A KNOWLE student is set present her chemistry research to a range of politicians and a panel of expert judges in parliament.
Kirsty Smitten’s research into a new antimicrobial compound she has made, which has shown higher activity than clinically available antibiotics and has cured a bacteria infection in an animal model – will be judged against dozens of other scientists’ research in the only national competition of its kind.
The 24-year-old PhD researcher at the University of Sheffield was shortlisted from hundreds of applicants to appear in parliament.
Kirsty said: “I applied to take part in STEM for Britain as I wanted an opportunity to present my research to members of parliament.
“We may be approaching a post-antibiotic era and the need for new drugs to treat bacterial infections is at an all-time high, I wanted to relay my findings and research to an audience that can help make a difference.
“I hope that I will not only be able to discuss my research with MP’s but will also be able to talk to fellow scientists, learn about their work, and hopefully start up some new collaborations.”
Kirsty’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.
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.”
