The last 18 months have dramatically reshaped the way that people view and value science within our society. Scientists have become unlikely household names, whilst people have seen first hand the impact of scientific breakthroughs in the health of people around the world.

In Radio 4’s Day Of The Scientist we will be asking how the pandemic has changed the way we do science, what do we need from our scientists in the future, whether we have enough scientists in the places that matter, and what we can do to improve scientific understanding across society given the challenges we face.

The day coincides with the tenth anniversary of The Life Scientific - marked with a one-hour special with former guests - and will feature an exclusive major interview with the Government’s Chief Scientific Advisor, Sir Patrick Vallance. There will also be discussions and interviews throughout the day on all of Radio 4’s news programmes and flagship strands.

Mohit Bakaya, Controller of Radio 4, says: “The scientist has taken centre stage during this pandemic and our understanding of both the value of what scientists do as well as how science works has been significantly enhanced.

'Following on from this, I want Radio 4’s Day Of The Scientist to be a deep dive into the many issues that emerge out of the pandemic, but also an exploration of how science, education, politics and the media will have to evolve together if we are to face the challenges of the future. I am also thrilled to able to use the day to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the brilliant Life Scientific and feature the first in-depth broadcast interview with Sir Patrick Vallance since the pandemic began.”

Day Of The Scientist schedule highlights, Tuesday 12 October
Today
6am-9am

Today will ask how has the pandemic reshaped the relationship between science and politics. The segment will also examine if we have enough scientists in the right places, politics, media, and other key parts of public life.

The Life Scientific at 10
9am-10am

In this 10th anniversary episode of Radio 4’s landmark science programme, presenter Jim Al-Khalili will be asking what it takes to be a scientist today.

How damaging is the stereotype of white men in white coats? Do scientists think differently? Or do some of the qualities associated with them do them a disservice? Is specialism the best way to solve 21st century problems when so many great discoveries are made in the cracks between the disciplines? In short, what makes a scientist a scientist? Jim and distinguished guests consider the lessons learnt from nearly 250 leading scientists talking with extraordinary honesty about their life and work, and ask: has the job description changed?

Success in science is often defined by making discoveries and publishing papers, but, as the pandemic made clear, we also need scientists who can interact with decision makers in government and elsewhere. Do scientists need to learn new skills to participate in the decision-making process? Do they (or at least some of them) need to be more outward looking, aware of the world beyond their laboratories and ready to engage? Or do the corridors of power need to open their doors to more people with a scientific training? And, if Britain is to become a science superpower, is it time that scientists stopped being squeamish about making money?

Jim's guests are Chief Executive of UK Research and Innovation, Prof Dame Ottoline Leyser; Nobel Prize winning biologist and Director of the Crick Institute, Prof Sir Paul Nurse; geologist and Royal Institution Christmas Lecturer, Christopher Jackson; and forensic scientist and member of the House of Lords, Prof Dame Sue Black.

Woman's Hour
10am-11am

Woman’s Hour will be looking at the issue of trust in science, how we assess risk versus benefits and what can be done to help science make a greater impact. The programme will also examine whether engagement in science is affected when the scientist is a woman.

The Patrick Vallance Interview
8pm-8.40pm

As Chief Scientific Advisor to the government during the pandemic, Sir Patrick became a household name. His calm, clear summaries of the state of our scientific understanding of the virus were welcomed by many across the country, and the value of science, and scientific advice, were thrust centre stage. Now, as head of the new Office for Science and Technology Strategy, Sir Patrick plans to put science and technology at the heart of policy making in government.

In an extended interview with Jim Al-Khalili, presenter of Radio 4’s The Life Scientific, Jim will explore the role of Chief Scientific Advisor, reflect on the ways that the pandemic has changed science, the place of the scientist in society, the relationship between science and politics, and explore the key scientific challenges ahead.

What science and technology do we need to invest in to tackle the big science-based challenges, such as achieving carbon net zero, preserving a diversity of species, and protecting our privacy? What does the UK need to do to capitalize on our scientific expertise and make Britain the science superpower that the Prime Minister hopes it will become? How do we navigate the ethical questions thrown up by scientific innovation, communicate science to the public at large and ensure that science is harnessed for the benefit of our society?

Inside Health
9pm-9.30pm

The programme will explore the incredible potential that the development and distribution of the Covid vaccine has unlocked for other diseases, in particular ones where vaccination was either not a priority or just thought to be too costly to develop.