Naked Scientist wins award for science communication
28 August 2008
‘The Naked Scientists’ is the only weekly science show broadcast on local radio. Chris’s informal approach, stripping science down to the bare essentials, has captured the imagination of the listening public. According to figures for BBC radio, show is the most ‘listened to again’ on every station on which it is broadcast. The podcast is top of the United States science charts for downloads.
Chris said: “It is an honour to receive the Royal Society Kohn Award as communicating science to the public is so crucial for our society. I enjoy every minute of working on the Naked Scientists radio show - talking to scientists from all over the world and producing such diverse content for the show is fascinating.
"Above all, the letters and emails we receive every day from listeners all over the world really make the effort worth it because it's clear that our programmes are helping to enthuse young people about science, which is incredibly satisfying to see and exactly what we set out to do. I'm also proud to work with a terrific team of people without whom none of this would be possible.”
Recognising that there was a gap in the market for a science programme that would reach a non-scientific audience, Dr Smith pioneered the Naked Scientists radio show while still a graduate student. He now successfully manages to juggle his busy career working as a doctor and researcher with his science communication activities.
Dr Peter Cotgreave, Director of Public Affairs at the Royal Society said: “Chris Smith is a beacon for science communication. He has been awarded the Royal Society Kohn Award for his pioneering approach to making complex material accessible to a non-scientific audience. We hope that this award will enable him to continue his fantastic work and develop even more exciting parts of the Naked Scientists radio show.”
As the winner of the 2008 Royal Society Kohn Award for Excellence in Engaging the Public with Science, Dr Chris Smith receives a prize of £2500, a grant of £7500 for science communication activities and a silver gilt medal.
Image: The Naked Scientists in the studio; Dr Chris Smith, centre.