A PhD student at the University of Bath has won the Gold medal in the Engineering category of the 2026 STEM for Britain competition, held at the Houses of Parliament on Tuesday 17 March.
The student, Joni Wildman, was one of three Bath researchers shortlisted from hundreds of applicants to present their work to leading academics and MPs as part of the annual scientific poster exhibition, which showcases exceptional research from early career scientists across the UK.
Speaking on her win, Joni said: “It was a fantastic experience taking part in STEM for Britain and having the opportunity to share my research with MPs. I’m absolutely over the moon to have won, especially after seeing the incredible work being carried out by my peers.”
Her research demonstrates how fungi can be engineered to turn used milk cartons into mycelium insulation, offering a novel solution for hard-to-recycle materials such as Tetra Pak packaging.
“Fungi may not be something many people in Parliament think about often, but they have enormous potential to help tackle real-world challenges such as waste and reducing our reliance on unsustainable materials. I’m incredibly passionate about this area of research, and it was a privilege to discuss ideas I care deeply about while demonstrating how innovative science can help address issues that affect us all.”
Professor Tim Ibell, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Design, said: “Winning a Gold medal at STEM for Britain is a tremendous achievement. What a fantastic accolade for Joni, with reflected glory on the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, the Faculty and the University.”
Joni will join the gold winners of each discipline next week, presenting to an online panel to decide the overall winner and recipient of the Westminster Medal.
Showcasing the strength and impact of research at Bath
Alongside Joni, PhD student Samuel Ashu Abey and early-career researcher Dr Xiang Ding were selected to present their work in parliament.
Professor Ibell continued: “Simply being selected to present in Parliament is itself a mark of excellence in impact, and all three of our early career researchers earned their places among an outstanding national cohort. We’re immensely proud of Joni, Samuel and Xiang for showcasing the strength and impact of research at Bath. Well done!”
Samuel’s poster explained his work developing new semiconductor and polymer catalysts that use sunlight to break down stubborn pollutants in water, for more sustainable water treatment.
Also exploring the clean-up of persistent pollutants, Xiang’s research demonstrates a renewable, bio-based membrane that traps and removes the ‘forever chemical’, PFOA, from water and can be regenerated and reprocessed to be used again.
On presenting his research at the competition, Samuel said: “Growing up in Sub-Saharan Africa showed me how profoundly the lack of clean water shapes health and opportunity. That experience drives my research into sunlight-powered materials that can remove persistent pollutants in a low-cost, sustainable way.
“STEM for Britain is a chance to share this work in Parliament and highlight how science and policy together can deliver safer water for communities. I’m deeply grateful to my supervisors, Dr Antonio Exposito, Dr Nuno Reis, and Dr Emma Emanuelsson, whose support continues to inspire my journey.”
Dr Ding said: “Being selected as a finalist for STEM for Britain is a great honour. This was an exciting opportunity to showcase our research at Parliament and highlight how sustainable materials can help address environmental challenges. In particular, I enjoyed meeting other researchers and sharing ideas at the event.”