Science for EveryoneMP and CSC Scientist Paired Up
Building bridges between science and politics
Local MP, Andrew Slaughter, visited neuroscientist Dr Mark Ungless for a day at the CSC. The two were paired as part of the Royal Society's MP-scientist pairing scheme, which aims to build bridges between some of the UK's best researchers and members of parliament.
Dr Ungless said that he wanted Mr Slaughter's visit to demonstrate the variety of research carried out in the Clinical Sciences Centre. He said, "A real range of work goes on in the Clinical Sciences Centre, from single cells through to whole brain imaging in humans. I hope that Andy learned that much interesting and important science is being carried out in his constituency. I hope also that he learned about some of the struggles that scientists face, not just when trying to make scientific breakthroughs, but also with the practicalities of pursuing their careers in science."
The men's roles were reversed in November 2006, when Dr Ungless spent four days with Mr Slaughter at the House of Commons, to find out about the MP's work. Dr Ungless toured the House of Commons and the House of Lords, watching debates in both houses, and met members of the Science and Technology Select Committees.
Dr Ungless added, "I think what was most surprising to me was the direct access we had to those who are influencing and forming science policy. I suppose I didn't have a clear idea about how science fits in at parliament and now I feel I have a better grasp of the structure of the various committees and the ways in which science policy could be formed."
Dr Ungless said that he wanted Mr Slaughter's visit to demonstrate the variety of research carried out in the Clinical Sciences Centre. He said, "A real range of work goes on in the Clinical Sciences Centre, from single cells through to whole brain imaging in humans. I hope that Andy learned that much interesting and important science is being carried out in his constituency. I hope also that he learned about some of the struggles that scientists face, not just when trying to make scientific breakthroughs, but also with the practicalities of pursuing their careers in science."
The men's roles were reversed in November 2006, when Dr Ungless spent four days with Mr Slaughter at the House of Commons, to find out about the MP's work. Dr Ungless toured the House of Commons and the House of Lords, watching debates in both houses, and met members of the Science and Technology Select Committees.
Dr Ungless added, "I think what was most surprising to me was the direct access we had to those who are influencing and forming science policy. I suppose I didn't have a clear idea about how science fits in at parliament and now I feel I have a better grasp of the structure of the various committees and the ways in which science policy could be formed."
