University of Nottingham scientist takes her research to Parliament
Rhona Savin, 24, is attending Parliament to present her chemistry research to a range of politicians and a panel of expert judges, as part of STEM for BRITAIN on Wednesday 13 March. She grew up in Wendover, and is now a PhD researcher at the University of Nottingham.
Rhona’s poster on her research about synthesising renewable plastics from sustainable sources will be judged against dozens of other scientists’ research in the only national competition of its kind.
Rhona was shortlisted from hundreds of applicants to appear in Parliament.
On presenting her research in Parliament, she said, “Sharing my research at Westminster is a fantastic opportunity and I look forward to explaining the details and impact of my work to a range of politicians and experts.”
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.”
Rhona’s research has been entered into the chemistry 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.
The Parliamentary and Scientific Committee runs the event in collaboration with the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Institute of Physics, the Royal Society of Biology, The Physiological Society and the Council for the Mathematical Sciences, with financial support from the Clay Mathematics Institute, United Kingdom Research and Innovation, Warwick Manufacturing Group, Society of Chemical Industry, the Nutrition Society, Institute of Biomedical Science, the Heilbronn Institute for Mathematical Research, and the Comino Foundation.