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

Welcome

To The Foundation for Science and Technology website

The Foundation for Science and Technology is a UK charity, providing an impartial platform for debate of policy issues that have a science, research, technology or innovation element. Established in 1977, the Foundation brings together Parliamentarians, civil servants, industrialists, researchers, learned societies, charities and others. It convenes discussion events and round tables, publishes a journal three times per year and regular blogs, and hosts a weekly podcast. It also organises the Foundation Future Leaders Programme, supporting the next generation of professionals from universities, industry and the civil service. In addition, the Foundation provides guidance on governance issues to Professional and Learned Societies.

Future Leaders

The Foundation Future Leaders Programme brings together a cohort of mid-career professionals drawn from universities, industry and the civil service to develop links and further their understanding of how science and research are conducted, and how they feed into the policy process.

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Events

The Foundation organises events on key topics in science, research, technology or innovation, bringing together Parliamentarians, civil servants, industrialists, researchers, learned societies, charities and others.

Events List

FST Journal

The FST Journal is published three times per year, with articles based on the main evening events held by the Foundation. The Journal is distributed to over 1500 senior influencers in Government, Parliament, industry and the research community, as well as being published online.

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Learned & Professional Societies

The Foundation for Science and Technology provides guidance to Learned and Professional Societies in the area of administration and governance, with technical guidance notes and a regular newsletter.

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Latest Events

Should R&D policies and budgets be devolved to English Regions?
Should R&D policies and budgets be devolved to English Regions?
October 23, 2024

There is clear evidence of a link between R&D and economic output in different geographical areas, and increasingly, English regions are developing plans for economic development based on their own circumstances and the industries and skills in their regions. At this meeting, we will explore these issues and the advantages and disadvantages of potential further devolution.

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Building Careers and Skills in Science and Technology for National and Global Challenges
Building Careers and Skills in Science and Technology for National and Global Challenges
November 8, 2024

This is the annual conference organised by the Foundation targeted at early- to mid-career professionals, drawn from the civil and public sectors, from industry and from the research community. In this event, we will discuss careers in S&T, international collaboration in science, and how S&T can feed into the new Labour government's 5 missions.

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In Conversation with Professor Dame Angela McLean
In Conversation with Professor Dame Angela McLean
October 9, 2024

In this event, Professor Dame Angela McLean DBE FRS will be in conversation with Rt Hon Lord (David) Willetts, Chair of the Foundation for Science and Technology. Professor McLean is the Government Chief Scientific Adviser, a role that she has held since April 2023. She is also Head of the Government Science and Engineering Profession. Professor McLean and Lord Willetts will discuss a range of topics from the challenges of providing science advice, the role of the science and engineering in the civil service, working with ministers and civil servants and more. There will also be an extended period of questions from the floor.

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More about our events

You can view a full listing of our events and search the archive on our events page.