Visit to Westminster

On the 29th October, I visited Westminster, where I was shadowing Stephen Williams MP as part of the Royal Society Pairing Scheme. The week was a great opportunity to find out how policy makers get access to scientific research.

The University ran a press release about the event, saying:

Dr Matt Rigby from the University of Bristol will be swapping a lab coat for legislation, when he visits MP Stephen Williams at the House of Commons for a “Week in Westminster” commencing Monday 29 October as part of a unique ‘pairing’ scheme run by the Royal Society – the UK’s national academy of science.

During his visit Dr Rigby will shadow his MP pair and learn about his work, as well as attending a House of Commons Science and Technology Committee meeting and Prime Minister’s Question Time and meeting Professor Sir John Beddington, Government Chief Scientific Advisor. The visit will provide him with a behind-the-scenes insight into how science policy is formed as well as an understanding of the working life of an MP.

Dr Rigby said: “This will be a great opportunity to learn first-hand how science is translated into public policy. We’re often told that we need to get out of the lab and engage with policy-makers, and I think this will be fantastic way to see how we can interact more effectively.”

The Royal Society’s MP-Scientist pairing scheme aims to build bridges between parliamentarians and some of the best scientists in the UK. It is an opportunity for MPs to become better informed about science issues and for scientists to understand how they can influence science policy. Over 200 pairs of scientists and MPs have taken part in the scheme since it was launched in 2001.

Sir Paul Nurse, President of the Royal Society said: “We live in a world facing increasing challenges that can only be addressed with a clear understanding of science. From climate change to influenza outbreaks, GM food to nuclear power, our MPs have to make decisions about complex issues that will affect the lives of all those in the UK and, in many cases, more widely throughout the world. This means that MPs and scientists have a responsibility to engage with each other to get the best possible scientific advice into public policy making.

“We set up the Royal Society’s MP Scientist pairing scheme in 2001 to provide the opportunity for MPs and scientists to build long-term relationships with each other and have now organised over two hundred pairings.

“I know many parliamentarians and scientists who have gained from the scheme, and the shaping of public policy can only improve over time as these relationships continue to grow.”