Ali J. Birkett
Science Events Developer @Edinburgh Science
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WORK HISTORY
Science Events Developer @Edinburgh Science
Edinburgh, GB
Researching and creating science communication and engagement events for adult and family audiences. • Developing hands-on science engagement activities and live demonstrations for adult, teenage and family audiences in the UK and overseas• Working within multi-disciplinary teams to create exciting and inspiring sell-out evening events for adults• Collaborating with STEAM professionals and partner organisations from industry and research• Creating flagship exhibitions \"Spaceship Earth\" 2025,\"Growing Home: A New World of Materials\" 2024 and \"Experimental Life\" 2023, each bringing science to science festival visitors. This includes managing budgets, coordinating with sponsors and leading staff teams• Developing and delivering bespoke science engagement and communication training • Researching and sharing the fascinating stories beyond scientific discoveries and innovations• Building partnerships and co-developing projects with community groups including those from highly unrepresented backgrounds• Contributing to funding applications and strengthening partnerships with sponsors
EDUCATION
University of Stirling
BSc Conservation Science
University of Guelph
Exchange student for a semester as part of BSc at University of Stirling
University of Reading
MSc Wildlife Management and Conservation
Lancaster University
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ecology
SKILLS
ABOUT ALI J. BIRKETT
Infinitely curious, with two decades of experience discovering and communicating STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) stories. Passionate about knowledge exchange and excited by new challenges, I transitioned from academic field research to full-time science communication in 2017. Working with inspiring teams, career highlights include coordinating projects for audiences of thousands at world-famous Glastonbury Festival and Edinburgh Science Festival. Though I still live in my hiking boots whenever I can!Skills and experience include:• Developing and delivering interactive science exploration activities, shows and exhibitions for families, schools and science centres in the UK and overseas• Designing innovative ‘science nights out’ events for adults• Providing communication training and content consultancy• Leading knowledge exchange and event co-creation with industry, third-sector, research and community partners• Creating resources for teachers and community groups• Managing conferences and academic events (in person and online)• Leading staff / volunteer teams• Social media and website content creation• Media appearances including live BBC Radio and TV interviews• Acting as the interface between projects, contributors, researchers and university press offices• Evaluating impact and supporting university REF (Research Excellence Framework) returns• Managing logistics, reporting and budget control• Providing admin support to management committees and leading working groupsAwards:• 2025 – Engineering Matters Silver Community Champion award (Future Farming STEM outreach project, Edinburgh Science & Royal Academy of Engineering)• 2022 – Lancaster Environment Centre \'Colleagues of the Year\' award (science communication and engagement)• 2016 – British Ecological Society Public Engagement AwardMy academic research focused on the natural world—how living things interact with their environment, what they need to thrive and what they give back. I’m interested in how they respond to change and what this means for the planet, people and communities. I’ve studied dung beetles (PhD 2010–2014), butterflies (Research Assistant 2009–2010; MSc 2007–2008) and forest soils (Postdoc 2016–2017; Technician 2014–2016), with a fascination for farming and land management.#SciComm #PublicEngagement #Research #Creative#Ecology #Biogeography #Farming #Outdoors
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