Introduction

Scotland has a proud heritage of achievement in science and engineering and this event is aimed at promoting engagement between members of the scientific community, MSPs and other policy makers in the Scottish Parliament and Government. This year's event will focus on the contribution of science and engineering to the economy, considering how public policy can best encourage activity in these sectors. In the immediate aftermath of the UK and global economic difficulties of recent years, considering how best we can take advantage of existing strengths in high value sectors is all the more critical.

Format

The event will consist of plenary lectures and breakout sessions, with an exhibition involving organisations across the scientific and engineering community.  

Confirmed speakers include: 

John Swinney MSP
Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth

Professor Anne Glover 
Chief Scientific Adviser to the Scottish Government  

Professor David Phillips 
President of the RSC 

Ian Ritchie  
Co-Chair of the Scottish Science Advisory Council 

Professor Alice Brown 
Vice Chair of an RSE Women in STEM working group  

Professor Lesley Yellowlees
President elect of the RSC  

Themes

This year's event will focus on the contribution of science and engineering to the Scottish economy, although some of the breakout sessions will also explore related topics.
  

Who Should Attend?

The event will be of interest to MSPs, civil servants, and a wide range of people from the scientific community who wish to engage with and inform decision makers of some of the important issues for science in Scotland.