Independent SAGE
The Independent Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, better known as Independent SAGE is a group of scientists, unaffiliated to government (although some are also in the government SAGE), that publishes advice aimed toward the UK government regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Its name is based on SAGE, the name of the government's official Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies.
The questions raised about the transparency of SAGE[1] and possible political interference[2][3] during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom led to concerns about trust in public health messaging being raised by scientists and by the media. As an alternative, a group of scientists created Independent SAGE, chaired by Sir David Anthony King, a former Government Chief Scientific Advisor, in early May 2020 to "provide a clear structure on which an effective policy should be based given the inevitability that the virus will continue to cross borders".[4][5]
Public statements[edit]
In May 2020, Independent SAGE warned against ending lockdown prematurely in places like schools.[5]
In September 2020, Independent SAGE called for immediate government action to prevent further increase in the prevalence of COVID-19 infection, to prevent the need for a second national lockdown.[6]
In November 2020, Sir David King stated that he was considering continuing Independent SAGE's work after the coronavirus pandemic, with a focus on combatting climate change.[7]
Members[edit]
Members of Independent SAGE include:[8]
- Sir David King FRS FRSC FInstP (chairman)
- Professor Anthony Costello FMedSci FRCPCH FRCP
- Professor Karl Friston FRS
- Dr Zubaida Haque FRSA
- Professor Kamlesh Khunti
- Professor Martin McKee CBE
- Professor Susan Michie FMedSci FAcSS
- Dr Tolullah Oni
- Professor Christina Pagel
- Professor Deenan Pillay
- Professor Stephen Reicher FBA FRSE
- Professor Gabriel Scally FFPHM
- Dr Kit Yates
References[edit]
- ^ Landler, Mark; Castle, Stephen (23 April 2020). "The Secretive Group Guiding the U.K. on Coronavirus". The New York Times. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
- ^ "Revealed: Cummings is on secret scientific advisory group for Covid-19". The Guardian. 24 April 2020. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
- ^ "Dominic Cummings attended meetings of scientific advisory group, No10 admits". ITV News. 25 April 2020.
Mr Cummings' attendance has been criticised, with many suggesting it could have politicised decision making.
- ^ Independent SAGE Report of 12th May 2020 COVID-19: what are the options for the UK? Recommendations for government based on an open and transparent examination of the scientific evidence (retrieved 7 June 2020)
- ^ a b Tidman Z (28 May 2020) Not safe to reopen all schools next week and government ignoring scientific advice, Independent Sage warns. The Independent (retrieved 8 June 2020)
- ^ Wise, Jacqui (21 September 2020). "Covid-19: Act now to avoid second lockdown, says Independent SAGE". BMJ. 370. doi:10.1136/bmj.m3695. ISSN 1756-1833. PMID 32958513.
- ^ "Independent Sage scientists to join climate crisis battle". the Guardian. 21 November 2020. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
- ^ "Who are we?". Independent SAGE. Retrieved 19 June 2021.
External links[edit]
- Official website
- Independent SAGE's channel on YouTube
- Independent SAGE on Twitter
- Independent SAGE on Instagram