White heat or hot air? The politics of science in 1960s Britain
Historian article
By Steve Illingworth, published 14th November 2025
Britain in the 1960s was captivated by scientific advancements. The public interest in ‘science’ was reflected in popular culture during this period. This zeitgeist for scientific revolution also captured aspects of British politics. The government of Harold Wilson sought to encourage scientific progress. Yet the difference between political aims and the reality of scientific progress during this period is debatable. By focusing on the politics of science in 1960s Britain, Steve Illingworth examines whether the British government actually capitalized on its lofty aims for a scientific revolution.
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