Julian's science

My research is in the field of the Physics of Medicine, trying to use advances in the physical sciences to lead to clinical improvements for patients. In my case, I am interested in the structure of DNA, and how genes are controlled. One of the pieces of work is to design, make and test new anti-cancer drugs that bind to DNA. I am also using nanotechnology to design DNA-based materials. One of the applications of this is designing improved components for photovoltaic solar panels.

Evidence-based policy

When making policy decisions, it is essential to make decisions based on evidence. While politics and politicians must make the final decisions - because ultimately value judgements matter - these decisions should be based on an understanding of the evidence, whether the underlying science or proper analyses of trials and statistics. The considerations that are required are becoming ever more technical, whether in fields such as health care, transport policy, education or the environment (for which please read the excellent book 'Sustainable energy wthout the hot air' Prof David MacKay FRS, with whom I have published some other work) .

However, too few active politicians, particularly in the House of Commons, have a training in and understanding of the details of science and technology, meaning that policy decisions are made without considering the evidence. This can be seen very clearly at the moment, with the firing of Prof David Nutt from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs for giving unwanted scientific advice.

The DNA database

I have become increasingly concerned with the breadth of the DNA database in the UK, and the way it is being applied. This is to me one of the critical scientific aspects of civil liberties at the moment, as well as the obvious issues of principle. I was elected to the National Council of Liberty partly with a view to strengthening their understanding and input into these issues, and have produced information for Liberty and various parliamentarians. Below I discuss some recent issues involving the DNA database, including the fact that it is now possible (even easy) to fake DNA samples.