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Looming Medicaid cuts will increase burden for Colorado patients, advocates say
Patients and family members who rely on Medicaid fear impending cuts to public healthcare coverage under federal policy changes.
FDA scientists opposed the Trump administration’s move to ease peptides access
A plan to give people in the United States easier access to unproven peptide drugs favored by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was opposed by most Food and Drug Administration scientific staff members, who had limited input in drafting the policy, according to six people familiar with its development.
RFK Jr. plans to make these 6 unapproved peptides available for temporary sale
The Trump administration published a draft policy for widening access to controversial peptides while federal officials continue to hammer out permanent rules for the products.
Federal Reserve makes interest rate decision ahead of midterms
Federal Reserve policymakers left interest rates unchanged at their October meeting ahead of next week's midterm elections while inflation remains elevated.
FDA scientists opposed the Trump administration\'s move to ease peptides access
Food and Drug Administration scientists didn't support a new policy by President Donald Trump's administration to loosen rules on unproven peptide drugs. That's according to people familiar with the policy’s
NPI awarded National Institutes of Health grant to evaluate implementation of California’s Recess for All law
California law mandates that public elementary and charter schools provide at least 30 minutes of recess time each school day as of school year 2024-25. Implementation was required by California Senate Bill 291, also known as Recess for All, which passed on October 13, 2023 under the leadership of State Senator Josh Newman (D-29). Nutrition Policy Institute director and cooperative extension specialist, Hannah R. Thompson, alongside her colleague Rebecca A.
MMHLA’s Technology Council: Meet the Companies Innovating in the Maternal Mental Health Field — Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance: MMHLA
The Technology Council is a forum for technology companies in the maternal mental health sector to partner with the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA) in supporting education, awareness, and policy solutions that advance our shared mission to promote the mental health of mothers an
FDA scientists opposed the Trump administration's effort to ease peptides access
WASHINGTON (AP) — A plan to give Americans easier access to unproven peptide drugs favored by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was opposed by most Food and Drug Administration scientific staff members, who had limited input in drafting the policy, according to six people familiar with the p...
Gevorg Tamamyan: Paediatric Oncologist, System Builder, Transregional Nominee - And A Test For Geneva’s Entrenched Machinery?
Dr Gevorg Tamamyan, an Armenian paediatric oncologist and professor at Yerevan State Medical University, has joined the race for WHO Director-General under a unique cross-regional nomination by the Republic of Botswana. Entering a competitive field of seven candidates as a clinician-academic and the youngest contender (born in 1987), his candidacy introduces a distinct frontline perspective to the 2027-2032 election.
BREAKING: Global Fund Appoints Mark Dybul As Executive Director Amid Mandate And Funding Challenges
Former Global Fund Executive Director Mark Dybul returns to the helm in Geneva facing an unprecedented $5.36 billion funding gap, fraught domestic transitions, and mounting demands to overhaul the global health architecture. While experts welcome his track record, balancing transatlantic rivalries with rising country sovereignty will demand delicate diplomacy and an updated playbook.
Abbott changes policies as political winds shift
Greg Abbott's policy reversals come as polling shows a close race with Democrat Gina Hinojosa.
Public Health Leaders and Scholars File Amicus Brief Challenging CMS Medicaid Work Requirement Rule in Taylor v. Kennedy
The American Public Health Association, Grantmakers In Health, the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health’s Jacobs Institute of Women’s Health and National Center for Medical-Legal Partnership, Liberty Health Alliance and 167 public health and health policy deans, chairs and scholars have filed an amicus curiae brief supporting the plaintiffs in Taylor v. Kennedy, a lawsuit challenging a federal Medicaid rule that they argue unlawfully narrows protections for p
General Lost Profits Analysis Versus Insured Business Interruption Loss Analysis
Forensic accountants often perform similar analyses for lost profits and business interruption claims, but while lost profits analysis aims to measure total economic harm from wrongful conduct, business interruption analysis determines recoverable losses under specific insurance policy terms—often resulting in different damage amounts due to coverage limitations, waiting periods, and restoration period restrictions.
National Academy of Medicine’s 2026 Annual Meeting (Scientific Symposium on Chronic Disease)
KFF Founding President and CEO Dr. Drew Altman delivered the Victor J. Dzau Keynote Address at the National Academy of Medicine’s 2026 Annual Meeting (Scientific Symposium on Chronic Disease) on October 10, 2026, where he described the big challenges ahead in health policy, and where chronic illness fits.
GW Law Hosts Senator Bill Cassidy for Lawmakers in Health Event
Senator Cassidy participated in a fireside chat with GW Law Professor and Co-Director of the Health Law and Policy Program Barak Richman.
