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PML and the University of Plymouth bring the issue of artificial light pollution to Parliament
30 January 2025
Last week, Professor Tim Smyth, alongside Dr Thomas Davies of the University of Plymouth, took part in the annual Evidence Week at the Houses of Parliament. The event offers an opportunity for researchers to connect with policy makers and advisers, to support evidence-based decision making.

Image caption: Professor Tim Smyth speaking to Iqbal Mohamed MP at Evidence Week
During the event, Professor Smyth and Dr Davies spoke to dozens of MPs, peers and policy advisers about the impacts of light pollution on marine ecosystems.
Since Dr Davies led the first study on the topic a decade ago, the pair have led studies demonstrating the many and varied impacts of artificial light at night (ALAN).
Their work led to the establishment of the Global Ocean Artificial Light at Night Network (GOALANN), which in January 2025 was endorsed by the United Nations as one of its new Ocean Decade Actions.
Their participation in Evidence Week was supported by the University’s Marine Institute.
Professor Smyth commented:
“Evidence Week at the Houses of Parliament was an excellent opportunity for scientists to directly engage with decision makers. It was a real challenge to convey the importance of your work into a ‘three minute’ sentence, but the policy brief handouts provided by the University of Plymouth and Plymouth Marine Laboratory really helped. It was a real privilege to speak directly to Lord Patrick Vallance in particular about the importance of understanding the impacts of artificial light pollution on biodiversity.”
Image caption: Luke Pollard MP (Plymouth Sutton & Devonport) with Professor Smyth and Dr Davies
In addition, today (30th January 2025) Professor Smyth is once again delivering the science on light pollution, by speaking at the Royal Astronomical Society in London on their conference ‘Light Pollution and its Impacts’.
By highlighting the environmental, economic, and public health impacts of light pollution, as well as its effects on astronomy, the meeting aims to equip attendees with the tools to craft effective policies and practices that balance human needs with protection of the night sky and the natural environment. Find out more >>
Related information
Hosted by Sense about Science and the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST), Evidence Week brings together the public, researchers and parliamentarians to discuss how evidence is used and scrutinised at Westminster.