Latest news with #JayFlynn
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The brilliant family shopping destination near the town centre you may not know about
Just minutes outside of the heart of the town centre is a complex, which can only really be described a real treasure trove with a garden centre, shop and an amazing place to eat, writes Leah Collins And your enjoyment helps Bolton's homeless population too. Emmaus Bolton, has been at the site for 20 years, and since then the complex has grown - with proceeds helping the most in need. Emmaus in Bolton. (Image: Leah Collins) It's also the perfect day out for those looking for a unique family outing this summer. Located on Fletcher Street minutes from Bolton town centre, the site boasts a café, ice cream parlour, clothing and furniture store, garden centre with up to 72 varieties of plants, pantry and a recycling plant. Emmaus sells everything - from dining tables to children's toys. (Image: Leah Collins) Visiting the complex for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised. There is enough to do here which could easily take an entire afternoon and all prices a were much more than reasonable. It was almost like a superstore. Emmaus, which opened in 2005, also sells an array of toys, local art pieces, textiles, books and even vinyl records, making it the perfect spot for a family day out. READ MORE: Last month, Emmaus was joined by BBC radio presenter, author and the nation's favourite quizmaster, Jay Flynn MBE, at the 20th Anniversary Spring Fair, who is an ambassador for the charity. The on-site volunteers, who meet at the recycling centre each week, turn donated materials into new items such as bucket hats and clothing. Clothing made from re-purposed material. (Image: Leah Collins) Made to measure furniture is also available at Emmaus' workshops. The team regularly makes benches, picnic tables and planters as well as shelves, book shelves, plate racks, tables and much more to exact specifications using ecologically-sourced wood. The on-site ice cream parlour sells freshly-made local ice cream from Mrs Dowsons. (Image: Leah Collins) As well as volunteers, around twenty 'companions' also live on the site. The companions are individuals experiencing homelessness who find a home and help within the Emmaus Bolton community. There are no rules about how long someone may stay at Emmaus, provided they abide by the principles of Emmaus and the spirit of the community. Keith has been at Emmaus for around 3 years. (Image: Leah Collins) Among these is Keith, who has been at Emmaus for around three years. Speaking to The Bolton News he said: 'My time at Emmaus has been extremely beneficial, I was able to receive peer-to-peer support. 'I'm not fortunately in a position to move from the site, I'm hoping to get into the property industry. I'll always be thankful for my time here and will be coming back to visit in the future.' A range of books, records and clothing is also available to buy. (Image: Leah Collins) The pantry at Emmaus currently feeds around 400 people and relies on food donations from various organisations around the borough. The pantry is run by volunteers Joan Blundson and Jackie Emmett. Speaking to the Bolton News Jackie said: 'I've been volunteering here for around 18 months, it feels rewarding to be giving back to the wider Bolton community. Joan Blundson and Jackie Emmett volunteer in Lucie's Pantry. (Image: Leah Collins) 'You meet many people from all walks of life here, it's also the perfect place to pop in for a brew and a chat, or for a family day out as there's always events on.' Emmaus Bolton CEO Tony Stephenson said: 'We offer a wonderful range of services here at Emmaus and I like to think that there's someone here for everyone. 'The idea is that whilst people are here with us, they get the opportunity to rebuild themselves in a non-judgemental and welcoming environment.' Emmaus Bolton CEO Tony Stephenson. (Image: Leah Collins) 'Community plays such a huge role in what we do here, so we welcome support from the wider community. So yes – feel free to pop down and see what we're all about!' For more information on Emmaus visit
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Wiley Partners with Pi School to Enhance the European Space Agency's AI-Powered Earth Virtual Expert (EVE) Project
Research Publisher to help train the innovative AI model by providing access to a curated collection of Earth science research materials EVE will be piloted with 200 experts from ESA and authorized external researchers to refine the system's capabilities LONDON, March 12, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--From the London Book Fair, Wiley (NYSE: WLY), one of the world's largest publishers and a global leader in research and learning, today announced it will provide access to a curated collection of Earth science research materials to help enhance the training and capabilities of the European Space Agency's Earth Virtual Expert (EVE). Wiley signed an agreement with Pi School, which is leading the development of the EVE project for ESA's Φ-lab. EVE is a fine-tuned large language model designed to transform how researchers and the public access and engage with Earth Observation and Earth science research and information. The EVE project, developed by Pi School with support from Imperative Space, is creating an innovative virtual expert capable of answering queries about Earth Observation and Earth science in natural language. Pi School's mission is to empower businesses and individuals by delivering cutting-edge AI solutions tailored to real-world challenges. The system will be built by enhancing an existing AI language model with specialized Earth science