Smart thinking.
Chris Tyler's latest newsletter was interesting. Nice analysis of the readership of POSTnotes.
http://www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/offices/bicameral/post/new/
These are carefully researched and written quickies on S&T issues that are of interest to parliament.
It is such a good idea that, I have it on extremely good authority, when Baroness Greenfield was "elevated" she immediately rushed around saying that what parliament needed was a separate office that kept its eye on science and technology. Unfortunately, she did not seem to know that POST already existed.
MK
-----Original Message-----
From: psci-com: on public engagement with science [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Eric Albone
Sent: 2012-November-12 22:03
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [PSCI-COM] Policy debate: Do we need more scientists in Parliament?
And a new man at the helm at POST too, so could be a good time to make contact.
Eric
-----Original Message-----
From: psci-com: on public engagement with science [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Michael Kenward
Sent: 12 November 2012 21:47
To: Eric Albone
Subject: Re: Policy debate: Do we need more scientists in Parliament?
Nice one Eric. I should have remembered them.
And never forget the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST).
POST - Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology - UK Parliament
http://www.parliament.uk/post
Constantly threatened by budget cuts, probably by those of the homeopathic tendency, POST produces a series of good bulletins on current topics. And unlike the output of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee you don't have to pay to read them.
Then there is the Foundation for Science and Technology, a somewhat shadowy organisation, but one that puts on some fine meetings with a regular parliamentary presence, when the MPs can be bothered to turn up. Not to mention a journal that you can read for free.
The Foundation for Science and Technology
http://www.foundation.org.uk/
Nifty url don't you think?
MK
-----Original Message-----
From: psci-com: on public engagement with science [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Eric Albone
Sent: 2012-November-12 14:07
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [PSCI-COM] Policy debate: Do we need more scientists in Parliament?
Harry's email prompts me to remind you of the excellent interface which parliamentarians set up years ago to encourage science-based/science-concerned organisations to interface with parliament. This is the cumbrously named Parliamentary and Scientific Committee of which Andrew Miller is also chair. Any interested organisation can apply to join and there are monthly meetings in Parliament. It has lots of potential for list members. Find out more from www.scienceinparliament.org.uk
Eric Albone
-----Original Message-----
From: psci-com: on public engagement with science [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Haralambos Dayantis
Sent: 12 November 2012 11:34
To: Eric Albone
Subject: Re: Policy debate: Do we need more scientists in Parliament?
Hi all,
It's great to see everyone getting involved in the discussion here, the issue is clearly of interest to many of you! In advance of the event, I have written a short blog post on the Society of Biology website which contextualises the issue a little. http://societyofbiologyblog.org/do-we-need-more-scientists-in-parliament/
If you are unable to make it to the event but still want to share your views with the panel, you should be aware that comments on the blog post will be seen by panellists. Feel free to repeat any important points you may have already made on the mailing list, if you want to be sure that the panellists see them!
I would also like to clarify one thing which has been brought up on this mailing list a few times: the word 'technician'. Andrew Miller MP, who chairs a number of scientific committees, is himself a former laboratory technician. He spent a decade working as a lab technician in Portsmouth Polytechnic's geology department before getting into politics. Here is how he described this part of his career to me:
"Well, I literally started from school as the bottle-washer, and when I left I had built one of the most sophisticated X-ray labs in any geology department. I was working with manufacturers and designers, and developing XRF and XRD technologies. I did a lot of work providing analytical services to academics there, some of which has been cited in learned papers. So, although not a qualified scientist, I reckon I've done my bit."
So for those of you discussing technicians in Parliament, rest assured that the Labour party isn't completely devoid of them just yet!
Best regards,
Harry
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