Science Policy: Improving the Uptake of Research into UK Policy - NEW

Science and research is a cornerstone of the economy and a strategic government priority. Academics are often interested in seeing the results of their research being used to influence and change policy. However, many researchers have little experience in engaging with policy makers and the relationship between the civil service, government and parliament, and their respective functions, can seem complex and opaque to them. Policy makers can struggle to engage with research, where the policy implications and/or recommendations are buried in technical journal articles or grant reports.

This new course will bring policy makers and academic researchers together to help break down these barriers, encourage mutual
understanding, and ultimately enable improved evidence-based policy making. It will provide early career researchers (PhD students,
post-doctoral fellows and early career faculty) with an introduction to UK policymaking, show them how to engage with policy makers, either through their research or by moving into a career in science policy. The ultimate aim of this course is to build a community of policy-engaged researchers and research-engaged policy makers.

Learning outcomes
After attending this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe and contrast the basic structure of Parliament and Government
• Follow the legislative process and identify the key moments for influence
• Identify and use the different channels through which evidence can inform policy
• Describe how learned societies and Academies can channel the voice of researchers
• Tailor evidence to suit the needs of different types of policy makers
• Adapt your own research plans to maximise the impact on policy
• Connect with policy-makers and researchers who are seeking to influence policy

The course will start at approximately 09.00 on Monday 20 August and finish at approximately 16.00 on Tuesday 21 August 2018.

Topics will include:

This is a residential course. All students are requested to stay onsite for the full duration to benefit fully from discussions and interactions with the faculty and other students.

View the draft programme.

Programme committee

Ben Bleasdale – Wellcome, UK
Peter Border – Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, UK
Sarion Bowers – Wellcome Sanger Institute, UK

Confirmed speakers and contributors

Heidi Allen MP – House of Commons, UK
Nicola Blackwood – former MP
Cat Ball – Association of Medical Research Charities, UK
Vicky Ford MP – House of Commons, UK
Becky Purvis – Royal Society, UK
Paul Richards – Microbiology Society, UK
Ed Whiting – Wellcome, UK

Event organiser

Jemma Beard – Wellcome Genome Campus, UK

Fees

The fees include accommodation, meals and lectures for the duration of the course. The fee will be requested once acceptance is confirmed.

Accommodation
This is a residential course. All participants will stay at The Wellcome Genome Campus Conference Centre, Hinxton, Cambridge, on the 20 August 2018. For twin accommodation, roommates will be allocated on a gender basis.

If you wish to book onsite accommodation either side of the summer school/course dates, please contact the Conference Centre directly.

Applications
Application deadline: 3 July 2018

The selection process will take place in July 2018.

Travel visas
Please contact the event organiser if you require a letter to support a travel visa application. Note that letters will be provided to confirmed attendees.

Non-European Economic Area or Swiss nationals may be required to have a visa to enter the UK.
Early application is strongly advised, as this process can take 6-8 weeks or longer.

Please visit the following websites for further information:
UK Border Agency website: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/
Information for general visitors and business visitors: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/visiting/business/business-activities/

A limited number of registration bursaries are available to attend this course (up to 50% of the fee) from funds provided by Advanced Courses and Scientific conferences.

The following documents will need to be provided:

• CV
• A justification letter from applicant
• A supporting letter from supervisor stating financial need

To apply, please contact the event organiser.

Bursary deadline: 3 July 2018

Microbiology Society Early Career Microbiologists’ Forum Grants

The Microbiology Society is pleased to be able to sponsor up to four members of its ECM Forum members accepted onto this course with a grant covering 100% of the registration fee.

Members should apply for registration through the Wellcome Genome Campus event page and then download a grant form from Society’s website. The deadline from grant applications is 3 July 2018. Inquiries relating to these grants should be sent to policy@microbiologysociety.org.

Additional funding opportunities
Visit our Funding webpage for additional funding opportunities currently available.