Dr. Sharon Ann Holgate

Sharon Ann Holgate is a UK-based science writer and broadcaster with a doctorate in experimental physics. She has presented on the BBC World Service and BBC Radio 4, and appeared as a guest on radio, podcasts and TV including competing in a 'Boffins Special' of The Weakest Link. Her first solo popular science book Nuclear Fusion: The Race to Build a Mini-Sun on Earth was published in September 2022, and her latest book Communicating Science Clearly: A Self-Help Guide For Students and Researchers comes out in November 2023. Previously, Sharon Ann co-wrote (with Robin Kerrod) the children's popular science book The Way Science Works, which was shortlisted for the Aventis (now Royal Society) Prizes for Science Books Junior Prize in 2003. She was also a contributor to the popular science books 30-Second Quantum Theory and 30-Second Energy. Sharon Ann's bestselling undergraduate textbook Understanding Solid State Physics is now in its second edition, and being used as a core text in universities around the world. She has also written three volumes of her Outside The Research Lab textbook series, which covers the physics behind areas ranging from stage lighting to supercars to wheelchair fencing. Sharon Ann's numerous articles have appeared in publications including Science, Science Careers, New Scientist, The Times Higher Education Supplement, The Times Literary Supplement, Flipside, Focus, E&T, Physics World, Materials World, Laser Systems Europe, Interactions, Astronomy Now and Modern Astronomer. She has also developed and written brochures, press releases, and careers material for various scientific institutions. Sharon Ann has been a Guest Educator on a science communication module for students at King's College London since 2019, and has given talks (in some cases remotely) for events including the American Association for the Advancement of Science Annual Meeting and the South African Institute of Physics Webinar Series, and at venues ranging from the Science Museum in London to Milestones Living History Museum. Sharon Ann is the 2022 recipient of the William Thomson, Lord Kelvin Medal and Prize from the Institute of Physics for public engagement in physics, and won the Institute of Physics Young Professional Physicist of the Year award in 2006 for her work promoting physics. Find out more at www.sharonannholgate.com and follow Sharon Ann on Instagram @everydaysciencethings