Chemical engineers review the Industrial Strategy in Parliament #LinksDay18

Chi Onwurah MP and John Bercow MP

Speaker of the House of Commons, Rt Hon John Bercow MP opened proceedings for the 10th year in a row and said:

"The sad truth is not many MPs are well-versed in science, and that is a weakness. The link between science and politics is so important, and it's going to be at least as important in the future as it has been in the past."

He went on to introduce Chi Onwurah MP, who trained as an engineer before entering politics. She said:

"I entered politics for the same reason I became an engineer - I wanted the world to work better for everyone."

In her speech, Chi touched on Brexit and the importance of retaining talent, as well as diversity - commenting that although individual engineering disciplines had seen an improvement, the percentage of female engineering students was, for the most part, the same as it was thirty years ago.

The Government's Chief Scientific Advisor, Patrick Vallance, also gave a keynote speech. He focused on science communication, and told the audience that "the ability to turn science into something accesible and understandable is crucial."

Michael Sulu, Research Associate at UCL and Member of IChemE London and South East Member Group

I personally found two talks both interesting and motivating. The first, Chi Onwurah’s discussion about the importance of the engagement between science and politics as the two main driving forces for societal progression, and also the importance of improving diversity within both fields. Secondly, Stephen Metcalfe’s talk over lunch about the importance of engineering as the translational link between science and industry, his passion for the ‘Year of Engineering’ and how this is now the ‘Era of the Engineer’. He also touched upon the importance of diversity within engineering.

Another highlight, was the ability to have an open and frank discussion with an MP [Daniel Zeichner] over lunch, and I think myself and my colleagues at the table gave him a taste of the breadth of issues that engineers try to find solutions for, along with a general passion for engineering and having a positive impact on society.

Informal discussion led me to the conclusion that we need a voice, a popular, mainstream media voice to portray our individual enthusiasm for our discipline to the general public. If everyone was given the opportunity to spend the day in parliament they may engage with the political process more. MPs are people too!"

Yasmin Ali, Chartered Chemical Engineer and Science Communicator

This kind of event is useful for introducing scientists and engineers to politics and vice versa, and gave me a deeper understanding the Industrial Strategy.

I felt it also exposed the politicians to the real life stories and impact of engineers, hopefully putting engineering higher on their agendas. "

Gabriella Thomas, Drilling Engineer at BP and the IChemE North East Scotland Member Group Chair for Young Members

I enjoyed being a part of the deliberations and meeting with a broad mix of people in attendance with leaders in theoretical & applied sciences, engineers, executives from industry, professors, leaders from numerous scientific & engineering societies, diplomats, journalists, Members of parliament & the cabinet.

My personal takeaway is that engineers should continue to be a part of the industrial strategy and bring the pragmatic outlook needed to ensure the UK remains leader in the world for innovative technology and scientific breakthroughs."

Paul McLaughlin, Principal Consultant at Kiwa Gastec and Former Treasurer of the IChemE Teeside Member Group

If we want to maintain manufacturing industries in the UK, we need to show that they add value to the economy beyond simply exporting intellectual property. We need businesses which are willing to take the risk on new ideas, and these businesses need certainty as to the context in which they will be operating over the next few years.

The MPs who spoke made no secret of their limited scientific and engineering knowledge, acknowledging that they have to rely on advice from those who know better about technical subjects.

It really highlighted the need for better engagement with government, with strong voices speaking for the engineering profession in an engaging and trustworthy way.

Optimism and confidence help to carry messages better than caveats do."

Margarita Vera, Process Planner at Thames Water and Member of the IChemE Water Special Interest Group

From my point of view, one of the most important thing they spoke about is how to influence children to go through STEM career paths and build a 'science sense' into the society.

As some of the speakers pointed out, "Science affects our day to day lives"  - for that reason we need to keep working towards include science in society."

Matthias Schnellmann, PhD Student at the University of Cambridge and Chair of IChemE's Future Energy Leaders

This year's event focused on the ambitious Industrial Strategy published by the government recently. Now that the Strategy has been published, it is important that it delivers the promised impact.

Attending the event reminded me of the important contribution that chemical engineers are already making and will continue to make to address the four Grand Challenges set out in the Industrial Strategy; A.I. and Big Data, clean low-carbon growth, the future of mobility and innovation to help meet the needs of an ageing society."