The Royal Society’s science policy work is based on the recognition that:
The Policy Centre's advisory group is chaired by Lord Krebs FRS, Master of Jesus College, Oxford. Its other members are:
Professor Sir Roy Anderson FRS, Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College
Professor Richard Catlow FRS, Dean of Mathematical and Physical Sciences Faculty, University College London;
Clive Cookson, Science Editor, Financial Times
Dame Ann Dowling FRS FREng, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cambridge
Dr Matthew Freeman FRS, Head of Division of Cell Biology, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge
Professor Julia Goodfellow, Vice-Chancellor, University of Kent
Professor Calestous Juma FRS, Professor of the Practice of International Development, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University
Dr Raghunath Mashelkar FRS, CSIR Bhatnagar Fellow, India and President of Global Research Alliance
Dr Julie Maxton, Executive Director, The Royal Society
Professor Susan Owens OBE AcSS, Professor of Environment and Policy, University of Cambridge
Professor John Pethica FRS, Physical Secretary and Vice-President, Royal Society (ex officio)
Dr David Roblin, formerly Head of Research and Site Director, Pfizer Europe
Professor Geoffrey Smith FRS, Head of the Department of Virology, Imperial College
Sir Martin Sweeting FRS, Director, Surrey Space Centre
Dame Jean Thomas DBE FRS, Biological Secretary and Vice-President, Royal Society (ex officio)
- An expanding range of critical areas of public policy have scientific aspects;
- Sound policies are more likely if decision makers have access to expert, independent scientific advice;
- A modern national academy should play a prominent role in monitoring the health of the UK and international science base, and assembling evidence to support investment.
Each year, we publish several in-depth reports, produced by working groups of Royal Society Fellows and other experts, who analyse the scientific evidence related to a topical issue. But we undertake many other types of activity, including conferences and seminars, short statements, media work, consultation responses and briefings for policymakers. We organise regular PolicyLab meetings, which bring together scientists, policymakers and other thinkers to debate emerging issues in science policy. And we represent the UK in international networks such as the InterAcademy Panel and the International Council for Science.
Who we work with:
- Our 1,400 Fellows and 300 University Research Fellows provide a unique source of scientific expertise, which informs all of our policy activities. Fellows and other experts, including economists and social scientists, participate in working groups, and the Council of the Royal Society reviews our major reports.
- Our Science Policy Advisory Group, chaired by Lord Krebs, is responsible for the overall direction of our policy work, and contributes to horizon scanning, scoping new projects, and maximising our impact.
- Our partners include science academies across Europe, the US, China, India and beyond; government departments; research and policy organisations; and charitable foundations.
- Our networks of engagement and influence include decision makers in Westminster and Whitehall, and international bodies such as the European Commission, OECD, World Bank and UN agencies.
- Our recently-established Corporate Network brings together business and academic leaders in an independent and influential forum.