Past Events | dcsa.dar.cam.ac.uk

Past CONNECTIONS Events

Dealing with an Ageing Society: Perspectives from Science and Policy Prof Christopher Dobson FRS, and Mr Mark Gorman (as a discussant)

Abstract Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases arguably represent the greatest challenge to the social fabric and health care systems of much of the modern world. The predominant reason for their rapidly increasing prevalence is the increase in longevity that has resulted from the tremendous advances in public health and hygiene and in medical and surgical interventions over the last century.

Friday, May 04, 2012
17:30 - 19:00
Mill Lane Lecture Room 9 [Further Details] [Registration]

The Challenges of Regulating the Internet Mr Simon Hampton, Director of European Public Policy at Google and Prof Derek McAuley, Professor of Digital Economy and Director of Horizon at the University of Nottingham (as a discussant)

Abstract The Internet enjoyed a childhood largely over-looked by policy makers—a "light regulatory touch". But as its impact on the economy and on society grows, policy makers are now looking to develop new regulatory models. In doing so, they face not only the obvious challenge of keeping pace with technological change and its impact on the society, but also the conflicting advice of third parties. This leads to two questions: what should be the new models; and can they be enacted.

Friday, February 17, 2012
17:30 - 19:00
Mill Lane Lecture Room 9 [Further Details] [Registration]

The Future of Energy: Views and Approaches by Government and Industry Prof David MacKay, FRS and Christof Rühl

Abstract Speakers: * *Prof David MacKay*, FRS, Chief Scientific Advisor for DECC, and Professor of Natural Philosophy, University of Cambridge * *Christof Rühl*, Group Chief Economist, and Vice President of BP Official website: "CONNECTIONS Lecture Series":http://dcsa.dar.cam.ac.uk/info/talks-lectures/connections Please register online at: http://dcsa.dar.cam.ac.uk/info/talks-lectures/connections/registration

Friday, December 02, 2011
17:30 - 18:30
Mill Lane Lecture Room 9 [Further Details] [Registration]

The Challenges of Cyber Warfare Prof Sir Mark Welland, FRS, Prof Paul Cornish, and David Smart

Abstract Speakers: * *Sir Mark Welland*, FRS, Chief Scientific Advisor - Ministry of Defence, and the founder of the Nanoscience Centre, University of Cambridge * *Prof Paul Cornish*, Professor of International Security, University of Bath * *David Smart*, Associate Fellow, Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies Official website: "CONNECTIONS Lecture Series":http://dcsa.dar.cam.ac.uk/info/talks-lectures/connections Please register online at: http://dcsa.dar.cam.ac.uk/info/talks-lectures/connections/registration

Friday, November 11, 2011
17:30 - 19:00
Mill Lane Lecture Room 9 [Further Details] [Registration]

Science in the service of the developing world Prof. Chris Whitty, Chief Scientific Advisor for the Department for International Development

Abstract Few of the problems of the developing world have been solved or will be solved without the use of science from multiple disciplines, often in ways that are not recognised. Economic development in Asia depended on advances such as the Green Revolution in agricultural production. Prevention and treatment of diseases of poverty depends on a combination of economic development and scientific advance. Identifying the impact of climate change and finding ways to minimise it's impact on the poorest requires basic as well as applied research.

Friday, May 27, 2011
18:00 - 19:00
Judge Business School - Lecture Theatre 3 [Further Details] [Registration]

Efficiency, sufficiency, growth: which way to a low carbon society? Dr Julia Steinberger, Lecturer in Ecological Economics at the University of Leeds

Abstract How much carbon do we need to emit to live well? What universal living standards can we look forward to in future decades, if we have to drastically reduce carbon emissions? This presentation focuses on the interdependencies of the global economy, resource use and human development from the perspectives of efficiency, sufficiency and growth. Most strategies for reducing the carbon and resource dependence of modern societies rely upon efficiency. However, in the past, efficiency improvements have rarely resulted in decreases in the physical scale of the economy.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011
17:30 - 19:00
Mill Lane Lecture Room 9 [Further Details] [Registration]

Drivers, Challenges and Approaches to Innovation in the Construction Sector Prof. Jeremy Watson, Chief Scientific Advisor for the Department for Communities & Local Government and Global Research Director of Arup

Abstract The need to mitigate carbon emissions led to the Climate Change Act in 2008 and the unprecedented challenge of 80% carbon reduction for the UK Built Environment by 2050. Reducing the carbon impact of existing buildings has a potential cost of £500bn by that date, involving the retrofit of around 27m homes.

Thursday, March 17, 2011
17:30 - 19:00
Mill Lane Lecture Room 9 [Further Details] [Registration]

Science in Emergencies Andrew Miller, MP and Chair for the Science and Technology Select Committee

Abstract This presentation explores the key issues raised by the House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee's recent report into the use of scientific advice during emergencies. The report covers the swine flu epidemic of 2009/10 and the volcanic ash episode of 2010, as well as looking forward at possible space weather events and cyber attacks. The talk will be followed by a reception. For registration and more information, please click "here":http://www.darwin.cam.ac.uk/connections

Thursday, March 03, 2011
17:30 - 19:00
Mill Lane Lecture Room 9 [Further Details] [Registration]

Science in Parliament Julian Huppert, PhD, Member of Parliament for Cambridge.

Abstract There are just two science PhDs in the House of Commons. The move from blue skies to green benches is a real challenge. In particular, there are questions over how one can inhabit a world of ideology and spin, when evidence is paramount for better policy.

Friday, November 26, 2010
17:30 - 19:00
Mill Lane Lecture Room 9 [Further Details] [Registration]

Evidence based policy making: How can government be an intelligent user of science? Dr. Mils Parker

Abstract This question was addressed by the Central Policy Review Staff – Edward Heath's 'Think Tank' – in the early 1970s. The resulting Rothschild Report, named after its Chairman, established the paradigm for relations between government policy makers and the science community to this day. My thesis is that Rothschild’s ideas were fundamentally erroneous.

Friday, May 14, 2010
17:30 - 19:00
Mill Lane Lecture Room 9 [Further Details] [Registration]