Neutral platform for debate of policy issues, Discussions and workshops on relevant issues, Support service to Learned and Professional Societies, Foundation Future Leaders Programme for mid-career professionals, Podcast exploring links between science & technology and policy

Enhancing the UK’s preparedness and resilience to climate change
February 25, 2026

The impacts of climate change are already being felt in the UK, and we can see the costs of inaction on growth, security, and health. Coordinated climate adaptation action is needed now to ensure the resilience of the UK to increasing climate-related shocks.   The Council for Science and Technology (CST), the government’s top-level advisory body on science and technology issues, wrote to the Prime Minister on 28th October 2025, providing advice on climate adaptation and resilience for the UK.   In this event we will discuss priorities for climate adaptation action in the UK, the development of climate adaptation targets and will be an opportunity to dive deeper into CST’s four recommendations.  

View Details

From publication to public action: the case for responsible science activism
March 18, 2026

The scientific evidence for climate change, the harm it is currently causing and will cause in the near future, and the actions needed globally to avoid catastrophic levels of warming, are firmly established and globally accepted by the scientific community – and have been for more than two decades. Yet governments around the world are reducing net zero ambitions and reneging on longstanding international commitments. In this event, we want to explore whether there is a case for responsible science activism, where scientists speak out, to affirm the reality, gravity and urgency of the multiple challenges we face. And if there is a case for science activism, how should the science community, universities and other employers, and the science structures within government, respond.

View Details

Resilience of UK National Infrastructure
January 28, 2026

Recent events have shown the damage that can be done when there is a lack of resilience in national infrastructure. From a fire at a substation closing Heathrow, to flooding affecting the electricity grid and IT and telecoms issues (accidental or cybercrime) leading to shutdowns. This is not just a UK problem, as we saw when much of Spain and Portugal lost power for a short period in 2025. What are the key threats to our national infrastructure? And how can technology help us understand those threats better, and protect us against them?

View Details