STEM for Britain
STEM for Britain, an annual poster competition held in Parliament, took place this year on 7 March. The event is an opportunity for early career researchers across the sciences to talk to MPs about their research. We caught up with the three chemistry researchers who were awarded prizes for their posters.
Katherine MacFarlane, University of Strathclyde, Gold
What was the experience at STEM4Britain like?
Really fun! I have only a few short weeks of my PhD remaining, and had not had the opportunity to attend an in-person event since my first year. It was such a pleasure to have the chance to talk to so many enthusiastic, talented researchers from across all areas of STEM about their work. The grand setting of Portcullis House was the icing on the cake!
How does it feel to win a medal for your work?
I really enjoy giving people with both scientific and non-scientific backgrounds an insight into my own work, and medicinal chemistry more generally. To receive such a prestigious award in this area feels fantastic, and I am very honoured!
What do you think is the importance of being able to explain chemistry concepts to politicians?
I think the ability to communicate with all audiences is such an important skill for researchers. It can help to drive scientific collaboration and progress, and also enables policy makers and individuals to make informed decisions. The global COVID-19 pandemic has really driven home how crucial it is for politicians to have a clear understanding of relevant scientific research, and I hope we bear this in mind as a society as we tackle future global and domestic challenges.
Abigail Collins, University of Cambridge, Silver
What was the experience at STEM4Britain like?
The whole experience was so positive! The standard of research was extremely high and led to some really interesting discussions between presenters and judges. It was wonderful to be able to present my research in person for the first time since the start of my PhD! In-person discussion and networking has been sorely missed over the pandemic so it was really nice to be able to come together again.
How does it feel to win a medal for your work?
I was so honoured to win the silver medal for my research. It was unexpected but I felt very validated and have gained a renewed sense of enthusiasm about my project. I was very pleased that the judges recognised the importance of the work and the merit of spectral converters to improve the efficiency of solar cell devices. I'm very passionate about my PhD and the potential applications for renewable solar energy.
What do you think is the importance of being able to explain chemistry concepts to politicians?
Explaining complicated processes and concepts to people with a non-scientific background is vital for communicating your research. It helps you think of your project from a different perspective and raises awareness of the issues you are trying to solve, especially when communicating with MPs and policy makers. If you have a great idea but don't tell anyone, it's going to be hard to come to fruition! Scientists and politicians should be working together to apply scientific solutions to tackle the issues facing the modern world.
John Hudson, Swansea University, Bronze
What was the experience at STEM4Britain like?
Attending STEM4Britain was inspiring, both due to the extraordinary breadth of the research presented and the immense passion of UK-based scientists to drive innovation for a better future. Explaining my research both to MPs and scientists from outside my research area posed a unique challenge – to present the key advancements clearly and to explain why we are doing it even in the first place! I hope many of ties forged at the conference will form into longstanding collaborations into the future.
How does it feel to win a medal for your work?
It is a real honour for our research into radical molecules to be awarded at STEM4Britain. As part of both a young research group and the effort in developing semiconductor and advanced materials from South Wales, it’s highly validating to have our efforts recognised on a national stage.
What do you think is the importance of being able to explain chemistry concepts to politicians?
Chemistry gives insight into topics that are fundamental to our daily lives. From air pollution, to drug discovery, to renewable energy storage – better understanding of chemistry allows us to make informed decisions over our future. It is vital to be able to explain such chemistry concepts to politicians, such that they can take the long-term decisions that are in the public interest as well as advocate for science and truth.
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