Louth County Council has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative with the construction of Ireland’s first-ever 3D printed social housing project in Dundalk, County Louth. This project, named Grange Close, represents a significant step forward in sustainable and efficient housing solutions. The project is a collaborative effort between Louth County Council, Louth & Meath Education & Training Board (LMETB), Harcourt Technologies Ltd (HTL.tech), and Roadstone Ltd. It aims to utilize 3D Construction Printing (3DCP) technology to deliver high-quality and sustainable social housing in a shorter timeframe compared to traditional methods. The 3DCP technology utilizes large printers to build three-dimensional structures layer by layer on-site. This innovative approach reduces construction time by up to three times, streamlining the process and potentially offering a solution to Ireland’s growing housing shortage. Joan Martin, chief executive at Louth County Council, said: “Louth County Council is proud to collaborate with LMETB, Harcourt Technologies Ltd (HTL.tech), and Roadstone Ltd to deliver what is a very significant pilot project at Grange Close, Dundalk. The provision of high quality and sustainable social housing is a core objective of Louth County Council, and this project is a significant example of the use of innovative technologies and organisational collaboration in the delivery…
The University of Nottingham is at the forefront of a groundbreaking project to transform schools in Kenya into sustainable energy hubs. The African SCENe (Sustainable Community Energy Networks) project, funded by the UK Government’s Ayrton Fund, aims to provide reliable and affordable energy to underserved communities. By leveraging renewable energy technologies, the project will empower schools to generate their own electricity, reducing reliance on traditional, often unreliable, energy sources. This will not only improve the quality of education but also benefit the wider community. The project team, led by Professor Lucelia Rodrigues, has worked closely with communities in Nairobi to develop a sustainable business model for these energy hubs. By integrating energy generation, storage, and distribution systems, the project aims to create resilient and self-sufficient communities. The African SCENe project is part of the UK government’s broader commitment to supporting clean energy innovation and addressing global energy challenges. By investing in research and development, the UK government aims to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future. “I am delighted we have been awarded Ayrton Fund to put the results of our feasibility study into practice. African SCENe addresses 13 Sustainable Development Goals and has the potential to significantly improve lives…
Orihuela Town Hall has partnered with the Norwegian foundation NORSAR to participate in the European Horizon project, TOGETHER. This initiative aims to enhance early warning systems and disaster management strategies across Europe. The project, which focuses on integrated governance for effective disaster management, will develop a comprehensive toolkit that includes innovative technologies and best practices. This toolkit will be tested in various European countries, including Spain, to assess its effectiveness in different contexts. By joining the TOGETHER project, Orihuela will benefit from the expertise of international partners and gain access to cutting-edge technologies. The city will also have the opportunity to contribute to the development of a more resilient and disaster-prepared Europe. Orihuela’s participation in the project is particularly significant given its vulnerability to natural disasters, such as floods and earthquakes. By implementing the project’s recommendations, the city aims to strengthen its capacity to respond to emergencies and mitigate the impact of future disasters. This collaboration underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges, such as climate change and natural disasters. By sharing knowledge and resources, countries can work together to build a more resilient future.
Aberdeen Science Centre is set to revolutionize its visitor experience with the introduction of virtual reality (VR) technology. Thanks to the generous support of Mermaid Subsea Services UK, ETZ Ltd, and Peterson Energy Logistics, the centre will be able to offer immersive VR experiences that will transport visitors to new worlds and inspire future generations of scientists and engineers. The funding will enable the centre to purchase 38 VR headsets, which will be used in a variety of interactive activities, workshops, and science demonstrations. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the solar system, journey through the human body, and even experience the thrill of deep-sea exploration. Steph McCann, head of fundraising at Aberdeen Science Centre, welcomed the support the project has seen so far, and encouraged any other organisations interested in investing to get in touch. She said: “We are immensely grateful for the support of Mermaid, ETZ Ltd and Peterson, alongside AVC, which has allowed us to move forward with our plans to enhance our interactive activities and workshops with the addition of VR headsets. With this technology, we can transport our visitors to new worlds where they can explore our solar system, walk around a hydroelectric dam,…
The Council of Europe has announced the successful completion of a long-term capacity-building program for ten newly established Ukrainian youth organizations. The program, implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, aimed to enhance the skills of young professionals in financial and project management, as well as in engaging young people in decision-making processes. Through the “Access to Youth Work” initiative, ten CSOs from nine regions of Ukraine received expert support and grants to implement innovative youth work projects. The focus was on open youth work, including outreach, detached, street, mobile, and online approaches, to reach diverse groups of young people, particularly those affected by the ongoing conflict. In addition to the capacity-building program, the Council of Europe’s “Youth for Democracy in Ukraine” project has been conducting research on open youth work practices and developing training programs for youth workers. This research has been particularly valuable in the context of the war in Ukraine, as it has helped to identify the specific needs of young people and develop appropriate interventions. The Council of Europe’s continued commitment to supporting youth work in Ukraine is a testament to the organization’s dedication to promoting human rights, democracy, and youth…
