Royal Society Pairing Scheme

This Royal Society 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 labs.  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.

See who has taken part in previous years

How does the scheme work?

The scheme takes place annually, beginning with a ‘Week in Westminster’ in which the pairs first meet. Over the week the scientists take part in workshops, hear from invited speakers and spend two days shadowing their pair.  Read last year’s ‘Week in Westminster’ agenda (PDF).

After the ‘Week in Westminster’, it is the turn of the parliamentarians and civil servants to get an insight into the world of research, undertaking reciprocal visits with their pairs.

Applying for this scheme

The 2015 scheme is currently open to applications and will close on 24 May 2015. Please fill in the online application form and send your CV and a completed equal opportunities monitoring form (DOC) to publicaffairs@royalsociety.org.