Biologist receives top prize at SET for Britain

Nicholas Love from the Healing Foundation Centre at the University of Manchester was the overall winner at SET for Britain, a prestigious competition which recognises Britain’s most promising scientists. The competition took place in the House of Commons and was attended by MPs.

Dr Love, 29, is a post-doctoral researcher studying the molecular mechanisms underlying appendage regeneration in tadpoles in order to advance research into scar-free healing. He says: “I think this win shows that what we are doing is important to people outside the field. I am really pleased to win.”

Dr Mark Downs, Chief Executive of the Society of Biology, says: “It is fantastic to see a biologist as the overall winner against some fierce competition. Dr Love is one of 56 biologists who presented their research and this award is recognition of the importance of his work.”

The Parliamentary and Scientific Committee ran the event in collaboration with the Society of Biology, The Royal Academy of Engineering, The Institute of Physics, The Royal Society of Chemistry, the Physiological Society, the Wellcome Trust and the Society of Chemical Industry.

Dr Downs was extremely impressed by the quality of the science being presented. He says: “Biosciences address some of the biggest challenges we face, from new medicines to food security. The breadth of work on display highlighted the enormous talent of young UK researchers, and it helped parliamentarians understand how science works and what the future might hold. The event also challenged biologists to make their work accessible and engage in policy issues.”

The event received financial support from BP, Airbus/EADS, The Institution of Engineering and Technology, AgChem Access, Oxford Instruments, IBMS and GE Hitachi.