A new appointee at Aberdeen University has been charged with inspiring a new generation of scientists.
Ken Skeldon has joined the university as science promoter to expand its public outreach programmes. He will also advise researchers about the best ways to communicate their science to non-experts.
Dr Skeldon, who graduated in maths and physics from Glasgow University before conducting research in technology applications within the NHS, has held fellowships at the Royal Society of Edinburgh, the Institute of Physics and the National Endowment of Science, Technology and Arts. He is an expert at using spectacular demonstrations to make science entertaining.
Dr Skeldon said that researchers were best placed to engage the public and inspire the next generation of scientists.