Professor Robert Walsh is a world-leading expert on the analysis of space-based solar observations coupled to computational modelling of the Sun. He has always viewed science communication as central to his academic career; with over 80 public lectures, he has many years’ experiences in initiating, developing and delivering outreach activities to a wide range of audiences. Here, two recent impactful public engagement projects are highlighted.
Firstly, there is SUN, a collaboration instigated by Walsh with artist Alex Rinsler. It is a large-scale art-science installation consisting of a 7m diameter, suspended, projection sphere presenting space-based solar observations. This stunning 3D display reveals ten weeks in the life of the Sun in a mere 12.5 minutes, with smoke effects mimicking the turbulent outer atmosphere. With complementary engagement programmes, SUN has worked with diverse venues across the UK and Europe, bringing STEM outreach to audiences that would not necessarily show interest in science. Since 2019, SUN has been experienced by over 65,000 visitors, to overwhelmingly positive reviews and national/international acclaim.
Secondly, Walsh leads the initiative “Unmasked: The Science of Superheroes” which is based around not-for-profit popular science book. Co-written by Walsh with six university colleagues, the project reveals the scientific realities behind comic book legends and blockbusting movie icons. Drawing on Physics, Computing, Engineering, Mathematics, Biology and Psychology, it explores how real-world research can be just as intriguing as the explosive events presented on our cinema screens.
Walsh has held a Leadership Fellow in Public Engagement from UK STFC while in 2001, the Royal Institution gave him the title of “Scientist of the New Century”. In 2005, the British Association for the Advancement of Science presented him with the Lord Kelvin Award for Physical Sciences, while in 2021, Walsh received the Annie Maunder Medal for Astronomy Outreach by the Royal Astronomical Society.
