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INTRODUCTION
Hello! I'm Dr Sharon Ann Holgate and I'm a Freelance Science Writer and Broadcaster based in the UK.
My doctorate is in physics and so far I have written about physics and technology for New Scientist, The Times Higher Education Supplement, Focus, Flipside, E&T, Astronomy Now, Physics World, the Institute of Physics, the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine, and Science Careers. As well as writing serious pieces, I also like to write light-hearted articles - particular favourites being features for Focus magazine on the World's most useless inventions, and the science and history of toilet paper, which I discussed with Chris Evans on his BBC Radio2 Drivetime show!
Did you know that before toilet paper was produced in 1857, people had used everything from ostrich feathers to rags, leaves and grass to perform the task? Unbelievably it took another 90 years to really catch on, as many people favoured ripped up newspapers instead!
My broadcasting tends to cover a wider range of science topics, and my latest programme Jack and the Genetically Modified Beanstalk, a pantomime with a scientific twist, was broadcast on Saturday 24 December 2011 on BBC Radio 4. Previously I metamorphosed into an alter ego called 'MC Shaz' for a BBC World Service youth programme called 'The Edge'! I made two series of E=MC Shaz - short pieces in which I investigated some of the claims pop music lyrics make about science - for The Edge, as well as a report about environmentally friendly guitars and a feature on the science of bras!
Did you know that there are up to 50 components in some bras, and that engineering techniques can be used to measure the strains exerted by bras on womens' bodies?
I have also written and presented a BBC Radio 4 documentary on the Indian physicist S.N.Bose - which was shortlisted for the Syngenta ABSW Science Writers' Awards 2005, appeared on a 'Boffins Special' of the Weakest Link with Anne Robinson on BBC2, been a studio guest on Midweek with Libby Purves on BBC Radio 4, presented a series of video interviews with researchers for the Myrovlytis Trust, and enjoyed many live science slots on Bill Buckley's afternoon show on BBC Southern Counties Radio. Bill and I discussed everything from time travel to telescopes, and from sunspots to sport for the lazy.
Did you know that according to British researchers at Manchester Metropolitan University just imagining doing exercise can help make our muscles stronger? So no excuses that you haven't got time to go to the gym!
My first book 'The Way Science Works' (which I co-authored with Robin Kerrod) was published by Dorling Kindersley in April 2002, and was shortlisted for the Junior Prize in the Aventis Prizes for Science Books 2003 (now known as the Royal Society Prizes for Science Books).
Meanwhile my second book 'Understanding Solid State Physics' - which is a textbook on the physics of solids that I wrote over the course of nine years - was published by Taylor & Francis in December 2009.
In January 2007, I was awarded the Institute of Physics Young Professional Physicist of the Year award for 2006, which I was obviously delighted about!
Surfing this site:
• To find out more about 'The Way Science Works' and 'Understanding Solid State Physics', and to read excerpts from the reviews please visit the 'Books' section.
• If you would like to read a selection of my articles, hear some snippets from my BBC Southern Counties pieces, or find out more about my BBC Radio 4 programme on S.N.Bose, please visit the 'Articles and Broadcasting' section.
• Links to content I have written for websites and online magazines can be found in my 'Writing for the Web' section.
• For links to the brochures and careers material I have written for the Institute of Physics and the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine, and information on the press releases I have written for the Institute of Physics, please visit the Brochures and Press Releases section.
• Meanwhile pictures and information on the public talks I have given can be found in the 'Talks and Presentations' section, which includes a video clip of a TV news feature about my talk at Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital.
• If you wish to commission me for either writing or broadcasting please view my 'CV' and then follow the instructions in the 'Contact Details' section. Any reasonable offers considered!
• For a look at the lighter side of science, please visit 'A Bit of Fun'.
Thank you for visiting this site. I hope you enjoy it.
All text and photo copyright: Sharon Ann Holgate, unless otherwise stated.
