Science and Technology in Parliament
The Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology
MPs and Peers encounter science and technology on a daily basis, whether it be during debates over new legislation or in letters from constituents and lobby groups. However, most of them do not have a scientific background. The Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) was set up in 1989 to provide parliamentarians with independent analysis of topics related to science and technology.
How we work
A team of five specialist advisers carries out the analyses for POST. The team works towards aims set by a board of 13 parliamentarians and four non-parliamentary members.
What we do
POST assists parliament in many ways:
- Publishing Reports
We regularly publish reports for both Houses of Parliament. As well as covering topics of current relevance, we try to anticipate future issues. Recent topics covered range from flooding to nuclear terrorism.
- Assisting select committees
Select committees are small groups of Parliamentarians. Each Committee examines an area of Government policy, such as health, or science and technology. Select Committees often ask us for information. We provide a wide range of services including informal advice, oral briefings and background papers. Recently, POST has provided support for inquiries into stem cell research, school science education and communications.
- Organising seminars
We organise seminars to stimulate debate on topical issues and have pioneered online discussions to help Parliament consider a broad spectrum of views.
Submitted by: Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, 17 January 2007
