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Next week is National Science and Engineering Week, and I'll be mostly in Manchester with the Big Bang Fair, doing shows about engineering. So I'm partly preparing for that by catching up on what's new and exciting in technology.
But I'm also preparing for another event on March 20th, looking at science in a different context. I'm helping convene a session about evidence-based policy at the Battle for Politics.
So next week I'll be celebrating the capacity of science and technology to contribute to human progress. The following week I'll be arguing - as I do in this article in Forth - that science advice should not determine policy.
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Introduction

Freethinking, subversive, pro-enlightenment and anti-establishment, irresponsible hedonist or deep humanist, … Well, look, if I could summarise myself in 50 words I wouldn’t need such a big website, would I? Take a stroll down the professional menu to the left, or amble through my interests below.

Work

Writing is what I do mostly. Some of it is factual, journalism mainly but with more (and less) substantial pieces too. Other stuff is humorous, anything from the odd gag for topical comedy shows to full- length feature film scripts.

I also perform comedy myself. Improvised shows with fellow performers and musicians from Instant Wit, also science-themed double-act the Comedy Research Project, some solo stand up, compèring and things like panel games.

All of which is great practice for hosting serious events - debates on science and politics, speeches, competitions and launches. And of course I’m always happy to share my own opinions with an audience, live or broadcast.

Principal Interests

Flying, riding, driving, and generally kicking back against the New Puritans; Twentieth Century Opera and Twenty-First Century engineering; follow the orange links below to specific interests.