Menu
16/10/2013
Scientists To Pair With MLAs
Scientists are to be called into Stormont to see how their area of expertise can inform the legislation process.
The MLA/scientist pairing scheme will make Northern Ireland the first regional assembly to roll out such a concept.
The scheme will focus on geosciences.
Launching the Politics Plus exchange event in Stormont today, Energy Minister Arlene Foster said: "This scheme will lead to enhanced collaboration between politicians and scientists which will assist the development of future legislation and strengthen the impact of science on policy.
"Exploration for natural resources is one of the key drivers of economic growth. For example, for centuries hydrocarbons have been needed to fuel our cars, heat our homes and produce plastics and lubricants for our industry.
"Increasingly there is a need for a mix of energy from more sustainable sources but hydrocarbons will still be required as part of that mix. Mineral exploration is also required to source precious metals, base metals for industry, rock salt to de-ice our roads, and rare earth elements are required to make components for computers and smart phones. This new scheme will highlight the importance of these issues."
Professor Tom J. Millar MRIA, Dean of Engineering and Physical Sciences and Professor of Astrophysics at Queens University Belfast added: "Queen's is enthusiastic to both embark upon and support the opportunity to further the impact of research and innovation of its scientists and political scientists by directly engaging and working along MLAs with the aim of informing new government policy. Both MLAs and scientists will continue their own professional development through shared learning, exchange of ideas and policy research."
The Secretary of the Royal Irish Academy, Professor Vani Boroorah MRIA commented: "The Academy is delighted to work in partnership with GSNI, QUB and the NIASLT today in supporting this inaugural MLA/scientist pairing scheme. By bringing independent and expert scientists into Parliament Buildings today, we are facilitating the exchange of knowledge with the MLAs they will work with over the coming year. The Academy is committed to working with both parliaments on the island, to engage elected representatives and inform policy making."
The scheme will run until March next year.
(IT/JP)
The MLA/scientist pairing scheme will make Northern Ireland the first regional assembly to roll out such a concept.
The scheme will focus on geosciences.
Launching the Politics Plus exchange event in Stormont today, Energy Minister Arlene Foster said: "This scheme will lead to enhanced collaboration between politicians and scientists which will assist the development of future legislation and strengthen the impact of science on policy.
"Exploration for natural resources is one of the key drivers of economic growth. For example, for centuries hydrocarbons have been needed to fuel our cars, heat our homes and produce plastics and lubricants for our industry.
"Increasingly there is a need for a mix of energy from more sustainable sources but hydrocarbons will still be required as part of that mix. Mineral exploration is also required to source precious metals, base metals for industry, rock salt to de-ice our roads, and rare earth elements are required to make components for computers and smart phones. This new scheme will highlight the importance of these issues."
Professor Tom J. Millar MRIA, Dean of Engineering and Physical Sciences and Professor of Astrophysics at Queens University Belfast added: "Queen's is enthusiastic to both embark upon and support the opportunity to further the impact of research and innovation of its scientists and political scientists by directly engaging and working along MLAs with the aim of informing new government policy. Both MLAs and scientists will continue their own professional development through shared learning, exchange of ideas and policy research."
The Secretary of the Royal Irish Academy, Professor Vani Boroorah MRIA commented: "The Academy is delighted to work in partnership with GSNI, QUB and the NIASLT today in supporting this inaugural MLA/scientist pairing scheme. By bringing independent and expert scientists into Parliament Buildings today, we are facilitating the exchange of knowledge with the MLAs they will work with over the coming year. The Academy is committed to working with both parliaments on the island, to engage elected representatives and inform policy making."
The scheme will run until March next year.
(IT/JP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 November 2024
New Grants Scheme To Tackle Domestic And Sexual Abuse
The Justice and Health Ministers have launched a new small grants scheme aimed at reducing domestic and sexual abuse. The Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy Small Grant Scheme will support community and voluntary organisations working with victims of abuse.
New Grants Scheme To Tackle Domestic And Sexual Abuse
The Justice and Health Ministers have launched a new small grants scheme aimed at reducing domestic and sexual abuse. The Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy Small Grant Scheme will support community and voluntary organisations working with victims of abuse.
22 November 2024
Alliance 'Deeply Concerned' Over Pace Of HIA Redress Scheme
The Alliance Party has raised concerns over the rate of progress on the redress scheme for Historical Institutional Abuse of children. The party's Executive Office spokesperson, Paula Bradshaw MLA, has called on the First and deputy First Minister (FMdFM) must meet victims and survivors urgently over memorialisation and other issues.
Alliance 'Deeply Concerned' Over Pace Of HIA Redress Scheme
The Alliance Party has raised concerns over the rate of progress on the redress scheme for Historical Institutional Abuse of children. The party's Executive Office spokesperson, Paula Bradshaw MLA, has called on the First and deputy First Minister (FMdFM) must meet victims and survivors urgently over memorialisation and other issues.
20 November 2024
DAERA Minister Confirms Commitment to Deposit Return Scheme
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has reaffirmed his commitment to introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Northern Ireland. The DRS is designed to encourage recycling by offering a monetary incentive for returning single-use drinks containers. The scheme will cover PET plastic, steel, and aluminium containers ranging from 150ml to 3 litres.
DAERA Minister Confirms Commitment to Deposit Return Scheme
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has reaffirmed his commitment to introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Northern Ireland. The DRS is designed to encourage recycling by offering a monetary incentive for returning single-use drinks containers. The scheme will cover PET plastic, steel, and aluminium containers ranging from 150ml to 3 litres.
18 November 2024
Belfast's Vacant To Vibrant Scheme To Expand Citywide
A successful scheme aimed at transforming vacant properties in Belfast city centre into thriving businesses is set to be extended across the entire city. Belfast City Council's Vacant to Vibrant programme has already breathed new life into 26 properties, with another six sites in the pipeline.
Belfast's Vacant To Vibrant Scheme To Expand Citywide
A successful scheme aimed at transforming vacant properties in Belfast city centre into thriving businesses is set to be extended across the entire city. Belfast City Council's Vacant to Vibrant programme has already breathed new life into 26 properties, with another six sites in the pipeline.
22 May 2023
Election Results 'Clear Sign People Want Politics To Work' – O'Neill
The results of the local council elections is a clear signal that people want politics to work for all, First Minister Designate Michelle O’Neill has said.
Election Results 'Clear Sign People Want Politics To Work' – O'Neill
The results of the local council elections is a clear signal that people want politics to work for all, First Minister Designate Michelle O’Neill has said.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
