Researchers Take Their Science to Parliament

Researchers from the University of Hertfordshire and the Institute of Food Research (IFR) were amongst others short listed to present their science to a range of politicians and a panel of expert judges at Parliament during March as part of SET for Britain competition. Judged by leading academics, the gold medallist in each category received £3,000, while silver and bronze received £2,000 and £1,000 respectively.

Work by Dr Nick Kassouf, 37, a senior research fellow from the University’s Department of Pharmacy investigated a novel potential treatment for chemical warfare agent (nerve gas) poisoning. Prior to the judging Dr Kassouf, said: “It’s an honour to be presenting my research at parliament at a national scientific event that brings together scientists from various disciplines from across the country. Competing among my peers for the prestigious prizes will be a challenge I look forward to immensely. It will also be a fantastic opportunity to meet and discuss my research with academic/research experts in the field, and to share the exciting possibility of my research potentially becoming a recognised and universally used treatment for exposure to chemical warfare agents.”

Tony Dawkins, 22, an MSc student from the University’s School of Life and Medical Sciences, has been working on trends in cardiovascular and related physiological systems in response to ultra-endurance exercise training and competition.  “This event provides a great platform to showcase the results of my research conducted over the last 18 months. It is an honour to present my findings at such a prestigious venue,” he added

.Ian Wood, 26, a PhD student at IFR Norwich, presented a poster on research into using oilseed rape straw for bioethanol production. His study is part of a larger programme of research at the Biorefinery Centre at Institute of Food Research, which is strategically funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.

This is aimed at turning waste material from farming and food processing into biofuels and other useful compounds.  As well as reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfill, this can reduce the carbon footprint of food production and also make it more economically sustainable.

Andrew Miller 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 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 SET for Britain is politicians’ best opportunity to meet them and understand their work.”

John Pierce, Chief Bioscientist at BP, sponsors of the Biological and Biomedical Sciences award, said: “BP remains a committed supporter of SET for Britain. Each year we look forward to seeing examples of outstanding science and engineering from our next generation of scientists in the UK.”

The overall winner, who received the Westminster Medal in memory of Dr Eric Wharton – was Dr Maria Jose Marin Altaba, University of East Anglia.

For full list of category winners visit www.setforbritain.org.uk