Welcome to the October 2025 edition of Open Access Government. Inside, you’ll find a diverse selection of insightful articles from key industries and sectors. We have gathered esteemed contributors from around the world, including experts from government, academia, and the private sector
Our esteemed contributors provide analyses of pressing issues, including healthcare, research and innovation, digital transformation, education, governance, finance, transportation, energy, and the environment.
In our opening section on environment and health, we explore two important topics that are increasingly relevant to public health: the potential health risks associated with electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and the prevalence and impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Further in our health sections, you’ll find interviews with prominent figures from the World Health Organization and the United Nations on the topics of digital technologies and cancer prevention. We also include important features related to women’s health, such as a piece by UNICEF on promoting maternal health equity, managing menopause, and reproductive longevity.
Our Research and Innovation section begins with Bernard Magenhann, Director-General of the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, who highlights the importance of EU-level research investment in supporting independent science that informs policymaking and influences our daily lives. We also revisit the topic of AI with a piece by the Crown Commercial Service, which explains its top five guidelines for public sector AI procurement.
Focusing on cultural policy, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, MP, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, outlines his priorities for promoting two of Canada’s greatest assets: culture and nature.
Shrinivas Tukdeo, Research Director at the Everest Group, examines the emerging technologies that are shaping the global landscape of energy, environment, and sustainability. Meanwhile, Goksen Sahin and Ludovica Longo from ICLEI Europe argue that the EU’s budget may fall short in achieving a just, climate-neutral, and competitive future for our cities and regions.
We hope you enjoy reading the articles in this edition, and we look forward to bringing you more expert commentary on topical issues in 2026.
Find additional highlights from our October 2025 edition below, and we hope you enjoy the varied and insightful content.
The importance of palaeontology, Earth history, and science
Experts from the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology, including President Stuart Sumida, discuss the significance of paleontology, Earth history, and science in this informative opinion piece
The unbreakable link between the protection of honeybees and pollinators and the future of agriculture
Josette Lewis, Chief Scientific Officer at the Almond Board of California, explores the vital connection between the protection of honeybees and other pollinators, plus the future of agriculture, in this insightful analysis
Putting small-scale fishers at the heart of the European Ocean Pact
Sandrine Thomas, a Small-Scale Fisher, states the case for putting small-scale fishers at the heart of the European Ocean Pact
Driving innovation in lunar water purification technology
Learn about how the UK Space Agency’s International Bilateral Fund (IBF) supported the UK-Canada Aqualunar Challenge to promote advancements in lunar water purification technology
Five ways philosophy can actually change your life
Tim Boerkamp, Founder & Philosophy Writer at Examined Mind, a platform for practical philosophy, walks us through five ways philosophy can actually change your life
Responsible radioactive waste management as a pivotal element of the EU’s industrial leadership
Alena Mastantuono is a member of the European Economic and Social Committee and the rapporteur for the EESC opinion on “Radioactive waste management: a civil society perspective.” Here, she explores the importance of securing Europe’s nuclear future through responsible waste management as a crucial element of the EU’s industrial leadership
A safer Europe requires a stronger partnership with the UK
Samira Braund, the Defence Director at ADS, explores why a safer Europe necessitates a strengthened partnership with the UK in this special defence focus
A new roadmap for cannabis and cannabis policy research
Dr Nora Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), discusses the rapid increase in cannabis availability and use over the past two decades, highlighting a growing need for research on its public health impacts and associated policies
Why Europe cannot afford to overlook public transport
Thomas Lymes, Head of Advocacy at Eurocities, explains why Europe cannot afford to neglect public transport and discusses its funding potential
What are endocrine disruptors, and why should you care?
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are prevalent in our environment. Dr Josef Köhrle, Senior Professor of Molecular Endocrinology and Editor-in-Chief of Environmental Endocrinology, discusses with Lorna Rothery the urgent need for stronger actions to address the potential health risks posed by these chemicals
