The EU deals with many issues which have a profound scientific and technological dimension. In this ‘modern age’, science and technology are deeply integrated in all structures of our society, from the most obvious, such as communication and mobility, to others that are less so, such as norms, values and identity. To assist Members of the European Parliament to deal with this fast-evolving reality, Science and Technology Options Assessment (STOA), serves as the EP’s in-house think tank, providing MEPs with high-level, specialist and independent advice on legislative issues with a scientific or technological dimension.

To enhance knowledge-based decisions, increase public awareness of EU policies and promote collaboration and dialogue at the science-policy interface, the EP is launching the fourth round of its MEP-Scientist Pairing Scheme. If you are an expert with an outstanding record, have demonstrated excellence in your field and are interested in participating, you are invited to apply here before 31 July 2015.

Selected scientists will then be invited to Brussels in September 2015 to ‘shadow’ MEPs in their daily political activities, including committee meetings, to observe the EU science, technology and research policy framework in action. As a follow-up, scientists and MEPs will be encouraged to collaborate in organising an event, with a European dimension, on a topic of their choice. These could take the form of workshops, visits to research & development facilities or exhibitions. These events may be organised in the home countries of participating MEPs and scientists, provided they can find appropriate funding, or in Brussels or Strasbourg, where some funding may be available from STOA (under certain conditions).

If you are passionate about your field of science, interested in an exclusive first-hand experience of EP policy-making, and feel that science should continue to inform political decision-making: this is your opportunity.