British Academy: The UK's National Academy for the Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and social science also belong at the heart, says British Academy
In response to the launch of the Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills Committee’s report Putting Science and Engineering at the Heart of Government Policy Robin Jackson, Chief Executive and Secretary of the British Academy said:
A narrow definition of science that excludes the humanities and social sciences undermines the UK’s ability to exploit the full range of expertise in its world-class research base.Without a crystal ball, you can’t be sure which discipline will be important for a particular piece of sound policy making.
Competitive advantage cannot be based on technological excellence alone, and the major challenges facing the UK will not be successfully tackled without economic, social and political insight, as well as an understanding of human behaviour. A policy of ‘picking winners’ on the basis of possible short term economic impacts will be at the expense of longer term objectives, including quality of life.
NOTES TO EDITORS
Published:
23 July 2009
- The British Academy provided evidence for the Putting Science and Engineering at the Heart of Government Policy report. The full response is available at: http://www.britac.ac.uk/reports/index.cfm, or contact the British Academy Press Office on 020 7969 5263.
- On Friday 17 July 2009, the Academy announced it will be establishing a new policy centre as part of its plans to play a stronger role in future public debate and policymaking.
- Punching our Weight: the humanities and social sciences in public policy making (Sept 2008) is a British Academy report outlining the impact H&SS could have on policy making. To download a copy of the report, please visit: http://www.britac.ac.uk/reports/wilson/index.cfm