The annual science review shows how our science, engineering and analytical work supports regulatory and policy decisions. It explains how we generate, test and use evidence in practice to protect people and places, in line with our strategic objectives.
- Applies to:
- Great Britain
- Published:
- 24 March 2026
- Last updated:
- 24 March 2026
Document
Annual science review 2026
- Reference:
- version 1
- Document type:
- PDF, 6MB
Details
Through a series of case studies, the annual science review shows how investigations into real-world incidents, alongside targeted research and standards development, translate scientific insight into practical interventions that reduce risk and improve safety outcomes.
Case studies in this review include:
- strengthening AI standards for cutting-edge people detection systems
- investigating potentially environmentally catastrophic releases of thousands of litres of highly corrosive acid
- research into safer liquid hydrogen refueling stations
- a 65,000-participant pesticide worker study
- engineers uncovering the causes of fatal incidents and how to prevent them in the future
- how workers can be protected from crystalline silica dust
Archive
Previous versions of the annual science review are available in The National Archives.