[News] UCL scientist goes from Lab Bench to Backbench

Dr Nguyen TK Thanh has taken part in a scheme where MPs and Civil Servants are paired up with leading scientists for a week at both their respective places of work.

Dr Thanh was paired with Caroline Jacobs, Senior Policy adviser, EU and International Innovation Policy, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Dr Thanh spent several days in the Houses of Parliament, learning how science policy is formed as well as gaining an understanding of the working life of a civil servant. She said: "The time I spent in Westminster was a golden opportunity to get some insight into how a government department works. I found out how all the issues relating to my research are being decided, governed and executed."

Ms Jacobs made the return journey in January 2012, visiting UCL to spend time with Dr Thanh to gain a better understanding of how research funding is spent, how research is prioritised and what a typical day is like for a research scientist. Ms Jacobs explained: "My visit to UCL was a wonderful opportunity to hear first-hand about key issues faced by senior academics and to learn how challenging, diverse and fulfilling their roles are." [Read more]

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