Developing the next generation of scientific leaders

Professional development for Churchill Scholars

27 February 2017 - Churchill College, Cambridge

22 March 2017 - Government Office for Science

The purpose of these events is to provide early-career STEM researchers from the US with an insight into how policy professionals and scientific experts work together to inform policy decisions. Invited speakers from a range of academic and policy backgrounds will offer insights into the role science, technology and data analytics play in decisions taken by policy makers.

Both events will be chaired by Dr Rob Doubleday, Executive Director, Centre for Science and Policy.

The first workshop will be held in Cambridge on 27 February where academics from Cambridge and the US will discuss their experience of communicating research findings to non-expert audiences.

Panellists include:

• Dame Athene Donald, Professor of Experimental Physics, and Master of Churchill College
• Dr Kai Ruggeri, Senior Researcher, Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge
• Professor Charlie Kennel, Director Emeritus, Vice-Chancellor, and Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego

The second event will be hosted by Dr Alex Churchill, Team Leader Science Capability, Government Office for Science, and will be followed by a visit to the Palace of Westminster, hosted by the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology. Finally, participants will convene at the Royal Academy of Engineering for a roundtable discussion.

Confirmed speakers:

• Stephen Aldridge (Director for Analysis and Data, Department for Communities and Local Government)
• Alan Pratt (Director, Science, Engineering and Technology, Home Office)
• Dr Colin Wilson (Head of Strategic Planning, HM Passport Office)
• Professor Neil Lindsey (Senior Advisor to the Counter-Terrorism Science and Technology Centre, DSTL)
• Dr Alice Bunn (Director of Policy, UK Space Agency)
• Laura Hussy (Home Office Science) – Forensic early warning system and fingerprints
• Elena Ollett (Home Office Science) – Contraband detection and body armour
• Dr Helen Ewles (Research Policy Advisor, Royal Academy of Engineering)

About the Churchill Scholarship

The Churchill Scholarship provides funding to American students for a year of Master’s study in science, mathematics, and engineering at the University of Cambridge, based at Churchill College. The Scholarship was set up at the request of Sir Winston Churchill in order to fulfil his vision of US-UK scientific exchange with the goal of advancing science and technology on both sides of the Atlantic, helping to ensure our future prosperity and security.

Website: http://www.winstonchurchillfoundation.org/