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Dr Troy Baisden. Photo: Waikato University By Pretoria Gordon and Mary Argue of RNZ Changes to a critical science fund are short-sighted and will have negative effects on universities' ability to carry out research in humanities and social sciences, a senior academic at Victoria University says. But a business group said the changes to the Marsden Fund were the right move - and would boost productivity, living standards and economic growth. Science, Innovation and Technology minister Judith Collins on Wednesday announced changes to the fund, which is administered by the Royal Society and provides grants for scientific research. Collins said humanities and social sciences would no longer be supported, and the independent panels that made funding decisions would be disbanded by next year, as part of a "more strategic approach to science funding across the board". Every application for funding must now describe its potential to generate economic, environmental, or health benefits for New Zealand, and 50 percent of grants from the Marsden Fund each year must have the potential for economic benefit. Association of Scientists co-president Dr Troy Baisden told RNZ's Morning Report programme today the move was a "very dangerous problem" that all scientists were worried about. "This is just ill-informed. "If we undermine the foundation of everything that we do, the things that everyone wants from science fall down with the foundations, and this is a change that undermines the norms that underlie these sort of fundamental research systems throughout the world." Baisden said New Zealand had an odd system for funding research and the amounts awarded were only enough to get started, not completely fund things. "This government has a mandate to rebuild the economy and it is critical that we spend taxpayers money on research that can generate real benefit to New Zealand," the minister told RNZ. "It is also important to note that only 50 percent of funding needs to show economic benefit, the Marsden Fund will continue to support blue-skies research that advances new ideas, innovation and creativity and where the benefit may not be immediately apparent." Professor Nic Rawlence. Photo: supplied Morning Report "They do vitally important research we think." Many of the projects were very collaborative, he said. He pointed to work on the New Zealand wars, or investigating the barriers to vaccine uptake, or climate mitigation. "The archaeology example, we are looking at how Māori and Pakeha lived in New Zealand, how their societies functioned and if we don't learn from history were doomed to repeat it, which will have big economic impacts." Without the Marsden Fund there were no other funding options, Rawlence said. "The danger here is with humanities and social sciences funding being scrapped... that could result in a brain drain with people going overseas." In 2024, the amount of Marsden funding available was approximately $77.7 million. The Royal Society, which has administered investment of the Marsden Fund on behalf of the New Zealand Government for 30 years, said it would be assessing the broader implications of these changes. President Dame Jane Harding said it would continue to work to support the social sciences and humanities through a range of mechanisms in addition to funding. "Increasingly it is understood that research needed to generate benefits for our country will need to be interdisciplinary, integrating knowledge from experts in the social sciences and humanities with science, engineering, and technology. Deputy Vice-Chancellor Margaret Hyland. Photo: supplied Surprise and concern An email sent to all Victoria University staff from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Margaret Hyland said it had taken the whole sector by surprise. "We have fundamental concerns about the changes, which we believe are short-sighted and will have significant negative effects on all universities' ability to carry out valuable and critical research in humanities and social sciences." She said all universities in New Zealand were united in their condemnation of the changes. "We know that humanities and social sciences research is hugely valuable to us as a university, and necessary for the well-being of society in general. "We'll be doing everything in our power to ensure such valuable research is supported." Hyland told RNZ she stood by her statement. "It was our response to learning about the changes and we wanted our people to know of our level of concern and unwavering support for our researchers." A statement from Universities New Zealand said the announcement was very concerning. While investment in science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines were important for shorter-term economic benefit, it said, longer-term transformation of innovation and the lifting of productivity required social and culture change also. "We know that government fu nding is tight, and we know that government has to be able to defend where taxpayer money is going. But the answer is not to cut out the humanities and social sciences from the Marsden Fund." 