Tag: STEM for Britain

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.

St Andrews scientist to present his research to MPs in final of national competition

Matthew Thornton, a post-doctoral researcher at the University of St Andrews, is presenting his research to politicians, Parliamentarians and a panel of expert judges as part of STEM for BRITAIN today (Thursday 4th March). 

STEM for BRITAIN is an annual poster competition, usually held in the House of Commons, involving some 200 or so early career researchers. The Parliamentary and Scientific Committee runs the event in collaboration with the Institute of Physics, the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Royal Academy of Engineering, Royal Society of Biology, Physiological Society, Council for the Mathematical Sciences, and the Nutrition Society. 

The aim of the competition is to give members of both Houses of Parliament an insight into the outstanding research work being undertaken in UK universities by early-career researchers. 

Dr Thornton’s poster will be judged against dozens of other scientists’ research, in the only national competition of its kind.  

His presentation will explain how he and his colleagues are expanding our knowledge of quantum systems, which will enable the design of new and remarkable sources of quantum light. 

The most important inventions of the 20th century, including the transistor, the laser and the atomic clock, were built on a deep understanding of the quantum nature of materials and atoms. For example, quantum physics is required to explain how electrons move within semiconductors, and so helped to predict the underlying behaviour of transistors. 

Matthew’s work will improve the stability of atomic clocks such as those used in GPS satellites, enable development of microscopes which can take higher resolution pictures of small objects with less intense light than normal, and help enable a secure, unhackable quantum internet.  

He said: “This prestigious event is a great opportunity to display some key outcomes from my time in St Andrews, and to practice communicating the underlying principles.

“The foundational idea of my recent research is that effects which ordinarily destroy a quantum state can, in some contexts, actually create quantum light from a classical input. I find this both counterintuitive and beautiful. 

“In the future I plan to move further into the quantum technologies arena in order to create devices which help people.”  

Stephen Metcalfe MP, Chairman 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 see the work of 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, virtually on this occasion, and understand their work.” 

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

Judged by leading academics, the gold medalist receives £1000, while silver and bronze receive £750 and £500 respectively. 

Due to COVID-19 the 2021 event is being held online, but will nevertheless still be supported by Parliamentarians, including those Members of Parliament whose constituents have been shortlisted to present their posters. 

The winners will be announced virtually on Monday 8th March. 

Read more about the competition here