Foundation for Science and Technology

This week, we explore the growing role of Policy Fellowships in connecting research, Government and public policy, increasing the impact of research on public and private sectors, and the evolution and success of UKRI’s policy fellowship programme. We are joined by Public Policy Coordinator. Alice Tofts and Honorary Professor Huw Morris, both from University College London (UCL).

This week, we are exploring biology and policy. What issues are at the forefront of policy discussion in biology? How have these changed over the years, and how does policy work impact our day-to-day life? To discuss this, we have Laura Marshall, Head of Science Policy at the Royal Society of Biology, (RSB) and Sana Zakaria, Director of Emerging Technology and Resilience at RAND Europe, and member of the RSB’s Education and Science Policy Committee.

This week, we are exploring maths in society. What contribution do mathematical jobs make to the economy? How can we support curiosity-driven research? And how can maths be used as a tool for policymakers? To help unpick this is Dr Vinesh Maguire Rajpaul. Based at the University of Cambridge, Vinesh works as Research and Policy Lead for the Academy of Mathematical Sciences.

This week, we are exploring maths in higher education. Maths has long been the most popular subject at A level, but the landscape of maths in higher education is evolving rapidly. How has this affected who chooses to study maths at university, where do maths graduates end up, and what does the future of maths education look like? To discuss this is Professor Catherine Hobbs, Professor of Mathematics and Mathematics Education at the University of Bristol, and Honorary Secretary for Education at the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications.

This week, we are exploring maths in schools. Is the way we teach maths keeping pace with an increasingly data-centred world? Does the current system provide all students with the mathematical skills they will need? And what does the future of maths education look like? Joining us is Professor Jane Clarke, Emeritus Professor of Molecular Biophysics at the University of Cambridge, and Chair of the Royal Society Advisory Committee on Mathematics Education.

This week, we explore equality of opportunity, changing stereotypes around disability, a pioneering staff network, and how institutions can embrace disability for what it can bring to science. We have Research Scientist in Medical MR Imaging Physics at The University of Manchester and Chair of the National Association of Disabled Staff Networks, Dr Hamied Haroon on the podcast to discuss this.

This week we deep dive into a new report published by the RSPB and British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) on the impacts of climate change on UK birds. With recent heatwaves a reminder that our planet is changing, the new report explores how the climate crisis is already impacting UK birds and why restoring nature is key to their future. We are joined by Simone Mordue from the RSPB Conservation Science team and co-author of the report, and Bethany Chamberlain, RSPB Senior Policy Officer.

This week, we dive into public attitudes to science, representation, ethics, and what young people are saying about STEM. To help us to explore all of this, we are joined by the Chief Executive of the British Science Association, Hannah Russell.

We explore evidence with Dr Sam ElBadry, Policy Projects Coordinator at Sense About Science. He talks to us about the importance of strong scientific evidence, the public’s view, and how evidence is used in Parliament and in policy decision-making.

This week we are joined by Saul Klein. With 32 years of experience as a founder, CEO, investor, and policy advisor across the U.K., Europe, Israel, and the US, Saul helps us explore the UK innovation ecosystem, his career and in particular, how he advises the government on supporting companies to scale up. Thank you to FST podcast volunteer and Civil Service Fast Streamer, Geena Goodwin for hosting this episode.