LSTM researcher swaps roles with civil servant in Royal Society Pairing Scheme

Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine has taken part in the Royal Society Pairing Scheme, in which UK scientists pair with politicians and civil servants to get an insight in each other’s work.

Dr Kerry Millington, Senior Research and Policy Associate and Director of the Centre for Tuberculosis Research was paired with Maria Wyard, Head of Health and Education at the British High Commission, Islamabad (Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office).

The scheme, which has been running since 2001, is in partnership with the Government Office for Science‘s Government Science and Engineering Profession. It aims to build relationships between scientists and politicians, ensuring that policymakers can make decisions based on the best scientific evidence.

Dr Millington said: “This was a fantastic opportunity to deepen my understanding of how policy works in practice and just how complex the landscape can be. It was also a real pleasure to connect with both familiar and new colleagues at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in London.

“The Royal Society Pairing Scheme has been invaluable in thinking through how we connect scientific expertise with policy priorities, particularly as the FCDO’s approach to international development continues to evolve. Ensuring that robust evidence and research remain central to decision-making will be critical in navigating these shifting global challenges.”

Maria Wyard said: “The scheme was a very valuable opportunity to strengthen ties between the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. I learnt about how diverse and deep LSTM’s capabilities are in improving global health and gained many insights into how the FCDO can draw on those going forward, in line with our new international development strategy. I was especially struck by the strength of LSTM’s equitable partnerships across the globe. Thank you to Dr Kerry Millington and LSTM colleagues for all your time in arranging fascinating conversations during my time in Liverpool.”

Each year, 30 research scientists are paired with an MP, peer or civil servant. The scheme centres around the Week in Westminster, which brings paired participants together for an immersive programme of shadowing, workshops and talks. They hear from senior figures such as Chief Scientific Advisers, and from organisations including the Institute for Government and POST, with space for discussion and networking throughout.

On Monday, a Parliamentary reception was held with speeches from the evening’s sponsor Steve Yemm MP and Chair of the Parliamentary Labour Party Committee on Science, Innovation and Technology, Government Chief Scientific Adviser Dame Angela McLean FRS and Professor Tim Scanlon, who is an alumnus of the scheme.

Sir Paul Nurse, President of the Royal Society, said: “In a rapidly changing world and with science coming under threat we must strengthen links between scientists and policy makers. Scientific evidence is crucial for government to address the global challenges we are facing.

“Initiatives like the Royal Society Pairing Scheme provide the opportunity for UK scientists to share their expertise, create connections in Westminster and deepen their understanding of policy making. All these can help ensure research is translated into policy that improves lives.”