Policy@Manchester Articles

Deficit and reform: the NHS’s twin challenges

By Kieran Walshe and Judith Smith Filed Under: Featured, Westminster Watch Posted: November 11, 2015

The NHS deficit is unprecedented and unsustainable. All eyes are on the forthcoming Comprehensive Spending Review and on some promising ideas for reform, explain Professor Kieran Walshe and Professor Judith Smith. The first quarter financial returns for the NHS, published just after the Conservative Party conference in Manchester, are the worst ever. Trusts were £930m […]

Policy Week: Engagement between scientists and politicians

By Laura ffrench-Constant Filed Under: All posts, Science and Technology Posted: November 9, 2015

The final day of Policy Week saw Sam Illingworth of Manchester Metropolitan University chair a lively discussion about the relationship between scientists and politicians, exploring how engagement could be optimised. Speakers included: Lucy Powell MP, Amanda Bamford of the University of Manchester, Dr Richard Walker from the Royal Society of Chemistry and Dr Caroline Kenny […]

Policy Week: Technology and healthcare; empowering the patient and influencing policy

By Laura ffrench-Constant Filed Under: All posts Posted: November 9, 2015

Manchester Informatics held a panel discussion, during Day Four of Policy week, about how technological innovation can help shape health policy and deliver joined up health and social care solutions. The event was chaired by Carmel Dickinson the Programme Manager of Manchester Informatics. Panellists at the event included: John Ainsworth Deputy Director of the Centre […]

Policy Week: What is citizen social science, and how can it help policy?

By Laura ffrench-Constant Filed Under: All posts Posted: November 6, 2015

The Citizen Social Science Research Methods programme based at the University of Manchester held an innovative forum about how citizen science can be used to tackle complex policy challenges as part of Policy Week. The session was chaired by Liz Richardson of the University of Manchester and speakers included: Dr Sheena Cruickshank, Dr Kingsley Purdam, […]

Policy Week: How Much Evidence is ‘Enough’ Prior to Policy Implementation?

By Laura ffrench-Constant Filed Under: All posts, Featured, Whitehall Watch Posted: November 6, 2015

The New Researcher Network hosted a breakfast session during Policy Week to investigate how much evidence is ‘enough’ prior to policy implementation and how to strike the balance between ‘ideal evidence’ and pragmatic decision making. The event was chaired by Dr Kieron Flanagan, whilst Dr Julian Simpson of the University of Manchester and Dr Kathryn […]

Policy Week: Notes on a drugs scandal

By Samuel Wood Filed Under: All posts Posted: November 5, 2015

Professor David Nutt, who was sacked as a Government drugs policy advisor in 2009 gave a very frank interview about his experiences to Victoria Gill, as part of Policy Week 2015. Here Sam Wood reports on the conversation. Prof Nutt says he went into his Government role optimistic that he would be able to change […]

Policy Week: Can Researchers Speak Truth Unto Power?

By Laura ffrench-Constant Filed Under: All posts Posted: November 4, 2015

This packed policy week event convened a lively discussion about how best to engage in dialogue with policymakers when communicating research around contentious policy areas. The panel was chaired by Professor Francesca Gains, and included Martin Stanley the author of ‘How To Be a Civil Servant’, Dr Patrick Diamond of Queen Mary’s University London and […]

Policy Week 2015: Unmissable sessions

By HumWebTeam Filed Under: All posts Posted: November 3, 2015

In 2015, Policy Week focuses on the theme of science and technology. Below, you can find some of our highlights from the week-long programme. .@lukegeorghiou, Vice President for Research and Innovation, on why you should attend @UoMPolicy‘s #PolicyWeek. pic.twitter.com/pjGp4WLA8Z — Uni of Manchester (@OfficialUoM) November 2, 2015 Professor Luke Georghiou, Vice President for Research and […]

Policy Week: Powering the Northern Powerhouse

By Jim Pendrill Filed Under: Devo, Featured, Science and Technology Posted: November 3, 2015

Could the Northern Powerhouse be powered by itself? And if so, what would be the best energy mix to sustain its economy? These were the questions posed at a debate on the UK energy industry during Policy Week, where PhD students from The University presented four different proposals as to how the North West could […]

Huge changes in education on way, says Willetts

By Jim Pendrill Filed Under: Featured Posted: November 3, 2015

The next generation will see greater changes in education than we have seen over the previous 500 years, says Lord David Willetts, the former Minister for Universities and Science. Jim Pendrill reports. Delivering the keynote address at the start of Policy Week on how emerging technology will impact education, Willetts began by questioning whether the […]