6 Great Science Communicators You Need In Your Life

If you're reading this, chances are you're one of those people who have a curious mind. Always wondering how nature works, how humans have evolved, how the continents got their shape, why the universe is expanding, and other fundamental questions. So, let's all just accept the fact that we are geeks and admit that we'd rather spend our Friday nights watching a great documentary show about science and nature than indulging in some mediocre socializing. We see nothing wrong with that. In fact, those who advocate life-long education would agree. And more often than not, we seek for sound science communicators to stimulate our love for science.  

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Yes, this has little to do with engineering but the world is vast, and space is even grander. And it's quite refreshing to deviate away from engineering every now and again. So, we thought you'd appreciate it if we introduce you to some really intelligent people who can explain how Earth and the universe works. Whether its physics, geology, medicine, anthropology, wildlife, chemistry, nature, biology, or mathematics, these science communicators have taken the time to document and broadcast important scientific issues that you will definitely find fascinating.

Professor Brian Cox

In the last few years, Brian Cox has become a household name in Britain as his famous documentaries about space and physics are simply fascinating. Cox is one of the most effective science communicators as he explains complex laws of physics in simple and digestible television shows. One of his most popular documentary series, Forces of Nature, tackles some of the most beautiful phenomena on Earth and goes on to explain how they are created by nature with just a handful of forces.

Brian Cox holds a Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Philosophy degree in Physics. Cox obtained his Ph.D. in high-energy particle physics from the University of Manchester with a thesis entitled "Double Diffraction Dissociation at Large Momentum Transfer".

Infinite Monkey Cage

If you'd like to listen to some intellectual banter about science and geeky things in general then you should check out Cox's radio show, along with his partner in crime Robin Ince. The radio series is called the Infinite Monkey Cage.

Professor Ian Stewart

Hailing from Scotland, Professor Ian Stewart is most famous for being geology's "rock star". With documentary shows that discuss the fascinating and dynamic behavior of the Earth, this science communicator aims to evangelize geology to everyone. In his five-hour documentary series called Earth: The Power of the Planet, Stewart talks about how volcanos, oceans, the atmosphere, ice, and rare earth shaped the planet and how it ended up in its current form.

Ian Stewart obtained his bachelor's degree from the University of Strathclyde in geography and geology. He then completed his doctorate, entitled "The evolution of neotectonic normal fault scarps in the Aegean Region" at the University of Bristol. Professor Stewart is currently the Director of the Sustainable Earth Institute at the University of Plymouth.

Dr. Alice Roberts

It sounds like a huge effort to explain how humans have evolved through thousands of years, but this science communicator took that challenge and made a documentary series out of it. Dr. Alice Roberts traveled the globe in her documentary series "The Incredible Human Journey" to find out how humans migrated and proliferated throughout the world. Her fascinating intercontinental journey revealed how our ancestors have evolved both physically and mentally.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dJs8iEsBlE

Dr. Roberts received her doctorate degree in paleopathology from the University of Bristol and is currently the Director of Anatomy in the same institution. Apart from being a science communicator and academic, Alice Roberts also write books about human anatomy, physiology, evolution, archaeology, and history.

Dr. Jim Al-Khalili

As a science communicator, Jim Al-Khalili discusses complex topics such as nuclear physics and dark matter in his science programs. He also delves deep into one of the most profound subjects of all, the universe. One of Dr. Al-Khalili's many documentary series examines the most precise but perplexing scientific theory ever - quantum physics.

Dr. Al-Khalili graduated with a bachelor's degree in Physics from the University of Surrey and stayed on with the institution to complete his Ph.D. degree in nuclear reaction theory. He is currently teaching topics in theoretical physics such as Lagrangian mechanics, integral transforms, and complex variable theory at the University of Surrey.

Liz Bonnin

Elizabeth Bonnin communicates various scientific topics in wildlife and natural history. Bonnin's current documentary series explores the species found on the islands of Galapagos and in the surrounding seas. She is also known for writing scientific articles and blogs about wildlife and nature.

Bonnin has a bachelor's degree in biochemistry from Trinity College in Dublin and a master's degree in Wild Animal Biology from the Zoological Society of London and the Royal Veterinary College.

Dr. Michael Mosley

Most of Dr. Mosley's documentaries concentrate on human physiology and anatomy. He also touches on other branches of human science like psychiatry and diet. As a science communicator, Dr. Mosley usually volunteers himself as a test subject for many of the scientific topics he is tackling.

Michael Mosley moved on to medicine after initially studying Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. With the intention to become a psychiatrist, he decided to study at the Royal Free Hospital Medical School.

Each of these science communicators has a few documentary series up their sleeves. So, if you haven't heard of them before or maybe you have but haven't taken the time to watch their shows then prepare to lose a few weeks of your life as they will take over your consciousness and bring you into the fascinating realm of science and nature.

We know there are many other science communicators out there but we can't possibly cover them all. And you're probably thinking to yourself, "these personalities are all British". Well, to all our friends across the globe, we invite you to tell us who your most beloved science communicator is. We always have room for a few more intelligent folk.

Via BBC Documentaries

SEE ALSO: 12 National Geographic Documentaries Perfect for Engineering Minds