This year, two researchers from Loughborough University are part of the thirty-strong cohort of UK Scientists who shadowed politicians and civil servants for four days at the end of March. The policymakers are then invited to the researchers’ institution for a reciprocal visit to learn about their work.

Savannah Worne, whose research interests range across aquatic environmental geoscience and climate change reconstruction, shadowed Baroness Liz Sugg who previously served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and Minister for the Overseas Territories and Sustainable Development, and as a Special Advisor to David Cameron in his time as Foreign Secretary. Savannah shadowed Baroness Sugg in a number of activities during the week, including:

• Watching oral questions in the Lords, followed by Chamber business
• Meeting with “Peers for the Planet” group to learn about their work
• One-on-one time with Baroness Sugg to discuss work and interests
• Meeting with Lords Library to discuss their briefing and research work.

Matthew Inglis, Professor of Mathematical Cognition is also taking part in the Scheme and shadowed Lord Tim Clement-Jones, who is the Liberal Democrat Spokesperson in the Lords for the Digital Economy. Lord Clement-Jones is Chair of Council at Queen Mary in London, so has experience of interacting with scientists at higher education institutes.

These experiences will go a long way to strengthening the relationship between public policy decision-making and the use of expert academic research.