Greenwich students tell MPs about their research
Date of release: Thursday, March 18, 2010
Three postgraduate research students from the University of Greenwich spoke to MPs from all political parties about their research and its impact on society at a recent event at the House of Commons. The event unveiled A Postgraduate Research Strategy for Britain proposed by the universities think-tank Million+.
The strategy, which includes case studies from Greenwich on how the advances and breakthroughs made by its researchers have benefited UK industry and commerce, focuses on informing the government’s Department of Business, Innovation and Skills’ review of postgraduate provision.
The University of Greenwich students at the launch were Aoife Hunt, Andrew Barton-Breck and Samantha Booth. Aoife, from the School of Computing & Mathematical Sciences on the Greenwich campus, introduced her work on developing techniques for the safe and rapid evacuation of people from enclosed spaces such as buildings, aircraft and ships during major fires.
Andrew, based in the School of Health & Social Care at the Avery Hill campus, discussed his research aimed at developing better understandings as to why certain people self-harm themselves, and recommendations on how to address this topical issue.
Samantha, studying in the School of Science at the university’s Medway campus, talked about her research in the development of new materials for use in the restoration of damaged teeth and bones.
Professor Alan Reed, Director of Postgraduate Research at the University of Greenwich says: “Aoife, Andrew and Samantha introduced their research to MPs in a clear, informative and confident manner. They highlighted the benefits and impact of their studies to the wider UK economy and society. MPs were left in no doubt about the contribution the University of Greenwich is making to addressing local, regional, national and international needs through its research agenda. The students were superb ambassadors for the university”.
Speaking at the event, Roberta Blackman-Woods MP, Parliamentary Private Secretary for the Rt Hon David Lammy, Minister of State for Innovation, Universities & Skills welcomed the strategy and its recommendations on behalf of the Minster for Higher Education, as did David Willetts MP and Stephen Williams MP for the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats.
Photograph (Available from the Press Office): From left to right: University of Greenwich postgraduate students, Andrew Barton-Breck, Samantha Booth and Aoife Hunt on the House of Commons Terrrace.
1. To find out more about business support available through the University of Greenwich visit: enterprise.gre.ac.uk, call: 020 8331 7867 or email: enterprise@gre.ac.uk
2. Million+ is a university think-tank, working to solve complex problems in higher education through research and evidenced based policy. For further details go to www.millionplus.ac.uk
For further information and photos please contact:
Nick Davison, Public Relations, University of Greenwich
020 8331 8092