Neutral platform for debate of policy issues, Discussions and workshops on relevant issues, Support service to Learned and Professional Societies, Foundation Future Leaders Programme for mid-career professionals, Podcast exploring links between science & technology and policy
Welcome
To The Foundation for Science and Technology website
The Foundation for Science and Technology is a UK charity, providing an impartial platform for debate of policy issues that have a science, research, technology or innovation element. Established in 1977, the Foundation brings together Parliamentarians, civil servants, industrialists, researchers, learned societies, charities and others. It convenes discussion events and round tables, publishes a journal three times per year and regular blogs, and hosts a weekly podcast. It also organises the Foundation Future Leaders Programme, supporting the next generation of professionals from universities, industry and the civil service. In addition, the Foundation provides guidance on governance issues to Professional and Learned Societies.
Future Leaders
The Foundation Future Leaders Programme brings together a cohort of mid-career professionals drawn from universities, industry and the civil service to develop links and further their understanding of how science and research are conducted, and how they feed into the policy process.
DiscoverEvents
The Foundation organises events on key topics in science, research, technology or innovation, bringing together Parliamentarians, civil servants, industrialists, researchers, learned societies, charities and others.
Events ListFST Journal
The FST Journal is published three times per year, with articles based on the main evening events held by the Foundation. The Journal is distributed to over 1500 senior influencers in Government, Parliament, industry and the research community, as well as being published online.
View FST JournalLearned & Professional Societies
The Foundation for Science and Technology provides guidance to Learned and Professional Societies in the area of administration and governance, with technical guidance notes and a regular newsletter.
Read MoreLatest Events
September 24, 2024 2:00 PM - 2:00 PM
The UK has huge research strengths in quantum technologies and a burgeoning quantum start-up ecosystem. Whilst some potential uses of quantum technologies are still some way from commercialisation, others are right here. The previous government had quantum technologies on its list of critical technologies for the UK, and has sought to build UK capability. Quantum technologies have a potential role to play in both national security and in civil society, as well as the commercial opportunities. And the Royal Academy of Engineering recently completed a major review of quantum infrastructure needs in the UK. At this meeting, we will explore where the UK currently sits in quantum technology, and what is needed to transition from research into real world applications, both in the public and private sector. What more is needed in terms of policy and funding from the UK government, UKRI and others? And given the strength of quantum technology companies in Scotland, how can the Scottish Government complement any UK activity to support companies and universities in Scotland.
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July 9, 2024 6:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Excellent research is carried out in the UK across higher education, government, private and third sector, national research laboratories. Research integrity underpins trust in the excellence of our national and global science base. Research that has integrity is carried out in a way that is trustworthy, rigorous, ethical and responsible, which includes rigour and openness. Research that is carried out with poor integrity is not high quality and impacts can be harmful rather than beneficial. High-profile challenges in research integrity include intentional misconduct and concern about credibility of scientific publications, including concerns related to new technologies and organised fraudulent practice. But these global debates don’t necessarily reflect the robust health of UK research. What is the situation in UK research? How can the credibility of UK research in all sectors be bolstered? What are the next steps that the research ecosystem needs to take to safeguard trust in its work?
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June 19, 2024 6:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Representatives for the major political parties answered questions about science, technology and innovation. The event was jointly organised by the Campaign for Science and Engineering, the Foundation for Science and Technology and the four National Academies – the Academy for Medical Sciences, the British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Royal Society. The event was streamed live from the Royal Society on Wednesday 19 June from 6.30pm-8pm and was chaired by a leading science journalist. Representatives from the major political parties were invited to outline the policies that their party will be putting forward to support science, innovation and technology at the forthcoming General Election. There was also a Q&A, including questions from the chair and the audience.
View DetailsMore about our events
You can view a full listing of our events and search the archive on our events page.