UNC Hussman alumni including Kaitlyn Schmidt ’23 from Bleacher Report, Deaton Bell ’90 from Turner Sports and Becca Royer ’19 from the Philadelphia 76ers. Travis Tygart, CEO of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, also shared his insights with the class. The highlight of the semester came when Roy Williams, who coached Hansbrough and the Tar Heels to a national championship in 2009, visited the classroom. Former UNC men’s basketball players Luke Maye and Marcus Ginyard showed up to support their former coach and Hansbrough, creating an unforgettable experience as Williams entertained students with stories and insights that captivated the room. Student demand has been overwhelming. The course reached capacity within two days of registration opening, with more than 40 students on the waitlist. “Students want to learn from people who have actually lived these experiences,” Freeman said. “Tyler shares insights into media relations, broadcast production and athlete communications that you simply can’t get from a textbook.” The model proved so successful that the school secured funding to continue it for the next five years, with a different former professional athlete co-teaching each fall. The school’s curriculum committee approved a proposal to expand the course to 150 to 200 students starting in fall 2026. This change will make it an introductory course accessible to students from across the University, transforming it into a showcase course for the entire campus. The course redesign represents just one piece of a broader sports communication program overhaul. This fall, the curriculum committee approved “MEJO 390: Sports Play by Play,” the first course of its kind at UNC. Limited to 10 advanced students, the course will be taught by Matt Krause, the current voice of UNC women’s basketball and an ACC Network broadcaster. Students will call actual games across multiple sports including women’s softball, soccer, volleyball, field hockey and lacrosse, as well as men’s soccer and lacrosse. They will also shadow broadcasts of men’s and women’s basketball games. “The sports broadcasting industry is exploding with streaming platforms and conference networks creating unprecedented demand,” Freeman said. The course emerged directly from student advocacy, led by Anna Laible ’26 and others who pushed for hands-on broadcasting experience. Professional equipment has been acquired, partnerships with UNC Athletics are in place and a soft launch began this semester with three experienced students calling games to test the system. The program’s growth extends into other specialized areas as well. Last spring, Stembler Professor Charlie Tuggle launched a new sports event management and hospitality course in partnership with On Location, a company that manages major sporting event experiences. The course provided students with opportunities to travel to the Super Bowl and NFL Draft, and Tuggle plans to take a group to the 2026 Milan Olympics this spring. Looking ahead to spring 2026, Associate Professor Ryan Thornburg will debut a sports data visualization course, adding another dimension to the program’s skill-building offerings. The curriculum expansion reflects the increasingly diverse career paths available in sports media, from traditional journalism and broadcasting to digital analytics and strategic communication. The program is also diving into one of college athletics’ most transformative developments: Name, Image and Likeness rights. Freeman’s “MEJO 466: Sports Marketing” class collaborated last spring with Associate Professor Gary Kayye’s “MEJO 371: Advertising Creative” class on a project with UNC’s Carolina NIL group to help rebrand their organization. That same semester, Kayye’s class envisioned Chapel Thrill, UNC football’s new pregame concert and entertainment experience. And Shaun Anderson, the school’s Knight Chair in Sports, Race and Media, continues to explore the broader implications of NIL through his research and teaching. These NIL-focused initiatives give students direct exposure to the business side of college athletics at a moment when the landscape is rapidly evolving. “Our students aren’t just learning about these changes,” Freeman said. “They’re actively helping shape how schools and athletes navigate them.” The transformation of UNC Hussman’s sports communication program reflects a broader philosophy about how to prepare students for careers in a rapidly changing industry. By bringing in professional practitioners like Hansbrough and Krause, partnering with industry leaders like On Location and ACC Network, and engaging with current issues like NIL, the program ensures students graduate with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. For alumni who remember the foundations John Sweeney built, the expansion represents an evolution rather than a departure. The program still emphasizes strong reporting, strategic communication, ethical communication and critical thinking. But now it also offers students the chance to call live games, work on real NIL campaigns and learn directly from former professional athletes. “We’re not just teaching students about sports media,” Freeman said. “We’re giving them the tools, experiences and connections to actually build careers in it.” With new courses launching, professional partnerships deepening and enrollment expanding, UNC Hussman’s sports communication program is positioning itself as a national leader in preparing the next generation of sports media professionals. For current students, the message is clear: if you’re interested in sports communication, there’s never been a better time to be at UNC Hussman. And for the hundreds of students trying to get off waitlists and into these new courses, the school is working to create more opportunities. The program John Sweeney built is growing in ways that honor his legacy while meeting the demands of a new era in sports media.
