A key benefit for members of Government Science & Engineering (GSE) is the series of topical events hosted by the Government Chief Scientific Adviser (GCSA). As well as incorporating useful presentations and workshops aimed specifically to address the barriers the science and engineering community faces, they also provide valuable networking and linkage opportunities to a community which has hitherto not had such a window in which to do so. Three major events were staged in 2009, with more planned for 2010. Reports from the events can be downloaded from Related Documents.
Getting Your Message Across, Bristol, October 2009
In its first venture outside of London, the GSE Seminar on communicating science and engineering was held on 19 October 2009 and attracted over 180 GSE members, with many from the South West. Communicating complex concepts and ideas to civil servants, politicians and the general public is an integral aspect of any government scientist or engineer’s professional career. This seminar comprised presentations from policy experts, including a specific case study of the Severn Tidal Power Project, and advice from expert communications practitioners. A writing guide aimed at scientists and engineers in Government was produced in conjunction with this workshop which can be downloaded from Related Documents.
Planning for Uncertainty, London, July 2009
The seminar held on 14 July 2009 attracted over 150 GSE members and focussed on how Government plans for uncertainty and ways in which this could be improved. The event incorporated a number of workshops focusing on different aspects of uncertainty and risk management, such as communicating risk and uncertainty, ambiguity in policy making and the role of research in reducing uncertainty.
Annual GSE Conference, London, January 2009
The first ever GSE annual conference was held on 20 January 2009 and brought together over 300 scientists and engineers from across Government. Key speakers included the GCSA, Professor Beddington, Cabinet Secretary, Sir Gus O’Donnell, and Minister of State for Science and Innovation, Lord Drayson. This was a hugely successful event, with delegates benefiting from numerous networking opportunities and access to leading figures within Government.
