Dr Andrew Morris of The Open University Department of Physical Sciences found himself seated in the Boothroyd Room, Portcullis House on Wednesday, March 14, with Coalition Government Universities and Science Minister David Willetts, the Science and Technology Select Committee and Shadow Minister for Innovation and Science Chi Onwurah in his sights.
Andrew, aged 28, was taking part in the Society of Biology’s Voice of the Future 2012 event where young scientists can question politicians.
He originally thought he would be there as an observer but was told he would be asking the first question from near the top of the horseshoe table - in front of which Rupert Murdoch was famously 'custard-pied'.
His first question was to David Willetts.
“I asked ‘What has been your greatest challenge as Science Minister and have you accomplished all that you hoped in your first two years in Government?’”.
“David Willetts’ answer first detailed the initial need to tackle the deficit and the need to impress on colleagues the importance of Science and Technology,” said Andrew
“He also later described the need for Science and Technology to support the society that enables its’ existence.
“Later questions addressed a range of issues from Lords Reform, career paths of scientists and international competition,” he said.
“Sadly, session one had to end and I was rotated so that new people could go on to ask questions to the Select Committee.
“However, I was lucky enough to be get a seat on the first row of the audience so could still clearly hear and record the remaining two sessions,” he said.
“One of the aims of the day was to give those in government an impression of the views and interests of young scientists.
“I personally found the whole experience hugely enjoyable,” said Andrew.
“I got to experience government up close and even directly question law makers but I also learnt a lot about the motivations and perspectives of MPs from the answers they provided to our questions.
“In the end I think that it possibly the most valuable thing I could have got from the day," he said.
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