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How did you get that job?
Name Amanda Tyndall Job title Deputy festival director
Company Edinburgh International Science Festival When did you start your job? I started work at the Science Festival just under a year ago (April 2011), when I arrived in Edinburgh after five years in Australia, but I’ve been a science communicator for 15 years.
So what does your job actually involve? My work centres on creating opportunities for people – everyone from school kids to politicians – to connect with science and technology in some shape or form. I spend my time researching what’s going on in the worlds of science and technology – what are the hot topics, what amazing research is happening and who’s doing it? – turning these ideas into events and
experiences that present this to the public in novel, interesting and exciting ways. the Festival takes place annually, that I get 11 months of the year off!
I am passionate about the idea that science and technology are a much a part of culture as the arts of humanities. This means that I dabble in areas people don’t usually associate with science; everything from film, comedy, poetry, literature and drama. In short? I read a lot, I talk to a lot of people and I organise a LOT! Best / worst aspects? One of the best aspects of my work has to be getting to meet such wonderful, fascinating people; everyone from Nobel Prize-winners to brilliant young researchers, creatives and inspirational people of all persuasions. Plus, I have a perfect excuse to indulge my inner geek, both throughout the year when I keep my finger on the pulse and during the hectic but wonderful Festival itself. The worst aspect? Probably people thinking that because
Looking back, what advice would you give to a young Amanda Tyndall at the start of his career? I’d tell the young me to be brave and not to worry about EXACTLY what I’d end up doing. Follow your heart, indulge your passions, do what you love and do it with enthusiasm! Corny, but definitely true in my case. And to any budding scientists out there I’d say: don’t underestimate the number of different directions your career can take you. Finally, what are you most looking forward to in 2012? 2012 is a big year for me as it sees me turn 40. If all goes to plan, I’ll be celebrating by heading north of the Arctic circle to see the northern lights – fulfilling a lifelong dream, and getting a science fix in the process.