University Scientist Teams Up with MP in Pairing Scheme – University of Reading
20 October 2003Jane Griffiths, Reading East MP will pair up with Dr Paul Comina (Chemistry) in a unique Royal Society scheme that builds bridges between some of the best researchers in the country and members of parliament. Ms Griffiths will be visiting the School of Chemistry at 2.30pm on Friday 24 October and Dr Comina will spend time in Ms Griffiths's constituency office as well as several days at Westminster, to hear and see how science policy is operated. The Royal Society MP-Scientist Pairing Scheme was launched in 2001 and aims to help MPs forge direct links with a network of practising research scientists who can provide scientific advice and information, and in return the scientists involved will have a better idea of how science fits into the parliamentary system, and how scientists can make their voices heard within Government Dr Comina will thus have a better understanding of the pressures under which MPs operate - time allocation, constituents' interests, demands of the political system and the parliamentary timetable. Ms Griffiths will be given the opportunity to familiarise herself with the mindset of scientists and the science community . For further details, please contact Carol Derham or Sue Rayner, Communications & External Relations Office, University of Reading 0118 378 8004/5.