Ozone - the fallen super-hero?

Ever thought of ozone of a super-hero that could turn bad at any moment? Well one scientist thinks you should – and has produced a comic strip to show the public just why.

The battle to save the environemt is shown as just that in Sarah Moller's comic strip

Sarah Moller, a PhD student in atmospheric chemistry at the University of York, was voted the “People’s Choice” in the final of a national competition to encourage scientists to explore the social and ethical implications of their research at the BA Festival of Science.

Competing in ‘Perspectives’, Sarah impressed visitors with her comic strip poster on ozone in the lower atmosphere. She said: “Perspectives was a great competition to be involved in. I learned a lot about effective communication, and researching the poster has really helped my background knowledge of my subject area. It was great to see what interested the public about my research and to hear their opinions - to get their vote as the people’s choice was amazing.”

The competition, organised and sponsored by RCUK, was designed to give young researchers the opportunity to gain the skills and experience needed to discuss the social implications of their research - something that all scientists are increasingly asked to do.

Speaking on behalf of RCUK, Professor Alan Thorpe said: “It is hugely important that scientists engage with the public and talk about their research. The Perspectives competition gives young researchers the chance to learn the communications skills that will help them throughout their scientific careers. I would like to congratulate not only Sarah for being voted the people's choice, but everyone who took part for their effort and enthusiasm.”

To see the comic book hero ozone do battle with pollution click here http://www.nerc.ac.uk/press/briefings/2007/documents/sarah-moller.pdf