Trio of Leeds academics selected for prestigious Royal Society Pairing Scheme
Three Faculty of Environment academics have been selected to take part in the Royal Society Pairing Scheme 2025, which connects scientists with policymakers.
Between 24 and 27 March, Professor Cathryn Birch, Dr Jim McQuaid, and Dr Megan Klaar will join 27 other scientists in shadowing politicians and civil servants to explore the world of policymaking.
The annual scheme, which has been running since 2001 in partnership with the Government Office for Science’s GSE Profession Team, aims to strengthen relationships between scientists and policymakers, ensuring that decisions are informed by the best scientific evidence.
The initiative takes place during the same week as Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Spring Statement and hopes to highlight the critical role of science and innovation in driving economic growth.
A fantastic opportunity to really engage with those who are working directly with government
Professor Birch, Professor in Meteorology and Climate at the School of Earth and Environment, said: “The way government and the Civil service function has never been particularly clear to me.
“I am looking forward to learning how I can best aid the translation of academic research into real-life impacts and how it can influence policy. The experience would make me more inclined to accept government advisory roles in the future.
“I will shadow a civil servant in the Government Office for Science and hopefully the networking opportunities will lead to future projects and partnerships. I am also excited to host my pair at the University of Leeds in a few months' time.”
Dr McQuaid, Associate Professor of Atmospheric Composition in the School of Earth and Environment, and also a member of Leeds Institute for Fluid Dynamics (LIFD), said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to really engage with those who are working directly with government about such an important subject as air pollution.
“I’m looking forward to finding out the priorities within Defra and hopefully integrating our scientific research as evidence to aid their decision-making.
“I have already got a packed timetable talking to lots of the air quality science team. It is amazing that the Royal Society have this scheme in place and really look forward to it being only the start of working with the Defra team, we already are planning the reciprocal visit to meeting teams in Leeds later the year”
Dr Klaar, an Associate Professor in the School of Geography, said: “I’m really looking forward to meeting other scientists with interests in supporting evidence-based policies, and to being paired with a senior civil scientist to hear how policymakers balance a variety of pressures and priorities when forming new policies.
“A greater understanding of how policymakers consider and incorporate scientific knowledge into policy statements, regulations and legislation will also be helpful for me in ensuring my research can be utilised in future UK environmental policies. Thank you Royal Society for this fantastic opportunity!”
Understanding policy development
Scientists in this year’s cohort represent universities and research institutes from across the UK, including UCL Cancer Institute, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Loughborough. They will shadow parliamentarians and civil servants, including five new MPs: Dr Scott Arthur, Jayne Kirkham, Ian Sollom, Adam Thompson, and Laurence Turner.
Other participating parliamentarians include Baroness Sheehan, Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee; Lord Clement-Jones, Lords Spokesperson for the Digital Economy; and Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle, former Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales.
Throughout the week, scientists will gain behind-the-scenes insight into how policy is developed and implemented, learning how best to share their expertise with decision-makers.
The programme also includes a Parliamentary reception featuring speeches from Baroness Brown of Cambridge FRS, Sir Adrian Smith, President of the Royal Society, and Chi Onwurah MP, Chair of the House of Commons Science, Innovation and Technology Committee.
The scheme will continue later this year when parliamentarians are scheduled to visit their scientist counterparts at their institutions.
Sir Adrian Smith, President of the Royal Society, said: “At a time when science and scientists are under threat around the globe, programmes such as the Royal Society Pairing Scheme have never been more important.
“We must continue to strengthen links between scientists and policymakers. Having this group of UK scientists in Westminster to develop their understanding of policymaking and share their expertise to shape it can help ensure research is translated into policy that improves lives.”
Previous MPs who took part in the programme include Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas MP, former Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, and former Chair of the Commons Science and Technology Committee Greg Clark.
The Royal Society, a self-governing Fellowship of distinguished scientists across various disciplines, has been promoting excellence in science since its foundation in 1660. Its mission remains to support scientific advancement and encourage its application for the benefit of humanity.
Learn more about the Royal Society Pairing Scheme and its case studies.
