Monthly focus

Over the horizon

01 February 2016

Researchers are mapping out Europe's place in the global trade structure. Image credit: Getty

What are the latest techniques being developed to stop counterfeit drugs at the border? Why do countries still prefer bi- and multilateral agreements over global deals, and how does trade play into financial crises? This February, Horizon uncovers what’s setting the course for global trade.

Developing countries such as Bangladesh can protect themselves from shocks by exporting textiles and other products. Image credit: ‘NASSA Group AJ Super Garments LTD. RMG production line’ by Musamir Azad is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-SA 3.0

social sciences | open to the world

22 February 2016

Trade openness can reduce volatility in developing countries, researchers believe

Trade openness can protect developing countries against economic shocks, researchers believe.

Researchers are working to put trackers on the surface of pills that can be detected through blister packs. Image credit: Flickr/ Konstantin Lazorkin

health | open to the world

15 February 2016

‘Fingerprinting’ to stop flow of dark web drugs

From invisible online markets, past border controls and straight to the consumer, fake pharmaceuticals are on the rise, but now a mix of anti-counterfeiting technology is helping halt the wave of fake drugs and their often lethal consequences.

The textile industry drove the industrial revolution in Britain. Image credit: Public domain/ James Howe Carse

social sciences | open to the world

05 February 2016

Asian trade may have launched Europe’s industrial age

Bygone Asian cotton and porcelain trade routes could have spurred the consumption of luxury goods in Europe, researchers believe, while scientific cooperation with modern Asia is still leading to new technological advances.

There have been more regional trade pacts in recent years but global deals are still important, according to researchers. Source: Pixabay/ WikimediaImages

social sciences | open to the world

01 February 2016

Globalisation means worldwide trade pacts needed

Much of the focus in trade talks around the world at present is on regional deals, rather than global agreements. But researchers say the goal of multilateral pacts will remain in the medium and longer term, given the pressures of globalisation.

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Taking stock: Where next for research?

The world looks very different from this time last year. The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the centrality of science, research and innovation, accelerated some changes already in the works, but also exposed our weaknesses. In September, Horizon looks at how the pandemic is reshaping Europe in areas including health research, work, tech, transport and food – and how research can contribute to Europe’s recovery over the coming years. We will also be covering the European Research & Innovation Days at the end of the month, which will bring together scientists, policymakers, entrepreneurs and citizens to debate how research and innovation can ensure that the transition to a post-coronavirus society is sustainable, inclusive and resilient.

Our shifting surface

In August, Horizon looks at one of the features that makes Earth unique and habitable: plate tectonics. We explore what we know – and still don’t know – about how the shifting plates beneath our feet shape our planet. We speak to researcher Dr Kate Rychert, who wants to understand what makes a plate plate-like, and delve into one of the outstanding mysteries in the subject – how and why plate tectonics began. We find out about the link between mountain formation, erosion and climate change, and we look at what moonquakes and marsquakes can reveal about tectonic activity elsewhere.

Having the euro means that many EU countries are no longer in control over their own currencies and the European Central Bank will play a critical role in Europe’s post-coronavirus recovery, says Prof. Stephanie Kelton. Image credit - European Commission

Coronavirus recovery: Europe needs investment on a ‘wartime footing’

European governments need to provide investment on a ‘wartime footing’ to stimulate a post-coronavirus economic recovery, but also need to redefine economic success to incorporate climate and social goals, the European Research and Innovation Days conference has heard.

Leuven, Belgium won the 2020 €1 million iCapital cash prize. Image credit - Wouter Hagens/ Wikimedia, licenced under CC BY-SA 3.0

Leuven named the 2020 European capital of innovation

Leuven, Belgium, has been named the 2020 European Capital of Innovation for its use of innovation to improve residents’ lives.

Over the horizon

Republish this content

Trade openness can reduce volatility in developing countries, researchers believe

‘Fingerprinting’ to stop flow of dark web drugs

Asian trade may have launched Europe’s industrial age