A Stevenage-based scientist could win a cash prize after being selected to present her research to Parliament.

Marina Economidou, 26, was shortlisted from hundreds of applicants to talk about her research with politicians and expert judges next month.

Marina is a PhD candidate on the GSK/University of Strathclyde Collaborative PhD programme, which is based in Stevenage, and will take part in the STEM for Britain panel on Monday, March 4.

The poster she has made about her research, which looks at the removal of precious metals in pharmaceutical manufacturing, will be judged against those made by dozens of other scientists.

After being shortlisted, Marina said: “Having the opportunity to discuss my work with Members of Parliament will be a truly unique experience.

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"I hope that my work has the potential to positively impact processes within the chemical industry. I am thrilled to be presenting alongside so many bright scientists in a historic building like Parliament.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP, chair 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.”

Marina’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, each winner will receive a cash prize with a medal for the gold recipient.