Robin Ince on why he’s given up tweeting opinions – and getting kids into science

Robin Ince, co-presenter of the highly successful BBC Radio 4 popular science programme The Infinite Monkey Cage, paid the University of Northampton a visit this afternoon to receive the institution’s annual Crick Science Journalism award.

WATCH OUR VIDEO INTERVIEW WITH ROBIN, BELOW

Strictly speaking, Robin is neither a scientist nor a journalist – he’s a comedian. However, as a writer, entertainer and commentator Robin has done as much as anyone in the UK to bring scientific issues and subjects to a wider and younger audience.

In accepting the award Robin indicated how much he enjoys making science entertaining for audiences: “I have had so much fun making and touring shows about science that it seems excessive that I should get something like this too. I feel very honoured to receive the award.”

The Crick Science Journalism award is presented annually by the University of Northampton to the writer/journalist who has presented a scientific issue effectively to a lay audience. It is named after the Nobel Laureate Francis Crick who was born and educated in Northampton.

We caught up with Robin after he received his award, and before his appearance with Professor Brian Cox at Northampton’s Royal & Derngate theatre.

In the video,  below, he talks about winning the award, why he’s not tweeting opinions anymore, and how we can get children enthused by science.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjK_nH_d4Sk&feature=youtu.be