As
scientific expert and and consultant to several television
programmes Dr Ian Johnston is an academic engineer
and applied mathematician with a passion for taking
science to the masses.
He has recently worked on Electric Dreams' (BBC4/BBC2
series on modern domestic technology) and 'Battle of
The Geeks' (BBC2's update of 'The Great Egg Race' in
which Ian took on the Heinz Wolff role opposite Richard
Hammond). He is currently consultant to 'Bang Goes The
Theory' (BBC1's popular science magazine programme) and
has appeared on stage at Bang! road shows with the presenters.
He believes that engineering is about to enter its most
exciting phase for years: a new scientific and industrial
revolution in which humanity must learn how do everything
again, but this time in a sustainable way. This breakthrough
is going to take the brightest, keenest, most imaginative
and creative minds for generations, and we have to start
enthusing people of all ages and backgrounds now.
After studying engineering science at Oxford, Ian graduated
and started research on artificial knee joints. After
a couple of years he ran away from academic life to enter
full time training as a ballet dancer - returning to
the fold a year later when money and talent ran out simultaneously.
His official research is in superconductivity, in which
he has recently gained a doctorate. However, he finds
informal research just as entertaining and rewarding:
his two most famous inventions are the world's most flippable
drinks mat (the Aeromat, designed in 2003) and the Technotowel
(2004), a bath towel which doesn't fall off when you
answer the door to the vicar after a shower. Neither
of these have made it into production yet, but he remains
open to offers.
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