MPs learn about Chemistry at Southampton
Postgraduate researchers David Xuereb, Dan Singleton and Dominic Wales have been telling MPs about their work at Southampton.
They were among only 30 Chemistry students shortlisted from hundreds of applicants from UK universities to display posters at the House of Commons as part of the SET for Britain initiative.
"It was a good opportunity to talk about our research with a wider audience," says David. "While it can be difficult to explain the complexities of chemistry, people are interested to learn about the basics. I am working to improve chemical processes used in industry, using catalysts to make them more sustainable, using less energy and producing less waste."
Andrew Miller MP, Chairman of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, comments, "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 scientists are the architects of our future and SET for Britain is politicians' best opportunity to meet them and understand their work."
David works with Dr Robert Raja, Dan with Dr Eugen Stuluz (bio-organic and materials chemistry) and Dominic and Dr Martin Grossel (organic chemistry).
The Parliamentary and Scientific Committee runs SET for Britain in collaboration with The Royal Academy of Engineering, The Institute of Physics, the Society of Biology, The Royal Society of Chemistry, the Physiological Society, the Wellcome Trust and the Society of Chemical Industry, with financial support from BP, Airbus/EADS, The Institution of Engineering and Technology, AgChem Access, Oxford Instruments, IBMS and GE Hitachi.
While it can be difficult to explain the complexities of chemistry, people are interested to learn about the basics.