91TV

Applications for the 2026 Pairing Scheme are now closed.

Eligibility

91TV welcomes applications from scientists across all science, technology, engineering, medicine and mathematics (STEMM) disciplines working in academia or industry. To be eligible for the scheme applicants must live in the UK and be working in a UK institution, and have at least two years postdoctoral research experience or equivalent research experience in industry.

We also recognise that a great deal of research is interdisciplinary in nature, therefore we are happy to consider applications from social or behavioural scientists who utilise or have an overlap with STEMM disciplines.

Please note that previous participants of the Pairing Scheme are not eligible to reapply.

Applicants should also be able to demonstrate good communication skills and, in particular, an ability to communicate their research to a lay audience. We advise applicants to ensure all parts of questions are answered clearly and concisely and to keep within the word count.

Applications received

Typically we receive around 300 applications for the scheme each year. Of these we will shortlist 45 applicants of which 30 will be paired. Please note, all applications are reviewed anonymously by an independent (human) panel. Due to the high volume of applications received, we are unable to provide individual feedback to unsuccessful applicants.

If you are shortlisted but not paired, you will be encouraged to apply again the following year. Unfortunately, applications cannot be rolled over and scientists must apply again to take part in next year’s scheme.

Expenses

Scientists who are successfully paired will be compensated for travel and subsistence costs incurred by being on this scheme. Please note reimbursements can take up to three months to be processed by our Finance team.

Hotel accommodation is organised and paid for by the Society, but individuals are responsible to confirm their accommodation requirements to the Public Affairs Team. Train travel to and from Westminster must be booked through the Royal Society travel provider and will be paid for by the Royal Society, however, the responsibility to book the journeys and make sure details are correct is down to the individual.

If you need further information please email the Public Affairs team.

“As I boarded the last train out of London to Glasgow, I reflected on a whirlwind few days. My abiding take-away was that despite recent attacks on the value of expert opinion, parliament couldn’t properly function without a robust mosaic of scientific evidence to underpin policy design. At the same time, the fortunes and character of science are shaped by the legislation passed by parliament. I left with a profound sense that these two worlds had drifted apart of late but now there was a growing appetite to reconnect. During these times of global uncertainty, the odd couple of science and policy have never needed one another more.” - Dr Matthew Hannon, Chancellor’s Fellow of Technology and Innovation within the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship, part of Strathclyde Business School, paired with Alison Thewliss MP.

This scheme gives UK Civil Servants the opportunity to connect with UK based research scientists and grow their professional network.

What does the scheme involve?

The scheme consists of a week in Westminster which will take place from Monday 15 March 2027 to Thursday 18 March 2027.

• Over the week you will take part in workshops, hear from invited speakers and spend time with your pair
• To take part you will need to set aside time in your diary to meet with your scientist pair at least twice during the week. We would encourage you to invite colleagues in your team to join you as appropriate
• Your pair will introduce you to their work and colleagues, giving you an insight into their area of research and an opportunity to explore how you might use these connections in the future
• You are welcome to attend workshops throughout the week, which will explore the use of science and research in government and parliament
• You can use your allocated learning and development days to take part in the scheme
• By the end of the scheme you will have direct links with practising talented research scientists and external scientific organisations, understand the process of scientific research within government and externally, understand how to access and use the knowledge to inform discussions and decision making

Who will I be paired with?

91TV pairing scheme is open to applications from scientists across all science, technology, engineering, medicine and mathematics (STEMM) disciplines working in academia or industry. To be eligible for the scheme, the scientists are required to have at least two years postdoctoral research experience or equivalent research experience in industry.

We also recognise that a great deal of research is interdisciplinary in nature, therefore we also consider applications from social or behavioural scientists who utilise or have an overlap with STEMM disciplines.

Applications for civil servants wishing to be paired with a scientist are scheduled to open in October 2026.

Please note that civil servants interested in participating in this scheme can only apply via the Government Science and Engineering Profession (GSE) and not through the Royal Society application process. Civil servant applications are managed by the Government Science and Engineering Profession (GSE).

For further information please contact GSE@go-science.gov.uk.

“I hugely enjoyed my experience of the scheme. It was really interesting to explain my own work and to get a sense for how the work of government is seen through researchers.” - Dr Alan Pitt, Secretary for the Council for Science and Technology, paired with Dr Emma Stone at the University of Bristol