The Society has expressed concern about changes in legislation introduced by the Cabinet Office, which could prevent any researchers in receipt of government funding from lobbying for changes in policy based on their results. This has caused widespread alarm in the scientific community over the government’s commitment to listen to evidence and allow researchers free hands in their work. The Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE) has co-signed a letter with the Campaign for Social Studies to the Minister for Government Efficiency and Civil Service Reform expressing the sector’s alarm at this issue (more details here).
The potential consequences of this legislation may affect scientists’ ability to show “impact” from their work, a criterion which is often used to measure success and further careers. For further discussion of the possible outcomes, and the initial response from the government, see here.
The Society will be monitoring the ongoing discussions over this issue, and if the clause becomes enforced as-written will be working closely with CaSE and other organisations to oppose these deleterious consequences in the strongest possible manner.