The Royal Society pairing scheme helps to build bridges between parliamentarians, civil servants and some of the best science research workers in the UK. The scheme was established in 2001 and works by pairing scientists with either a civil servant or MP.

The aims of the pairing scheme are: to help scientists recognise the potential methods and structures through which they can feed their scientific knowledge to parliamentarians; to help practising research scientists understand the pressures under which MPs operate; to give MPs and civil servants the opportunity to forge direct links with a network of practising research scientists; and to give MPs and civil servants the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the process of scientific understanding and topical research and ultimately to be able to bring this knowledge into better informed discussions and decision making.

The scheme starts with 'Week in Westminster' - a programme of activities in October or November each year, for the scientists, which aims to give them a taste of the approach to science policy and of parliament and the civil service in general. Other activities may include attending Prime Minister's Question Time and debates in the House of Commons, observing meetings with ministers, following the MP to press interviews, visiting government offices and attending policy meetings.

For further information and to download an application form, please click on the link below. The closing date for applications is 13 May 2011.

Royal Society Pairing Scheme