STEaPP Hosts Integrative Workshop with a panel of experts

STEaPP launched its third Integrative Workshop last week, focusing on the critical theme: ‘How to collaborate and disagree well for professional practice: harnessing the creativity and diversity of our peer groups.’ This represents a crucial step in building future leaders who are not only technically proficient but also equipped to navigate the human dynamics of policymaking and governance. 

The theme also draws on the UCL wide initiative on ‘Disagreeing Well’ which is led by UCL’s President and Provost Dr Michael Spence. The UCL wide initiative’s ethos is that in a time of increasingly polarised debate, it has never been more important for us to be able to ‘Disagree Well’. The initiative draws on the ability to discuss and debate with people who hold very different views to ourselves, which is not without its challenges, but having the tools, techniques and platforms to do so is a vital part of how communities can co-exist together. You can find out more about this initiative here, including a series of insightful Skills video on how you can learn to disagree well.  

Led by an Outstanding Panel of Experts 

The workshop series which is led by STEaPP’s Associate Professor Nidhi Chaudhary featured a panel of experts, who shared their insights into the art of productive disagreement and collaboration: 

• Dr Michael Spence, President and Provost at UCL, as a long-standing proponent of universities as crucibles for debate and dialogue, he has established himself as a leading voice within the UK and beyond promoting the art of ‘disagreeing well’.  He is currently spearheading a new programme of activities to launch at UCL which will explore approaches to developing the skill of constructive debate around challenging issues.     

• Dr. Chris Tyler, Associate Professor at STEaPP, chaired the panel, bringing a wealth of expertise from his time as Director of the UK’s Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) and Executive Director of the Centre for Science and Policy (CSaP) at the University of Cambridge. With research focused on institutionalising the use of research knowledge to enhance policymakers’ decision-making, Chris provided valuable insights on collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.  

• Dr. Natasha McCarthy, Associate Director at the National Engineering Policy Centre, brought her wealth of experience in policy and the governance of emerging technologies, drawing on her interdisciplinary background in engineering, technology, and philosophy. In her role as Associate Director Natasha connects policy makers with critical engineering expertise, giving policymakers a route to advice from across the whole profession. 

• Tracey Brown OBE, Director of Sense about Science, drew on her advocacy for transparency and sound evidence in policymaking, emphasising the importance of evidence-based approaches in professional disagreements. A regular public speaker and discussion chair, Tracey writes frequently about scientific evidence, policy and the public in national media. She has been a vocal critic of the idea of a ‘post-truth’ society and champion of the public interest in trustworthy evidence.   

• Professor Bobby Duffy, currently Director of the Policy Institute at King’s College London. Bobby has worked across most public policy areas in his career of 25 years in policy research and evaluation and has been seconded to the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit and the Centre for Analysis of Social Exclusion (CASE) at the LSE. He contributed his expertise in public policy and perception, providing invaluable insights into managing disagreements in policy and research contexts.  

Preparing Students to Lead and Collaborate 

With a strong commitment to fostering equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), the workshop addressed the vital need for students to develop the skills to engage constructively with differing perspectives—skills essential for solving complex problems in an interconnected, globalised world. The session encouraged students to: 

• Value differences in expertise, competencies, and lived experiences among their peers. 

• Engage positively with diverse viewpoints, transforming potential conflicts into opportunities for collaboration. 

• Learn how to disagree respectfully and constructively, fostering inclusive problem-solving processes. 

The Integrative Workshops are part of STEaPP’s innovative curriculum, designed to complement the technical and analytical training of its MPA students with skills for addressing real-world challenges. Through these workshops, students engage in dynamic exchanges with experts and peers, reflecting on complex issues like decolonisation, inclusiveness in policy, and the ethical use of AI.

To find out more about STEaPP's MPA programmes visit our webpage.