Welcome to the CPAS 2023 Seminar Series!

About the talk --  Science policy and systems of science advice to governments

Please join us for a conversation with Dr Liz Killen, recently appointed Visiting Fellow with the Centre for Public Awareness of Science, to discuss research interests around science policy and systems of science advice to governments.

Liz will give a short presentation highlighting some of her previous work, including text analysis of STEM roles in the UK Civil Service to understand embedded science advice within government, current work including mapping of the science advice to government landscape in Australia, and current research interests, including understanding innovation ecosystems as multi-layer networks, and what this means for the diffusion of ideas through them.

She will also give an overview of her doctoral research, focusing on the creation and application of a simulation model designed to assist policymakers in estimating the impact of interventions on the educational outcomes of Australian students.

Liz is interested in hearing more about the work currently underway at the centre, and understanding avenues for potential collaborations in her research activities where they might align with existing avenues. 

Biography Dr Liz Killen, PhD MSc BEng

Dr Liz Killen, currently serving as Assistant Manager in the science policy team of the Office of Australia's Chief Science advisor. Starting her career in engineering, she has since worked a diverse range of sectors spanning across consulting, non-profit, and government. Her academic journey has included a PhD earned from the University of Cambridge, UK, an MSc in Science Communication from Imperial College London, UK, and the university medal in her BEng(Hons) attained at the University of New South Wales, Australia.

Dr Killen’s doctoral research focused on the links between income and educational outcomes, with an emphasis on quantitative techniques, including modelling. Her more recent research pursuits include including innovation ecosystems, science and technology policy, systems modeling for policy design, and the functioning and structure of government science advisory systems.

Before joining the Australian Government, Dr. Killen worked in industrial innovation policy as part of the Policy Links Unit, connected to the University of Cambridge. Prior to this, she worked in the UK Government Office for Science in the Prime Minister's Council for Science and Technology secretariat and futures and foresight teams. Liz started her career as a chemical engineer in the nuclear medicine production facility at ANSTO in Australia.

To learn more about Liz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-killen-678ba965/