STFC are pleased to announce its 2011 Science in Society Fellows
Professor Mark Hodson
Geography and Environmental Sciences
University of Reading
"Shining light on the environment"
How can earthworms survive in metal-contaminated soil? How has ocean chemistry changed over the lifetime of the planet? Can we boost the nutritional value of food? How can we reduce the risks of arsenic in drinking water? How do radioactive pollutants behave in the environment?
Scientists are using the biggest and most expensive scientific machine in the UK to help answer these and many other vitally important environmentally relevant questions.
The machine is called Diamond (link opens in a new window) and is the UKs national synchrotron facility.
Over the course of this fellowship Mark will be involved in a variety of activities. You might come across him talking at a science festival or science discussion meeting near you. Alternatively you might come across him talking to your class at school or, if you are lucky, your school might visit him at Diamond to actually see the machine he is talking about.
As well as explaining how synchrotrons work he will be discussing how scientists are using synchrotrons to answer a wealth of questions relevant to climate change and the health of people and the planet.
You may already have read about Mark's research in the newspapers (try googling "Metal munching earthworms!), have heard him on Radio 4 or seen him in documentaries about earthworm evolution and crop circles (and no, there's nothing in the soil that suggests crop circles are made by extra-terrestrials!) But over the course of the fellowship you should be able to hear more about his, and others, research, as he spends more time with the media, letting them know about the amazing environmental science being done at Diamond.
Dr Andrew Newsam
Astrophysics Research Institute
Liverpool John Moores University
"The Universe and how to explore it: Engaging communities with astronomy"
The job of astronomers is to understand and explain the universe around us. But how do they do that? And what are the big questions that remain unanswered? Dr Newsam will be touring the country delivering lectures, talks, debates and other forms of engagement giving everyone a chance to find out at first hand.
Working mainly with schools, he will also be spreading out into the surrounding communities to share the excitement of discovery with as many people as possible. The mysteries of the universe belong to all of us, and so do the answers.
Dr Helen Mason
Applied Maths and Theoretical Physics
University of Cambridge
"Our dynamic Sun"
Dr Mason will provide a leadership role in public engagement with solar physics. As part of this, she will update the Sun|trek website (link opens in a new window),which is an educational website aimed at 11-16 year olds and their teachers. It describes the astronomy and science of the Sun and its effect on the Earth's environment.
The Sun|trek website was launched in July 2007.
Classroom projects and ideas are provided on the website. Sun|trek is now linked to many other educational websites, e.g. STEM directories, RAS, STFC, ASE, IoP, NASA, Cambridge University activities, IYA, IHY, Hinode and SoHO websites, Schoolscience and the BBC.
Other current SiS Fellows
Dr Martin Hendry
School of Physics and Astronomy
University of Glasgow
"Exploring the dark side of the Universe: An integrated programme of astronomy outreach for schools and the public"
The fact that 95% of the cosmos appears to consist of unseen matter and energy, which is driving the accelerated expansion of the Universe, is widely regarded as one of the most startling discoveries - and biggest unsolved mysteries - in all of science. Dr Hendry will inspire audiences who would not normally engage with science, to convey the excitement and implications of recent cosmological discoveries and explain in a clear and engaging way both what we know about the universe and how we know it.
Dr Maggie Aderin
Science and Technology Studies
University College London / EADS Astrium
"Monsters in the laboratory and cosmic safari"
Dr Aderin will present a series of promotional events to mark the International Year of Astronomy, covers Climate Change, what space can teach us about Planet Earth, working with BBC and Teachers TV to produce a series of inspirational and informative programmes related to space science, and many public talks & school visits.
Dr Paul Roche
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Cardiff University
"National schools' astronomer"
Linking schools with contemporary astronomy and space science by supporting astronomy education in the UK and acting as a point of contact between researchers and educators, developing educational resources for schools, students and the general public.
Training scientists to become better communicators and teachers to be better astronomers. Promoting the use of STFC funded remote telescope facilities available to UK Schools, the Faulkes Telescope Project and the National Schools Observatory.
Professor Tim Wess
Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences
Cardiff University
"Molecular history"
The life cycle of a biomolecule; the survival of biomolecules. The project is based on the outcome of work carried out at STFC's Synchrotron, Neutron and Laser facilities. This molecular history is the theme for a series of television programmes, public lectures, school tours and an exhibition that allows the public to engage with the exciting world of molecular transformation.
Dr Jim Wild
Department of Communications Systems
Lancaster University
"A place in the Sun: Taking solar system science to the public"
Demonstrating the relevance of solar system science and solar physics, especially the effects of "space weather", on modern technologies for the general public, policy-makers, teachers and secondary school pupils.
For further information, go to the Science in Society Fellowships home page or contact:
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Chris Woolford
STFC Science in Society Programme
Polaris House
North Star Avenue
Swindon SN2 1SZ
Tel: +44 (0)1793 442 098
