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CaSE Annual Lecture and AGM - 10th December
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The 2009 CaSE Annual Distinguished Lecture will be given by the Government's Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor John Beddington. Professor Beddington will speak about science and engineering in government. It is necessary to register to attend the lecture.
Thursday, 10th December 2009
5:00 CaSE Annual General Meeting 6:00 Coffee
6:30 Lecture by Professor Beddington
Wellcome Trust, Gibbs Building, 215 Euston Road, London NW1 2BE. |
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Science and Engineering Policy Debate |
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CaSE has organised a political debate between the science policy spokespeople from the three main political parties:
- Lord Drayson (Labour), Minister for Science & Innovation
- Adam Afriyie MP (Conservative), Shadow Minister for Science & Innovation
- Dr Evan Harris MP (Liberal Democrat), Science Spokesman
The Institution of Engineering and Technology is kindly hosting the event at Savoy Place, London, in the evening of Wednesday 13th January 2010. Please register. |
Professor Nutt and Scientific Advice in Policymaking
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The sacking of Professor Nutt from his position as Chair of the Advisory Council on Misuse of Drugs has raised serious questions about the scientific advisory system. CaSE has produced a briefing on strengthening guidelines on scientific advice following this affair covering the following issues: Communications: Advisers should not be curtailed from communicating to their peers, the media or the public about their areas of expertise.
Removal of scientific advisers: The Code for Scientific Advisory Committees should be updated to provide procedures for why and how an adviser should be removed from their position.
Rejection of scientific advice: Ministers can of course reject the advice they receive, but they should explain their decisions. Scientific advisers should not be curtailed from repeating their advice. |
| Higher Education Framework |
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The Government has launched its higher education framework - Higher Ambitions. Key issues related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics, include:
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Plan to support high achieving students from disadvantaged schools to be published in early 2010
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Higher Education Funding Council for England
(HEFCE) to devise new programmes that deliver the higher-level skills, focus on STEM
- Strategic intervention by HEFCE and
research councils to encourage and sustain long-term capacity and relationships between universities and industry
- Greater focus on world-class research and
greater recognition of the potential benefits of research concentration in key areas
- Continued role for RDAs to work with universities on local economic development
- BIS will work with the UK Border Agency to ensure that the immigration system facilitates the entry of genuine students, staff, and researchers
- New International Education and Research Advisory
Forum
The Framework also highlighted the following ongoing consultations, which CaSE will be responding to:
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