Project Manager, School of GeoSciences, The University of Edinburgh; and freelance translator and editor.

Position in the Branch

Chairperson (since 2008); Committee member (since March 2007).

Interests and aims in outreach activities

After studying physics, mathematics and geology and obtaining a PhD in Geoscience, Stephan found that the division between the different disciplines are rather too restrictive and got interested in many other areas, in particular psychology and neurosciences.

He views science as an activity with many faces. The obvious aspect is that scientific discoveries can produce something useful, a cure for a disease or an electronic gadget. But science is also a journey of discovery and self-development, on which one learns much about the world and about oneself. One discovers that the obvious and easy answers to a problem are not always the right ones. Developing critical thinking skills is the key – and they generally help you to live your life in a complex world. Just like solving a puzzle or a crime, or like climbing a mountain, a scientific quest needs some dedication and perseverance to get through the difficult and tedious bits, but the view from the summit and the satisfaction of having solved a problem are worth the effort.

Stephan enjoys to help people develop their critical understanding of the world and of themselves.

Contact details

Dr. Stephan Matthiesen
School of GeoSciences
The University of Edinburgh
e-mail: matthiesen@britishscienceassociation-edinburgh.org.uk
Tel.: +44-131-651 4444

Links and further information

Web: Stephan Matthiesen (personal homepage) and Science-Texts: Editorial team for scientific texts - Andrea Kamphuis and Stephan Matthiesen (Site is in German)