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David Reynolds, Professor of International History at Cambridge and one of three prominent historians leading the calls, recommended the use of ‘historical moles' at the History & Policy symposium on Wednesday night.

While some government departments already have in-house historians, Professor Reynolds advocated a greater use of historical expertise by those politicians and civil servants who have trained as historians.

“It is now commonplace for government departments to appoint scientific advisers, but why not make better use of their ‘historical moles'?” he said. “There are many historically-trained advisers, already in place and familiar with the workings of Whitehall, who should be encouraged to tout their expertise more vigorously.”

Professor Reynolds, a fellow of Christ's College, added that historical analysis can be particularly helpful in international relations and proposes that politicians make greater use of historians in their day-to-day business.

“This is where diplomatic historians have something to offer policy-makers – they can suggest case studies from the past that may ring bells for current leaders and bring a longer perspective to bear on politics and diplomacy,” he said.

He says that it is more appropriate for history to be seen as a way of thinking, rather than a body of facts about the past. Where policy-makers in need of quick answers ask ‘What's the problem?', historians ask ‘What's the story?' Professor Reynolds suggests that a greater understanding of the background of a problem can often point to its solution: ‘Seeing how we got into a mess may indicate a way out.'

̽��ֱ��event was held to launch the History & Policy initiative, which has grown out of a website set up and edited by two Cambridge historians. Dr Alastair Reid of Girton College and Dr Simon Szreter of St John's College, in collaboration with colleagues at the ̽��ֱ�� of London.

̽��ֱ��new History & Policy initiative involves a network of over 100 historians with expertise in a range of domestic and international areas, all of whom have an interest in engaging in policy making.

History & Policy aims to demonstrate history's use in this area, as well as assist and advise those historians getting involved in policy-making, whether for the government, industry or the media. It is the first initiative of its kind, and is being currently funded through a charitable grant from the Philanthropic Collaborative.

historyandpolicy.org (see sidebar) was set up five years ago as a platform for historians to publish papers relevant to those developing government policy. It began with just eight papers, but now has over 60, and is frequently mentioned in PhD and postdoctoral research proposals as an intended place of publication. Themes covered range from climate change to pension reform, from smoking to ID cards.

Those interested in History & Policy are encouraged to contact Mel Porter on 020 7862 8768 or by e-mail via the website.