Researchers from the University of Bath’s Department of Life Sciences met MPs, Peers, and parliamentary staff last week as part of Evidence Week – the annual Sense about Science event connecting policymakers with cutting-edge research.
The Bath team, led by Professor Chris Pudney, presented new findings on the rise of vapes contaminated with the synthetic drug ‘spice’ and called for stronger regulation and enforcement to protect young people.
Hosted by the charity Sense about Science in partnership with the Quadram Institute and UK Statistics Authority, Evidence Week is now in its eighth year. The initiative brings researchers and parliamentarians together to explore how robust evidence can inform policy decisions.
Bath has been a regular contributor to the event, with previous participation from Professor Chris Budd and colleagues from the Department of Mathematical Sciences, who earlier this year briefed MPs on artificial intelligence and machine learning through the Maths4DL project.
This time, Professor Pudney’s team focused on the growing challenge of tackling spice-laced vapes. Working with schools and police forces nationwide, using a Bath-developed drug-testing device, their research has uncovered how up to one in four vapes confiscated in schools contains spice.
The team has also revealed that these products are widely available online and openly sold via social media platforms, such as TikTok and Instagram, often marketed deceptively as ‘THC’ vapes despite containing the cheaper and more dangerous synthetic drug.
The issue has already gained attention in Westminster through Bath MP Wera Hobhouse, who has repeatedly called for greater awareness in schools and tighter regulation under the Online Safety Act.
Evidence Week offered an opportunity for the Bath team to share their findings directly with MPs and Peers from across the UK and to build cross-party support for policy interventions.
Professor Pudney said: “Our work has revealed not only an alarming prevalence of spice in vapes seized from schools, but also a thriving online market for these products.
“Tackling this problem requires coordinated action on both demand and supply – from better education in schools to stronger enforcement of the Online Safety Act. Evidence Week was an invaluable opportunity to take that message to the heart of Westminster.”
Professor Duncan Craig, Dean of the Faculty of Science, added: “This research has already attracted national and international attention and it’s vital that the findings reach those who can make a difference. Spice-spiked vapes pose a real and growing threat to young people, and we’re proud to see our Bath scientists leading work that can help drive meaningful change.”
Wera Hobhouse MP added: "I was delighted to see Professor Chris Pudney and the team from Bath in Parliament for 'Evidence Week'. Since I first heard Chris speak so passionately about the issue of spice-spiked vapes on Radio 4, I've been keen to work with him to raise this issue up the agenda in Parliaemnt, including through an Adjournment Debate I secured last year.
"We are making some progress in raising awareness, but we really need more action to be taken to curb the supply of these products on social media. I look forward to continuing to work with the University of Bath team, and a growing number of MPs and Peers, to campaign on this issue."
The Bath delegation also included Professor Steve Husbands, Dr Gyles Cozier, Dr Rachael Andrews and Andy Dunne (Head of Public Affairs).
Elsewhere during Evidence Week, Dr Johanna Meyer (Policy Engagement Manager, IPR) joined the launch event – a ‘reverse evidence session’ with Chairs of key Parliamentary Committees – while Dr Leda Blackwood (Department of Psychology) attended an evening reception focused on tackling hidden hunger, drawing on her work.
The University’s participation was supported by Research Impact Services and External Affairs with Research England’s Policy Support Fund and EPSRC Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) grant.