A JOHNSTONE scientist will be presenting her drug detection research to politicians and a panel of experts next month.

Kelly Brown, 24, will be attending Westminster to present her research on the use of a light emitting technique to detect the use of novel psychoactive substances, also known as former ‘legal highs’.

The PhD student at the University of Strathclyde was shortlisted from hundreds of applicants in the STEM for Britain competition, which will end in a gold, silver and bronze prize-giving ceremony.

She will attend Westminster on Wednesday, March 13.

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On presenting her research in the UK Parliament, she said: “I’m delighted to have been selected for STEM for Britain, which offers an invaluable opportunity to present my research to MP’s and other early career researchers, something which for me is particularly important as my ultimate goal would be to see my research implemented into current drug detection practices. 

“I hope through the STEM for Britain event I will be able to convey the importance of my research to those who implement the UK’s drug legislation and highlight the limitations of current practices which MPs or the public might not be aware of.”

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.

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“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.”

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Kelly’s research has been entered into the chemistry section of the competition.

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

The competition is open to early stage or early career researchers, which includes university research students, post graduates, research assistants, newly-appointed lecturers and part-time and mature students, all of whom are engaged in scientific, engineering, technological or medical research.

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