This keynote speech was part of the Bennett Institute for Public Policy Annual Conference 2025.

Much like a viral contagion, misinformation can spread rapidly from one mind to another. Inoculation theory offers a natural basis for developing a psychological ‘vaccine’ against the spread of fake news and misinformation.

In this keynote, Prof Sander van der Linden discusses how it is possible to pre-emptively “immunise” people against disinformation by pre-exposing them to severely weakened doses of the techniques that underlie its production. This process of ‘prebunking’ helps people cultivate cognitive antibodies in both simulated and real social media environments.

Prof Linden showcases several interventions he developed and evaluated—with public health authorities and social media companies—to help citizens around the world recognise and resist unwanted attempts to manipulate and mislead.

Keynote speaker:
Prof Sander van der Linden, Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge
Chair:
Prof Diane Coyle, Bennett Institute for Public Policy, University of Cambridge

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This panel discussion was part of the Bennett Institute for Public Policy Annual Conference 2025.

Have western governments got a handle on the root causes of the inequalities creating deep disenchantment and occasional citizen unrest in hinterland places and poorer communities? What kinds of policy tools and interventions are most likely to address these factors? What can be learned from central, regional and local government initiatives since the mid-2000s? Is devolution an important part of the answer?

The panel explored these issues, looking in-depth at the UK’s recent experience and considering trends across western Europe. Do liberal democracies have the right kinds of policy tools and ambition to move the dial on geographically rooted inequalities?

Speakers:

• Prof Andres Rodriguez-Pose, London School of Economics
• Jessica Studdert, New Local
• Tom Walker, Essex County Council
• Chair: Prof Michael Kenny, Bennett Institute for Public Policy, University of Cambridge

For more Conference session recordings visit Bennett Institute podcasts.

This session was recorded as part of the Bennett Institute for Public Policy Annual Conference 2025.

Work is much more than a means to an end—it shapes our identity, values, social status, and how we spend our lives. As a central principle of society, work underpins individual wellbeing, collective resilience, and societal progress. Yet the nature of work is undergoing profound changes, driven by technological advances, shifting societal values and the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. At the same time, the UK’s longstanding productivity challenge remains unresolved. This panel will explore how we can balance productivity, fairness, and wellbeing to create work that is sustainable, meaningful, and productive for individuals, organisations, and society.

Guest speakers:

• Kate Bell, Trade Union Congress (TUC
• Prof Brendan Burchell, Faculty of Human, Social and Political Sciences, University of Cambridge
• Sarah O’Connor, Financial Times
• Chair: Dr Nina Jörden, Bennett Institute for Public Policy, University of Cambridge

For more session recordings, visit Bennett Institute podcasts.