Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon & East Thurrock, hosted Parliamentary Links Day on 20 June. Links Day is the largest scientific event in Parliament’s calendar and organised by the Royal Society of Biology on behalf of the science and engineering community.
Parliamentary Links Day is a special occasion to emphasise the importance of interaction between Members of Parliament and the scientific community. When dialogue with policymakers is strengthened, the policymaking process is improved as MPs have a greater technical understanding of the issues that scientists and engineers face. As Chair of the Parliamentary & Scientific Committee and a member of the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, Stephen highlighted the crucial importance of dialogue as he introduced Parliamentary Links Day 2023.
Following Stephen’s opening speech, George Freeman MP, the Minister for Science, and Chi Onwurah MP, Shadow Minister for Science, each talked about the significance of science to the UK economy and growth in future industries.
A panel chaired by Dr Jo Reynolds, Royal Society of Chemistry, then kicked off some in-depth discussions on Artificial Intelligence and the need for a modern educational landscape that matches the demand of the economy. Professor David Leslie, Professor of Statistical Learning at Lancaster University, Professor Diane Coyle, Bennett Professor of Public Policy at University of Cambridge, Professor Johnathan Napier, Science Director at Rothamsted Research, and Professor Sarah Main, Executive Director at CaSE, kindly provided their insights.
Following this discussion, Professor Dame Angela McLean, Government Chief Scientific Adviser, gave a keynote speech on the importance of R&D investment and the need to continue to promote science to students at school and university who are thinking about their careers.
Stephen Metcalfe said: “Many thanks to the Royal Society of Biology for their fantastic work in facilitating hugely important discussions between scientists and MPs for Parliamentary Links Day. It was an honour to host the event in its 35th year.”
