Overly intelligent computers and robots could cause an ecological catastrophe marking the end of human existence. Not the plot of a science fiction film, but the warning delivered by Jaan Tallinn about the dangers of unmitigated technological advances in Artifial Intelligence, in the first CSaP Distinguished Lecture of 2012.

The recent Icelandic eruptions have catapulted volcanologists to the forefront of policymaking. What can be done to predict these devastating eruptions? And how do we sensibly manage the risks?

There are certain practical realities when it comes to bringing the implications of research to the attention of policy makers. To discuss these and more, the Centre for Science and Policy ran a roundtable meeting of selected individuals from Whitehall and the University of Cambridge on 25 January.

In December, CSaP and the Engineering Department at the University of Cambridge co-hosted a Professional Development Policy Seminar for early-career engineers. Co-sponsored by the IET, 32 researchers from 7 universities heard from engineering experts and policy professionals on the opportunities and realities of engaging with policy. For Marcus Pelenu, a PhD student at the Centre for Sustainable Development, Department of Engineering, this seminar resulted in a work placement in the Cabinet Office.

The seventh lecture in CSaP’s distinguished lecture series was given by Lord Rees of Ludlow, Master of Trinity College, Astronomer Royal and former President of the Royal Society (2005-2010).

The question of how best to educate the next generation has puzzled policy makers for many years. As well as the philosophical issues surrounding the meaning and purpose of education, the practicalities of delivering equality of opportunity to an unequal society make this a complex topic with tremendous social impact.

The Centre has announced the first Policy Fellows for 2012, together with the dates of their initial visits in January and February.

Over the course of a week, Silicon Valley comes to the UK (SV2UK) brought leading industrialists and entrepreneurs from Silicon Valley to the UK for a tour of lectures, debates and showcase events.

11 November saw CSaP host its second professional development seminar for early career biologists. The day-long seminar offered insights into the opportunities, and the associated challenges, for university academics to engage in science policy at the level of UK government.

From climate change to stem cell research, science policy plays an important and controversial role in modern politics, scientific research and media. As part of the Cambridge Public Policy Seminar Series, Diana Garnham discussed how scientists can best influence science policy.