Fitton Hill mathematician Georgia takes her research to Parliament

Oldham-born Oxford University student Georgia Brennan

Oldhamer Georgia Brennan, a DPhil Mathematics student at the University of Oxford, is to present her mathematical research to a panel of expert judges and politicians as part of STEM for BRITAIN.

Winners will be announced virtually next Monday, March 8.

Georgia’s poster on research about her development of the first mathematical models for the clearance and spread of toxic proteins through the brain in Alzheimer’s disease, will be judged against other scientists’ research in the only national competition of its kind.

Georgia, who is 25 and from Fitton Hill, was shortlisted to deliver a presentation of her work.

On presenting her research, she said: ‘I applied to take part in STEM for BRITAIN because it is an incredible opportunity to showcase my research on a national scale.

"There is a pronounced aging crisis in the UK. Neurodegenerative diseases are the next health and economic pandemic facing this great nation.

"As a woman in mathematics, I am also acutely aware of the need to be a voice for under-represented communities, including the elderly. My DPhil research at Oxford speaks directly to both challenges.

"I have introduced the first mathematical models and computer software, which combine patient clearance data with mathematical dynamics to simulate 40 years of Alzheimer’s disease progression in less than 40 seconds.

"Such models are a foundation for the rapid and non-invasive testing of novel drug treatments for dementias.

"With my application to STEM for BRITAIN, I stand to save our elderly and demonstrate to young aspiring scientists that women in STEM can make a bold difference for the UK. 

"Having the opportunity to present my work in Parliament and share the life-changing potential of our mathematical models is a win in itself."

Georgia’s research has been entered into the Mathematical Sciences session of the competition, which will conclude in the awarding of gold, silver and bronze certificates and medals.

Judged by leading academics, the gold medalist receives £1,000, while silver and bronze receive £750 and £500 respectively.

The Parliamentary and Scientific Committee runs the event in collaboration with the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Institute of Physics, the Royal Society of Biology, The Physiological Society, the Council for the Mathematical Sciences, and the Nutrition Society, with financial support from the Clay Mathematics Institute, United Kingdom Research and Innovation, Dyson Ltd, Society of Chemical Industry, Institute of Biomedical Science, the Heilbronn Institute for Mathematical Research, and the Biochemical Society.

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