Public Debate
"Who decides the future: science, politics or the people?"
23 June 2015, 18:00 - 19:30
Council House, Nottingham
Who has the power to decide where our societies are heading, and what is the right balance between scientific progress, democratic oversight and political leadership?
In our interconnected and technologically advanced world, science is seen as vital to securing our future wellbeing: identifying threats and producing innovative solutions. Politicians look to science as a guide to the future direction of society. Yet, the relationship of science and politics with the public is often uneasy. Some new scientific frontiers, such as genetically modified crops and stem cell research, sit uneasily with many in society. Equally, the objectivity from which science draws its power may become threatened by too close a relationship with government.
Debate Chair
Maria Nedeva
Professor of Science and Innovation Dynamics and Policy at the Manchester Institute of Innovation Research
Mike Bonsall
Professor of Mathematical Biology at the University of Oxford, and member of DEFRA Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment
Mike is also involved in science policy work with the European Food Safety Authority.
Clare Burrage
Royal Society University Research Fellow in the Particle Theory group at the University of Nottingham
Clare participated in the Royal Society MP-Scientist pairing scheme and the Houses of Parliament SET for Britain event.
Duncan Davis
Young Greens Officer Nottingham, Physics student and President of the Young Greens society at the Students' Union, University of Nottingham
Duncan speaks here in a personal capacity
Roland Jackson
Executive Chair of Sciencewise,
member of the Industrial Biotechnology Catalyst Management Board, and member of the Nuffield Council on Bioethics
Roland speaks here in a personal capacity.
This event is free of charge, please sign up to register
Venue: Nottingham Coucil House (Ballroom), Smithy Row, City Centre, NG1 2DT
Open session of the conference "Circling the Square 2"
Organised by the Science, Technology and Society Priority Group at the University of Nottingham
With support from Nottingham Catalyst