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Episode 15

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Published on:

6th Apr 2023

Athene Donald: Physics, a way to change the world

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We are very excited to present a very special episode this month. The podcast has been recorded with a live audience in the Pippard lecture theatre during the Cavendish Festival. For this special episode, we’re joined by Professor Athene Donald, Emeritus of Experimental Physics at the Cavendish and Master of Churchill College Cambridge. Athene has had an illustrious research career in soft matter physics for which she has received numerous accolades, including the Royal Society Bakerian Medal, the L'Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Award, the Institute of Physics' Faraday Medal, and ten honorary doctorates. She is also a strong advocate for women in science and has chaired numerous diversity and gender equality initiatives that seek to improve the representation and career progression of women in STEM.

[00:48] – Guest’s intro

[03:29] – Inspiration to do science and physics

[06:41] – Experience of studying natural sciences at Girton College and overcoming initial difficulties in studying physics

[14:15] – Keeping motivated during the research

[16:48] – Moving to Cornell for post doc and culture shock

[18:18] – Coming back to Cambridge and work in soft matter physics

[19:50] – Studying Mechanical properties of snack foods and using techniques like small angle X-ray scattering

[23:00] – Inspiration behind advocacy of women in science and the book release - Not just for the Boys

[26:33] – Diversity is good for science  

[28:05] – Decision on joining Churchill College as Master

[30:32] – Blogging and the book – Not just for the boys

[31:35] – Outreach and policy work

[34:00] – Tackling generalised statements about women and girls in science

[37:02] – Advocacy work and hope for future 

[38:05] – Outro

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Episode credits

  • Hosts: Simone Eizagirre Barker and Vanessa Bismuth
  • Recording and Editing: Chris Brock


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About the Podcast

People doing Physics
The podcast exploring the personal side of physics
As fascinating as physics can be, it can also seem very abstract, but behind each experiment and discovery stands a real person trying to understand the universe. Join us at the Cavendish Laboratory on the first Thursday of every month as we get up close and personal with the researchers, technicians, students, teachers, and people that are the beating heart of Cambridge University’s Physics department. Each episode also covers the most exciting and up-to-date physics news coming out of our labs. If you want to know what goes on behind the doors of a Physics department, are curious to know how people get into physics, or simply wonder what physicists think and dream about, listen in!
Join us on Twitter @DeptofPhysics using the hashtag #PeopleDoingPhysics.

About your hosts

Vanessa Bismuth

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I'm the Cavendish's Communications Manager and I want the world to know about the extraordinary people that are working, researching and studying here.

Jacob Breward Butler

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Working in the Outreach Office of the Cavendish Laboratory, I run Cambridge University's educational Physics outreach programmes while studying a part-time Masters' in Education.

Charles Walker

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As a researcher at Cavendish Astrophysics and Selwyn College, Cambridge, I help develop and use radio telescopes to learn more about the Universe, and perform outreach to help others learn more about our work, and us!