For Thought 2023

Science, innovation, and national priorities:
Deciding the future of food, education, and health

Tuesday 14 November, One Moorgate Place
In-person, one-day event in London

This year’s programme will focus on pressures felt across society. Rising prices have shone a light on the issue of food security; advances in AI are shifting the education and skills landscape; and new applications of health technology could change how conditions are diagnosed and treated. In each of these areas, science and innovation are driving progress, but also presenting questions about the long-term future of systems that underpin daily life.

Scroll down to find out more about the programme

For Thought offers a unique and diverse cross-sector forum for senior influencers to extend their networks and learn, whilst participating in future-focused discussions around the role they and their organisation can play in tackling multifaceted issues.

For Thought is an invite-only event run by the British Science Association (BSA) bringing together leaders from business, policy, science and civil society to catalyse progress towards solving society’s biggest challenges.

To register your interest in attending, please fill out this form (opens in new tab).

Natalie Banner
Caitlin Bentley
Mary Curnock Cook
Balwinder Dhoot
Anisha Fernandez
Anne-Marie Imafidon
Alok Jha
Tim Lang
Praful Nargund
Sharmila Nebhrajani
Hannah Pathak
Anthony Seldon
Cathie Sudlow
Rachel Sylvester
Gillian Tett
Gaia Vince
David Willetts

In the past 12 months, advances in ‘large language models’ (AI technologies which understand and generate text) have accelerated discussions on the impact of AI on education and skills.

How do we provide people with the skills to take advantage of AI? How should our education system change in a digital age?

Speakers

Tackling “non-infectious” conditions (such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, strokes, and chronic lung conditions) is key to improving the health and wellbeing of the UK, and addressing health inequalities.

Genomics, behavioural sciences, and use of data could all contribute to a healthcare system that it is more focused on early intervention and the prevention of non-infectious conditions. What are the benefits and risks of different approaches to prevention? How can the NHS be supported to translate innovations to treatments and services?

Speakers

People and communities across the UK are have been faced with rapidly increasing food costs and empty supermarket shelves in the early part of 2023, caused by combinations of climate shocks, energy prices, and labour shortages. Public health experts, the farming community, major retailers, and hospitality leaders have all signalled that we need to rethink the way the UK produces, imports, and sells food.

How should our food system change in the face of the climate crisis, increased energy costs, and cost-of-living pressures?

Speakers