Three DPhil researchers sponsored by AWE presented their research posters at this year's STEM for BRITAIN event, organise by the Parliamentary & Scientific Committee (P&SC), held at the Houses of Parliament.
Representing both their respective universities and AWE, the students presented their work to MPs, policymakers, and senior figures from across UK science. Being shortlisted to present at the event is a significant achievement, recognising both the quality of the research and that of the researchers themselves.
Thomas Vincent from the University of Oxford was shortlisted to present his poster in the Physics category. His OxCHEDS-sponsored research was entitled 'Exploring extreme environments through laser-plasma experiments', and summarised results from a 2025 Orion-laser academic access campaign led by Dr Archie Bott.
Thomas said of the event: 'Presenting at the STEM for Britain event was a great opportunity to share insightful discussions with not just fellow early-career researchers, but also with current policymakers. Much of the work that is being done at research institutions won't permeate into the public eye for some time, if at all, and so there may be a lot of very impactful research that will go unnoticed and underappreciated.
Events like STEM for BRITAIN help to promote work that may be seen as inaccessible to laypersons, to an audience that can have significant influence in how funding, and hence research, can be performed in the future.'
Colin Danson, codirector of OxCHEDS, said: 'STEM for BRITAIN is a powerful forum for connecting science and policy, giving early-career researchers the opportunity to engage directly with Parliamentarians, develop vital skills in communication, and network with peers also presenting at the event. Through our involvement in the P&SC, AWE is proud to support initiatives like this, and I would encourage others to consider applying for future STEM for Britain events.'