Faraday Institution PhD researcher contributes to an Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee report

Louis Dawson is a Faraday Institution PhD researcher studying Law at the University of Birmingham. His research looks at extended producer responsibility as a means of transitioning to a circular economy, particularly in the context of electric vehicle batteries. In 2021, Louis completed a UKRI internship with the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee in the House of Commons, which scrutinises the administration, spending, and policy of the Government department.

The internship project

Louis contributed to an Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee report “Covid-19 and the issues of security in food supply” giving him the chance to apply his legal knowledge to a topic outside of his PhD research area.

The report investigated food insecurity and food poverty for individuals, for example, those who were shielding during the Covid-19 pandemic. It also examined the impact of the pandemic on both food manufacturers and the hospitality industry. Louis contributed to the development of the Committee’s conclusions and recommendations. The report recommended, for example, an annual food security report should be produced, and that a Minister for Food Security should be appointed.

The experience

Louis has always had an interest in the workings of the Houses of Parliament. His internship with the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee certainly gave him insight into the role of Committees in their quest to hold Government, and other bodies, to account. He enjoyed the crossover between the legislation and policy he was exposed to during his internship and his legal studies. Though working on a different topic than his PhD, Louis still made use of his academic background, by applying, for example, his research and writing skills.

The internship also allowed him to develop new skills. Louis was required to remain impartial at all times and had to brief the committee comprised of MPs from a range of political backgrounds, without any bias. The Committee’s report, to which he contributed, was factual and without any trace of opinion. Louis commented that this was unlike academic writing, which is often written with an opinion.

Louis reported that the internship allowed him to develop his communication skills, liaising effectively with a range of national stakeholders, often in large group. Louis explained how these interactions impact the work of a Committee, helping to gather, for example, real-life data or ‘on the ground’ assessments.

The internship had a significant impact on Louis’ career aspirations. He previously had an interest in policy but had not had the opportunity to experience policy development in the workplace. He would now feel confident in performing such a role in a parliamentary setting and knows he enjoys it. The experience made him realise that in his future career, he would like to make a positive, yet practical impact on people’s lives.

I see myself, be it in academia or in a policy setting like parliament, always wanting to make a real-life difference.”

Louis’ internship highlight was knowing the seniority of the audiences that he impacted and the reach of the work . He was able to brief MPs on his findings and the report was covered by several news outlets.

Louis has now gone on to undertake a six-month placement with the Welsh Parliament in their research department.

• Covid-19 and the issues of security in food supply (recommendations can be found from page 23-25)
• Inquiry page
• EFRA twitter
• BBC News, Food poverty: MPs call on government to step up help