Purplish: Israel-Gaza violence rattles Colorado Democratic politics, will protests and primary wins prompt policy change?
Israel’s military actions in Gaza have motivated a portion of the Democratic base to demand a policy shift. Some worry the focus on Israel drowns out other priorities and fuels antisemitism.
Board to vote on whether Wisconsin DNR can craft new pesticide regulations
The policy-setting board for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is set to vote Wednesday on whether the agency can begin crafting groundwater standards for roughly two dozen pesticides.
Why Crypto Still Has Little Power in Latin American’s Politics and Elections
Millions use crypto across Latin America, yet the industry struggles to influence elections and policy. Why hasn't adoption translated into political power?
Meeting emission targets is policy, not science, professor tells youth climate trial
VANCOUVER - A professor has told Canada's first youth-led climate trial that while science can inform the emission reductions needed to meet targets, how that is achieved is a matter
NASA Leaders Visit Morehead State to Highlight Space Science Excellence
Morehead State University's growing impact in space science and aerospace education drew national attention as university leaders welcomed top NASA officials and federal policymakers to campus. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, NASA astronaut Stephen Bowen and U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers visited Morehead State on Monday, Oct. 26, to highlight the University's Space Science Center, its partnership with NASA and its contributions to preparing the next generation of scientists, engineers and space professionals. For more than two decades, Morehead State has built a nationally recognized space science program that combines classroom learning with hands-on participation in real-world aerospace projects. MSU has developed significant capabilities in satellite tracking, mission operations and space systems engineering through its work with NASA and commercial aerospace partners. Learn about Space Systems Engineering at MSU by contacting Space Science Center Executive Director Dr. Ben Malphrus at b.malphrus@moreheadstate.edu or calling 606-783-2212.
Midterm Election Update: Immigrant Health Policy
Immigration restrictions and enforcement are central to the Trump administration’s domestic agenda and a focus of debate in the 2026 midterm elections. These policies have ripple effects on health care: immigration-related fears are leading some immigrant families to avoid medical care and drop coverage, including for U.S. citizen children, and visa restrictions could strain a health care workforce that relies on immigrants. Federal law has also narrowed eligibility for health coverage among lawfully present immigrants, and states are responding in different ways.
UNAIDS Board Rejects ‘Sunsetting’, Opting Instead For Transformation
The UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board (PCB) has rejected the proposal by the United Nations Secretary-General that it is “sunsetted” by the end of this
Trump’s Ukraine Moves and Middle East Tensions Have Europe on Edge Ahead of Elections
As Americans head to the polls, many people in both Europe and the Middle East are on edge, wondering how the midterm elections may shape U.S. foreign policy in the weeks and months to come. While much of the attention domestically has focused on fuel prices and the cost of living, President Donald ...
Big Fix: Money in Politics
We discuss how dark money shapes policy, how to curb pay-to-play corruption, and how to limit the influence of billionaire donors.
Michigan Senate Race Drives Anxiety Among Jewish and Muslim Voters
More than elsewhere in the country, U.S. policy toward Israel is at the forefront of the race between Mike Rogers and Abdul El-Sayed.
Song Li: Maternal And Primary Health Leader, Beijing Veteran - And A Test Case For Post-US Multilateralism?
Who will steer the World Health Organization through its next chapter? Explore Health Policy Watch’s daily series examining the platforms, records, and
Southold Wants Feedback from Local Businesses
The Southold Town Economic Development Committee launched its first Annual Business Survey this week, asking all local business owners—from agriculture and marine trades to retail and hospitality—to provide critical feedback that will shape the town's economic policy for years to come. Take the Survey The Economic Development Committee (EDC) was created by the town in
New framework helps Public Health Scotland in managing risks of private-sector engagement
Public Health Scotland (PHS) has developed a policy framework that makes collaboration with the private sector a clear and transparent process. The framework is a tool that helps Scottish health authorities make informed decisions and determine how and when to engage or not engage with commercial actors and reduce the risk of conflicts of interest.
Scientists video REM-like sleep in Australian jumping spider species
The most comprehensive study of its kind confirms that jumping spiders go through two phases of sleep, including a REM-like state that is associated with human dreaming.
Cook County Public Health Reminds Families to Get Their Children Tested for Lead - Cook County Department of Public Health
In recognition of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, Oct. 25-31, Cook County Department of Public Health is bringing increased attention to Illinois’ new universal childhood blood lead testing law and lead dangers. The new state lead testing requirements, which took effect July 1, 2026, require all children to receive blood lead tests at ages 12 months and 24 months, regardless of where they live. Also, children 6 years old and younger must receive a lead exposure risk assessment through a questionnaire administered by a healthcare provider.
