Pathway to A day in the life of success

2010–present, Julian Huppert MP for Cambridge 2007–2010, academic fellow at the 2005–2007, postdoctoral researcher at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Member of parliament Institute 2001–2005, for Cambridge PhD in biological chemistry at the University of Julian has been MP for Cambridge since 2010. Cambridge Before this he was a fellow in computational 1996–2000, biology at the University of Cambridge. BA MSci in natural sciences, He spoke to David Sait about his work. University of Cambridge 1994–1996, A-levels in mathematics, further mathematics, physics and chemistry From the lab to the debating chamber With his background as a research scientist, Julian has at , Julian originally trained as an organic chemist. He been able to speak knowledgably during recent debates Cambridge gained a PhD in biological chemistry then had a on drugs policy, arguing for scientific evidence-based position as a research scientist at the University of approaches to legislation, and also on collecting tissue Cambridge. His research looked at the structures samples as alternatives for animal experimentation in formed by nucleic acids, providing an insight into the scientific research. various functions they perform. Julian’s experience as a scientist is also useful in the Outside of science, Julian has long been politically more general work of parliament, eg lobbying for active as a member of the Liberal Democrat party, more money for science in the budget, arguing for the including being a county councillor for eight years. In recognition of PhD qualifications in the immigration 2010 he was elected as the member of parliament for process, or contributing to the debate on libel reform. Cambridge. As a scientist, Julian is prepared to change his mind if he Julian’s time is split between his constituency in receives new evidence. He says that this is rarely seen Cambridge and the Houses of Parliament in London, in other politicians, as changing your mind is usually and so a typical day depends very much on where he interpreted as a sign of weakness. is working. Working in Cambridge Life in London Every Friday Julian works in Cambridge. He may spend A day in London may start with attending a committee the morning visiting schools and companies but much hearing. Julian sits on the House of Commons Home of his time is spent in his office attending to casework. Affairs Select Committee, which reports on the work Constituents write to Julian asking for his assistance of government departments and covers areas such on a wide variety of matters (such as tax, housing and MP for a as immigration, policing and drugs policy. The work immigration) and every letter receives a reply. Any week of a committee includes discussing reports, receiving constituent can make an appointment to see him at evidence and questioning witnesses. his surgery. Last year Julian and his team dealt with 5500 cases. If you’re interested in the Meetings and committee work continue into the work of MPs, you can have afternoon, and during this time the House will start to Most of the queries his constituents bring are not a go at being an MP for a sit. Julian will try to get into the debating chamber to scientific in nature, but Julian can use the skills in week in the new game from ask questions and contribute to the debates, which problem-solving and analysing evidence he has the parliament education conclude with a vote at around 10pm. developed as a scientist to help to resolve a case. service – http://bit.ly/kL1SL8 You can download InfoChem at www.rsc.org/infoChem and copy it for use within schools InfoChem 7

0411INFO - A day in the life of.indd 7 25/05/2011 16:08:58