Dr Katrina Morgan, a research fellow at the University, was chosen to represent the Royal Society at this year’s Voice of The Future event in Westminster.
The annual event organised by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) took place on 15 March and saw school students through to postdoctoral researchers pitch their questions to top politicians and policy makers.
Katrina pitched her question to Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation Jo Johnson MP, asking:
How will UK science policies facilitate the growth and development of biotechnological innovation through research institutes, spin-outs and smaller enterprises and reflect the needs of these smaller business endeavours?
Jo Johnson responded that the government can help by ensuring there is a business friendly and competitive R&D tax environment. Over 20,000 companies, many of which are SMEs, benefit from R&D tax credit, which as a tax relief, costs the government £2.4bn pounds a year.
You can watch the question and answer in full here.
Speaking after the event, Katrina said of the experience:
I was incredibly honoured to represent such a prestigious and historical fellowship. Voice of the Future is a fantastic event which brings early career researchers into the discussion of science and policy within this country.
A large area of discussion focused on the challenges that women in STEM face. There was a common agreement that there are many issues that occur at all stages throughout a woman’s life and career.
Whilst it seems the House of Commons Science & Technology Committee has a deep understanding of the challenges surrounding women in STEM and acknowledges more needs to be done, in my opinion there is a lack of specific action.
