From Expert Knowledge into Action: Translating Bioscience Research into Policy Change

This half-day workshop, open to researchers from the Universities of Warwick and Birmingham, will explore how biosciences researchers can create impact by engaging effectively with policymakers and ensuring their evidence informs decision-making. Bringing together perspectives from national government, local government, and the third sector, the programme will examine how policy is shaped in practice and the different routes researchers can use to influence it.

Through a series of talks, speakers will share insights and case studies on engaging with national policymakers, navigating pathways from academia into government advisory roles, partnering with charities to drive advocacy, and working with local authorities to shape regional policy. The event will conclude with an interactive roundtable discussion on key bioscience policy areas, providing opportunities for networking, reflection, and exchange at the science–policy interface.

Friday 17th July 2026

Scarman Space 10, Warwick Conferences

10am to 3pm

Limited spaces available

Agenda

Time	Session	Speaker	Organisation
10:00–10:15	Welcome and introduction	Professor Richard Napier	University of Warwick
10:15–10:45	How to influence policymakers: the view from government	Rt Hon Greg Clark	University of Warwick
10:45–11:15	From bench to Chief Scientific Advisor	Professor Tim Dafforn	University of Birmingham
11:15–11:30	Coffee Break
11:30–12:00	How charities seek to affect lasting change	Fiona Taylor	Garden Organic
12:00-12:30	Engaging with local government to influence policy	Isobel Woods	Warwickshire County Council
12:30–13:30	Lunch and Networking
13:30-14:00	Working where science meets policy: A civil service perspective	Gus Cowan	Ministry of Defence
14:00–15:00	Round Table Discussion

Speakers

Rt Hon Greg Clark

Executive Chair of Warwick Innovation District

The Rt Hon Greg Clark brings extensive experience at the highest levels of UK government and policy. He served as Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy from 2016 to 2019, as well as holding ministerial roles across HM Treasury, the Cabinet Office, and departments responsible for communities, universities, and science. He has also chaired the cross-party Science, Innovation and Technology Select Committee, playing a key role in scrutinising and shaping UK science and innovation policy. Alongside his current leadership roles in industry and policy organisations, he remains closely involved in advancing the UK’s industrial strategy and strengthening the connections between research, innovation, and economic growth.

Professor Tim Dafforn

Chief Scientific Adviser at the UK Ministry of Defence

Professor Tim Dafforn serves as the MoD's principal adviser on science and technology and oversees its core research portfolio. He has extensive experience shaping UK science and innovation policy, having held senior advisory roles across government, including within departments responsible for business and industrial strategy. He has contributed to major national initiatives such as the UK’s Engineering Biology Strategy and has worked closely with organisations including UKRI and Dstl. Alongside his academic role as Professor of Biotechnology, he is strongly focused on strengthening the links between research, policy, and industry to maximise the impact of research.

Fiona Taylor

CEO of Garden Organic

Fiona started out as a broadcast news journalist with the BBC, then moved across to government communications, crisis management and media training before entering the charity sector 18 years ago. Fiona has worked for environmental and international development charities across the West Midlands and is now CEO of Garden Organic & the Heritage Seed Library, as well as serving as Trustee at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, which is currently undergoing a £19M restoration project.

Isobel Woods

Head of Economy and Skills at Warwickshire County Council

Isobel Woods has over 35 years of experience in local government, regeneration, and economic development across the West Midlands. She has held senior roles including Head of Enterprise at Wolverhampton Council and has extensive expertise in supporting business growth, skills development, and partnership working. In her current role, she leads efforts to deliver Warwickshire’s economic strategy, working closely with local partners to translate priorities into tangible outcomes for communities and businesses. She is particularly focused on strengthening collaboration across sectors and ensuring that evidence and insight are effectively used to shape local policy and drive sustainable, inclusive growth.