A city politician will this morning (Friday) gain an insight into the work of a wildlife scientist.
And by the end of a busy day Dr Jane Reid will have also had a far greater understanding of the role of Aberdeen South MP Anne Begg.
Both are taking part in the Royal Society's MP-Scientist Pairing scheme which aims to increase understanding between parliamentarians and the science community.
Dr Reid is a population ecologist whose research aims to understand what controls the size of the populations of wild animals, in particular wild birds. She is also trying to understand the environmental and genetic factors that might cause populations to go extinct.
The School of Biological Sciences researcher spent a week at Westminster in November learning more about how scientific research is involved in governmental decision-making processes.
She said: "I was able to attend several scientific select committee meetings, covering topics from disease risk, in this case TB and avian influenza, to natural disasters and flooding. I also had the chance to see Prime Minister's Questions in action.
"Combined with the chance to meet other scientists from a range of disciplines and their MPs, the week provided a fascinating insight into Parliamentary life and the role that science can play. Since part of my research is directly linked to government conservation policy, I'm sure these insights will prove immensely valuable in coming years."
Today Miss Begg is spending the morning with Dr Reid at the University before the pair head to the MP's Aberdeen office.
Dr Reid added: "I'll have a chance to tell Anne about my research, and introduce her to some of my students and other Aberdeen ecologists who are doing policy-relevant research.
"Then I will spend the afternoon with Anne in her constituency office, to learn more about what her constituency job entails.
"It promises to be a very busy and informative day!"
Miss Begg said: ""I am really looking forward to spending my day with Dr Reid to learn about the work she does.
"This is the third year I have participated in the Royal Society pairing scheme and have found the experience very enlightening and have gained real insights into the valuable work our scientists do.
"It also gives us the chance to exchange views so we can better understand the work we both do and how we can be mutually supportive."