Lasers for Science Professor paired with Swindon MP

Tony Parker and Robert
Buckland MP

The Royal Society MP Pairing Scheme 2011/12 pairs CLF's Professor Tony Parker with Swindon South MP, Robert Buckland.

Professor Tony Parker, Central Laser Facility STFC Fellow, has been paired with Swindon South MP, Robert Buckland (Con) in the 2011/12 Royal Society Parliamentary Pairing Scheme (link opens in a new window). The scheme is a great opportunity for MPs and civil servants to put themselves in the shoes of scientists and vice versa. In this way, the scheme helps 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 has been running since 2001.

Tony spent a productive week in Parliament from 31 October with the other 14 MP and 16 civil service-scientists pairs, and he was particularly struck by how quickly a bond between the participants was built. Tony states:

“It was an amazing week, being so close to the inner workings of parliament and getting to appreciate first hand how much hard work goes into keeping the wheels of government turning. The real eye opener for me, as a thoroughbred scientist, was seeing how much debate goes into policy making and the depth new and existing technology is scrutinised in-house by professional debate and how much they depend on experts for advice - we need to get more involved.”

During 2012 Mr Buckland will have the chance to spend a day with Professor Parker, including learning more about the work of Lasers for Science at RAL, which will be an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the cross-Research Council work that takes place from the Research Complex at Harwell (link opens in a new window) as well as across the UK.

If you think you might be interested in participating in the scheme, then applications for 2012-13 will open in April. STFC will provide assistance and resources to help you with your application if requested, as well as making the most out of your pairing should you be successful.