Welcome to Research Outreach! This month, we bring you a plethora of exciting research in an easily digestible format. Astronomers are hopeful that humanity could finally take its first steps on Mars – but one researcher thinks that crewed missions to the red planet could lead to disastrous consequences. Escalating geopolitical crises and mounting economic vulnerabilities necessitate an urgent reform of the international monetary system – but what would this look like? Finally, we also attempt to better understand human behaviour and discover what makes us truly unique.

Water is a human right enshrined in international and domestic laws. Yet access to this precious resource varies greatly depending on geographical, historical, socio-economic, and political factors. In the Free State Province, a landlocked region in the centre of South Africa, the situation concerning water and sanitation provision is so dire that it amounts to a human rights crisis. The Democratic Alliance has put forth recommendations to prevent further deterioration. They argue that the State can take on the mantle of change, to become a model of innovation and investment, and leave a legacy of water security for generations to come.

‘Blue skies’ research is inherently risky as the value and real-world application of research projects cannot be guaranteed. Yet, this type of curiosity-driven research plays an important role, not least in increasing public interest in science. The Leverhulme Trust, a UK-based funding body, encourages academics to research what they think are the critical frontiers of their field. Research Outreach was privileged to speak with Anna Vignoles, Director of the Trust, about innovative research they have funded and the current challenges and changes in the UK research and education systems landscape.

We hope you are inspired by this issue. Dive straight in to find out more!