knowledge and the ability to reference and cite specific scientific sources in its responses. In support of this endeavor, Wiley will license a collection of published research, such as scientific journals, including those from the American Geophysical Union (AGU) publishing program, books from Wiley's Earth science portfolio, and Q&A courseware materials. A strong supporter of open science practices, AGU's contribution of content to the project will provide a key test of the beneficial use of AI technology for the geosciences with an emphasis on ethical use, transparency, and proper attribution. "This landmark agreement in support of the European Space Agency's EVE project represents a significant step forward in making authoritative scientific knowledge more accessible, actionable and attributable," said Jay Flynn, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Research & Learning for Wiley. "Wiley's innovative collaboration with Pi School will help unlock new possibilities in Earth Observation research for scientists and researchers worldwide." During the initial phase, EVE will be piloted with 200 experts from ESA and authorized external researchers, who will help refine the system's capabilities. The platform will feature an innovative web interface designed to make Earth Observation information more accessible and impactful for both specialists and the broader public. Proper attribution guidelines will be followed. Registration for the pilot is now open, and interested people can join via this link. Additionally, a user-based survey to further shape EVE into the communities' desired use-cases can also be completed here. The project also features a communications website. "The development of EVE represents a key step toward Φ-lab's vision of broadening engagement with Earth Observation data," said Nicolas Longépé, Earth Observation Data Scientist at ESA Φ-lab. "This virtual expert aims to transform how users explore and understand Earth Observation insights in order to expand their understanding of our atmosphere, climate, and oceans." Wiley is committed to the responsible use of AI and has officially established core principles—focusing on the importance of human oversight, transparency, fairness, and appropriate governance—upon which its AI journey is grounded. Wiley is actively pursuing AI opportunities but also thoughtfully managing the risks. About ESA Φ-lab The European Space Agency (ESA) provides Europe's gateway to space. ESA is an intergovernmental organisation, created in 1975, with the mission to shape the development of Europe's space capability and ensure that investment in space delivers benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world. Learn more at ESA Φ-lab accelerates the future of Earth Observation (EO) through disruptive and transformational innovation, aiming to strengthen the world-leading competitiveness of the European EO industrial and scientific sectors. About Pi School Pi School was founded in 2017 by Translated, a global leader in language technology solutions, to address the shortage of skilled AI professionals. Its flagship programme, The Pi School of AI, helps organisations integrate AI into business operations by selecting the world's top engineers and scientists and having them apply their academic knowledge to solving real-world challenges. This is done through an intensive eight-week programme that equips top scientists and engineers with advanced AI skills, focusing on creating MVP prototypes tailored to business needs. Since its inception, Pi School has trained over 230 AI experts and developed more than 100 MVPs for clients, including Amazon, Meta, ESA and the European Commission. Learn more at About Imperative Space Imperative Space is a multi-disciplinary innovation company working across media, education, communications, technology, and policy within the global space sector. Our mission is to drive growth and impact in the industry by leveraging space technologies to address global challenges and promote sustainable development. The company focuses on key areas including Earth Observation, Satellite Communications (SatComs), Space Exploration, Human Spaceflight, and Astronomy. For more information, please visit our website Imperative Space. About AGU AGU ( is a global community supporting more than half a million advocates and professionals in Earth and space sciences. Through broad and inclusive partnerships, AGU aims to advance discovery and solution science that accelerate knowledge and create solutions that are ethical, unbiased and respectful of communities and their values. From a single journal founded in 1896, AGU's publications has grown to include 24 high-impact journals, four active book series, and the Earth and Space Science Open Archive. In addition to scholarly publishing, AGU programs include convening virtual and in-person events and providing career support. We live our values in everything we do, such as our net zero energy renovated building in Washington, D.C. and our Ethics and Equity Center, which fosters a diverse and inclusive geoscience community to ensure responsible conduct. About Wiley Wiley (NYSE: WLY) is one of the world's largest publishers and a trusted leader in research and learning. Our industry-leading content, services, platforms, and knowledge networks are tailored to meet the evolving needs of our customers and partners, including researchers, students, instructors, professionals, institutions, and corporations. For more than two centuries, Wiley has been delivering on its timeless mission to unlock human potential. Visit us at Follow us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram. 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