Lisa Alford is the Science Coordinator at Tonbridge School, where she has worked for the past 17 years and leads a team of eight science technicians. A Registered Scientist (RSci), Member of Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ of Chemistry (MRSC) and STEM Ambassador, she supports practical science, technician development and STEM engagement across schools.
She founded the annual Tonbridge Science Technician Convention, which brings together more than 140 technicians from across the South East for professional development, networking and the sharing of good practice. She also established Science Snippets: Four Minutes to Win It, a science communication competition that enables students from schools across the UK to present scientific ideas to expert audiences and develop confidence in communicating science.
Lisa has developed partnerships with schools, universities, and professional organisations to broaden access to high-quality STEM experiences. She has coordinated Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) workshops for primary, secondary and SEND schools, organised collaborative experimental projects, and supports regional STEM activities, including the RSC Analytical Competition. She also led Tonbridge School to become the first school to achieve the Science Council Employer Champion status, recognising its commitment to supporting the professional development of science technicians.
She regularly speaks at national conferences and serves on the organising committee for the RSC National Conference for Science Technicians. A strong advocate for professional development, she provides advice to those applying for professional registration, as well as delivering CPD sessions.
As an active member of the scientific community, she contributes to national discussions about practical science and serves as an advisor to Project Earth, a global initiative which empowers young people to develop solutions to climate and sustainability challenges.
Inspired by her desire to create opportunities for young people to develop skills of enquiry and practical science, she seeks to strengthen partnerships between schools, the STEM community and industry.
Awards
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Royal Society Hauksbee Award
For her extraordinary commitment to fostering engagement in science and promoting collaboration between schools.