Science and politics: how expert advice shapes decisions in government

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Throughout its response to the coronavirus outbreak, the government has repeatedly said that it will be led by the science. But who decides the agreed scientific view and what happens when it changes? Should politicians, or their advisers, be a part of this process? How does expert scientific advice shape political decision making? And what happens when government ministers decide to ignore, or over-rule, the scientific advice?

To discuss these issues, the Institute for Government was delighted to welcome:

• Tracey Brown, Director of Sense about Science
• Professor Sir Robert Watson, former Chief Scientific Adviser in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
• Tom Whipple, Science Editor at The Times
• Professor James Wilsdon, Director of Research on Research Institute and Vice-Chair of the International Network for Government Science Advice (INGSA)

The event was chaired by Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government.

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