Engineer impresses politicians at House of Commons research showcase

Imperial researcher Dr Claire Donoghue was awarded a silver medal at the national SET for Britain competition held at Parliament this week. The event, hosted annually by the House of Commons, aims to promote Britain's early-career researchers and give them the chance to discuss their work with Members of Parliament. Over 200 researchers, including twelve from Imperial, exhibited their work at the competition, with prizes being awarded on the basis of outstanding research coupled with the ability to effectively communicate their work to those without a scientific background. Exhibitors were shortlisted from hundreds of applicants, and were entered into five categories: Engineering; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Chemistry; Physics; and Mathematics. I am thrilled to have been chosen to receive this award, particularly when the calibre of other entrants was so high, and I really enjoyed getting a chance to discuss my research with MPs Dr Donoghue, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Bioengineering, was awarded the silver medal in the Engineering category for her work in designing software that can interpret MRI scans without human assistance and predict osteoarthritis - potentially allowing for earlier treatment of the disease. Speaking of her success, Dr Claire Donoghue said: "I am thrilled to have been chosen to receive this award, particularly when the calibre of other entrants was so high, and I really enjoyed getting a chance to discuss my research with MPs.