Arwyn Tomos Jones

Professor Jones discusses his engagement work.

I have found my experiences of public engagement in science to be hugely rewarding.

Whether this is through trying to ignite a spark for science in the head of a small child, explaining complex cell biology to an adult or through interviews on radio and TV. Through these experiences I have had the privilege of meeting some wonderful people from all walks of life, either as part of outreach teams or with the public that we have interacted with.

Setting up outreach exhibitions is a perfect opportunity to explain to the public why you think science - especially your own science - is important. Your capacity to do research is largely funded by the people you interact with. I feel we have a duty to explain to them what we are doing with their money; public engagement is a great way of doing this.