Malcolm Druett (Candidate for Chair)

 

My name is Malcolm Druett, and I was recently appointed as a Lecturer in Space Systems at the University of Sheffield. My research focuses on solar flares, fluid-dynamic simulations, and radiative transfer. I also have broader interests in Solar Physics, which have led me to contribute to instrumental development, foster cross-disciplinary collaboration, and serve in editorial roles for scientific journals.

I am committed to supporting and advancing our solar physics community and enhancing the opportunities we can both access and offer to strengthen solar research. If elected, I will focus on:

  1. Collaborating with government and funding bodies and ensuring effective communication between them and our community.

  2. Strengthening links with related organisations such as the Magnetosphere, Ionosphere and Solar-Terrestrial Council (MIST), and the Institute of Physics’ UK Space Weather and Space Environment group (IOP UKSWSE).

  3. Empowering the UK Solar Physics community through support for outreach, visibility, and collaborative activities.

After earning my PhD from Northumbria University, I held research positions at Stockholm University (Sweden) and KU Leuven (Belgium), all while maintaining strong ties with UK Solar Physics. During this time, I chaired the Solar MHD conference in Eastbourne, led several RAS Specialist Discussion Meetings, and organised parallel sessions at the National Astronomy Meeting.

Now back in the UK, I am excited to continue actively contributing to our research community. I bring experience from serving on grant panels, organising and chairing scientific events, and participating in science communication. I also have a long-standing record of impact-driven and outreach activities, including running a non-profit educational organisation in Romania for six years, and a recently awarded RAS Astronomy for Development grant.

All nominated candidates