Mechanical Engineering PhD student takes his research to Parliament

James Finley, a PhD student in our department, will present his research in Parliament to politicians and expert judges, as part of STEM for Britain.

STEM for Britain is a poster competition in the House of Commons - involving approximately 180 early stage or early career researchers - judged by professional and academic experts.

James was shortlisted from hundreds of applicants to appear in Parliament. On 13 March, his poster on tailorable composite materials will be judged against dozens of other scientists’ research in the only national competition of its kind.

“As a researcher it is important to maximise the impact of your work by demonstrating the benefits of your research to a broad range of people. The STEM for Britain competition is the ultimate test of communication skills, as researchers like myself will be competing to best explain our research to those in positions of political power within the UK”, James said.

Stephen Metcalfe 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 STEM for Britain is politicians’ best opportunity to meet them and understand their work.”

James’ research has been entered into the engineering session of the competition, which will end in a gold, silver and bronze prize-giving ceremony. Judged by leading academics, the gold medalist receives £2,000, while silver and bronze receive £1,250 and £750 respectively.