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Pairing Scheme

Applications for the 2027 cohort will open in September 2026.

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This scheme gives policymakers and research scientists an opportunity to experience each other’s worlds, building bridges between parliamentarians, civil servants and some of the best research scientists in the UK.

Each year 30 research scientists are paired with UK parliamentarians and civil servants. They learn about each other’s work by spending time together in Westminster and the researcher’s institutions.

Those taking part gain an insight into how research findings can help inform policy making, and come away with a better understanding of how they can get involved.

 

How does the scheme work?

Next year’s Pairing Scheme will take place in March 2027. The ‘Week in Westminster’ will see the paired scientists hearing from invited speakers, taking part in events and workshops, as well as spending time ‘shadowing’ their pair. The MP, peer or civil servant will then be invited to a reciprocal visit at the scientist’s home institution to learn more about their work in person.

The scheme is supported by the Government Science & Engineering (GSE) Profession, which is managed from within The Government Office for Science.

Read more about our past Pairing Scheme cohorts.

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Applications for the 2026 Pairing Scheme are now closed.

Eligibility

The Royal Society welcomes applications from scientists across all science, technology, engineering, medicine and mathematics (STEMM) disciplines working in academia or industry. To be eligible for the scheme applicants are required to have at least two years postdoctoral research experience or equivalent research experience in industry. We also recognise that a great deal of research is interdisciplinary in nature, therefore we are happy to consider applications from social or behavioural scientists who utilise or have an overlap with STEMM disciplines.

Applicants should also be able to demonstrate good communication skills and, in particular, an ability to communicate their research to a lay audience.

Applications received

Typically we receive around 300 applications for the scheme each year. Of these we will shortlist 60 applicants of which 30 will be paired.

If you are shortlisted but not paired, you will be encouraged to apply again the following year. Unfortunately, applications cannot be rolled over and scientists must apply again to take part in next year’s scheme.

Expenses

Hotel accommodation will be booked and paid for by the Society. Scientists will need to book their travel directly through the Society's preferred travel provider. Scientists who are successfully paired will be compensated for travel and subsistence costs incurred by being on this scheme. Please note reimbursements take +- two months to be processed by our Finance team. If you need further information please email the Public Affairs team.

“As I boarded the last train out of London to Glasgow, I reflected on a whirlwind few days. My abiding take-away was that despite recent attacks on the value of expert opinion, parliament couldn’t properly function without a robust mosaic of scientific evidence to underpin policy design. At the same time, the fortunes and character of science are shaped by the legislation passed by parliament. I left with a profound sense that these two worlds had drifted apart of late but now there was a growing appetite to reconnect. During these times of global uncertainty, the odd couple of science and policy have never needed one another more.” - Dr Matthew Hannon, Chancellor’s Fellow of Technology and Innovation within the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship, part of Strathclyde Business School, paired with Alison Thewliss MP.

This scheme gives UK Civil Servants the opportunity to connect with UK based research scientists and grow their professional network.

What does the scheme involve?

The scheme consists of a week in Westminster which will take place from Monday 16 March 2026 to Thursday 19 March 2026.

  • Over the week you will take part in workshops, hear from invited speakers and spend time with your pair
  • To take part you will need to set aside time in your diary to meet with your scientist pair at least twice during the week. We would encourage you to invite colleagues in your team to join you as appropriate
  • Your pair will introduce you to their work and colleagues, giving you an insight into their area of research and an opportunity to explore how you might use these connections in the future
  • You are welcome to attend workshops throughout the week, which will explore the use of science and research in government and parliament
  • You can use your allocated learning and development days to take part in the scheme
  • By the end of the scheme you will have direct links with practising talented research scientists and external scientific organisations, understand the process of scientific research within government and externally, understand how to access and use the knowledge to inform discussions and decision making

Who will I be paired with?

The Royal Society pairing scheme is open to applications from scientists across all science, technology, engineering, medicine and mathematics (STEMM) disciplines working in academia or industry. To be eligible for the scheme, the scientists are required to have at least two years postdoctoral research experience or equivalent research experience in industry.

We also recognise that a great deal of research is interdisciplinary in nature, therefore we also consider applications from social or behavioural scientists who utilise or have an overlap with STEMM disciplines.

Applications for civil servants wishing to be paired with a scientist are scheduled to open in October 2025. These applications are managed by the Government Science and Engineering (GSE) Profession.

For further information please contact GSE@go-science.gov.uk.

“I hugely enjoyed my experience of the scheme. It was really interesting to explain my own work and to get a sense for how the work of government is seen through researchers.” - Dr Alan Pitt, Secretary for the Council for Science and Technology, paired with Dr Emma Stone at the University of Bristol