Scientist from The University of Edinburgh takes research to Westminster

Benjamín Armijo Galdames, a PhD student at The University of Edinburgh, is attending Parliament to present his biosciences research to a range of politicians and a panel of expert judges as part of STEM for BRITAIN tomorrow (Tuesday 11 March).

Benjamín’s poster, on the valorisation of next generation plastic waste using engineering biology, will be judged against dozens of other scientists’ research in the only national competition of its kind.

Benjamín’s poster was shortlisted from several hundred applicants to appear at the event in Parliament.

On presenting his research in Parliament, Benjamín said, “I applied to STEM for BRITAIN as it is a highly prestigious and long-standing competition. I was also interested in being able to present my research to an audience that is currently involved in the creation of new regulations associated with sustainable development.

“To be able to interact with them, to understand their conception of our work and its importance is fundamental to promote the development of scientific research linked to the needs of society and our community.”

George Freeman MP, Chair of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, said: “This annual competition is an important date in the parliamentary calendar because it gives MPs an opportunity to speak to a wide range of the country’s best young researchers.

“These early career engineers, mathematicians, and scientists are the architects of our future and STEM for BRITAIN is politicians’ best opportunity to meet them and understand their work.”

Benjamín’s research has been entered into the biosciences session of the competition, which will end in a gold, silver, and bronze prize-giving ceremony.

Judged by leading academics, each winner will receive a cash prize with a medal for the gold recipient.

The Parliamentary and Scientific Committee runs the event in collaboration with the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Institute of Physics, the Royal Society of Biology, The Physiological Society, The Nutrition Society, and the Council for the Mathematical Sciences, with sponsorship from Clay Mathematics Institute, United Kingdom Research and Innovation, Warwick Manufacturing Group, AWE, the Society of Chemical Industry, Institute of Biomedical Science, the Heilbronn Institute for Mathematical Research, the Biochemical Society, and the Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences.

Edinburgh pupil wins top prize in national competition

A P7 pupil from Trinity Primary School has won a national award from leading Armed Forces charity Poppyscotland.

Every year, Poppyscotland runs a competition for schools across Scotland, encouraging learners to explore a different theme. The challenge for this academic year was ‘The Path of the Poppy’, to design a leaflet or poster telling the unique story of the history of the Scottish poppy, from the establishment of Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in 1926 to the development of the new plastic-free poppy.

Trinity’s winner in the Primary School category was Katla Longworth, whose colourful poster design was chosen from more than 140 entries to the competition, winning her school £250 in Amazon vouchers. The competition was judged by representatives from charities Poppyscotland, Legion Scotland and Fares for Free.

Connor McKay, Katla’s class teacher, said: “All the children in Primary 7 were fascinated by the history of the poppy and loved having the opportunity to be creative by producing a visual representation of its path through time.

“Katla was very proud of her finished poster, blending an eye-catching design with informative facts about the poppy’s development over the years and she’s thrilled to have won this competition.”

The winning poster and leaflet designs have now been printed and are available at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh, where the new plastic-free Scottish poppy is produced, and where disabled veterans make tens of thousands of Remembrance symbols every year.

For full details of the competition winners and more information about Poppyscotland’s resources for schools, visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk/learning

Edinburgh schoolgirl Flora wins national art competition

Flora’s poster to be splashed across the side of a National Express coach

An Edinburgh schoolgirl has won National Express’s nationwide art competition to see her drawing splashed across the side of a coach. Continue reading Edinburgh schoolgirl Flora wins national art competition