UH Mānoa launches new Center for Ocean Policy, bridging science and law
The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is launching a new Center for Ocean Policy, partnering its law school and oceanography department with support from The Healy Foundation to address pressing marine and climate challenges through interdisciplinary education, research, and policy advocacy.
Epic Games CEO calls Steam's AI disclosure policies "a political act"
CEO of Epic Games, Tim Sweeney, has once again slammed Steam's AI disclosure policy, calling the company's position on …
Skydance gives 5 day RTO order, offers buyouts
Skydance CEO David Ellison and co-CEO Ynon Kreiz are implementing a five-day RTO policy. Read the memo to employees.
What Do the Midterm Election Results Mean for Health Care?
On November 5 at Noon ET, join KFF for a special post-election discussion and live podcast taping on these topics and more. KFF experts and journalists will provide analysis and insights about what the election results could mean for health policy and take audience questions. Part of the discussion will focus on public opinion survey data on how voters weighed health care as they went to the polls nationally and in the four states with abortion-related ballot initiatives.
Menopause Legislation and Hearing Highlights
Recent menopause legislation and hearing emphasize the scale of the issue, plus a bipartisan focus on research, health care, and public health.
Selecting WHO Director-General: The Job Nobody Has Described (Part II)
The World Health Assembly (WHA) will choose WHO’s ninth Director-General next May without having defined the job. Part I of this analysis sought to learn
D. C. Circuit Review: Reviewed – Some unfinished business
The D. C. Circuit published two opinions last week in cases that were argued last term. Mennonite Church USA v. DHS, No. 25-5209, which was heard in February of this year, involved a challenge to the Trump Administration’s policy of pursuing immigration-enforcement operations at houses of worship. Prior to 2025, the federal government largely maintained […]
Tulane political science professors discuss Iran war, international policy
The Tulane Journal of Policy and Political Economy hosted a panel of Tulane University professors to discuss the 2026 Iran war last Thursday. Christopher Fettweis, an associate professor of political science, began the panel by discussing the Twelve-Day War that occurred in June 2025 between Iran and Israel. “The Iranians were nowhere near nuclear weapons...
Paying for Clinical AI: Principles for Policymakers
Clinical AI could improve access to care, but today’s payment systems weren’t built for it. Drawing on two 2026 roundtables with BPC’s Future of Health Advisory Board, this brief sets out principles for paying for clinical AI based on evidence of value.
Indiana's New Small Business Program: From Policy to Opportunity
Indiana’s approach to state contracting underwent a significant transformation this summer. Following an opinion from Attorney General Todd Rokita questioning the constitutionality of race- and sex-based contracting preferences, Gov. Mike Braun suspended the state’s Supplier Diversity Program and directed the creation of a new
Student-loan borrowers' key midterms issue: affording higher bills
Over 10 million student-loan borrowers are behind on payments. Some are hoping the midterms will prompt policy change to protect those in default.
Can teaching people more about science increase public trust?
We hear about science outreach efforts in Cincinnati designed to spur interest — and the role moms play in shaping science policy.
Global Scientist Mobility: Redrawing the Innovation Map
Global scientist mobility patterns reveal how knowledge networks evolve. Learn why policy must shift from attracting talent to enabling circulation.
Board of Deputies of British Jews declares Greens to be racist party
The Jewish body's vote comes in response to the Green Party passing a "Zionism is racism" policy motion.
Google's privacy policy now has a loophole for using your Gmail and Photos data in ads
The change sits in Google's updated privacy policy, which took effect on October 16 and was first spotted by Android Authority. The policy has long said, "We...
New Trump housing order targets mortgage and title insurers
A White House plan to pull private mortgage insurance off loans sooner, and to let refinancing borrowers skip the lender's title policy, affects two insurance lines that say they already help keep costs down
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney lambasts “abhorrent” Steam AI Disclosure Policy claiming labels double as “political statement”
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney called Steam’s AI disclosure policy abhorrent, arguing that it exposes developers to backlash from anti-AI detractors. Valve has implemented and updated the policy since 2024, which states that AI-generated content, including artwork, text, music, and assets, excluding assistant tools, requires formal disclosure.
