Public Engagement with Science and Engineering

I have been active in communicating science and engineering for more than 25 years, and have devised or assisted with many novel projects, schemes, and high profile events. I have won 16 grants from a range of public and commercial organisations including The Royal Society, the Science and Technology Facilities Council, (PPARC) the Institute of Physics, and the British Association for the Advancement of Science. I was made a Millennium Commission Fellow for Science Communication in 1999 and the first recipient of the 'Sir Walther Bodmer Award' of The British Association for the Advancement of Science (2004). I was content and design advisor to the Science Musuem for the newLaunchpad gallery.

I have given many public lectures on energy use and transport, including one of the 2012 Brunel Public Lectures in the series on "Sustainable Energy? Powering the Future"..

The Royal Institution Christmas Lectures

I designed and constructed many of the demonstrations for three series of the televised Christmas Lectures: 'Journey to the Centres of the Brain' with Baroness Susan Greenfield in 1994 (InCA for BBC), 'The Secrets of Life' with Sir John Sulston in 2001 (Windfall Films for Channel 4), and 'Smart Stuff' with Professor Tony Ryan in 2002 (Windfall Films for Channel 4). These models have subsequently been used in Japan, Korea, USA, and Europe.

The photo shows: Bipin Parmar (RI), Colin Axon, John Sulston (Sanger Centre), Carlo Masserella and David Dugan (both Windfall Films).

A Selection of my Projects

It's Your Universe

The 18 images are all professional and of high resolution to show off some of the most spectacular structures the universe has to offer. Iconic images such as the Horsehead nebula sit alongside some of the latest data collected by the Hubble Space Telescope and the SOHO satellite. The images are 40cm by 50cm and the exhibition is accompanied by a leaflet with further information about the images and astronomy in general. It's Your Universe is designed to fit the spaces available in small and medium sized community venues such as village halls, public libraries, art galeries, hospital waiting areas, arts centres, etc. It is intended that this exhibition travels to places where science is not normally displayed or discussed.

The Music of the Spheres

This is a short play (with hands-on science) about William and Caroline Herschel and their adventures in science and music. Following the play, the audience are invited to explore the homemade hands-on kit --- all of which are related to astronomy sound and optics. The project has attracted national and international acclaim.

Einstein Comes to Radstock

This project is a series of well-funded events to celebrate Einstein Year 2005, as an extention to the very successful 'Science in Radstock' programme. This includes a family science fun-days 'Einstein's Birthday Party' (at Radstock Museum) and the Radstock Rocket Festival, a touring exhibition of astronomical images called 'It's Your Universe', and special talks by top UK space scientists.

Science in Radstock

With others, I started a series of monthly events at Radstock Museum aimed at the local community. We use a range of formats (discussion, presentation, demonstration lecture, hands-on, drama and music) and reflect science and engineering in it's broadest sense. Previous events have encompassed: astronomy, psychology, urban planning, biotechnology, maths, chemistry, geology, history of science, and cosmology. Radstock is a former mining town, and the audience mirrors the social and educational variety of the community.

Scientific Heritage Trails

These full colour A2 poster/guides celebrate the scientists and engineers who lived and worked on Bath. This developed into a major project, with interest from eight UK cities. The Bath map proved to be popular with schools, tourists and residents. For a small fee, copies are available from the Museum of Bath at Work and the Bath Tourist Information Office See a sample section here.

Other Projects

In conjunction with other organisations, I have worked on, or been a key player in, many events including: the nationally acclaimed Bristol University event 'Scientific Power to the People', 'Seeing in the Dark, and Other Animal Magic' at Bristol Zoo, and the award-winning 'Bath Taps...into Science'.

British Association for the Advancement of Science

In 1994 I founded of the Bristol and Bath branch of The BA. I have also served on The BA Council. I have helped organise many events including Hands-on science days for schools at Bristol Zoo, and various events for National Science Week. In addition, I have organised numerous other events for schools.

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