MPs and ministers are discussing science and diversity at the largest science event on the annual Parliamentary events calendar today.

Science and Universities minister David Williets will give the keynote address at the event, which you can follow on Twitter by searching #diversityinSTEM. 

Links day is organised by the Society of Biology on behalf of the science and engineering community to strengthen dialogue with Parliament and to provide MPs with a more rounded understanding of scientific issues. This year speakers will explore the ways in which the scientific community contribute to the diversity of science and engineering but also the major issues of diversity within science and engineering.

Earlier Andrew Miller, chair of the Science and Technology Select Committee, announced an inquiry would be launched to look into women in STEM careers. He discussed what Government can do to prevent the drop off of women from academia, and the fact that only 9% of top-level jobs in natural science are held by women.

Debate at the event and across Twitter has already covered topics including the 'leaky pipeline' through academia, social mobility, integrating the sciences in schools, work experience and parental leave. 

Speakers and panellists include: 

Andrew Miller, chair of the House of Commons Science & Technology Select Committee

Dame Nancy Rothwell, co-chair of the Prime Minister’s Council on Science & Technology

Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock MBE, Institute of Physics

Professor Alice Brown, general secretary the Royal Society of Edinburgh

Dr Heather Williams, chair of Science Grrl

Professor Lesley Yellowlees, president of the Royal Society of Chemistry

David Willetts, minister for universities & science