Instacart Stock What Health Benefits Deal And $5 Million Settlement Mean
Instacart parent Maplebear has agreed to a US$5,000,000 settlement with U.S. authorities over past PERM hiring practices and has been selected by True Rx Health Strategists to power an employer funded healthy food benefit through Instacart Health Fresh Funds starting in 2027. The True Rx program positions Instacart within pharmacy benefit design and ties employer spend directly to clinically supervised food choices. The settlement adds compliance obligations, policy changes and monitoring...
Physician Mental Health and Health System Privacy: Why Doctors Avoid Their Own EHR
In most organizations the default access model was built for patient care, not for protecting colleagues. A nurse on another unit, a resident who rotated with them, a department administrator: any of them may technically be able to open the record, even when policy says they should not.
Former Minecraft lead, Xbox veteran and COO Helen Chiang "fired" for "policy violations"
A new report suggests that Helen Chiang, recently appointed as Xbox Chief Operations Officer, was terminated for "policy violations," although there's no word on exactly what.
What business thinks of the politicians and parties
Business leaders are hard to impress this election. In the Herald's annual “Mood of the Boardroom” survey, they give poor or middling marks to almost the whole political class, including the two former business executives running the Government's economic policy, and several ratings are among the wo
In Senate run, Juliana Stratton touts progressive politics and a pragmatic record
Stratton has taken progressive policy positions, but has also touted a record of getting things done across a big, diverse state.
Abbott Laboratories vs. UnitedHealth: Does Health Innovation or Health Insurance Make for a Better Stock to Buy?
Abbott's $7.4B free cash flow and 0.3x debt load contrast sharply with UnitedHealth's $16.1B free cash flow but higher leverage and government policy risk.
Ohio policymakers wrestle with prediction markets as wagers on sports and politics explode
Google Says Gmail and Photos Data Shared With AI Search Could Be Used for Targeted Ads
Google's updated privacy policy says data shared from Gmail, Drive, or Photos with AI-powered Search features may be used to personalize ads.
Hochul and Blakeman tout tax policy in closing days of governor's race
Both candidates in the race for governor have continued to campaign hard on affordability.
Updated Google privacy policy says your Gmail might be used for advertising
Turning on Personal Intelligence gives the company more data for ad targeting.
Rogue Community Health brings Southern Oregon leaders together
Rogue Community Health brought healthcare and education leaders, workforce partners, policymakers and employers together Thursday for its annual Rogue Way to Well-Being event, focused on the role meaningful work plays […]
This week in health care policy: October 16–23, 2026
Medical innovation FDA approves several innovative treatments. Last week, the FDA granted accelerated approval to GSK’s Jemperli for certain untreated cancers with a specific DNA defect. The treatment will eliminate the need for costly alternative treatments such as surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy, which are known to cause lasting health problems. The FDA also approved GSK’s […]
Treat Pandemic Preparedness As Strategic ‘Biodefence’, Industry And Health Leaders Urge
Speaking at a flagship World Health Summit panel global health officials and pharmaceutical executives urged governments to reframe pandemic preparedness as ‘biodefence’ - a core national security asset and not a discretionary health expenditure.
Off-Balance: How US Courts Privilege Conservative Policy Outcomes -
Off-Balance: How US Courts Privilege Conservative Policy Outcomes By Brian Highsmith, Maya Sen and Kathleen Thelen A growing literature has challenged some of the more influential accounts regarding the role of courts in the development [...]
National Maternal Mental Health Accelerator Hosts Inaugural Member Convening - Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health
This week marked a watershed moment for maternal mental health as the National Maternal Mental Health (MMH) Accelerator held its inaugural member convening. Led by Founder Joy Burkhard, CEO of the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, the Accelerator has united over 140 organizations to drive systemic change and expanded access to appropriate care by 2030.
Health Care: Upholding Human Dignity and Protecting Conscience
From access to medical care to the protection of human life and religious convictions, Catholic social teaching calls for health care centered on the dignity of every person. Here's what that means for Catholics in Colorado.Part 5 of a 10-part series on the Colorado bishops' public policy prioritiesHealth care should be patient-centered, respect human dignity, protect life, promote the principle of subsidiarity, be affordable and assure conscience rights.The Catholic Church teaches that access t
FDA Should Practice the Science It Preaches
The FDA has plenty of advice for pharmaceutical companies. It publishes guidance documents, establishes scientific expectations, and expects drug developers to explain themselves when they take a diff...
Women’s Political Caucus of New Jersey Announces 2027 Fellowship Cohort, Kicking Off the Second Year of the Fellowship Program
Trenton, NJ — The Women’s Political Caucus of New Jersey (WPCNJ) proudly announces its 2027 Fellowship cohort, marking the second year of its Fellowship Program, which empowers emerging women leaders to pursue public office, policy roles, and civic leadership. Supported by the WPCNJ Education and Training Fund, the six-session Fellowship Program equips fellows with the[...]
