Bronze award for Rugby scientist

Sam Dalton, 25, a PhD student at the University of Strathclyde presented his research to dozens of politiicans and a panel of expert judges as part of the poster competition STEM for BRITAIN.

His research, about new drugs for treating inflammatory diseases, was judged against 29 other shortlisted researchers’ work and came out as one of the three winners.

Sam said: “It’s great to have the opportunity to present my research to such a wide audience – to explain to people what medicinal chemistry is and why it’s interesting and why it’s relevant.

“It’s really nice to have my research recognised in this way and I’m really proud of it.”

STEM 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.

Stephen Metcalfe MP, Chair of the Parliamentary & Scientific Committee, sponsors of the chemistry awards said: “The Parliamentary & Scientific Committee is delighted to sponsor the chemistry awards.

“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.”

The Royal Society of Chemistry’s chief executive, Dr Robert Parker, said: “We’re proud to support this exciting event for the ninth year and to celebrate the achievements of all our finalists today.”