12 January 2006
MP and scientist trade places for a day
A scientist from the University of Sheffield is taking part in a flagship exchange programme with Nick Clegg MP, as part of an initiative to build links between the UK´s leading politicians and scientists. The scheme, organised by the Royal Society, aims to help the scientific community and politicians develop a better understanding of each other´s work.
On 13 January 2006, Dr Ewald Hettema, from the University of Sheffield´s Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, will host Mr Clegg, MP for Sheffield Hallam, for a visit to his laboratory. The visit follows a trip to London last year where Dr Hettema shadowed Nick at Westminster, gaining first-hand experience of how Parliament deals with science issues.
Now Dr Hettema intends to give Nick an insight into his work at the University, and to explain the importance of the University´s research. The visit will highlight some of the issues and constraints that academic researchers face and will help develop relationships between scientists and politicians.
Dr Hettema´s research focuses on human cell biology and genetics, and why certain human disorders develop. He joined the University of Sheffield in 2004 to continue his research into the fatal Zellweger syndrome and related disorders, allowing for prenatal diagnosis of the illness.
Issues such as cloning, climate change and GM foods play a central role in national politics today. The pairing scheme is designed to help scientists feed their knowledge to parliamentarians as well as allow MPs to become more familiar with topical research issues.
Dr Hettema said: "To be involved with this programme is a fantastic opportunity for both Nick and I. Politicians and researchers are often dealing with the same issues, albeit from different perspectives, and it is vital that we develop good working relationships and build up more effective communication.
Notes for Editors: Mr Clegg will be visiting the University of Sheffield from 11:30 to 13:00 on Friday 13 January 2006.
Dr Hettema is participating in the fifth MP-Scientist Pairing Scheme with 25 other scientists from across the UK.
For more information on the scheme, see
http://www.royalsoc.ac.uk/page.asp?tip=1&id=3035
For further information please contact: Matt Barker at the University of Sheffield press office on 0114 222 1046, or matt.barker@sheffield.ac.uk
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