Ohio policymakers wrestle with prediction markets as wagers on sports and politics explode
With tens of millions of dollars staked on political and sporting contests, prediction markets are fueling anxiety among policymakers in Ohio and around the country.
Ohio policymakers wrestle with prediction markets as wagers on sports and politics explode
With tens of millions of dollars staked on political and sporting contests, prediction markets are fueling anxiety among policymakers in Ohio and around the country.
As election day approaches, several Town Council candidates weigh Bowdoin’s place in Brunswick politics
With less than two weeks until Election Day, five candidates are competing for two at-large seats on the Brunswick Town Council, the body that sets the town’s budget, zoning and housing policy, from Maine Street sidewalks to Bowdoin’s own building plans. Because at-large seats represent the whole town, any Bowdoin student registered to vote in […]
Supreme Court says New Hampshire can limit use of student IDs for voting
The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed New Hampshire officials to limit when voters may use a student ID to receive a ballot, agreeing that a lower court ruling that blocked enforcement of the policy was too close to Election Day.
Top health adviser and MAHA ally quits Trump admin
Means' departure two weeks before the midterm elections underscores MAHA's discontent with the pace of change on food policy.
Top adviser to Kennedy resigns from Trump administration
Calley Means, a key advocate for the “Make America Healthy Again” movement, had grown frustrated with a lack of progress on his policy goals, a source familiar with his departure said.
Do Stormont politics stifle the non-sectarian parties?
Letters: Responding to an editorial, Boyd Black deplores Labour’s policy of not fielding candidates in Northern Ireland. Plus a letter by Declan O’Neill
Call for Abstracts — 2027 Petrie-Flom Center Annual Conference: Generative AI in Healthcare: Law & Regulation - Petrie-Flom Center
The Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology, and Bioethics at Harvard Law School is pleased to announce our 2027 Annual Conference, Generative AI in Healthcare: Law and Regulation. Generative AI –- artificial intelligence designed to produce output, such as text or images, that normally require human intelligence — has become a…
Introspection required if EU Inc fails, says start-up lobbyist
European start-ups have a new voice in Brussels. Startups for Europe, created from the merger of lobby groups Allied for Startups and the European Startup Network, is hoping to harness the momentum behind EU-Inc, a campaign that united start-ups and investors behind demands for a new pan-European company regime.At a launch event for the new association in Brussels on October 1, the mood was remarkably upbeat compared to a typical Eurobubble gathering, more Silicon Valley than Schuman roundabout.When asked whether this reflects a feeling that Europe is on the right track, chief executive Serena Borbotti-Frison said it’s a “scary” moment as the continent looks to boost its competitiveness amid a new technological arms race.“What is at stake is quite intense, and the way we can answer is by delivering, but also with hope,” she told Science|Business. “It’s what our industry does. It’s not about identifying a pain point and then saying it’s too hard.”For many in the start-up community, that sense of hope is dwindling. In March, the European Commission presented its proposal for EU Inc, naming its initiative after the grassroots campaign.EU Inc was meant to be a gamechanger: the ability to incorporate within 48 hours for less than €100 and scale up across Europe; a harmonised stock option regime enabling start-ups to compete for talent; and simplified insolvency procedures for innovative start-ups to reduce the cost of failure.However, haggling by EU governments has raised concerns that EU Inc will be stripped of the very features, including stock option harmonisation, that are meant to make it attractive for companies.“I fear we are proving to ourselves that the model doesn’t work,” Borbotti-Frison said of the policymaking process. “Everyone agrees we should have EU Inc. Everyone agrees it’s hard to scale and we need to scale to answer the competitiveness [challenge], and still we cannot deliver? [. . .] What does that say about ourselves?”The Commission has made EU Inc a cornerstone of its single market reform, and has agreed with the European Parliament and the Council of the EU to target an agreement by the end of 2026. However, several points are currently holding up an agreement, including national rules around employee participation in management decisions, and the provision that employee stock options always be taxed at the point of sale. Some EU governments have reportedly pushed back on the Commission’s choice of legal basis, contending that anything related to taxation requires unanimity in the Council.Trade unions have also protested against EU Inc, fearing it will be exploited by companies looking to undermine workers’ rights.“If this doesn’t work, it’s introspection time, on the way our institutions work, maybe the way our lobbies work, and maybe the way the cooperation between them works,” Borbotti-Frison said.