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The Imperial Policy Forum is the first in a new series of events with government Chief Scientific Advisers (CSAs) at Imperial to host Dr. Welcoming Mike Short CBE.
Speaking in front of staff and students, Dr. Short discussed with Professor Mary Ryan CBE, Vice Provost, Research and Enterprise, the benefits of scientific and industry experience in policy making and how CSA’s role in providing impartial advice to government is vital.
Chief Scientific Advisers to Govt
Dr. Short described how his career in the telecommunications industry gave him a valuable perspective advising DIT. The department’s remit is set out in its “Outcome Delivery Plan”, which includes export support, attracting investment and negotiating free trade deals. A cross-government network of CSAs, and the Government Office for Science provides support across government departments and provides a pathway for policy and decision makers to draw on expert evidence and advice.
He said Imperial College is in a strong position to lead in this area, saying: “The good thing about Imperial is the great mix of science, engineering and international talent” and referred to how networks and contacts have developed through his career. Tackling important issues throughout his career.
The role of disruptive technologies
Dr. Short said the lesson he took from working in the industry during the mass takeoff of mobile phones in the 1990s was that you need to move quickly to understand and adopt new technology or risk being left behind. In response to a question from the audience, he highlighted the benefits that AI, quantum and digital solutions can bring to the UK and globally. The next generation will learn, access healthcare, work and shop online and there are huge opportunities for UK businesses to lead in these areas.
The role of regulation will also be crucial in the pull-through and adoption of future technologies. Dr. Short USA and illustrated how different approaches to telecoms regulation in Europe have affected consumer choice and the level of investment and innovation in the market. This tension between regulation for consumer choice and regulation to encourage investment will inevitably be felt as new markets mature.
The science of decision making
Professor Ryan asked about the role of evidence in decision-making within government and how researchers can contribute to it. For researchers Dr. Short’s advice was to identify departments and policy areas in which academics could contribute and engage through CSA’s office or policy officers. It was important to get the right evidence in front of decision makers at the right time, so establishing good relationships and a reputation for expertise in a particular area was essential.
The next event in the series organized by the Imperial Policy Forum welcomes Dame Angela McLean, CSA, Professor of the Ministry of Defense to Imperial College on 31 January 2023. You can sign up for the event here.
Article text (excluding photos or graphics) © Imperial College London.
Photos and graphics used with permission subject to third party copyright or © Imperial College London.
Pete Ford
College Headquarters
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