Where science meets policy: Babraham students organise the 2012 Cambridge Biological and Life Sciences Symposium
The government and industry attendees particularly enjoyed connecting, and in some cases reconnecting, with cutting edge research being done by the graduates at Cambridge University. “It was great to chat with students and other Government colleagues alike and get back in touch with the ‘pure’ science,” said Tabitha Dale from Defra. I’m a microbiologist so many of the student talks were right up my street!”
Three distinguished keynote speakers - Sir Mark Walport (Director of the Wellcome Trust and incoming UK Government Chief Scientific Adviser), Professor Douglas Kell (CEO, BBSRC) and Professor James Wilsdon (Professor of Science and Democracy, SPRU, University of Sussex) - gave keynote talks on the relationship between science and policy.
Professor James Wilsdon, Professor of science and democracy at The University of Sussex’s Science and Technology Policy Research (SPRU) Department, opened the symposium and introduced the audience to the world of science and policy, providing ideas and practical solutions for graduates wanting to engage in the policy process as well as opportunities in the space between science and policy.
“This first talk really set the scene for the delegates, many of whom had not previously considered the relationship between science and policy, let alone their position within it. It laid the foundations for the later talks, informal conversations and further opportunities in policy being presented,” explained Harry Armstrong, one of the organisers of SymBLS.
Poster sessions enabled participants to present their data not only to other students and speakers, but crucially facilitated the more rare opportunity to discuss their research and its implications with industry and government. “These sessions were very engaging and highly valuable to both the graduates and policy makers who both took away a greater appreciation of each sector’s work. The graduate students immensely enjoyed having the opportunity to present their work to an engaged, less specialised audience from government and to be exposed to a completely different way of thinking,” said Mr Armstrong.
The symposium provided an opportunity for government to hear about research that could have particular relevance to policy. For example, research to understand the mechanisms of circadian clocks in plants is of interest to the department of transport in ensuring train safety during drivers’ night shifts.
Graham Pendlebury, Director of Greener Transport and International, Department for Transport commented, “The presentations and the conversations that I had with some of the presenters, the poster designers, and other postgrads attending the event brought home to me the cutting edge nature of the research being done by young research teams in Cambridge, and the passionate enthusiasm they have for their work – immensely impressive. There were also fields of research that I could see had real relevance for government & industry as they develop.”
Professor Douglas Kell talked about his role as Chief Executive of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), which provides strategic funding to the Babraham Institute. He emphasised the importance of questioning preconceived ideas so as not to rely on unsupported established facts - a vital philosophy for those working in science and policy alike. Further opportunities to get involved in policy, such as the professional development courses at the Cambridge Centre for Science and Policy and the new Cambridge Society CUSPE (Cambridge University Science and Policy Exchange), generated enthusiasm amongst delegates.
Dr Claire Cockcroft, Head of External Relations at the Babraham Institute said, “I’m delighted that Babraham students have taken the lead in creating such an impressive symposium, one that brings together young researchers with both industry and government to explore the relationship between science and policy. The discussions provided students with a greater appreciation of how scientific advice is incorporated into policy-making and a deeper understanding of the societal, ethical and commercial context in which science operates, valuable insights that may also shape their careers.”
The symposium concluded with Sir Mark Walport, highlighting current advances in science and technology, the future of funding from the Wellcome Trust for researches at all levels, the myriad of opportunities that are available to early career researches as well as discussing policy, open access journals and his future position as the UK Government Chief Scientific Adviser.
This one day symposium provided an unrivalled opportunity for Cambridge postgraduates to engage with science, policy and the policy makers themselves. Networking and discussions continued well into the night with delegates thinking in new ways about how science can contribute to policy-making and for some, seeds were sown for a new career direction.
CONTACT
Dr Claire Cockcroft
Head, External Relations
Email: claire.cockcroft@babraham.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1223 496260
Fax: +44 (0)1223 496002
Mobile: +44 (0)7786 335978
The Babraham Institute
Babraham Research Campus
Cambridge CB22 3AT
United Kingdom
http://www.babraham.ac.uk
Organisers: Nicola Darling, Julian Peat, Harry Armstrong, Lewis Bell
Email: harry.armstrong@babraham.ac.uk
Photos:
Photo: Professor Douglas Kell, Chief Executive of BBSRC (left) with Halima Khan Director of the Public Services Lab, NESTA and Policy Fellow at the Centre for Science and Policy, Cambridge and Prof James Wilsdon of SPRU, University of Sussex (right).
Image: SymBLS/Nelly Olova
The Babraham Institute, which receives strategic funding (£22.4M in 2010-11) from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), undertakes international quality life sciences research to generate new knowledge of biological mechanisms underpinning ageing, development and the maintenance of health. The Institute’s research provides greater understanding of the biological events that underlie the normal functions of cells and the implication of failure or abnormalities in these processes. Research focuses on signalling and genome regulation, particularly the interplay between the two and how epigenetic signals can influence important physiological adaptations during the lifespan of an organism. By determining how the body reacts to dietary and environmental stimuli and manages microbial and viral interactions, we aim to improve wellbeing and healthier ageing. (www.babraham.ac.uk)
About BBSRC
BBSRC invests in world-class bioscience research and training on behalf of the UK public. Our aim is to further scientific knowledge, to promote economic growth, wealth and job creation and to improve quality of life in the UK and beyond. Funded by the UK Government, and with an annual budget of around £445M, we support research and training in universities and strategically funded institutes. BBSRC research and the people we fund are helping society to meet major challenges, including food security, green energy and healthier, longer lives. Our investments underpin important UK economic sectors, such as farming, food, industrial biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
For more information about BBSRC, our science and our impact see: http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk
For more information about BBSRC strategically funded institutes see: http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/institutes