“Is it in the national interest? Is it a gap between political will and technical ability to operate? Is it speed? I don't know, but something needs to be fixed.”Ahead of last week’s European Council meeting, EU-Inc campaigners tried a new strategy: appealing directly to EU presidents and prime ministers. In an open letter, they urged EU leaders to “step in and give your negotiating teams a clear mandate to change course and reverse their objections to the Commission’s original proposal.”Lessons from EU-IncLike its predecessors, Startups for Europe will represent national start-up associations, but it is also targeting investors. The founding sponsors are venture capital firm Atomico and EQT, the investor selected earlier this year to manage the €5 billion Scaleup Europe Fund.It also wants to harness the knowledge and cross-border experience of European success stories. “Take the list of the 100 biggest unicorns in Europe. We are speaking to all of them,” Borbotti-Frison said. The association plans to publish a full list of supporters following the Slush tech conference in Helsinki in November.Andreas Klinger and Simon Schaefer, two key figures in the EU-Inc campaign, are both on the board of the new association, and Startups for Europe wants to take the lessons from their campaign.What was unprecedented about EU-Inc was “how rooted it was, and how strong it was in bringing everyone on board behind one clear pain point and solution to fix it,” Borbotti-Frison said. “This is an inspiration for us, and then we need to turn it into something more systematic, more bridged in Brussels, more connected to the policymaking game, and to scale it.”If it’s possible to unite such a broad coalition, it’s because the European start-up ecosystem is now mature, she said. “Maybe it was not ten years ago. Maybe it was not five years ago. But now, it’s mature to speak with one voice.”Open and liberal EuropeThe association plans to campaign on files related to three “pain points,” Borbotti-Frison said: “start and scale in Europe, fundraise and invest in Europe, and making Europe the most innovative continent.”As well as EU Inc, she cited public procurement, the EU’s simplification push, the Savings and Investments Union, and files related to AI adoption and technological sovereignty as priorities for the coming months.What these files have in common is that they relate not to subsidies but to the framework conditions influencing the availability of mostly private, or in the case of procurement, public, funding.Related articlesEmployee participation disagreement delays MEPs’ vote on EU IncCommission urges EU governments not to water down EU IncEU’s ‘ultra-fast’ €5B scale-up fund is set up to win, says its fund managerThe budget dispute over the next Horizon Europe programme will also impact start-ups, which are supported notably through the European Innovation Council. But EU innovation funding is a drop in the ocean compared to venture capital and public procurement budgets.“If competitiveness and innovation are a priority, then the [EU budget] should reflect it,” Borbotti-Frison said. However, she added that the main question is not how much public money is invested, but “how do we create the right conditions for the market to solve the problem?”The Scaleup Europe Fund mixes both approaches, using €1 billion in EU funding to crowd in private investors and address Europe’s lack of large-scale, late-stage growth funds. “It’s a proof of concept. Ideally, then the market will do it itself,” Borbotti-Frison said.Startups for Europe is also focused on bringing an alternative political narrative. Amid competing visions for open, global markets on the one side and a protectionist Europe on the other, it wants to offer “a third voice, to say we can be proudly European and build a strong continent in a liberal economy, open to the world, and global.”It can be tempting, when thinking about how Europe can better support innovation, to look across the Atlantic. But while it’s important to compare statistics to see where Europe needs to catch up, that’s where the comparison should stop, Borbotti-Frison said. “On everything else, we need to do it our own way. We don't have the same history. We don't have the same political model. We don't have the same way of life.”Many of the key files that could benefit the start-up community, including EU Inc and the Savings and Investments Union, rely on closer integration within Europe, making it easier to operate across borders.While the Commission has made deepening the single market a political priority, support at national level is more precarious. The coming months will see pivotal elections in Spain and France, while the German government has also been coming under pressure domestically. In each country, far-right parties have been gaining ground.When asked if she was concerned the political situation could jeopardise this progress, Borbotti-Frison responded: “Of course. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t.” However, she continues to believe that cooperation is the only way forward. “Doing it alone is not the solution. It’s also not who we are, it’s not the model we are building, and it’s not the scale we need.”
Hans Kluge: 'WHO's Biggest Advocate, Most Candid Critic' - And An Inside Reformer?
Nominated by Belgium, Dr Hans H. Kluge enters the contest for WHO Director-General after a career spanning frontline missions to leading WHO’s 53-nation European region through COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine. Re-elected as regional director in 2024, the Belgian physician brings a quarter-century of WHO insider experience to an election defined by severe financial contraction and geopolitical strain.
