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An afternoon panel discussion reflecting on 50 years of science advice and the role of the Government Chief Scientific Adviser
11 November 2014, 15:30 - 18:30 followed by a drinks reception
The Royal Society, London
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS NOW CLOSED AS WE ARE FULLY SUBSCRIBED.
October 2014 marks fifty years since the zoologist, Solly Zuckerman, was appointed by PM Harold Wilson to be the first cross-government Chief Scientific Adviser. The role of the science adviser predates 1964: Frederick Lindemann and Henry Tizard were prominent advisers to Winston Churchill and the Ministry of Defence during World War II. But the 2014 anniversary provides a timely opportunity to reflect on how scientific advice and the role of the GCSA have developed over the past five decades, and the pressures and opportunities that will shape its future.
To mark the GCSA's 50th birthday, the Royal Society, GO-Science, SPRU, and the Centre for Science and Policy, are working in partnership to host a special event on the past, present and future of scientific advice.
Agenda
- 15:00 Registration opens
- 15:30 Welcome: Sir John Beddington (Government Chief Scientific Adviser, 2008 - 2013)
- 15:35 Panel discussion: CSAs looking back - historical commentary on how the role has changed
- Chair: Frank Kelly (Professor of the Mathematics of Systems, University of Cambridge)
- Lisa Jardine (Professor of Renaissance Studies, UCL)
- Jon Agar (Professor of Science and Technology Studies, UCL)
- Sir Robin Nicholson (Government Chief Scientific Adviser, 1981 - 1986)
- Sir William Stewart (Government Chief Scientific Adviser, 1990 - 1995)
- Lord Wilson (Cabinet Secretary, 1998 - 2002)
- 16:50 Tea
- 17:15 Panel discussion: CSAs looking forward - how the role is changing
- Chair: James Wilsdon (Professor of Science and Democracy, University of Sussex)
- Geoff Mulgan (Chief Executive, Nesta)
- Jill Rutter (Programme Director, Institute for Government)
- Sir Mark Walport (Government Chief Scientific Adviser, 2013 - present)
- Lord May (Government Chief Scientific Adviser, 1995 - 2000)
- 18:30 Drinks reception
- 19:30 Close
Venue
The Royal Society
6 - 9 Carlton House Terrace
London SW1Y 5AG
Registration
Registration has now closed.
Professor Jon Agar
University College London (UCL)
Professor Sir Geoff Mulgan
UCL Public Policy
Sir Robin Nicholson
Government Chief Scientific Adviser, 1983 - 1985
Jill Rutter
UK in a Changing Europe
Sir William Stewart
Government Chief Scientific Advsier, 1990 - 1995
Lord Richard Wilson
Policy Leaders Fellowship
Professor Frank Kelly
Statistical Laboratory, University of Cambridge
Professor James Wilsdon
University College London (UCL), Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy (STEaPP)
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In news articles
The GCSA at 50: reflections on the past, present and future of scientific advice
To mark the fifty year anniversary of Solly Zuckerman’s appointment as the first Government Chief Scientific Adviser, CSaP came together with the Royal Society, GO-Science and SPRU to host an event on the past, present and future of scientific advice.