"You can argue with the Geologist, but not with the rocks!"

On 28^th June 2011  Portcullis House welcomed an odd looking bunch, as hundreds of scientists descended for the annual Parliamentary Links Day. Run by The Royal Society for Chemistry it’s success, I suspect, is due to the insistent nature of Stephen Benn (son of Tony), who chairs the event. Delegates included fellows from several scientific societies, various MP’s and other politically minded people eager to hear presentations on this year’s theme of Global Challenges.

Rt Hon John Bercow, Speaker of the House, introduced the event with an impression of Tony Benn (www.rsc.org)

The science presenters focused on a specific Global Challenge related to their subject. Dr Jim Wild echoed Andrew Miller MP that “ Astronomy is the most inspirational subject”. Then joked he’d incite mass panic, as he explained solar flares could hit during the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympics. “At the centre of climate change is Biology,” we were told by Dr Mark Downs, as he covered the various biological topics, from international trade to waste management, which can be considered Global Challenges. We were then entertained by Dr Brian Lovell OBE, President of the Geological Society, with his photo albums of past field trips. These acted as evidence that carbon capture and storage is effectively reducing carbon in the atmosphere. Interestingly, on a day devoted to establishing links, there was little mention about collaborations between the disciplines.

Brian Lovell explains how analysis of rocks led to his deep concern about the buildup of carbon dioxide and its consequences for humans and their planet. (youtube)

In between the scientists, the politicians explained ways science and policy could work together to tackle these Global Challenges. Dr Julian Huppert MP, explained why “basing decisions on evidence”, is a scientific reflex which should be run out across parliament. Whilst Chi Onwurah MP insisted only partnerships between the public and private sectors will make the most of innovative research, and a difference to the global challenges we face. It was continually noted that in order to fix global issues, we need to collaborate around the globe. Rt Hon David Willetts MP made a very sensible point, “we now we have a scientific advisor in every political department”. Since politicians are given the best access to foreign departments, the Haldene Principle makes it hard for these advisors to forge international links into joint scientific research. Although, he couldn’t answer my question on whether or not this might be reformed, as he had to run off, probably to prepare for that evening’s Newsnight.

Whilst all of the speakers agreed on the need to enthuse the “new generation of scientists”, only Prof. Lorna Casselton mentioned better science communication. The sudden rise to fame of the Rock Star Physicist, Dr Brian Cox OBE is an example of how packaging a scientific message in the right way can, and will, enthuse a classroom filled with potential Pasteur’s and Darwin’s. Examples from today, like Bryan Lovell and Imran Khan proved that being educated in the methods and tricks of science communication can make science far easier to understand and much more accessible to both new generations and decision makers.

Prof Brian Cox OBE- Former D:Ream keyboardist turned avid Science Communicator

Despite the scientists ignoring interdisciplinary links and placing their own subjects at the heart of the challenges faced, Parliamentary Links Day 2011 could be considered a great success. It brought less well-known actions of groups such as CASE, and research of less well discussed topics, such as weather models, to the forefront of discussion. However, perhaps next year the topic of communicating science could be the theme of the Day.