👏 Congratulations! 🥳

Paul joined I’m a Scientist in September and has been inspiring students in Chats with his knowledge and some sound advice.

A few words from Paul

Thank you so much! I am genuinely surprised, and a touch humbled, to have been voted your term winner of “I’m a Scientist Get Me Out of Here” 2025. To be honest, I wasn’t sure if my replies were helpful enough, so it is great to be recognised in this way.

I want to say a huge thank you to all the students and teachers who logged on to chat with the scientists. Your curiosity about my role as a business owner, how I got there, what I enjoy about it, and even how much I earn (!) made every conversation surprising to say the least. You asked questions that kept me on my toes, often taking us off on tangents, which made the sessions both unpredictable and enjoyable in equal measures.

Participating in this initiative really made me reflect on how having a varied scientific career: from aerospace engines to pharma, ice cream, and yes, martial arts, can make for rich and engaging conversations. It’s reminded me how rewarding it can be to share one’s journey and spark curiosity in others.

I’d like to extend my thanks to the organisers of “I’m a Scientist” for making this initiative possible, to the teachers for helping to moderate the conversations (and for steering us back when we wandered off piste!), but most of all to the students, for staying curious and asking such great questions.

I’m really excited to use the prize money to fund my travel to schools to deliver a free STEM talk I’ve prepared: “Jet Engines, Ice Cream, and HIV Medicine: The Materials Science Career I Didn’t Expect”. Up until now, I’ve mostly given this talk online, but thanks to this prize, I can now reach schools that are further afield.  If there are any schools interested, they can find me on the STEM Portal, or drop me a note here: https://www.omeigotech.co.uk/publicspeaking

Finally, to all the students who were involved: stay curious about science. There is no one-size-fits-all scientific career path or indeed one type of scientist. So, with curiosity and determination, you can take your career in any direction you choose.

Thanks once again. I’ve had a great time, and I hope you have too!

Paul Trusty

How is the winner chosen?

Each student has 1 vote to give to a scientist each academic year, and whoever gets the most votes, wins! It’s as simple as that.

But wait, there’s more: The winner earns £500 to spend in further STEM engagement!

Want to choose who wins those £500? Vote for your favourite scientist in the Vote Page!💬