Lovely to be back on stage at Aberdeen Science Festival with Sci Fi Snobbery where I battle Simon Watt to find the best Sci Fi movies ever. Tonight’s categories: Monster and Disaster films

There is no better train aesthetic in the UK than the Aberdeen-Glasgow first class carriage. It’s giving 80s, it’s giving Enterprise-D. Smoking or non-smoking sir?

What is the greatest sci fi film of all time? Sci Fi Snobbery returns to Aberdeen Science Festival tomorrow as Simon Watt and I search for the best Monster and the best Disaster Sci Fi film www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/sci...

Not being funny here pals but…I am writting a report about coastal bird populations in proximity to people. I need to talk about paddle boarders, kite surfers and jet skiers - is “water sports enthusiasts” the legit term to use or… is that a bit… you know…

Did I remember to get any photos of me on stage at the beautiful international conference Center in Edinburgh? No. So it’s another headphones & hoodie selfie in the street looking like I’ve been kicked out. Lovely days as the Journal of Experimental Botany kick off their 75th anniversary symposium

Why do I bang on about eye contact. Isn’t it good? Yes, it’s a legit way of forming a connection- but it’s not the only way & it isn’t essential. I have a career entirely based on giving talks & some days I can’t do eye contact. Doesn’t alter the quality or content of my ideas. Just an ableist trope

Presentation advice is wild. “You have to make eye contact” “If you feel nervous picture the audience in their underwear” SERIOUSLY? Undress the audience and eyeball them… which creep felt that was helpful?!

Have reached the “stay awake until flight” stage of holiday.

Where did you go on holiday Jamie? A university. What. A. Treat.

My apologies to the people of Dublin. This week I discovered my bag strap has an emergency whistle and am endless fidgeter. Been like an overzealous lifeguard all weekend.

Battling the crowds at the National Museum of Ireland

Every press interview of Downton cast members I’ve seen so far: - what was it like to work with Maggie Smith? - Do you miss Maggie Smith? - What is your favourite Maggie Smith line? - if you could be Maggie Smith how Maggie Smith would you be?

*cries in chemist*

Today I learned that it’s “gung ho” not “gun ho”. Was it just me who thought that?! Comes from a Chinese abbreviation, gōnghuó, meaning to supply goods.

Happy Star Trek day 🎂 59 today 🎂 Watch the studio give us nothing

For work stuff, I’m not well this week and not able to respond to most emails. I’m seeing them all and if it’s any consolation I think they answer to pretty much everything is Yes. Think I should be back to full-ish power middle of next week. (All fine, nothing to worry about)

We've made it to Bluesky! Give us a follow for updates from our network of science centres, museums, and outreach organisations across the UK. We'll be posting about events, campaigns, and nationwide projects. Any suggestions for who we should follow? Let us know! 🔽

This went…umm… much better than expected. I did 10 different voices. Utterly, utterly absurd. My tiny audience were so lovely. Cannot believe how into it they got. Am I an actor now? I don’t think I have time for a new strand.

Delivered, hosted or organised 16 events at the Star Trek convention this weekend. I am already in bed - exhausted. Such a lovely weekend. ❤️

Seen a lot of weird things at Star Trek conventions but me reading the parts of the entire Lower Deck crew on stage has got to be in top 5 oddest things.

Here it is! My custom made cosplay so nichie an entire audience of trek fans couldn’t identify it- can you? Only ever seen in one episode.

Full LCARS slides as @lukethechemist.bsky.social takes us on a microscopic tour of the solar system. #StarTrek #Destination

The wonderful @hanachronism.bsky.social diving into the exolinguistics of Star Trek at the Destination convention.

I have wimped out long enough (because of the heat). It’s cosplay time. An all new one 👀👀

10am at the Star Trek convention and every seat of the science stage is full with dozens of people standing to listen. 😍😭 So pleased the organisers let me convince them to organise a science program. 🖖🏻

In science the person who does the work gets the credit and is never eclipsed by people with power, privilege or the correct form of knowledge. Phew. That’s a relief. I thought science reflected the real world for a moment.

