Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon & East Thurrock, recently hosted the Christmas Parliamentary Science Reception, bringing politicians and scientists together, to celebrate the achievements of the UK science community over the past year.
Stephen is chair of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee and, on 13 December, the Committee hosted hundreds of scientists and learned societies for the Christmas Parliamentary Science Reception. Alongside Viscount Stansgate and Chi Onwurah MP, and with support from Carol Monaghan MP and Layla Moran MP, Stephen stressed the paramount importance of collaboration between Parliamentarians and scientists who must continue to work together on some of the most consequential areas of scientific and technological development.
Stephen Metcalfe said: “We are in a period of great change, even flux, where technology is going to change everything. Tech such as quantum, fusion, and genetics are changing our understanding of the world.
And this year, particularly, AI has exploded into our collective consciousness. It is the ultimate disruptive technology, allowing us to do extraordinary things which were never before practically possible.
However, it is not without risks and it is up to us – politicians – to manage the risks. We must embrace the opportunities and minimise the risks. It is vital that scientists, and their representative bodies, help us to do that sensibly. We need you!”
Learned societies in attendance included the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Biochemical Society, the Institution of Engineering and Technology, the Royal Society, the Physiological Society, Applied Microbiology International, the Royal Society of Biology, the Council for the Mathematical Societies, the Institute of Physics, the Nutrition Society, and the Royal Academy of Engineering.
