SCIENTISTS and MPs are teaming up to discover the truth about each other's professions.

South Swindon MP Anne Snelgrove visited Dr Kate Lancaster at the Science and Technology Facilities Council Rutherford Appleton Laboratory as part of a unique pairing' scheme run by the Royal Society - the UK national academy of science.

During her visit Ms Snelgrove saw the world-leading Central Laser Facility where Dr Lancaster is a laser plasma scientist.

She saw the inside of the Petawatt Target Area where Dr Lancaster routinely uses Vulcan, the world's most intense laser, to carry out experiments that will help us understand how the universe began.

Mrs Snelgrove, pictured, also saw the STFC's latest high power laser, Astra Gemini, and met the Imperial College London team who are conducting the very first experiment on it.

Mrs Snelgrove said: "Science plays such an important part in the economic success of our nation but it doesn't have the profile it deserves.

"This scheme has given me a fascinating insight into Kate's research and some of the issues that affect our young scientists."

Dr Lancaster has already spent a week at the House of Commons as part of the pairing scheme's Westminster Week.

Dr Lancaster said: "I can now see how important science is for making policies, even those that are not directly associated with science and technology issues.

"The scheme has renewed my faith in the working of Parliament."