A SCIENCE student from Andover will present his research to Parliament.

Christopher Asquith, a PhD student at the University College London, will present his science to a range of politicians and a panel of expert judges, as part of SET for Britain on Monday, 17 March.

Christopher’s poster on research into using small molecules that target feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) as a model for HIV will be judged against dozens of other scientists’ research in the only national competition of its kind.

The 25-year-old was shortlisted from hundreds of applicants to appear in Parliament.

He said: “It is really an excellent opportunity to showcase my research to an excited and enthusiastic audience and to have exposure of my work at a national level.”

MP Andrew Miller, 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, mathematician and scientists are the architects of our future and SET for Britain is politicians’ best opportunity to meet them and understand their work.”

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

Judged by leading academics, the gold medalist receives £3,000, while silver and bronze receive £2,000 and £1,000 respectively.

Tom Crotty, director of INEOS Group AG, sponsors of the gold medal in the chemistry section, said: "It is crucial that there continues to be investment in skills to provide the next generation of engineers and scientists, particularly as the age profile of highly skilled engineers continues to increase.

“For manufacturing to thrive, the UK needs a large and growing reserve of people with the knowledge and skills to deliver world-class manufacturing and research and development.

“We’re delighted to support SET for Britain as an opportunity to celebrate the success of our early career scientists and we hope it will convince politicians to invest even greater effort to ensure the next generation of engineers and scientists come to the fore.”

Professor Lesley Yellowlees, president of the Royal Society of Chemistry, added: “Scientific research and innovation are fundamental to the UK’s future and communicating the value of what scientists do is also fundamental.

“SET for Britain is a fantastic opportunity for talented young chemists to talk to our politicians and show them how their research has the potential to impact on our future.

“We have 30 chemistry students doing that this year and I’m really looking forward to hearing all about their exciting discoveries.”