Henry Bennie

Henry Bennie is the Communications and Business Development Manager at UCLQ.

Henry joined UCL in September 2019. Before UCL he worked at NPL (National Physical Laboratory) writing an apprenticeship in Metrology and as a freelance reporter for BBC radio.

His path to UCL started with a physics degree from Imperial College London, followed by a number of years working in bookshops before obtaining a Masters in Science Communication from Imperial. After this degree came work in a variety of places, such as the BBC, CERN, and the Wellcome Collection.

“"I was really interested in the advances in quantum technologies and quantum computing. I wanted to learn more and work on promoting this exciting area of science and tech. I felt there was an interesting story here to tell! UCL is a really diverse place to work and everyone I have met has been lovely. In my month at work Google announced they had demonstrated quantum supremacy – a massive news story, probably the only quantum tech story that would be picked up by mainstream media for the next 5 years. I had inside information from a researcher about the publication date of the paper and the public announcement. So I helped central communications co-ordinate a press advisory pack and clear academic diaries for interviews with the media. UCL academics featured in almost all the UK coverage of the story."

Henry grew up on a Scottish hill farm - "surrounded by 10 000 sheep!" - and moved to London over 10 years ago, with the exception of a few months working in Geneva and Paris. Asked about his plans for the near future, he replied:

“"I want to develop a good understanding around all things quantum, it’s a really exciting field with lots of interesting stories to tell – from super sensitive quantum sensors to the challenge of building a universal quantum computer. Im working on a idea for podcast – who isn’t? – with some MAPS PhD students. The podcast will feature stories about quantum research at UCL – Let me know if you have any name suggestions…"

When not at work, you will most likely find Henry on the River Thames, as he's a keen rower.

“"I’m out on the river at half-five in the morning before work twice a week, there at the weekend and then in evening after work too! I only have one non-rowing day per week. Its like an escape from the city, as soon as I’m on the river I’m transported to the countryside – with herons and seals".

You can find out more about Henry from his staff page on the London Centre for Nanotechnology site, or via twitter at @UCLQuantum or @Henrybennie.