A poster competition with a difference
Members of parliament, early career researchers and representatives from learned societies yesterday crowded into the Attlee Suite in Portcullis House, Westminster, for a poster competition with a difference.
STEM for Britain is a unique opportunity for early career researchers to speak directly to the nation’s policy-makers about their work, and posters are judged not only on the quality of the research presented, but on the ability of the presenters to explain their research to a lay audience.
Over the course of the day, each of the poster exhibitors received a visit from several of the judges – leading chemistry academics – and had to explain their work and concisely and clearly as possible.
The work on display was impressive, and ranged from a project to create ultrathin solar cells, to a "Back to the Future" themed poster about chemistry at temperatures down to 1 Kelvin (–272 degrees Celsius).
Stephen Metcalfe MP, Chairman of the STEM for BRITAIN organising group of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, addressed the assembled exhibitors at the end of the judging session, explaining that the event is "the primary interaction between science and Parliament".
The prizes in the chemistry category were presented by Dr Helen Pain, deputy chief executive at the Royal Society of Chemistry, who said: "Humanity faces serious global threats such as climate change, antibiotic resistance, and unsustainable food, water and energy supplies against a growing population. Chemical scientists have a role to play in tackling all of these challenges – and now is definitely the time for scientists to make their voices heard and collaborate with policymakers.
"Each year we look forward to the competition as a fantastic chance to recognise and celebrate some of our most talented young scientists. It’s also a great way for our elected representatives to hear first-hand about some of the exciting research that is happening here in the UK. We clearly have the necessary talent and inspiration to keep the UK at the forefront of global science."
Gold medal
The gold medal, and a cheque for £2,000, went to Kim Liu, a PhD student from the University of Cambridge, for his poster investigating an alternative quadruple-stranded form of DNA.
Kim said, “It’s great to meet other people, and the best thing about this event is share in other people’s research across different fields. I think it’s also important that scientists communicate effectively with policy makers, and so this was a great opportunity to practise presenting to people from backgrounds outside science, which is often challenging.
On winning Gold he said: "I’m ecstatic of course, and pleasantly surprised, given the quality of the other presenters. I also feel like there’s a lot of people I need to thank!"
Silver medal
Michelle Teplensky, also from the University of Cambridge, took home Silver and £1,250. Her research was about metal-organic frameworks – porous, self-assembling materials that are beginning to be used as a tool for drug and gene delivery.
On taking part in the event, Michelle said, "The initiative caught my eye because I was intrigued by the idea that I could interact with someone in government and show that the application of our research is really connected to everyone – it's not something you need to be an expert to understand."
On receiving Silver, she said, "I honestly wasn't expecting anything. Everyone in there is so talented and there's such really impressive research, so it was really nice to just be a part of it. I was very surprised!"
Bronze medal
The Bronze medal, and £750, went to Jason Williams from the University of Strathclyde.
"It’s fantastic", he said of his win. "I’ve just submitted my thesis a couple of weeks ago so it’s a great end to my PhD."
He also explained what sets this event apart from other poster competitions. "Usually at scientific conferences you’re presenting at a very much higher level, whereas here you are trying to get through the actual implications of the research and what it’s leading towards. It’s been great, having to encapsulate your research in a different way from how you’re normally used to."
STEM for Britain
STEM for BRITAIN (formerly called SET for Britain) was established by Dr Eric Wharton in 1997, and aims to encourage, support and promote Britain’s early-stage and early-career research scientists, technologists and mathematicians. It's an opportunity for MPs to speak to a wide range of the country’s best early-career researchers, across five subject areas.
It is supported by the Institute of Physics, The Physiological Society, the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Royal Society of Biology, the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Council for the Mathematical Sciences.
The event was made possible this year with financial support from UK Research Institute, Warwick Manufacturing Group, the Clay Mathematics Institute, the Heilbronn Institute for Mathematical Research, the Institute of Biomedical Science and the Society of Chemical Industry.
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