The International Development Secretary Priti Patel has today welcomed London’s first African convertible bond at the opening of the London Stock Exchange. In an address to investors from London and Lagos, Ms. Patel said that “trade, investment and finance have helped to transform the prospects for the world’s poorest countries”.

Applying a more holistic or ‘joined-up’ systems approach to health and social care provision could help transform the way these essential services are delivered and address the needs of a changing patient population, according to a joint report published by the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Academy of Medical Sciences, and the Royal College of Physicians. Professor John Clarkson (University of Cambridge) chaired the joint working group that produced the report.

Six researchers have been awarded funding in the first ever APEX awards, recognising the interdisciplinary nature of research. Engineering structures in space inspired by bone tissue and finding out how readily people will drink recycled wastewater are amongst the recognised projects.

UK scientists will play a key role in designing a new instrument to sit on board the International Space Station (ISS). The instrument will not only monitor the effects of climate change on the Earth’s atmosphere but will also help us to better understand the origins of stars and planets.