Just who is Alexis Willett?
Well, where do we begin? There's so much I could tell you but so little space.
My book biog describes me as... 'a science communicator who aims to make science accessible to all. ... She spends much of her time turning cutting-edge research and health policy jargon into something meaningful for the public, patients, doctors and policy makers.'
Over the years I’ve been involved in all sorts, from Downing Street receptions, parliamentary events, TV interviews and multimillion pound fundraising galas, to challenging decision-makers, lecturing in human biology, fielding calls in a press office, and negotiating with building site managers. I've worked with healthcare professionals, scientists, politicians, the media, patients, the general public, celebrities, students and construction workers, amongst others. My work has taken me all over the place but I'm now based in the UK.
I originally trained and worked as an archaeologist, specialising in human and animal bones, but after a few too many cold, rainy days in the field I changed direction. I undertook a PhD at the University of Cambridge to study the bones of the living, rather than the dead, involving biochemistry, genetics, statistics and nutrition. After that, a purely research career wasn’t for me but communicating science and health information to effect change was much more up my street. Hence, what I do now.
My colleague Caroline and I have just brought out two handbooks (our Made Easy series) that offer practical tips on how to do science communication and public engagement. They're perfect for beginners to the field and designed to be written all over! My latest popular science book, Drinkology, is all about the science of what we drink. Everyone drinks something every day so surely it should be in every thinking (& drinking) household?! My first book, How Much Brain Do We Really Need?, is also pretty good. You should probably buy a copy.
My book biog describes me as... 'a science communicator who aims to make science accessible to all. ... She spends much of her time turning cutting-edge research and health policy jargon into something meaningful for the public, patients, doctors and policy makers.'
Over the years I’ve been involved in all sorts, from Downing Street receptions, parliamentary events, TV interviews and multimillion pound fundraising galas, to challenging decision-makers, lecturing in human biology, fielding calls in a press office, and negotiating with building site managers. I've worked with healthcare professionals, scientists, politicians, the media, patients, the general public, celebrities, students and construction workers, amongst others. My work has taken me all over the place but I'm now based in the UK.
I originally trained and worked as an archaeologist, specialising in human and animal bones, but after a few too many cold, rainy days in the field I changed direction. I undertook a PhD at the University of Cambridge to study the bones of the living, rather than the dead, involving biochemistry, genetics, statistics and nutrition. After that, a purely research career wasn’t for me but communicating science and health information to effect change was much more up my street. Hence, what I do now.
My colleague Caroline and I have just brought out two handbooks (our Made Easy series) that offer practical tips on how to do science communication and public engagement. They're perfect for beginners to the field and designed to be written all over! My latest popular science book, Drinkology, is all about the science of what we drink. Everyone drinks something every day so surely it should be in every thinking (& drinking) household?! My first book, How Much Brain Do We Really Need?, is also pretty good. You should probably buy a copy.
