Expert insight, analysis and comment on key public policy issues
By Laura ffrench-Constant Filed Under: All posts Posted:
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, […]
By Laura ffrench-Constant Filed Under: All posts, Featured, Whitehall Watch Posted:
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 […]
By Samuel Wood Filed Under: All posts Posted:
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 […]
By Laura ffrench-Constant Filed Under: All posts Posted:
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 […]
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 […]
By Jim Pendrill Filed Under: Devo, Featured, Science and Technology Posted:
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 […]
By Jim Pendrill Filed Under: Featured Posted:
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 […]
By Samuel Wood Filed Under: All posts, Science and Technology Posted:
A lively debate on the pros and cons of hydraulic fracturing -fracking- got Policy Week off to a great start. Sam Wood reports on the discussion. Fracking causes a wide range of emotions in people, something that was really brought out at the beginning of the session, when the audience were asked to complete a […]
By Philip Shapira Filed Under: Featured, Science and Technology Posted:
We need to prepare for a world where synthetic biology will reshape our lives, economies and environment. But this rapidly emerging technology needs to be responsibly developed, says Professor Philip Shapira, ahead of an exciting event in Manchester next week. Synthetic biology involves combining scientific and engineering methods to redesign biological components and systems found […]
By Colin Talbot Filed Under: All posts, Westminster Watch, Whitehall Watch Posted:
The Government has only itself to blame for its House of Lords defeat over Tax Credits, which it could easily have avoided says Colin Talbot. Normally, major financial changes introduced in a Budget are put through the normal House of Commons mechanisms for ‘supply’ (spending) and finance (tax). As these measures were about tax (credits) […]