STEM for BRITAIN 2027 (IChemE Kumar Sustainability Prize)

• Present your research at the Houses of Parliament to Parliamentarians and subject judges if selected as a finalist.
• Raise the profile of your work and practise communicating complex research clearly to a wider audience.
• Compete for the IChemE Kumar Sustainability Prize: first place £750, second place £500 and third place £250.
• Join a national showcase designed to strengthen dialogue between early-stage researchers and Parliament.

The IChemE Kumar Sustainability Prize is available to researchers applying in any of the five STEM for BRITAIN subject categories:

• Biological and Biomedical Sciences
• Chemistry
• Engineering
• Mathematical Sciences
• Physics

Eligible STEM for BRITAIN applicants include people in the early part of their research careers, such as MSc and PhD researchers, postdoctoral researchers, research assistants or fellows, newly appointed lecturers, part-time and mature students, and equivalent researchers in national, public-sector or industrial laboratories or companies.

Important information for undergraduates: the official STEM for BRITAIN guidance states that the event is not appropriate for undergraduate students. Undergraduates can use this page to plan for a future application, but should not apply unless the organisers update the eligibility guidance.

• Applicants do not need to be British, but they must be working in the UK.
• A newly appointed lecturer is defined as someone appointed within the previous two years, maximum.
• Previous finalists selected to attend a STEM for BRITAIN event cannot apply again. Previous unsuccessful applicants may reapply.

• A scientific abstract of no more than one A4 page, including the title, presenter and co-workers, affiliation and full address/postcode. It should explain the problem and its significance, the method and achievements to date.
• A lay summary of no more than 100 words, written so that a member of the public can understand the research and its impact.
• A reference submitted at the same time, on official headed paper and signed by an appropriate referee who knows your work.
• A clear account of your personal contribution where supervisors or co-workers are named. Only one person may present

1. Choose one subject category: Apply in one of the five STEM for BRITAIN categories. You cannot apply in more than one category.
2. Prepare your application: Submit the application form, a scientific abstract, a lay summary and a reference.
3. Opt in to the prize: When completing the STEM for BRITAIN application, select the option to be considered for the IChemE Kumar Sustainability Prize.
4. Submit by the deadline: Applications close on Friday 27 November 2026.
5. Prepare for the final if selected: Finalists will be notified by the end of January 2027, submit their poster electronically two weeks before the event, bring a hard copy, and present at the Houses of Parliament on Tuesday 16 March 2027.

Read the applicant guidance and start your application.

The points below summarise the official STEM for BRITAIN applicant guidance. The full published guidance should be read before applying and takes precedence over this summary.

• Only one subject category and one abstract may be submitted.
• Do not include confidential, patent-pending or NDA-protected information. External judges do not sign confidentiality agreements, and the event is open to MPs and the scientific policy community. Applicants should consult their technology transfer office where relevant.
• The person who submits the application must present the poster. Substitutes are not allowed.
• Posters must be portrait format and suitable for the display boards; A1 portrait is identified as appropriate. Posters should communicate the research clearly to an interested lay audience.
• No additional materials, equipment or visual aids are permitted at the event.
• Travel and accommodation support is not available.
• Feedback on applications is not provided.

Read the full STEM for BRITAIN guidance and conditions

No. Researchers applying in any STEM for BRITAIN subject category may opt in to the IChemE Kumar Sustainability Prize.

The published STEM for BRITAIN eligibility information does not state that IChemE membership is required.

The official guidance says STEM for BRITAIN is not appropriate for undergraduate students.

Applicants do not have to be British, but they must be working in the UK.

The prize recognises outstanding research contributing to a more sustainable future, including work relating to climate change, clean energy, sustainable manufacturing, water, food and healthcare. Interdisciplinary collaboration is particularly encouraged.

Friday 27 November 2026.

The Houses of Parliament on Tuesday 16 March 2027.