Uni of Glamorgan People - Martin Griffiths

Martin Griffiths

Senior Lecturer
Health, Sport & Science

Glyntaf
CF37 4BD

Tel 01443 483329
Room: GT8117

Qualifications

BSc. (First Class Honours) MSc. (Distinction)

About

Martin Griffiths is an enthusiastic science communicator; a dynamic lecturer, writer and professional astronomer. He has traveled the world utilizing astronomy and science fiction as tools to encourage greater public understanding of science. To promote and advance public interest in astronomy, he has written Alien Worlds , a book enabling anyone to enjoy the wonders of the night sky. His images of astronomical objects have appeared in numerous magazines and newspapers.

Martin has an impressive knowledge of astronomy and is passionate about the loss of our astronomical heritage due to increasing light pollution. He has introduced one of the few University programmes in the world that utilizes a holistic, cultural and historical approach to astronomy which stresses a cross disciplinary understanding of the arts and sciences and includes a field trip to the dark and clear skies of Andalucia. This course stresses the importance of conserving the night sky as a scientific and cultural resource for future generations.

Martin has written and presented planetarium programmes for key stage 1, 2 and 3; managed a multi-million pound ESF programme in Astrobiology for adult learners and has been consultant to several museum projects on the interface between science and science fiction. He was consultant to the University of Glamorgan computer graphics team on their development of the Alien Worlds multimedia tools (which won the Alternative Learning Technologies second prize in 2008) and its files are available at: http://alienworlds.glam.ac.uk/ .

Martin continues to promote cross-disciplinary links between science and culture that reflect his educational background and interests. He has written monographs on the science communication of the proto-feminist Margaret Cavendish, Duchess of Newcastle and on the 18th century scientist, assay master and political adviser Joseph Harris of Breconshire.

Martin is a member of the British Astronomical Association; the Webb Deep-Sky Society; the Society for Popular Astronomy and the Astronomical League. He is also a local representative for the BAA Campaign for Dark Skies (CfDS). He was a founder member of NASA’s Astrobiology Institute Science Communication Group active between 2003-2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society.

He has appeared on the BBC, Einstein TV, Granada TV, Discovery Channel and broadcasts regularly on BBC Wales radio. He is a regular contributor to the online science magazine LabLit: the culture of Science in Fiction and Fact and is a member of the Honourable Society of Cymmrodorion dedicated to the literature, science and arts of Wales.

Awards

Astrobiology Society of Britain Public Engagement Award 2008

Research

Martin is performing ongoing research in the history and development of science. He is also involved in undergraduate curriculum development and is active in researching the interface of science in fact and fiction. He is a staff member of the division of Earth, Space and Environment and of the University of Glamorgan Science Communication Research Unit.

Selected Publications

Books

Griffiths, M. (2004) Alien Worlds:¬ an Introduction to Observing the Wonders of the Universe. University of Glamorgan Press. Now available on: http://www.lulu.com/content/1263839

Peer Reviewed Papers

Brake M Griffiths M (2009) Radio and Reason the Reith Lectures and J Robert Oppenheimer Physics Education Vol. 44 pg 474-478 September 2009
Griffiths M. (2008) Astrobiology in a Cold Climate NASA Astrobiology Magazine European Edition Online (December 2008)
Brake M & Griffiths M (2007) “Life of a Comet Hunter: Charles Messier and Astrobiology”
In the NASA Astrobiology Magazine European Edition Online (June 2007)
Brake M, Griffiths M, Hook N & Harris SR (2006) “Alien Worlds: Astrobiology and Public Outreach” in the International Journal of Astrobiology Volume 5 (2006)
Brake, M. & Griffiths, M. (2005) Cosmic Catastrophe and Armageddon SETI Institute Explorer Magazine Vol. 2, No. 2.
Brake, M. & Griffiths, M. (2004) Science Fiction and Curriculum Innovation. International Astronomical Union Symposium Proceedings. Vol 213 2004
Brake, M. & Griffiths, M. (2004) Broad Horizons: SETI, Science Fiction, and Education. the International Journal of Astrobiology, Vol. 3, No.2.
Brake M., Griffiths M, Saunders D. and Thornton R (2004) Astronomy, science fiction and access. Journal of Active Learning in Higher Education. Vol 5 No1 March 2004. Republished in Thody A. Writing and Presenting Research Sage Publications 2006
Brake M. & Griffiths M (2003) Life in the Universe – a course in Science and Science Fiction. Proceedings of the 54th International Astronautical Congress of the International Astronautical Federation, the International Academy of Astronautics, and the International Institute of Space Law. Code: IAC-03-IAA.9.2.05
Griffiths M. (2003) Mars in Fact & Fiction. In Physics Education, Vol. 38, No. 3, May 2003
Brake, M. & Griffiths, M. (2002) SETI, British SF and the ET Meme. Foundation. No 85. Autumn 2002.
Brake, M. & Griffiths, M. (2002) Apocalypse – its Influence on Society and British SF. Foundation No 85 Autumn 2002.
Brake, M & Griffiths, M. (2001) Apocalypse and Astronomy. In Proceedings of the Apocalypse 2000 Conference, Angers, France June 2000
Brake, M & Griffiths, M. (2001) Apocalypse, Society and Science Fiction.
In Proceedings of the Apocalypse 2000 Conference, Angers, France June 2000
Brake, M. & Griffiths, M. (2000) Infrared: Detection and Discoveries in Astronomy. In Thermology International Vol 10 No2 April 2000

