British woman physicist wins international award
Physics News
07 March 2007
Wendy Sadler, the founder of the innovative science communication company Science made simple has won the Descartes Prize for Excellence in Science Communication. Given by the European Commission, these awards have been dubbed the European Union’s own Nobel Prizes - previous winners include Sir David Attenborough and Bill Bryson.
The Institute of Physics, who nominated Wendy for the award in the Innovation Action category, has already acknowledged Wendy’s skills by making her “Young physicist of the year” in 2005.
Wendy, who received her prize at a ceremony in Brussels today, March 8 2007, said: “To be following in the footsteps of inspirational communicators such as Sir David Attenborough and Bill Bryson is incredibly exciting and an acknowledgement of what we have achieved as a small business over the last few years.”
Wendy started Science made simple in 2002 as a spin-out company from Cardiff University’s School of Physics and Astronomy. Now with three staff they use a range of innovative methods to communicate their message that science is something everyone can enjoy.
As well as their core work of delivering spectacular and entertaining shows such as Cartoon Science and Bubbles and Balloons in schools, the team has contributed to science television programmes on ITV, BBC and Channel 4, 19 children’s books and regular radio appearances.
They also act as consultants to the Research Councils and provide training to scientists. The company has broken new ground in offering career opportunities in science communication.
The Descartes Prizes, awarded by the’s Directorate-General for Research are regarded as the ultimate accolade for those involved in communicating science. As a Descartes Laureate, Wendy wins a share of a 250,000 euro prize fund.