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Ms Wendy Sadler
(she/they)
MBE MSc FLSW FInstP
Teams and roles for Wendy Sadler
Reader
Head of Physics Education Research Group
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
2025
- Sadler, W. , Bartlett, S. and Dinmore, N. 2025. Effect of a role model-based show on the STEM aspirations of primary school students. Presented at: 7th Network Gender & STEM Conference Heidelberg, Germany 18-20 July 2024. Vol. 17.Vol. 1. , pp.44-63.
- Yhnell, E. and Sadler, W. 2025. A beginner’s guide to evidencing the impact of outreach. Biochemical Journal 47 (5), pp.28-33. (10.1042/bio_2025_143)
2024
- Bartlett, S. et al. 2024. The Curious Brain: Evaluation report. Project Report.Cardiff: Cardiff University.
2023
- Herman, C. , Kendall-Nicholas, J. and Sadler, W. 2023. People like me - Encouraging girls to see themselves in STEM careers. Presented at: 7th IUPAP International Conference on Women in Physics Online 11–16 July 2021. Published in: Foley, C. P. , Kane, D. M. and Turner, J. eds. Vol. 3040.American Institute of Physics. , pp.060006. (10.1063/5.0176062)
- Jordan, S. et al., 2023. Women in physics in the United Kingdom: Successes, challenges, and wider diversity. Presented at: 7th IUPAP International Conference on Women in Physics Online 11–16 July 2021. Published in: Foley, C. P. , Kane, D. M. and Turner, J. eds. Vol. 3040.American Institute of Physics. , pp.050041. (10.1063/5.0175698)
2021
- Sadler, W. J. 2021. Evaluating the short-term and long-term impact of an interactive science show. Research for All 5 (2), pp.399–419. (10.14324/RFA.05.2.14)
2018
- Sadler, W. 2018. Gender role models in STEM - inspiration or threat?. Presented at: STEM for Youth Milan, Italy 11 October 2018. STEM for Youth. , pp.8-13.
2017
- Sadler, W. 2017. Evaluating the long term impact of live science demonstrations in an interactive science show. Presented at: New Perspectives in Science Education Florence, Italy 16 – 17 March 2017. New Perspectives in Science Education. Vol. 7.Libreriauniversitaria.it.
2016
- Sadler, W. 2016. Why can't you believe everything you see?. In: Lorch, M. and Miah, A. eds. A Flash of Light: The science of light and colour. Royal Society of Chemistry. , pp.53-62.
Articles
- Sadler, W. J. 2021. Evaluating the short-term and long-term impact of an interactive science show. Research for All 5 (2), pp.399–419. (10.14324/RFA.05.2.14)
- Yhnell, E. and Sadler, W. 2025. A beginner’s guide to evidencing the impact of outreach. Biochemical Journal 47 (5), pp.28-33. (10.1042/bio_2025_143)
Book sections
- Sadler, W. 2016. Why can't you believe everything you see?. In: Lorch, M. and Miah, A. eds. A Flash of Light: The science of light and colour. Royal Society of Chemistry. , pp.53-62.
Conferences
- Herman, C. , Kendall-Nicholas, J. and Sadler, W. 2023. People like me - Encouraging girls to see themselves in STEM careers. Presented at: 7th IUPAP International Conference on Women in Physics Online 11–16 July 2021. Published in: Foley, C. P. , Kane, D. M. and Turner, J. eds. Vol. 3040.American Institute of Physics. , pp.060006. (10.1063/5.0176062)
- Jordan, S. et al., 2023. Women in physics in the United Kingdom: Successes, challenges, and wider diversity. Presented at: 7th IUPAP International Conference on Women in Physics Online 11–16 July 2021. Published in: Foley, C. P. , Kane, D. M. and Turner, J. eds. Vol. 3040.American Institute of Physics. , pp.050041. (10.1063/5.0175698)
- Sadler, W. 2017. Evaluating the long term impact of live science demonstrations in an interactive science show. Presented at: New Perspectives in Science Education Florence, Italy 16 – 17 March 2017. New Perspectives in Science Education. Vol. 7.Libreriauniversitaria.it.
- Sadler, W. 2018. Gender role models in STEM - inspiration or threat?. Presented at: STEM for Youth Milan, Italy 11 October 2018. STEM for Youth. , pp.8-13.
- Sadler, W. , Bartlett, S. and Dinmore, N. 2025. Effect of a role model-based show on the STEM aspirations of primary school students. Presented at: 7th Network Gender & STEM Conference Heidelberg, Germany 18-20 July 2024. Vol. 17.Vol. 1. , pp.44-63.
Monographs
- Bartlett, S. et al. 2024. The Curious Brain: Evaluation report. Project Report.Cardiff: Cardiff University.
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
Contact Details
+44 29208 76965
McKenzie House, Room 4th Floor, McKenzie House, 30-36 Newport Road, Cardiff, CF24 0DE
Research themes
Specialisms
- Acoustics
- science communication
- Outreach
- Public engagement
- researcher training
