A YORK-born scientist and former Joseph Rowntree School pupil is about to take his research to Parliament, in a prestigious competition for young researchers.

Dr Gareth Tear, 28, is now a post-doctoral research associate in physics at Imperial College London, but is originally from York and went to the school in New Earswick.

His research looks at developing a material to withstand roadside bombs - or Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) - and protect both people and infrastructure.

He will be presenting a poster about his work to politicians and a panel of expert judges as part of the STEM for BRITAIN competition later this month.

Dr Tear said: “I think it is extremely important for scientists to communicate their research. Showing how small and abstract physics research can be transferred into products which benefit everyone is crucial.

“Politicians and the public should see a benefit to spending tax payer’s money on research and this is one of the best events to demonstrate this.”

STEM for BRITAIN is the only national competition of its kind, and Dr Tear was shortlisted from hundreds of applicants to appear in Parliament.

It is organised by the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee along with science bodies like the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Institute of Physics.

The committee chairman MP Stephen Metcalfe 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 STEM for BRITAIN is politicians’ best opportunity to meet them and understand their work.”

Dr Tear’s research has been entered into the physics session of the competition, which will end in a gold, silver and bronze prize-giving ceremony with prizes from £750 to £2,000.