Latest episodes
Should Chad Fund space science? (mp3)
At this PolicyLab, Professor Martyn Poliakoff FRS chairs a discussion on the efficacy of funding scientific research for development, and the role that African academies can play within their national science and innovation systems. Martyn is joined by a Panel comprising Michael Anderson, Director General for Policy and Global Issues, Department for International Development, Professor Shibru Tedla, Vice President of the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences and Andrew Scott, Policy and Programmes Director at Practical Action.
The importance of Marine Reserves and Marine Protected Areas – the New Zealand experience (mp3)
Professor Jonathan Gardner is a world-leading expert on marine protection strategies and the current recipient of the UK-NZ Link Foundation visiting Professorship. At this PolicyLab, Jonathan gives his perspective on the role that marine protected areas play in marine conservation and the potential contribution they can make to sustainable fisheries management based on the New Zealand experience. Professor Bob Watson FRS, DEFRA Chief Science Advisor, then speaks about the scientific rationale under-pinning promotion of marine conservation zones and the underlying criteria for selection.
An open and shut case? Debating the purposes of open science (mp3)
Michael Nielsen was an internationally known scientist who helped pioneer the field of quantum computation, whose forthcoming book 'Reinventing Discovery' argues that the information revolution is part of a major shift in how scientific discoveries are made. At this PolicyLab, Michael sets out what he means by open science and why it will be worth a step-change in scientific practice to get there. Geoffrey Boulton FRS will then offer his perspective on the purposes of opening up science, linked to the Royal Society's study of 'Science as a Public Enterprise'.
Restoring Science to its Rightful Place (video)
PolicyLab event by Professor Harold Varmus ForMemRS in March 2009.
Nanoscience or nanotechnology: what is likely in the next 5 years? (video)
PolicyLab event by Professor Peter Donson in September 2009.