🍃 DHL Led SAF Adoption. >10K Research Projects Funded by NSF. Germany Led High-Tech Jobs in the EU.

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MDIS and Sunderland University to launch a Sustainability Research Centre. Ohio grants $579K to Wright State for EV and advanced manufacturing training. Kenya’s tourism workforce steps into the AI age with digital upskilling and smart innovation. QCC to upskill home care workforce under landmark funding.

South Africa launches Digital Hub to boost skills and jobs. Kazakhstan’s Education Ministry partnered with Coursera to launch a national digital learning platform. Nigeria’s education ministry mandates English as the sole language for national learning assessments starting 2026.

Today's Topics

🎓 Education Funding. Over 10k research projects funded by NSF despite funding cuts
🍃 Green Skills. DHL adopts >3% of SAF into their airline fuel mix
🏭 Advanced Manufacturing. Germany led in high-tech despite worker shortage in the EU

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🎓 Over 10K Research Projects Funded by NSF Despite Funding Cuts

NSF funded 10,500+ research projects in FY 2024, with Mathematical & Physical Sciences leading at 2,302 awards, reflecting expanded priorities under the CHIPS and Science Act. However, Congress slashed NSF's budget 8% to $9.06B, much below authorized targets following FY24 debt ceiling negotiations. 2025 brought more challenges, with hiring freezes, 375-750 potential layoffs, and 1,400+ grant terminations totaling $1B, with further proposed cuts to $3.9B.Political gridlock, appropriations uncertainty, and workforce reductions now critically jeopardize competitiveness in AI and quantum research against competitors, despite bipartisan CHIPS Act goals. 

🍃 DHL Adopts >3% of SAF Into Their Airline Fuel Mix

The DHL Group adopted nearly 3.27% of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) into their fuel mix in 2023, nearly triple Air France - KLM’s 1.12%. The cargo carrier has secured 668 million liters through World Energy in a seven year agreement running until 2030. Despite rising global SAF production, it still meets only 0.7% of aviation needs. Several policies are launched to promote sustainable fuels such as ReFuelEU aviation regulation, aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 60% in aviation by 2050. 

🏭 Germany Led in High-Tech Despite Worker Shortage in the EU 

Germany led European high-tech employment with 2.4M workers in 2024, dominated by IT services, automotive tech, and pharmaceuticals, while France's 1.3M concentrated in aerospace, automotive, and bioscience sectors. State initiatives include Germany's Skilled Immigration Act fast-track scheme with a 4-month turnaround, Netherlands' 30% tax ruling, and Portugal's 30-day visa approvals. However, critical challenges persist as 75% of employers can't find skilled workers, while brain drain to US/Switzerland and lengthy visa processes compound shortages.

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