Lord Hague of Richmond elected as new Chancellor of Oxford University

Lord Hague will be formally inaugurated as Chancellor early in the New Year and serve for a term of 10 years. He becomes the 160th recorded Chancellor in the University’s history, a role that dates back at least 800 years.Lord Hague, the Chancellor-elect, said: ‘Thank you to my fellow Oxonians for…

Comments Off on Lord Hague of Richmond elected as new Chancellor of Oxford University

How to Prevent a Global Civil War

Today’s developments around the world are reminiscent of a global civil conflict, and humanity must develop new tools to address them. This was emphasized by Andrey Bystritskiy, Chair of the Board at the Foundation for Development and Support of the Valdai Discussion Club, during his speech at the Global South Media and Think Tank Summit held in São Paulo…

Comments Off on How to Prevent a Global Civil War

Bonus Episode: Lessons From Jobs in the Age of AI

Topics Artificial Intelligence and Business Strategy The Artificial Intelligence and Business Strategy initiative explores the growing use of artificial intelligence in the business landscape. The exploration looks specifically at how AI is affecting the development and execution of strategy in organizations. In collaboration with More in this series Get updates…

Comments Off on Bonus Episode: Lessons From Jobs in the Age of AI

Buckle up: Alberta’s new guidelines on motor vehicle protection products and potential for captive insurance

On Oct. 10, 2024 the Office of the Alberta Superintendent of Insurance published Interpretation Bulletin No. 05-2024 (the Bulletin) setting out the Superintendent’s position with respect to products commonly marketed by automobile dealerships in conjunction with the sale of motor vehicles. The Bulletin comes on the heels of a similar…

Comments Off on Buckle up: Alberta’s new guidelines on motor vehicle protection products and potential for captive insurance

AI Isn’t the ‘Easy’ Button

As much as we wish it were true, AI isn’t an “easy” button. Instead, planning for AI is more like an odd game of Candyland that requires you to chart a path through the “Fog of FUD (fear, uncertainty, and doubt), over the mountain of “Inflated Expectations,” and across the…

Comments Off on AI Isn’t the ‘Easy’ Button

How the best CEOs build lasting stakeholder relationships

It’s been five years since the Business Roundtable, an association of more than 200 CEOs of leading US companies, redefined the purpose of a corporation as delivering value to all stakeholders—“our companies, our communities, and our country.” While the perception of stakeholder capitalism has evolved since then, the roundtable’s focus on…

Comments Off on How the best CEOs build lasting stakeholder relationships

What to know about hearing loss

Around 1.5 billion people globally experience some level of hearing loss – that’s nearly 20% of the world’s population. Losing the ability to hear can be devastating, and navigating the potential treatments isn’t always straightforward.What actually causes it? Are there new treatments that can restore hearing? Can it be reversed?…

Comments Off on What to know about hearing loss

Scientists warn of ‘invisible threat’ of microplastics as global treaty nears completion

Even if global production and pollution of new plastic is drastically reduced, scientists, writing in the journal Nature Communications, say that legacy plastics, the billions of tonnes of waste already in the environment, will continue to break down into tiny particles called microplastics for decades or centuries.These fragments contaminate oceans,…

Comments Off on Scientists warn of ‘invisible threat’ of microplastics as global treaty nears completion

Sheldonian Series launches with an energetic and open exchange of views on ‘Democracy’

A large audience of staff, students and alumni enjoyed lively debate on the subject of ‘Democracy’ for the University’s inaugural Sheldonian Series event at the Sheldonian Theatre on Monday 25 November.In an unprecedented year for global democratic elections, and just a few weeks after the US presidential election, those in attendance examined…

Comments Off on Sheldonian Series launches with an energetic and open exchange of views on ‘Democracy’

Germany’s Bureaucracy Reduction Act IV Will Begin the Process of Streamlining Formal Requirements of Employment Law

One component of this—the so-called “Bureaucracy Reduction Act IV” (BEG IV)—was promulgated in the Federal Law Gazette on October 29, 2024, and it will come into effect on January 1, 2025. Accordingly, it is worthwhile to take a closer look at the changes relevant to employers. Quick Hits Simplifying employment…

