YOUNG scientists from the University of Southampton are attending Parliament today to present their studies to a range of politicians and a panel of expert judges, as part of on Monday 18 March.

Seven students have been shortlisted from hundreds of applicants and will be judged against dozens of other scientists’ research in SET for Britain – the only national competition of its kind.

Judged by leading academics, the gold medallist receives £3,000 while silver and bronze receive £2,000 and £1,000 respectively.

Physicist Kate Sloyan is one of the students who have been selected.

She said: “I’m very pleased to have been chosen. It sounds like the day will be interesting and I’m looking forward to talking to non-specialists about my work, as well as meeting the other exhibitors. I’m also pretty excited about going back to the Houses of Parliament.”

Dr Nick Alderman, researcher in Chemistry, added: “I feel honoured to be selected for this prestigious event and I am looking forward to showcasing my research and the university on the highest stage.”

All presenters are entered into the engineering, the biological and biomedical sciences, the physical sciences (chemistry), or the physical sciences (physics) session, depending on their specialism.

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 scientists are the architects of our future and SET for Britain is politicians’ best opportunity to meet them and understand their work.”

The Parliamentary and Scientific Committee runs the event in collaboration with the Institute of Physics, The Physiological Society, the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Society of Biology and the Society of Chemical Industry, with financial support from industry.