This was the second consecutive year that researchers from the Department of Materials were invited to attend the STEM for Britain finals.
STEM for Britain is an annual poster competition for early-career researchers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths held at the Houses of Parliament. 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.
During the competition, researchers can present their work to MPs and Members of the House of Lords. This provides early-career researchers with a valuable opportunity to engage with policymakers and gain insight into the research-policy landscape, bridging the gap between science and policy, and ensuring that research findings translate into meaningful change.
Dr Abigail Ackerman and Sofia Patri from the Department of Materials reached the finals of the STEM for Britain competition 2025.
Dr Abigail Ackerman: Investigating sustainable metallurgy for the net-zero transition
Dr Abigail Ackerman is a Royal Academy of Engineering Fellow in the Department of Materials and her research is supported by the Academy's Research Fellowship scheme.
The iron and steel industry is responsible for approximately 7% of global CO₂ emissions. However, there are promising alternatives such as low-temperature electrolysis which could significantly reduce this carbon footprint. Dr Ackerman's research investigates sustainable metallurgy for the net-zero transition, with a particular focus on hydrogen technologies. She also has experience creating a UK network for sustainable metallurgy and is working towards the publication of a white paper.
As an engineer, my ultimate goal is to translate research into real-world change. Dr Abigail Ackerman
Dr Ackerman comments: "I was able to share my research on low-temperature electrolysis. I spoke to politicians about its potential to advance cleaner steel production and improve the performance of metals in electrolysis systems more broadly, with potential applications in other extraction processes.
We often don't get the opportunity to speak with policymakers, especially as early career researchers, therefore communicating my research in low-carbon steelmaking to Parliamentarians was a great experience! This opportunity demonstrates the importance of understanding the full impact of research, and how it can benefit society."
Read more about Dr Ackerman's research in this article by the Royal Academy of Engineering.
Sofia Patri: Magnetic nanotherapy for targeted Cancer treatment
Sofia Patri is a Research Postgraduate in the Department of Materials. She is based in the Centre for Doctoral Training in the Advanced Characterisation of Materials. Sofia works in the Kamaly group, who are based in the Molecular Sciences Research Hub (MSRH) at White City Campus.
Communicating our research in simple terms can be very challenging, but opportunities like STEM for Britain are what help connect scientists with the wider public. Sofia Patri
Chemotherapy patients suffer severe side effects from medications and hyperthermia can be an invasive treatment. In recent years, clinical trials have demonstrated that hyperthermia can enhance the action of chemotherapy drugs as cancer cells are susceptible to heat. A combination of these therapies work together, potentially reducing their individual drawbacks.
Sofia’s PhD project focuses on developing a new targeted treatment using tiny magnetic particles (nanotherapy) with an iron oxide core and a nanogel shell. This approach aims to deliver drugs and provide hyperthermia heat-based treatment simultaneously, enhancing the action of chemotherapy drugs.
Sofia comments: "STEM for Britain is an incredible experience for any early career researcher. It was fantastic to share my research on magnetic nanogels with such a diverse audience.
Communicating our research in simple terms can be very challenging, but opportunities like STEM for Britain are what help connect scientists with the wider public.
It was great to also see a shared enthusiasm about the advances being made at Imperial."
Read more about Sofia’s research background in this review published in Nanoscale.
Find out more about the STEM for Britain Competition.
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Reporter
Kayleigh Brewer
Department of Materials
