Alex Newbold

PhD Researcher in the Department of Physics

What do you do?

I’m a PhD in the physics department and I love learning about how things really work! I have a MPhys from the University of Bath, where I was quite happy to learn that you can actually get paid to just learn things, which was fine by me. I especially enjoy working with all the bright and capable people you find in universities and find this one of the most fulfilling parts of the job.   

How are you involved in this area of science? 

I am the city coordinator for Pint of Science, a nationwide series of talks by researchers, lecturers and students from across the university and industry,  delivered to approximately 300 guests over three nights in pubs across Durham city. We are a team of 15 or so volunteers that all enjoy talking to the public about science, though sometimes they ask some tricky questions! 

I am also one of the lead volunteers for the What Is Stuff Made Of? (WISMO) scheme based out of the condensed matter section of the physics department. This initiative involves visiting primary schools across County Durham, with a focus on schools in remote or distant areas that may not get as much contact with universities. We have activities that centre around using the senses to investigate materials and talking about how science is a viable career choice for just about everybody!  

What do you love about this topic?

I find the nitty-gritty details of science fascinating, and being able to talk about that (not to mention, talking about my own work) to people who are generally not exposed to science discussion is incredibly rewarding. I think that whatever merit research has is drastically reduced if you can’t talk about it with laypeople, and these outside perspectives often mean that the questions you get are the most fundamental and insightful.  

How does this work deliver real-world impact?

Communicating the value of the many aspects of science is an ever-increasing challenge in the face of developing misinformation, distrust and the partitioning of science and society. Encouraging and nurturing interests in science is always rewarding, whether that’s from a pupil in primary school or a retiree. The WISMO project has allowed us to reach areas that have been traditionally overlooked – some village schools may have no prior university links. Informing pupils about prospects for science careers has been eagerly received and they’re always interested in what else we can show them, or better still what they can learn for themselves.

Find out more:

• Learn more about Pint of Science
• Find out more about our What is stuff made of project