Imperial researchers reach finals in STEM for Britain competition

Two researchers from the Department of Materials reached the STEM for Britain finals this week.

Hosted at the Houses of Parliament, STEM for Britain is a major annual poster competition for early career researchers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. Starting in 1997, the annual event is run by the House of Commons Parliamentary Scientific Committee, and the Engineering session is supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering.

Competition finalists

Caiwu Liang and Dr Zamaan Mukadam, from the Department of Materials, reached the competition's final 2024. Caiwu and Zamaan were invited to attend the event at the Houses of Parliament, presenting their research to MPs and policymakers.

Caiwu is a fourth-year PhD student working with researchers Professor Ifan Stephens, Dr Reshma Rao and Professor James Durrant to investigate water oxidation for green hydrogen production. His research is funded by CSC Global.

Participating in STEM for Britain has also made me think about how to communicate my research in an accessible way to a broader group of people, a skill that I think has become increasingly important. Caiwu Liang

During the presentation, Caiwu discussed his research on observing how iridium oxide, a rare but most effective material, works as a catalyst for green hydrogen production. This research could help create cheaper, more available materials for making green hydrogen from water, supporting the UK's aims for Net Zero by 2050.

Commenting on the experience, Caiwu said: "I am really glad that I had the opportunity to speak to many people there, including MPs. Participating in STEM for Britain has also made me think about how to communicate my research in an accessible way to a broader group of people, a skill that I think has become increasingly important."

Dr Zamaan Mukadam is a Postdoctoral Researcher working with Professor Ifan Stephens and Professor Magda Titirici, investigating using electrical energy to convert biomass into useful chemicals, fuels, or valuable substances. His research is funded by the EPSRC VALUED programme grant.

Zamaan's presentation highlighted ways to move away from petrochemicals by valorising waste biomass using green electricity, producing renewable fuels, chemicals, and green hydrogen. Zamaan also presented a new patent-pending technology, which can produce a monomer to replace the terephthalic acid in PET polymers.

Winning this award motivates me to continue creating impactful solutions that benefit society and the environment. Dr Zamaan Mukadam Research Associate

Zamaan's presentation was  recognised with third place for the Dyson Sustainability Award.

Commenting on the experience, Zamaan said: "Presenting my research at Parliament for the STEM for Britain event was an incredible opportunity. I am deeply honoured that our research was recognised with the prestigious Dyson Sustainability Award. This highlights the dedication and innovation of our group in tackling real-world climate challenges. Winning this award motivates me to continue creating impactful solutions that benefit society and the environment."