OpenAI is the latest in Silicon Valley to hire a former British politician
The ChatGPT maker has hired former British Chancellor George Osborne to run the global arm of its "Stargate" AI infrastructure initiative.
NYC ‘science of reading’ initiative: How a Staten Island school is leading the way
A 10-hour course for educators creates a common language for teaching phonemic awareness across all grade levels.
Musk’s doubts about DOGE spotlight political risks for U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans
Republican U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans of Virginia Beach is heading into the 2026 election cycle with one of the most precarious political balancing acts in the country, as her strong support for the Department of Government Efficiency collides with new doubts about the program — and the realities of representing a district heavily reliant on federal jobs.The challenge sharpened last week when Elon Musk, the billionaire tech executive who helped architect DOGE, told GOP podcaster Katie Miller that the initiative had been only “somewhat successful” and said bluntly that he would not do it again. In the interview, Musk acknowledged the political and practical blowback from DOGE, which was launched early in President Donald Trump’s second term with the stated goal of slashing government spending and reshaping the federal workforce.
DEI Challenge Hits State Small Business Credit Initiative, Threatens Funding Opportunities
Takeaways
Newsom announces new public health initiative led by ousted CDC officials
PHNIX will serve as a counter to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Trump administration’s public health policies.
Penn State Health, Mid Penn Bank celebrate decade of No Shave November with record-breaking $355,000 raised
Penn State Health and Mid Penn Bank marked the 10th anniversary of their No Shave November campaign last month by raising an unprecedented $355,000, setting a new all-time record for the initiative.
Newsom taps former CDC leaders critical of Trump-era health policies for new initiative
Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday announced a new California-led public health initiative, tapping former U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials who publicly clashed with the Trump administration.
Rob Reiner Turned Political Activism Into Lasting Impact: Director-Actor Played Key Role In Efforts On Early Childhood Development, LGBTQ+ Rights
As figures including Barack Obama, Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom shared their tributes to Rob Reiner, it was a reminder that the director-actor’s impact on politics went beyond fund raising and celebrity endorsement. Over several decades, Reiner led efforts to pass an early childhood development initiative in California, and he later helped spearhead a drive […]
Tiempo: Hispanic Federation discusses goals for 2026, latest maternal health initiatives
The Hispanic Federation's focus has always been to strengthen the Latino community through education, economic empowerment, immigration, health and much more.
Small Business Administration unveils new initiative to roll back federal regulations
SBA unveils new initiative targeting Biden-era regulations that imposed $6 trillion in compliance costs on American families and small firms nationwide.
First Brands Advances Business Stabilization Initiatives and Long-Term Paths to Create Value and Drive Growth
ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich., December 12, 2025--First Brands Group, LLC ("First Brands" or the "Company"), a leading global supplier of aftermarket automotive parts, announced today a series of decisive steps the Company has taken to stabilize its operations, strengthen leadership, and maintain continuity of supply and service for customers, including:
Scoop: Hawleys launch dark money group to revive anti-abortion politics
The Hawleys are launching the Love Life Initiative this week.
NSF announces new initiative to launch and scale a new generation of transformative independent research organizations to advance breakthrough science
The U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (NSF TIP) on Friday announced the launch of a new initiative designed to launch and scale a new generation…
RFK Jr is a danger to public health – but local Maha laws could be a bigger threat
An array of under-the-radar initiatives are taking hold across the US, often tied to immunization, fluoridation and raw milk
RFK Jr.’s Health Department Is Pondering a National Men’s Health Initiative
At an FDA discussion of testosterone replacement therapy, a top official called for special health centers to address a “men’s health crisis.” Others called to ease men’s access to hormones.
