Lovely to meet you.

I help researchers tell their stories, in all the ways they need to tell them, to anyone they need to reach.

I'm a science communicator, trainer, performer, audio and video producer, and science education and outreach specialist, working freelance in Sunny North Yorkshire, UK, and Sydney, Australia … and anywhere else you need me, frankly.

I’m a lapsed physicist.

As a theoretical physicist I trained computers to simulate subnuclear physics, trying to understand how quarks work. The research was all great fun, until it wasn't; at the end of my PhD I realised that I much preferred to talk to people about science than actually do it myself. But the PhD gave me invaluable insight into the way research works, and the importance of knowing how to break down complex stories to their fundamental building blocks.

I’m a freelance science communicator.

These days you'll find me delivering training workshops, producing video and podcast content, running outreach programs and activities, doing science comedy in pubs, MCing events, and generally enjoying science storytelling in any way I can.

For more than twenty years I've run outreach and science communication programs at the University of Sydney, mostly with the School of Physics. Since 2005 I have been Director of the University of Sydney's renowned International Science School, which gathers top school students from across the globe for two weeks of inspirational talks, tours and hands-on activities. I manage the program, produce educational materials, coordinate the speaker schedule, and lead a team of volunteer staff to provide an unforgettable experience to inspire the next generation of scientists.

I've worked with the Australian Computing Academy, a collaboration between Sydney Uni and the wonderful people at GROK Academy, to produce an online learning environment and materials for Australia's new national Digital Technologies curriculum. I was a member of an amazing team of astronomers and cosmologists on one of the University of Sydney's first MOOCs, Data-Driven Astronomy, contributing animated educational videos and interviews with active researchers in the field. I have also worked with the amazing somewhat-Sydney-based team behind the astoundingly successful YouTube channel Veritasium — I worked alongside Derek Muller at the University of Sydney back when he first decided to give YouTube a shot, and it’s been great fun collaborating with him and his team on a few videos over the years.

In 2020 I shifted full time to freelance work and consultation as a science communicator, skills trainer, video creator and podcast producer. I produced a range of educational and informative videos with physicists at the University of York, and a series of interviews with students about industry placements through the White Rose Industrial Physics Academy. I produce and co-host the syzygy podcast with York astronomer Dr Emily Brunsden, including popular live shows at the Podcast Social Club, Northern Podcast Festival and York Festival of Ideas.

I also love science as performance, and get a kick out of pushing scientists out of the comfort zone and into the spotlight. I have run several science cabaret events in York, including a packed show at YorNight festival, and I’m always on the lookout for more ways to enthuse and entertain in the name of science.

So ... what's with the kip in kipstewart.com?

It's an old nickname: my older brother couldn't say Christopher when I was born, and it came out Kiptopher. The Kip part stuck, and it's now my nom de web. Also, kipstewart.com helps to avoid confusion with that guy who used to be the drummer for Genesis and all the other Chris Stewarts out there.