Science and politics meet in the newspapers almost daily – just take a look at this week’s headlines. Should homeopathy be banned on the NHS? Should we build a new generation of nuclear reactors? How much should we be investing in space research?

Unfortunately, career scientists and politicians meet less frequently. To address this issue, Newton’s Apple, a new think-tank that bridges the science–policy knowledge gap, has recently launched the Newton’s Heirs programme.

Branwen Hide, who chairs the programme working group, observes that the scientists who get involved with science policy tend to be established senior figures whose lab bench days are long behind them.

“Career scientists have, previously, not paid much attention to policy, whether about their specific research area or policy relating to careers structures and funding,” she says. “However, we have found that this trend is changing, and that they are increasingly becoming interested to getting involved, especially the ones in the 20–40 age bracket. We hope that Newton’s Heirs will provide the means to do so while maintaining a thriving scientific career.”

Mutual understanding
Newton’s Heirs works in two directions. Very simply, practicing scientists learn about policy, and policy makers learn about science. Mia Nybrant, Director of Newton’s Apple says “The Newton’s Heirs programme aims to create effective means by which to facilitate this process, in the hope to make a contribution to the development of more informed policies and a thriving research environment in the UK.”

The first event is on 2 July and is part of the NESTA Crucible programme, which exposes postdoctoral scientists to the wider scientific world beyond the lab bench. Newton’s Heirs will facilitate a ‘Parliamentary Question Time’, offering the Crucible participants the chance to quiz politicians, including Dr Ian Gibson MP and Lord Oxburgh.

Rachel Brazil, Project Manager of the NESTA Crucible programme, is enthusiastic about working with Newton’s Heirs for its first event. “We both share the ambition of giving early-career researchers a voice on science policy issues,” she said. “These talented individuals are the future leaders in their fields and we hope that by giving them opportunities to talk to politicians now they will stay engaged in policy debates throughout their careers.”

A second event will be held at the ‘Women in Science 2007 – Policy and Networking conference’ in the autumn. Once again, policy makers will be on hand to discuss their roles with the delegates.

Branwen Hide says of these first two events, “It is very early days yet and we are looking to run more activities in the near future in which anyone can participate. We are looking for more people to get involved who are passionate about science and wish to share it with those who are making the decisions about its future.”

A new relationship between Science, Society and Politics
That’s the tag line of Newton’s Apple, established in October 2006 with the objective of bringing a greater understanding of science to society – and in particular to politics. Newton’s Heirs is their latest initiative in this arena.

Newton’s Apple have just launched their first report ‘Cancer Vision 2025 – The Science Pathway to Effective Treatments & Services’. This explores ways to enable a thriving cancer research base through more secure career structures and sustainable funding frameworks.