Royal Society's MP-Scientist Pairing Scheme - call for MRC Research Fellows and scientists
Deadline for applications is 14 March 2008
Gain an insight into politics and science policy making - take part in the Royal Society's MP-Scientist Pairing Scheme.
The Royal Society is looking for MRC Research Fellows and scientists working at MRC institutes with an interest in science communication and matters relating to science policy to apply for the 2008 scheme.
MP-Scientist Pairing Scheme builds bridges between parliamentarians and scientists in the UK. You will have a chance to go 'behind the scenes' at Westminster gaining first hand experience of how science policy is formed, shadow an MP and spend time together in the laboratory and the constituency.
“The whole experience was really stimulating. I was driven mainly by curiosity, and because the application process was fairly straightforward, although it is competitive.
“My MP really made an effort to make sure I saw a spectrum of activities, and that I had opportunities to actually take part in things. I spent time in both Houses, attended meetings with other parliamentary staff and shadowed my MP. I even went to Prime Minister’s question time, which was pure theatre.
“I have a real connection with Parliament now, which I’ve never had before, and at a personal level I have a connection with my MP. It’s a great scheme, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone else.” Donald Davidson, a Wellcome Trust Research Fellow at the MRC/Edinburgh University Centre for Inflammation Research in Edinburgh.
For more information and the online application form please visit http://royalsociety.org/page.asp?tip=1&id=7399
