Magic Bullets and Plastic Sponges
Speaker: Dr Mark Telling CPhys FInstP, STFC
In the Oxfordshire countryside lies a neutron science research laboratory which houses what the Guardian describes as “one of the most extraordinary machines ever built” – a ‘machine’ however that few ever have the chance to see or even know exists! In this presentation, Mark, with the help of ‘Hollywood’, a fifty pence piece and baby oil, invites the audience to peek behind the curtain and learn exactly what neutron research entails!
About the speaker
Dr Mark Telling is a senior research scientist based at the Science and Technology Facility Council’s (STFC) Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Oxfordshire, and a visiting academic in the Department of Materials, University of Oxford. A former Vice President of the IOP and STFC National Laboratories Associate Director, his research interests focus on problems at the life sciences–physics interface which, via longstanding international collaborations, include simulative studies of protein activity and the development of injectable, biocompatible drug delivery vehicles. Mark is also a keen advocate for STEM and the public understanding of science, having organised over 120 public lectures for the IOP. He has also led the Institute’s UK and Ireland-wide 3 Minute Wonder (www.iop.org/3mw) science communication competition for over a decade.
Part of the IOP London and South East (LSE) region Spring / Summer 2026 General Public Physics Talk Series.
The talk is free and open to all. Doors open about half an hour before the talk begins. Please register via the Book Now button.
An up-to-date list of all public lectures from the Kent Physics Centre can be found on the Kent Physics Centre website.
Directions for the Sibson Lecture Theatre 3 can be found on the University of Kent website.