How science is used in policymaking

Dr Melissa Marselle (pictured below) is co-chair of the BPS Environmental Psychology Section and a lecturer in environmental psychology at the University of Surrey. Here she tells us about her experience on the Royal Society pairing scheme.

We are in a climate and biodiversity crisis. Despite the natural world being critical for our health and wellbeing, environmental policies often fail to be fully met. As an environmental psychologist, who studies the mental health benefits of natural environments and applies behavioural science to environmental policy, I want to improve environment policy to save both people and nature. 

So when I saw the Royal Society's 'Week in Westminster' Pairing Scheme being advertised, I immediately knew I wanted to apply. The pairing scheme, currently celebrating its 25th year, recruits around 30 scientists every year and pairs them with civil servants or Members of Parliament for shadowing, talks and events in government. The idea of the scheme is to enable scientists to understand how their work and knowledge can help inform policymaking, while government workers get expert knowledge into science research.

With more than 300 applications for just 30 places, and the fact that the pairing scheme focuses on science, technology, engineering, medicine and mathematics (STEMM) disciplines, I was prepared to not be successful. But I was determined to try, pouring effort into my application. So, when I received word in January that I had been shortlisted, I was shocked. 

A whirlwind of emails, schedules, and an invitation to the House of Lords (!) later, and I was heading to the Strand Palace Hotel on a Sunday in March, with the smartest clothes in my wardrobe. 

Meeting the other scientists 

Initial nerves were quickly removed by meeting my civil service pair, the other scientist from Surrey, and the fantastic group of scientists which made up this year's cohort. To my surprise, there were three environmental social scientists and five psychologists! Contrary to my expectations, the pairing scheme recognises interdisciplinary research and considers applications from social or behavioural scientists who utilise or overlap with STEMM disciplines. The 30 of us represented a broad range of science, from postdocs to professors, across diverse fields including environmental epidemiology, AI, and geochemistry to developmental psychology and mathematical cognition. 

My week in Westminster

One of the best parts about the pairing scheme is the doors it opens. The week started at the Royal Society in central London. Portraits and sculptures of great scientists adorn every surface. We got to see the Royal Society Charter book, where Fellows sign their names, a tradition going back to 1663! Wow, there is Charles Darwin's signature!  

In a grand room with fancy architecture, we listened to Dr Rupert Lewis, the Royal Society's chief science policy officer, and learnt how the UK government works by the Institute for Government. Day two was a tour of parliament. The House of Commons looks much smaller in real life than on the TV! After the tour, we spent the day at GO Science, hearing how science research is used in government from people like the chief scientific adviser, Department for Culture, Media and Sport. 

The final day, back at the Royal Society, started with Baroness Alexandra Freeman telling us about her journey from the BBC to the House of Lords. We also learnt how we can get more directly involved in policy through how to submit evidence to select committees and the Parliamentary Office for Science and Technology (POST). Day three ended with an evening reception at the House of Lords! 

Do it!

The scheme provided me an opportunity to widen my network by engaging with different scientists, and civil servants while also gaining an understanding of the challenges of getting our research into policy. I would encourage anyone who shares the goal of using science for policy to apply for the scheme. It opens doors!

Tips about engaging with policymaking

After spending a week in Westminster, I learnt that policymakers do not read scientific articles! To get your research seen by policymakers you must make your work as visible as possible. Here are a few tips:

• Media. Talk to the media team about your research. Do podcasts. A quote I heard that week was "it is better to be a good communicator and a mediocre scientist".
• Public engagement. Take part in public engagement opportunities to communicate your research direct to the public, such as the Festival of Social Science.
• Sign up to the UK parliament Knowledge Exchange Unit's weekly round up email for opportunities to engage with policy. Look at POST to see what problems the government is trying to get scientists' opinion on – and then submit evidence on your area(s) of expertise.
• Write about your research in half a page. Distil the main outputs and relevance of your article in half a page. I heard two chief science officers say this.
• Engage directly. If you see a bill coming up for debate in parliament, write to a Lord or your local MP to help or raise an issue as a scientist. If you know the government department or arm's length body that is relevant for your research, maybe contact a civil servant in that department who might benefit from your research. Apparently, UK civil servants are on LinkedIn! Another quote I heard that week, "LinkedIn is the new Twitter".
• Research for policy? Government Office for Science (GO Science) commissions research for policy. 

Key points

• The Royal Society Pairing Scheme gives policymakers and research scientists an opportunity to experience each other's worlds.
• Policymakers do not read scientific articles!
• To get your research seen by policymakers, you must make your work as visible as possible.
• Distil your research into half a page, highlighting the main outputs and relevance.

About the author

Melissa Marselle is a lecturer in environmental psychology in the school of psychology at the University of Surrey. Her work focuses on the mental health benefits of biodiversity.