The Royal Society invites applications for its pairing scheme. This aims to give policy makers and research scientists an opportunity to experience each other’s worlds. Research scientists are paired with UK parliamentarians and civil servants to learn about each other’s work by spending time together in Westminster and at the researchers’ institutions. The scheme begins with a Week in Westminster in which the pairs first meet and take part in workshops, hear from invited speakers and spend two days shadowing their pair. Then the parliamentarians and civil servants to get an insight into the world of research by undertaking reciprocal visits with their pairs.

Scientists across all science, technology, engineering, medicine and mathematics disciplines working in academia or industry are eligible to apply. They must have at least two years’ postdoctoral research experience or equivalent research experience in industry. Applicants should also be able to demonstrate good communication skills and an ability to communicate their research to a lay audience.

30 research scientists per year are expected to participate in the scheme.