Future directions for scientific advice in Whitehall

Date: 08.01.2013

Location: Nesta, 1 Plough Place, London, EC4A 1DE

Broadening the evidence base - science and social science in social policy.

What distinctive contributions can the natural sciences, engineering and social sciences make to policy in areas such as social care, education, healthcare and crime? How can evidence and expert inputs from a range of disciplines more effectively interact and contribute to better policymaking? This seminar reviewed the contribution of specific tools such as RCTs and systematic reviews, and looked at what science can learn from the social sciences, and vice versa.

This seminar built on the recent series of 'Making Policy Better' seminars, jointly organised by IfG, the Alliance for Useful Evidence and NIESR.

Speakers:

• Chair: Professor Paul Boyle, Chief Executive, ESRC
• Professor Paul Wiles, former Chief Scientific Adviser at the Home Office
• Rebecca Endean, Chief Scientific Adviser, and Director of Analytical Services at the Ministry of Justice
• Geoff Mulgan, Chief Executive, Nesta
• Chris Wormald, Permanent Secretary, Department for Education and Head of Policy Profession

Watch the event video