The Somerscience Trust is a charitable incorporated organisation set up to advance the education of the public in Somerset in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and to promote public engagement in all aspects of STEM developments. Primarily this will be achieved through the establishment of the community-led Somerscience festival, and complementary events, which showcase the research and development in STEM taking place in the area from both the academic and industrial communities. The aim is for Somerscience to be an annual event to foster curiosity amongst all ages, encourage public engagement with science, give people the confidence and information to voice opinions about research, and inspire younger people or career changers to consider the myriad of roles that exist under the STEM umbrella.
The Somerscience Trust is a charitable incorporated organisation set up to advance the education of the public in Somerset in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and to promote public engagement in all aspects of STEM developments. Primarily this will be achieved through the establishment of the community-led Somerscience festival, and complementary events, which showcase the research and development in STEM taking place in the area from both the academic and industrial communities. The aim is for Somerscience to be an annual event to foster curiosity amongst all ages, encourage public engagement with science, give people the confidence and information to voice opinions about research, and inspire younger people or career changers to consider the myriad of roles that exist under the STEM umbrella.
Professor Alan Champneys
Alan is a professor in Engineering at the University of Bristol. Describing vanilla as not his favourite flavour, his interests in mathematics, knowledge exchange and popular science, as well as a wide portfolio of research related to dynamics at all scales. He and wife Sharon settled in Bath more than 30 years ago and have a strong affinity to the region.
Their 3 children having flown the nest, they try to devote more time to giving back to society. His hobbies include table tennis, gardening and walking in the beautiful Somerset countryside.
Professor Alan Champneys
Alan is a professor in Engineering at the University of Bristol. Describing vanilla as not his favourite flavour, his interests in mathematics, knowledge exchange and popular science, as well as a wide portfolio of research related to dynamics at all scales. He and wife Sharon settled in Bath more than 30 years ago and have a strong affinity to the region.
Their 3 children having flown the nest, they try to devote more time to giving back to society. His hobbies include table tennis, gardening and walking in the beautiful Somerset countryside.
Professor Chris Budd
Chris Budd OBE is Professor of Applied Maths at the University of Bath, and has worked there for over 30 years. He works on the applications of maths to problems in the real world. He is also the director of Baths Taps Into Science (the Bath science festival) and is committed to making maths as interesting to the general public as possible.
In his spare time, he helps to run two youth clubs, and also likes to go for long walks in the mountains with his wife and dog (Monty).
Professor Chris Budd
Chris Budd OBE is Professor of Applied Maths at the University of Bath, and has worked there for over 30 years. He works on the applications of maths to problems in the real world. He is also the director of Baths Taps Into Science (the Bath science festival) and is committed to making maths as interesting to the general public as possible.
In his spare time, he helps to run two youth clubs, and also likes to go for long walks in the mountains with his wife and dog (Monty).
Darren Wilson
Darren has a degree in Electronic Engineering from Bangor University. He is a Chartered Engineer and Member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology. Originally from Oxford, he has lived in Somerset for all of his professional life. Darren started his career as an Apprentice before University. His career has seen him undertake roles in Engineering, Project Management, Operations and Business Transformation in support of the delivery of a variety of projects working with companies across the UK and Europe. His purpose is to make people’s lives better which, has led to him becoming a qualified Executive Coach, Mental Health first Aider; presenting at Mind In Somerset events on the subject on Mental Health in the Workplace, and a volunteer member of the Somerscience Organising team.
His hobbies include going to the gym, cycling, paddleboarding, reading, writing poetry, travelling and spending time with friends and family
Darren Wilson
Darren has a degree in Electronic Engineering from Bangor University. He is a Chartered Engineer and Member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology. Originally from Oxford, he has lived in Somerset for all of his professional life. Darren started his career as an Apprentice before University. His career has seen him undertake roles in Engineering, Project Management, Operations and Business Transformation in support of the delivery of a variety of projects working with companies across the UK and Europe. His purpose is to make people’s lives better which, has led to him becoming a qualified Executive Coach, Mental Health first Aider; presenting at Mind In Somerset events on the subject on Mental Health in the Workplace, and a volunteer member of the Somerscience Organising team.
