Abstract

The research community is making increasing efforts to maximise the impact of its expertise in public policy. All the global and national challenges we face rely – and arguably should rely more – on advice from experts in the sciences, social sciences and engineering. It is now widely acknowledged that policy makers should be open to advice from researchers, and researchers should be well equipped to deliver that advice.

The Centre for Science and Policy is partnering with the Cambridge Centre for Climate Change Mitigation Research (4CMR) to run a Professional Development Policy Seminar to provide an introduction for early career researchers on how public policy is made and the role that research plays

The seminar will give participants the opportunity to learn from, and quiz, civil servants and academics who have been involved in public policy. They will discuss how policy is made, the strengths and weaknesses of the process, and the constraints under which policy makers operate. The goal is to help researchers understand how they can engage most effectively with the policy world, and to prepare them for careers that might involve significant roles as policy advisors.

The seminar, which is free to attend, will take place on 15 November at the Pitt Building in Cambridge (10:30-16:30) and will provide lunch and refreshments.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Professor David MacKay, Chief Scientific Adviser, Department of Energy and Climate Change
• Dr Miles Parker, Deputy Chief Scientific Adviser, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
• Dr Jo Dally, Head of Briefings, Government Office for Science
• Dr Tim Chatterton, ESRC secondee to the Department of Energy and Climate Change

Agenda

• 10:30 Arrival and Coffee
• 11:00 Presentations from academics who have been involved in the policy process
• 12:30 Group session to consider how the policy process could be improved
• 13:00 Lunch
• 13:45 Feedback to panel of policy makers
• 14:00 Response from policy makers followed by discussion
• 15:30 Group work and discussion
• 16:30 Wrap up

Who should apply

This seminar is for early career researchers in the field of climate change, energy, farming, and the environment, who would like to learn more about the policy making process.

How to apply

If you would like to take part, please send an email to jackie.ouchikh@csap.cam.ac.uk. Please note that places are limited, so an early response is advised.

Closing date for applications: Friday 15 October 2010