Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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108. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will establish a science and technology policy fellowship within the Civil Service to provide opportunities to scientists and engineers to learn first-hand about policy making and contribute their knowledge and analytical skills in policy development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30686/20]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) is running a pilot programme which is designed to attain the objectives which the Deputy outlines. The SFI Public Service Fellowship, which was launched in 2019, offers researchers a unique opportunity to be seconded to Government Departments, Agencies and the Oireachtas Library and Research Services, to work on specific research projects. The Fellowships awarded will foster innovation within the Public Sector by supporting the development and implementation of data-driven and evidence-based approaches.

The projects offered by the hosts include a wide range of topics – including the economic, social and ethical implications of technological innovation; data analytics for signals of emerging food safety risks; the economic cost of discrimination and the benefits of diversity in the workplace, to name a few. Projects are due to commence in the coming weeks.

During the COVID-19 pandemic it became very clear to me the essential input, expertise and service that the academic research community can provide to bolster colleagues in Government Departments and agencies.

Equally, placements within Government Departments and Agencies will expose academic researchers to the mechanics of public service and policy making which will contribute greatly to their career development. The secondment model will also provide an opportunity for further dissemination of knowledge and learnings to a broader academic cohort on return of the Fellow to their academic institution. Thus, the Public Service Fellowship pilot programme will help in increasing the linkages between the research and civil service systems.