Sense about Science

Share this post with your network to celebrate the work of outstanding researchers who are standing up for science, or nominate them (or yourself!) for the 2026 John Maddox Prize.

Highlighting research which champions evidence when the powerful - and sometimes even the public - didn't want to listen, the John Maddox Prize strongly encourages global nominations.

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

📸 (L-R) Dr Nicolás Zanetta-Colombo and Dr Virginia Burkett, winners of the 2025 John Maddox Prize for standing up for science
Enter or nominate now! 👇️
https://johnmaddoxprize.awardstage.com/

Understanding evidence is vital in empowering legislators to make big decisions - like the Under-16s social media ban.

opens with the opportunity for members of the public to put their questions directly to MPs, and engage with them and leading UK researchers on issues just like this, as well as other issues affecting policy decisions.

Submit your question to ask MPs here 👇️
https://senseaboutscience.org/evidence-week/ask-parliament/

Are you an Early Career Researcher who wants to build your skills and confidence to talk about your research?

Then our free Standing Up for Science workshop is for you.

Learn from media, policy and engagement experts as they share their insights on communicating research effectively - there's only two weeks to go, so make sure to secure your place!

Date: Friday 26th June
Time: 10am - 4pm
Location: Institute of Physics, London

Apply for your free place now 👇
https://senseaboutscience.org/activities/standing-up-for-science-workshop-institute-of-physics/

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

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 right’s culture war over prostate cancer screening is damaging trust in medicine | Polly Toynbee 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

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/

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/

❗️ 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/

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/

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/