The early-career research scientist from the University of St Andrews was announced as the overall winner, after being awarded the gold medal for the Physics category
London, 25th March – Ané Kritzinger, early-career research scientist at the University of St Andrews has been announced as the winner of the Westminster Medal, following the STEM for Britain exhibition.
Their winning poster, titled “Towards safer spirits: non-invasive detection of methanol in sealed bottles using Raman spectroscopy” was the overall winner, as well as receiving a gold medal in the Physics category.
STEM for Britain is an exhibition of posters from early-career research scientists, engineers and mathematicians, held in Parliament since 1997.
The gold medal winners for 2026 by category were:
- Zoe Marshall, James Hutton Institute, for Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Joni Wildman, University of Bath, for Engineering
- Torin Fastnedge, University of Oxford, for Mathematics
- Ané Kritzinger, University of St Andrews, for Physics
- Andrea Rogolino, University of Cambridge, for Chemistry
Dr Steve Smith, SCI member, said “STEM for Britain is a showcase of innovative research from inspirational early-career scientists and engineers tackling important global and societal issues. The quality of poster presentations was outstanding, making it all the more difficult to judge the Westminster Medal for the person best able to communicate their research. Many congratulations to Ané Kritzinger from St Andrews who is this year's winner.”
The Westminster Medal for the overall winner is awarded in memory of Dr Eric Wharton, who established SET for Britain (now STEM for Britain) as a regular event in the Parliamentary calendar. It recognises the presenter of the best poster at the event, and is presented by the Parliamentary & Scientific Committee.
The winner of the Westminster Medal will also be invited to the SCI Sustainability Awards Dinner on 10th June.
About the Society of Chemical Industry
SCI is an independent, charitable learned society that helps bring science from the lab into industry quicker for the benefit of society.
SCI is a global network of innovators using science to tackle some of the big societal challenges of the day, across climate & planet and health & wellness. SCI brings together companies with $500bn in global sales and $30bn in scientific R&D; publishes nine peer reviewed journals, including the recently launched Sustainability journal; and convenes a broad range of technical and regional interest groups.
Through its mentoring and training programmes, SCI empowers future leaders in science and business.
Visit Blog