On Friday March 15th, BCFN MSc and first-year PhD students were joined by colleagues from the Quantum Engineering CDT and Particle Physics groups to gain insights into the interaction between scientists and policy makers during a one-day workshop on science policy.

Alex Connor, Head of Policy for the Institute of Physics, delivered presentations covering how science policy is formulated by government, why professional scientists need to interact with this process and issues to consider when communicating with policy makers. Following this, teams of students prepared briefing presentations making the case for government investment in areas ranging from “fellowships targeting groups currently underrepresented in STEM research careers” to “next-generation materials for energy production and storage”. The participants were then joined by Darren Jones, MP for Bristol NW and a member of the House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee, who acted as a target audience for the presentations and gave the students feedback from a policy-maker’s perspective. Speaking afterwards, Darren said, “I was delighted to work with MSc and PhD students in Bristol, bringing my experience as a member of the House of Commons Science & Technology Select Committee to putting students through their paces in bringing to life how scientific research can help solve our greatest public policy challenges.”