{"id":4112,"date":"2025-04-09T14:30:08","date_gmt":"2025-04-09T13:30:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/?p=4112"},"modified":"2025-04-24T15:18:23","modified_gmt":"2025-04-24T14:18:23","slug":"going-behind-the-scenes-at-westminster","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.tees.ac.uk\/talkingteesside\/2025\/04\/09\/going-behind-the-scenes-at-westminster\/","title":{"rendered":"Going behind the scenes at Westminster"},"content":{"rendered":"

Environmental scientist Dr Oluseye Oludoye was invited into the world of politics and policymaking <\/span>as part of the prestigious Royal Society Pairing Scheme.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

He spent a week in Westminster, gaining behind-the-scenes insight into how policy is formed and shadowing a policymaker from HM Treasury.<\/span><\/p>\n

His research focuses on promoting environmentally friendly practices in the growth, distribution and consumption of food.<\/span><\/p>\n

In his blog, he reflects on his experience<\/span>\u00a0bridging science and policy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Dr<\/p>\n

Guest blog: Dr Oluseye Oludoye, Lecturer in Environmental Science<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

I had the honour of participating in the 2025 Royal Society Pairing Scheme<\/a> \u2013 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. <\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Inside the heart of UK policy<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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. <\/span><\/p>\n

These initial moments set the tone for a week that would prove both inspiring and transformative. <\/span>The following days took us to the very heart of Westminster. <\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The structured programme also included:<\/span><\/p>\n