A journey in Public Policy: from science labs to policy advice

Explore how Professor Graeme Reid's career reveals key insights into seizing opportunities, navigating government and parliament, and fostering effective engagement.

Graeme's career journey

Professor Graeme Reid is the Chair of Science and Research Policy at UCL.  

Graeme’s career working at the intersection of research and policy has been “a mix of happenstance and seizing opportunities.” His introduction to public policy came through the privatisation of government laboratories: “as a scientist with lab experience,” he “was invited to provide insights to potential buyers.”  Although he was ready for a change and moved into the civil service, “the cultural shift was a shock. It took about six months to acclimate, but eventually, I found the work enjoyable.” 

Seizing opportunities and adapting to change

Opportunities in this field often arise from being aware and engaged. Graeme’s diverse background in science, the civil service, and managing the science budget sensitised him to various opportunities. “You can't force these opportunities,” he stated, “but you can be prepared to recognise them.”  

Navigating government and parliamentary engagement

Advising the government and UK parliament are distinct experiences. Government is seeking clear solutions to problems; parliament thrives on debate, ambiguity, and scrutiny. Ministers are members of parliament, creating an overlap, but the engagement experience differs significantly. Graeme provided insights into UK Parliament, with its select committees and inquiries and the fact that all evidence is published as public record makes engagement more traceable.   

He mentioned that it is crucial to understand the differences between advice, lobbying, and advocacy. In Graeme’s words, “Advice involves presenting evidence from multiple perspectives, helping policymakers anticipate counterarguments. Advocacy is usually representing views, for example, a trade association such as UUK pulls together members' views, rather than their own individual. Lobbying often represents specific views or push for policies”. According to Graeme, “effective engagement requires presenting evidence impartially and understanding the broader policy landscape.” 

The power of collaboration and communication

Policy engagement is not a solitary endeavour. Graeme noted that “collaborating with intermediary organisations and expanding your network through events and social engagements can be very beneficial”. While discussing collaboration, points were raised about what different terms mean according to audience – inside government for example, the term ‘science’ can be used in specific or technocratic ways which can feel exclusionary. Graeme noted however that “the focus should be on knowledge, as science intersects with numerous policy areas, including immigration and other high-stakes issues. Engaging in political debates can be challenging due to the ideological divides, but staying informed and maintaining a tight, relevant network can help.” 

Staying relevant in a changing landscape

Staying with language, Graeme noted that “academics must adapt their communication to the needs of policymakers, who often require concise summaries rather than detailed analyses. This adaptation shouldn’t compromise intellectual rigour but makes the points more accessible.” 

Graeme suggested that during the post-election period, understanding constitutional relationships and joining advisory groups can help to enhance influence. The public policy landscape is dynamic, with frequent personnel changes, requiring constant networking and relationship-building.