bannerxcf

CUSPE is an organisation run by and for early career researchers that aims to build stronger links between its members and government policy-makers. Founded in 2012, the society strives to support young researchers who wish either to influence policy from within the research environment of the University or to pursue directly a career with the governments of the UK or European Union. CUSPE attracts researchers from across the academic disciplines (scientists, engineers and social scientists), all of whom have a desire to understand how their own research, or science more generally, fits within a broader policy context.

 

fullTextBelow-01

 

  • CUSPE provides an excellent forum for students, industry and government representatives to engage in informed debate about topical policy issues. The events are well organised, and the organisers are enthusiastic, engaging and impressive.  Read more
    Chris Green, SQW Group
  • The meeting was highly insightful and well organised. As the co-founder of Innovation Forum (IF) (http://www.inno-forum.org), I am delighted that IF supported this excellent CUSPE event. We are very much looking forward to support CUSPE in additional future high calibre events. Read more
    Ajoeb Baridi, Innovation Forum
  • Considering engagement with others is a key role of government, it is valuable to establish this link between policy advisers and another “interest group” (for want of a better term) of academics – we already engage industry, NGOs, other Member States etc but not directly academics. Read more
    Kit Pyman, Defra
  • The Innovation Forum was delighted to support this event. Excellent follow up on the discussions on university – industry partnerships and true open innovation we had at our recent conference in Cambridge. Read more
    Marek Tyl, Innovation Forum
  • Very engaged community, excited about commercializing so many ideas. A pleasure to be a part of the event. Read more
    Kelsey Lynn, Director of Tech Ventures
  • I found the workshop very useful in understanding Defra policy areas from a different perspective and to learn about the cutting edge research in these areas. It was also useful to become more conscious of how researchers work in general, and to think about how our work can align in future. Read more
    Cosima Cassel, Defra
  • I found the workshop a valuable and eye-opening experience. Even as an economist using evidence every day, it’s easy to view the academic world as a completely separate area, from which evidence is used when it is published and available. This perception creates a barrier to the potential synergies policy and academia could create. Building these relationships in the early stages of my career I’m sure will be very valuable. Read more
    Amy McQueen, Defra

    •  

  • I would say it is thanks to the CUSPE-CSaP interaction that I received the opportunity to perform a secondment placement at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). Before describing my secondment in more detail, I would like to stress that my experience at BIS has been extremely valuable for many reasons. It gave me a general flavour of how a government department works, it provided me with the opportunity to have an internal view on the process of policy making and gain insights into the dynamics and time-frames in which civil servants operate. Read more
    Tim Guilliams, CUSPE Committee Member

Policy considerations for the continual advancement of space activity in the XXI century 

Space satellite orbiting the earth. Elements of this image furnished by NASA.

Space satellite orbiting the earth. Elements of this image furnished by NASA.


We are in a golden age of space related activities. Not only do we heavily rely on space borne technologies but we are living in one of the most exciting times for space engineering and exploration. With the Rosetta mission and the Curiosity mission deemed a great success, there is more interest than ever in space engineering and exploration. In this lecture we bring together three experts from different avenues in the space arena to discuss their views on what policy considerations are needed for the continual advancement of space activity in the next century.

More details


Latest Articles 

 Witte_Picture

Genomics

Challenges to Whole Genome Sequencing in National Healthcare Systems
Technology for sequencing DNA has advanced very rapidly over the last 15 years, and is poised to become a routine part of clinical evaluation of individuals. The health regulatory agencies in most countries have maintained a conservative position in regards to adopting genetic testing. This is due to several fears, which will be discussed. Recently, social scientists have conducted studies and surveys to find out what the public’s opinion of genetic testing is, including the public’s ability to understand results, as well as their desire to find out if they are at risk for serious diseases later in life.


Gurel_Image

Medicine

Not-so-magic Bullets: Searching for Better Policies to Govern Drug Discovery
In his upcoming book, Strange Pill: Evidence, Values, and Medical Nihilism, philosopher of Jacob Stegenga charts a history of the term “magic bullet”: a drug that is both specific and effective, curing the patient without side effects. Stegenga argues that the early 20th century was a “golden age” for magic bullets, with the discovery of drugs like penicillin and insulin, and that late 20th/early 21st century medicine has not been able to deliver drugs that are nearly as effective.


Artificial Intelligence

The Opportunities and Risks of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Health

Artificial Intelligence is increasingly being applied in healthcare and medicine, with the greatest impact being achieved thus far in medical imaging. These are technologies that are capable of performing a task that usually requires human perception and judgement, which can make them controversial in a healthcare setting. In this article we will explore some of the opportunities and risks in using AI in healthcare, as well as policy recommendations for improving their use and acceptance.


Writing for CUSPE

Our Events

Evidence-based Education

 What is the future of education in terms of technology and evidence? What kinds of research techniques, such as random controlled trials (RCTs), can contribute to an evidence-based education system? Should education policy be based on such types of evidence in the first place? These were just some of the questions addressed at the first major CUSPE event of 2015. The evening began with a brief overview of CUSPE and our aims, and proceeded directly to presentations by each of the four panelists.

How to communicate with policymakers

Research communication is not just an addition to research but a fundamental part of the process. As Government Chief Scientific Advisor, Sir Mark Walport, commented, “Science is not finished until it is communicated.” Furthermore, with the current drive towards evidence-based policies, it is essential that research be effectively communicated to policymakers.
 

Science in policymaking

Around the world, there is a drive towards the use of evidence in the design, implementation and review of policies. With Government funding of research in the UK under threat, and with only the minority of MPs having any form of science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) background, it is vital that current STEM researchers engage with policymakers and politicians.

About CUSPE

What we do

  • Talks – The core of CUSPE are our events, bringing the worlds leading figures in science and policy to Cambridge
  • Workshops – By uniting world experts in a single room, CUSPE is not only following, but shaping Government policy
  • Policy Visits
  • Horizon Scanning
  • Much more…

  

Get involved

If you would like to know more about CUSPE see how to get involved here