Newcastle Student Taking Research to Parliament

A North East student is heading to London this month after being chosen to present his undergraduate research at a prestigious event in Westminster.

Thomas Manley, a Newcastle College University Centre student, will join others from universities across the country to showcase his work at the Posters in Parliament event on 7 March.

The annual Posters in Parliament exhibition is part of the British Conference of Undergraduate Research (BCUR) and brings together the best undergraduate research from around the country, inviting students from across the UK to present their findings to MPs and higher education policymakers.

Thomas, 23, is currently completing the final year of his Electrical and Electronic Engineering degree at the University Centre, alongside his job as an electrical test technician at Siemens. His research focuses on the effect of electric cars on the national grid.

He says: “I’m ecstatic about the opportunity to showcase my research in Parliament. It’s really topical and necessary now more than ever, so I hope it will help to shape and consolidate the electricity network in years to come.”

Research will also be presented from fellow Newcastle College University Centre student Laura Knight, currently studying for her degree in Sports Rehab. Her findings on spinal manipulation treatment will be showcased on her behalf.

Research and Projects Coordinator at Newcastle College University Centre, Laura Gower said: “Posters in Parliament is a fantastic opportunity for students, giving them a chance to meet the people who can really make a difference whilst sharing ideas and best practice with others from across the country.

“It’s a huge event to be involved in and we’re very proud that two of our students have been given this opportunity, it’s a brilliant achievement and demonstrates the high calibre of research produced by students at Newcastle College University Centre.”

Newcastle College University Centre is the higher education arm of Newcastle College, offering vocational degrees and higher apprenticeships. It is one of the first further education colleges in the country to develop and award its own degrees using Taught Degree Awarding Powers (TDAP).