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Atkins Chemical Engineer Quizzes MPs on Brexit and UK Science

Parul Dubey on July 29, 2016 - in Corporate, News

Jack Melton, a graduate chemical engineer in Atkins’ Bristol office visited the Houses of Parliament to discuss ‘Science After the Referendum: What Next?’ at a Parliamentary Links Day.

Parliamentary Links Day is an annual event organised by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB). It brings together UK science and engineering institutions and invited members with MP’s, to strengthen ties between the UK Government and the scientific community.

Jack was one of seven chemical engineers chosen to represent the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) at the annual event which was attended by Jo Johnson MP, Minister of State for Universities and Science, and the Rt Hon John Bercow MP, Speaker of the House of Commons.

Jack said: “I’m delighted to be representing the IChemE at this event. People often forget that engineering is a huge part of UK science, and innovation is at the heart of it. Brexit will significantly impact the funding we receive to continue this innovation. It has been interesting to hear from leading MPs and the Science and Technology Select Committee on the plans going forward.”

Jack was chosen to represent the IChemE on the strength of his proposed question to the two MPs. He asked: “The chemical engineering profession draws considerable interest, with a dramatic increase in student numbers in recent years. What are the government’s current/future initiatives to ensure that suitable roles are available for the next generation of UK chemical engineers, in light of high profile job losses in industries such as energy, chemicals and manufacturing?

Both Jo Johnson and John Bercow reassured delegates that science, engineering and technology would still be as important to the UK economy as it is today. Mr Speaker said; “Science is fundamental to our country’s future” and Jo Johnson added; “As a scientific community we need to work to minimise the negatives of Brexit, and maximise the opportunities. International collaboration is going to be increasingly important, but rest assured British science and innovation will evolve.”

The event was bought to a close by Lord O’Neill of Gately, Commercial Secretary to HM Treasury, Sir Venki Ramakrishnan, President of The Royal Society, and Stephen Metcalfe MP, with a resounding agreement to continue investing in science and technology, reaching out internationally, and “keeping calm and carrying on.”

For more information about chemical engineering at Atkins, visit www.atkinsglobal.com/energy. To find out more about the IChemE, visit www.icheme.org and for more on the Parliamentary Links Day, please visit www.rsb.org.uk

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