Do you have any role models who work in science or are scientists? If so who are they?

• Watson and Crick
• Brian Cox
• Stephen Hawkings
• Dimitri Mendeleev
• I am a practising scientist of sorts (Environmental science BSc and work as a contaminated land clean up specialist. Chemistry more than most.

Do you feel that these role models are diverse?

• Not especially. I’ll give Rosalind Franklin and Jocelyn Bell Burnell an honourable mention in my role models list.

What do you think of the way the media portrays science?

• I tend to watch BBC4 and listen to Radio 4 on which the portrayal is pretty good and, by and large, not dumbed down. I think most of the rest of the broadcast media is pretty good if on a descending scale towards sensationalist family “oh my god I can’t believe I’ve just broken my ankles jumping into a swimming pool full of custard to demonstrate the properties of non-newtonian liquids” type programmes.
• Print media can be a different matter. In a nutshell, there seems to be a tendency towards reporting a particular piece of research by selecting a narrow aspect of the work and generating an eye-catching headline which suits the narrative of the journal whilst simultaneously distorting the purpose of the research which they’re reporting. This devalues science itself.

What could the media do to make science more understandable?

• (I’m assuming we’re talking about broadcast media). Nothing much different. Continue to provide programming pitched across all levels, but don’t be frightened of detail towards the “high-brow end.”

Do you think that the media could make science more accessible?

• Again, not much different. That said, I recently had a conversation with a friend I consider to be well-educated. He seemed to think that a space programme was an expensive waste of time; rather irrelevant. With regret I wasn’t sharp enough to point out that many advances have been made as spin-offs from the space programme. It’s important that the connections to everyday life are highlighted when possible during the more esoteric programing.

Have you seen any campaigns to encourage a diverse range of people to study or work in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects?

• No, though I’m aware of things happening in schools.

If so where did you see or hear about this?

• NA

Did you think that this was effective?

• NA

How would you make it more effective?

• NA

Have you seen any adverts raising awareness of science? This could be from the Government or private organisations

• No

Do you think that the advertising of the sciences could be more effective?

• Probably, but…

If so, what would you suggest?

• …I wouldn’t know what to do about it

Does this advertising encourage you to engage with science?

• No, but I’m a practicing scientist irrespective.

Do you take part in science based activities in your spare time? E.g. making rockets or astronomy?

• In a manner of speaking. I race sailing dinghies as a hobby. This involves aspects of physics, fluid dynamics, materials technology, geometry and other aspects of recreational mathematics.

How did you get involved with this?

• Dad joined a club in 1985 and we’ve been sailing since.

Do you think that there is enough awareness about these leisure activities?

• No

Do you go to science museums or exhibitions?

• Once or twice a year. Would like to go more often.

If you do, do you think that these are engaging?

• Always

Do you think science museums or exhibitions are a good way to encourage people to study or work in science?

• Yes

Is there anything stopping you going to museums or exhibitions about science?

• Time