Soapbox Science commended by Prime Minister

Our two co-founders, Dr Nathalie Pettorelli & Dr Seirian Sumner, are now the recipients of the Points of Light award which recognises outstanding individual volunteers, people who are making a change in their community and inspiring others. Each day, someone, somewhere in the country is selected to receive the award to celebrate their remarkable achievements.

Prime Minister David Cameron, who tweeted about Soapbox Science, said: “Through Soapbox Science, Seirian and Nathalie have inspired scores of leading female scientists from around the country to get out onto the streets and encourage girls to learn more about the opportunities open to them through science.  It’s so important that girls feel as able as boys to pursue a career in science.  And it’s great that thousands of people can look to Seirian and Nathalie as role models.  I am delighted to recognise them both by making them Points of Light.”

Dr Sumner and Dr Pettorelli are the 274th and 275th winners of the Points of Light award which has been developed in partnership with the hugely successful Points of Light programme in the USA and was first established by President George H. W. Bush.  Over 5,000 US Points of Light have been awarded and both President George H. W. Bush and President Barack Obama have publicly supported the partnership with Points of Light UK which honours shining examples of volunteering across the country.