Alumnus named British Science Association Honorary Fellow

Congratulations to science writer and broadcaster Alom Shaha (Cribb’s 1992) on his appointment as a 2024 British Science Association (BSA) Honorary Fellow. 

The Fellowship recognises people who have made a significant contribution to advancing the vision and mission of the BSA: to create a future where science is more relevant, representative and connected to society. Every year since 2001, the BSA asks its staff, trustees, stakeholders and supporters to nominate individuals for an Honorary Fellowship who are then selected by the committee. 

For 2024, the BSA’s Honorary Fellowships committee have named Alom alongside business leader and former BSA Chair, Gisela Abbam; and Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and University of Swansea Professor of Digital Policy Tom Crick MBE. 

Hannah Russell, Chief Executive of the BSA, said: 

“Our new Fellows have worked and continue to work hard to bring people and science together, to engage, connect, and open doors, challenge stereotypes or further the inclusion and diversity of science. We are proud for them to be joining us and excited to work with them toward our shared goals.” 

Alom has dedicated his career to sharing his passion for science and education. His books include Why Don’t Things Fall Up?, Mr Shaha’s Recipes for Wonder, and How to Find a Rainbow.   

Early in his career, Alom worked in television, making programmes on topics ranging from Tudor History to particle physics, occasionally appearing on screen himself. He has created online video series such as ExpeRimental for the Royal Institution and, with the Institute of Physics, a series about science teaching which is used on teacher training courses around the world. 

Alom has worked with prominent scientists to help them communicate their work and ideas to the public, and his creative and innovative approaches have earned him fellowships from NESTA and the Nuffield Foundation. 

In a commitment to serving his local community, Alom has been a local councillor, chair of governors at the primary school he attended, and chair of a children’s charity based on the estate where he grew up. He continues to volunteer, including at his children’s school. 

Speaking about the appointment, Alom said: 

“I firmly believe that science belongs to all of us, that it is part of our joint cultural heritage, and that understanding of it can enrich our lives in the same way as art, music, and literature. In many ways, I have been a ‘cheerleader’ for science, and I will be proud to take on that role for the BSA.”    

Congratulations Alom on this wonderful honour and achievement!