Stephen Metcalfe MP will be swapping legislation for a lab coat when he visits Professor Chris Cooper at the University on Friday, 18 February.

The visit is part of a unique pairing scheme run by the Royal Society – the UK national academy of science. The project enables MPs to become better informed about science issues and scientists to understand how they can influence science policy.

During his visit, Mr Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, will take part in a number of controlled experiments highlighting some of the leading research being carried out at Essex. Mr Metcalfe will perform science demonstrations which will illustrate research into creating a blood substitute and will have his muscle oxygen measured while exercising on a bicycle.

Professor Cooper has already visited the Houses of Parliament as part of the pairing scheme’s ‘Westminster Week’. This provided Professor Cooper with a behind-the-scenes insight into how science policy is formed as well as an understanding of the working life of an MP.

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Note to Editors
Photo opportunity: Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, will be taking part in experiments at the University from 12 noon to 1pm on 18 February 2011. For more details please contact the University Communications Office on 01206 872400 or e-mail: comms@essex.ac.uk