What is it like being a scientist?
Being a scientist is hard work but very rewarding, not knowing what you will find out can be very exciting.
What inspired you to become a scientist?
When I left school (with nothing more than a few ‘O’ levels), I went to work in a laboratory as a junior technician. That made me see just how exciting being a scientist would be and I made my way from there.
What is the best thing about being a scientist/ your job?
Being a scientist is one of the most privileged jobs anyone can have. I have spent my career being paid to do things I would have done for fun!!
If you could go back in time which scientist would you like to meet and what would you ask them?
I would have to choose Darwin, and I would ask him just how he managed to develop his theories against the widely held opposing views of the day?
What do you do in your free time?
Socialise with friends enjoying the theatre, eating out and visiting gardens and sites for bird watching.
What is the first science you remember doing?
When I did the ‘science foundation course’ with the Open University and used the ‘home experiment kit’ to work out the value of acceleration due to gravity using only a ball and sloping table.
What advice would you give a school child who is interested in science?
This is difficult but I would say stick at it, getting good results in science exams may be hard work but it will open up the opportunity to get higher qualifications and a career in science.
What’s the funniest/strangest/most surprising experience you have had in your career?
Probably when having become President of the Royal Entomological Society I discovered that I had volunteered to wade knee deep in the river Wandle to help school children identify invertebrates as part of National Insect Week.
What discovery or invention could you really not live without?
The radio, I have it on all of the time when I am at home (Radio 4)
What do you think is the most important thing yet to be discovered/invented?
A renewable and sustainable source of power.