Source · Select Committees · Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Not Addressed
We applaud the dedication with which the scientific community within the UK and globally have...
Recommendation
We applaud the dedication with which the scientific community within the UK and globally have directly engaged with the public, in addition to their intensive studies of the coronavirus itself. We are also grateful to those within universities and research institutes for their efforts in supporting the clear and direct communication of the science of covid-19. These efforts have helped ensure that the trust of the British public in the strength of independent science advice has remained high during the pandemic, and we hope that these efforts are supported so that they may continue. We note, however, that a balance needs to be achieved so that Government decisions are not seen to be entirely science-led. The Government Office for Science should work with Government departments and public bodies, such as UK Research and Innovation, to identify the lessons to be learned from the Government’s communication of science—drawing also upon the experiences of researchers and their respective institutions. These lessons should be reflected within updated SAGE guidance, including a consideration of the support that SAGE participants may require for effective public communication and engagement during emergencies. (Paragraph 90) Nature of the scientific advice to Government
Government response summary AI-generated
The government's response focused on improvements in data access, sharing, and integration across government and devolved administrations, including the role of the JBC. This response did not address the recommendation to identify lessons learned from the communication of science or to update SAGE guidance regarding support for SAGE participants in public communication.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government · verbatim extract
Not Addressed
GO-Science and the GCSA are committed to ensuring science advice provided to Ministers and officials is relevant and fit-for-purpose. The nature and demands of the pandemic, including the spotlight on SAGE, has required action to be undertaken to refine and improve the way the science advice is communicated. During the Covid-19 pandemic GO-Science has, with the support of SAGE participants: • Worked with the Science Media Centre to host on-the-record briefings on key topics for science and health correspondents, to explain current scientific evidence on Covid-19. • Facilitated regular background briefings on a weekly or fortnightly basis for science journalists to explain data and the technical content of SAGE papers, and to inform reporting on other key areas of evidence and long-term thinking relating to Covid-19. • Facilitated work with the learned society to deliver ‘ask the expert’ sessions on Covid-19 science topics to Parliament and the Devolved Administrations. • Arranged teach-ins to ensure government officials remain fully briefed on the current science surrounding Covid-19. Additionally, the GCSA has authored op-eds in the mainstream press to inform the public on the science behind issues such as vaccines development, and he has also responded directly to questions on Covid-19 from viewers during ITV and Sky News appearances. GO-Science will work with the Civil Contingencies Secretariat (CCS) and Cabinet Office on the evolution of SAGE guidance and government communications more generally to build on the lessons learned from the pandemic to further develop their approach to science communications.
Read the full response on Parliament ↗