Rena Striegel and Transition Point Business Advisors Announce New National Succession Planning Initiative for Family Businesses
DES MOINES, IA / ACCESS Newswire / December 10, 2025 / President of Transition Point Business Advisors, has introduced a national initiative designed to help family-owned businesses approach succession planning with more structure, clarity, and unity. ...
New group seeks to improve local business environment through work with government
A new business initiative led by Salem attorney Mark Hoyt was unveiled during a Salem Area Chamber of Commerce event on Monday. The group hopes to benefit the community by working with government on behalf of local businesses.
Tracking Key Mental Health and Substance Use Policy Actions Under the Trump Administration
A new KFF tracker highlights key federal policy actions during President Trump’s second term that concern issues related to mental health and substance use. The second Trump administration has emphasized law-and-order strategies and scaled back several mental health and substance use-related services, while also continuing some treatment-focused initiatives. The tracker can be viewed in multiple ways, including chronological order of policy actions and by category (Mental Health; Opioids/Substance Use Disorder; Federal Infrastructure/ Data/Guidance; and Gun Violence).
Hello Sunshine’s ‘The Rise’ Five-Part Documentary Series On Women’s Sports Heading To Peacock
Hello Sunshine alongside Ally and the Lyda Hill Philanthropies If/Then Initiative back five part documentary series 'The Rise' for Peacock.
New Software from the Dynamic Eclipse Broadcast Initiative
Eighty-two volunteer teams with the Dynamic Eclipse Broadcast (DEB) Initiative spent the day spread across North America, observing the eclipse with telescopes, collecting a massive dataset of images, and developing software to process it.
MIT’s Science Policy Initiative holds 15th annual Executive Visit Days
MIT’s Science Policy Initiative held its 15th annual Executive Visit Days. Students traveled to Washington, D.C. to learn about federal science and technology policymaking.
Science needs contrarians, and contrarians need support
Institute of Quantitative Social Science initiative tailored to researchers exploring provocative ideas.
Political scientists launch the Berkeley Program on Finance and
Can finance serve democracy, or is it fated to play an adversarial role? UC Berkeley is launching a new initiative to investigate this question.The Berkeley Program on Finance and Democracy will
VSCO lays off 24 staff as its consumer business suffers
In an internal memo seen by TechCrunch, VSCO's CEO Eric Wittman said the company's consumer business had declined more than expected, and some of its new growth initiatives didn't yield the expected results.
Warner Music Group Executive Paul Robinson To Receive The 2026 Entertainment Law Initiative Service Award During GRAMMY Week 2026; ELI Writing Contest Honorees Announced
Paul Robinson and the 2026 ELI Writing Contest honorees will be honored at the 2026 Entertainment Law Initiative GRAMMY Week Event, taking place during GRAMMY Week 2026, days ahead of the 2026 GRAMMYS.
The Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) and Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition (RHSC) release the 11th edition of the Family Planning Market Report - Clinton Health Access Initiative
The 2025 Family Planning Market Report presents an analysis of public-sector contraceptive procurement trends from 2020–2024, complemented by qualitative insights on the 2025 funding outlook following the dismantling of USAID and the anticipated impact of these broader funding shifts. This year’s report serves as a critical reference point for understanding the state of the family...
Lawsuit accuses Ohio Department of Health of withholding public records on abortion licensure
Lawyers with a reproductive rights initiative in Ohio are asking the Ohio Supreme Court to intervene in a dispute against the Ohio Department of Health, in which they say the agency is withholding records related to the licensure of a clinic providing abortions.
FDA announces digital health services pilot
The Food and Drug Administration announced Dec. 5 that it will launch the Technology-Enabled Meaningful Patient Outcomes for Digital Health Devices Pilot, or TEMPO, an initiative aimed to promote access to certain digital health devices.
How Donald Trump brings MAGA ideals into global politics
In his second term, US President Donald Trump has taken his MAGA movement global, criticizing election outcomes, climate change initiatives and migration policy while backing populist presidential candidates.
