School of Education, University College Dublin, Dublin, A94 CT92, Ireland

I am a physicist and an associate professor in science education at University College Dublin.

My work focuses on informal science learning; education policy development, and public engagement in science. In recent years, I have published children’s science books that value play and creativity; produced a podcast series (The Trust Race) about scandals and controversies that have impacted trust in science; and created several informal science and arts education programmes, such as Quavers to Quadratics – where children play with ideas common to science and music. I lead a research group of PhD students and post-doctoral researchers with funding from the European Commission (Horizon Europe & Marie Curie Actions); and the Irish Government (Research Ireland & the Higher Education Authority).

I have a particular interest in developing trust in science. As well as underpinning many of my current research projects, it drives sustained engagement with media. I enjoy regular slots on RTE radio and Newstalk FM. I have hosted live TV shows from UCD and created a podcast series. Similarly, the informal education ('outreach') programmes I have created focus on people doing science in hands-on and accessible ways. Finally, my teaching at UCD includes a 'Why Trust Science?' module that's open to students from all disciplines.