STEM for BRITAIN is a set of poster competitions and exhibitions promoting work by early-stage and early-career researchers in STEM subjects.

Evan explained: ‘I applied to STEM for Britain in December of last year and it was very exciting to learn that when I had been accepted the event would take place in Portcullis House, just a stone’s throw away from the House of Commons. The event was attended by early stage researchers from all over Britain, their respective MPs and a comprehensive panel of judges.’

The event, held during British Science Week, was sponsored by Stephen Metcalfe MP.

Evan commented: ‘On the day I had the pleasure of meeting my own MP, Marsha De Cordova, and we had a stimulating discussion about my research, the future of scientific funding in the U.K and I even managed to mention some of the other work being done at King’s and in CANES.’

Prizes are awarded based on quality of research and the skill with which this can be explained to a non-expert audience.

Evan told us: ‘As the judging commenced, I described how the methods I have developed throughout my PhD could be used for the design of next generation materials for smart technology applications.

‘It was very much to my surprise that I had won a prize among all of the outstanding candidates who were presenting and I'd like to thank everyone in my group and collaborators who enabled the research to take place.’