ICB student on EVOLVE placement at POST co-authored report on Biometric Data

Vincent’s involvement in this impactful project shows how our students are engaging in real-world applications during their PhD journeys.

During their PhD, ICB students get the opportunity to do an EVOLVE placement, a unique programme tailored to PhD student aspirations and future prospects. The social media committee spoke to one of our students who has just finished their placement with the UKRI Policy Internships Scheme placement within the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) in the Physical Science and Digital Section, read about Vincent Saverat’s experience and the paper he co-authored during this placement here.

As part of the ICB CDT’s ongoing commitment to supporting innovative research, we are excited to share a currently inspiring accomplishment from Vincent Saverat, one of our PhD students at Imperial College London. During their PhD, ICB students get the opportunity to do an EVOLVE placement, a unique programme tailored to PhD student aspirations and future prospects. During his placement, Vincent, alongside Dr. Simon Brawley from the UK Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST), has co-authored a report titled Biometric Data: Misuse, Use, and Collation. This report takes an in-depth look at the rapidly growing field of biometric technologies and highlights both its potential and challenges for the future. 

Biometric data—ranging from facial recognition to fingerprint scanning—is transforming the way we interact with technology in our daily lives. Whether it’s used to unlock our devices, speed up passport checks and enhance online banking security, biometric verification is quickly replacing traditional methods like passwords. Research suggests that this trend is set to continue, with the ‘passwordless verification’ market projected to reach £46 billion by 2032. Vincent’s report brings together over 170 expert sources, offering a comprehensive look at the current advancements and potential risks associated with biometric technology.

Vincent’s involvement in this impactful project shows how our students are engaging in real-world applications during their PhD journeys. His collaboration with POST during EVOLVE allowed him to contribute to a high-impact policy-focused project, ensuring that his work not only stays within the academic community but also inspires broader audience.

This achievement highlights the diverse research opportunities available to ICB CDT students. We are extremely proud of Vincent’s contribution to shaping the future of biometric technologies, and we encourage everyone to check out the report below to learn more about this important field. Stay tuned for more exciting updates on the exciting work being done by our students!

https://post.parliament.uk/research-briefings/post-pn-0731/?utm_campaign=0924-rice-routine-spotlight&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_term=post

Can you share with us how you find time to do this research and write the report alongside the POST while doing your PhD?

I was fortunate to participate in the UKRI Policy Internship scheme as part of the ICB EVOLVE programme, which allowed me to work full-time at the UK Parliament without impacting my scientific research. Through this scheme, PhD students can extend their studentship for three months to gain valuable experience in science policy. I undertook the internship in my final year, just before writing up my thesis, though this opportunity is available at any stage of the PhD journey. It was an enriching experience that complemented my academic work and broadened my perspective on how scientific research can influence real-world decision-making.

It was a transformative experience, reinforcing my belief that the work we do as researchers can reach far beyond the lab, shaping the future of policy, innovation, and society.

How has being part of the ICB CDT programme supported your research?

The ICB CDT programme has been instrumental in shaping my approach to research. It equipped me with valuable transferable skills that go beyond the lab. I particularly benefited from the human-centred design workshop, which encouraged us to blend scientific knowledge with creative problem-solving. Additionally, participating in the BOOST entrepreneurial mentoring scheme gave me a pro-innovation mindset, fostering my ability to think about how research can be translated into impactful solutions. The ICB CDT programme also supported my 3-month policy placement at the UK Parliament as part of EVOLVE, helping me develop a holistic approach to research, considering the wider innovation and regulatory ecosystems.

This experience has inspired me to pursue a career that not only advances scientific knowledge but also shapes the policies and frameworks that govern its application. I’m excited to see how this journey continues to unfold, and I feel better equipped than ever to make a meaningful impact.