John Hudson, second from right, receives his chemistry award at the STEM for Britain event in Parliament
A chemistry PhD researcher has won two prizes at STEM for BRITAIN, a major scientific poster competition held at Parliament, which aims to give politicians “an insight into the outstanding research work being undertaken in UK universities by early-career researchers.”
Prizes were awarded for the best performance in communicating high-level science, engineering or mathematics to a non-expert audience.
John Hudson was awarded the Bronze Award for Chemistry and First Place in the Dyson award for “outstanding research towards a more sustainable future.”
John’s research on molecular materials has revealed light-magnetic mechanisms which could lead to more energy-efficient lighting, for anything from street lights to LED displays. His work on quantum behaviour could also help with developing new platforms for sensors, for example used in measuring weak electric and magnetic fields for biomedical imaging.
Chemistry at Swansea University
John Hudson, speaking about his experience, said:
‘Explaining my research to a non-scientific audience was a fantastic opportunity - with it becoming increasingly important to build both public knowledge and trust in scientific research. It is a real honour for our research into radical molecules to be awarded at STEM for BRITAIN. As part of both a young research group and the effort in developing semiconductor and advanced materials from south Wales, it is highly validating to have our efforts recognised on a national stage.’
Dr Emrys Evans, John’s PhD supervisor at Swansea University department of chemistry, said:
‘This is a fantastic achievement and we are very proud of John who has shared his outstanding research in chemistry and sustainable science from Swansea University with our leaders in Parliament.’
Stephen Metcalfe MP, Chair of the Parliamentary & Scientific Committee, said:
“The Parliamentary & Scientific Committee is delighted to organise and host STEM for BRITAIN. 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.”