Thirty UK scientists swap places with politicians and civil servants this week, exploring the world of politics as part of the annual Royal Society Pairing Scheme.

Centre research fellow, Dr Jo Garrett, is taking part in the programme and has been paired with Jayne Kirkham, MP for the Truro and Falmouth area.

Jo will be attending a select committee session and debate in the House of Commons, as scientists gain a behind the scenes insight into how policy is formed and explore how to best share their expertise.

The scheme aims to help to build relationships between scientists and politicians, ensuring that policymakers can make decisions based on the best scientific evidence. Academics taking part this year are drawn from universities and research institutes across the UK, including the University of Exeter, Loughborough, UCL Cancer Institute, and the University of Edinburgh.

On Wednesday evening, attendees will join a parliamentary reception with 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 in the year when Jayne Kirkham MP visits the European Centre for Environment and Human Health Cornwall.