The Royal Society Pairing Scheme gives policymakers and research scientists the opportunity to learn about each other’s work by spending time together in Westminster and the researchers' institutions.

Pairing 30 researchers with UK parliamentarians or civil servants, the scheme allows researchers to gain an insight into how their findings can help inform policymaking and gives policymakers the opportunity to learn more about how to engage with researchers to ensure robust evidence is used to shape policy decisions.

During the 2026 scheme, researchers will spend a week in Westminster in March, hearing from invited speakers, taking part in events and workshops and shadowing their paired policymaker. The policymaker will then be invited to visit the researcher’s institution to learn more about their work in person.

Previous participants include: Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party; Ben Wallace, former Defence Secretary; Greg Clark, former Chair of the Science and Technology Committee; Thangam Debbonaire, former Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport; and Lord Clement-Jones, Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson for Science, Innovation and Technology. Read about past cohorts on the Royal Society website.

The Royal Society welcomes applications from scientists across all science, technology, engineering, medicine and mathematics (STEMM) disciplines working in academia or industry. To be eligible for the scheme, applicants are required to have at least two years postdoctoral research experience or equivalent research experience in industry. The Royal Society also considers applications from social or behavioural scientists who utilise or have an overlap with STEMM disciplines.

Ashley Lait, Head of Policy Programmes and Communications at the Institute for Policy Research, said:

"The Royal Society Pairing Scheme has been running since 2001 and offers a fantastic opportunity for researchers to better understand how policy is formed and to share their insights with politicians and civil servants. The scheme is also a great way for researchers to expand their networks and strengthen links beyond academia."

Applications for research scientists close on 26 September 2025. If you would like advice on applying, please contact Ashley Lait: ajl232@bath.ac.uk