His hobbies include going to the gym, cycling, paddleboarding, reading, writing poetry, travelling and spending time with friends and family
Gavin Costigan
Gavin Costigan is Chief Executive of the Foundation for Science and Technology, where he promotes discussion and collaboration between government, Pariament, industry and the research community in areas where science and technology meets policy and regulation. His job includes organising events, running a scheme for future leaders, and recording a regular podcast.
When he is not doing that, Gavin is a regular actor in local amateur dramatic companies, an enthusiastic walker of Scottish mountains and a huge fan of single malt whiskies
Gavin Costigan
Gavin Costigan is Chief Executive of the Foundation for Science and Technology, where he promotes discussion and collaboration between government, Pariament, industry and the research community in areas where science and technology meets policy and regulation. His job includes organising events, running a scheme for future leaders, and recording a regular podcast.
When he is not doing that, Gavin is a regular actor in local amateur dramatic companies, an enthusiastic walker of Scottish mountains and a huge fan of single malt whiskies
Kate Bartels
Kate is an experienced managing director with a broad career portfolio, spanning thirty years across all aspects of the veterinary sector, along with senior leadership roles in the educational, charitable, and public sectors. A STEM Ambassador and advocate for diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, she is driven to create environments where everyone can grow, learn, and shine.
A STEM Ambassador and Geospatial educator, Kate is a passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion, and accessibility; she is driven to create environments where everyone can grow, learn, and shine
Kate has lived and worked in the Southern Hemisphere and across the UK, and has called Somerset her home for the last 20 years. She is an avid aerial drone pilot and enjoys exploring the outdoors through running and hiking.
Kate Bartels
Kate is an experienced managing director with a broad career portfolio, spanning thirty years across all aspects of the veterinary sector, along with senior leadership roles in the educational, charitable, and public sectors. A STEM Ambassador and advocate for diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, she is driven to create environments where everyone can grow, learn, and shine.
A STEM Ambassador and Geospatial educator, Kate is a passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion, and accessibility; she is driven to create environments where everyone can grow, learn, and shine
Kate has lived and worked in the Southern Hemisphere and across the UK, and has called Somerset her home for the last 20 years. She is an avid aerial drone pilot and enjoys exploring the outdoors through running and hiking.
Rachel Toal
Rachel, a recently retired Headteacher with over thirty-five years’ experience in Primary Education. A dedicated professional committed to fostering high standards, inclusion and community engagement. Skilled in curriculum design, staff professional development and governance with a thorough understanding of collaborative leadership. Passionate about contributing expertise to projects and initiatives that can make a difference to children’s aspirations and nurturing their desire for lifelong learning.
Rachel is an advocate for STEM education and the importance of its promotion in Primary schools and beyond.
Rachel Toal
Rachel, a recently retired Headteacher with over thirty-five years’ experience in Primary Education. A dedicated professional committed to fostering high standards, inclusion and community engagement. Skilled in curriculum design, staff professional development and governance with a thorough understanding of collaborative leadership. Passionate about contributing expertise to projects and initiatives that can make a difference to children’s aspirations and nurturing their desire for lifelong learning.
Rachel is an advocate for STEM education and the importance of its promotion in Primary schools and beyond.
Rebecca Hale
Rebecca is passionate about making education engaging, accessible and impactful. From her career as a secondary school teacher, to managing learning programmes in museums and currently as Education Content Manager at EngineeringUK the thing that drives her is making learning enjoyable, relevant and for everyone.
In STEM she uses research and current best practice to reach those underrepresented in the sector, applying these approaches to events like the Big Bang Fair, programmes like the Climate Schools Programme and campaigns such as Tomorrow’s Engineers Week. She really values live experiences, hands on approaches and actively engaging audiences, so it is no wonder that she loves seeing and doing things in person, from museum exhibitions to theatre visits and even the odd treasure hunt!
Rebecca Hale
Rebecca is passionate about making education engaging, accessible and impactful. From her career as a secondary school teacher, to managing learning programmes in museums and currently as Education Content Manager at EngineeringUK the thing that drives her is making learning enjoyable, relevant and for everyone.
In STEM she uses research and current best practice to reach those underrepresented in the sector, applying these approaches to events like the Big Bang Fair, programmes like the Climate Schools Programme and campaigns such as Tomorrow’s Engineers Week. She really values live experiences, hands on approaches and actively engaging audiences, so it is no wonder that she loves seeing and doing things in person, from museum exhibitions to theatre visits and even the odd treasure hunt!