White person discovered it after an unnamed Native American told them about it. They just say it right out loud. Colonialism in science is wild.

Dear friends, I’m auctioning this #DoctorWho bundle of signed #Gallifrey script/photo/dvd/cd’s in aid of Cardiff @headwayuk.bsky.social in memory of my dearest friend Tim. Please bid here & share on other social media & please relay bids to me if people bid elsewhere. Diolch o galon 🙏❤️

Increasingly I need to prepare scientists to deal with negative interactions with the public. Some tips: • Listening is often more effective than correcting “I hadn’t heard that, tell me more” • Anti-sci to pro-sci is a spectra: Anti➡️questioning➡️neutral➡️interested➡️supportive. Nudge 1 place only

I have zero (can’t stress that enough, zero) desire to talk to strangers on public transport except for one specific scenario - when the board the train reading the Farseer trilogy (or any Elderling’s book) because then they’re not a stranger, we have loads of pals in common. 🤓

Two hours to kill in London. Next gig is Edinburgh. My planning has been inefficient this week.

Having a very bird focused few days. First in my RSPB advisory role looking at the Scottish Land Reform Bill and the new east coast wind farm. Then today with Bird Aware Essex planning engagement strategies to protect their nesting birds. Still can’t tell a robin from a dunnock.

When trans pals get that first injection.

Not having a mental breakdown btw, just avoiding emails. All good.

Am I posh though? No. Single parent, low income family. First in family to stay on at school past 16. When I was a teenager I moved in with my gran to one of the most deprived areas of Scotland. Most of my life I've been the poorest person in the room. But others loves to write my story for me.

Having to describe my voice/accent for an upcoming BBC project. Instagram has so many opinions on this. Literally hundreds of comments dissecting the way I speak. Most have decided I'm not Glaswegian and I am posh.

I love every part of this. The increased prevalence in younger adults. The 12% who cannot recall. The nearly 1 in 4 people who have or have had a nemisis. Y’all so dramatic, I adore it. I’d love a wee nemisis 😂

If it’s warm again tomorrow I’ll take my thermal camera out to explore. What do you think would be interesting to see?

My @newscientist.com training event sold out 4 months in advance, so we've added an online version! Book up for this free session today. Creative Sci Comm - from stand to stage 14th Jan 2026 www.newscientist.com/science-even...

Citizens of USA - be quick! When tariffs kick in, it will be very difficult to buy my pins. Best case they increase in price by 21% & worse case I will have to stop altogether. This could be your last chance! proudscience.etsy.com

If you want to know what it’s like serving on a jury: Admin Admin Horror Horror Tea & biscuits break (no talking about horrors) Horror Horror Horror Sausage roll/vegan sandwich & a wander in sun Horror Horror Horror Have a lovely evening.

This was going to be a week off for me, but King Charles had other ideas. He’s paired me up with 14 little pals to be a jury. 👨‍⚖️

The waves of calm inbox zero brings, especially on a Monday. 😌 May you be similarly blessed.

Jury duty, day 1. Didn’t have to go in but in a ballot for a case tomorrow. Last time I was on a jury I was the foreperson who delivered the verdict that sent a man to prison. I will never forget the look of utter hatred he gave me. Being on a jury is a thoroughly depressing experience.

Went to see Weapons. It was watching a film that spun a “genre randomiser” every 20 minutes. Excellent performances and worth watching. I can already see the spin off films.

Glasgow looking excellent this evening.

The Roslin Institute is looking for a full time Engagement Officer. Great to see them highlight that you don’t need a research background or PhD. My research background is a massive help to me in my career, but that is just one of many routes that people can take into engagement. We need all voices!

My Public Engagement training day with @newscientist.com sold out 4 months in advance... so umm... I'm working with the team to see what options we can offer. There is a wait list but tbh it's getting pretty long 😅 I'm so pleased that so many want to join me! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/creative-s...

Just turned a gig down because it will be on my 40th birthday, the date of which you’re not allowed to know, but I will share that it’s now within the bookable window.

Sir, my surname is on a list of “undesirables” and was banned from the holiday chain Pontins. I don’t think I need to even click the link.