Work by a Hatfield research student that offers hope to cancer victims has been chosen for the final of a national competition held in Parliament.

PhD candidate Deborah Ogbeni of the University of Hertfordshire will display her research at the STEM for Britain 2017 event at the House of Commons on March 13.

She said: “It is an honour to be able to showcase my research at such a prestigious event. I am excited to think that this research could one day improve the treatment potential and life chances of people with pancreatic cancer.”

Her research, funded by the charity Worldwide Cancer Research, extended an earlier project involving the University of Hertfordshire and Queen Mary University London.

Deborah identified lead compounds that could be developed into a drug to prevent pancreatic spreading and aid chemotherapy.

STEM for Britain aims to raise the profile of pioneering British research by bringing it to the attention of MPs and lords.

Winners will receive a Westminster Medal and cash prizes of between £1,000 and £3,000.