National bus tour brings healthcare affordability fight to Michigan
A new poll from the health policy research organization KFF found more than six in 10 Americans are worried about affording healthcare. The issue took center stage in Kalamazoo this week as the advocacy group Protect Our Care brought its national "Sick of It! Fix Health Care Now" bus tour to the city.
Trump Dangles Rural Health Dollars To Push States To Change Hospital Laws
The Trump administration has tied billions in rural health funding for states partly to the policy commitments they make, including ending their certificate of need, or CON, laws governing the construction of new hospitals.
Academic Scientists’ Career Confidence Fell Amidst US Policy Changes
A new NBER working paper surveying 916 biomedical PhD students and postdocs found academia-retention intentions fell 22 percentage points in six months.
Commission announces plan for polar hub to step up research coordination
The European Commission plans to develop an EU polar research hub to strengthen coordination and improve the alignment between science and policy. The objective, according to a Commission official, is to “better connect research, observation and scientific infrastructure, improve access to research resources and strengthen coordination with stakeholders, including Indigenous people.”Announced in a new EU Arctic strategy on October 20, there is little detail yet on how the hub will be implemented, only that it will “reinforce and expand” the European Polar Coordination Office (EPCO), which is hosted and managed by the European Polar Board (EPB) at Umeå University in Sweden. EPCO was born from the EU-PolarNet projects funded through Horizon 2020 and currently coordinates the EU Polar Cluster, a network of EU-funded collaborative polar projects.While the practical details remain to be defined, the decision sends “a clear and positive signal,” said Maria Grigoratou, head of EPCO and executive secretary of EPB. “By reinforcing EPCO, the Commission has an opportunity to build on the legacy of EU-PolarNet 2, strengthen European polar research coordination and expand cooperation with a broader range of Arctic stakeholders,” she told Science|Business.The move has been welcomed by the polar research community. “The polar research hub could play an important role in connecting existing research communities, observation systems and infrastructure, and in bringing scientific knowledge closer to policymaking, in cooperation with local communities and Indigenous people,” said Katrine Moland Hansen, director of operations at Norway’s Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Center.But money will be an issue. “It is clear that EPCO will need more resources and structure to function well and to make research reach policymakers,” said Kati Lindström, vice-chair of the Polar Research Committee of the Estonian Academy of Sciences. “European polar research is big if we pool the resources, and it should not only be left to enthusiastic scientists to develop networks of strategic importance in their free time.”The Arctic strategy makes a point of saying that local communities should have a greater involvement in Arctic science. “All EU Arctic research consortia are mandated to invite Indigenous people representatives to participate in projects,” it reads. “The EU also supports research that is directly led by Indigenous communities and address their challenges.”It also underlines the importance of reinforcing collaboration with like-minded partners such as Norway, Iceland, Canada, the UK, Japan and South Korea, as well as deepening its engagement with NATO. This includes the US, with which “the EU is committed to continuing a pragmatic transatlantic engagement based on shared interests and values.”Related articlesViewpoint: Does Europe dare to invest in the Arctic?Anchor Greenlanders in Arctic climate research, experts tell EU ahead of policy updateFor Moland Hansen, this open and inclusive approach to cooperation is encouraging. “The Arctic is also a strong example of why equal participation of associated countries in EU funding instruments matters.”Overall, she finds the new Arctic strategy to be ambitious, timely and comprehensive. “We particularly welcome the recognition that climate change, environmental protection, security, resilience and competitiveness are closely interconnected,” she said. “Research, observations and forecasting capabilities are essential to understanding the rapid changes taking place in the Arctic and addressing these challenges together.”Security focusWhile the Arctic strategy foregrounds security, with pledges to protect undersea cables, boost satellite monitoring, deploy more icebreakers and improve military mobility, the polar community is satisfied that environmental concerns have not been forgotten.“It is inevitable that there is a strong security angle to the EU Arctic strategy, but the impact of climate change and need for climate mitigation and resilience is also strongly recognised and includes a pledge to stay the course on climate commitments,” said Sian Prior, lead advisor to the Clean Arctic Alliance, a coalition of campaigning non-profit organisations.“We need to remember that by the time the next Multiannual Financial Framework comes to an end, in 2034, the polar regions, especially the Arctic region, will be living under a new reality when it comes to ecosystem processes, when it comes to the climate,” Grigoratou went on. “And that will affect any ambition that humans may have in the region.”Lindström agreed. “All aspects of European security are dependent on climate change in the Arctic and consequently, on climate science,” she said. “We cannot close our eyes to issues like energy security, critical minerals, northern shipping routes, dual-use technologies and others. However, it remains to be seen how well the promises to protect the environment and Indigenous rights will hold when faced with critical mineral extraction under the Critical Minerals Act.”
