Earls Barton mathematician takes her research to Parliament

A Northants mathematician is set to take her research to Parliament.

Heather Collis, 25, a mathematics PhD student at the University of Nottingham who comes from Earls Barton, is attending Parliament to present her mathematical research to a range of politicians and a panel of expert judges, as part of STEM for BRITAIN on Monday, March 9.

Heather’s poster about her research into how mathematical modelling can reveal the important role of hormonal control in root growth as a method for developing more sustainable crop species will be judged against dozens of other scientists’ research in the only national competition of its kind.

On presenting her research in Parliament, she said: "It is a great opportunity to speak to MPs in Parliament about my work on mathematical modelling of crop growth, particularly at a time when climate change and sustainability are growing topics of interests."

Stephen Metcalfe MP, chairman of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, said: "This annual competition is an important date in the parliamentary calendar because it gives MPs an opportunity to speak to a wide range of the country’s best young researchers.

"These early career engineers, mathematicians and scientists are the architects of our future and STEM for BRITAIN is politicians’ best opportunity to meet them and understand their work."

Heather’s research has been entered into the mathematics session of the competition, which will end in a gold, silver and bronze prize-giving ceremony.

Judged by leading academics, the gold medalist receives £2,000, while silver and bronze receive £1,250 and £750 respectively.

The Parliamentary and Scientific Committee runs the event in collaboration with the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Institute of Physics, the Royal Society of Biology, The Physiological Society, the Council for the Mathematical Sciences, and the Nutrition Society with financial support from the Clay Mathematics Institute, United Kingdom Research and Innovation, Warwick Manufacturing Group, Society of Chemical Industry, Institute of Biomedical Science, the Heilbronn Institute for Mathematical Research, the Biochemical Society, Biotherapy Services Ltd, IEEE Communications Society and the Comino Foundation.