PPARC researcher triumphs in Parliament
13.12.2006 06:58 Science - Source: PPARC Web Site | Latest News
PPARC researcher triumphs in Parliament
A PPARC funded researcher recently won a top prize at a Physics reception held at the Houses of Parliament for the presentation of her work on using coronal dimming as a tool for predicting solar storms.
Images from the reception held at the Houses of Parliament
Credit: Frank Dumbleton
Dr Danielle Bewsher from CCLRC's Rutherford Appleton Laboratory was one of 18 researchers, from the PPARC science area, that took part in the reception which attracted 90 entrants from across the country. The event, organised by "SET for Britain" and sponsored by Wantage MP Ed Vaizey, provided young researchers with the opportunity to communicate their cutting edge science to the 50 MP's and Peers that attended.
Dr Bewsher's poster focussed on her work on Coronal Mass Ejections (CME's) which are the dramatic eruptions from the sun that emit material into the solar atmosphere in space. When directed towards Earth, such ejections can effect radio communications, aircraft radiation and communication with and damage to orbiting satellites. Dr Bewsher is involved in NASA's STEREO mission which launched in October. When the twin spacecraft reach their destination they will produce the first ever 3D images of the Sun, along with much more data on CME's.
Speaking about her day in Parliament, Dr Bewsher said, "The event provided me with a great opportunity to talk to a completely different audience about my research. The MP's I spoke with, including my local MP Ed Vaizey, were extremely interested in my work and asked many thought provoking questions."
PPARC Chief Executive Officer Professor Keith Mason was encouraged to see so many researchers involved in space science, astronomy and particle physics taking part. "Events such as this which encourage dialogue between young researchers and MP's are invaluable in helping to increase wider understanding about the breadth and importance of the science area. " he said. "Many congratulations to Danielle on winning a prize," he added.
One of the main aims of events such as this are to showcase the variety of groundbreaking research that is taking place in the UK and demonstrate how physics contributes to improving the UK's economy and the health and quality of life of the public. From the PPARC science area alone topics presented included whirlpools in space, the search for dark matter, cosmic wiggles and the development of technology for a space borne gravitational wave detector.
Notes for Editors
Contacts- Gill Ormrod
PPARC Press Office
Tel: 01793 442 012
Mobile: 07818 013 509 - Natalie Bealing
CCLRC Press Office
Tel: 01235 445 484 - Dr Eric Wharton
Set for Britain
Tel: 01235 832 335
Further details about all the PPARC funded researchers that took part in the event.
Further information about Set for Britain events.
Image and caption- Image - Danielle Bewsher receiving her prize from Professor Sir Arnold Wolfendale, patron of the event.
Credit: Frank Dumbleton - Image - A group shot of the PPARC researchers that took part.
Credit: Frank Dumbleton - Image - Ed Vaizey MP talking with a young researcher.
Credit: Frank Dumbleton
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