MySRP
Grade: FSRP
UK Health Security Agency.
I've recently been promoted to the role of Deputy Director, Radiation Protection Science. This means I have responsibility for all UKHSA’s radiation protection activities – from the RPAs through to basic research. We are currently strengthening our RP workforce across the board, and this is taking quite a lot of my time and effort.
Working with international bodies to build a consensus view of the evidence relating to radiation risk etc. Without this there would be no foundation for RP.
Simon speaking at the recent ICRP symposium in Vancouver.
ICRP and UNSCEAR reports are always valuable sources, but then there is a huge and ever-growing range of primary literature to keep up to date with.
Here I'll have to be honest, I've only attended one SRP event – the annual conference some years ago in Eastbourne – 2015 I think. While there were plenty of great talks, I also enjoyed chatting with one of the security people who had a wealth of stories about the town.
Friendly, supportive, professional.
A few miles outside Oxford.
I live alone, with my two children during university holidays (the terms seem very short!).
I try to cycle regularly and I read a lot. I also enjoy music, concerts in particular and it is great that so many are being held again. I also spend a fair amount of time looking after my garden – though not always successfully.
Simon's crocus display this year.
Not sure I really chose it as such. I was attracted to a research position with Roger Cox back in 1991 (at the then NRPB)…and I seem to have stuck with it ever since. I enjoy it by the way!.
Hmm, not sure really, I'm quite happy as I am – but perhaps a French baroque composer such as Rameau or Luly.
‘Just do experiments’.
Travelling around India – I have seen some parts of it and find it an endlessly fascinating country. Luckily I also have a strong stomach.
Simon took this photo of the 7th century carving, 'Arjuna's Penance', when visiting a UNESCO world heritage site in Mahabalipuram,Tamil Nadu.
I have a pre-publication review copy of George Orwell’s 1984. This is special for many reasons including its connection with my Grandfather, who worked for the Evening Standard.
Well, as far as an embarrassing one goes... this summer when I went punting with my son and ended up falling in. I had to be helped out rather unceremoniously, by two Magdalen students, who had been enjoying some quiet reading by the river.
This is a really difficult question for me – I enjoy a wide range of music including classical, jazz and popular music over the years (Dick Dale though to Sports Team). I'm particularly fond of Rameau, and love his operas, especially Les Indes Galantes. But there is one piece I think I would have to have with me – Mozart’s Requiem, ideally the version from John Eliot Gardiner. I do enjoy Sing Sing Sing by Louis Prima as well.
As a 13-year old, flying for the first time. We flew to the USA (where we lived for a couple of years) on an RAF plane from Brize Norton.
Like many boys – a train driver.
Not so long ago I read Kathleen Jamie’s Surfacing – a wonderfully lyrical book that can transport you to many different places, without the need to travel.
I like Baby Driver very much, but La Reine Margot is probably my favourite.
I'm not sure how it would start, but the summer day would end with a picnic with friends and family, watching an outdoor opera.
My work.
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