Southampton Engineers present their research in parliament

Their work has been chosen from a wide range of applicants, to encourage, support and promote Britain's early-stage and early-career research scientists, engineers, technologists and mathematicians who are an essential part of continuing progress in and development of UK research and development.

The researchers, Giuseppe Canella, Agnieszka Dzielendzial, Stefania Fabbri, Vanesa Martinez Nogues and Daniel Page will be judged in a gold, silver and bronze prize-giving ceremony, judged by leading academics, with the gold medallist receiving £3,000, while silver and bronze will receive £2,000 and £1,000 respectively.

Agnieszka is presenting a research poster about durability of sustainable composites in ship design for enhanced environmental performance. She explains: “I applied for SET for BRITAIN to present my research on sustainable marine composite materials to a distinguished and influential audience.”

The focus of Giuseppe’s research is on developing rehabilitation technologies that will enable stroke patients to receive effective therapy in their own homes. He says: “I am so pleased that we have been selected to take part to SET for BRITAIN. This event and the venue represent a great opportunity to show how our research is useful and will one day be of great benefit to society.”

Stefania Fabbri is presenting a research poster which describes the mechanical behaviour of laboratory grown dental plaque biofilms when exposed to high-speed microsprays and how they can be used to enhance the delivery of dentifrices such as fluoride and antibacterial agents. She comments: “My project combines aspects of microbiology, engineering and materials science with human health. I applied for SET for BRITAIN not only to share my research with a multidisciplinary audience but also to raise awareness for oral health issues with MPs.”

Daniel’s work focuses on people with diabetes’ risk of developing a type of chronic wound known as a diabetic foot ulcer. He adds: “I am honoured to be a part of SET for BRITAIN as this is an excellent opportunity to present my research about a novel treatment for chronic diabetic wounds. It is a fantastic way of communicating with members of Parliament whilst raising further awareness of the severe problems diabetes can cause.”

Vanesa will present her research on understanding the wear and corrosion processes happening to metallic biomaterials used in hip replacements. She explains: “Trying to engage the general public in my research topic is one of the parts of my job that I most enjoy. Applying for the SET for BRITAIN competition was a great opportunity to explain to the members of parliament what my PhD project is about and the potential benefits the society can obtained from it.”

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, mathematician and scientists are the architects of our future and SET for BRITAIN is politicians’ best opportunity to meet them and understand their work.”

Philip Greenish CBE, Chief Executive of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said: “SET for BRITAIN provides a unique opportunity for MPs and Peers to engage with the most talented early-career researchers in science, engineering and maths. All the statistics tell us that the UK’s performance in research is world-leading. But we cannot take this for granted as other countries ramp up their investment in research and innovation. SET for BRITAIN gives our elected representatives and members of the Upper House a chance to meet and talk with young researchers who are showcasing their research and to support these talented people, many of whom will be the research and innovation leaders of tomorrow.

“The UK’s future economic success and our ability to improve wellbeing and quality of life require us to refresh the talent pool continuously. This event brings this alive for our parliamentarians. It also gives our elected representatives a chance to engage directly with the early career researchers based in their constituencies and hear about the research they are conducting.”

Dr Mark Downs, chief executive of the Society of Biology, said: “Scientists and politicians both have major roles in addressing some of society’s biggest challenges, from climate change to food security. SET for BRITAIN is a rare opportunity for politicians to meet some of our most promising young scientists and understand their work.

“It is important that MPs make policy decisions informed by evidence, and a greater mutual understanding between MPs and scientists will improve this. This is a message that is even more important just ahead of a General Election. The next Government needs to ensure the UK continues to lead the world in biological research where we have enormous strength”.

The Parliamentary and Scientific Committee run the SET for BRITAIN event in collaboration with the Royal Society of Chemistry, the London Mathematical Society, the Institute of Physics, The Physiological Society, the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Society of Biology and the Society of Chemical Industry, with financial support from BP, Wiley, Essar, INEOS, the Clay Mathematics Institute, Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), the Bank of England and the Institute of Biomedical Science.