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Thomas's research into automating and streamlining cargo inspection was judged against the work of dozens of other scientist and engineers in the only national competition of its kind.

Thomas said, ""Although it was very tough and highly intense, I've thoroughly enjoyed this competition. The organisers, MPs and other researchers were all extremely friendly people and it's been a pleasure to present my research at the House of Commons.

"During your PhD, you are focused on the small, intricate details, but this event helps you to zoom out and analyse the picture as a whole. I'm still shocked to have won silver! I'd like to thank everyone from the GriffinLab at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø, Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø SECReT, and Rapiscan Systems for their help and support."

In total, eight researchers from across Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø were shortlisted to present their research to a panel of expert judges and MPs in this year's competition.

Run by the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, with support from various institutions, SET for Britain aims to encourage, support and promote early career research scientists, engineers, technologists and mathematicians from around the UK whilst fostering dialogue between researchers and MPs.

Split into five categories - engineering, biological and biomedical sciences, chemistry, physics and mathematics, the competition offers prizes up to £3,000 for the posters which best communicate high level science to a lay audience.Ìý

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 SET for Britain is politicians' best opportunity to meet them and understand their work".

This year's Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø entrants included:

• Dr Zhirayrh Avetisyan (Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø Mathematics)
• Dr Francesco Fioranelli (Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø Electronic & Electrical Engineering)
• Roberta Guilizzoni (Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø Physics & Astronomy)
• Dr Diana Knipl (Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø Mathematics)
• Dr Adnan Mehonic (Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø Electronic & Electrical Engineering)
• Carrie-Anne Molyneaux (Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø School of Pharmacy)
• Thomas Rogers (Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø Security & Crime Science)
• Matthew Wright (Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø Mathematics)

Links

• Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÖÐÌØÍø School of Pharmacy

Image

• L-R: Margaret Low, Dr Stephen Benn, Professor Dame Ann Dowling, Thomas Rogers, Stephen Metcalfe MP (Courtesy of John Deehan)