Speakers
Professor Alexandra Olaya-Castro
Professor Alexandra Olaya-Castro is a theoretical physicist based in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at University College London (UCL). Her research interests lie at the interface of Quantum Science and Biology. She is known for her work on quantum effects in photosynthesis for which she received the 2016 Maxwell Medal and Prize by the IoP. She is also currently the Vice-Dean (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences at UCL.
Dr Fran Day
Dr Fran Day is a theoretical physicist at the University of Cambridge and a Junior Research Fellow at Peterhouse. Her research lies on the boundary of astrophysics and particle physics, using astrophysical data to search for new fundamental particles. Fran completed her DPhil at Oxford, where she also discovered stand-up comedy. Fran is now a science comedian, performing comedy about theoretical physics and feminism around the UK.
Dr Rain Irshad
Dr Rain Irshad currently leads the Autonomous Systems Group at RAL Space and works on large innovation projects and facilities for the Science and Technology Facilities Council. She has been involved in numerous space missions over the past 15 years and has an instrument in Earth orbit and one on the surface of Mars. Her research also looks at terrestrial applications of space technology including robotics for Agritech and land mine detection.
Dr Suchitra Sebastian
Dr Suchitra Sebastian is a University Reader in Physics at the University of Cambridge. Her research is in the area of quantum materials and their unconventional properties, particularly the exotic phenomenon of superconductivity. Suchitra is the recipient of awards including a L'Oreal-UNESCO Fellowship, and has been recognised as a 'next big name' in physics by the Financial Times and as an outstanding young scientist by the World Economic Forum.
Ms Carole Kenrick
As the Scientist in Residence in a primary school, Ms Kenrick's aim is for her pupils to become knowledgeable and passionate about science, understanding both scientific principles and processes. She set up the Science for Life project to collaborate with local schools and to share ideas and resources in a supportive environment. Alongside her part-time role in school, she also works for the Ogden Trust (a physics education charity) and does occasional freelance science education consultancy, as well as studying for a PhD at the Institute of Education, University College London.
Dr Anne Pawsey
Dr Anne Pawsey is a physicist and science communicator based in Glasgow, who delights in using physics to explore and explain everyday phenomena. As a soft matter physicist she has worked on projects from the sublime, chocolate, to the ridiculous, a sweet which heats up as you eat it, with research into liquid crystals, microcapsules and lipids in between. Anne also worked as the Graduate School Coordinator for the Scottish Universities Physics Alliance. For public engagement Anne has recently been exploring the physics of gin and beer in collaboration with distillers and brewers around Scotland.