Bridging research and policy

COVID-19

Get the latest COVID-19 analysis, as evidence becomes available

Drug Therapies for COVID-19

Research studies involving thousands of people have allowed scientists to test which drugs are effective at treating COVID-19. Several drug therapies are now available to treat people who are in hospital with COVID-19, or to prevent infections in vulnerable people becoming more serious. This briefing explains which drugs are available, the groups of people in which they are used and how they work. It also outlines the importance of monitoring the emergence of new variants and drug resistance.
- Health and social care
The future of COVID-19 vaccines

A new generation of COVID-19 vaccines could support vaccination strategies in the long term. But what are the latest developments from preclinical and clinical trials?
- Health and social care
COVID-19: Omicron, recent developments, and the likely impact of future variants on the pandemic

The Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, has been found across the world since it was first detected in early November 2021. This article describes the characteristics of the variant and its health impacts. It also discusses vaccine effectiveness against the variant and the medium and long-term outlook for the future course of the pandemic.
- Health and social care

Impartial balanced and peer reviewed analysis of new and emerging research

Invasive non-native species

Research suggests that the threat from invasive non-native species (INNS) is growing. Biological invasions by INNS harm native species and habitats and can have economic impacts. Biosecurity measures can be adopted to prevent the introduction and spread of INNS. This POSTnote summarises the drivers and impacts of INNS and the measures needed to meet national and international environmental targets.
Green steel

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the iron and steel industry make up 14% of industrial emissions in the UK. Decarbonisation of the steel industry is needed if the UK is to meet its target of net zero GHG emissions by 2050. This POSTnote outlines current steelmaking processes in the UK, the technologies and measures that can be used to reduce CO2 emissions, and the supporting infrastructure and policies that could enable a ‘green steel’ industry in the UK.
Mental Health Act Reform – Race and Ethnic Inequalities

A POSTnote that describes the race and ethnic inequalities in mental health, and Government plans to reform the Mental Health Act 1983.
- Health and social care

Contribute to upcoming POST work

Approved work: Nature recovery, conservation and climate change adaptation

This POSTnote will summarise the evidence base for increasing the resilience of habitats to climate impacts and outline the current approaches to implementing measures in the different nations of the UK.
- Environment
Approved work: Automation in military operations

This POSTnote will provide an overview of current and future military applications of automation and AI, and the technical, legal, ethical and societal issues associated with this.
- Security and defence
Approved work: Palliative and end of life care

This POSTnote will provide an overview of palliative and end of life care, its key components, approaches to managing and standardising care and key challenges to providing high quality care.
- Health and social care