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Pairing Scheme cohort 2023 in Westminster Hall
Pairing scheme
This scheme gives policymakers and research scientists an opportunity to experience each other’s worlds.
I have taken away a fresh perspective on how research findings can help inform the creation, scrutiny and revision of policy, as well as a better understanding of how researchers can get involved in the process.
Applications for the 2024 cohort are now closed. Applications for 2025 will open in October 2024.
If you have any questions, please contact public.affairs@royalsociety.org
Each year 30 research scientists are paired with UK parliamentarians and civil servants. They learn about each other’s work by spending time together in Westminster and the researcher’s institutions.
Those taking part gain an insight into how research findings can help inform policy making, and come away with a better understanding of how they can get involved.
How does the scheme work?
Next year’s Pairing Scheme will be held in person, with the ‘Week in Westminster’ taking place from 17– 21 March 2024. Over the week the scientists will take part in workshops, hear from invited speakers and spend time with their pair. The MP, Peer or Civil Servant will then be invited to visit the scientist’s home institution and learn more about their work in person.
Read March 2023’s 'Week in Westminster' agenda (PDF).
Find out more about our 2023 cohort:
- In the thick of it: lessons from Westminster about how to shape policy with science, by Dr Matthew Hannon
- Breakfast with Bim Afolami – MP for Hitchin and Harpenden, by Dr Britta Stordal
- Bridging the Gap: Royal Society Pairing Scheme Fosters Collaboration Between Researchers and Civil Servants, by Dr Benjamin Cerfontaine and Mr Rodolfo Barradas
- Dementia researcher works with local MP to develop policy impact, by Dr Maura Malpetti
