Event

The GCSA at 50: reflections on the past, present and future of scientific advice

11 November 2014, 3pm

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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
  • 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)

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)

  • 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.