Uploaded January 2023 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
Nominations for the 2023 IOP Awards are open until 30 January 2023. For more information and to nominate, visit iop.org/awards
Video transcript:
Physics can produce technologies and inventions that transform our daily lives.
During my academic research I worked on sensing methods using light trapped within optical cavities to measure motion 1,000 times smaller than the size of a single atom.
Although this research was aimed at measurements of gravity and quantum mechanics I saw significant commercial benefits in improving motion sensors called actometers and gyroscopes, in particular to increase the safety of driverless vehicles and enable indoor navigation.
This is why I left academia to start my own company Zero Point Motion.
Winning the 2021 Clifford Paterson Medal and Prize was a huge honour that recognised my transition into industry and the risk and effort involved in commercialisation.
It's helped Zero Point Motion gain visibility, increasing the number of people applying to work in the company as well as connections to prospective customers and investors.
Since winning the award I've now raised a £2.6m seed round and grown the company to a size of nine employees.
I encourage everyone to nominate someone or themselves for an IOP Award.
Don't be shy and nominate based on the vision and not just because of status or publication record.
It will make a big difference especially for minoritised scientists who are often overlooked for these awards and could enable the next start-up, scientific breakthrough or community action to flourish.
Nominations for the 2023 IOP Awards are open until 30 January 2023. For more information and to nominate, visit iop.org/awards
Video transcript:
Physics can produce technologies and inventions that transform our daily lives.
During my academic research I worked on sensing methods using light trapped within optical cavities to measure motion 1,000 times smaller than the size of a single atom.
Although this research was aimed at measurements of gravity and quantum mechanics I saw significant commercial benefits in improving motion sensors called actometers and gyroscopes, in particular to increase the safety of driverless vehicles and enable indoor navigation.
This is why I left academia to start my own company Zero Point Motion.
Winning the 2021 Clifford Paterson Medal and Prize was a huge honour that recognised my transition into industry and the risk and effort involved in commercialisation.
It's helped Zero Point Motion gain visibility, increasing the number of people applying to work in the company as well as connections to prospective customers and investors.
Since winning the award I've now raised a £2.6m seed round and grown the company to a size of nine employees.
I encourage everyone to nominate someone or themselves for an IOP Award.
Don't be shy and nominate based on the vision and not just because of status or publication record.
It will make a big difference especially for minoritised scientists who are often overlooked for these awards and could enable the next start-up, scientific breakthrough or community action to flourish.
