Professor Robert Walsh is a world-leading expert on the analysis of space-based solar observations. Walsh has always viewed science communication as central to being an academic with decades of experience initiating, developing and delivering outreach activities to a variety of audiences. Two recent impactful public engagement projects are highlighted. Firstly, there is SUN, a collaboration between Walsh and artist Alex Rinsler. It is a large-scale art-science installation consisting of a suspended, projection sphere presenting satellite 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 those that would not necessarily show interest in science. Secondly, Walsh led the initiative “Unmasked: The Science of Superheroes”, based around a 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, exploring how real-world research can be just as exciting as the explosive adventures presented on our cinema screens. Walsh has held a UKRI Leadership Fellowship in Public Engagement 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 Outreach from the Royal Astronomical Society.

Professor Robert Walsh
Associate Pro Vice Chancellor
University of Lancashire



Alex Rinsler
Artist
SUN Team



Netty Miles
SUN Production Manager
SUN Team



Bartosz Dylewski
SUN Technical Lead
SUN Team



Charlotte Proverbs
Researcher
SUN Team



Simon Ebo
Researcher
SUN Team



Sarita Robinson
Associate Dean (Psychology)
Science of Superheroes,  University of Lancashire



Catherine Tennick
Senior lecturer (Forensic Science)
Science of Superheroes,  University of Lancashire



Adam Wilcox
Associate lecturer (Forensic Science)
Science of Superheroes,  University of Lancashire



Matthew Dickinson
Senior lecturer (Engineering)
Science of Superheroes,  University of Lancashire



Nicky Danino
Head of School (Computer Science)
Science of Superheroes,  Leeds Trinity University



Sylvy Anscombe
Researcher (Mathematics)
Science of Superheroes,  Université Paris Cité

University of Lancashire
The University of Lancashire (previously the University of Central Lancashire or UCLan) in Preston was founded in 1828 and has grown into one of the UK’s largest universities with a staff and student community approaching 38,000. As a truly global institution, Lancashire’s student body includes 120 nationalities, and its partnership network extends to 125 countries. In particular, the institution’s Jeremiah Horrocks Institute for Mathematics, Physics and Astronomy pursues research into the astrophysics of planets, stars, galaxies and the Universe through a wide range of international ground-based and space-based observatories.

UK Research and Innovation: Science and Technologies Facilities Council (UKRI STFC)
UKRI works in partnership with universities, research organisations, businesses, charities, and government to create the best possible environment for research and innovation to flourish across the UK. STFC is part of UKRI and is responsible for funding UK research in the areas of particle physics, nuclear physics, space science and astronomy.

Arts Council England
Arts Council England champions, develops and invests in artistic and cultural experiences that enrich people's lives. They support activities across the arts, museums and libraries – from theatre to digital art, reading to dance, music to literature, and crafts to collections.

Pufferfish
Edinburgh-based Pufferfish are pioneers and market leaders in spherical projection technology.

Lightpool Festival
The Lightpool Festival was launched in Blackpool in 2016, a festival of light and fire to celebrate the grand tradition of the Illluminations, which have brought families to the town for more than 100 years.

Light Up Lancaster
Light Up Lancaster has illuminated the city of Lancaster since 2012, a weekend festival of art and light incorporating the city’s annual firework event.

UCLan Publishing
UCLan Publishing has a very different approach to publishing books! As an independent publisher based in Preston, Lancashire, we strive continually to produce the best children’s books in every genre from Early Years to Young Adult. We’re 100% dedicated to putting Northern Publishing on the map, and our events team work closely with Lancashire Libraries, local schools and other Publishers to create truly unique events, the Northern YA Literary Festival being one of them.

Cameron Grant Memorial Trust
Cameron Grant took his own life aged 21 after a silent seven year struggle with depression. In his name, Cameron Grant Memorial Trust works to encourage all in mental distress, and especially young people, to speak up and ask for help; there is always someone you can talk to. The Trust creates and distributes physical signposts – Cameron’s Coasters, Cards, Postcards & Water Bottles – to highlight the help available such as the CAM Support Messenger: text CAM to 85258 for confidential, free support at any time of day or night.

STEAM Packs
Knowing from their own experience that life in hospital can sometimes be boring, painful and a little scarry, STEAM Packs create and distribute educational science packs to chronically sick children in hospital.

Centre for Collaborative Learning (CCL)
The University of Lancashire’s e-learning developers have helped in creating the website, resources and other multimedia materials used for marketing “Unmasked: the Science of Superheroes”. The eLearning Development Team work with staff on projects to create online content. The team comprises a range of expertise (e.g. Project Coordinator, Graphic Designer, eLearning Developer, Video and Animation) which can be drawn upon depending on the requirements of the project, and will work collaboratively with a dedicated subject matter expert to create interactive, media rich eLearning.