Politicians got an insight into some of the top research being carried out at Essex during a special event at the House of Commons.

As part of the SET for Britain initiative, research officer Dr Mark Breckels and PhD student Nicola Lewis presented their science to a range of politicians and a panel of expert judges.

Mark and Nicola presented their research poster which described recent research into the important role a climate regulating gas plays in structuring marine food webs. The poster was shortlisted from hundreds of applications.

On presenting his science to the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, Mark said: “Presenting our work provided a unique opportunity to engage with our politicians and highlight how our research relates to wider scientific issues such as fisheries and climate.”

Andrew Miller MP, Chairman of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, said: “These early career scientists are the architects of our future and SET for Britain is politicians’ best opportunity to meet them and understand their work.”

The Parliamentary and Scientific Committee ran the event in collaboration with The Royal Academy of Engineering, The Institute of Physics, the Society of Biology, The Royal Society of Chemistry, the Physiological Society, the Wellcome Trust and the Society of Chemical Industry, with financial support from BP, Airbus/EADS, The Institution of Engineering and Technology, AgChem Access, Oxford Instruments, IBMS and GE Hitachi.

ENDS

Note to Editors
There are photographs to go with this release. For more information please contact the University of Essex Communications Office on 01206 872400 or e-mail comms@essex.ac.uk