Headline Speakers

Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock is a scientist and broadcaster referred to as the BBC’s ‘face of space’. She is the presenter of the astronomical institution The Sky at Night, has fronted a number of space documentaries, and regularly appears on science and non-science programmes.

From a modest background and diagnosed with dyslexia, Maggie overcame the naysayers to study at Imperial College where she obtained her degree in Physics and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. After her studies, she toured the UK speaking to inner-city schools about what scientists do, why they do it, and how to be one with the aim of inspiring the next generation of physicists.

Since then, she has spent her career making novel, bespoke instrumentation in both the industrial and academic environments. These instruments have ranged from hand-held land mine detectors to an optical subsystem for the James Webb Space Telescope (the replacement for the Hubble space telescope). She has worked for the MoD on missile warning systems, and for aerospace giant EADS on a range of projects to monitor the earth’s atmosphere.

Maggie is a research fellow and an Honorary Research Associate at University College London, and continues to work to engage the public with science. She augments her ‘Tours of the Universe’ presentations to young and old with regular TV and radio appearances. As well as fronting The Sky at Night, Maggie has appeared in programmes including Stargazing Live, The Science of Doctor Who, and In Orbit: How Satellites Rule Our World.

Maggie has said the achievements of Neil Armstrong landing on the moon captured her imagination and drive to "get out there into space". In turn she has engaged school children around the world. She credits her deep passion for science as the tool that allowed her to break through social mobility barriers.

Maggie also tackles science education and public understanding, and women in science and engineering. She received an MBE for services to science and science education. Maggie is an engaging and passionate speaker. Her enthusiasm for science and learning is infectious.

Topic: Reaching for the stars

Theatre: Keynote

Date: 2nd October

Time: 11:45

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BBC News Presenter Ros Atkins has been labelled 'Explainer-in-Chief' and ‘The Facts Man’. His video explainer format has become a global phenomenon with huge audiences on social media and on the BBC's digital, TV and radio channels. The Sunday Times credited Ros with 'inventing a new genre of reporting'.

His show Ros Atkins On The Week, on BBC One and iPlayer, is a deep-dive analysis into the key stories of the week, weaving together common themes. Drawing on video evidence, data, documents, and interviews gathered, Ros establishes the facts to combat the ever-rising tide of disinformation and fake news. He’s the creator and presenter of Outside Source, which simulcasts in primetime on BBC News Channel in the UK, and on BBC World News. The programme is known for its in-depth explanation and analysis. He also co-presents The Media Show on BBC Radio 4.

Ros is the founder of the 50:50 Project. He started it in the BBC newsroom to support diverse representation in the BBC’s journalism. 50:50 now works across all BBC content, and the organisation has talked of how it’s ‘unleashed a surge of creativity and innovation’ and delivered a ‘transformation’ that is ‘long-term and sustainable’. Outside of the BBC, 50:50 has grown into a global initiative with over a hundred and thirty organisations in over thirty countries taking part from a variety of sectors. London Business School and Harvard Kennedy School have produced two studies looking at how Ros started the project and how he passed on the leadership of it.

A former DJ, Ros compiled a drum and bass mix for BBC Radio 6 Music, which went viral and led to widespread press coverage. He has made several documentaries including one that examined the relationship between tourist and host in Cornwall, Trinidad and Tobago and the Bahamas, the three places he spent his childhood.

In his book The Art of Explanation: How to Communicate with Clarity and Confidence, Ros shares the secrets he has learned from working in high-pressure newsrooms and identifies the ten elements of a good explanation and the seven steps you need to take to express yourself with clarity and impact.

Topic: The Art of Explanation- how to communicate with clarity and confidence

Theatre: Keynote

Date: 1st October

Time: 14:00

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