Researchers present science and engineering research in Parliament

Two researchers from the University of Hertfordshire are attending Parliament to present their science to a range of politicians and a panel of expert judges as part of SET for Britain on Monday 17^th March.

Dr Nick Kassouf, 37, from Wembley in London, and Tony Dawkins, 22, from Loughton in Essex, were shortlisted from hundreds of applicants to appear in Parliament and present their research.  Both will present posters about their research areas and be judged against dozens of other scientists' research in the only national competition of its kind.

Nick and Tony's research has been entered into the Biological and Biomedical Sciences session of the competition, which will end in a gold, silver and bronze prize-giving ceremony.  Judged by leading academics, the gold medalist receives £3,000, while silver and bronze receive £2,000 and £1,000 respectively.

Dr Kassouf, a senior research fellow from the University of Hertfordshire's Department of Pharmacy, will present his poster on investigating a novel potential treatment for chemical warfare agent (nerve gas) poisoning.

On presenting his science in Parliament, Dr Nick Kassouf said: "It's an honour to be presenting my research at parliament at a national scientific event that brings together scientists from various disciplines from across the country.

"Competing among my peers for the prestigious prizes will be a challenge I look forward to immensely.

"It will also be a fantastic opportunity to meet and discuss my research with academic/research experts in the field, and to share the exciting possibility of my research potentially becoming a recognised and universally used treatment for exposure to chemical warfare agents."

Tony Dawkins, an MSc student from the University of Hertfordshire's School of Life and Medical Sciences, will present his poster on his research about the trends in cardiovascular and related physiological systems in response to ultra-endurance exercise training and competition.

On presenting his science in Parliament, Tony Dawkins said: "This event provides a great platform to showcase the results of my research conducted over the last 18 months. It is an honour to present my findings at such a prestigious venue."

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."

John Pierce, Chief Bioscientist at BP, sponsors of the Biological and Biomedical Sciences award, said: "BP remains a committed supporter of SET for Britain. Each year we look forward to seeing examples of outstanding science and engineering from our next generation of scientists in the UK.

"As a biologist, I think it's great that BP is sponsoring the Biological and Biomedical Sciences award again. In the energy sector, and other industries, biology is playing an increasingly important role.

"The future of science, engineering and technology in the UK is both challenging and exciting. As a major UK recruiter and investor in research and development, we believe it is essential to nurture the best technical talent."