About Nesta

Nesta is a research and innovation foundation. We apply our deep expertise in applied methods to design, test and scale solutions to some of the biggest challenges of our time, working across the innovation lifecycle.

This timely debate tackled one of the most pressing challenges in modern governance: the obesity crisis, and its role as a key driver of many other preventable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Looking at the critical role of evidence, we explored how leaders can champion sound policy and how political courage and a commitment to a long-term vision can be a powerful force for a healthier, more resilient society.

Our panelists delved into the complexities of this issue, from the on-the-ground realities of implementing effective interventions to the political courage needed to champion long-term solutions. We actively challenged the common "nanny state" narrative by framing preventative policy, such as sugar taxes, clear food labeling, and restrictions on advertising, as a critical act of responsible governance and an investment in our collective future.

This wasn't just a discussion about policy; it was a debate about leadership, vision, and the brave decisions required to build a stronger, healthier society for generations to come.

Speakers

Andy Regan_final

Andy Regan

He/Him

Andy leads Nesta’s work in Wales, with a particular focus on influencing devolved policy around our missions, and promoting the use of applied innovation in policy making. He joined Nesta in 2021 as Wales Mission Manager in the Sustainable Future team, leading our partnership project with the Development Bank of Wales, and our work to influence devolved policy on heat. He later became a Senior Mission Manager, leading the mission’s GB-wide work on demand flexibility and Inclusion Andy has a background in energy policy in roles at Ofgem and Citizens Advice - where he co-chaired the Fuel Poverty Coalition Cymru. He joined Nesta from the independent think tank the Institute of Welsh Affairs, where he oversaw their policy and external affairs work.

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Jonathan Bone

He/Him

Jonathan works within Nesta Cymru (Wales), focusing on working across public, private and non-profit sectors to deliver innovative solutions that tackle obesity and loneliness in Wales. Jonathan previously worked in Nesta’s Research and Policy team exploring the role of digital technologies and data in tackling a broad range of societal issues, and how new ventures doing this can be supported to start and scale. Before joining Nesta Jonathan completed a PhD in Behavioral Ecology at University College London, investigating the evolution of cooperation and punishment in humans.

Suzanne

Suzanne Cass

Suzanne has been the CEO of ASH Wales since 2015 and has more than 20 years of experience working within the charitable healthcare sector in Wales. Having spent the early part of her career as a Broadcast Journalist for BBC Wales, she has an in-depth understanding of policy and health within Wales. Suzanne is a passionate advocate of ensuring Third Sector input is acknowledged and considered by key decision makers and championing evidence-based policy actions that address health inequalities. ASH Wales leads on research in Wales on public attitudes towards polices and actions to achieve a smokefree Wales, the illegal tobacco and vape market, and youth vaping in Wales.

Mabon ap Gwynfor ASMS (1)

Mabon ap Gwynfor MS

He/him

Rhodri Mabon ap Gwynfor is a Welsh Plaid Cymru politician who has been Member of the Senedd (MS) for Dwyfor Meirionnydd since 2021. He has served as Plaid Cymru's Health, Social Care and Housing Spokesperson and Chief Whip since June 2023.