STEM for Britain 2026 Celebrates Emerging Talent – Spotlight on Westminster Medal Winner Ané Kritzinger

The 2026 STEM for Britain competition, held in Parliament and organised by the Parliamentary & Scientific Committee, once again showcased the exceptional talent of early-career researchers across the UK. Since its inception in 1997, the event has provided a vital platform for scientists, engineers, and mathematicians to present their work directly to Members of both Houses of Parliament, helping bridge the gap between research and policymaking.

This year’s winners were announced on Tuesday 17th March, recognising outstanding research communication across multiple disciplines. The prestigious Westminster Medal was awarded to Ané Kritzinger of the University of St Andrews (Physics) for her innovative project, “Towards safer spirits: non-invasive detection of methanol in sealed bottles using Raman spectroscopy.” Her work demonstrates a promising approach to improving public safety by enabling the detection of toxic methanol contamination without opening sealed containers.

The competition continues to benefit from the support of leading scientific organisations, including the Royal Society of Chemistry, Institute of Physics, Royal Academy of Engineering, and UK Research and Innovation, underlining its national significance. By celebrating excellence in communication as well as research quality, STEM for Britain plays a crucial role in encouraging the next generation of scientific leaders.

Key Points for Policymakers

• Direct engagement between early-career researchers and parliamentarians strengthens evidence-based policymaking.
• Research like methanol detection highlights practical applications with clear public health and safety benefits.
• Continued support for early-stage researchers is essential for sustaining UK innovation and global competitiveness.