Category Archives: Science policy

Post-Election Christmas Reading List

Posted on 16 December 2019 by Athene Donald

The general election is now done and dusted. The UK’s future is determined, for good or ill. Scientists (along with everyone else) now must work out how to interact with the new policies, new ideas and – if some of … Continue reading →

Posted in ARPA, Brookings Institute, David Willetts, Further Education, Science Funding, Science policy | Comments Off on Post-Election Christmas Reading List

ICYMI No. 6: What is the meaning of Brexit?

Posted on 4 August 2016 by Stephen

Today EMBO Reports has published my commentary on the implications for scientific research of Britain’s recent decision to leave the EU. Although it should be freely available, the piece is  temporarily stuck behind a paywall. So, for those without a subscription, here is the … Continue reading →

Posted in ICYMI, international, Science & Politics, Science policy | Comments Off on ICYMI No. 6: What is the meaning of Brexit?

How Broad is Broad?

Posted on 24 May 2015 by Athene Donald

Most conferences provide food for thought and my participation this week in the Global Scholars Symposium in Cambridge certainly fulfilled my expectations in this respect. Although I was meant to be the one doing the talking, there was also time … Continue reading →

Posted in career paths, interdisciplinarity, Research, Science Culture, Science policy | Comments Off on How Broad is Broad?

Leadership (Churchillian style) and Policy

Posted on 12 April 2015 by Athene Donald

Churchill is often seen as the supreme leader, a man whose very voice inspired a nation and who held the country’s nerve during the Battle of Britain. Less often discussed is his leadership and behaviour at other times, although increasingly … Continue reading →

Posted in Churchill College, CSaP, de Gaulle, policy-makers, Science policy | Comments Off on Leadership (Churchillian style) and Policy

Science Policy and Impact: Lessons from History

Posted on 16 January 2015 by Athene Donald

REF, the Science and Innovation Strategy document (S+I) and the Nurse Review of the Research Councils  collectively mean that the UK HE world of science is stuffed full of current policy issues that matter to us all – never mind … Continue reading →

Posted in Eight great technologies, History of Science, Royal Society, Science and Innovation strategy, Science Funding, Science policy | Comments Off on Science Policy and Impact: Lessons from History

An Education in Education (and Policy)

Posted on 15 June 2014 by Athene Donald

For the last three and a half years I have been chairing the Royal Society’s Education Committee. Under Secretary of State Michael Gove, education in England has been going through a tumultuous time (other parts of the UK have been … Continue reading →

Posted in education, michael gove, Royal Society, Science policy, SCORE | Comments Off on An Education in Education (and Policy)

Under the microscope

Posted on 21 May 2014 by Sylvia McLain

This week I attended ‘Circling the Square’ – a conference on science, science communication and science policy at the University of Nottingham (lovely Campus – well worth a visit). I certainly felt in the minority being a physical scientist rather … Continue reading →

Posted in Circling the square, science and the media, science communication, Science policy | Comments Off on Under the microscope

There’s More to Us than Lab Coats

Posted on 27 February 2014 by Athene Donald

This book review first appeared in Times Higher Education on February 27th 2014 Are We All Scientific Experts Now? By Harry Collins Polity, 168pp, £35.00 and £9.99 ISBN 9780745682037 and 82044 Published 28 February 2014

Posted in book review, expertise, Harry Collins, media, Science policy, science wars | Comments Off on There’s More to Us than Lab Coats

Things to know about policy, science and the public

Posted on 7 December 2013 by Stephen

There has been a flurry of articles of late listing important things that scientists, politicians and the public should know about each other. I am logging them here because I enjoyed each of the pieces and think it likely that … Continue reading →

Posted in Guardian, lists, nature, Politics, Science & Politics, Science policy | Comments Off on Things to know about policy, science and the public

Shame. Or should that be ‘Postdocalypse’?

Posted on 25 July 2013 by Austin

Not IUPS-related tonight – but something that should concern the people there – should concern *us*. Especially the people WITH senior positions. Scientific research has a lot going for it as a job.

Posted in Science policy, The Life Scientific, Universities | Comments Off on Shame. Or should that be ‘Postdocalypse’?