Benefits of predicting flood risk

Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park (LUSEP) spin-out Previsico has been recognised by InsuranceERM as Climate Risk Management Solution of the Year 2023.

The beginnings of Previsico started when cofounder Professor Yu pioneered a 2D flood modelling software. It was established as a spin-out company in 2019, and now provides forecasting servicing around the globe – helping insurers, businesses, governments and humanitarian organisations to mitigate flood impacts.

CEO Jonathan Jackson said: “Flooding is a huge and growing issue, globally, and at Previsico, we are committed to predicting and preventing its impact, with our accurate, timely flood warnings.

“We are delighted that our work, which utilises data from many sources, including satellites and IoT devices, has been recognised by InsuranceERM.”

A new report that seeks to futureproof the UK’s manufacturing sector has been published – with the aim of helping it adapt to, and benefit from, digital technologies.

The Digital World 2050 report marks the conclusion of a six-year study funded by Connected Everything – a network led by the University of Nottingham comprising circular economists and digital manufacturing experts, and funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.

It has identified five key recommendations that will support the longevity of UK manufacturing, including connecting technology to manufacturers; reducing digital manufacturing knowledge barriers; consolidating digital manufacturing guidance; supporting employee wellbeing during the digital transition; and transparency of value chain data.

Dr Oliver Fisher, co-author and former research fellow at the University of Nottingham’s Faculty of Engineering, said: “By bringing together expertise from across disciplines, we were able to gain new insights and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities that may emerge as digital technologies are embedded within manufacturing processes and workforces.”

Kul Mahay

‘Chat’ no substitute for communication

As artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots increasingly become the norm among school, college and university students, a leadership expert has warned about the risks of allowing traditional communication skills to lapse.

Kul Mahay, who works with NHS trusts, education providers and large corporations, believes it is vital young people master the art of “softer skills” as technology like ChatGPT becomes integrated into everyday life.

He said: “We are living in a world where the developments in artificial intelligence and technology are reshaping the way that we communicate.

“With the latest advances with sites such as ChatGPT, we are able to improve our ability to communicate in the written word across most platforms and situations.

“It really is a very impressive software. However, there is a real danger that young people, and adults, can become reliant on this type of technology and reduce our natural ability to communicate with each other.”

Kul’s comments come after a recent study by online education resource Study.com found more than a quarter of 200 surveyed teachers revealed they had caught at least one student cheating using AI chatbot ChatGPT.

However, in the same survey of 203 teachers, about two-thirds did not believe the technology should be banned in schools.

“Effective communication skills can help make better impressions on others and it is essential that young people can get their message across effectively, whether that is orally or in written form,” he added.

“Without well-developed communication skills, students run the risk of falling behind their peers and becoming emotionally overwhelmed.”