John Leech MP with Dr Akhtar
Dr Riaz Akhtar, a lecturer in the School of Engineering at University of Liverpool, recently attended Parliament to present his engineering research to a range of politicians and a panel of expert judges, as part of SET for Britain.
Riaz was shortlisted from hundreds of applicants nationally and presented his research on characterising the biomechanics of the sclera (white of the eye) using cutting-edge nanotechnology techniques. His discussion included how engineering can help to better understand and treat eye diseases.
World-class science and engineering
On presenting his research in Parliament, he said, “I applied for SET for Britain because I was keen to be part of an event which showcases some of the UK’s world-class science and engineering research. I am pleased to have had this opportunity to present my work to a wider audience including MPs who will be instrumental in shaping future policies related to science and engineering”
Andrew Miller 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.
“Early career engineers, mathematicians and scientists are the architects of our future and SET for Britain is politicians’ best opportunity to meet them and understand their work.”
The Parliamentary and Scientific Committee run the event in collaboration with the Council for Mathematical Sciences, the Institute of Physics, The Physiological Society, the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Society of Biology and the Society of Chemical Industry, with financial support from BP, the Clay Mathematics Institute, Essar, INEOS, Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), Germains Seed Technology, Boeing, the Bank of England and the Institute of Biomedical Science.