Dr Sanjush Dalmia
@sanjushdalmia.bsky.social
Science, Innovation and Technology | Fellow @ Centre for British Progress | Exec @ Scientists for Labour | NHS Doctor and Medical Researcher
Prev: Science Policy Advisor to Labour, Science Policy Lead at UK Day One, MRes in Medicine
Manchester / Leeds
Prev: Science Policy Advisor to Labour, Science Policy Lead at UK Day One, MRes in Medicine
Manchester / Leeds
Pinned
Sign up for Scientists for Labour's (www.scientistsforlabour.org.uk) monthly "Science Policy Drinks" events in Westminster: forms.gle/vcNZYmh9ziuz...
We're often joined by MPs. Anyone interested in science and tech policy is welcome, even if you aren't a scientist or Labour member!
We're often joined by MPs. Anyone interested in science and tech policy is welcome, even if you aren't a scientist or Labour member!
I use an AI tool in the NHS every day, and wrote about regulatory sandboxes for the @britishprogress.org R&D policy toolkit.
On my Substack, I look at how AI Growth Labs could best accelerate AI adoption and increase productivity, with a focus on healthcare. Key points:🧵
On my Substack, I look at how AI Growth Labs could best accelerate AI adoption and increase productivity, with a focus on healthcare. Key points:🧵
November 11, 2025 at 6:13 PM
I use an AI tool in the NHS every day, and wrote about regulatory sandboxes for the @britishprogress.org R&D policy toolkit.
On my Substack, I look at how AI Growth Labs could best accelerate AI adoption and increase productivity, with a focus on healthcare. Key points:🧵
On my Substack, I look at how AI Growth Labs could best accelerate AI adoption and increase productivity, with a focus on healthcare. Key points:🧵
I think it’s likely that some sort of government-endorsed third party privacy certification system for AI tools would accelerate adoption.
November 8, 2025 at 6:39 PM
I think it’s likely that some sort of government-endorsed third party privacy certification system for AI tools would accelerate adoption.
We should use AI in the REF, and it is good to spend taxpayers' money on lizard venom research.
Thanks to @resprofnews.bsky.social for inviting me to write up some thoughts on where Labour's new DSIT team should go on R&D, just in time for conference!
Thanks to @resprofnews.bsky.social for inviting me to write up some thoughts on where Labour's new DSIT team should go on R&D, just in time for conference!
The RPN team will be up in Liverpool at the #LabourConference this week.
To kick things off, Sanjush Dalmia (@sanjushdalmia.bsky.social) suggests to delegates some discussion points around Britain’s R&D future.
Free to read. #Lab25
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-v...
To kick things off, Sanjush Dalmia (@sanjushdalmia.bsky.social) suggests to delegates some discussion points around Britain’s R&D future.
Free to read. #Lab25
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-v...
Research team - Research Professional News
Sanjush Dalmia suggests Labour Party conference discussion points around Britain’s R&D future
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
September 28, 2025 at 1:56 PM
We should use AI in the REF, and it is good to spend taxpayers' money on lizard venom research.
Thanks to @resprofnews.bsky.social for inviting me to write up some thoughts on where Labour's new DSIT team should go on R&D, just in time for conference!
Thanks to @resprofnews.bsky.social for inviting me to write up some thoughts on where Labour's new DSIT team should go on R&D, just in time for conference!
Reposted by Dr Sanjush Dalmia
Strong argument from @sanjushdalmia.bsky.social for basic research funding
"As a doctor, I meet patients whose diabetes management has been completely transformed by drugs such as the weight-loss medication Ozempic. This has only been possible thanks to curiosity-driven research on lizard venom"
"As a doctor, I meet patients whose diabetes management has been completely transformed by drugs such as the weight-loss medication Ozempic. This has only been possible thanks to curiosity-driven research on lizard venom"
Research team - Research Professional News
Sanjush Dalmia suggests Labour Party conference discussion points around Britain’s R&D future
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
September 28, 2025 at 11:12 AM
Strong argument from @sanjushdalmia.bsky.social for basic research funding
"As a doctor, I meet patients whose diabetes management has been completely transformed by drugs such as the weight-loss medication Ozempic. This has only been possible thanks to curiosity-driven research on lizard venom"
"As a doctor, I meet patients whose diabetes management has been completely transformed by drugs such as the weight-loss medication Ozempic. This has only been possible thanks to curiosity-driven research on lizard venom"
Reposted by Dr Sanjush Dalmia
Saw Kanishka Narayan speak at a Labour Digital thing a few months ago and he was incredibly impressive at knowing what he was talking about on tech stuff, which isn't always a given for politicians, so that seems like a good appointment!
