Environmental scientist Dr Oluseye Oludoye was invited into the world of politics and policymaking as part of the prestigious Royal Society Pairing Scheme.
He spent a week in Westminster, gaining behind-the-scenes insight into how policy is formed and shadowing a policymaker from HM Treasury.
His research focuses on promoting environmentally friendly practices in the growth, distribution and consumption of food.
In his blog, he reflects on his experience bridging science and policy.
Guest blog: Dr Oluseye Oludoye, Lecturer in Environmental Science
I had the honour of participating in the 2025 Royal Society Pairing Scheme – a unique opportunity that brought together 30 scientists and UK policymakers to exchange insights and explore how research and legislation can work hand-in-hand to address the challenges facing society.
Selected from over 350 applicants, I was proud to represent Teesside University in this prestigious initiative, fully funded by the UK Government Office for Science in collaboration with the Royal Society.
Inside the heart of UK policy
The experience began at the Royal Society in London, where we were welcomed with tea, coffee, and a tour of the historic library before engaging in sessions about science communication, grant funding, and public engagement.
These initial moments set the tone for a week that would prove both inspiring and transformative. The following days took us to the very heart of Westminster.
I shadowed Fayyaz Muneer, Deputy Director of Prudential and Sustainability at at HM Treasury, gaining a rare behind-the-scenes view of how policy is shaped through debates, briefings, and committee work.
The structured programme also included:
- Tours of Parliament and meetings with civil servants.
- An engaging policy simulation exercise titled “Policymaker for a Day”.
- A thought-provoking panel on science’s role in government, featuring senior advisors from across departments.
- “Turbo Talks” with real-life case studies on integrating science into justice, life sciences, transport, and space policy.
- A networking reception in the Cholmondeley Room, Palace of Westminster, kindly hosted by Baroness Brown of Cambridge, where I connected with MPs, senior scientists, and other awardees in an atmosphere of genuine exchange and goodwill.
A personal highlight was our conversation with Baroness Freeman of Steventon, who spoke candidly about the interface between public policy and scientific research. This conversation affirmed the value of making science not only rigorous but relatable.
Why this matters
As a researcher focused on environmental sustainability, sustainable agriculture, and food waste, this scheme helped me sharpen my understanding of how academic research can better inform public policy – and how researchers must also understand the pace, constraints, and pressures that policymakers face.
The reciprocal element of the scheme means my policymaker pair at the HM Treasury will visit Teesside University later in the year, offering a powerful opportunity to showcase our research strengths and institutional values.
It’s a two-way exchange that opens doors for future collaboration, engagement, and innovation.
Final reflections
Being part of the Pairing Scheme reaffirmed my belief that science must step beyond academic journals to influence real-world decisions.
I return to Teesside with a renewed sense of purpose, a wider network, and greater confidence in contributing meaningfully to national and global policy conversations.