Comments Off on Germany’s Bureaucracy Reduction Act IV Will Begin the Process of Streamlining Formal Requirements of Employment Law

Offshore wind: Canada’s future as a clean energy superpower

Canada, with its vast coastline stretching over 243,000 kilometers, possesses immense potential for offshore wind energy development. Despite this natural advantage, the country has been slow to harness its offshore wind resources compared to other nations. However, recent initiatives and policy changes indicate a growing interest in this renewable energy…

Comments Off on Offshore wind: Canada’s future as a clean energy superpower

Lack of access to finance holding back women in business

Businesses led by women play a vital role in the UK economy, but a lack of access to funding is a significant hurdle in their attempts to grow, innovate and create jobs, says Stephanie Betant, Head of Global Trade Solutions, HSBC UK. Inclusion

Comments Off on Lack of access to finance holding back women in business

The future cement industry: A cementitious ‘golden age’?

At first glance, the outlook for the global cement industry appears grim. Particularly in Europe, the industry has limited opportunities for growth, with flat or declining volumes and low valuation multiples. Companies are also having trouble attracting talent and facing significant costs to reach net-zero emissions. This is a challenging…

Comments Off on The future cement industry: A cementitious ‘golden age’?

Vince Tizzio on resilience and responsible leadership

As one of the oldest industries, insurance has evolved significantly since its inception and grown to include new, niche offerings. Throughout Vince Tizzio’s long career in insurance, he has developed a deep understanding of the specialty insurance space and proved he can develop strong organizational cultures. As the president and…

Comments Off on Vince Tizzio on resilience and responsible leadership

How Ukrainian Companies Are Transforming Wartime Challenges Into Lifelines

Carolyn Geason-Beissel/MIT SMR | Getty Images War subjects businesses to unprecedented tests. With governments stretched to their limits, businesses must step in and assume responsibilities far beyond their conventional mandates, profoundly transforming the notion of corporate social responsibility (CSR). As national survival and corporate survival become more and more intertwined,…

Comments Off on How Ukrainian Companies Are Transforming Wartime Challenges Into Lifelines

Shifting Supply Chains: How Trump’s Trade Policies May Reshape Global Warehousing and Logistics

The re-election of Donald Trump has renewed focus on policies prioritizing American interests. The “America First” agenda is expected to impact the logistics industry, both domestically and globally. As the new administration transitions in January 2025, stakeholders must assess the potential ramifications of these policies. By examining anticipated changes in…

Comments Off on Shifting Supply Chains: How Trump’s Trade Policies May Reshape Global Warehousing and Logistics

Reporting Requirements Under the European Sustainability Reporting Standards

Quick Hits The ESRS reporting standards will be mandatory for all companies covered by the CSRD, which began in January 2024. The CSRD has a broad jurisdictional scope, and for companies operating within the European Union or with substantial business in the EU, understanding and implementing the CSRD’s obligations is…

Comments Off on Reporting Requirements Under the European Sustainability Reporting Standards

Cleaning up disclosure: CSA provides guidance on AI washing and greenwashing

Disclosure about the adoption of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), and environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters, including greenwashing, are highlighted in CSA Staff Notice 51-365 – Continuous Disclosure Review Program Activities for the Fiscal Years Ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023 (the Notice) published by…

Comments Off on Cleaning up disclosure: CSA provides guidance on AI washing and greenwashing

What McKinsey learned while creating its generative AI platform

Nearly one hundred years of McKinsey’s insights and knowledge serve as the source material for the firm’s AI platform, “Lilli.” In this episode of the At the Edge podcast, Erik Roth, a McKinsey senior partner and global leader of growth and innovation, joins senior partner Lareina Yee to discuss how Lilli was…

Comments Off on What McKinsey learned while creating its generative AI platform

The Core Behaviors of Inclusive Leaders

The modern workplace is diverse, bringing together people with varied backgrounds and perspectives. While research consistently shows this diversity drives innovation and performance, success also requires developing leaders who can create environments where every employee feels genuinely valued. As published by our Center for Workforce Transformation, recent data from Perceptyx's…

