A RESEARCH scientist who is based near York was due to speak at the House of Commons today.

Julie North, who works at the Central Science Laboratory, at Sand Hutton, was representing the Royal Entomological Society at the Voice Of The Future 2003 event for younger scientists.

The event centred on a Science Question Time, when delegates questioned a panel of MPs, led by Dr Ian Gibson who chairs the Select Committee on Science and Technology.

Julie, who is currently researching aphids responsible for the spread of carrot viruses, hoped to question the panel about funding for such research.

"We are having to seek funding more and more from the commercial sector," she said. "This means more time is spent carrying out trials on new pesticides, less on pure research into the insects themselves and other methods of controlling them.

"As there is now so much competition for funding, there is less openness regarding information and results until they are published. Also, as more time and money is spent in submitting bids, a proportion of which are unsuccessful, the overall cost of research becomes more expensive."

Julie helps organise forums and meetings for young entomologists from this country and abroad.

Originally from Kent, she moved to Yorkshire with her husband, who also works at the Central Science Laboratory, in 1987. They live at Osgodby, near Selby.

Updated: 09:39 Wednesday, March 19, 2003