Some of Labour's brightest young MPs – Kanishka Narayan, Kate Dearden, Josh Simons, Josh McAlister – handed junior ministerial posts
September 7, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Saw Kanishka Narayan speak at a Labour Digital thing a few months ago and he was incredibly impressive at knowing what he was talking about on tech stuff, which isn't always a given for politicians, so that seems like a good appointment!
Reposted by Dr Sanjush Dalmia
🚨BREAKING🚨
Patrick Vallance announces three-month pause in REF.
Science minister announces hiatus but says results for next Research Excellence Framework still on track for 2029.
Free to read:
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
Patrick Vallance announces three-month pause in REF.
Science minister announces hiatus but says results for next Research Excellence Framework still on track for 2029.
Free to read:
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
Vallance announces three-month pause in REF - Research Professional News
Science minister announces hiatus but says results still on track for 2029
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
September 4, 2025 at 9:02 AM
🚨BREAKING🚨
Patrick Vallance announces three-month pause in REF.
Science minister announces hiatus but says results for next Research Excellence Framework still on track for 2029.
Free to read:
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
Patrick Vallance announces three-month pause in REF.
Science minister announces hiatus but says results for next Research Excellence Framework still on track for 2029.
Free to read:
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
As the Labour government applies its interventionist industrial strategy to R&D, policymakers must carefully pick the right policy tools for the right problem.
Yesterday, @britishprogress.bsky.social launched our interactive “R&D Policy Toolkit” to help policymakers do just that.
Yesterday, @britishprogress.bsky.social launched our interactive “R&D Policy Toolkit” to help policymakers do just that.
August 1, 2025 at 1:04 PM
As the Labour government applies its interventionist industrial strategy to R&D, policymakers must carefully pick the right policy tools for the right problem.
Yesterday, @britishprogress.bsky.social launched our interactive “R&D Policy Toolkit” to help policymakers do just that.
Yesterday, @britishprogress.bsky.social launched our interactive “R&D Policy Toolkit” to help policymakers do just that.
Reposted by Dr Sanjush Dalmia
🚨🔧 NEW R&D POLICY TOOLKIT LAUNCHED 🚨
Excited to launch a new @BritishProgress product: an interactive toolkit for UK R&D analysts and policymakers!
🔗 rd-toolkit.britishprogress.org
Thread below🧵
Excited to launch a new @BritishProgress product: an interactive toolkit for UK R&D analysts and policymakers!
🔗 rd-toolkit.britishprogress.org
Thread below🧵
UK R&D Policy Toolkit
rd-toolkit.britishprogress.org
July 31, 2025 at 11:00 AM
🚨🔧 NEW R&D POLICY TOOLKIT LAUNCHED 🚨
Excited to launch a new @BritishProgress product: an interactive toolkit for UK R&D analysts and policymakers!
🔗 rd-toolkit.britishprogress.org
Thread below🧵
Excited to launch a new @BritishProgress product: an interactive toolkit for UK R&D analysts and policymakers!
🔗 rd-toolkit.britishprogress.org
Thread below🧵
"Repair" won't work - Starmerism needs to "Rebuild".
Britain's stagnation is in part, down to the accumulation of decisions where Conservative governments ducked transition costs.
But the political costs of inaction now exceed the political costs of transition.
Britain's stagnation is in part, down to the accumulation of decisions where Conservative governments ducked transition costs.
But the political costs of inaction now exceed the political costs of transition.
July 28, 2025 at 1:27 PM
"Repair" won't work - Starmerism needs to "Rebuild".
Britain's stagnation is in part, down to the accumulation of decisions where Conservative governments ducked transition costs.
But the political costs of inaction now exceed the political costs of transition.
Britain's stagnation is in part, down to the accumulation of decisions where Conservative governments ducked transition costs.
But the political costs of inaction now exceed the political costs of transition.
