The University will be well-represented in Westminster today (Monday 13 March) at the annual STEM for Britain poster competition.
A contingent of 14 early-stage and early-career researchers from across the University will present their work to members of both Houses of Parliament with an emphasis on current science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) research. The overall aim of the event is to encourage, support and promote Britain’s young scientists who are an essential part of continuing progress in, and development of, UK research and R&D.
The event is divided into four subject sessions with Southampton participants featuring in every session including:
Engineering:
- Dr Adrian Nightingale; Xiaoqing Shi; Miguel Xavier
Maths:
- Dr Francisco Belchi-Guillamon; Dr Stefano Coniglio; Dr Rudabeh Meskarian; Dr Rosanna Smith; Dr Jonathan Stone
Biosciences:
- Joanna Gould; Mira Kreuzeer; Chrysia-Maria Pegasiou
Physics:
- Dr Matthew Aldous; Christopher Desira; Edward Rogers
Xiaoqing Shi’s poster features a new patterning technique that uses a focused beam of helium orins on novel materials for rapid prototyping of future nanoelectronic devices. She commented:
I always have great passion for my research and it is my honor to be part of such a prestigious event. STEM for Britain offers a great platform for me to not only showcase some of the best results achieved during my PhD, but also an opportunity to promote our research and engineering in general to the policymakers and influencers.
The competition originated in 1997 as SET for Britain. Individual gold, silver and bronze prizes will be awarded in each category and an overall winner from across the disciplines will be awarded the Westminster Wharton Medal. Awards are made on the basis of the very best research work and results together with the ability of each researcher to communicate their work to a lay audience.
In 2015, Southampton researchers won two prizes – Davide Zilli from Electronics and Computer Science won silver and Agnieszka Dzielendziak from Engineering and Environment won Bronze in the Engineering category.
The competition currently attracts around 500 entrants, of whom approximately 35% are selected to present their work in Parliament.
