Silver prize for PhD researcher

Silver prize for Nottingham mathematician

Linda Irons, a PhD researcher within the School of Mathematical Sciences has won the silver prize at this years’ STEM for Britain 2018  competition at the House of Commons.

The overall aim of STEM for Britain is to encourage, support and promote Britain's early-stage and early-career research scientists, engineers, technologists and mathematicians who are an essential part of continuing progress in and development of UK research and R&D.

STEM for Britain took place on Monday 12 March 2018 with Linda being awarded silver and receiving £1,250 at the prize-giving ceremony. Linda presented her research ‘mathematical modelling of cell adhesion in asthma’ to dozens of politicians and a panel of expert judges as part of the only national competition of its kind.

She commented "I've thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to present my research to a wider audience at STEM for Britain and thank the organisers, judges and sponsors for a brilliant event. The range and quality of work was impressive, and I'm thrilled to have been awarded a silver prize”.

Linda also thanks her supervisors Dr Bindi Brook, Prof Markus Owen, and Dr Reuben O'Dea (School of Mathematical Sciences) for their help and support.

Also representing the University were research fellows Dr Claire Mcllroy, Dr Paul Knott and PhD researchers Emily Mitchell and Elizabeth Holden who were all shortlisted from hundreds of applicants to present posters describing their research to Parliament.

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.”