DBI activities 

Convenings 

The DBI convenes world-leading academics, key stakeholders and policy decision-makers at our impact-focused Downing Policy Retreats, the Downing Battcock Annual Lecture and other strategic policy symposia. 

Downing Policy Retreats

Downing Policy Retreats are designed to support evidence-informed, innovative policymaking and practice. They are hosted over one to two days in the serene environment of Downing College, at the University of Cambridge. They create space for key decision-makers and stakeholders to explore the latest evidence and ideas needed to tackle complex policy challenges. 

Criteria for Retreats: 

The retreats address significant policy issues that: 

  • Have existing interest from senior policymakers 
  • Are ahead of the policy cycle  
  • Have a hinterland of strong but new or underutilised insights and evidence 
  • Would usefully benefit from an extended and timely gathering, including bringing together expertise from other countries or perspectives 

We partner with academic institutions, think tanks, funders and philanthropists to host our retreats. When working with partner organisations, we assess whether a proposed topic fits within the above remit. To explore partnership opportunities, please contact us. 

Annual Lecture 

The Downing Battcock Annual Lecture platforms distinguished and innovative voices in public policy, from heads of government and top civil servants to world-leading academics and visionary practitioners. Speakers explore persistent and emerging policy and governance issues through a new lens or in light of new evidence – offering the potential for novel approaches and solutions.

We are delighted to host Lord O’Donnell, former Cabinet Secretary and Head of the British Civil Service, for the inaugural Downing Battcock Annual Lecture.  

Find out more and book your place below: 

Into the deep: Is government fit for AI and is AI fit for government?

The lecture will take place in Downing's Howard Theatre on Tuesday 5 May 2026 and will be delivered by Lord O’Donnell GCB (Gus O’Donnell), former Cabinet Secretary and Head of the British Civil Service.

Drinks and a networking reception will follow the lecture. 

Arrival from 5.45pm. We kindly request that guests be seated in good time for a prompt start.

Book a spot via Eventbrite. 

Speaker biography: 

Gus O'Donnell served as Cabinet Secretary and Head of the British Civil Service from 2005 to 2011, during which he oversaw the formation of the first coalition government since World War II.

Prior to this, he was Permanent Secretary to the Treasury (2002–2005) and represented the UK on the IMF and World Bank Boards. Gus was Chair of Frontier Economics for 11 years and continues to support the consulting firm in an Ambassadorial role.

He also holds several other positions, including Strategic Advisor and Board Member for Brookfield Asset Management, President of the Council of the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), and Honorary President of Pro Bono Economics (PBE).

Additionally, he is a Visiting Professor at the London School of Economics (LSE) and University College London (UCL), as well as a member of the Economist Trust. Gus studied Economics at Warwick University and Nuffield College, Oxford, before beginning his academic career as a lecturer at Glasgow University.

Knighted in 2005, he was appointed to the House of Lords in 2012, where he sits as a crossbencher. He is also an Honorary Fellow of the British Academy and a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences.

DBI is open to ideas and approaches for a range of activities that will help to form stronger bridges between ideas and policy. Please contact us.