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. Those events focus in particular on areas where there are policy decisions needed, which in turn need to be informed by this wide range of inputs and viewpoints. Summary reports are prepared for all events, and these - along with presentation slides, videos of speakers and audio files - are available online after events.
Net Zero - UK and global progress
- 2023
- Online or in person at the Royal Society
At the end of November 2023, the world will come together for the latest climate conference, COP28. The latest IPPC report notes that the planet has already warmed to 1.1 degrees above preindustrial levels, and it is likely warming will exceed 1.5 degrees this century, with current national plans not enough to meet climate goals. Meanwhile in the UK, the Climate Change Committee’s report of June 2023 suggests that the rate of emissions reduction in the UK is too slow, making hitting our own emissions targets very difficult. In this meeting we will discuss the latest position in global and UK climate action, and assess what more we need to do both in emissions reduction, and in adaptation to the changes that are already coming.
Read MoreTransforming Scottish Healthcare – The Role of Data and Technology
- 2023
- Royal Society of Edinburgh, 22-26 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2PQ
The healthcare system in Scotland is facing major challenges, including waiting lists for operations, an ageing population, and shortages of staff. Part of the solution is the greater use of data and technology. What are these new technologies? How can they be deployed, both in medical care itself and in improving the operational efficiency of the health system? Are there specific benefits to more remote rural and island communities of greater use of technologies? What are the ethical, regulatory and practical issues involved in deploying this in the NHS? And what opportunities are there for Scottish universities and industry in developing these technologies.
Read MoreThe emerging shape of REF 2028
- 2023
- University College London and online
The UK’s Higher Education Funding Bodies made some initial decisions about REF 2028, following the work of the Future of Research Assessment Programme (FRAP). These were announced on 15 June 2023. This event, which was arranged jointly between the Foundation for Science and Technology, University College London, and the Research on Research Institute, in association with Research England, provided an early opportunity to digest and debate the outcomes of the announcements. The event was held in person at UCL and also online.
Read MoreEquity, Diversity and Inclusion in STEM
- 2023
- Royal Society of Chemistry, Burlington House, London W1J 0BA
In March 2023, the House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee, launched its report on Diversity and Inclusion in STEM, which highlighted the important role government can play in promoting and supporting EDI. This report comes two years after the UK government published the Research and Development People and Culture strategy, and in the last two years a number of science and technology organisations and funders have reviewed Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) within their own organisations and across UK science and technology. This event will consider the current state of EDI in UK STEM and what more the Government can do in tackling the challenges. Hosted in collaboration between the British Science Association, the Foundation for Science and Technology and the Science Council, a panel of voices from across the sector will seek to provide some insights into what works and where the Government could usefully help the STEM community. Following the panel will be an opportunity for networking with policymakers, sector leaders and other key stakeholders.
Read MoreThe use of AI in the early detection of disease
- 2023
- Online or in person at the Royal Society
Recent developments have shown the potential for the use of AI in the early detection of diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's and retinal diseases. What is the current state of this technology? What will this mean for clinicians and patients? What are the ethical implications? How do we regulate this rapidly evolving technology? These are just some of the questions that we hope to explore at this discussion event.
Read MoreThe UK Semiconductor Strategy
- 2023
- Online or in person at the Royal Society
The Government published its long-awaited national semiconductor strategy on 19 May 2023. This event explored the strategy and what it means for UK industry, both for silicon and compound semiconductors. Questions considered included: How do we ensure that the UK has a secure supply of the semiconductors it needs now and in the future? What does the UK semiconductor industry need to thrive? How do we maximise opportunities for next generation semiconductors? And how does all this sit within the Government's new Science and Technology Framework?
Read MoreThe Nurse Review of the Research, Development & Innovation Landscape
- 2023
- Central Hall Westminster or Online
The Independent Review of the UK’s Research, Development and Innovation Organisational Landscape, chaired by Sir Paul Nurse, was published in March 2023. This major review has a number of key conclusions and recommendations, which were discussed at this event. The Foundation's meeting on the issue was timed to feed into the Government response on the review, which is scheduled for later in 2023.
Read MoreIn conversation with Sir Patrick Vallance
- 2023
- Online or in person at the Royal Society
In this event, Sir Patrick Vallance, the outgoing Government Chief Scientific Adviser, will be in conversation with Rt Hon Lord (David) Willetts. Chairman of the Foundation for Science and Technology, discussing his experiences as GCSA and hopes for the future.
Read MoreMission Zero - Getting to Net Zero emissions by 2050
- 2023
- Online
In January 2023, the Government published Mission Zero, the report of the Independent Review of Net Zero, chaired by Rt Hon Chris Skidmore MP. The Review concluded that Net Zero was a massive opportunity for economic growth and the UK is well placed to realise that opportunity, but swift action is needed. In this webinar the panel discussed the recommendations of the review, along with the latest report by the IPCC, and the actions needed to get to Net Zero in the UK by 2050.
Read MoreHow can schools and colleges prepare young people for a technological life and help tackle the technical skills gap?
- 2023
- Online or in person at the Royal Society
How do we prepare the next generation for a technological life – and at the same time help to tackle the technical skills gap? What should schools and FE colleges be contributing to post-16 technical education, and how can we ensure that the right skills are taught at schools pre-16 to enable that post-16 technical education to be a success? Is the role of Further Education fully understood in discussions about post-16 and post-18 technical education? These were some of the questions that were discussed during this event.
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