Reposted by Dr Sanjush Dalmia
“People don’t want to interact with a paper. They want to interact with the author” @valdavinson.bsky.social on lack of onsite commenting on papers at #FutureSciPub 1/2
July 15, 2025 at 11:07 AM
“People don’t want to interact with a paper. They want to interact with the author” @valdavinson.bsky.social on lack of onsite commenting on papers at #FutureSciPub 1/2
Reposted by Dr Sanjush Dalmia
I'm looking for academic affiliation. I don't need to be paid & I'm happy to offer something in return!
I've got an exceptionally strong track record and full metascience research program ready to roll.
I've got an exceptionally strong track record and full metascience research program ready to roll.
July 19, 2025 at 9:11 AM
I'm looking for academic affiliation. I don't need to be paid & I'm happy to offer something in return!
I've got an exceptionally strong track record and full metascience research program ready to roll.
I've got an exceptionally strong track record and full metascience research program ready to roll.
Reposted by Dr Sanjush Dalmia
29 scholars reflect on their participation in adversarial collaborations:
“Rather than producing a clear 'winner,' the most common outcome was a deeper understanding of the problem space through the integration of opposing perspectives”
Open Access: doi.org/10.1007/s111...
#MetaSci #Methodology 🧪
“Rather than producing a clear 'winner,' the most common outcome was a deeper understanding of the problem space through the integration of opposing perspectives”
Open Access: doi.org/10.1007/s111...
#MetaSci #Methodology 🧪
July 15, 2025 at 1:40 PM
29 scholars reflect on their participation in adversarial collaborations:
“Rather than producing a clear 'winner,' the most common outcome was a deeper understanding of the problem space through the integration of opposing perspectives”
Open Access: doi.org/10.1007/s111...
#MetaSci #Methodology 🧪
“Rather than producing a clear 'winner,' the most common outcome was a deeper understanding of the problem space through the integration of opposing perspectives”
Open Access: doi.org/10.1007/s111...
#MetaSci #Methodology 🧪
We can reform the Research Excellence Framework to distribute power, strengthen open access and unlock more money for R&D, while retaining both the “dual-support” system and qualitative research evaluation.
In my latest Substack post, I outline what the “Open REF” could look like.
In my latest Substack post, I outline what the “Open REF” could look like.
July 14, 2025 at 10:21 AM
We can reform the Research Excellence Framework to distribute power, strengthen open access and unlock more money for R&D, while retaining both the “dual-support” system and qualitative research evaluation.
In my latest Substack post, I outline what the “Open REF” could look like.
In my latest Substack post, I outline what the “Open REF” could look like.
Reposted by Dr Sanjush Dalmia
What counts as interdisciplinary research? And can we tell who is actually funding it, versus just talking about it? A data-driven deep-dive from me here: open.substack.com/pub/johnsonb...
What Actually Counts as Interdisciplinary Research?
A data-driven look at which funders actually support knowledge integration
open.substack.com
July 9, 2025 at 10:42 PM
What counts as interdisciplinary research? And can we tell who is actually funding it, versus just talking about it? A data-driven deep-dive from me here: open.substack.com/pub/johnsonb...
What do we need to *build* for metascience and open science?
I’ve written a “Request for Products” that I think could be particularly valuable to improve science.
open.substack.com/pub/whitehea...
I’ve written a “Request for Products” that I think could be particularly valuable to improve science.
open.substack.com/pub/whitehea...
July 9, 2025 at 9:15 AM
What do we need to *build* for metascience and open science?
I’ve written a “Request for Products” that I think could be particularly valuable to improve science.
open.substack.com/pub/whitehea...
I’ve written a “Request for Products” that I think could be particularly valuable to improve science.
open.substack.com/pub/whitehea...
Reposted by Dr Sanjush Dalmia
Inspired (partly) by @jontreadway.bsky.social 's tweet thread, I have come up with a highly subjective and tentative map of different strands in metascience.
It is intended as a starter to begin talking about what people (want to) include in metascience.
#metascience2025
It is intended as a starter to begin talking about what people (want to) include in metascience.
#metascience2025
July 4, 2025 at 12:43 AM
Inspired (partly) by @jontreadway.bsky.social 's tweet thread, I have come up with a highly subjective and tentative map of different strands in metascience.
