York researcher wins national science outreach competition
Posted on 4 April 2011
Nuclear physicist Adam Tuff won the “Space Zone” section of the competition, an initiative set up by the Wellcome Trust to help bring science to life for school pupils. During the contest, pupils questioned and chatted to working scientists within an online forum, then cast their votes for who they wanted to win in six themed zones.
The competition is an excellent way of getting pupils to learn about science and how it relates to real life
Professor Brian Fulton
Adam, a researcher in the Nuclear Physics Group within the Department of Physics at York, participated in the “Space Zone”, which is sponsored by the Institute of Physics. Within the zone, Adam was chosen to compete against four other UK scientists from space-related research backgrounds.
Adam said: “It’s been fantastic to get a flavour of what pupils think about science and research. The programme inspires pupils to think not only about current science topics, but also about the social and ethical issues involved in scientific decision-making.
“The competition also helps participating scientists develop their communication and outreach skills as they find themselves faced with a whole range of questions. I’ve had questions probing everything from the biggest quandaries in science and the ethics of nuclear power, to what I do in my spare time and whether I like Michael Bublé!”
Professor Brian Fulton, Head of the University of York’s Department of Physics, said: “This is a well-deserved win for Adam who is a fantastic communicator who can relate his enthusiasm for science to young people in an engaging and interesting way. The competition is an excellent way of getting pupils to learn about science and how it relates to real life.”
For two weeks, pupils read about the scientists’ work, asked questions and engaged in live chat with them. Scientists with the fewest votes were evicted along the way until Adam was left, scooping the £500 “Space Zone” prize.
The prize money can be spent on a science communication project of the winner’s choice. Adam plans to put his winnings towards funding the outreach pantomime Ellie the Electron produced by Dr Yvette Hancock, of the Department of Physics, in which he plays Einstein; a school visit and developing a book for young children about the evolution of stars.
Notes to editors:
- For more information on the “I’m a Scientist, Get me out of Here” competition, visit imascientist.org.uk
- For more information on the University of York’s Department of Physics visit www.york.ac.uk/physics
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