Nesta

There’s good evidence that loneliness is worsening mental health and wellbeing outcomes in the UK, finds a new report by Nesta. We worked with the University of Bristol, Amsterdam UMC and other academic partners to investigate the link between loneliness, social isolation and ill health. The research found that the impact of loneliness on mental health is potentially substantial, with people who report feeling lonely being 2.25 times more likely to have been diagnosed with depression compared to those who don’t report feeling lonely. There’s also good evidence that social isolation causes lower levels of happiness and meaning in life, two of the wellbeing outcomes in this research. With the current challenges facing the delivery of mental health services, tackling loneliness through cost-effective interventions, could improve mental health and welbeing across the UK. https://bit.ly/4cEAA3r

Have you taken part in the 2024 DSIT Research and Innovation Workforce Survey? They're particularly keen to hear from more people in the private sector. Take part to have your voice heard: https://bit.ly/4aZ5raO

Nesta Impact Investments has announced its investment into Nandi Proteins, a food science company that works with protein producers to improve the healthiness of food products, without compromising on flavour. Nandi Proteins use innovative techniques to develop and commercialise new ingredients that can reduce fat in popular foods and improve vegan options. Our investment into Nandi Proteins will allow the company to further develop ingredient replacements, such as egg white replacers which improve the variety of vegan food options. As part of our healthy life mission, we’re committed to tackling the UK’s stubbornly high obesity rates. Nandi Proteins’ cutting-edge approach has the potential to lower the calories of popular food items and make it easier for people to lead healthier lives. We’d love to hear from you if you’re a founder innovating to improve health. Get in touch with John Loder

The wait is over: we’re thrilled to share the speaker programme for Policy Live. Join us on 12 September to hear optimistic solutions to some of the UK’s biggest policy challenges, forge connections with other policymakers and influencers, and discuss and experience innovative policymaking ideas. Register to attend in person and we’ll confirm your complimentary place: https://lnkd.in/ebSM7b6K 📅 Thursday 12 September 2024, 09:30 - 18:30 📍 etc Venues, County Hall

New job opportunity 👀 We are recruiting for a Designer within our Fairer Start Mission. As a Designer, your work will involve using your design expertise for social impact and for the benefit of people and the planet. We are looking for an experienced designer who can confidently work across the entire design process - ideally with some experience relating to the early years system and services. If this sounds like you find out more and apply below ⬇️ https://bit.ly/3AFoARD 🗓️ Apply by 16 September 💼 circa £48,000 - plus excellent benefits

AI is powering a wave of digital technology aimed at supporting families and children – and the UK is leading the way in Europe. In a first-of-its-kind study, we analysed trends in research, investment and patents to understand the trajectory of this emerging tech. Here's what we found: 💥 UK research funding for early years digital tech is booming, with UKRI funding increasing by 166% from 2019 to 2023, while global research publications on the topic rose by 78%. 📈 Global venture funding for early-years digital technology increased by 41% between 2019 and 2023, peaking during the pandemic 🏥 Health is a key focus, with two two-thirds of UKRI research funding awarded to this area 🤖 AI is a key driver of this wave of innovation, with approximately two-thirds of newly awarded UKRI research funding directed toward AI-powered tech. The pace of growth we found is promising. But we need more evidence on how AI and digital tech can boost outcomes. Developers should also design and trial products with parents and practitioners in order to realise the potential of this innovation. Read more ➡ https://bit.ly/4cCeVJ8

Obesity rates have doubled since the 1990s - why? Research shows that our food environment - the availability, accessibility, affordability and advertising of food - has become progressively unhealthier over time. In a new guest piece for Nesta, food historian Pen Vogler deep dives into food trends from the last three decades and explores how they’ve transformed the way we buy and consume our food. From the rise of the snack to takeaway treats, these are the major trends that have shaped our diets: https://bit.ly/3SUUCPY

How to make good things happen: global lessons for UK policymakers

Despite its cold climate Sweden is one of Europe's heat pump powerhouses, with more than 40 heat pumps per 100 households. As the UK races to net zero, what can policymakers learn from Sweden's rollout of heat pumps? We're gathering experts from across the industry to find out, as part of our new event series: how to make good things happen. Nesta's Madeleine Gabriel will be joined by: 🎙️ Daniel Särefjord, Aira Group CCO and Aira UK CEO 🎙️ Charlotte Lee, Chief Executive, Heat Pump Association (HPA) 🎙️Dr Jan Rosenow, Principal and Director of European Programmes, Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP) 🎙️ Paul Kenny, Director General, European Heat Pump Association Join us in person or online on 17 September. Register now to secure your free place: https://bit.ly/3MfSbE1

Call for evidence 📣 Nesta and the Ethos Foundation are gathering evidence for a new project that will examine how we can better integrate family support services and improve children's lives. We're seeking expert input on what makes an effective and sustainable system of support for families during pregnancy and the early years. If you're an expert in the early-years sector, we'd like to hear from you ⬇️ https://bit.ly/3WYVXGW