About the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee
The Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, founded in 1939, is a major focus for scientific and technological issues, providing a liaison between Parliamentarians and scientific bodies, science-based industry, and the academic world. The Committee focuses on issues where science and politics meet, informing Members of both Houses of Parliament. It demonstrates the relevance of scientific and technological developments to matters of public interest and to the development of national policy.
Meetings and Visits
The Committee meets once a month when Parliament is sitting to debate a scientific or technological topic and its relationship with political issues. These take place in the Palace of Westminster, starting at 5.15pm, and are followed by an informal reception. Attendance is typically around 70, of which several will be Parliamentarians. Most meetings are followed by a working dinner where the informal atmosphere facilitates open and wide-ranging discussion between Parliamentarians and those most closely concerned with the evening’s topic.
Annual Luncheon
The Committee’s annual lunch is a significant event in the Parliamentary calendar. Parliamentarians and leaders of the scientific establishment and industry assemble to hear an address.
The 2026 Guest Speaker will be Professor Liz Bentley, Chief Executive of the Royal Meteorological Society in the UK, President of the European Meteorological Society, and President of the International Forum of Meteorological Societies.
Science in Parliament
Science in Parliament, the journal of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, presents a comprehensive record of science, technology, engineering and mathematics within both Houses of Parliament. It is published four times a year.
STEM for Britain
STEM for Britain is an annual poster competition and exhibition in the House of Commons for early-stage researchers in all scientific disciplines.
Full details are available at:
https://www.stemforbritain.org.uk
Membership
Membership is open to Universities, Further Education Colleges, Scientific and Technical Organisations, industrial companies, organisations representing those affected by science, and individual members. Each member is asked to nominate a representative, but anyone from the organisation is welcome to attend meetings. The work of the Committee is supported by members’ subscriptions.