'The right move' Catherine Beard. Photo: supplied BusinessNZ welcomed the change, with advocacy director Catherine Beard calling it "the right move". "New Zealand continues to languish in the productivity space. It's a problem that can be partly solved through innovation. "Directing the Marsden Fund to focus more narrowly on research that will help to support high-tech, high-productivity, high-value businesses and jobs is the right move." New Zealand's research and development expenditure is growing, but is still well behind the OECD average, Beard said. "Setting clear expectations by funding research that can boost New Zealand's economy and living standards is a welcome step toward a better tomorrow." Labour's research, science and innovation spokesperson Dr Deborah Russell said New Zealand only spent half the OECD average for science, research, and development. "It's time the government saw research as a priority. "We want to keep talented people here, who contribute to the growth of New Zealand's knowledge base and economy. These cuts leave academics and researchers with fewer options, ... making them more likely to join the thousands of people leaving the country to pursue opportunities elsewhere. "Critical thinkers are essential to advancing our economy, protecting our environment, and building our cultural identity." However, the ACT Party said the changes would help the funding deliver long-term benefits for New Zealanders. "Politicians shouldn't decide which specific research projects are funded, but we have a duty to ensure taxpayer money is focused on research that delivers tangible benefits for society and the economy," science, innovation, and technology spokesperson Dr Parmjeet Parmar said. Some projects were hard to justify to taxpayers who were struggling to afford the basics, she said. "Every dollar spent on these grants is a dollar that is not supporting research in the hard sciences, or for that matter, life-saving medicines, essential infrastructure, or tax relief for struggling households."Republican protests in close North Carolina races dismissed by elections board
Shrimpers see off Dartford to make it four league wins in a rowCAMDEN, N.J. , Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. announced pricing today on the rugged 2025 Forester Wilderness SUV. The go-anywhere 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness is based on the previous-generation model and features increased capability, including 9.2 inches of ground clearance for adventure-seekers starting at $34,995 MSRP. In addition to longer coil springs and shock absorbers, the 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness adds 17-inch matte-black alloy wheels wrapped in All-Terrain Yokohama GEOLANDAR® tires for increased traction on muddy, wet, or snowy roads or trails. A full-size spare is tucked underneath the cargo area for added confidence off the pavement. The 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness includes a unique front fascia with a hexagonal grille and hexagonal LED fog lights, larger cladding around the wheels, and a front skid plate to help protect the SUV off-road. A useful anti-glare, matte black decal helps diffuse light from the hood for better outward vision and gives the Subaru Forester Wilderness a visually distinctive appearance on the road and the trails. Water-resistant StarTex® seating surfaces are easily cleanable, while all-weather mats and a standard cargo tray are well-suited for muddy gear and boots. The Wilderness also boasts more robust, ladder-style roof rails that can support up to 800 pounds while stationary, including a rooftop tent. Inside, the Subaru Forester Wilderness' standard 60/40-split folding rear seats open up to 69.1 cubic feet of cargo space with a wide 51.2-inch rear gate opening width to help load bulky gear. With the rear seats upright, the Wilderness comfortably seats up to five people with 39.4 inches of rear seat legroom and 26.9 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row. For even more gear, the Subaru Forester Wilderness has a towing capacity of up to 3,000 pounds and comes standard with Trailer Stability Assist. Standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology features Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control; Pre-Collision Braking; Pre-Collision Throttle Management; Lane Departure and Sway Warning and Lead Vehicle Start Alert. Automatic Emergency Steering works with EyeSight and Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert to assist with steering control to help avoid a collision at speeds slower than 50 