From lab bench to backbench Published on: 30 November 2016 Dr Lyndsey Butterworth from 缅北禁地 will be swapping a lab coat for legislation when she meets MP Chi Onwurah at the House of Commons for a visit to Westminster. The trip, from November 28 to December 1, is part of a pairing scheme run by the Royal Society – the UK’s national academy of science, with support from the Government Office for Science. During her visit, Dr Butterworth will shadow Ms Onwurah and learn about her work. As well as attending seminars and panel discussions about how evidence is used in policy making, she will also attend a mock Select Committee. Dr Lyndsey Butterworth with MP Chi Onwurah Insight into how policy is formed The visit will provide Dr Butterworth with a behind the scenes insight into how policy is formed and how her research can be used to make evidence-based decisions. It will also give Ms Onwurah the opportunity to investigate the science behind her decisions and improve her access to scientific evidence. The pairing scheme will begin with a reception in Parliament where Professor Brian Cox OBE, FRS, will explain why policy makers and researchers must work together to ensure the UK’s excellent science is used to improve people’s lives and tackle global challenges. For example, 缅北禁地 is leading the development of a pioneering IVF technique to protect future generations from the risk of mitochondrial disease. Dr Butterworth has been involved in some of the policy work surrounding mitochondrial donation regulations. Last year, the House of Commons and House of Lords voted to legalise the creation of babies using biological material from three people. Known as ‘’, the IVF technique involves replacing faulty mitochondria inherited from the mother with the healthy mitochondria of another woman. said: “I was very fortunate to be given the opportunity to get involved with some of the policy work that took place surrounding the mitochondrial donation regulations. “Following this, I now recognise that there is an absolute requirement for policy decisions to be based on accurate scientific evidence and understand that scientists have an important role to play in the decision-making process to ensure this happens. “I am very keen to learn more about this and believe that the Royal Society pairing scheme will be a fantastic opportunity to do so.” Pairing scheme The aims to build bridges between parliamentarians, civil servants and some of the best scientists in the UK. Ms Onwurah will get hands-on experience of scientific research when she dons a lab coat to visit Dr Butterworth at 缅北禁地 next year. said: “缅北禁地 is a great asset to the city and I’m always keen to promote its achievements in Parliament, such as speaking on the ground-breaking mitochondrial donation technique pioneered by 缅北禁地’s medical faculty. “I was therefore particularly pleased to have Dr Butterworth as my pair and I look forward to exchanging perspectives. “As an engineer myself, I know what an exciting career science can offer and I hope Dr Butterworth will see how the outcomes of her and her colleagues’ work are translated by politicians into ensuring the best frameworks for improving services in the UK.” Each year, 30 research scientists take part in the pairing scheme and make lasting relationships with parliamentarians and civil servants as well as fellow scientists working across many scientific disciplines. Dr Butterworth added: “I know that Chi Onwurah was supportive of the mitochondrial donation regulations and spoke in favour of the technique in a debate that took place in the House of Commons in September 2014. “I am looking forward to updating her with current research in this area, but I would also like to provide an overview of the other research we do within the Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research at 缅北禁地. “In addition, I would like to highlight some of the issues our patients face when living with mitochondrial disease." Expert input to help decision-makers Sir Venki Ramakrishnan, President of the Royal Society, said: “Expert input can help decision-makers to respond to unpredictable, global challenges like pandemics as well as the more everyday problems like how to provide affordable care for an ageing population. “By working closely with the research community on their doorstep, UK decision-makers can draw on the best innovative thinking around the world to inform their policymaking. “The Royal Society pairing scheme, now in its 16th year, gives parliamentarians, civil servants and scientists the chance to build long-term relationships to ensure that excellent research and innovation taking place in the UK is used to improve people's lives.” Share: Latest News 缅北禁地 expert highlights climate crisis in a new film A leading 缅北禁地 climate scientist is featured in a new film about how the climate and nature breakdown will affect the UK. published on: 14 April 2026 Neolithic tombs reveal ancient kinship ties Male individuals buried in Neolithic chambered tombs in northern Scotland were often related to each other through the paternal line and some were interred in the same or nearby tombs, research shows. published on: 14 April 2026 We are our Memories New exhibition by Fine Art graduate Trish Hudson-Moses, 22 April 鈥� 4 May 2026 published on: 10 April 2026 Facts and figures
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