Comments Off on The Core Behaviors of Inclusive Leaders

Professor Lord Colin Renfrew – 1937-2024

The Department of Archaeology and McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research at the University of Cambridge mourn the death and celebrate the extraordinary life of Professor Colin Renfrew, Lord Renfrew of Kaimsthorn, formerly tenth Disney Professor of Archaeology, the McDonald’s founding Director, and Master of Jesus College.Colin was, and will always…

Comments Off on Professor Lord Colin Renfrew – 1937-2024

AI tool reads biopsy images

A working model After the researchers integrated their new cancer biopsies as well as other datasets, including transcriptomic data and images from thousands of healthy cells, the AI program – which they named SEQUOIA (slide-based expression quantification using linearized attention) – was able to predict the expression patterns of more…

Comments Off on AI tool reads biopsy images

The invisible threat: the risks of integrating AI into your cyber security capability

Ransomware attacks are expected to escalate with the help of AI, according to the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).  Malicious actors are already using AI to:  Craft hyper-personalised phishing emails that bypass traditional filters.  Imagine an email from a “co-worker” with perfect grammar, familiar style, and references to inside…

Comments Off on The invisible threat: the risks of integrating AI into your cyber security capability

The EU AI Act Passes: Should South Africa follow suit and regulate Artificial Intelligence?

Last week, the European Parliament approved the Artificial Intelligence Act, the first of its kind in the world. As South African companies continue to adopt Artificial Intelligence (“AI“) at a rapid pace, the natural question arises if, and when, will South Africa adopt AI legislation? South Africa currently has no…

Comments Off on The EU AI Act Passes: Should South Africa follow suit and regulate Artificial Intelligence?

Investing in the long game

OSC seeks feedback on a new proposed investment fund that will give retail investors access to long-term illiquid assets On October 10, 2024, the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) released Consultation Paper 81-737 (the Proposal), to enhance retail investors’ access to long-term illiquid assets (Long-Term Assets) by creating a new investment…

Comments Off on Investing in the long game

Valdai Club to Hold Its 15th Asian Conference in Kuala Lumpur in Partnership With the Bait Al Amanah Foundation, the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, and the Institute for Strategic Analysis and Policy Research

The 15th Asian Conference of the Valdai Discussion Club will be held in Kuala Lumpur from December 9 to 10, 2024, organized in partnership with the Bait Al Amanah Foundation (Malaysia), the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (Japan), and the Institute for Strategic Analysis and Policy Research (INSAP, Malaysia). Over the 20…

Comments Off on Valdai Club to Hold Its 15th Asian Conference in Kuala Lumpur in Partnership With the Bait Al Amanah Foundation, the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, and the Institute for Strategic Analysis and Policy Research

Can police force you to unlock your phone?

The ability of police to force a person to unlock their phone has improved since the recent introduction of digital evidence access order legislation in New South Wales. This has extended police powers, allowing law enforcement to compel individuals to provide passcodes to electronic devices. The are hefty penalties including…

Comments Off on Can police force you to unlock your phone?

Wildlife monitoring technologies used to intimidate and spy on women, study finds

Remotely operated camera traps, sound recorders and drones are increasingly being used in conservation science to monitor wildlife and natural habitats, and to keep watch on protected natural areas.But Cambridge researchers studying a forest in northern India have found that the technologies are being deliberately misused by local government and…

Comments Off on Wildlife monitoring technologies used to intimidate and spy on women, study finds

Swift action needed – New employment legislation changes for Ontario employers

Taylor Swift mania has taken hold of Canada, and alongside it comes important changes to employment and employment-related legislation that Ontario employers need to understand and implement both immediately and in the near future. “Track 5” of the Ontario government’s employment legislation comes in the form of Bill 190, officially…

Comments Off on Swift action needed – New employment legislation changes for Ontario employers