mph. Every 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness is powered by a 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine paired with a Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission. The efficient engine sends 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels via standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. A SUBARU STARLINK® 6.5-inch Multimedia system with a high-resolution touchscreen, Apple CarPlay® and AndroidTM Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth® hands-free streaming connectivity is standard. The front center console comes equipped with dual UBS-A input/charge ports, while the rear center console is equipped with dual USB-A charge ports for second-row riders. A single option package is available for the 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness and adds an 8.0-inch SUBARU STARLINK® 8.0-inch Multimedia Navigation System, Harman Kardon® premium audio with 576-watt equivalent amp and nine speakers, and Power Rear Gate for $2,000 MSRP. The 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness is assembled alongside the all-new 2025 Subaru Forester in Gunma, Japan . The Forester Wilderness will arrive at Subaru retailers in early 2025. 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness Model/Trim Transmission Applicable Option MSRP MSRP plus Destination and Delivery ($1,420) i Forester Wilderness CVT 31, 33 $34,995 $36,415 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness Option Packages Code Description MSRP 31 Standard Model N/A 33 STARLINK 8.0-inch Multimedia Navigation System + Harman Kardon Premium Speaker System + Power Rear Gate $2,000 Destination & Delivery is $1,420 for Forester Wilderness and may vary in the following states: CT, HI, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI and VT. D&D is $1,570 for retailers in Alaska. About Subaru of America, Inc. Subaru of America, Inc. ( SOA ) is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered in Camden, N.J. , the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of about 640 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants, including Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. , the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise , which is the company's vision to show love and respect to everyone and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $320 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged over 100,000 volunteer hours. Subaru is dedicated to being More Than a Car Company® and to making the world a better place. For additional information, visit media.subaru.com . Follow us on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , TikTok , and YouTube . Dominick Infante Director, Corporate Communications 856.488.8615 dinfante@subaru.com Aaron Cole Product Communications Manager 720.231.0809 acole1@subaru.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/subaru-announces-pricing-on-2025-forester-wilderness-302313781.html SOURCE Subaru of America, Inc.
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Hockey fans believe Zayne Parekh and Carter Yakemchuk took shots at Team Canada after yesterday’s loss at the World Juniors. The Canadians fell to Latvia in rather shocking fashion last night, losing 3-2 in a shootout. The biggest culprit was their lack of scoring, as they struggled to find goals in regulation and went 0-8 in the shootout. To no surprise, many fans took to social media to suggest Canada made some mistakes in selecting their team, leaving too many offensive weapons at home. It appears that two players may agree, as fans quickly noticed both Calgary Flames prospect Parekh and Ottawa Senators prospect Yakemchuk like an Instagram post showing the box score of yesterday’s game. That wasn’t all fans seemed to notice, either. Many posted screenshots of Zayne Parekh’s X account, on which he retweeted highlights of Quinn Hughes and Cale Makar. The posts have since been removed from his page, but several who got the screenshots believe it may have been a slight at Canada for leaving him off the roster. Though both defencemen, Parekh and Yakemchuk are very offensively gifted. Parekh has 11 goals and 36 points in 28 games with the Saginaw Spirit this season, while Yakemchuk has 12 goals and 29 points in 26 outings with the Calgary Hitmen. They were far from the only snubs on this team, either. Many were surprised to see players like Andrew Cristall, Beckett Sennecke, Michael Hage, and Michael Misa left off the team. All are highly-skilled offensive talents and may very well have been able to help lift Canada over Latvia last night. This will all be forgotten about if Canada is able to turn things around and win the tournament. Despite yesterday’s frustrating loss, they were able to defeat Finland by a 4-0 final two days prior. They’ll look to pick things back up tomorrow versus Germany.
