This episode is also available in video format on our YouTube channel - check it out!

Today’s format is a little different to our usual episodes, as we’ve invited four Cavendish alumni for a panel discussion about all things physics and career development.

They’ll tell us about what they learnt at the Cavendish, their natural sciences and physics background, as well as how their doctoral research in physics shaped their careers and brought them to where they are today.

We’re joined by Aswathy Girija, commissioning editor at the Institute of Physics, Professor Kerstin Göpfrich, group leader at the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Joanne Baker, author of four popular science books and Chief Opinion Editor at Nature, and Emma Williams, professional development coach and careers expert who has a wealth of insight into not just her own journey, but those she mentors.

We hope that this conversation will give you valuable insights into the many paths and opportunities for people doing physics.

Useful links

• Learn more about Kerstin Göpfrich's research at the Max Plank Institute for Medical Research
• You might also want to check out IOP Publishing and its portfolio of scientific journals
• Joanne Baker's is the author of '50 physics ideas you really need to know', and many more.
• If you are interested in getting some training yourself, Emma William's website is full of resources. If you are a postdoc you should also explore Hello postdocs - The Nerd Coach
• To learn more about the Cavendish Laboratory, or if you are interested injoining us or studying with us, go to the Cavendish website
• And finally, if you are a Cavendish Alumnus and you would like to share your journey with our listeners, please get in touch!

Share and join the conversation

• Help us get better by taking our quick survey! Your feedback will help us understand how we can improve in the future. Thank you.
• If you like this episode don’t forget to rate it and leave a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps others tofind us.
• Any comment about the podcast or question you would like to ask our physicists, email us at podcast@phy.cam.ac.uk or join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #PeopleDoingPhysics.

Episode credits

Host: Simone Eizagirre Barker

Recording and Editing: Chris Brock