The Royal Society Pairing Scheme aims to help MPs and civil servants establish longstanding links with practising research scientists and to help research scientists understand political decision making and its associated pressures.

The scheme offers scientists the opportunity to understand the policy process and explore methods of sharing their knowledge with Government. Scientists will be paired with either an MP or civil servant. They will spend time together in their Laboratory and in turn in their paired MP’s constituency or Civil Servant’s Government office. All scientists will participate in a ‘Week in Westminster’ providing a valuable insight into how science policy is formed.

Applicants are required to have at least two years postdoctoral research experience. Applicants should also be able to demonstrate good communication skills, and in particular, an ability to communicate their research to a lay audience.

The 2013 scheme is now open for applications from scientists. Closing date: 26 August 2013.

Find out more and apply at:
http://royalsociety.org/training/pairing-scheme/