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Pairing scheme

The 2025 applications are now closed. Applications for the 2026 cohort will open in September 2025.

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This scheme gives policymakers and research scientists an opportunity to experience each other’s worlds.

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– 20 March 2025. The ‘Week in Westminster’ will see the paired scientists hearing from invited speakers, taking part in events and workshops, as well as spending time ‘shadowing’ their pair. The MP, peer or civil servant will then be invited to a reciprocal visit at the scientist’s home institution to learn more about their work in person.

The scheme is supported by the Government Science & Engineering (GSE) Profession, which is managed from within The Government Office for Science.

Group photo of Pairing Scheme cohort 2024

Find out more about our 2024 cohort:

Eligibility

The Royal Society welcomes applications from scientists across all science, technology, engineering, medicine and mathematics (STEMM) disciplines working in academia or industry. To be eligible for the scheme applicants are required to have at least two years postdoctoral research experience or equivalent research experience in industry. We also recognise that a great deal of research is interdisciplinary in nature, therefore we are happy to consider applications from social or behavioural scientists who utilise or have an overlap with STEMM disciplines.  

Applicants should also be able to demonstrate good communication skills and, in particular, an ability to communicate their research to a lay audience. 

Applications received

Typically we receive around 300applications for the scheme each year. Of these we will shortlist 60 applicants of which 30 will be paired. 

If you are shortlisted but not paired, you will be encouraged to apply again the following year. Unfortunately, applications cannot be rolled over and scientists must apply again to take part in next year’s scheme. 

Expenses

Scientists who are successfully paired will be compensated for travel costs incurred by being on this scheme. Please note reimbursements take +- one month to be processed by our Finance team. The hotel accommodation is organised and paid for by the Society. 

This scheme gives UK Civil Servants the opportunity to connect with UK based research scientists and grow your professional network.

Applications for civil servants wishing to be paired with a scientist are scheduled to open in September 2024. These applications are managed by the Government Science and Engineering (GSE) Profession.

For further information please contact GSE@go-science.gov.uk.