NCL Discover: Through Space and Time
Did you know that some of the earliest ideas around ‘island universes’ (now known as galaxies) and the mysterious ‘dark matter’ were developed in the North East of England?
Join this month's Newcastle Discover webinar to explore a project, led by a team at Newcastle University, on how the North East of England has played a major role in the historical development of astronomy research, telescope design and telescope manufacture.
You'll also learn how the region continues to design and manufacture components for the biggest and best astronomical observatories in the world (both those on the ground, and those in space!).
Dr Chris Harrison
Chris Harrison holds a Future Leaders Fellowship, which he uses to lead a team of astrophysicists studying galaxies and supermassive black holes at Newcastle University. Before arriving at Newcastle in 2020, he worked at the headquarters of the European Southern Observatory in Germany.
In addition to his astronomy research, Chris works extensively on improving access to astronomy through developing public engagement and educational resources. He leads the Audio Universe project, which is a multi-disciplinary project to develop methods to represent astronomical data through sound. This aims to make astronomy more accessible to those who have low vision, as well as making more engaging and immersive experiences for all.
Chris has also developed multiple science exhibitions, planetarium shows, and co-ordinated international science communication projects.
Dr Vicky Fawcett
Vicky Fawcett is a research associate with the Astrophysics and Observational Cosmology group at Newcastle University. She arrived in the group after completing her PhD in 2022 at Durham University. Her research is about understanding the properties and evolution of supermassive black holes, and the role that they play in the evolution of galaxies. She uses telescopes from around the world to achieve this.
Vicky is passionate about sharing astronomy research and discoveries as widely as possible. She has won multiple awards for her work promoting science to young people and encouraging underrepresented groups into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Dr Holly Middleton-Spencer
Holly Middleton-Spencer is a research associate in Theoretical Physics at Birmingham University modelling vortices in extra-dimensional space, having recently finished her PhD at Newcastle University, where she modelled turbulence at ultra-cold temperatures.
During her PhD she discovered a proclivity for the History of Mathematics and Physics, with a focus on the mathematical and astronomical achievements in the ancient Middle East.
She has won awards for her writings on disseminating research level Physics to a general audience and on the history of science.