Thomas Gill
The University of Leeds’ public engagement team began a new programme in 2023 to encourage and nurture research outreach with the public called the ‘Be Curious Fellowship’. The team provides funding, training, resources and connections to facilitate outreach activities for successful applicants. This year (2023/24), I am one of the 7 recipients of the fellowship! I plan to use the fellowship to develop a range of outreach activities themed around laser science and communications that can be used at science festivals and school outreach sessions.
What drives your passion for public engagement?
I was lucky enough to have a great electronic engineering teacher at high school who inspired me to take it at university, which eventually led me to my current career as a researcher. I likewise hope to inspire students to consider a pathway into STEM from a young age by showing them the fun, practical aspects, which may not be taught in their regular studies.
Where do your ideas for public engagement activities come from?
Some of them come from adapting the fun activities I do day-to-day in the laser labs (e.g., designing and building laser system, using spectroscopy to identify mystery samples), whilst others come from workshopping ideas with other members of the TeraCom consortium and the research group at the University of Leeds.
What’s next?
After the success of the school visit to our labs in 2023, and our stall at the Be Curious Festival 2024, we are planning to work with another school group later this year and after that, we are considering what other science festivals to apply for in 2025.