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May saw the launch, in pilot form, of our Policy Fellowship Programme. Cambridge researchers welcomed the opportunity to meet the policy makers, noting the value that they had gained by "getting a window into the policy environment".
May saw the launch in pilot form of our Policy Fellowship Programme with week-long visits to Cambridge by Lucia Costanzo (Head of EU Research Policy in the International Science and Innovation Unit of BIS) and Michael Eaton (Director of the Public Sector Broadband Aggregation Network for the Welsh Assembly Government). As well as taking part in our scheduled events in the week of their visits Lucia and Michael had a packed programme of one-on-one meetings with senior academics relevant to their policy responsibilities. Both Lucia and Michael will return to Cambridge over the next two years for further discussions and to bring their expertise and insights to the Centre's seminar series and relevant courses in the University.
The feedback received from this pilot phase of the programme was very promising. Michael commented: "I found the planned week to be very useful timely enjoyable and informative enabling me to firmly engage on the policy and delivery topics that are most pressing in my area. Gaining an understanding of areas of scientific technological and organisational behaviour work taking place across the University - and the individuals involved - will have a real bearing on my next steps over the coming year." Lucia added: "I found the time I spent with CSaP immensely valuable. It gave me the opportunity to gain in-depth exposure to the University and its engagement with the wider science community. It also allowed me to gain a clearer picture of how the EU research agenda impacts on researchers at Cambridge - providing real insights that will inform my ongoing policy work." The Fellows also commented on the value of an intense (if brief) immersion in the University not only because it made efficient use of time away from the office but also because of the chance to gain insight into "what makes academics in research tick" and to consider policy and research from a fresh perspective.
We were also pleased that Cambridge researchers welcomed the opportunity to meet the policy makers noting the value that they had gained by "getting a window into the policy environment". There is evidence here of positive engagement that has deepened the understanding between the researchers and policy makers involved. We will continue to work with these individuals to maintain the connections and grow the network of engagement further; we will also explore the opportunities for seconding scientists into Whitehall as suggested by a number of the participants in the current pilot.
In June we welcome two more Policy Fellows: Alice Raine (Assistant Chief Scientific Adviser BIS) and Joanna Dally (Head of Briefings Guidance and Secretariat Government Office for Science). We welcome applications from future Policy Fellows.
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