Oxford Brookes students showcase their research at the House of Commons
Oxford Brookes students showcase groundbreaking research at Posters in Parliament.
Two Oxford Brookes University research students attended Posters in Parliament on 5 March 2025, a prestigious event where undergraduates from across the UK presented their research to Members of Parliament (MPs) and policymakers in Westminster. The event provided legislators and policymakers with a firsthand look at some of the innovative research taking place across the country.
Organised by the British Conference of Undergraduate Research (BCUR), Posters in Parliament highlighted emerging researchers addressing pressing issues in fields such as health, sustainability, and energy. The event offered students the opportunity to exchange ideas, network, and gain exposure to future opportunities in research and policy. Attendees also enjoyed a tour of the House of Lords and Westminster Hall and participated in a workshop about how to 'Get your voice heard in UK Parliament'.
By taking part, Oxford Brookes students joined a growing community of undergraduates making significant contributions to research that could shape the future. Below is a summary of the students' research.
Georgia Williams-Sims
Georgia Williams-Sims, an undergraduate student in Psychology, presented her research on the impact of public stigma on attitudes toward antidepressants among adults in the UK. Supervised by Dr. Jennifer Seddon, her research investigates how societal attitudes affect the perceived acceptability and necessity of using antidepressants to treat depressive symptoms. The findings could inform anti-stigma campaigns and improve mental health services, providing better support for those in need in the UK.
Georgia explained, “Presenting my research to policymakers has been an incredible experience. I’m excited that my work on mental health stigma can contribute to a larger conversation and hopefully drive meaningful change for those who may be struggling with depression in silence.”
Katie Hobbs
Katie Hobbs, an undergraduate Medical science student, is studying how age and sex influence cancer risk from ionising radiation. Her research, supervised by Professor Murina Kadhim and Professor John Harrison, examines the impact of current, sex-neutral radiation exposure limits and CT scan dose calculations. CT (computed tomography) scans use ionising radiation in the form of X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body, helping doctors diagnose and monitor various medical conditions. The goal of Katie’s research is to determine if personalised calculations are needed to better protect women and children, who may be at higher risk than adults and men, potentially informing future radiation protection guidelines.
Katie shared, “Being part of this event has been a fantastic opportunity to present my research to those who can influence change. I hope my findings will contribute to updated safety regulations that protect the most vulnerable populations from the risks of ionising radiation.”