About this Event
When a model informs a consequential decision, analysts need to judge how far its outputs can be reasonably relied on in that specific context. This half day workshop is for operational researchers, actuaries, statisticians, economists and other government analysts who develop, review, challenge or communicate modelling used in public sector decisions. Participants will practise the professional judgement needed to:
- assess what a model can support
- identify the assumptions and uncertainties that matter most
- decide what further challenge is proportionate
- determine what information should accompany an analytical output as it moves to senior or non-specialist decision makers.
Through a series of interactive exercises, participants will compare approaches across professions, test their judgement with peers and leave with a structured approach they can apply when reviewing, challenging and communicating analytical work.
AI-specific tools, methods and governance are outside the scope of this workshop.
Dr Erica Thompson is a leading expert on how simulation tools shape high stakes public policy. She serves as an Associate Professor of Modelling for Decision-Making at University College London’s Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy. She is also the author of the book Escape From Model Land, a critique of society's over reliance on mathematical simulation across economics, public health, and climate change. Her interdisciplinary research is supported by a prestigious UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship and complemented by appointments as a Fellow of the London Mathematical Laboratory and a Visiting Senior Fellow at the LSE Data Science Institute. Holding a PhD in Climate Physics from Imperial College London, Dr Thompson is also involved in the policy sphere through positions on several advisory bodies, including the UK Government's DESNZ Science and Advisory Technology Council and the Met Office Hadley Centre advisory group.
The event will be held in a hybrid format, with the option to attend in person or online via Microsoft Teams.
Please note: This form is an expression of interest. We will contact you by email with further details about the event and how to attend.
Event venue & nearby stays
1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ, United Kingdom
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