CSaP Appoints First Associate Fellows

The CSaP is delighted to announce the appointment of its first Associate Fellows - a title designed to recognise the role of a few members of the Centre's Associate Network who have made a particular contribution to its objectives and development.

The inaugural Fellows are:

• Ben Martin (former Director of Science and Technology Policy Research at the University of Sussex)
• David MacKay (Professor of Natural Philosophy in the Department of Physics, and Chief Scientific Adviser to the Department of Energy and Climate Change), and
• David Howarth (Reader in Law in the Department of Land Economy, who is returning to the University after deciding not to stand for re-election as MP for the City of Cambridge).

Professor MacKay's association with the CSaP goes back to its inception. As well as being involved in the original discussions about its concept and positioning, he gave the Centre's inaugural Distinguished Lecture in January 2010, memorable for its unique insights into what it's really like to move from academia into government. He will be back in Cambridge to develop his thoughts on this subject as part of the expert panel for the Associate Seminar on 14 June, Working on the Inside.

Professor Martin followed in his footsteps to give the second Distinguished Lecture in March, covering the key advances that have been made in his field over 50 years, and sparking a lively debate about how research can influence policy. He is part of the group designing the Centre's interest group on Innovation, and we hope to welcome him regularly to Cambridge both for events and for advisory board meetings.

David Howarth is now working closely with the Centre to understand how his experience in Westminster can support bridge-building into the policy making community, as well as engaging in wider discussions about Cambridge's contribution to teaching and research in policy-related areas.

In return for the Associate Fellow's support and (where appropriate) promotion of the aims and objectives of the CSaP, the Centre will provide opportunities to give lectures, seminars and workshops - in Cambridge and in Whitehall - and will invite the Fellow to participate in its events, including Centre Interest Group events, and meetings of the Advisory Board; the Centre may also seek the Associate Fellows' advice in less formal ways from time to time. We hope and expect that an ongoing dialogue will be of value both to the Fellow and to the Centre in terms of introductions, networking, advice and intelligence.