It is intended as a starter to begin talking about what people (want to) include in metascience.
#metascience2025
It is intended as a starter to begin talking about what people (want to) include in metascience.
#metascience2025
Today on my Substack, I'm sharing a list of empirical research questions for metascience, which I think are particularly relevant for science policy.
I don’t conduct or fund metascience research, but if you do, you might find this list helpful.
whiteheat.substack.com/p/empirical-...
I don’t conduct or fund metascience research, but if you do, you might find this list helpful.
whiteheat.substack.com/p/empirical-...
Empirical Questions in Metascience: A List for Funders and Researchers
A Policy-Relevant Research Agenda
whiteheat.substack.com
July 4, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Today on my Substack, I'm sharing a list of empirical research questions for metascience, which I think are particularly relevant for science policy.
I don’t conduct or fund metascience research, but if you do, you might find this list helpful.
whiteheat.substack.com/p/empirical-...
I don’t conduct or fund metascience research, but if you do, you might find this list helpful.
whiteheat.substack.com/p/empirical-...
I'll be at the Cambridge Centre for Science and Policy (CSaP) annual conference later today.
Come say hi if you're attending - I'd love to chat about @britishprogress.bsky.social and Scientists for Labour!
Come say hi if you're attending - I'd love to chat about @britishprogress.bsky.social and Scientists for Labour!
June 24, 2025 at 10:08 AM
I'll be at the Cambridge Centre for Science and Policy (CSaP) annual conference later today.
Come say hi if you're attending - I'd love to chat about @britishprogress.bsky.social and Scientists for Labour!
Come say hi if you're attending - I'd love to chat about @britishprogress.bsky.social and Scientists for Labour!
The "for-profit company owned by a non-profit" model seems to have been extraordinarily successful for science (OpenAI, Novo Nordisk).
This paper by @namratanarain.bsky.social shows VCs are short-termist - perhaps non-profits are better placed to support "patient science".
This paper by @namratanarain.bsky.social shows VCs are short-termist - perhaps non-profits are better placed to support "patient science".
June 19, 2025 at 9:42 AM
The "for-profit company owned by a non-profit" model seems to have been extraordinarily successful for science (OpenAI, Novo Nordisk).
This paper by @namratanarain.bsky.social shows VCs are short-termist - perhaps non-profits are better placed to support "patient science".
This paper by @namratanarain.bsky.social shows VCs are short-termist - perhaps non-profits are better placed to support "patient science".
Lee Kuan Yew claimed air conditioning was "key to public efficiency".
Yet we only have a few, low-quality studies on the productivity effects of office working environments (temperature, air filtration, noise etc).
Potential big wins here, for both workers and businesses.
Yet we only have a few, low-quality studies on the productivity effects of office working environments (temperature, air filtration, noise etc).
Potential big wins here, for both workers and businesses.
June 18, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Lee Kuan Yew claimed air conditioning was "key to public efficiency".
Yet we only have a few, low-quality studies on the productivity effects of office working environments (temperature, air filtration, noise etc).
Potential big wins here, for both workers and businesses.
Yet we only have a few, low-quality studies on the productivity effects of office working environments (temperature, air filtration, noise etc).
Potential big wins here, for both workers and businesses.
Last week, The Economist characterised Labour's political strategy as "all pain, no gain".
Why was there so much anger on means-testing winter fuel payments, and how can Labour improve in the future?
By renaming stuff:
whiteheat.substack.com/p/rename-the...
🧵
Why was there so much anger on means-testing winter fuel payments, and how can Labour improve in the future?
By renaming stuff:
whiteheat.substack.com/p/rename-the...
🧵
Rename the Winter Fuel Payment, the Two Child Benefit Cap and the Pension Triple Lock
The Comms and Politics of Cutting and Spending
whiteheat.substack.com
June 12, 2025 at 11:52 AM
Last week, The Economist characterised Labour's political strategy as "all pain, no gain".
Why was there so much anger on means-testing winter fuel payments, and how can Labour improve in the future?
By renaming stuff:
whiteheat.substack.com/p/rename-the...
🧵
Why was there so much anger on means-testing winter fuel payments, and how can Labour improve in the future?
