Scientifically sound: putting policy under the microscope

Science and technology can have a transformative impact on public services. By implementing new tools to identify health problems, tackle persistent criminal offending, or speed the transition to Net Zero, integrating the latest scientific knowledge into policymaking can deliver a much more resilient, efficient and effective State.

Yet politicians and civil servants rarely have scientific backgrounds, meaning this valuable skillset can be missing from decision-making. This makes the role of departmental Chief Scientific Advisers crucial, in providing scientific advice, facilitating the implementation of STEM innovations, and identifying best practice.

Reform was delighted to be joined by Professor Paul Monks, the Chief Scientific Adviser for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, to discuss the role of science in government.