A seasonal reception, organised by the Royal Society of Biology on behalf of the STEM Parliamentary Steering Group (PSG), was held in the Churchill Room in the House of Commons on Thursday 5 December 2024.

The celebratory evening was hosted by the Viscount Stansgate and brought together scientists, learned societies, and Members of Parliament, encouraging collaboration through networking and hearing speeches.

Chi Onwurah MP

Welcoming guests to the evening, the Viscount Stansgate introduced the event before handing over to President of the RSB Professor Sir Ian Boyd. Ian gave a warm welcome to the new parliamentarians, emphasised the importance of the PSG in linking science and the parliament through building networks and connections, to best enable parliamentarians to be able to deliver on their work through being informed by the best science that’s available, and stating that it is a powerful voice when science and parliament come together.

Chi Onwurah MP, Chair Commons and Science, Innovation and Technology Committees, then took to the podium and gave a strong statement for championing the good that STEM can do for the UK and her constituents. She also highlighted the importance of engagement between the science sector, the public, and politicians, and the role of science and innovation in the UK’s future, emphasising that research and innovation is at the heart of this government.

Following this, Alan Mak MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, spoke with enthusiasm about his new role and his aim to create links between the financial and science sectors, navigating the geopolitical environment through removing barriers, and building Britain into a scientific superpower.

The final speech was given by George Freeman MP, Chair APPG Parliamentary and Scientific Committee. He stated the need for a national consensus between the political system and the science and technology community to focus on creating solutions for the world’s problems, namely the climate crisis and wars, which cannot be done without a scientific mindset.

With over 70 delegates present, there was ample opportunity for networking after the speeches over canapés and mulled wine.

RSB Parliamentary Steering Group comprises: Anatomical Society, Applied Microbiology International, Association of Applied Biologists, Biochemical Society, British Ecological Society, British Pharmacological Society, British Society for Immunology, The Council for the Mathematical Sciences, The Genetics Society, The Geological Society, Institute of Physics, The Nutrition Society, Royal Society of Chemistry, Society for Experimental Biology, The Society for Radiological Protection.