SET for BRITAIN in 2010

The overall aim of SET for BRITAIN is (and has always been) to encourage, support and promote Britain's early-stage and early-career research scientists, engineers and technologists who are the "engine-room" of continued progress in and development of UK research and R&D, and ultimately of UK plc. Many will be Britain's future scientific and technological leaders and others will clearly be leaders in other fields. Such researchers are a vital asset and investment for the UK.

The SET for BRITAIN series of poster competitions and exhibitions in the House of Commons came to an abrupt halt with the untimely death in 2007 of its inspirational organiser, Dr Eric Wharton.

In 2008, the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee joined together with the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Institute of Physics and the Institute of Biology to revive SET for BRITAIN because we all believe that early-stage Researchers deserve particular encouragement to continue developing their work.

Dr Douglas Naysmith MP, Chairman of the SET for BRITAIN organising group of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, will sponsor an exhibition and reception in the House of Commons Terrace Marquee on Monday, 8th March 2010 in the run up to National Science and Engineering Week.

In order to encourage maximum participation by early-career researchers and Members of Parliament the competition will be divided into three distinct areas:

• Physical Sciences (Chemistry and Physics)
• Engineering
• Biological and Biomedical Science

Each section will have a separate two-hour poster exhibition and judging session during the day, ending with a reception and prize-giving. We expect there will be about 60 posters on display in each session, representing the best in each field as part of a national competition for a prestigious Medal and substantial monetary prize. There will also be significant Runner-Up Prizes and/or Commendation Awards.

SET for BRITAIN Awards are made solely on the basis of the very best research work and results by an early-stage or early-career researcher.

CLICK HERE to download invitation letter