Jim Al-Khalili Meets…

Jim Al-Khalili Meets… Prof. Jim Al-Khalili OBE Professor of Physics, University of Surrey Jim Al-Khalili is a Professor of Physics and Professor of Public Engagement in Science based at the University of Surrey, as well as an author and broadcaster. Jim obtained his PhD from the University of Surrey in 1989 and then spent two years doing post-doctoral work at University College London. In 1991, Jim returned to the University of Surrey and was appointed as a lecturer in 1992. In 2001 Jim was promoted to senior lecturer and was promoted again in 2006 to a personal chair in Physics along with a new chair in Public Engagement in Science. Jim’s research has mainly focused on theoretical nuclear physics, where he has published widely. As well as conducting research, Jim also teaches undergraduate courses and is the departmental admissions tutor. He is active as a science communicator and has written a number of popular science books, between them translated into over twenty languages. He is a regular presenter of TV science documentaries, including the Bafta nominated Chemistry: A Volatile History, and presents the weekly Radio 4 programme, The Life Scientific. He is a recipient of the Royal Society Michael Faraday medal and the Institute of Physics Kelvin Medal. Panellists from all faculties Prof Alf Adams Distinguished Professor of Physics, FEPS, University of Surrey Distinguished Professor Alf Adams has been based at the University of Surrey since 1967, after spending two years at the University of Karlsruhe, following the completion of his PhD at the University of Leicester in 1964. Alf is best known for inventing the strained quantum-well laser, an invention that was named as one of the top ten greatest UK scientific breakthroughs of all time. The laser is used by all of us in devices such as DVD players, supermarket checkouts, medical technology and broadband internet. In 1995 Alf was awarded the Duddell Medal and Prize by the Institute of Physics and in 1996 he was elected Fellow of the Royal Society. Within his role at the University of Surrey, Alf leads Optoelectronic Materials and Devices Research Group. Alf’s main research interests are currently based on the physics of semiconductor lasers and optical amplifiers and modulators. Prior to this, Alf’s work was focused on III-V semiconductors; this is now the sole focus of one of the research groups within the University. Prof Eugene Sadler-Smith Professor of Organisational Behaviour, FBEL, University of Surrey Eugene Sadler-Smith is Professor of Organisational Behaviour at the Surrey Business School, University of Surrey. Eugene studied for his PhD part-time at the University of Birmingham between 1988 and 1992, whilst also working in Human Resources for British Gas plc. Upon completion of his doctorate, Eugene took up his first academic post in 1994 at the University of Plymouth where he became Associate Dean for Research (2001-2003). Eugene joined the University of Surrey in December 2003. In his role at Surrey, Eugene is head of the People and Organizations subject group in Surrey Business School. Eugene’s main research interest focuses on the role that intuition plays in the management of business organizations; he has published numerous journal articles, books, book chapters and conference papers on this and related subjects. He is the Editor-in-Chief of Management Learning and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Prof. Debra Skene Professor of Neuroendocrinology, FHMS, University of Surrey Professor Debra Skene is based in the Faculty of Health and Medical sciences at the University of Surrey. She has over 25 years of research experience studying the human circadian timing system and has authored over 100 research publications. Debra and her team's research is directed towards characterisation and treatment of circadian rhythm disorders as experienced by blind people, shift workers and older people. Her team’s findings have led to the optimisation of melatonin (dose, time of administration) and light (wavelength, time of administration) to affect the human circadian clock. Debra is currently a Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit Award Holder. She is also currently Vice-President (Basic) of the European Sleep Research Society (ESRS) and Vice-President of the European Biological Rhythms Society (EBRS). Debra is also the co-director of Stockgrand Ltd., a university based company that specialises in the measurement of melatonin and other rhythm markers. Dr Milton Mermikides Composer, Performer, Producer, FAHS, University of Surrey Doctor Milton Mermikides is a composer, performer and producer based at the University of Surrey. Milton lectures on a wide range of topics including popular music harmony, world music and studio techniques. As well as lecturing, Milton also supervises PhD students working on jazz, popular and electracoustic musicology, analysis, composition and performance. As well as his role as a lecturer and PhD supervisor at the University of Surrey, Milton is also Professor of Jazz Guitar at the Royal College of Music and an external examiner at the Academy of Contemporary Music. Milton has worked with a wide range of recognised artists including Tim Minchin and Steve Winwood. He has performed for the Queen and his compositions and playing have been used on BBC1, Channel Four, BBC Radio 1 and many more TV and radio channels. Milton’s theme tunes for various different podcasts are heard by over 10,000 listeners a week. In terms of his research, Milton has collaborated with both the Wellcome Trust and the Science Museum. Milton’s work has resulted in numerous installations and screenings and he has published several papers. As well as receiving awards for his writing and educational work, Milton has also received rewards for his charity work, raising funds for Leukaemia charities, following his own diagnosis and battle with the disease in 2004. .

Load more