ASTUDENT from Banbury has taken home £2,000 after pitching his engineering research to politicians and expert judges at the House of Commons.

Thomas Rogers visited Parliament last Monday [[MAR7]] to speak about his work in automating and streamlining cargo inspections.

It was part of the SET for Britain national competition, which gives aspiring research scientists and technicians the opportunity to promote their studies.

The 26-year-old PhD student, who studies at University College London, was shortlisted from hundreds of applicants to appear before MPs.

From 59 other engineers researchers speaking, Mr Rogers picked up his competitions silver medal as well as the cash prize.

He said: "Although it was very tough and highly intense, I've thoroughly enjoyed this competition.

"The organisers, MPs and other researchers were all extremely friendly people and it's been a pleasure to present my research at the House of Commons.

"During your PhD, you are focused on the small, intricate details, but this event helps you to zoom out and analyse the picture as a whole.

"I'm still shocked to have won silver."

His work focused on how automating techniques can be used to improve security at country borders.

The competition was judged by leading academics, with a £3,000 prize going to the gold medallists.

MP Stephen Metcalfe, chair 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 SET for Britain is politicians’ best opportunity to meet them and understand their work."