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Influencing Policy As Researchers

Institution of Mechanical Engineers
1, Birdcage Walk
London SW1H 9JJ

MPs, Members of the House of Lords, and Parliamentary staff use research as part of their work. Researchers can help them to scrutinise Government policy, debate pressing issues, and pass laws. Have you ever wondered how YOUR research could be influencing these decisions?

C-DICE is hosting this exclusive, one-day event in Westminster where researchers and academics can delve into energy and net zero policymaking in the UK, and gain invaluable insights on how to effectively engage with policymakers in Parliament.

Participants will have unprecedented access to learn from the Energy Security and Net Zero Select Committee, and will hear from the Chief Scientific Officer, Department of Energy Security and Net Zero; the Committee Clerk at the House of Commons and other key committee members.

The event programme will explore themes of the net zero policy landscape and how Parliament uses research, with a mix of presentations and panel discussions.

  • Hear firsthand experiences from C-DICE Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) Fellows of their work for the Energy Security and Net Zero Select Committee.
  • Explore key policy issues in the energy sector and their implications for future research by experts in the area.
  • Understand how Parliament and Government operate, and how researchers can provide impactful written and oral evidence in a session facilitated by a Clerk of a Select Committee.
Limited Places – Register Now

Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST)

POST serves both Houses and produces short impartial briefings on topics in science, technology and the social sciences. The office draws on research to summarise existing evidence on policy, and also identifies topics likely to be of future interest to Parliament.

In addition, POST hosts events designed to bring MPs, Peers and parliamentary staff together with relevant experts, and also hosts academic fellowships.

In 2024, Dr Shivangi Sharma and Dr Humera Ansari started as C-DICE POST Fellows. In this role, they are responsible for communicating scientific issues to a wide audience by working with the ESNZ Select Committee, assisting in current inquiries, and carrying out related activities on an area of public policy.​

Read more about the C-DICE POST Fellowship

Benefits For Postdoctoral Researchers:

  1. Enhancing Postdoctoral Researchers’ Understanding of Government Policy Landscape
    Navigate and understand the complexities of government policies, offering researchers a broader perspective for their research.
  2. Providing Best Practices for Engaging with Policy Makers
    Equip yourself with effective strategies and tactics for engaging with policymakers, enabling you to communicate your research findings more persuasively and impactfully.
  3. Increasing Awareness of Research’s Role in Policy Making
    Heighten your awareness of how research and innovation influence policy decisions, allowing you to better position your work to contribute to real-world change.
  4. Inspiring Through Success Stories
    Find inspiration through stories of early-career researchers who have successfully engaged with policymakers, offering valuable insights and encouragement for your own endeavors.
  5. Facilitating Interaction with Policymakers
    Interact with policymakers, fostering connections and collaborations that can drive your research forward.

Speakers

Programme  

Speaker Topic Time 
Arrival/Registration 9.30-10.00 
Prof. David Saal Professor of Microeconomics, Loughborough University and Impact Hub Director, C-DICE Introductions and welcome 10.00-10.05 
Prof. Paul Monks Chief Scientific Adviser, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero DESNZ and policymaking 10:05-10:30 
Dr Stephen McGinness Committee Clerk, House of Commons ESNZ Select Committee – Evidence for academics 10:30-11:00 
Suzanna Hinson The House of Commons Library and informing MPs 11:00-11:30 
Comfort Break 11:30-11.45 
Prof. Mari Martiskainen Professor of Energy and Society, University of Sussex Experiences from developing research to inform Net Zero policymaking 11:45-12:15 
Dr Andy Walker Technology Director, Johnson Matthey and Chair, SCI Energy Group The various ways in which Johnson Matthey and SCI engages with policy makers around the clean energy transition 12:15-12:45 
Lunch 12:45-13:45 
Prof. Martin Freer CEO, Faraday Institution Shaping policy from hot to cold: the role of academia and institutions 13:45-14:15 
Dr. Jon Saltmarsh Chief Technology Officer, Energy Systems Catapult Advising from inside Government and influencing from outside: using research to deliver lasting impact 14:15-14:45 
Prof. Keith Bell Co-Director of the UK Energy Research Centre and member of the UK’s Climate Change Committee How to make ‘good policy’: perspective of academics’ potential contributions. 14:45-15:15 
Comfort Break 15:15-15:30 
Josh Oxby POST and the role of academics 15:30-16:00 
Drs. Humera Ansari & Shivangi Sharma POST Fellows Our experiences as C-DICE POST Fellows 16:00-16:30 
Prof. David Saal Professor of Microeconomics, Loughborough University and Impact Hub Director, C-DICE Closing 16:30-16:45 
Limited Places – Register Now