Booming Energy Storage Industry Is Expected

By ucqbbl0, on 17 March 2015

As decarbonisation being set as a key target by both the UK government and the energy industry, introduction of more renewable energies into energy systems becomes a clear trend for the next few decades. Among many issues debated within the energy arena, there is a consensus that energy storage is vital to unlock the door towards wider deployment and better integration of renewable energies. Read the rest of this entry »

Girls in Science: is it a question of self-esteem?

By ucfaete, on 16 March 2015

In recent news, the OECD PISA study on Gender Equality in Education reminded us again of the well-known fact: girls and women are under-represented in science A-levels, university graduates and scientific careers. What’s new, are their survey results, according to which “girls lack the same self-confidence as boys in science and maths” despite achieving high scores. Also, “differences in parental encouragement” seems to “exacerbate the problem”. Considering my parents’ generation this would seem likely, but still? Has the apple really not fallen further afield by now? Read the rest of this entry »

The answer is blowing in the wind – tackling climate change by putting the washing on when the wind blows and the sun shines

By uctqmln, on 16 March 2015

Most of us know that we need to reduce how much energy we use – but did you know that the timing of our energy use will also make a difference to the fight against climate change? Read the rest of this entry »

Inspiring the next generation of researchers

By ucftped, on 13 March 2015

Should academics spend time to talk about their research with the general public?  Academic careers depend on publishing high-quality papers and demonstrating the positive impacts of research for society, and it is easy to concentrate solely on these.  Yet I believe a key role for universities is to inspire the next generation of researchers.  This has been highlighted by two events I’ve attended in the last week. Read the rest of this entry »

Let’s Talk Science

By Katherine E Welch, on 13 March 2015

Do lines of equations make your head spin? Do you ever sit staring at a journal paper and not know where to start? Probably not. Many of those reading this will be accomplished scientists themselves and those that aren’t probably experience most of their science through mainstream, or increasingly, science-specific media.

Such is the role of media in our world today, and I say we are all the richer for it. Life is a series of choices and better communication of science means we are all able to make more informed ones from the way we use energy and value the environment to what we eat and the way we exercise. Read the rest of this entry »

It’s getting hot in here, so take off some clothes?

By Harsha P T Kansara, on 13 March 2015

By Tia Kansara, UCL Energy Institute PhD student. Continue the conversation with Tia: @2050city

Thermal comfort is the study of the human psychological, physiological and physical environment. It is a vast subject buried in the science of comfort in the outdoors and indoors. Research, like how we feel comfortable in the buildings and cities we design – is of core value for architects (designers), governments (policy-makers), engineers (construction specialists) and occupants (you and me). Read the rest of this entry »