Latest news with #STFC
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Claims of ‘cyber-attack' dismissed by UK space and laser lab in Didcot
A national research laboratory working in laser development and space technology has denied it was hit by a 'cyber-attack' this week. The Rutherford Appleton Laboratory is based in Harwell Science and Innovation Campus at Chilton near Didcot. Initially set up in the 1950s, it has around 1,200 staff working across its Central Laser Facility, Diamond Light Source, Space Centre and Particle Physics Department. It is operated by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), a government agency set up almost 20 years ago. An interior view of its ISIS Neutron and Muon Source Earlier this week a person who wished to remain anonymous said that the laboratory had been suffering 'disruptive and very frequent internet issues thought to be due to cyber-attacks'. READ MORE: They said there have been days when there's been no connectivity for hours at the pioneering UK scientific research facility. In response, STFC confirmed that something happened on Monday June 16 but refused to disclose what, other than it wasn't the result of a hacker. The spokesperson said: 'There was no cyberattack and systems were back to normal before 5pm. We do not talk about operational activities outside STFC.' Experience the pulse of Oxford at your fingertips 🗞️ With our flash sale, Oxford Mail keeps you updated for less: only £4 for 4 months or save 40 per cent on an annual subscription. Don't miss out on what's happening locally #DigitalDeal #LocalJournalismhttps:// — Oxford Mail (@TheOxfordMail) June 16, 2025 The danger of computer hackers has been a well-publicised topic in recent months with Marks and Spencer's online services disrupted since April. Last week, the retailer reopened its website to shoppers although it has been estimated the cost of the attack – caused in part by human error – will be around £300 million. Speculation has been mounting that it was caused by hacking community Scattered Spider, but that has not been confirmed.
BBC News
6 days ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Swindon Town FC County Ground redevelopment is rejected by trust
Members of a supporters' trust have blocked the redevelopment of Swindon's Nigel Eady County club had requested consent for the introduction of executive boxes and hospitality facilities in the Don Rogers STFC jointly owns the ground with the club, with each holding a 50% stake. Whilst the vote achieved the required percentage of members participating, it only received 478 votes in favour, falling far short of the 717 votes trust said it was "disappointing" improvements "cannot proceed at this time" after "years of neglect" of the ground. A statement added the "result of the vote was not unsurprising, given the consultation feedback".The primary concerns raised by members included a lack of trust in the club's ownership, lack of clarification over funding, concerns over a "risky" business plan and the design and the lack of an overall masterplan."With this in mind, the trust board are committed to working with the club to find solutions to the issues highlighted above," the trust added."As we have said repeatedly, restoring good governance and meaningful dialogue will lead to greater trust in the ownership of the club."The vote was undertaken earlier in consent to be granted, at least 50% of eligible members were required to cast a vote, with at least 75% of those having to vote in favour of granting 1,263 trust members were eligible to participate in the vote, with 955, representing 76% of the membership, eventually with only 478 votes in favour of the proposal, consent for the club's request was club has yet to respond to the vote result.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Young striker signs to local football club's academy in record time
A Lawn Manor Academy pupil has been signed to Chippenham Town Football Club's Academy in record time. Year 10 pupil Bubacarr, who currently plays as a striker for Swindon Town Football Club's Boys Advanced team, was offered a contract after just five weeks of trialling for Chippenham Town earlier this year. This is the quickest time any player has achieved this for the Under 16s team. Read more: New use for old Swindon pub saves it from demolition The young footballer began playing at just four years old and first played for Ferndale Rodbourne YCFC, inspired by the professional footballers in his own family, with his uncle having also played for both STFC and Tranmere Rovers. Bubacarr has already had a taste of international football, having recently competed in the Football Barcelona Cup with his STFC team, where he helped lead his team to victory in their division. Over the two days of the tournament, Bubacarr scored seven goals and was awarded the title of Player Ambassador, a recognition of both his performance on the pitch and the leadership and professionalism he displayed off it. He will begin training with the club in pre-season this May, with his first official match seeing him face off against Forest Green Rovers. At Chippenham, Bubacarr will train three times a week after school, combining gym sessions with advanced technical football training and match analysis. He is looking forward to the challenge and new opportunities ahead. He said: "Playing with STFC and going to Barcelona was great and now that I have a contract with Chippenham, I've got a real pathway to a professional career. "There's the chance of a scholarship, moving into the first team and even being seen by clubs higher up. "I'm very proud to have been identified for my ability and to be going up the levels. "But more than anything I want to make my family proud and that's what's made me thrive the most through football. "My dream would be to play in the Premier League, for Arsenal or Nottingham Forest, I think they play a very good style of football. "But right now, I'm just focused on improving, learning, and making the most of this opportunity." Read more: Popeyes project continues to bring drive-thru to Fleming Way As he gets ready to balance his academic and sporting commitments, Sandra Muir, headteacher at Lawn Manor Academy, praised his commitment. She said: "We've been really impressed by Bubacarr's determination to succeed and the way he is already planning how he can balance his school and football timetables so he can do his best in everything. "He's a very talented footballer and we'll be closely following his career; we're looking forward to cheering him on as he scores in the Premier League one day."
Yahoo
16-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Celebration as major milestone reached by start-up company
A UK start-up is celebrating a major business milestone. IoT Horizon, based at the Science and Technology Facilities Council's (STFC) Daresbury Laboratory, has been acquired by Sustainable Investments Ltd. The acquisition has led to a rebranding of the company as Sustainable Smart Technologies. This marks a significant step forward in the company's mission to create safer, healthier, and more energy-efficient buildings. For more than seven years, the company has been at the forefront of developing environmental and energy monitoring solutions. Using Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, the company has been creating systems that provide real-time insights to improve air quality, reduce energy consumption, optimise space utilisation, and enhance the wellbeing of building occupants. Paul Vernon, head of STFC's Daresbury Laboratory, said: "Sustainable Smart Technologies exemplifies the groundbreaking innovation that is thriving amongst the businesses located here at Daresbury Laboratory, and the wider Sci-Tech Daresbury campus. "Its work is playing a pivotal role in shaping our sustainable, energy-efficient buildings of the future, delivering tangible benefits to society." One of the new solutions developed by Sustainable Smart Technologies is a portable air quality monitoring system. This has already been instrumental in helping organisations understand and respond to the pressing need for healthier indoor environments. The company has been using the advanced research facilities and skills support available within the Campus Technology Hub at Daresbury Laboratory to develop and bring its cutting-edge environmental and energy monitoring solutions to the market more rapidly. The acquisition comes at an important time as people become more aware of the need for better air quality and healthier indoor environments. Deyrick Allen, founder of IoT Horizon and now commercial director of Sustainable Smart Technologies, said: "Being located at Daresbury Laboratory has allowed us to be part of an ecosystem beneficial to start-up companies. "Based in the CTH, we have the lab space to work hands on and test our products, having access to STFC resources, networking opportunities and the generation of leads beneficial for our commercial projects."
