Sense about Science

09/06/2026

If you could ask a question to the people in power, what would it be?

Our Senior Communities Officer, Hayley D'Souza, recently wrote a guest blog post for mumsnet.com asking just that - and encouraging readers to submit their questions for MPs to answer at Evidence Week in Parliament.

The evidence behind big decisions is at the forefront of Evidence Week in Parliament, which opens with an event where members of the public ask MPs questions about the things they care about: from AI to education, and energy bills to social media.

Bring your curiosity, and join mumsnetters in submitting a question!
https://senseaboutscience.org/evidence-week/ask-parliament/

Read the full blog here 👇
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/guest_posts/5538664-guest-post-evidence-week-your-chance-to-submit-questions-to-parliament

08/06/2026

Thanks to Polly Toynbee for highlighting our collaboration with King's College London and the Wellcome Trust on understanding motivations behind Trust in Science - a vital topic when navigating communications, as well as for wider healthcare and policy decisions.

Read in full👇
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jun/05/talking-down-science-dangerous-consequences-prostate-cancer-screening

The decision not to test all men and only screen the most at risk, including black men, is fact-based. Yet it’s been called ‘two tier’ – and labelled as misandry, says Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee

08/06/2026

Do you or someone you know work tirelessly to stand up for science?

Then enter your nominations now for the 2026 John Maddox Prize.

Recognising the work of researchers who have championed evidence when the powerful - and sometimes even the public - didn't want to listen, make your (or a colleague, friend or family member's) voice heard.

A Sense about Science initiative since 2012, the Prize this year is supported by The Royal Society. Global nominations are strongly encouraged.

Enter or nominate now! 👇️
https://johnmaddoxprize.awardstage.com/

04/06/2026

Dr Leo Lo promotes AI literacy to improve how people evaluate sources comprehensively. Public-good curators like him are crucial for our digital fluency.

Our guide with Sage Publications highlights the importance of their work.

Explore 'The People's Case for Curators' guide here and help us stand up for 👉️ https://senseaboutscience.org/championing-good-information-curation/

01/06/2026

❗️ Nominations are open❗️

The 2026 John Maddox Prize for standing up for science is now open for nominations!

The prize recognises the work of researchers who have championed evidence when the powerful (and sometimes even the public) didn't want to listen. Global nominations are strongly encouraged - especially those in countries or professional fields where recognition is difficult.

A Sense about Science initiative since 2012, the Prize this year is supported by The Royal Society

Nominate or enter now! 👇️
https://johnmaddoxprize.awardstage.com/

29/05/2026

Who will you nominate for the 2026 John Maddox Prize for standing up for science?

The John Maddox prize - named for Sir John Maddox, who engaged with difficult debates as a passionate defender of science - recognises the work of researchers who have championed evidence when the powerful (and sometimes even the public) didn't want to listen.

A Sense about Science initiative since 2012, the Prize this year is supported by The Royal Society.

Nominations open on the 1st June 2026

Learn more 👇️
https://senseaboutscience.org/john-maddox-prize/

22/05/2026

Evidence Week in Parliament is happening this July - and offers a chance to put YOUR questions directly to MPs on the evidence behind issues that matter to you.

Submit your questions for the chance to ask them to MPs at a Reverse Select Committee hearing on Monday 6th July 2026, alongside other members of the public and the Sense about Science team.

This year, we are asking for questions around two themes:

🔹 Are we counting the right things? Are all aspects of your experience – economic, social and cultural – fully represented in decision-making? Who is slipping through the net and why?

🔹 The pace of change: are MPs able to keep up to date with the rapid advance of technology? How does Parliament help government stay ahead of these changes?

You can also vote on the questions you want answered. Evidence Week puts you, the public, in the chair - questioning policymakers on the evidence behind policy decisions that impact our lives and shape society

Submit or vote now 👇️
https://senseaboutscience.org/evidence-week/ask-parliament/

19/05/2026

In an environment crowded with confident claims and competing narratives, it’s vital that communication remain careful, balanced and credible.
That’s why we’re thrilled to announce this year’s worthy winners of the Harding Prize for Trustworthy Communication:
• General audience award: , , for his piece Five years on, why the battle over Covid’s origins still rages
• Specialist audience award: IN-hub, (Rebecca Coniam-Gudka, Charlotte Kelman, Abby Russell) – a resource for neurodiversity-affirming materials for the classroom
The Harding Prize 2025, jointly sponsored by The Statistical Laboratory at the University of Cambridge, the Science Media Centre, and Sense about Science, celebrates balanced communication that supports independent judgement.

14/05/2026

Our website is currently in Under Attack Mode, due to a huge volume of malicious traffic targeted mainly at the AllTrials pages. If you are having trouble reaching any resources please get in touch.

13/05/2026

Sense About Science's annual Evidence Week in Parliament this July begins with your chance to put questions directly to MPs on the evidence behind issues that matter to you.

Vote on the questions you want asked to MPs and submit your own. You could be selected to ask your question at a Reverse Select Committee hearing in person (or by proxy if you prefer) alongside other members of the public and the Sense about Science team this July.

https://senseaboutscience.org/evidence-week/ask-parliament/