Seven questions with... Simon Werrett

What does your role involve and how long have you been at UCL? What was your previous role?

I am a senior lecturer teaching and researching the history of science at UCL's Department of Science and Technology Studies. My focus is science in c.1500-1800, and I'm interested in the history of physics, chemistry and astronomy in that period.

Before coming to London, I was an associate professor in the history department of University of Washington, Seattle. My research has explored quite a variety of things, from the history of science and fireworks, to the history of Bentham's Panopticon in Russia.

What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?

I'm very lucky to have arrived in a place where I can do something I am passionate about in an institution with so many amazing people. I'm always proud when I see students enjoying learning and succeeding in their work.

Tell us about a project you are working on now which is top of your to-do list?

I'm currently interested in the household as a place for doing science in the 17th and 18th centuries. Historians have tended to focus on very specialised, dedicated spaces like the laboratory as places where science was done in the past, but in fact a great deal of experimental enquiry happened in the adapted rooms of people's homes - in gardens, bedrooms, cellars and kitchens.

I would argue that this was an important feature of early experimental science and it's also one that holds lessons for us in the present as we try to make scientific research more sustainable. Early modern experimenters were very skilled at adapting and making use of things ready-to-hand to do their experiments. There may be lessons in that for science in the future.

What was your first job straight out of university?

After I finished my degree, I worked in admin for a year to pay off my student loan while preparing a PhD application. It wasn't terribly exciting but I had time to hone my application and it paid off because I managed to do a PhD with the person I really wanted to work with.

What is your favourite and least favourite thing about London?

My least favourite thing is definitely the pollution. What I love about London is the people - being at UCL I am constantly meeting people within and outside the university who are doing such terrific things.

I was lucky enough to be involved with Sam Bompas and Harry Parr's brilliant multisensory fireworks for the New Year in London in 2013, operating as a 'professor of fireworks'. I've also collaborated with theatre companies, fine artists, TV directors, museums… not to mention fantastic colleagues in STS. It's great! 

Who would be your dream dinner guests?

Michel Foucault, Rachel Carson and Mark Hollis.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

My other dream dinner guest would be Jack Kirby.