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MPs and peers have been told of the importance of seeking advice from engineers on science and technology policy.
Speaking at the 'Engineering the future' parliamentary briefing, hosted by the Institution of Engineering and Technology and partners, Andrew Miller MP emphasised the need to include the engineering community in relevant policy discussions.
Observing previous examples of policy where engineers were not consulted, such as the development of eco-towns, Miller said:
"Engineering advice is of great relevance to parliamentarians. Expertise must be sought, valued and used by the cabinet."
Miller went on to note the role that engineering has to play in general quality of life.
"Engineering isn't just a sub-discipline of science: one of the fundamental purposes of engineering is to improve society, and engineering can provide a bridge to economic growth."
Professor Chris Snowden, the Institution of Engineering and Technology's president, agreed with Miller on the worth of involving the engineering community in policy discussions.
Snowden said:
"Engineering advice has historically not been sought early enough in the policy process. Regrettably governments are still learning to take engineering and science expertise on board. We need to develop a stronger dialogue between engineering and Parliament and continue to reinvigorate interest and understanding amongst parliamentarians."
Adding to the discussion on engineering's role in society, Kate Bellingham, trained engineer and former Tomorrow's World presenter, talked about the need to raise awareness of engineering disciplines in school, and amongst the general public.
"In schools we must reinforce the message that science and maths open doors and reinforce the positive and sometimes hidden messages about engineering. Engineering is vital to the future of the UK."
The breakfast briefing was hosted in association with Dods, The House Magazine and ePolitix.com.
To find out more about the Institution of Engineering and Technology, please view its dedicated ePolitix.com microsite.
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