York history lecturer contributes to British Academy Policy history report

Posted on 10 September 2019

Dr Sabine Clarke, senior lecturer in History, is one of several contributors to the recently launched British Academy Policy History report.

Lessons from the History of UK Science Policy reflects upon historical analyses of the developments in British science policy over the last 100 years, in order to identify insights, trends, and implications for policymakers today. In particular, the report asks what lessons this might have for our understanding of the relationship between science policy and industrial strategy.

In her contribution to the report, Dr Sabine Clarke highlights what can be learned from the government industrial development and research policy between 1914 and 1965, and argues that the history of science policy is not just a history of innovation – it is a history of ‘manpower.’ Science policy can play an important role in training people in research activities – practices, processes, and methods. As Clarke points out, such training is a vital way of bringing science and industry into a closer relationship.

The findings of this report were presented to Civil Servants in a seminar in February 2019 at The British Academy.