The University of Leeds is at the forefront of a groundbreaking project aimed at accelerating the reconstruction of war-torn Ukraine while prioritizing sustainability and environmental responsibility. The Safe, Sustainable, and Swift Reconstruction of Ukraine (S3RoU) initiative brings together a consortium of British, Ukrainian, and Dutch organizations to develop innovative solutions for rebuilding the country. By upcycling construction and demolition waste, the project seeks to minimize environmental impact and create a more sustainable future. Key areas of focus include developing innovative construction materials, promoting a circular economy approach, leveraging digital technologies, and engaging with local communities. Professor Theodore Hanein, Chair of Construction Materials Science in the School of Civil Engineering at Leeds, and S3RoU’s technology lead, said: “We hope this project will be transformative for the people of Ukraine, both now and for future generations, making the Ukrainian economy more resilient, more self-reliant, and more environmentally friendly. “By recycling rubble into low-energy and low-carbon construction materials, manufactured in a responsible, resilient, and sustainable manner, we will create a circular economy. We will develop technologies that can be used globally in post-conflict and end-of-life infrastructure reconstruction, as well as to help all parts of the world affected by disasters such as earthquakes and floods.” …
A new masterplan has been unveiled for Bilaj Al Jazayer Beach, a coastal neighborhood in Bahrain that draws inspiration from the iconic architecture and lifestyle of Miami. The ambitious project will span over two miles along Bahrain’s coastline, offering a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. The design concept seamlessly blends traditional Bahraini elements with contemporary Miami-inspired architecture, creating a unique and vibrant destination. The walkable neighborhood will feature stunning waterfront properties, world-class hotels, and a diverse range of retail outlets. Public green spaces and state-of-the-art amenities will further enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. The project’s three main streets, lined with native trees, will encourage pedestrian-friendly experiences and promote a healthy, active lifestyle. By prioritizing sustainability and innovative design, Bilaj Al Jazayer Beach aims to set a new standard for coastal living in the region.
Rogers County officials have outlined their recovery efforts following the devastating tornado that struck the area in May. The storm caused significant damage, impacting over 1,200 homes and displacing hundreds of residents. County commissioners highlighted the community’s resilience and the collaborative efforts of local organizations, volunteers, and government agencies in the recovery process. The county has made significant progress in clearing debris, repairing infrastructure, and providing support to affected residents. Looking ahead, Rogers County is embracing technology to enhance connectivity and resilience. A key initiative is the development of a resource app, dubbed “Better Together,” which will provide residents with access to essential information and assistance. The app, funded by a grant from the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health, aims to connect residents with community resources and disaster recovery services. Additionally, the county is actively working to expand broadband access, partnering with providers like Cox Communications to bring high-speed internet to rural areas. This initiative will not only improve connectivity for residents but also stimulate economic growth and attract new businesses to the region. As Rogers County continues its recovery journey, the county commissioners remain committed to building a more resilient and prosperous future for the community.
Scientists are revolutionizing our understanding of the human body through the Human Cell Atlas project. This ambitious initiative aims to map all 37 trillion cells in the human body, revealing intricate details about how our bodies function. By analyzing over 100 million cells from 10,000 individuals, researchers have made groundbreaking discoveries. One such discovery is the identification of a new cell type in the gut, which may play a role in inflammatory bowel diseases. This insight could lead to the development of new treatments and therapies. Another significant finding is the detailed mapping of the human skeleton’s development. By studying the formation of cartilage and bone, researchers have gained valuable insights into conditions like osteoarthritis. The Human Cell Atlas is transforming our understanding of human biology and disease. By providing a comprehensive map of the human body, this project will enable scientists to develop more effective treatments for a wide range of conditions.
The 2024 Belfast Telegraph IT Awards, in partnership with Telefónica Tech UK & Ireland, recognized and celebrated the outstanding achievements of the Northern Ireland IT sector. The prestigious awards ceremony, held at the MAC Theatre in Belfast, saw a record number of entries and attracted a diverse range of talent and innovation. The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust was a standout performer, clinching multiple awards, including the prestigious Overall IT Team or Company of the Year Award. The trust’s successful implementation of the Encompass digital health records system was also recognized in the Best Public Sector or Third Sector IT Project category. One of the night’s most significant honors, the Outstanding Contribution Award, was bestowed upon Noel Brady, founder of NB1 Ltd. Mr. Brady’s exceptional career in the IT sector and his dedication to fostering innovation and growth in Northern Ireland were acknowledged with this prestigious award. Other notable winners included Allstate, Expleo, Options Technology, Mantle Services, and Covernet. The awards ceremony was a testament to the thriving IT industry in Northern Ireland, showcasing the region’s potential for technological advancement and economic growth. Mark Gorton, CEO of Telefónica Tech UK&I, expressed his delight at sponsoring the event, stating,…
