GO-Science already maintains an expert register for SAGE and is committed to refreshing the register; improving selection processes to broaden participation across disciplines, institutions and backgrounds; and increasing our engagement with experts outside of emergencies. During 2026, GO-Science will refresh its processes for expert selection, drawing on lessons from both exercises and activations, and detailing practical steps to support greater diversity. GO-Science is also committed to working with the devolved governments to ensure a robust central register for SAGE.

As a longer-term ambition, GO-Science will explore options for using open calls within our expert identification process, from full open calls across all the risks and disciplines that SAGE covers, through to targeted open calls to address specific expertise gaps or improve diversity. There are potentially significant implications, however, for example the potential size of the applicant pool, the assessment of applications and the resources required to manage the process will need to be carefully considered. The size of the central register must enable it to be used operationally during a crisis and the processes for expert selection need to remain flexible enough when faced with the unexpected.

While the register provides a crucial foundation for convening expert groups in an emergency, it cannot be relied upon exclusively given the breadth of possible scenarios the UK may face. Therefore, as well as improving the register, GO-Science will continue to strengthen the more agile selection processes that work alongside it to identify additional expertise at pace in an emergency.