An interactive debate on science, policy and power will take place at Otley Courthouse next weekend.

Four national science policy makers will answer pre-submitted questions on a range of topics from the audience at the event, which starts at 7.30pm on Saturday, February 27.

The panel will consist of the chief scientific advisor for Scotland, Anne Glover; Harro-gate and Knaresborough MP and chairman of the House of Commons Science and Technology select committee, Phil Willis; chief executive of Science City York, Professor Nicola Spence; and the director of the Campaign for Science and Engineering, Nick Dusic.

Following the debate the audience will get the chance to vote on each of the subjects discussed, by using a push-button voting system.

Otley Science Festival organiser Marty Jopson – a regular on the BBC’s One Show – said: “We’re very lucky to get top-class speakers from all over the country for this debate and I’m really looking forward to seeing what sort of questions the audience comes up with.

“It’s going to be a great opportunity to hear some of the movers and shakers in science, and with the interactive voting it should be fun too.”

Tickets are free and available in advance by calling the Courthouse on 01943 467466 or dropping in to collect the. They will also be available on the door on the night.

Questions for the panel can be submitted by filling a form in at the Courthouse or by visiting the website .

The debate is being funded by The S Factor, a collaborative venture by the UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology, Otley Science Festival, the Museum of Science and Industry at Manchester, South Leeds Community Radio, Vera Media and the Thackray Medical Museum, Leeds.