The Parliamentary and Scientific Committee

The UK has an historic legacy of highly successful scientific endeavour, the progression of which has over time necessitated the establishment of institutions, structures and processes in order for our science to be encouraged, directed, reviewed and regulated appropriately. This is true whether working in science as a student, an industry scientist or as a university academic or benefiting from or concerned by the outputs of science in our wider society. It is certainly also true within Parliament and Government where science is addressed at a range of levels to ensure effective delivery of evidence, open consultation and free debate; the development and implementation of a dynamic national science policy and strategy, the allocation of resources as well as relevant regulation and legislation. However this myriad of interconnecting functions and their delivery require parliamentary and governmental institutions, structures and processes that are often seen as complex and confusing by those not so familiar with them. Hence it is timely for this complexity to be unravelled and the confusion dispelled in this simple guide to Science in Parliament and Government. The role and function of the key parliamentary and governmental institutions addressing science, their responsibilities and the processes involved in their implementation are simply explained in an easy to read format that will be of great value to anyone with an interest in how science is addressed within Westminster. It will be of particular value to those in the scientific community who wish to know how they can best interact with those parts of the system most relevant to them and their science.