Researchers pitch ideas to science committee

Researchers have proposed that MPs investigate everything from commercial genomics to diversity in research funding, as part of series of upcoming parliamentary inquiries into scientific matters.

Ten researchers each presented their case to the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee on 29 January. It is expected that three of the pitches will be developed into full-blown inquiries, Norman Lamb, the committee’s chair, said.

Jyotsna Vohra, head of the Cancer Policy Research Centre at the charity Cancer Research UK, is calling for an inquiry into the use of emerging technologies, such as wearable fitness trackers, in cancer prevention. Also in the field of technology, Emma Williams, a fellow in digital innovation and wellbeing at the University of Bristol, wants the committee to investigate the lack of enforceable regulation in new smart technologies.