Young Glasgow researcher named as one of 175 Faces of Chemistry
Published: 5 July 2013
A University of Glasgow PhD student has been honoured for his contributions to the field of chemistry.
A University of Glasgow PhD student has been honoured for his contributions to the field of chemistry.
Jamie Gallagher, a final-year chemistry and engineering PhD student, has been chosen as one of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s ‘175 Faces of Chemistry’ in recognition of his work as a science communicator. The 175 Face of Chemistry project showcases some of the most important past, present and future contributors to chemistry.
Jamie’s PhD work at the University, supported by a Kelvin Smith Scholarship, focuses on thermoelectronics, technology which can turn waste heat into electricity.
He also writes and presents entertaining and educational shows about science, and has performed at science festivals in Cheltenham, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh, as well as presenting at schools and universities and working with broadcasters.
He has won numerous awards, including the first prize in the Scottish heat of the Famelab 2012 competition, which aims to find the UK’s best science communicators. His most recent show, ‘Periodic Success’, offers a guided tour of the chemical elements.
Jamie, 27, said: “It’s a tremendous honour to be chosen as one of the 175 Faces of Chemistry. I’m very pleased and proud to have even been nominated.
“When I get excited about a topic, I want to talk about it, and science communication gives me the chance to share my enthusiasm. A lot of people think that they can’t relate to science and engineering, but it’s really because they haven’t had information presented to them in a way they can engage with. I’m also very keen with addressing the issue of gender inequality; it’s not unusual for me to meet girls who feel that science is not for them and it’s vital to do everything we can to ensure that anyone who could develop an interest in science be encouraged to do so as early and as often as possible.
“I think it’s also very important for scientists to engage with the public because the work we do is very often funded by public money, and it’s vital for us to give them the chance to see how the funding is being used.
In addition to his PhD research and science outreach work, Jamie is also a keen salsa dancer and teacher.
175 Faces of Chemistry recognises outstanding chemical scientists who represent diversity in the broadest sense; have contributed, or may contribute, to shaping the chemical sciences; and can be identified as role models, champions or ambassadors to a diverse future generation of scientists.
Over the 175 weeks leading up to the RSC's 175th anniversary on the 23 February 2016, 175 ambassadors and role models for future generations of scientists will be featured.
Read more about Jamie at the Royal Society of Chemistry’s website at http://www.rsc.org/diversity/175-faces/all-faces/jamie-gallagher
ENDS
For more information contact Ross Barker in the University of Glasgow Media Relations Office on 0141 330 3535 or email ross.barker@glasgow.ac.uk
First published: 5 July 2013
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