Harding Scholar Tasnim Ali was recently seconded to the House of Commons Science, Innovation and Technology committee, working within the team that supports its scrutiny of government.
She writes:
"My main focus was the Committee's inquiry into the scientific regulation of hair and beauty products. I worked across the full arc of the inquiry: writing briefings ahead of evidence sessions, supporting the oral evidence sessions themselves, attending private meetings with members, and contributing to the final report. This meant synthesising evidence from academics, industry and regulators, and distilling it into material clear enough to inform scrutiny under real time pressure. Alongside the inquiry, I experienced Parliament's wider life, from the 2026 King's Speech marking the new session to Prime Minister's Questions. The secondment was a fantastic experience and helped sharpen my ability to write precisely for a non-specialist audience and ground my research in the realities of policymaking."