Tracking tsunamis triggered by extreme weather
As much of Western Europe faced record-breaking temperatures and extended drought this summer, Croatia experienced another weather event that could also set a worrisome precedent.Over the course of two weeks, a series of meteorological tsunamis (meteotsunamis) struck Croatia’s Adriatic coast, alarming both residents and tourists. Social media posts showed flooded seaside promenades and people walking through knee-deep water. Fortunately, no deaths or major damage were reported.In a world where natural disasters seem to be increasing, meteotsunamis — tsunamis caused by rapid weather changes – rarely make headline news. But warming sea temperatures and changing atmospheric conditions may help explain why these phenomena could become more common, especially in shallower seas and inland lakes with wide coastal shelves.“We have definitely become more aware of them, and there have been a lot more reports of these events in the last 10 years,” says Jadranka Šepić, an associate professor of environmental physics at the University of Split whose research focuses on efforts to track meteotsunamis in real time. She is also one of Croatia’s ambassadors for Science Comes to Town (SCTT), a European Commission-funded programme aimed at making research more accessible to the public.Šepić sees two possible reasons for the apparent increase in meteotsunamis. One is that photos and videos shared on social media are providing more empirical evidence, while rising air and sea temperatures could also play a role. The geophysicist “cannot say with certainty” that warming is a contributing factor because research is still ongoing. “But I can say that previously in Croatia we might have had one exceptionally strong event every 10 or 15 years, and one strong event every five years, and within 15 days this summer we had five strong events,” Šepić notes. “This is not typical.”‘A fist against the sea surface’Unlike tsunamis that are triggered by underwater earthquakes or volcanoes, meteotsunamis are caused by sudden changes in atmospheric pressure combined with other rapidly developing weather events, such as thunderstorms. The effect “is like pushing a fist against the sea surface,” Šepić explains. The resulting oscillation intensifies as it reaches shallower water, and “can be far more destructive than a wind-driven wave because meteotsunamis are accompanied by very strong currents than can penetrate much deeper inland.” The meteotsunami, she continues, “then behaves the same as a tsunami — they slow down and grow as the sea shallows, and then grow further in places like harbours due to further shallowing and narrowing. When they come ashore, they can be very destructive — taking everything with them out to sea and then taking it back.”Croatian research institutions have tracked such sea oscillations since the 1930s because the relatively shallow Adriatic Sea is prone to meteotsunamis. The strongest recorded so far was in June 1978, according to the Adriatic Meteotsunami Catalogue, which is supported by the European Research Council (ERC), Croatian Science Foundation and the country’s leading research institutions. During that event, six-metre-high waves flooded the coastal town of Vela Luka on Korčula Island, causing major damage.Other meteotsunami “hotspots” in Europe include the Mediterranean Sea as well the Atlantic coastal shelves off France, Portugal and Spain. In June 2006, a meteotsunami with five-metre-high waves swept through the harbour of Ciutadella in Spain’s Balearic Islands, causing widespread damage to boats. Several less powerful events were reported in the Balearics and off the coast of Spain this summer, leading to some beach closures.Forecasting is challenging because of how quickly meteotsunamis can develop and their uncertain trajectory. Šepić is involved in two ERC-funded research projects — SHExtreme and MeD-Track — aimed in part at strengthening monitoring and real-time data collection. Access to accurate and immediate information is essential for early-warning systems.Early exposure to meteotsunamisŠepić first learned about meteotsunamis from her parents while growing up in Croatia. She later had the opportunity to investigate these events during her master and doctoral studies in geophysics at the University of Zagreb. The geophysicist has also conducted research at the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries in Split, the University of the Balearic Islands in Palma de Mallorca and the Institute of Ocean Science in the Canadian province of British Columbia.Projects like SCTT are important to raise awareness about research and inspiring young people to pursue studies and careers in science, notes Šepić. She credits her colleagues at the University of Split and the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries for their community outreach and engagement in the European project, which includes partner universities and institutions in Brest (France) and Kiel (Germany). As an example of town-gown collaboration, Šepić highlights her own university’s ‘Oceanographers on the Island’ programme. This initiative offers workshops and hands-on learning for children living on numerous Croatian islands.“It is a great privilege for Split to be involved in a project like Science Comes to Town, which is the first of its kind in the European Union," Šepić says. As for encouraging new generations of scientists, “This is a great effort, and I hope that we will see an effect in a few years.”Science|Business, which connects policymakers, academics and industry through its news reporting, analysis and events, is an SCTT partner.
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