Imperial engineer impresses politicians at House of Commons research showcase

Imperial researcher Dr Claire Donoghue was awarded a silver medal at the national SET for Britain competition held at Parliament this week.

The event, hosted annually by the House of Commons, aims to promote Britain's early-career researchers and give them the chance to discuss their work with Members of Parliament.

Dr Claire Donoghue receives her award

Over 200 researchers, including twelve from Imperial, exhibited their work at the competition, with prizes being awarded on the basis of outstanding research coupled with the ability to effectively communicate their work to those without a scientific background.

Exhibitors were shortlisted from hundreds of applicants, and were entered into five categories: Engineering; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Chemistry; Physics; and Mathematics.

Dr Donoghue, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Bioengineering, was awarded the silver medal in the Engineering category for her work in designing software that can interpret MRI scans without human assistance and predict osteoarthritis - potentially allowing for earlier treatment of the disease.

Speaking of her success, Dr Claire Donoghue said:

“I am thrilled to have been chosen to receive this award, particularly when the calibre of other entrants was so high, and I really enjoyed getting a chance to discuss my research with MPs. The event highlighted some of the exciting research taking place across UK universities and it was great to be a part of this”

Anthony Lim, a PhD student from the Department of Physics who also exhibited his work at the event, said:

“Increasing and improving communication between scientists and MPs is really important, as often both sides lack an understanding of the work and pressures of the other. SET for Britain gave us an opportunity to bridge this gap.”

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.”

Other Imperial researchers that presented work at SET for Britain include James Clulow (Chemistry), Thomas Phillips (Chemistry), Kate Morgan (Chemistry), Louise Connell (Materials), Edward Davies (Electrical and Electronic Engineering), Stefan Pfenninger (Civil and Environmental Engineering), Radu Cimpeanu (Mathematics), Michael Schaub (Mathematics), Aaron Sim (Mathematics) and Ali Sulaiman (Physics).