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.
DiscoverEvents
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 ListFST 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.
View FST JournalLearned & 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.
Read MoreLatest Events
April 29, 2026
The UK Space Agency (UKSA) was established on 1 April 2010 as an Executive Agency of Government. On 31 March 2026, UKSA ceases to be an Executive Agency and its functions are being absorbed into the Department for Science. Innovation and Technology, though it will retain its name. Meanwhile in November 2025, the House of Lords UK Engagement with Space Committee published its report The UK Space Economy: Act Now or Lose Out, with recommendations on the UK's strategy for space and growing the space economy. In this event we will both look back at the work of the UK Space Agency over the last 16 years, and look forward to what is needed now to support the UK space economy in 2026 and beyond.
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July 7, 2026
Science diplomacy can be a tool and practice that strengthens relations between nations. In a fast-changing and often volatile world, how can scientific research and international relations align to promote national interests and international alliances?
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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.
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You can view a full listing of our events and search the archive on our events page.