University mathematicians take their research to Parliament

09 Mar 2018

Two research colleagues from the School of Mathematics will present their research at parliament in March

Dr Elizabeth Buckingham-Jeffery and Dr Prashanth Nadukandi from the School of Mathematics will attend Parliament to present their research to a range of politicians and a panel of expert judges, as part of STEM for BRITAIN on Monday 12 March.

Prashanth’s poster on research about simulating fluid flows with matrix functions, and Elizabeth’s poster on research about modelling infectious diseases, will be judged against dozens of other scientists’ research in the only national competition of its kind.

Both were shortlisted from hundreds of applicants to appear in Parliament.

On presenting his research in Parliament, Prashanth said, “I think it is a fantastic opportunity to meet policy makers, engage them in conversations on the quality of mathematical research done in the UK and to renew their faith and support for science.” 

Elizabeth added, “I decided to take part in STEM for BRITAIN to showcase some of the research that has been achieved with investment from our Government's research councils. I am looking forward to demonstrating to those leading our country how important research in mathematics is; the mathematical models I work with are used to make policy decisions regarding our health care.” 

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.”

Prashanth and Elizabeth's research has been entered into the mathematical sciences session of the competition, which will end in a gold, silver and bronze prize-giving ceremony.

Judged by leading academics, the gold medallist receives £2,000, while silver and bronze receive £1,250 and £750 respectively.

The Parliamentary and Scientific Committee runs the event in collaboration with the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Institute of Physics, the Royal Society of Biology, The Physiological Society and the Council for the Mathematical Sciences, with financial support from the Clay Mathematics Institute, UK Research and Innovation, Warwick Manufacturing Group, Society of Chemical Industry, the Nutrition Society, Institute of Biomedical Science and the Heilbronn Institute for Mathematical Research.