Conference programme - Session 4

Alan Irwin

'Expert evidence and the empirical’
Whilst the old principle of 'sound science' still holds sway within scientific advisory committees, such bodies are under increasing pressure to acknowledge uncertainty, recognise values and ethics, address competing problem framings, and engage with stakeholders (even take on lay members). What does this mean for the status of 'the empirical' within decision-making, policy-related and regulatory contexts? Can the status of scientific expertise survive these shifting circumstances? Are we witnessing a changed understanding of the nature of empirical evidence? In what ways are advisory bodies attempting to ringfence evidence claims in the new, more transparent circumstances?

Biography
Alan is Dean of the Faculty of Social and Environmental Studies in Liverpool university. He joined Liverpool university in 2004 from Brunel University where he held the position of Pro-Vice-Chancellor in charge of Research and Enterprise. Alan is also Professor of Science and Technology Policy in the University of Liverpool Management School and his own research interests are in science and technology studies, scientific governance, environmental sociology and science-public relations. His research has been funded by a variety of bodies including the ESRC, Nuffield Foundation, Leverhulme Trust and the European Commission. Currently he is a principal investigator with the Programme on Understanding Risk at the University of East Anglia, Cardiff University and The University of Liverpool.

His recent books include:

• Irwin, Alan and Mike Michael (2003) Science, Social Theory and Public Knowledge. Open University Press
  
  
• Maidenhead and Irwin, Alan (2001) Sociology and the Environment. Polity: Cambridge