Over recent months, I have been sharing my science stories with the general public. Sci-Bars have the great benefit of being as fully accessible, free, open forum for scientists to have a pint and share their expertise with interested members of the public. I think its a great opportunity to sharpen your story, as well as growing public understanding of hot science topics.

I've done 4 Sci-Bar talks in different towns so far, - each unique in terms of audience size, knowledge, and willingness to learn. I've come across Chemistry professors, industry experts, beer-lovers and anti-vaxxers alike. I speak about my time establishing a national Covid testing facility; the commitment of  other UK life science leaders to establishing the vaccine access and investment programme; and the learning from lipid nanoparticle success for Covid vaccines that is increasing confidence in the next generation of drug delivery technologies for cancer, infection and neuroscience.

People ask me all kinds of questions about cancer medicines, vaccine safety, big Pharma, the role of age in infection vulnerability, and so on. Some have drunk from the online misinformation well; most are curious to better understand science and health. 

Its a privilege to work as a scientist, to be part of a global effort to enhance health and wellbeing. I would encourage you all to think about new ways to share the excitement,. the knowledge, and the facts with your friends, families, local schools and wider community. It's pretty different from trying to impress your peers with some sexy new piece of data - clarity, humour, analogies, and patience are all a great help. And there is usually a free beer to be had at the end!