The Knowledge Exchange Unit supports the exchange of information between UK Researchers and Parliament. They prepare a list of opportunities for researchers each week, which we will be disseminating in part through this blog.

If you are engaging in any of these opportunities, please email Glenn Harris or Suzi Edwards

These opportunities have been compiled by UK Parliament’s Knowledge Exchange Unit (KEU).

Take a look at the KEU’s webhub of information and resources for researchers. 

These opportunities and resources have been sent to members of the KEU’s informal network for knowledge mobilisers, for circulation to the research community (find out more about the network).

Select committee inquiries launched in the last 2 weeks (since 24 March 2022)

Please click the title of any inquiry listed below to be taken to a summary of that inquiry and the full call for evidence.

Why should I engage? Submitting evidence to a select committee can lead to further engagement, such as an invitation to give oral evidence. Your submission will be published on the Committee webpage. Your insights may inform the Committee’s conclusions or recommendations it makes to the Government. Find out more about why to engage with Parliament. You can also read more on engagement for impact.

More information: Explore all select committee inquiries currently open for submissions of written evidence. 

Support resources: Find guidance on submitting evidence to select committees on the KEU’s ‘how to guides’ page. Watch our 30 minute online training session “How to work with select committees”.

Contribute to the Foreign Affairs Committee inquiry on the Wagner Group and proxy Private Military Companies

The House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee is welcoming submissions to its inquiry into use of proxy Private Military Companies (PMCs), including the Wagner Group.

This inquiry will explore the challenge posed by states’ use of PMCs as proxies in conflict and to destabilise fragile countries, as well as the UK Government response. The inquiry will focus particularly on the Wagner Group, which – while officially a PMC – has close ties to the Russian state and stands accused of some of the worst atrocities. It will explore international law in this area, and ask what more can be done to identify, track and sanction members of private military companies

The Committee is interested to hear from individuals with a range of perspectives – for example, those with direct experience of working with or being part of PMCs, academics, journalists, intelligence and security practitioners, and others. It will consider anonymous and/or confidential submissions.

The Committee encourage members of underrepresented groups to submit evidence.

The deadline for submitting written evidence is Friday 6 May 2022.

Find more information about the inquiry, the questions being posed by the Committee, and submit written evidence.

Why should I engage? Submitting evidence to a select committee can lead to further engagement, such as an invitation to give oral evidence. Your submission will be published on the Committee webpage. Your insights may inform the Committee’s conclusions or recommendations it makes to the Government. Find out more about why to engage with Parliament. You can also read more on engagement for impact.

More information: Find information about the Foreign Affairs Committee.
Explore the questions being asked for this inquiry, and how to submit written evidence.

Support resources: Find guidance on submitting evidence to select committees on the KEU’s ‘how to guides’ page. Watch our 30 minute online training session “How to work with select committees”.

Come and work with POST as a Biological Sciences and Health Adviser!

We don’t usually publicise job opportunities at Parliament in this round-up, but we couldn’t resist this one! This is an exciting job opportunity to join as the Biological Sciences and Health Adviser in the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST), in the Department for Research and Information.

The Biological Sciences and Health Adviser will support POST in providing independent and balanced analyses to both Houses of Parliament on public policy issues with a basis in science and technology, especially those related to the life sciences, health, and medicine. 

If you are passionate in making a real difference in the world of biological sciences and technology and are looking to develop or enhance your experience in this field, this will be the ideal career path for you!

This is a permanent role, available to apply for as full time or job share. The salary is £37,510 per annum.  Applications close at 11:55pm on Sunday 24 April 2022. 

A Parliament fact to drop into dinner party conversation

Do you know what the longest Act of Parliament is? It’s the 1821 Land Tax Act, of course. It’s made of 757 pieces of parchment & is 348m long. That’s more than 3 football pitches!

So what?
The Parliamentary Archives hold the original authoritative set of Acts of Parliament from 1497 to the present. You can view the printed copy of these acts by making an appointment to visit the Archives search room. Alternatively, you can view copies of some acts from the thirteenth century onward online by accessing free and subscription services. The team are also working to digitise the acts held in the Archives. 

More information