PhD Researcher Wins Prestigious STEM for Britain Award 

Image caption: Anneliese pictured delivering science to the public on the effects of sunscreens on the marine environment, at an outreach event at The Box, Plymouth. This photo is courtesy of our friends and colleagues at the University of Plymouth.

Held at the House of Commons last week, the event showcased the cutting-edge research of early-career scientists, engineers, and mathematicians from across the UK. 

Anneliese’s winning entry centred around her work on the ecotoxicological effects of two contrasting UV filters derived from sunscreens—oxybenzone and nano-titanium dioxide—on the temperate marine microalgae species Isochrysis galbana, an abundant species in UK waters, and a food source for marine bivalves.   

Her work stood out among the finalists, earning her the G.J Mendel Award for Excellence in Science medal, certificates, and a £1,500 prize. Speaking about her achievement, Anneliese said: 

“I am so honored and excited to have won the gold award in the Biological and Biomedical Science category. I wanted to apply and participate in STEM for Britain because it focuses on the encouragement and celebration of work undertaken specifically by early-career researchers, which is so important to foster and emphasize within the scientific community. It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase my work to both judges and Parliamentarians!” 

PML PhD researcher Simone Louw was also a finalist in the competition, highlighting the strong representation from the laboratory at this national event. 

STEM for Britain is a major scientific poster competition and exhibition which has been held in Parliament since 1997. Its aim is to give members of both Houses of Parliament an insight into the outstanding research being undertaken in UK universities by early-career researchers. 

Prizes are awarded for the posters presented in each discipline which best communicate high level science, engineering or mathematics to a lay audience.  

Anneliese was among four gold medalists from different categories – Biological and Biomedical, Engineering, Chemistry, and Mathematics – who will now be considered for the prestigious Westminster Medal, presented to the overall winner. 

It is awarded in memory of the late Dr Eric Wharton, who did so much to establish STEM for Britain as a regular event in the Parliamentary calendar. Anneliese has presented her work to a panel of judges, and the overall winner will be announced at an event in Parliament on the 29th of April.  

Further updates on this will follow as more information becomes available. Congratulations to Anneliese on this remarkable achievement! 

Image caption: Anneliese pictured with Caroline Voaden MP