Scientist Waqar Ahmed picked to quiz Ministers

Waqar Ahmed (27), an early-stage researcher at The University of Manchester,  visited the House of Commons to speak to ministers at Voice of the Future, an event organised by the Royal Society of Biology.

Waqar (pictured) was chosen to represent the Royal Society of Biology on the strength of his question: “How would the government ensure young researchers with scientific collaborations and cross-culture projects are not affected by the potential EU referendum?”

Dr Stephen Benn, the Royal Society of Biology's director of parliamentary affairs, describes the importance of Voice of the Future: “This is a unique event - in no other part of Parliament is the normal select committee format completely reversed so that MPs, the Minister and the Shadow Minister have to answer questions rather than ask them.

“It is important that policy makers use reliable evidence in their decisions, and today’s young scientists and engineers will be a vital part of this in the future.”

In the first event of its kind since the General Election, young scientists and engineers questioned the Science and Universities Minister, the Shadow Science Minister, the Government’s Chief Scientific Advisor and Members of the House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee about scientific issues that matter to them.

Waqar said: “I want Britain to once again stand at the forefront of scientific inquiry.

“This meeting is a great opportunity for the government to learn from young scientists and discuss matters encompassing scientific education, accessibility and awareness.

“I hope that my questions will highlight the importance of developing partnerships between academia, industry and governments, nationally and internationally, in support of progressive science and engineering.”