Launch of the second edition of the pairing scheme
26/02/2024
Congreso de los Diputados The second edition of the pairing scheme between members of parliament and researchers took place from 26 to 28 February at the Congress of Deputies. This year, the scheme introduced a new feature: the inclusion of a scientist-clerk pair. This addition aims to broaden the scope of knowledge exchange by integrating professionals from diverse fields within the chamber.
The pairing scheme was launched on February 26th, coinciding with the presentation of new topics by Oficina C at the Congress of Deputies. The inauguration day also featured a roundtable discussion on "The role of scientific knowledge in legislative work."
During the event, the pairings for the second edition of the initiative were announced. The scientist-MP pairs, whose photos are available here, include:
- María Matesanz del Barrio from the Complutense University of Madrid, paired with Pedro Peña Jiménez, clerk of the Cortes Generales.
- Dolores Fernández Ortuño from the University of Málaga, paired with Joseba Andoni Agirretxea Urresti from the Basque Parliamentary Group (EAJ-PNV).
- Jaime Cubero Dabrio from the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), paired with Marije Fullaondo la Cruz from the Euskal Herria Bildu Parliamentary Group.
- Salvador Ivorra from the University of Alicante, paired with Eduard Pujol Bonell from the Junts per Catalunya Parliamentary Group.
- Andrés Bravo Oviedo from the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), paired with Francesc-Marc Álvaro Vidal from the Republican Parliamentary Group (ERC).
- Álvaro Martínez Camarena from the Complutense University of Madrid, paired with Javier Alfonso Cendón from the Socialist Parliamentary Group.
- Sergi Riera Galindo from the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), paired with Teslem Andala Ubbi from the Plurinational SUMAR Parliamentary Group.
- Demelsa Benito Sanchez from the University of Deusto, paired with Jacobo González-Robatto Perote from the Vox Parliamentary Group.
- Jovita Moreno Vozmediano from the Rey Juan Carlos University, paired with Pablo Pérez Coronado from the Popular Parliamentary Group in Congress.
On February 27th, the scientists shadowed the MPs to gain insights into their daily work and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experiences between the two communities. In the afternoon, training on the workings of the Cortes Generales, and specifically the Congress, was provided by clerks Pedro Peña and Bárbara Cosculluela.
The second edition of the programme concluded on February 28th, with a visit to the Plenary Session and final reflections, highlighting the importance of these initiatives in fostering effective dialogue between science and politics for more informed decision-making.