Huppert back in the lecture hall but still ready to fight for science funding

Julian Huppert, the Liberal Democrat who was elected MP for Cambridge in 2010, has become a familiar face to people in science over the past five years. As a researcher and lecturer at the University of Cambridge, he became something of a celebrity science MP—at least for those who argue that parliament needs more scientists.

However, he was kicked out after the general election, suffering the same fate as his wider party. Cambridge was taken by Labour’s Daniel Zeichner with a majority of just 599. “I knew it would be close but I thought I was just ahead,” Huppert told Research Fortnight.

Recalling the night he lost is the only time Huppert pauses for breath. He spoke more frequently in parliament than the average MP, and you often have to interrupt him just to take control of the conversation. But when asked about election night, he stumbles a bit and stops to think. “It was pretty gruelling,” he says finally. “It took a long time. Cambridge counts slowly but accurately.”