Paying your tax early to avoid potential double taxation

As an American living in the UK, you are subject to two tax systems with differing deadlines and tax periods. To avoid a mismatch in tax credits most people should look at making early UK tax payments. Why is a pre-payment required? US taxpayers may need to claim Foreign Tax…

Comments Off on Paying your tax early to avoid potential double taxation

I’ve studied organisational failure for decades – the Church of England needs more than a new leader

Cary Cooper, Professor of Organisational Psychology and Health In a book I wrote with a colleague on organisational failures (The Apology Impulse) the inability of many of them to confront their failures, except to say a meaningless “we’re sorry”, is legend. We highlighted the many cases of organisations in the…

Comments Off on I’ve studied organisational failure for decades – the Church of England needs more than a new leader

Trustees’ committee declines to take action on divestment request

Dear Stanford Students for Justice in Palestine, Thank you for sharing your divestment petition on May 6th. We are empathetic to your deep concern for the tragic events of the past year in Gaza and Israel. They have been painful to observe and particularly distressing for those with loved ones…

Comments Off on Trustees’ committee declines to take action on divestment request

Are you Cyber Ready for NIS2?

The Network and Information Security Directive 2022/2555 (the “NIS2 Directive”) has now come into effect from 17 October 2024 with application to the following sectors (but subject to the enactment of domestic Irish legislation to fully transpose its provisions):: healthcare; manufacturing of pharmaceutical products or preparations, medicinal products or medical…

Comments Off on Are you Cyber Ready for NIS2?

Seyfarth Post-Election Pulse Antitrust In The Second Trump Administration: The Chicago School Strikes Back

Traditionally, Republican administrations have favored deregulation and a more lenient approach to antitrust enforcement that is grounded in economics over policy preferences. This environment often leads to an increase in merger and acquisition activity, as companies feel more confident in pursuing significant deals without the fear of stringent regulatory intervention.…

Comments Off on Seyfarth Post-Election Pulse Antitrust In The Second Trump Administration: The Chicago School Strikes Back

How to turn your AI startup into tomorrow’s success story: Tips from Wisedocs founders Connor Atchison and Jenna Earnshaw

Generative AI has been a buzzword in the tech world, and it’s now making inroads into more traditional sectors like insurance. One standout example is Wisedocs, a Toronto-based startup using AI to review and summarize medical records, that recently raised $12.7 million in Series A financing and $4.5 million in…

Comments Off on How to turn your AI startup into tomorrow’s success story: Tips from Wisedocs founders Connor Atchison and Jenna Earnshaw

Legal Steps for Suspending User Accounts on Online Platforms

Online platforms that allow users to share content are required to manage content moderation and, when necessary, suspend user activities for violations of legal obligations or platform rules. The Digital Services Act (DSA) sets out important guidelines for these platforms, especially regarding suspension of user accounts or activities. This article…

Comments Off on Legal Steps for Suspending User Accounts on Online Platforms

Webinar – What Employers Need to Know Regarding Non-Compete Changes in 2024

Scott Graham, Unsplash Tuesday, December 17, 20241:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Eastern12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Central11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Mountain10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Pacific Register Here About the Program Join us for the final installment of Seyfarth’s 2024 Trade Secrets Webinar Series, where our panel will provide…

Comments Off on Webinar – What Employers Need to Know Regarding Non-Compete Changes in 2024

New York State Expands Guidance for Employers to Notify Current and Former Workers of Potential 9/11 Benefits

Quick Hits Employers that had workers in the areas of New York City impacted by the September 11th attacks may be required to notify those workers of two federal victim compensation funds. The new regulations seek to address the lack of awareness among many individuals who were exposed to harmful…

Comments Off on New York State Expands Guidance for Employers to Notify Current and Former Workers of Potential 9/11 Benefits

Ten principles for the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) by Québec public bodies

The year 2024 is a pivotal year for artificial intelligence regulation around the world with the enactment  of the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act, which is already pictured as the golden standard, not unlike what the General Data Protection Regulation had previously achieved. Canada showed leadership of its own in…

Comments Off on Ten principles for the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) by Québec public bodies