Evidence Matters: accountable elections, effective politics w/@prateekbuch

Prateek Buch, Sense About Science

After telling us a little about Sense about Science, Prateek will focus on how asking for evidence can increase public pressure on politicians to use evidence effectively and transparently.

This is particularly apt now that the General Election is over. Prateek will draw on topical examples, celebrating where it’s done well (MPs changing their minds, policy trials in areas like education); exposing where evidence is abused (drugs policy, welfare and crime); and sharing insights into the complexity and uncertainty at the heart of how evidence should inform policymaking in the public interest. He will also explore how the public asking for evidence fits with other evidence-related initiatives from Sense About Science’s partner organisations at election time and otherwise – fact checking, improving the supply of evidence and so on.

Prateek Buch is policy director of Evidence Matters, a campaign started by the charity Sense About Science as a collaborative initiative with partner organisations, which builds on their efforts to increase public demand for evidence to be used transparently and effectively throughout public life. Prateek spent 11 years as a research scientist at UCL, developing gene and stem cell therapy for disorders that cause blindness, and is an experienced Westminster policymaker.

You can follow Prateek on @EviMatters or @senseaboutsci

Doors at 6.30 pm for talk at 7.00 pm

Please arrive early to have a glass of wine from our charity wine bar, find your seat and chat with other members.

Donations to the wine bar will go to Prateek’s chosen charity: Sense About Science

All our talks are open to the general public and are free to attend, but we do rely on those who can, to make a donation of what they can afford, to cover the costs of room, equipment hire and help keep our talks free to all. Please give generously so we can continue with this policy.