Building bridges between science and Westminster: a Northumbria researcher's view from Parliament

The impact of research and technical expertise at Northumbria University has been highlighted on a national stage, after a scientist's placement in Parliament led an MP to showcase his work as a flagship example of excellence in technical skills.

Dr Cecil Cherian Lukose, Scientific Officer for Thin Film Laboratories at Northumbria, was selected for the Royal Society Pairing Scheme 2026, which pairs scientists with MPs and parliamentarians to build stronger links between research and policymaking.

He was matched with Dame Chi Onwurah, MP for Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West and Chair of the Science, Innovation and Technology Select Committee.

The scheme included a week-long placement at the House of Commons, where Dr Lukose shadowed Dame Chi and observed committee meetings, policy briefings, stakeholder engagements and debates.

It also included a reciprocal visit, with Dame Chi coming to see facilities at Northumbria University’s EPSRC-funded Advanced Thin Film Sputtering Fabrication Facility – known as TF-FAB and the Northumbria material characterization laboratory (NMCL).

During her visit, Dame Chi found out more about research and technical work spanning solar photovoltaics, biomedical implants and advanced materials using thin film technologies.

She was particularly impressed by the University's materials characterisation capabilities, including its high-resolution scanning electron microscope imaging.

The impression it left was lasting. At an event at the House of Lords celebrating the three-year impact of the Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy, Dame Chi spoke about the importance of technical skills and the technical workforce and pointed to her visit to Northumbria as a flagship example of excellence in the field.

As a university with a long-standing focus on technical skills development, it was recognition of the calibre of expertise built up in Northumbria’s laboratories, delivered on one of the most prominent platforms in the country.

Speaking about her experience, Dame Chi said: “I was delighted to host Dr Cecil Cherian Lukose in Parliament as part of the excellent Royal Society Pairing Scheme. Before entering Parliament, I worked for twenty years as an engineer, and I know from my own experience how important the dialogue between science and politics is. Science is so crucial in creating the high-skilled, high-wage, high-productivity economy we want – and it is increasingly at the heart of economic policy.

“It was a pleasure to be taken by Dr Cecil to Northumbria University's Thin Film Deposition and Materials Characterisation facilities. I was so impressed with what I saw. As Chair of the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, I know first-hand how important technical staff are to research across science. I welcome Northumbria University's long-standing focus on technical skills development and the level of expertise built up in Northumbria's laboratories.

“I would encourage researchers at Northumbria to apply for the Royal Society Pairing Scheme, so scientists can continue to inform and shape policy, as well as drive scientific breakthroughs."

For Dr Lukose, the moment underlined just how far the influence of Northumbria's research and technical facilities can reach. He said: “I certainly did not expect to be mentioned by name during an address at the House of Lords. It was both surprising and deeply rewarding and knowing that our work had influenced Dame Chi made the experience particularly meaningful.

“It was a proud moment not only for me but for the entire technical team, as it demonstrated the important contribution that technical professionals and research facilities make to innovation, skills development and scientific advancement.”

Reflecting on his week in Westminster, Dr Lukose said the experience gave him a new appreciation for parliamentary life. He explained: “What surprised me most was the complexity and fast-paced nature of parliamentary work.

“I was particularly struck by the breadth of responsibilities undertaken by MPs and the speed with which they move between diverse issues in a single day, from meeting international trade delegations and promoting apprenticeship initiatives, to participating in parliamentary question sessions and addressing matters affecting their constituents.”

Beyond the pace of parliamentary life, one conversation from the programme has stayed with him, reflecting a message at the heart of the Pairing Scheme: the vital role scientists can play in policymaking.

“A key message was that effective policymaking depends heavily on input from scientists, as parliamentarians rely on robust evidence to inform decisions and develop evidence-based policies.

“What I found especially insightful was the emphasis on how scientific evidence must be communicated. To be useful in a policy context, evidence needs to be provided through the appropriate channels, in a timely manner, and presented in a way that enables rapid interpretation and action,” he said.

He points out that this calls for a different approach to communication than researchers may be used to. Scientific communication often focuses on uncertainty, probabilities and caveats, whereas policymakers frequently need clear, concise recommendations that explicitly outline the changes required and their likely implications.

Sustained engagement between scientists and policymakers, he says, helps both sides overcome differences in language, priorities and timescales, leading to more effective policy decisions.

The placement also shifted his own understanding of who gets to take part in that process. He said: “The Pairing Scheme significantly changed my understanding of how scientists can contribute to policymaking. I previously assumed that policy engagement was limited to a small group of senior experts, but I now appreciate that appropriate channels exist which can be utilised by researchers at all career stages to provide evidence and expertise.

“The scheme introduced me to opportunities such as Areas of Research Interest (ARIs) and Royal Society policy engagement programmes, demonstrating how scientists can help shape evidence-based policy.”

Dr Lukose's role at Northumbria centres on high vacuum and thin film technologies, work he says connects directly to the UK's wider technical skills agenda.

Thin film technologies underpin strategic sectors including advanced manufacturing, healthcare, renewable energy, semiconductors and quantum technologies, and support the development of practical skills in vacuum systems, materials processing and equipment operation.

He said: “I hope this recognition helps raise the profile of technical skills and technical professionals across the North East and the wider UK. Being selected for a prestigious programme such as the Royal Society Pairing Scheme, and hosting a parliamentary visit, demonstrates the vital role that technical professionals play in research, innovation and skills development.

“I also hope this encourages more technicians to engage beyond their specialist fields and recognise that their expertise can help inform and shape policy, as well as support scientific discovery.”

The placement has also encouraged Dr Lukose to get more involved in public and policy engagement going forward, and he is keen for others at Northumbria to consider similar opportunities.

“I would strongly encourage researchers at Northumbria, particularly early career researchers, research technical professionals and members of the technical community, to consider applying for the scheme and similar opportunities,” he said.

“Taking the first step can feel daunting, and imposter syndrome is often present, but these opportunities are highly accessible once you apply. It simply comes down to preparing a strong application and having the confidence to click that submit button.”

The Royal Society Pairing Scheme has been building bridges between science and Parliament for over 25 years.