Applications open for the 2022 Royal Society Pairing Scheme

Applications for the Royal Society Pairing Scheme open today, 13 September until 11 October. 

The Pairing Scheme, established in 2001, builds bridges between the worlds of science and policy by pairing 30 research scientists with parliamentarians and civil servants.

In the first face to face pairing scheme since lockdown, scientists and policymakers will spend time together in Westminster and the researchers’ home institutions.

As well as attending a programme work talks, tours and workshops, scientists will take part in a Mock Select Committee, and parliamentarians will be welcomed into the scientists’ labs.

The pandemic showed the importance of policymakers and scientists understanding each other’s expertise, and the pairing scheme encourages this.

Previous participants include: Chair of the Lords Science and Technology Committee, Lord Patel, Shadow Science Minister Chi Onwurah, Agriculture Minister Victoria Prentice, and Member of the House of Lords Professor Lord Robert Winston.

Dr Teresa Redondo López, who was part of the 2021 Pairing Scheme said: “The experience allowed me to spend some time with my local MP, Dr Rupa Huq and her team. The Pairing Scheme provided me with the motivation, the insight, and the forum to start this conversation and recognise the importance of communicating accurate data to everyone so policy makers can make informed decisions.”

Edinburgh South MP Ian Murray, who also took part in last year’s scheme, said: “The pairing scheme is designed for politicians to meet world leading scientists. This was the third time I participated in the scheme, and I would highly recommend it to parliamentarians and academics.”