Involving and communicating with the public – some wider lessons:

Involve: Sophie Blake: There have been two cautionary tales in the news recently for anyone thinking about opening a key decision up to the public. One that speaks of the perils of too much control over a process, and one of too little. Click here to read more

BIS ‘A £200 million state-of-the-art polar research ship is to be named after world renowned naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough. Mock-up of RRS Sir David Attenborough

• UK’s £200 million polar research ship to be named after Sir David Attenborough, days before the broadcaster’s 90th birthday
• “Boaty McBoatface” to live on as the name of the ship’s high-tech remotely operated undersea vehicle, following a public call for ideas
• new Polar Explorer programme launched to engage young people and inspire the scientists, engineers and explorers of the future

A £200 million state-of-the-art polar research ship is to be named after world renowned naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough, the Science Minister Jo Johnson has confirmed today (6 May 2016).

Following a call for suggestions that sparked global interest, Royal Research Ship Sir David Attenborough has been selected as a name that captures the ship’s scientific mission and celebrates the broadcaster’s contribution to natural science. The decision to name the ship after Sir David Attenborough comes only days before Sir David’s 90th birthday and is in recognition of his legacy in British broadcasting, inspiring a love of the natural world over generations. In a career spanning 6 decades, Sir David has presented critically acclaimed wildlife documentaries on the BBC including The Blue Planet, Planet Earth and Frozen Planet.’ Click here to read more