POLICY AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS •
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A new dawn for UK science policy
2021 is already proving to be eventful both externally, in the global policy sphere, and internally, in SfAM. Developments regarding Britain’s future with the EU, particularly the UK’s continued involvement in the Horizon Europe Research Programme, the Science and Technology Committee’s responses to its inquiries on COVID-19, and preparations for COP26 and the G7 Summit, are all setting the stage for a year where science is at the forefront of policy. While we continue to monitor these external developments, we have been working hard to help members combat the winter blues (and lockdowns) by providing you with various ways to connect with fellow members and get involved in SfAM. Our external policy work is based on your priorities and reflects your concerns so be sure to take advantage of the following opportunities to engage with us. To help you connect with other SfAM members around the world, we have initiated the new Quorum Forum Group under SfAM’s Groups. The forum provides users with a platform for sharing experiences and advice or asking questions of fellow members. Although we still cannot meet in person, you can now meet members anywhere in the world via the Quorum Forum.
As we are preparing to open vacancies on the Policy Subcommittee (PSC) in the next couple of months, you will hear from SfAM’s current Committee members in this issue of the Microbiologist (see next The article from the PSC’s ECS members) and the next issue on their Committee experiences. We hope these experiences shed light on some of the policy work we are doing and even inspire you to apply to join the PSC. It is an excellent opportunity for you to voice your opinion on issues that concern you and help shape the future of microbiology.
Quorum Forum
Lastly, we have just launched the Andrew Miller Policy Prize competition. This competition has been designed to enable participants to practise their communication and policy skills by producing a two-page policy brief with a chance to win a prize.
Lisa Rivera Policy and Public Affairs Manager
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microbiologist
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March 2021
More information on the competition can be found online and on the next page.
www.sfam.org.uk
