My Week in Westminster at the Royal Society Pairing Scheme
Briefly

The Royal Society's Pairing Scheme allows scientists to shadow policymakers, fostering communication between research and policymaking. Environmental psychologist Melissa Marselle, eager to enhance climate and biodiversity policies, highlights the disconnect between scientific research and its application in governance. Despite challenges in securing a spot among 300 applications, she emphasizes the necessity for scientists to make their research more accessible to policymakers, as many do not engage with scientific articles. By simplifying their work and emphasizing key findings, scientists can better advocate for environmental issues and policy improvements.
My initial nerves were quickly removed by meeting my civil service pair, the other scientists, and the realization that this was an invaluable opportunity to bridge gaps in policymaking.
Despite the natural world being critical for our health and well-being, environmental policies often fail to be fully met, revealing a disconnect between research and practical implementation.
Policymakers often do not read scientific articles, emphasizing a need for scientists to present their work more visibly and digestibly, focusing on key outputs.
The Royal Society's Pairing Scheme allows scientists to influence policy by pairing them with policymakers, enhancing mutual understanding of science and its applications in governance.
Read at Psychology Today
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