Policy

The Academy’s policy work addresses issues of medical science and healthcare in their wide scientific and societal context. Areas of policy work originate from within the Academy Council and wider Fellowship, as well as in response to consultations from Government, Parliament and other relevant bodies.

Policy is developed by working groups of Academy Fellows, in addition to external experts and stakeholders as appropriate. Policy projects can also involve collaboration with other UK and international bodies (e.g. charities, research funders, industry). Wide consultation, comprehensive analysis of the evidence and robust peer review ensure the independence and authority of the Academy’s policy work. All policy statements are endorsed by the Academy Council.

Policy highlights

Health and Social Care Bill - the Academy continues to monitor and respond to the health and public health reforms and has recently supported a letter that peers have sent to Earl Howe.

Academy provides evidence to S&T Committee - this month, the Academy's Foreign Secretary, Professor Robert Souhami CBE FMedSci is giving evidence to the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee's inquiry into 'Science and International Development'.

Human enhancement and the future of work - the Academy of Medical Sciences, British Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering and Royal Society are hosting a joint workshop on human enhancement and the future of work in March 2012.

Review of the Regulation and Governance of Medical Research - following the recommendations of the Academy's 2011 report, a new Health Research Authority was established on 1 December 2011, with the National Research Ethics Service at its core. The Academy is hosting a joint meeting to review progress since the report's publication one year ago.