With outstanding
facilities, world-class researchers including two Nobel prize
winners in 2009 and record levels of Government investment, the
UK's science base is the most productive of all G8 countries.
But what about the future? How best can the UK maintain its
status as a leading scientific nation? In what ways is our
research landscape changing, and how will this affect younger scientists?
These are the issues up for discussion at the Wellcome Collection
on Monday 30 November, when the science minister, Lord Drayson,
will share the stage with a group of up-and-coming scientists:
astronomy and science communicator Colin Stuart; physics
postgraduate researcher Suzie Sheehy; astrobiologist and science
writer Dr Lewis Dartnell; and science teacher and film maker Alom
Shaha.
Chairing the event – “Blue skies ahead? The prospects for UK
science” – is Professor Brian Cox, a particle physicist and
science presenter.
This is the second time that Lord Drayson has agreed to a public
discussion about important scientific matters, in response to
invitations posted on the social media website Twitter.
In September, Lord Drayson debated the merits of UK science
journalism with Dr Ben Goldacre at the Royal Institution.
This time, it was Colin Stuart’s exchange of tweets with Lord
Drayson about UK science’s future which evolved into a public
event to discuss how best to recognise and support excellence in
scientific research and its impact on our society, culture and
economy.
Lord Drayson said,
"I believe passionately in UK science. it is one of this
country's great strengths, and it will have a huge impact
in shaping our world.
“I'm keen to discuss that future with the emerging
generation of scientists – not just research, but also its place
in our society."
Colin said,
“Science has never played a bigger role in our society but we
have to be very careful how it is handled in this embryonic
century.
“Putting the views of young science professionals to Lord Drayson
is fundamental at a time when there are big changes to the way UK
science is being run and to the future that we’ll inherit.”
“Blue skies ahead? The prospects for UK science”
has been organised by the Department for Business,
Innovations and Skills – together with Times Higher
Education and the Wellcome Trust.
Prof Cox said,
“Government handling of UK science must be held up to the most
rigorous public scrutiny because it is of overwhelming importance
for the future of our country.
“The science base is strong, but that strength could quickly turn
to weakness if the wrong decisions are made in the current
economic climate. ‘Blue skies ahead’ is a very welcome and timely
addition to the debate on the future of UK science.”
The event will be streamed live at www.timeshighereducation.co.uk
and viewers will be encouraged to participate in the debate via
Twitter (#sciblue).
150 seats are available free of charge on a
first-come, first-serve basis from 12pm today – to book
your seat visit
http://blueskiesahead.eventbrite.com/
Blue skies ahead? The prospects for UK
science
Monday 30 November, 7pm
Wellcome Collection
183 Euston Road
London
NW1 2BE
Notes to Editors
1. For more information and press passes
contact:
Rachel Clarke
BIS press office
18002 020 7215 5945
Rachel.clarke@bis.gsi.gov.uk
2. The panel and chair
Lord Drayson (Twitter @Lorddrayson) –
Minister for Science and Innovation
Colin Stuart (Twitter @skyponderer) – science
communicator.
Colin is a freelance science communicator, writer and
broadcaster. He is also a freelance astronomer working for The
Royal Observatory, Greenwich.
Suzie Sheehy – John Adams Institute for
Accelerator Science
Suzie is on the verge of completing her DPhil at Oxford
University designing a new type of particle accelerator for cancer
treatment using protons and carbon ions.
Dr Lewis Dartnell (Twitter @lewis_dartnell) –
University College, London
Lewis is an astrobiologist working on whether life can survive on
Mars. He is also a prolific freelance science journalist and
author of the popular science book 'Life in the Universe:
A Beginner's Guide'.
Alom Shaha – Science teacher and film-maker
Alom is passionate about science education and has a long history
of stressing the importance of science to our continuing welfare,
culminating in his most recent project, Why Is Science Important?
www.whyscience.co.uk
Professor Brian Cox (Twitter @ProfBrianCox) –
particle physicist and science presenter
Originally a musician with bands Dare and D:Ream, Brian completed
a PhD in High Energy Particle Physics and is now mainly based in
Manchester and at the CERN laboratory in Geneva, Switzerland where
he works on the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). His ability to
present science in an engaging, exciting and interesting way makes
him a popular television presenter and radio broadcaster
3. The debate will be webcast for those who can’t attend at www.timeshighereducation.co.uk
Department for Business, Innovation & Skills
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is
building a dynamic and competitive UK economy by: creating the
conditions for business success; promoting innovation, enterprise
and science; and giving everyone the skills and opportunities to
succeed. To achieve this it will foster world-class universities
and promote an open global economy. BIS - Investing in our future.
Contacts:
BIS Press Office
NDS.BIS@coi.gsi.gov.uk
Rachel Clarke
Phone: 18220 020 7215 5945 - text direct
phone
Mobile: This is a text direct phone- please dial in fill
Rachel.Clarke@bis.gsi.gov.uk