Harriet Parnell, 24, a PhD student at the University of Nottingham struck bronze at a competition in the House of Commons for the excellence of her engineering research, walking away with a £1,000 prize.

Harriet presented her engineering research to dozens of politicians and a panel of expert judges as part of the poster competition, STEM for BRITAIN, on Monday 13 March.

Her research, which focuses on a mid-infrared transparent glass which could help diagnose earlier stage cancer, was judged against 59 other shortlisted researchers’ work and came out as one of three winners.

Harriet said: “Considering the pool of talent that was in the engineering session at STEM for BRITAIN 2017, I feel incredibly humbled to have been awarded third prize. The day exceeded all expectations and I cannot thank the organisers, judges and sponsors enough for their efforts.”

Alongside Harriet, doctoral student Sean Jones also represented The University of Nottingham at the scientific competition and exhibition. Sean presented a poster on his world-class research into Smart Controlled Energy Networks Integrated in Communities, also known as Project SCENIC which is the first research project of its kind in the world and is based at University Park campus.

Professor Dame Ann Dowling OM DBE FREng FRS, President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said:

“I’m delighted to see all the superb engineering research on display at STEM for BRITAIN this year.  From medical technology to transport systems of the future, the showcase provides a glimpse of the world-leading research taking place in universities up and down the UK.  The talented engineers bringing their work to Parliament demonstrates just how varied the world of engineering is and the many ways in which it impacts our society.”

For more information, visit the STEM for BRITAIN website.