Physics World Weekly Podcast Julia Sutcliffe: chief scientific adviser explains why policymaking must be underpinned by evidence
Oct 24, 2024
Julia Sutcliffe, the Chief Scientific Advisor to the UK government’s Department for Business and Trade, has an impressive background in systems engineering at British Aerospace, focusing on robotics and AI. She discusses her journey from academia to government, emphasizing the role of evidence in policymaking. Sutcliffe stresses the importance of collaboration and systems thinking, urging for science to be integrated into mainstream dialogue to fuel innovation. She highlights the need for inclusivity in science and engineering, encouraging newcomers to embrace opportunities.
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Early Influences
- Julia Sutcliffe's interest in physics stemmed from childhood visits to sites like Jodrell Bank and the Humber Bridge.
- These experiences sparked a curiosity about how things work, leading her to pursue physics at Nottingham University.
University Experience
- At Nottingham, Sutcliffe majored in magnetic resonance imaging, semiconductor physics, and quantum mechanics.
- She worked with notable figures like Peter Mansfield and Andre Geim, exploring the transition from classical to quantum mechanics using NMR.
Transition to Industry
- After her PhD, Sutcliffe joined British Aerospace's research center, working on robotics, AI, and autonomous systems.
- This shift was driven by a desire to explore applied physics and work on cutting-edge technologies.