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Sir Keir Starmer said he would be looking towards a “better, brighter future for every person” in a Christmas message following a turbulent year for the UK. The Prime Minister said the season was a time to remember the importance of “being there for one another”, including in “the more difficult times”. He also expressed hope for “peace, particularly in the Middle East as the birthplace of the Christmas story” amid spiralling conflict across the region. The message comes after a challenging first five months in office for the Labour Government and against the backdrop of a flatlining economy and rising inflation. Sir Keir said: “This Christmas, people will be travelling up and down the country. Heading home, visiting relatives and loved ones to celebrate together the hope and joy of this special season. “It’s a time to remind ourselves what’s really important. Family. Friendship. And fellowship between all people. “Being there for one another – in these celebrations, as well as the more difficult times.” To our military and veterans, the whole nation thanks you for the sacrifices you make to keep us safe. My government will serve you as you have served your country. I wish you and your families a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. pic.twitter.com/LphMZog6np — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) December 22, 2024 The Prime Minister sought to strike an optimistic note following another year of political upheaval for Britain, which saw Labour win a landslide victory after a surprise election called by Rishi Sunak in the summer. After taking office in July, the new Government made a series of unpopular decisions as ministers confronted the realities of creaking public services and strained national finances. As well as dealing with the economic inheritance, Sir Keir said he needed to fix a “broken society” which manifested itself in summer riots across the country after the Southport knife attack. Sir Keir said: “This Christmas, I will be hoping for peace, particularly in the Middle East as the birthplace of the Christmas story. “I’ll be looking towards a better, brighter future for every person and celebrating the joy and wonder that Christmas brings. “So, from my family to yours, I hope you have a very merry Christmas.” The message comes after revised official figures released on Monday indicated that UK gross domestic product (GDP) showed no growth between July and September. Downing Street defended the Government’s record so far when asked about the data, telling reporters: “We had to take those tough decisions to lay the foundations of growth such that we can then deliver the higher living standards over this Parliament that people want to see.” The Prime Minister also used his message to thank those spending Christmas serving others, including in the NHS and emergency services, the armed forces, churches and charities. “I know that this is not an easy time for everyone, and my thoughts are with all those who are lonely this Christmas. “Having a tough time, missing a loved one. You are not alone,” he said. Meanwhile, Kemi Badenoch said Christmas was a time to reflect on “all that’s happened in the year” and “support all of those people who need our assistance”. “I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone, not just in the Conservative Party or in my constituency, but across the country,” the Tory leader said. “For all that you have been doing in your communities, supporting each other and helping to keep all our towns, villages and places going. “I think that Christmas is a time for us to reflect on all that’s happened in the year. “Sometimes we have amazing years. “Sometimes, like when I lost my dad, we have difficult years and we’re commiserating, but we do it together. “But it’s a time for us to support all of those people who need our assistance, who need our help, who need our support.” She added: “And I’m looking forward to 2025. “I wish you all the very best for the New Year and all of the exciting things to come.” Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: “This year, I’ve had the chance to spend time with some amazing young carers. “Incredible young people who will spend this Christmas doing what they do all year round; looking after loved ones who are ill or disabled. “Carers embody the Christmas spirit of love, selflessness and generosity. “So I hope we can all take some time to think of them, and keep them in our hearts. “And wish them – and everyone – a Christmas full of peace, joy and love.”KULR Technology Stock: Buy, Sell, or Hold?Fantasy Football Week 14 Start 'Em & Sit 'Em Wide Receivers: Jerry Jeudy keeps running hot, plus sleepers
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Article content The City of Beaumont is inviting residents to learn more about Innovation Park through a pair of online presentations. Scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 1 p.m. and Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 6 p.m. , the presentations will offer attendees a chance to ask questions, provide feedback and view the Area Structure Plan for the park. Beaumont’s website outlines an Area Structure Plan as “a statutory plan that establishes the general land use, transportation, and servicing framework for specific areas undergoing substantial new development.” The City of Beaumont has long described Innovation Park as a place for ‘bright minds to pursue bold ideas,’ with the goal of empowering businesses to develop innovation in fields such as education, health sciences, technology, transportation and safety. The park will be located south of Highway 625 between Highway 814 and Range Road 241. Also on hand at the presentation will be the Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) to provide details on their plans to build a transportation and law enforcement training hub in the park. For more information or to join the online presentations, visit beaumont.ab.ca .
