STEM for Britain is a yearly event which aims to encourage, support and promote early-stage research scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians. There are a series of poster competitions and exhibitions in the House of Commons.
The competition attracts around 500 entrants, with around 35% of submissions chosen for presentation in Parliament. Researchers can engage with members of the Houses of Parliament, discussing current STEM research. Around 100 members of parliament attend the event and have face-to-face conversations with researchers.
Mafalda Aresta-Branco, a Kent apprentice, was chosen to present a poster on her research at this year’s STEM for Britain exhibition. Her research revolved around microvasculature properties and function in a live bladder tissue model. Mafalda’s poster was eye-catching and interesting, even for those who are not experts in bioscience!
Talking to us after the event, Mafalda said that the quality of all of the posters was amazing. The judges made great comments about her research and the poster she presented. Mafalda even got the chance to talk to Kelly Tolhurt (MP for Strood and Rochester) between debates.
STEM for Britain is an excellent opportunity for early-stage researchers to raise their profile and foster dialogue with members of Westminster and their constituency. Early-stage STEM researchers are an essential part of the continued progress of UK research and development, and STEM for Britain is an incredible celebration of their importance.
At CHDA, we are incredibly proud of Mafalda’s research and her achievements in presenting at the exhibition – she is a shining example of a Kent apprentice.
If you are interested in one of our STEM apprenticeships, find out more here or contact us by emailing apprenticeships@kent.ac.uk.