To commemorate 50 years since the death of Churchill and 75 years since he became Prime Minister, the Centre for Science and Policy and Churchill College jointly organised a distinguished panel discussion to discuss the role of evidence and analysis in effective policy making. Chaired by Dame Athene Donald, Master of Churchill College, panellists included: Charles Clarke (Home Secretary, 2004 - 2006), Lord Peter Hennessy (Historian, Queen Mary University of London), Sir Richard Mottram (former Chairman, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory) and Lord Richard Wilson (Cabinet Secretary, 1998 - 2002). This event is part of the CSaP 2015 annual conference, and also part of a broader national programme "The Churchill Global Statesmanship Programme for the 21st Century". The Global Statesmanship Programme aims to stage a number of events which will examine the challenges facing the would-be Churchills of today.

Centre for Science & Policy

The role of evidence and analysis in effective policy making

In 2014, for the first time, more people live in cities than in rural areas. By 2050, more than 70% of people are predicted to be living in cities. Such rapid growth and urbanisation creates tremendous opportunities and also tremendous challenges, both for the people who live there and for the environment. Can we rethink how we design and live in cities in the future? How will resources flow to and around them and how will cities adapt to the challenges they face?

Connectivity and flows in future cities

How does academic research contribute to the work of government? Katrina Williams, Department for Energy and Climate Change

How does academic research contribute to the work of government? Professor Ottoline Leyser, University of Camabridge

A lecture and discussion with Ha-Joon Chang and panel for Cambridge Public Policy Strategic Research Initiative.

Future of Economics and Public Policy with Ha-Joon Chang

To mark the fifty year anniversary of Solly Zuckerman’s appointment as the first Government Chief Scientific Adviser, CSaP came together with the Royal Society, GO-Science and SPRU to host an event on the past, present and future of scientific advice. The event took the form of two panel sessions, the first being retrospective, focusing on the formation and evolution of the role of GCSA, and the second prospective, looking at how the role is changing and where it might go from here.

The GCSA at 50: reflections on the past, present and future of scientific advice

Professor Steven Chu, former Energy Secretary under President Obama, delivered the 2014 S T Lee Lecture on 10 November at the University of Cambridge. Science and technology such as the industrial and agricultural revolutions have profoundly transformed the world. In his talk, Professor Chu will first discuss an “epidemiological” approach of assessing the risks of climate change, and then provide a perspective on how we can mitigate the risks with science, technology and policy, so that sustainable energy becomes the low cost option.

Energy, Climate Change and Sustainability: a necessity as the mother of many inventions

Louise Lafortune's presentation on midlife approaches to prevent dementia, frailty and disability in later life , presented at the Policy Challenges workshop 'Ageing: modelling health and social care', 23rd June 2014.

Midlife approaches to prevent dementia, frailty and disability in later life (Louise Lafortune)

Petra Klepac's presentation on ageing and modelling of infectious diseases, presented at the Policy Challenges workshop 'Ageing: modelling health and social care', 23rd June 2014.

Ageing and modelling of infectious diseases (Petra Klepac)

Sue Owen discusses the importance of government links with research and academia.

Sue Owen, Permanent Secretary, Department for Culture, Media and Sport

23 April 2014: Vince Cable gives a detailed account of the current state of our post-school training system and how we again need to close the gap that Anthony Crosland set out to do over half a century ago.

Vince Cable: Where next for further and higher education?

Leading the lecture on 19 November, Dr Harris gave his perspective, from more than 10 years in parliament, on the key challenges that lie ahead in respect of science policy, evidence-based policy making and government spending priorities. Dr Huppert gave his own perspective and discussed how he hoped the government would meet these challenges.

The Future of Science in Parliament by Dr Julian Huppert and Dr Evan Harris

CSaP Distinguished Lecture, 7 June 2010 Sarah Mukherjee - Former BBC Environment Correspondent

Our Easter Island Moment: is it already too late to save the environment?

Ben R. Martin SPRU - Science and Technology Policy Research, University of Sussex CSaP Distinguished Lecture Murray Edwards College 3 March 2010

Science Policy Research - Can Research Influence Policy? How? And Does It Make for Better Policy?

The Centre for Science and Policy helps the sciences and technology to serve society by promoting engagement between researchers and policy professionals. Image courtesy of margarita mp from Flickr Creative Commons

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