NEW HOPE, Pa. — Dayle Haddon, an actor, activist and trailblazing former “Sports Illustrated” model who pushed back against age discrimination by reentering the industry as a widow, has died in a Pennsylvania home from what authorities believe was carbon monoxide poisoning. Authorities in Bucks County found Haddon, 76, dead in a second-floor bedroom Friday morning after emergency dispatchers were notified about a person unconscious at the Solebury Township home. A 76-year-old man police later identified as Walter J. Blucas of Erie was hospitalized in critical condition. Responders detected a high level of carbon monoxide in the property and township police said Saturday that investigators determined that “a faulty flue and exhaust pipe on a gas heating system caused the carbon monoxide leak.” Two medics were taken to a hospital for carbon monoxide exposure and a police officer was treated at the scene. As a model, Haddon appeared on the covers of Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Elle and Esquire in the 1970s and 1980s, as well as the 1973 Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. She also appeared in about two dozen films from the 1970s to 1990s, according to IMDb.com, including 1994’s “Bullets Over Broadway,” starring John Cusack. Haddon left modeling after giving birth to her daughter, Ryan, in the mid-1970s, but then had to reenter the workforce after her husband's 1991 death. This time she found the modeling industry far less friendly: “They said to me, ‘At 38, you’re not viable,’” Haddon told The New York Times in 2003. Working a menial job at an advertising agency, Haddon began reaching out to cosmetic companies, telling them there was a growing market to sell beauty products to aging baby boomers. She eventually landed a contract with Clairol, followed by Estée Lauder and then L’Oreal, for which she promoted the company's anti-aging products for more than a decade. She also hosted beauty segments for CBS’s “The Early Show.” "I kept modeling, but in a different way," she told The Times, “I became a spokesperson for my age.” In 2008, Haddon founded WomenOne, an organization aimed at advancing educational opportunities for girls and women in marginalized communities, including Rwanda, Haiti and Jordan.' Haddon was born in Toronto and began modeling as a teenager to pay for ballet classes — she began her career with the Canadian ballet company Les Grands Ballet Canadiens, according to her website . Haddon's daughter, Ryan, said in a social media post that her mother was “everyone’s greatest champion. An inspiration to many.” “A pure heart. A rich inner life. Touching so many lives. A life well lived. Rest in Light, Mom,” she said.
Hyderabad: A total of 20,904 kg contraband drugs worth Rs 48.53 crore were destroyed in 2024 by the prohibition and excise department. As per the annual excise crime report- 2024 released by the prohibition and excise department on Saturday, December 28, the number of persons arrested for narcotics, drugs, and psychotropic substances (NDPS) offences significantly increased to 1,991 persons in 2024 as against 1,218 in 2023. In 2024, the number of NDPS cases filed rose to 1,118 as compared to 874 cases in 2023. Vehicle seizures reported a sharp increase from 298 in 2023 to 505 in 2024. However, the convictions in NDPS cases have dropped from 14 in 2023 to 6 in 2024, a 57.14 per cent dip. An enhanced seizure diversity has been seen this year, including poppy straw, alprazolam, and emerging synthetic and designer drugs. In 2024, a total of 6,331 kg of dry ganja, 736 ganja plants, and 37 kg of alprazolam and diazepam were seized, valued at Rs 12.22 crore. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation’s (GHMC) limits, erstwhile Khammam and Medak districts were identified as high-focus areas. A total of 11,329 litres of non-duty paid liquor worth Rs 1.35 crore was seized in 2024, with 854 cases filed, 464 persons arrested and 80 vehicles seized. This was a sharp drop from 30,508 litres seized in 2023, when 1,874 cases were filed, 1,004 persons arrested and 154 vehicles seized in 2023. Although there was a slight decrease in cases from 22,274 in 2023 to 21,916 in 2024, the number of arrests increased to 13,336 in 2024 compared to 12,703 in 2023. Authorities also seized 1,08,200 litres of illicit liquor and 5,77,969 kg of black jaggery during the year.Winston's performance in snowy win over Steelers adds new layer to Browns' quarterback conundrum