Bishop’s Scientists Question the Minister for Science, Lord Patrick Vallance

Bishop’s scientists join the Royal Society of Biology’s ‘Voice of the Future’ webinar and question Members of Parliament and Members of the House of Lords on topics ranging from AI to how researchers can advise on policy

On Monday 17th March, four Bishop’s scientists and Dr Bune joined the ‘Voice of the Future’ webinar organised by the Royal Society of Biology. Bishop’s Hatfield Girls’ School was the only school invited alongside young scientists in industry to ask questions on science education and technology to the Science Minister, Shadow Science Minister, Members of Parliament and Members of the House of Lords.

“We had to send our questions to the MPs prior to the event,” said Maryam W. “My question was the first to be asked and answered by the Shadow Science Minister, Dr Ben Spencer, MP. We asked him if he enjoyed and was good at science when he was at school! He said he was a medic before becoming an MP and loved science from an early age.” He also answered Polly C’s question: “Do you need to know all the latest scientific discoveries?”, to which he laughed and said that would be impossible but he does try to keep up with certain technologies e.g. AI.

The Science Minister, Lord Patrick Vallance FRSB, joined the webinar but then had to be called away to vote! He re-joined and answered Ciara D’s question about whether politics and science should be kept separate. “That would be impossible”, he said. “Ministers are interested, and need science and new technologies, and need to think about what is best to invest in. However there should be no politics involved in who does the research and innovation”.

Diana C’s question was answered by Emily Darlington, MP and Alisa Gardner, MP, concerning the continuing gender stereotype in STEM. They were both interested that this question came from a girls’ school. They felt that there was common cultural perspective about what a scientist looked like and more should be done in schools to show the diversity in STEM and how women have been at the forefront of science. It was noted that more enrichment experiences will encourage diversity in science. The session finished with Lord Drayson discussing the need for critical thinking skills to allow young people to manage the huge amounts of information available and to recognise fake news and biased interpretations.

“It was great to be involved in these discussions”, said Maryam. “We felt very honoured to be constantly referred to by the Chair and to have our school listed amongst all the other societies.

Maryam W

For more information on this RSB webinar, visit: MPs quizzed by Young Scientists at RSB’s Voice of the Future 2025