Sciencewise, the Government funded body which aims to improve science and technology policy-making by making better use of public dialogue, is celebrating its tenth birthday this year. Set up in 2004 in the wake of the fiasco that was GM foods, Sciencewise has done much within Whitehall and Westminster to advance the case for a more open, … Continue reading Sciencewise: 10/10 see you again – I sincerely hope so!
Department for Business Innovation and Skills
Whatever happened to Science and Society? Why UK science could do with a chief listening officer.
Just occasionally the Department for Business Innovation and Skills, Science and Society website pages show a flicker of light like a far-off dieing star. This evening I returned from the TalkScience event at the British Library and noticed that an update from the 'Science for All' advisory group set up many moons ago, had been … Continue reading Whatever happened to Science and Society? Why UK science could do with a chief listening officer.
Cancer Research UK does not have all the answers..and that’s an invitation to the rest of us
I see that Cancer Research UK last week put out a press statement about the need for the UK to have strategic vision for medical research. You can find further details on their blog and they also issued a document entitled 'Building the Right Environment for Medical Research.' Thoughtfully the announcement and document have been … Continue reading Cancer Research UK does not have all the answers..and that’s an invitation to the rest of us
Ridding ourselves of the 'red tape' worm
If you believe the Government - any Government in fact - we are all entangled in webbing made of regulation red tape that makes us look like one of those mummies emerging from a tomb in a 60s Hanna Barbara cartoon. However, I can't help but agree on this occasion. I don't know about you, … Continue reading Ridding ourselves of the 'red tape' worm
Stem cell research and charities
The world has gone consultation mad. Another two dropped into my inbox yesterday. I'm seriously considering booking myself into consultation rehab. A few days off next week will at least allow me to undergo an intensive consultation detox programme in the meantime. For those of you who have set aside today to write a response to … Continue reading Stem cell research and charities
Science at the Conservative Party Conference
Two down, one to go. Here's science related 'matter' at the Conservative Party Conference which starts in Birmingham tomorrow. Birmingham University was of course the venue for the Science Minister, David Willett's, first speech after taking office. I am looking forward to being one of the hosts when he joins us for a roundtable breakfast … Continue reading Science at the Conservative Party Conference
Science besieges the castle with evidence: to what impact?
Global warming was not high on the Victorians' agenda as anyone who attends a summer event in parliament will attest. But the heat is usually a good sign that your event is packed and the conversation flowing. So it was with yesterday's excellent All-Party Parliamentary Group on Medical Research summer reception. The show of strength … Continue reading Science besieges the castle with evidence: to what impact?
The NHS as a global winner….and more on research collaborations
A quiet moment in the wake of the Bank Holiday allows me to do a quick post to draw you attention to two pieces of work - one completed, the other ongoing - here at AMRC. The first is a report of a seminar we held with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills in … Continue reading The NHS as a global winner….and more on research collaborations
Science Minister Speaks
The new Science Minister, David Willetts MP, gave his first press briefing at the Science Media Centre yesterday. His comments have been reported in a number of places including the BBC. But Mark Henderson's blog at The Times is the most detailed. The Minister seems to have handled the funding question in the only … Continue reading Science Minister Speaks
Dialogue by numbers
I am writing this while sitting in a cafe in the exhibition area at the Labour Party Conference in Brighton. Such are the wonders of modern technology! Gordon Brown's speech is over and the crowds have more or less dispersed. All the action has moved to nearby tv and radio studios where the debate will … Continue reading Dialogue by numbers
Continental drift or moving target?
Science would seem to be on the move again. Last week's reshuffle saw the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) - including the science portfolio - merge with the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) to become the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) under Lord Mandelson. Its worth reminding ourselves at this … Continue reading Continental drift or moving target?
Simon Denegri's Lay Review 