Congratulations to Dr Becky Smethurst - awarded IoPs Mary Somerville Medal
Dr Becky Smethurst (Department of Physics) has been awarded the Mary Somerville Medal for exceptional early career contributions to public engagement within physics in recognition of the success of her YouTube channel, Dr Becky.
Dr Becky Smethurst from the Department of Physics has been awarded the Mary Somerville Medal. The medal, awarded for exceptional early career contributions to public engagement within physics, is in recognition of the success of her YouTube channel, Dr Becky.
According to the IOP, the Dr Becky channel engages ‘a diverse, global audience with complex astrophysical ideas presented at an accessible level with a large dose of enthusiasm.’ The channel has some 175,000 subscribers and her weekly videos have clocked up more than 9 million views. Covering topics from dark matter to what it actually means to be an astrophysicist, Becky researches, produces and edits videos on a weekly basis alongside her research.
‘I started the channel so I could share my enthusiasm for what I do as an astrophysicist,’ she explains. ‘I want to inspire young people to think about following a career in science and I want to make the science that I study accessible to all. I am incredibly honoured to be awarded the Mary Somerville medal; my YouTube channel is a real labour of love for me and it is fantastic to have it recognised in this way.’
What to read next
Standing up for Science workshop for, Tues 17 Nov, deadline 26 Oct
22 October 2020
Early career researchers can find out how to make your voice heard in public debates about science and evidence with this training from Sense about Science's Voice of Young Science programme, featuring media-engaged researchers, policy-makers and journalists.
The Oxford Sparks Advisory Board is recruiting new ECR members!
26 October 2020
The Oxford Sparks Advisory Board is looking for two Early Career Researchers (ECRs) to join its team. If you are a DPhil student or post-doctoral researcher enthusiastic about public engagement with research, APPLY NOW!
British Science Association Award Lectures, deadline 3 December
26 October 2020
Every year the British Science Association asks for applications for the seven Award Lectureships available to early career academics who are skilled at engaging people with their research. These Award Lectures aim to promote open and informed discussion of science and related disciplines.