PhD student to become voice for UK science and engineering campaign

Owen Rackham

Press release issued: 9 August 2010

A PhD student has been chosen to lead a nationwide campaign communicating the impact of science, engineering and maths on our everyday lives.

Owen Rackham, a PhD student in the Bristol Centre for Complexity Sciences, will attend festivals and events around the country as part of NOISE (New Outlooks In Science & Engineering), a UK-wide campaign funded by the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

Owen will also be talking to the public about his own research, which examines whether it is possible to re-programme our cells. His work could help grow new organs for transplants and reduce the risk of donor organ rejection and help alleviate the symptoms of diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Owen said: “I’ve always been passionate about science, so having the opportunity to spread the word about the importance of my research to people who might not have heard about it is fantastic.

“It’s really important that the UK maintains its position as a world-leader when it comes to innovation in science and engineering.

“Joining NOISE will give me the chance to demonstrate to the public how fascinating and important science and engineering can be. Hopefully the enthusiasm will rub off on the people of Bristol and beyond, and encourage other people to pursue a career in science.”

Further information about the campaign is available on the NOISE website.

Further information

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is the UK’s main agency for funding research in engineering and the physical sciences. The EPSRC invests around £800 million a year in research and postgraduate training, to help the nation handle the next generation of technological change. The areas covered range from information technology to structural engineering, and mathematics to materials science. This research forms the basis for future economic development in the UK and improvements for everyone’s health, lifestyle and culture. EPSRC also actively promotes public awareness of science and engineering. EPSRC works alongside other Research Councils with responsibility for other areas of research. The Research Councils work collectively on issues of common concern via Research Councils UK.

Please contact Caroline Clancy for further information.