Degree (Hons) in Physics, University of Manchester; PhD in High Energy Particle Physics, DESY laboratory, Hamburg. Formerly: member of rock band Dare, at age 18, which recorded two albums and toured world with Jimmy Page and others; member of band D:Ream, which had top 10 hits including Things Can Only Get Better; since 2005, current position. 2008, Chair in Particle Physics, University of Manchester; in charge of international project to upgrade giant Atlas and CMS detectors at CERN, Geneva. Scientific Consultant on film Sunshine; currently filming Seven Wonders of the Solar System, a five part documentary for BBC Television, to be broadcast in 2010. Written for New Statesman, The Times, Mail on Sunday and Observer. 2002, International Fellow, Explorers Club. Recipient of award, Lord Kelvin Award, British Association, for work in promoting science to public (2006).