American Physical Society Fellowship awarded to Dr Shane Bergin
Posted 7 October, 2024
One of the leading voices in physics education, the (opens in a new window)American Physical Society (APS) has elected (opens in a new window)Dr Shane Bergin as a Fellow.
Considered one of the most prestigious recognitions in the field of physics, an APS Fellowship is only awarded to those who have made exceptional contributions to physics research, physics education, or leadership in or service to APS.
This year,149 Fellows were selected and recognised for their contributions.
The naming of Dr Bergin as a Fellow marks the UCD School of Education researcher as the sixth Irish-based physicist to be honoured by the APS in its 103 years of fellowships.
His elevation was recommended by the APS Forum on Outreach & Engaging the Public at the September council meeting for his “international leadership in public engagement and education in physics and for building new models, approaches, communities, and understanding of how to connect people and physics.”
A physicist and Associate Professor of Science Education at the UCD School of Education, Dr Bergin has published a number of children’s science books as well as created several informal science and arts education programmes, such as (opens in a new window)Quavers to Quadratics - where children play with ideas common to science and music.
He has also produced a podcast series (The Trust Race) about scandals and controversies that have impacted trust in science.
His area of work focuses informal science learning; education policy development, trust in science and public engagement in science.
A regular commentary in the Irish media, he leads a research group of PhD students and post-doctoral researchers with funding from the European Commission (Horizon Europe & Marie Curie Actions); and the Irish Government (Research Ireland & the Higher Education Authority).
The APS Fellowship Program was created for those in the physics community to recognise professional peers who have contributed to advancement of physics.
The honour is awarded to no more than one half of one percent of the Society’s membership each year.
By: David Kearns, Digital Journalist / Media Officer, UCD University Relations
To contact the UCD News & Content Team, email: newsdesk@ucd.ie
