2019 General Election

On 11 November, our president, Professor Sir Robert Lechler PMedSci, wrote to our Fellows and early career researchers to urge them not to shy away from public debate ahead of the next election. You can read the full article online here.

Whether it is Brexit, or climate change, healthcare or the economy – all of the major issues that voters care about are underpinned by science, research and innovation.

The Academy of Medical Sciences, together with the UK national Academies, have produced a leaflet that we have sent to all Parliamentary Candidates outlining why science, research and innovation is an important issue to talk about on the doorstep this Election.

On 19 November, the Academy of Medical Sciences jointly hosted a public hustings event where representatives from major political parties outlined their Party’s election positions on science, research, technology and innovation policy issues. This event was jointly organised by the Academy of Medical Sciences, the British Academy, the Campaign for Science and Engineering, The Foundation for Science and Technology, the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Royal Society.

The event was chaired by Pallab Ghosh, BBC Science Correspondent and the representatives were:

• Stephen Metcalfe - Conservative Party
• Chi Onwurah - Labour Party
• Sam Gyimah - Liberal Democrat Party

The Scottish National Party were also invited but were unable to provide a representative.

A recording of the event can be viewed below: