Response to the House of Commons Science & Technology Select Committee inquiry into UK science, research and technology capability and influence in global disease outbreaks
Summary of contents
Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, scientists across the world, including those in our community have been reorienting efforts in many different ways to combat the pandemic. Members of our community have been coming forward to share their experiences of trying to contribute to national efforts in the UK and what they see as learnings from this experience. We draw upon these in our evidence and recommendations.
Our response to this inquiry focusses on the following points in the inquiry’s terms of reference:
- The capacity and capability of the UK research base in providing a response to the outbreak, in terms of the development of:
- testing, diagnostic methods and technologies
- The flexibility and agility of institutions, Government departments and public bodies, and processes to respond appropriately during the crisis including:
- the availability and responsiveness of funding;
- the optimal functioning of regulatory and ethical processes;
- the availability and influence of scientific advice in all Government departments and public bodies—including by departmental Chief Scientific Advisers;
- and the extent to which decisions taken drew on that advice;
- The capacity to manufacture and distribute testing, diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines:
- both standing capacity and capacity able to be mobilised