Researcher applications to join the 2025 Royal Society Pairing Scheme now open

Applications for the Royal Society Pairing Scheme have opened today, 2 September.

The Pairing Scheme pairs 30 scientists with UK parliamentarians or civil servants, giving them a unique insight into each other’s worlds.    

The scheme, which has been running since 2001, allows scientists to discover how research can help inform policy decisions and gives policymakers a chance to learn more about how to engage with scientists to ensure robust scientific evidence is used to shape public policy. 

Scientists and policymakers will spend a week in Westminster and attend a programme of talks, tours, and workshops. Scientists will take part in a Mock Select Committee, and policymakers will be invited to visit the scientist’s institution later in the year to learn about their research. 

Previous participants include: Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party; Ben Wallace, former Defence Secretary; Greg Clark, former Chair of the Science and Technology Committee; Thangam Debbonaire, former Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport; and Lord Clement-Jones, Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson for Science, Innovation and Technology)

In a blog about his experiences, Luke Pollard, Labour and Co-operative MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, who was paired with Dr Deep Banerjee, Modelling Scientist at Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML), in the 2024 Pairing Scheme, said: 

“Science plays a critical role in driving our understanding of the world and supporting decision-making at the highest levels. The pairing scheme provides a valuable opportunity to build engagement and knowledge-sharing between scientists and politicians and I’ve greatly enjoyed hosting Dr. Banerjee over the past week.”

Another 2024 participant, Dr Georgina Starling, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at King's College London and the Francis Crick Institute, said:

"The whole of science policy seems a lot less murky to me[...] Through the Royal Society Policy Pairings Scheme, I've not only gained insights into the mechanisms behind policymaking but also a fantastic network of civil servants, Royal Society Staff and other scientists all with the shared goal of using science to ultimately drive positive change for society.”

The Pairing Scheme will take place in March 2025. Applications close on 30 September 2024.