Chrysia-Maria Pegasiou, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK

https://doi.org/10.36866/pn.111.12

Asking key political figures science policy questions is not something every early career scientist has the opportunity to do. In the midst of Brexit and University strike action, Voice of the Future seemed like the perfect chance to address issues that affect us all.

This year’s event was held on 13 March. The discussion was kicked off by Sam Gyimah MP, Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation. As a recently appointed Minister, he seemed eager to answer all our questions. The discussion revolved around funding and job security for EU members in the post-Brexit era. We were assured that Government would do everything in their power to secure the status of EU scientists in the UK, and to ensure that funding would still be available for researchers across Britain. As an EU citizen myself, I could not help but wonder why EU scientist and citizen status in general had not been secured in the first place.

Next up, was Chi Onwurah MP, Shadow Minister for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. She seemed like an extremely passionate advocate for science and research, being an engineer herself. A lot was said about empowering women in science and giving equal opportunities to students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as the north/south divide. The Labour manifesto was brought up on numerous occasions, especially in the context of security following Brexit.

The panel then changed. Stephen Metcalfe MP and the Science & Technology Select Committee took the stand. The discussion felt a bit less rehearsed. It was quite encouraging to see how passionate MPs are about science and how engaged they can be with developing technologies and the hot topic of internet security.

After what seemed like a long morning, it was finally my turn to sit on the ‘horseshoe’. Dr Rupert Lewis, Director of the Government Office for Science, had agreed to answer our questions. My question revolved around the recent news regarding the EMA (European Medicines Agency) move to Amsterdam. I was assured that Britain would continue to receive industrial funding following the move. Was I completely convinced? Maybe not.

All in all, I think the Royal Society of Biology did well in bringing scientists and politicians together. It’s true questions were rehearsed, so we were not able to challenge the politicians as much as we may have wanted. However, as change does take time, I am hopeful that young scientists will have opportunities to voice their concerns and change science policy in the coming years.