Institute scientist takes his research to Parliament

Dr Robert Wykes (Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy) has been shortlisted to attend Parliament on Monday 12 March to present his research to a range of politicians and a panel of expert judges as part of SET for Britain – a research poster competition for early–career researchers.

Dr Wykes will be presenting a poster on research about gene therapy treatment for drug–resistant forms of epilepsy. His entry will be judged against dozens of other scientist’s research in the only national competition of its kind.

On presenting in Parliament, Dr Wykes said: “I am delighted to attend this scientific competition.This is a unique opportunity for me to engage with politicians and demonstrate to them the cutting edge medical research that is being done in the UK.”

Andrew Miller MP, Chairman of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee explained: “This annual competition is important because it gives MPs an opportunity to speak to a wide range of the country’s best young researchers. 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.”

Dr Wykes’ research has been entered into the biological and biomedical sciences session of the competition, which will be judged by leading academics. Gold, silver and bronze prizes will be awarded and winners will receive £3,000, £2,000 and £1,000 respectively.

    "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.” Andrew Miller MP

SET for Britain is a poster competition in the House of Commons, it was established by Dr Eric Wharton in 1997. The Parliamentary and Scientific Committee now run the event with support from a number of institutions.

Image: Dr Robert Wykes outside the Houses of Parliament