British Science Week 2024 - Q&A with Lucy Smythe

To celebrate British Science Week, Lucy Smythe, Scientific Advisor for Chemical Contaminants and Regulated Products talks about her role at Food Standards Scotland (FSS).

Tell us about your career so far and your current role.  

I work in the chemical risk assessment team at FSS. After gaining great experience understanding chemistry I wanted to work in an area where the science had a direct impact on people's lives. That led me into my PhD where I was given an insight into how science can inform policy and found this really interesting. When I finished my PhD I was searching for jobs that bridged the gap between chemistry and policy and just my luck, I came across my current role at FSS. 

What does it mean to be a Scientific Advisor? 

Being a Scientific Advisor is all about understanding the bridge between the science and policy. 

We communicate scientific research and data to policy colleagues so that they can make policy decisions that are evidence based. 

What skills are useful for your role? 

I definitely couldn't do my job without my chemistry degree! 

However, the most important skill in this job is probably the communication of the science. Verbal and written communication skills are so important, and I've improved these over the years by doing various activities outside my academic work or job role, for example by participating in science festivals and writing a briefing for MPs. 

What is your favourite thing about your job? 

I work in a team of lovely scientists from a whole host of different academic backgrounds. Everyone is always keen to listen and explain or discuss different issues we are facing with our work, which makes work enjoyable and much easier if faced with challenges. 

Keep an eye out on our social media for more celebration of our staff for British Science Week.