Kentucky provides $750,000 to support Covington businesses during bridge projects
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced a $750,000 funding initiative to support Covington, Kentucky, businesses affected by two major bridge construction projects, aiming to alleviate disruptions for local commuters and enterprises.
Dr. Ashish Jha to step down as Brown University public health dean
Jha will lead an initiative that aims to bolster the nation’s defenses against emerging pandemic and biological threats.
This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition - Jax Hub drives fintech innovation, global partnerships
L Marks CEO Daniel Saunders joins Kent Justice to discuss the launch of Jax Hub, a new corporate innovation initiative based in Jacksonville. Learn how this global program aims to accelerate fintech growth, foster collaboration among local businesses, universities, and international partners, and position Northeast Florida as a leading innovation hub.
Aetna expands initiatives to simplify experiences for health care professionals and patients
Aetna®, a CVS Health® company, today announces key milestones in support of the company’s comprehensive strategy announced in June to remove friction in the healthcare system and improve the experience for healthcare professionals and their patients.
Costa Mesa will explore ballot measures that would increase hotel tax, business license fees
Seeking to bolster city revenues and create parity between Costa Mesa and other cities levy on businesses and hotel guests, the council Tuesday backed pursuing two potential initiatives in 2026.
The N2 Company Earns Inc.'s Best in Business Distinction for Social Good
The N2 Company is proud to announce its inclusion on the Inc. Best in Business list in the Best Social Good category. Inc.'s annual Best in Business Awards recognized only 32 companies for Social Good — companies that go beyond financial success to make a meaningful difference through their products, initiatives, and impact-driven leadership.
Trump appears to doze off in another meeting
It was the second time in a month Trump has appeared to struggle to stay awake as his advisers have spoken to cameras about the administration’s initiatives.
Carta Healthcare Partners with Fivos to Elevate Data Quality and Advance Vascular Patient Care
Carta Healthcare, a leading provider of AI-powered clinical data abstraction solutions, today announced a strategic partnership with Fivos, a leading provider of data solutions for medical research organizations and device manufacturers, as well as the clinical data registry provider for the Society for Vascular Surgery's Vascular Quality Initiative (SVS VQI®).
From Sidelines to Center Court
WSF conducted a three-year research initiative funded by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation focused on addressing access, engagement, and retention in sports for girls as well as the lack of women coaches working in the youth sports space. This research focused on the regions of Southeast Michigan and Western New York and has widespread […]
UT Health San Antonio pilot study explores ear acupressure for chronic pain relief in dementia care - UT Health San Antonio
One-year initiative to recruit 30-40 participants, and caregivers Contact: Steven Lee, 210-450-3823, lees22@uthscsa.edu Content by Claire Kowalick SAN ANTONIO, Dec. 1, 2025 – A new clinical pilot study will investigate training caregivers on the practice of ear acupressure to help with pain for people with dementia. The study at UT Health San Antonio, the academic […]
African American Small Business Foundation Inc. Launches Giving Tuesday Initiative
The African American Small Business Foundation Inc. is seeking Giving Tuesday donations to support its 2026 initiatives.
Yaman Altal Medical Center Announces Expansion of Clinical Services and Advances Regional Men's Health Initiatives
Amman, Jordan--(Newsfile Corp. - November 30, 2025) - Yaman Altal Medical Center today announced a major expansion of its clinical and educational operations as part of its continued efforts to strengthen men's health services across the Middle East, Europe, and North Africa. The expansion reflects the Center's ongoing commitment to evidence-based diagnostics, public health education, and international clinical collaboration.Courtesy: Dr. Yaman AltalTo view an enhanced version of this graphic,..
Flutter Entertainment India Partners with Aditya Mehta Foundation to Strengthen India’s Para-Sports Ecosystem
With an investment of INR 60 lakh, Flutter Entertainment India (FEI) in conjunction with Flutter Global’s “Do More” initiative will enable enhanced training facilities, upgraded adaptive equipment, and customized devices that will directly support up to 15 para-athletes in achieving high-performance excellence.
