Céline’s poster entry to explain her research in number theory on the parity conjecture was up against hundreds of entries from across the country.
Céline Maistret commented: “It was really interesting to see the diverse range of research in my category and I’m delighted to take home the gold award for Bristol. For anyone who wants the challenge of making their research accessible I would recommend taking part.
University of Bristol Head of the Mathematics School Professor Jens Marklof said:
"In mathematics, probably more than in any other subject, significant breakthroughs can often be achieved by young researchers such as Celine, who bring fresh ideas to the field. The STEM award is really a fantastic recognition for Celine's amazing work to-date."
Five researchers from the University of Bristol were shortlisted to present their work in parliament on Monday 12 March and included health scientist Helen Williams, physicist Kate Oliver and engineers Joshua Mudie and Thomas Pozegic.
PhD engineering student Joshua Mudie’s poster illustrated his research about Timber-Concrete Composites.
Health science senior research associate Helen Williams took her work on the effects of increasing or decreasing molecule WISP-1 as a preventative tool for heart attacks.
Physics PhD student Kate Oliver looked at using a home-made 3D printer to make soft, shape changing objects from heat responsive chemicals and seaweed extracts.
Post doctoral engineering research associate Thomas Pozegic presented his research into technologies to shape the future of transportation such as materials which could harvest and store energy and even sense structural damage and self-heal.
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.
“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.”
Judged by leading academics, the gold medalist receives £2,000, while silver and bronze receive £1,250 and £750 respectively.
The Parliamentary and Scientific Committee runs the event in collaboration with the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Institute of Physics, the Royal Society of Biology, The Physiological Society and the Council for the Mathematical Sciences, with financial support from the Clay Mathematics Institute, UK Research and Innovation, Warwick Manufacturing Group, Society of Chemical Industry, the Nutrition Society, Institute of Biomedical Science and the Heilbronn Institute for Mathematical Research