UK Science Body Chief Calls for 'Creative Disagreement' in Science-Politics Discourse

Ottoline Leyser, the head of the UK government science body, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), has urged for a more constructive public discourse, emphasizing the need for "creative disagreement" and a higher standard of communication between scientists and politicians.

Leyser stressed the importance of building spaces for engaged debate, where differing opinions are welcomed, especially considering the critical role of science in transitioning to a low-carbon economy.

Last year, Ottoline Leyser faced criticism from the science secretary, Michelle Donelan, who accused two academics of "sharing extremist views." The academics, Prof. Kate Sang and Kamna Patel, were part of an expert advisory group to Research England, falling under UKRI. Sang pursued libel action against Donelan, despite Leyser's investigation finding no wrongdoing.

(Photo : Thor Nielsen/NTNU/Wikimedia Commons)

CEO of UK Research and Innovation

In a report from The Guardian, Ottoline Leyser revealed that she remained strong amid the heartbreak from the incident, separating her personal identity from her chief executive function. She jokingly noted the desire to "ban Twitter" but stressed the significance of varied perspectives to confront divisiveness. Leyser is worried that social media amplifies animosity in public debate.

Leyser advocated for more constructive problem-solving despite the inherent contradictions between scientific research and government support. "In the context of research and innovation, we ought to have the tools to engage in these very constructive quality points of discussion, of disagreement," the UKRI CEO said and emphasized that the institution helps create a solid research and innovation system that benefits everyone.

The official acknowledged the communities' concerns and resentment but stressed the difficulty of implementing significant change from anger.

As a prominent biologist, Leyser will leave UKRI in June 2025, and the government is actively seeking a successor.

Penny Mordaunt Defends Donelan's Use of Public Funds

Recently, a libel settlement was reached, with Donelan apologizing and withdrawing her remarks, revealing that taxpayers covered the £15,000 ($19,280) legal defense costs.

Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons, Penny Mordaunt, has come to the defense of her colleague Michelle Donelan, emphasizing that Donelan had previously declined a redundancy payment, showcasing her commitment to the responsible use of public funds, per the BBC.

Mordaunt expressed confidence in the justification of the settlement, and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak supported the payment, citing a long-standing convention of the government funding such disputes involving ministers.

Opposition parties, however, are urging Donelan to cover the costs personally. Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer criticized the use of taxpayer money, deeming it "totally insulting" during a time of financial hardship for many. He pledged that if Labour came to power, such incidents would not be allowed to occur in the future.

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Britain's Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan speaks during a press conference to mark the UK's association to the Horizon Europe project, at the Royal Society in London on February 12, 2024.

A Call for Michelle Donelan's Resignation

Following Science Secretary Michelle Donelan's public retraction of false accusations against members of Research England's Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Advisory Group, including Dibyesh Anand, a call for her resignation has emerged.

Anand, the interim deputy vice chancellor at the University of Westminster, criticized Donelan's intervention as "irresponsible" and potentially malicious, undermining individuals associated with EDI. Donelan had accused the group of having "extremist views," prompting libel proceedings against her, according to SkyNews.

Anand, not directly named by the minister, highlighted the deliberate misinterpretation in a press release from the think tank Policy Exchange, leading to Donelan's involvement. The subsequent investigation by UKRI exonerated all panel members.

The incident has damaged trust between the government and researchers, impacting the vital relationship in scientific research.

It was at last year's Conservative Party conference that Ms. Donelan embarked on her war against "creeping wokeism" in scientific research. But her actions have caused genuine harm, undermining trust between the government and researchers, according to academics.