Learning More About: Science

New Science Subject Adviser Leigh talks about why he loves science and the topics that currently fascinate him.

 Subject advisers are u3a members who volunteer to share their expertise on their specialist subject and the movement can contact them for advice on their subject. In the National Newsletter each month, we focus on a particular Subject Adviser. This month, we’re talking to new Subject Adviser for Science, Leigh.

What is your background?

I’ve an Honours Degree in Chemistry, awarded many years ago by the Royal Institute of Chemistry. I have spent over twenty-four years as an Analytical Chemist, Laboratory Computer Scientist, and middle manager, mainly in Pharmaceuticals. I then founded and ran my own Software Company for twelve years or so; during that time, I wrote a couple of textbooks on computer programming. I am currently the Science Group Leader for Exeter u3a and a regular contributor and attendee of the Science, Engineering and Technology Group of the Sidmouth u3a.

What do you love about science?

I love science because I was born insatiably curious, and science provides me with some answers, it also has the downside of throwing up even more questions, but I can’t let that deter me! Throughout my early life, career, and ever since, I’ve maintained an avid interest in a wide range of sciences, including genetics, food and health, computers, cosmology, and many other subjects.

What does your role as Subject Adviser entail?

I am here to help Science groups to start in u3as and to provide ideas for adding variety to their activities. So if you are running a group please get in touch to exchange ideas, or if you looking to start up a new science related group and would like some helpful information and ideas please do make contact. I also have a range of talks, on a number of subjects, that I have given, and am willing to present to interested u3a groups by mutual arrangement.

What current topics may science groups want to look into?

I’m currently very interested in fuels, sources of energy and energy storage systems that are suitable for the future and that will allow humanity to stop using fossil fuels. Energy storage, and lots of it, will help us to make the most of the rapidly increasing capacity in renewable energy sources such as wind and solar.

Discover more about Science on Leigh's Subject Advice page and on Subject Advisers more generally on the Subject Advice page.

Sign up to the u3a National Newsletter on our website.