-
Over three days, she will accompany PP MP Joaquím Melgarejo in his daily parliamentary work, fostering dialogue between science and politics
-
Among the ten selected scientists, two belong to the CSIC. Both are experts in natural hazards, a key topic on today’s public and political agenda
Marta López Saavedra during a meeting with the Government of the Canary Islands, Civil Protection and the Canary Islands 112 Emergency Service to identify needs in volcanic risk management. | Marta López Saavedra
IDAEA researcher and co-founder of the Natural Risk Assessment and Management Service (NRAMS), Marta López Saavedra, will take part in the 4th edition of the Parliamentary Pairing Programme, organised by the Science and Technology Office of the Spanish Congress of Deputies (Oficina C). The programme starts today and will run until 20 November, pairing ten researchers from diverse disciplines with Members of Parliament and legal advisers of the Spanish Cortes.
Marta will accompany the parliament representative Joaquín Melgarejo (from the Popular Party, PP) to gain first-hand insight into their daily work. The programme aims to foster mutual understanding and trust between the scientific and legislative spheres, promoting greater knowledge exchange in the development of public policies.
A PhD in Earth Sciences and specialist in natural hazards and climate change adaptation, Marta López Saavedra coordinates the NRAMS Service, from where she promotes applied science to help reduce the impact of natural disasters. She expresses her enthusiasm for taking part in the programme, which she describes as “an opportunity to learn about political needs, the rhythms of Congress and its day-to-day functioning”. This experience, she adds, will allow her to better understand the legislative process and guide her research towards solutions that respond more directly and effectively to societal needs.
“Prevention needs to reach Congress and the political arena in times of calm, when there is no emergency,” says Marta López Saavedra. “We must promote a preventive and proactive culture so that, when an emergency occurs, all those involved in natural risk management, including policymakers, are prepared to make informed decisions based on scientific evidence.”
The CSIC strengthens its involvement in the field of natural hazards
Among the ten selected participants, chosen from over 180 applications, are two CSIC researchers: Marta López Saavedra (IDAEA) and Miguel Llorente Isidro (IGME), both specialised in the study and management of natural hazards.
Natural disasters and climate-related emergencies represent a field of growing scientific and social relevance, given the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme events affecting the planet. Although such risks will always exist, what makes the difference is society’s capacity for adaptation and the mitigation strategies it develops—areas in which science plays an essential role.
The ten researchers selected for the 4th edition of the Parliamentary Pairing Programme at the Congress of Deputies. | Oficina C
The Oficina C
The Science and Technology Office of the Spanish Congress of Deputies aims to provide Parliament with scientific evidence on topics of interest, helping inform decision-making processes through available scientific knowledge.
It is jointly managed by the Directorate of Studies, Analysis and Publications of the Congress of Deputies’ General Secretariat and by the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT). Both institutions annually propose topics of interest for Parliament and facilitate the connection between the scientific community, citizens, and the legislative power.
More news
