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Wendy Sadler   MBE MSc FLSW FInstP

Ms Wendy Sadler

(she/they)

MBE MSc FLSW FInstP

Senior Lecturer
Physics Education Research Group

School of Physics and Astronomy

Email
SadlerWJ@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 29208 76965
Campuses
McKenzie House, Room 4th Floor, McKenzie House, 30-36 Newport Road, Cardiff, CF24 0DE

Overview

I am a lecturer in science communication and education in the School of Physics and Astronomy and I am passionate about enthusing the public about physics and engineering. I also run the award-winning social enterprise, Science made simple which is a Cardiff University spin-out company.

I have written 19 popular science books and am a trained public speaker to LAMDA Grade 8 level.

My research interests are:

  • Gender and STEM
  • The use of role models
  • Measuring the impact of informal learning experiences
  • The use of performance and theatre to communicate science

Publication

2023

2021

2018

2017

2016

Articles

Book sections

Conferences

Biography

I graduated from Cardiff University in 1994 with a BSc in Physics and Music and intentions of becoming a sound engineer.  Instead, I began working for Techniquest science centre and caught the science communication bug whilst presenting in the Science Theatre.  After a short stint as a presenter in Australia I became Education Manager at Techniquest and appeared as a regular presenter on three series ofthe ITV Wales programme, "What on Earth" In 2002 I was appointed as the first woman - and youngest person ever - to deliver the Institute of Physics National Schools Lecture tour.

In 2002 I established 'Science made simple' to help translate the complexities of science to engage a wider public. The company reaches around 50,000 people a year with its innovative approach. Thei nteractive shows they offer are a blend of popular culture,entertainment and education. In 2004 I was voted "Welsh Woman ofthe Year" and given the WISE* excellence award for helping to promote science to girls and women. In 2005 the Institute of Physics named her "Young Professional Physicist of the year" and in 2007 I was named as a Laureate in the EU Descartes Prize for ScienceCommunication - a prize formerly won by both David Attenborough and Bill Bryson!

I was part of the first ever all-female team on Channel 4's Scrapheap Challenge programme and has also run over a tank of slime live on the former BBC Tomorrows' World programme!

I completed a Masters in Science Communication with the Open University and am now an honorary lecturer there. In 2017 I was awarded the IOP Lord Kelvin Medal for the promotion of Physics and an MBE in the Queen's Birthday honours for services to science communication. In 2023 I was elected as a Fellow to the Learned Society of Wales.

*Women into Science, Engineering and Construction

Honours and awards

  • 2023 - Elected Fellow to Learned Society of Wales
  • 2017 - MBE in Queen's Birthday Honours (services to science and engineering communication)
  • 2017 - Institute of Physics William Thomson, Lord Kelvin Medal and Prize
  • 2015 - Leading Wales Award for Social Enterprise
  • 2009 - Royal Academy of Engineering medal for the Public Promotion of Engineering
  • 2008 - UK RC Woman of Outstanding Achievement Award
  • 2007 - Descartes Prize for Excellence in Science Communication
  • 2007 - Institute of Acoustics' Award for Promoting Acoustics to the Public
  • 2005 - Institute of physics Young Professional Physicist of the Year Award
  • 2004 - Women in Science and Engineering Excellence Award
  • 2004 - Welsh Woman of the Year (Science and Technology)

Professional memberships

  • Fellow of the Institute of Physics
  • Fellow of the ERA
  • Honorary Fellow of Trinity St David's University

Committees and reviewing

  • Former member of the Science Advisory Council for Wales
  • Member of the Cross Party Group on STEMM (Welsh Government)
  • Member of the Women in STEM board for Welsh Government
  • Reviewer for National Science Grants for public engagement in Luxembourg (FNR)
  • Grant reviewer RAEng, STFC
  • Journal reviewer JCOM, Gender in STEM