Cities put science in the spotlight
When three European cities launch an initiative next year to boost scientific excellence and collaboration, much of the action is likely to take place in public spaces rather than in the laboratory.That is welcome news for Ana Marušić. A medical doctor and professor at the University of Split Medical School in Croatia, Marušić champions close connections between “town and gown” to encourage citizen involvement in research, raise public health awareness and ignite young people’s interest in science. “Responsible research and innovation cannot be done in an ivory tower, answering only the questions that are relevant for scientists,” explains Marušić, who chairs the Department of Research in Biomedicine and Health and leads the Centre for Evidence-based Medicine. “The role of the university is to be a medium for transferring new discoveries in science to society, but also to listen to society about what is important and what is needed.”Three cities united by scienceMarušić’s efforts stand to gain traction through Science Comes to Town (SCTT), a new European project to highlight science’s role in society and strengthen cross-border collaboration in research, innovation and sustainability. With funding from the European Commission, three cities—Split, Brest (in France) and Kiel (in Germany)—plan more than 1,000 public events, workshops and competitions for citizens of all ages, researchers, businesses and policymakers. The year-long project kicks off in Spilt on 20 January with a conference involving partner institutions, community representatives and European policymakers. The three cities may be geographically far apart, but they share much in common. All are located on coasts and are home to top regional research institutions that are part of SCTT. Among the project's partners, the University of Western Brittany in Brest, Kiel University and the University of Split belong to the SEA-EU university alliance, uniting nine European coastal academic institutions to advance research, student exchanges and sustainable development. “These universities have a very strong connection between gown and town,” explains Marušić, who is one of Split’s SCTT ambassadors. “It's very important that these universities are there for the community so that we can learn from each other and grow together.”Tackling Europe’s STEM shortagesSCTT will also reinforce efforts to address Europe’s widening gap in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. Studies show that nearly eight out of ten small- and medium-sized businesses cannot find enough workers with the skills required in advanced computing and artificial intelligence (AI)—hindering initiatives to boost European innovation and competitiveness. In healthcare, the European Commission has estimated a shortfall in medical professionals of 1.2 million, due to fewer young people joining the field and an ageing population that needs more care.Strengthening knowledge and dialogue can also help build trust between scientists and the public at time when disruptive technologies are reshaping research and clinical practice, but are also sparking questions about ethics and accuracy. With experience in the classroom and in clinical epidemiology—a discipline involving monitoring and controlling public health problems—Marušić sees the potential risks of over-reliance on AI and chatbot answers for both research and learning. “AI is a very good tool, but one has to be very critical about it,” she adds. “Delegating brain activities will definitely diminish your neural capacities because you are not developing the circuitry that is important for higher-level cognitive engagement.” She stresses the importance of critical thinking and encourages students to use AI as a researcher’s tool to reinforce rather than supplant human discretion and brainpower.The power of outreachSplit’s experience in bringing scientists and the public together has provided a platform for discussing research ethics and explaining science in simple terms. Local efforts to expand health literacy and awareness have helped reduce cardiovascular disease among women, according to Marušić’s research. The city’s university also hosts events to introduce schoolchildren to science, using hands-on experiments to spark curiosity.Marušić’s own love of science began with an interest in studying molecular biology. “But my parents told me, why don't you study medicine?” she recalls. “I said, OK, why not? And that was the best decision that I made.” Marušić is not a practicing physician, but teaches anatomy and public health. She also co-edits ST-OPEN, an overlay university journal that works on capacity building for research publishing among students and their supervisors. Balancing teaching, research and editorial work, she is a strong advocate for medical studies, urging high school students to consider medicine “because later on it gives you a really wide perspective about human life and about society” as well as many career opportunities.As SCTT prepares to bring science into daily life in 2026, Marušić hopes that it will build permanent bridges between scientists and citizens across Europe. “We can be a showcase for making collaboration with the community stronger to share knowledge, attract young talent and integrate critical and scientific thinking into everyday life,” she explains, adding that "collaborating with businesses to improve cities and communities is also an important aspect of this project."Science|Business, which connects policymakers, academics and industry through its news reporting, analysis and events, is an SCTT partner.