A scientist at the University of Dundee is pairing up with the local MP to learn more about the workings and pressures of parliament while the MP will get a greater understanding of the scientific world.
The pairing of University of Dundee scientist Dr David McGivern and Dundee West MP Ernie Ross will allow David to learn about the channels through which he can feed scientific knowledge and issues to parliament.
Ernie Ross will learn more about the different aspects of a scientist's professional life and make contacts in the research community whose expertise will allow him to put forward a more informed view when discussing key science policy issues in parliament.
The scheme is run by the Royal Society. As well as the exchange of practice, the programme will give MPs the opportunity to forge direct links for immediate and future use with a network of practising researchers and provide the scientists with an insight into the priorities of parliamentarians.
David McGivern in the Division of Pathology and Neuroscience at the University of Dundee said: "I'm looking forward to seeing how MPs work and learning how decisions on science policy are made. I hope that I will be a useful contact for Mr Ross."
Both men will attend a welcome meeting for participants on 23rd October at the Royal Society before starting reciprocal constituency and laboratory visits. David plans to spend four days at Westminster from 1-4 December to spend time shadowing Mr Ross and attend a series of lectures and events including a meeting of the House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee.
Contact David McGivern 01382 660111 ext 34156
By Jenny Marra, Head of Press 01382 344910 j.m.marra@dundee.ac.uk