Imperial student receives Early Career Physics Communicator Award

Jessica Wade and Prof Mark Miodownik

Jessica Wade has been recognised by the Institute of Physics (IOP), receiving the Early Career Physics Communicator Award.

Jessica is a final year PhD student in the Department of Physics at Imperial, working in the Nanoanalysis Group in the Centre for Plastic Electronics.

Jessica received the award in recognition for her outreach and public engagement work which has seen her visit over one hundred primary and secondary schools to talk to pupils about the world of physics.

Her work with the Green Light for Girls initiative recently saw her bring 200 12-16 year old girls to Imperial for a day of workshops, talks and activities as part of the programme’s work to encourage young girls to study science.

As well as her work with the IC Women in Physics Group, The STEMettes, and Imperial’s own Outreach team, Jessica also sits on the WISE Young Women’s Board. 

Jessica said: “I had an unfair head start compared to the other candidates – I work in the most inspirational place in the world. The Department of Physics at Imperial College London is home to some of the most exciting research of our time, and I’m only a very small part of it.

“I genuinely spend all of my spare time telling the public and next generation of scientists how awesome what me and my fellow researchers are up to, and trying to encourage them to join me.”

Jessica and the other finalists

Four candidates were shortlisted for the award, with each required to deliver a ten minute presentation on their communication endeavours to the IOP Physics Communicators Group judging panel.

The ceremony also included a talk from keynote speaker Mark Miodownik, Professor of Materials and also a popular broadcaster and writer.

David Smith, Chair of the IOP Physics Communicators Group, said: “This year’s four shortlisted finalists each gave excellent presentations about their different physics communication endeavours covering engagement with a wide variety of different audiences.

“It was particularly encouraging to see activities designed to communicate with people not already interested in science and the strong emphasis in all the presentations on encouraging women to study science.

“The judges and the rest of the audience look forward to seeing what all four finalists go on to do next!”