Nesta

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have become central to recent debates around fixing our broken food environment. Latest Nesta analysis looks at whether regulating UPFs could help to improve UK diets ⬇️ Currently, the UK defines whether a food is ‘healthy’ for policy purposes using the Nutrient Profiling Model (NPM). Food and drinks that exceed a set threshold are classified as ‘high in fat, sugar or salt’ (HFSS) and subject to regulation. As part of our healthy life mission, we examined how far current labelling methods target UPFs. Our analysis reveals that 64% of UPF calories come from foods already classed as high in fat, sugar or salt. This rises to nearly 80% when you exclude staple items such as bread and yoghurt – which are often UPF but not strongly linked to negative health outcomes. The evidence for shifting to a UPF-based approach is relatively weak - and could also discourage consumers away from cheap, nutritious and widely available food. Policymakers should instead strengthen the existing NPM framework – a practical tool to improve our food environment. Read the report ➡️ https://bit.ly/3Gi6PL1

What's the most suitable low-carbon heating option for your area? 🏡 Nesta have created an open dataset to be able to make predictions about heat pump suitability across Great Britain at a neighbourhood level. The dataset is designed to help decision-makers - whether at an individual, local authority, or national level - identify the most appropriate low-carbon heating technology options for their region. Insights include: 🏙️ London planners can expect to focus on shared heating systems 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Rural Wales will see individual heat pumps as a priority 🏠 Norwich has strong potential for heat network zones in social housing areas Discover which parts of Britain are most suitable for different heat pump technologies ⬇️ https://bit.ly/42h9uwb

Upcoming event: how innovation can transform early years services in local areas ⤵️ We're hosting a webinar on 24 April to share insights from our three-year innovation partnership with Leeds City Council, City of York Council, Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council with Greater Manchester Combined Authority. At this free online event, you'll hear how Nesta analysts, alongside local early years leaders and practitioners, developed, designed and tested ideas to improve outcomes for young children and families. Still time to secure your spot. Register to attend now: https://bit.ly/41j24ZN

Could you be our new data journalist? 📊 Nesta and BIT are looking for a part-time data-driven storyteller to turn complex data into compelling stories that shape public debate and drive engagement You’ll research, produce, and publish impactful data stories—spotting both quick wins and deeper insights to support our communications priorities. We're looking for someone with data journalism experience, excellent collaboration skills and a strong understanding of the news media and social media in the context of data storytelling. 💼 circa £51,000 (pro-rated), plus excellent benefits 📍 London/Hybrid ⏰ Apply by 22 April: https://lnkd.in/eRD9aFPG

How we’re using AI to increase the uptake of heat pumps, via the Boiler Upgrade Scheme ⤵️ The Boiler Upgrade scheme offers a government grant of up to £7,500 towards the cost of a heat pump for those wishing to replace an existing fossil fuel heating system, such as a gas boiler. Although uptake is on the rise now, it is still not at the level needed for the government to reach its targets for net zero. We conducted AI interviews to better understand perceptions of the scheme and generate insights for policymakers. Here’s what we’ve learnt so far about awareness, concerns, and misconceptions: https://bit.ly/3E7XHbd

🗞️ We're recruiting a Group Media Officer to join our award-winning communications team and help to build the media profile of Nesta and BIT. We're looking for someone with experience working in a busy press office who can work independently on securing coverage across news, features, comment and podcasts, and among relevant policy and specialist influencers. We're looking for a creative thinker with strong interpersonal skills who can work quickly and flexibly across the organisation. 💼 circa £43k, plus excellent benefits 📍 London/Hybrid ⏰ Apply by 22 April: https://bit.ly/4iW6hct

Children’s centres, libraries, and family hubs can support local families and improve children’s development. Through our Fairer Start Local partnership, we worked with Leeds City Council to analyse anonymised data from libraries and Story Buses. We identified areas with low children’s book borrowing rates, poor language outcomes at age five, and high referrals to NHS Speech and Language Therapy - that were also under-served by their current library provision. In response, Leeds’ library services expanded their Story Bus routes to six underserved areas, providing fortnightly reading sessions, book lending, library sign-ups, and access to council services. Read more about the project: https://bit.ly/3DYiduO

Scotland needs bold action on home heating – but the latest changes to the Heat in Buildings Bill risk falling short. Nesta Scotland's sustainable future mission manager, Robin Parker, says "It looks to be a big missed opportunity to improve Scotland’s energy security." Nesta Scotland is calling for a Bill that would give confidence and direction to the heat pump industry, including looking again at linking switching to clean heating with house sales. ⬇️ Read our full response: https://bit.ly/4j9OhuG

There's a common misconception that heat pumps won't work for older homes. It's great to see new work by Historic England shining a light on the older properties in the UK that are successfully transitioning to clean energy with technology such as heat pumps ↘️ A recent survey from Nesta found that heat pump owners in Victorian or older properties were highly satisfied with their heat pump compared to their previous heating system. Our new website GetAHeatPump.org.uk is designed to give consumers all the information they need about upgrading to homes - from renovation tips to running costs.