Making space for awe and wonder with Katherine Mathieson (Episode 82)
Research Adjacent · Sarah McLusky
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Show Notes
Katherine is championing science communication for its own sake as Director of the historic Royal Institution
Katherine is the Director of The Royal Institution in London. The Royal Institution is the birthplace of science communication, having been founded in 1799 to 'introduce new technologies and teach science to the general public through lectures and demonstrations'. It is home to the iconic Christmas Lectures which celebrate their 200th year in 2025.
Sarah and Katherine talk about
- Why The Royal Institution means different things to different people
- The iconic Christmas Lectures
- How a phone-in science hotline kick-started her career in science communication
- Making space for awe and wonder, and why that might help tackle the anti-science narrative
Find out more
- Read the show notes on the Research Adjacent website
- Connect with Kathrine on LinkedIn or BlueSky
- Find out more about The Royal Institution and its history
- Check if you can watch the Christmas Lectures recording livestream near you
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Mentioned in this episode:
Research Adjacent Directory Member of the Month: Clare Jonas, That Thinking Feeling
What do you get if you cross an academic psychologist with a research communicator? Some amazing skills training workshops! Clare offers workshops which support researchers to develop knowledge and practical skills in three overlapping areas: research communication, taking care of ourselves and each other, and career skills for academia and beyond. They’re based on Clare's professional expertise, lived experience, evidence from psychology and related fields... and love of dad jokes! Find out more at https://www.thatthinkingfeeling.co.uk/
Leeds Research Adjacent Community Networking
Come along to meet other research-adjacent folks in person at Brooklyn Bar in Leeds on Thursday 30 April 2026 from 5.30pm. Open to anyone who feels part of this world. Facilitated by podcast host Sarah McLusky. Find out more and sign up here https://researchadjacent.circle.so/c/open-events/leeds-research-adjacent-community-networking-4058c1