https://doi.org/10.36866/pn.98.7

On 9 March 2015, students and early career researchers ventured to the House of Commons to present their research to dozens of politicians and a panel of expert judges, as part of the poster competition ‘SET for Britain’.

To encourage and support Britain’s early-stage and early-career research scientists, Dr Eric Wharton established SET for Britain in 1997. Following his untimely death in 2007, the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, with support from The Royal Academy of Engineering, The Institute of Physics, the Society of Biology, The Royal Society of Chemistry, The Physiological Society and the Society of Chemical Industry decided to continue his legacy. The competition is divided into five subject areas – Biological and Biomedical Science, Chemistry, Engineering, Mathematics and Physics.

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.’

Dr Fiona Hatch, a research fellow at the University of Surrey, who is an affiliate representative on the council of The Physiological Society, as well as an affiliate member of the Education and Outreach and Policy committee of The Society, took part in this year’s competition.

She says, ‘SET for Britain 2015 was a great event to attend and showcase my research on Atrial Fibrillation. I met numerous parliamentarians including my own MP – Anne Milton. I was honoured to have been selected to present my physiology-based research, and also found it a worthwhile networking opportunity. I encourage future early career researchers to apply next year.’

SET for Britain aims to help politicians understand more about the UK’s thriving science and engineering base and rewards some of the strongest scientific and engineering research being undertaken in the UK.

Philip Wright, CEO of The Physiological Society, says, ‘The UK has an excellent biomedical research base that is underpinned by our strength in physiology. SET for Britain provides a unique opportunity for our representatives in parliament to see the fruits of the UK’s research spend first hand, and the enthusiasm and drive of these up-coming scientists.’

For more information go to http://www.setforbritain.org.uk/index.asp