Do you get frustrated about the use of evidence in government policy making? Do you want to increase the policy impact of your research?

Take part in the Royal Society pairing scheme – applications for scientists are now open until Wednesday 9 March.

Each year the Royal Society’s pairing scheme pairs 30 research scientists with UK parliamentarians and civil servants. By spending time together in Westminster and the researcher’s labs, participants learn about each other’s work and gain a greater insight into how research findings can help inform policy making. If you take part in the scheme you will have a chance to learn how parliament and government work and how you can feed in to the policy making process.

The scheme begins with a ‘Week in Westminster’ in which you will meet your pair. Over the week you will spend two days shadowing them, and also take part in workshops and hear from invited speakers. After the ‘Week in Westminster’ your pair will visit you in your lab to get an insight into the world of research.

For more information about the scheme and to apply please visit the Royal Society website or contact Rachael Mann at rachael.mann@royalsociety.org or 02074512218.

For an insight into what the scheme entails, you can also read a blog about Nottingham academic Rebecca Dewey’s experiences in 2015.