Researchers shaping policy
Our researchers consider the policy implications of their individual research and look at ways in which their research outcomes can feed into policy development. There are a number of ways in which our researchers get involved:
- Attending relevant policy conferences and public policy fora
- Membership of relevant policy boards, panels, committees and working groups
- Three Institute Group Leaders are Fellows of the Royal Society
- Participation in Royal Society Policy discussions and workshops
- Contribution to policy reports and POSTnotes from the Parliamentary Office of Science & Technology
- Networking with policy makers at events and meeting with policy visitors
- Providing evidence and opinion pieces to policy organisations
- Participation in surveys to understand how researchers engage with the policy process
Political contributions from the Institute
The Babraham Institute provides comment and evidence through formal and direct routes to Government by responding to inquiries, surveys and specific calls for evidence. We use our position as a publically-funded research institute with an international community of scientists, positioned at the heart of the Babraham Research Campus to provide government with context in many areas. We have also hosted visits from government officials.
Recent activities include:
- We respond to calls for evidence and independent Science & Technology Committee inquiries when appropriate or when requested to do so.
- Myscience enquiry suggestions
- The Institute hosts regular visits from policymakers. Visits often include a tour of the site, laboratories and facilities. Offering the chance to meet scientists and join round table discussions as required. Examples of previous visitors include:
- We have also aided the co-ordination of policy workshops on relevant topics with involvement of the Centre for Science & Policy and and Campaign for Science and Engineering.