Dr Shaun Fitzgerald, Director of the Royal Institution (Ri), gave an inspiring ICON Distinguished Lecture on 2 December 2019. Emphasising the importance of effective public engagement for science to make a difference to society, and for society to make a difference to science.

As well as leading the Ri in its mission to create opportunities for everyone to discover, discuss and critically examine science and the way in which it shapes the world around us Shaun has enjoyed a long association with Cambridge University.   He is also a Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professor at the University’s Department of Engineering, and a Teaching Fellow in Engineering at Girton College. Prior to joining the Ri, Shaun was the CEO of Breathing Buildings Ltd, a leading technology company pioneering hybrid ventilation systems. And prior to founding Breathing Buildings in 2006, he was a Research Associate at The University of Cambridge’s BP Institute, and undertook a number of business development roles in the private sector. From 1995 to 1997 he was Geothermal Programme Manager, at Stanford University.