Annual Reception
The Sense About Science Annual Reception, jointly hosted with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (formerly the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain), is a chance to bring together friends and supporters who we have worked with over the last year from our wide-ranging constituencies of scientists, politicians, journalists, patient groups and individuals. It is an opportunity to reflect on our work and achievements, and to look ahead to future work.
Keynote speakers from previous years have been:
2011 - Robin Ince, comedian and radio presenter
Standing up for Science: Stepping in to new territories
The evening celebrated the work of Robin Ince, who was given a Standing up for Science award. Robin treated the guests to a whirlwind tour of his motivations, as a non-scientist, for running shows and radio programmes asking science questions. His shows are “aimed at anyone who’s interested. And I don’t mean interested in science. I mean literally interested. Are you interested in the world? Do you want to know just a bit more?”
2010 - Dr Simon Singh, science writer
Standing up for Science: clinical trials and libel trials
Dr Simon Singh discussed the recent libel case brought against him by the British Chiropractic Association, and the importance of protecting open discussion and criticism for science.
2009 - Dr Alan Dangour, senior lecturer and registered public health nutritionist, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Standing up for Science and Making Sense of Evidence
Dr Alan Dangour described the release of his systematic review on organic food, and the subsequent media frenzy that ensued. The reception coincided with the launch of our new guide Sense About Systematic Reviews.
2008 - Phil Willis MP
Why Evidence Matters
Phil Willis highlighted the importance of evidence in policy-making. To mark the 40th anniversary of the Medicines Act (1968), we also launched our Evidence Based Medicine Matters campaign, popularising the contribution of Evidence Based Medicine to modern medicine.
2007 - Nick Ross, television presenter and president of HealthWatch
Trick or Treatment? Helping the public make sense of science
Nick Ross discussed the role of scepticism and scientific thought in modern society.
2006 - Professor Michael Baum, Emeritus Professor of surgery, UCL
Evidence, Medicine and Snake Oil: the challenges facing doctors and pharmacists
Professor Michael Baum discussed the MHRA’s stance on efficacy in relation to homeopathic products, and the importance of evidence based medicine.
Find us on