By renaming stuff:
whiteheat.substack.com/p/rename-the...
🧵
Reposted by Dr Sanjush Dalmia
🎯 Does early success in science funding shape the rest of your career?
New RoRI study says yes.
The ‘Matthew effect’ — early winners keep winning — holds across funders & countries.
📄 Read more: researchonresearch.org/largest-stud...
New RoRI study says yes.
The ‘Matthew effect’ — early winners keep winning — holds across funders & countries.
📄 Read more: researchonresearch.org/largest-stud...
Largest study of its kind shows that the ‘Matthew effect’ in science funding holds true - Research on Research
New RoRI paper shows that researchers who win funding early in their career are more likely to get funded in the future
researchonresearch.org
June 12, 2025 at 11:12 AM
🎯 Does early success in science funding shape the rest of your career?
New RoRI study says yes.
The ‘Matthew effect’ — early winners keep winning — holds across funders & countries.
📄 Read more: researchonresearch.org/largest-stud...
New RoRI study says yes.
The ‘Matthew effect’ — early winners keep winning — holds across funders & countries.
📄 Read more: researchonresearch.org/largest-stud...
Reposted by Dr Sanjush Dalmia
The next few months will determine the outlook for the UK #LifeSciences research landscape for a decade.
An article from me on how Government needs to maximise the opportunities and avoid the pitfalls:
news.cancerresearchuk.org/2025/06/05/5...
1/
An article from me on how Government needs to maximise the opportunities and avoid the pitfalls:
news.cancerresearchuk.org/2025/06/05/5...
1/
Seizing the moment – 5 steps the Government must take to help UK cancer research thrive - Cancer Research UK - Cancer News
Here's what we need to see from the Spending Review, NHS 10 Year Plan, Cancer Plan, Industrial Strategy, and Life Sciences Sector Plan.
news.cancerresearchuk.org
June 6, 2025 at 9:26 AM
The next few months will determine the outlook for the UK #LifeSciences research landscape for a decade.
An article from me on how Government needs to maximise the opportunities and avoid the pitfalls:
news.cancerresearchuk.org/2025/06/05/5...
1/
An article from me on how Government needs to maximise the opportunities and avoid the pitfalls:
news.cancerresearchuk.org/2025/06/05/5...
1/
Existing AI evals aren't that useful for guiding adoption and boosting productivity.
We need more real-world trials run by the What Works Centres to inform and de-risk adoption, helping Labour to deliver on its Five Missions.
Out today on my Substack: whiteheat.substack.com/p/ai-evals-f...
We need more real-world trials run by the What Works Centres to inform and de-risk adoption, helping Labour to deliver on its Five Missions.
Out today on my Substack: whiteheat.substack.com/p/ai-evals-f...
AI Evals for Productivity Growth
To Support Adoption, DSIT Should Show What Works with AI
whiteheat.substack.com
May 30, 2025 at 12:07 PM
Existing AI evals aren't that useful for guiding adoption and boosting productivity.
We need more real-world trials run by the What Works Centres to inform and de-risk adoption, helping Labour to deliver on its Five Missions.
Out today on my Substack: whiteheat.substack.com/p/ai-evals-f...
We need more real-world trials run by the What Works Centres to inform and de-risk adoption, helping Labour to deliver on its Five Missions.
Out today on my Substack: whiteheat.substack.com/p/ai-evals-f...
Metascience should complement evidence-informed policy by raising the quality of the *best available* evidence over time.
Metascience should not be weaponised against evidence-informed policy just because evidence does not always meet extremely high standards of rigour.
Metascience should not be weaponised against evidence-informed policy just because evidence does not always meet extremely high standards of rigour.
There is a new Executive Order that is closely related to many of the topics promoted in the science reform movement. It deserves a close read as it will surely have implications for how some promoted reforms are implemented in policy and practice. My hot take 🧵
www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...
www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...
Restoring Gold Standard Science
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 7301 of title 5, United
www.whitehouse.gov
May 26, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Metascience should complement evidence-informed policy by raising the quality of the *best available* evidence over time.
Metascience should not be weaponised against evidence-informed policy just because evidence does not always meet extremely high standards of rigour.
Metascience should not be weaponised against evidence-informed policy just because evidence does not always meet extremely high standards of rigour.