A University of Lancashire Professor has received a global award in recognition of his efforts to engage the public with science.
Robert Walsh, Professor of Solar Physics, was honoured with the Global Triple E Science Communication Special Recognition Award by the Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities (ACEEU), which celebrate entrepreneurship and engagement in higher education from around the world and across a host of categories.
The Science Communication Award “recognises innovative approaches to promoting science literacy, inspiring curiosity, and fostering a deeper public appreciation for science and its role in society.” For a Special Recognition Award, nominees are deemed to be outstanding communicators of their discipline.
I have always been a strong advocate of making science accessible to all and I see science communication as central to being an academic.– Professor of Solar Physics Robert Walsh
Robert was acknowledged for his ‘SUN and Superheroes’ public engagement projects, with the Awards judges describing his work as “going beyond common practice in the field” and being a “true example of excellence.”
On SUN, Robert worked with artist Alex Rinsler to create and showcase a large-scale art-science installation that reveals ten weeks in the life of our closest star in a mere 12.5 minutes, with smoke effects mimicking the turbulent outer atmosphere. With complementary engagement programmes, SUN has worked with diverse venues across the UK and Europe, bringing STEM outreach to those that would not necessarily show interest in science. From local exhibitions in Blackpool then onto venues across the UK and to further afield as Belgium, this project is estimated to have reached around 65,000 people worldwide since 2019.
‘Unmasked: The Science of Superheroes’ is based around a not-for-profit popular science book. Robert worked with six University of Lancashire colleagues to reveal the scientific realities behind comic book legends and blockbusting movie icons, exploring how real-world research can be just as exciting as the explosive adventures presented on our cinema screens. Thanks to backing by the UK Research and Innovation Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) more than 7,000 copies of the book were distributed to over 3,600 libraries across the UK.
[Robert] has a remarkable ability to make science captivating and accessible, sparking curiosity and inspiring people of all ages to explore and engage with the world around them– Professor Thorsten Kliewe Thorsten, Chair of ACEEU
“It is a real honour to be recognised in this way on a global stage” Robert said. “I have always been a strong advocate of making science accessible to all and I see science communication as central to being an academic. It is vital that we engage directly with a variety of audiences, not expect them to come to us. And I have had the privilege to work alongside some amazing colleagues as we explore together and comprehend our place in space.”
Professor Thorsten Kliewe Thorsten, Chair of ACEEU, said: “This award recognises contributions that showcase the importance of science for our future, and Robert’s work truly embodies that vision. He has a remarkable ability to make science captivating and accessible, sparking curiosity and inspiring people of all ages to explore and engage with the world around them. His creativity, passion, and commitment set a powerful example, and we look forward to seeing how he continues to mentor and inspire the next generation of scientific communicators."
Photo caption - Professor Robert Walsh receives his Triple E Award from the CEO of ACEEU, Dr Lina Landinez
