AI expert heads to Parliament for Royal Society Pairing Scheme

One of the University of Essex’s leading AI experts has been selected for a prestigious national programme bringing scientists and policymakers together at the heart of Government.

Dr Haider Raza, of the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, took part in this year’s Royal Society Pairing Scheme 2026, partnering with civil servants from the UK Health Security Agency and the Government Office for Science to explore how scientific evidence shapes policy and decision-making.

Run by the Royal Society in partnership with the Government Science and Engineering Profession, the scheme pairs leading researchers with policymakers to strengthen links between academia and Government, helping ensure research can better inform national decision-making.

As part of the Week in Westminster, Dr Raza joined an intensive programme of briefings, workshops and shadowing across Parliament and Whitehall.

This included shadowing at the UK Health Security Agency, where he also delivered a talk on AI adoption, alongside gaining first-hand insight into how policy decisions are developed within Government.

Dr Raza met senior policymakers where he was involved in discussions around the adoption of artificial intelligence in public health, including issues of governance, responsible use and workforce upskilling.

Dr Raza’s research has focused on the use of AI in healthcare, and a successful Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Check 4 Cancer has led to the creation of an AI tool which is able to identify skin cancer with a 99 per cent accuracy.

Reflecting on his week in Parliament, Dr Raza said: “Taking part in the Royal Society Pairing Scheme was a genuinely valuable experience for me, as it provided a rare opportunity to step into the policy world and understand how scientific evidence is translated into real-world decision-making.

“As an AI researcher working in healthcare and public services, it was particularly important to engage directly with policymakers to better appreciate the practical, ethical, and governance challenges around AI adoption.

“The scheme plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between research and policy, ensuring that emerging technologies like AI are implemented responsibly and with societal benefit at the forefront.”

The Royal Society Pairing Scheme has been running for more than 25 years and has connected over 700 scientists with MPs, peers and civil servants, helping ensure evidence remains central to decision-making.