MPs face young scientists

In March, the Royal Society of Chemistry's (RSC) Voice of the future event brought together ca 150 young scientists from industry and academia across the UK, including 40 sixthform students from four London-based schools, to discuss issues in science with members of the recently renamed Commons select committee on innovation, universities, science and skills at Westminster's Portcullis House. 

Now in its sixth year, this annual event, run by the RSC on behalf of the scientific community, aims to build and maintain a constructive dialogue between Parliament and the scientific community. Members of the panel, comprising six of the 14-strong select committee and chaired by Phil Willis MP, gave their views on scientific issues raised by the audience. Among the topics close to the hearts of the young delegates were sustainability, women's representation in science faculties and research funding.