(Photo credit: RSB)
On Tuesday 25 June, RSB held their annual Parliamentary Links Day on behalf of the science and technology community. The event, held this year in the Attlee Suite in Portcullis House, brings together researchers, policymakers and sector leaders to discuss the future of science.
The theme for 2019 was ‘science and the new frontiers,’ and included keynotes delivered by Chi Onwurah MP, shadow minister for industrial strategy, Rt Hon Sir Norman Lamb MP, chair of the House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee and Chris Skidmore MP, minister for universities and science.
Professor Steve Harridge, Head of the Centre for Human & Applied Physiological Sciences, was invited to take part in a panel discussion covering topics such as how science policy might change to boost success in UK science, and how money should be spent if research funding rises to 3% of GDP.
(Photo credit: RSB)
Also representing the Physiological Society Professor Harridge discussed healthy ageing and how we should be finding ways to live healthier throughout life and changing perceptions of ageing as a disease process. Steve highlighted the vital role that physiology has in meeting the government’s healthy ageing grand challenge where an extra 5 years of healthy lifespan are targeted by 2035.
The growing ageing population is providing challenges to the health and social care systems as many older people have multiple and complex care needs. However, his is not an inevitable consequence of ageing. More research is needed on the basic mechanisms of human ageing and how we can age more healthily. Much of the latter is already in our own hands – don’t smoke, eat well, drink in moderation and critically, be physically active. – Professor Steve Harridge
For full coverage of the event, read the RSB news story, view the event Twitter moments or listen to the audio online.