Professor Andy Parker is Professor of High Energy Physics and Head of the Department of Physics, University of Cambridge. His current research involves experiments to reveal new physics such as extra space dimensions, quantum-sized black holes, and supersymmetry. His technical work has included the development of silicon detectors, fast electronics and large software systems, as well as data analysis and pattern recognition. Andy has held various roles in ATLAS, including UK Physics Coordinator and chair of the Publications Committee, and he is a founder of the ATLAS experiment for the Large Hadron Collider. He has served on numerous committees for the University, as well as for CERN, UK Research Councils and international funding agencies. In 1997, Andy was awarded the Pilkington Prize for excellence in teaching.

Dr Emily Mitchell researches the role of ecological processes on evolution through deep time, from the first animal communities of the Ediacaran period (580 million years ago) to the present. Her interdisciplinary approach is shaped by her PhD in Palaeobiology and her Master’s Degrees in ecology, physics and mathematics. Emily has developed an innovative research program to address previously intractable questions about early animal life, by importing novel field-based laser-scanning techniques from aerospace, and combining approaches from disciplines including forest ecology. Recently, Emily has expanded her research to investigate not only the ecology of organisms from the current Phanerozoic eon, but also living deep-sea and Antarctic communities.