An honorary position, given via invitation at the discretion of the Director of the Royal Institution, the Innovator in Residence will collaborate on projects that align with the Ri’s mission to bring scientists and the public together to share their interest and passion for science.
As a world-famous place of scientific discovery, the Ri has a long history of innovation, from Sir Humphry Davy and Michael Faraday – celebrated as one of the greatest experimental scientists of all time – through to the Ri’s Nobel Laureates of the 20th Century.
David’s appointment is the latest residency to be announced as part of an informal programme which has for many years brought experts from different areas of life, to share their skills, experience and networks with Ri staff, collaborators and audiences.
David is an award-winning innovator and global thought leader in the theory and practice of innovation, and an accomplished scientist and science communicator. As an innovator and scientist, he has been awarded the National Science Foundation CAREER Award and the U.S. Défense Advanced Projects Agency (DARPA) Young Investigator Award. In 2022 he completed a six-month residency at the Ri focused on recreating the experiments of Michael Faraday; part of the Ri’s celebration of the 200th anniversary of development of the world’s first electric motor.
Director of the Royal Institution, Katherine Mathieson, said: “David’s work is of great relevance to our current and future mission at the Ri as we seek to reach new and more diverse audiences and nourish people’s desire to engage with science and scientists.
“He has a strong commitment to science communication and public engagement, and what’s more he is a passionate advocate for the Ri. We are delighted that David has accepted our invitation and will add his significant contribution to our long history of residencies at the Ri.”
Ri Innovator in Residence, David Ricketts, said: “It is a great honour to be invited to join the long list of eminent scientists and innovators who have undertaken their research at the Ri.
“I am looking forward to sharing some of my academic research with Ri audiences, finding new and exciting ways to support their public engagement with science, and helping to bring the Ri’s rich heritage to life for a new generation around the world.”
Ri Residents work at the Ri’s iconic home in Albemarle Street, London, to develop new methods, ideas and programmes and engage in mutual support and mentoring. Previous residencies have involved artists, writers, animators and online game designers.
In inviting potential Residents, the Ri Director considers the degree to which an appointment may improve the Ri’s practice or strengthen impact; help reach new audiences and enrich the Ri’s brand and reputation; and the alignment of the individual’s specialist area of science to Ri approaches and its appeal to Ri audiences.
David will take up his new post with immediate effect, starting with two shows live in the Ri Theatre this weekend (Saturday 24 June) using demonstrations to explore the high-voltage science, including spark generators, ion-powered motors, and Tesla Coils.