Conference Papers

Griffiths M. Stars and Bombs – Astrophysics and the birth of Nuclear Weapons Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution January 2010
Griffiths M. The Peaceful Use of Space Technology – Post Cold War and into the Future. IYA 2009 Welsh Centre for International Affairs, Cardiff. November 2009
Griffiths M. Observing the Moon IYA 2009 Cardiff Festival of Astronomy, Reardon Smith Theatre, National Museum of Wales, Cardiff, July 2009.
Brake M Griffiths M Trow A Tryfona C. (2008) The Rise of Life – Public Perceptions and Scientific Challenges Delivered paper at the ISSOL 08 Conference, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, August 2008.
Brake M, Griffiths M, Richards B, Murcott T “Astrobiology Through Blended Learning” delivered paper at the International Conference of the Astrobiology Society of Britain July 2008
Brake M Griffiths M Trow A Tryfona C (2008) “The RoCCoTO Project – a Decade of Engaging the Public in Astrobiology” Delivered paper at ASB-3 The Living Universe. Astrobiology Society of Britain Conference University of Glamorgan July 2008
Griffiths, M (2008) “Determinist Chronology: Satire, Time & Meaning in the Novels of Kurt Vonnegut”. Delivered paper in Panel Discussion, University of Ulster, Belfast March 2008
Brake M, Griffiths M, Hook N, Trow A, Tryfona C (2007) “Communicating Astronomy to the Public” delivered paper at the International Astronomical Union Conference IAU Division XII Athens, Greece October 2007
Griffiths M (2006) “Reaching out to ET” paper presented at Astro-Expo Conference, Dublin City University December 2006. (Available on DVD)
Brake M, Griffiths M, Hook N, (2006) Astrobiology and the Curriculum in Wales, UALL conference, Open University, Llandrindod Wells, November 2006
Griffiths M. (2006) “Science and the Public” Paper delivered at the conference – Outreach in Collaboration: at The Centre for Effective Learning in Science (CELS) Nottingham Trent University 18th October 2006.
Brake M, Griffiths M & Hook N (2006) “Astrobiology and the Curriculum”. Paper presented at UKAC06 “Life Here, There and Everywhere” Conference. University of Kent April 2006
Brake M, Griffiths M, Evans Rh, Hook N, Harris S (2006) “Science Communication – The CASE at Glamorgan”. Paper presented at Astronomia e Ciencias Espaciais conference Espinho, Portugal, April 2006
Brake M, Griffiths M, Hook N, (2006) Astrobiology and the Curriculum, UKAC06 “Life Here, There and Everywhere”, University of Kent, April 2006
Brake, M. & Griffiths, M. (2005) Alien Worlds – Astrobiology & Public Outreach. Paper presented to the NASA Astrobiology Institute Annual Meeting, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO USA, April 2005
Brake M. & Griffiths M (2003) Life in the Universe – a course in Science and Science Fiction. Paper presented at the 54th International Astronautical Congress of the International Astronautical Federation, Bremen, Germany, October 2003
Brake, M. & Griffiths, M. (2002) SETI, Science Fiction, and Education. In the Bioastronomy and Fulbright Education Conference, Hamilton Island, Great Barrier Reef Australia, July 2002
Griffiths M. (2002) Early Feminist Utopias and the Essentialist Paradigm. Paper presented at the Science Fiction Research Association Conference, New Lanark, Scotland, June 2002
Griffiths M. (2002) Science Fiction:¬ The Power Behind Spaceflight. Paper presented at the British Rocketry Oral History Project, April 2002, Charterhouse Conference, Guildford
Brake, M. & Griffiths, M. (2001) Apocalypse – SF in a British Context. Paper presented at the Celebration of British SF Conference, Liverpool University, June 2001
Griffiths M. & Brake, M (2001) Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Life and Ethics. Science Fiction Research Association Conference May 2001, Schenectady, New York
Grifffiths M. Measuring the Universe Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution April 2001

Online Magazine Publications

Oliveira C & Griffiths M. Science and Spirituality Lab-lit online January 2010
Griffiths M. (2010) Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun Lab-lit online November 2009
Griffiths M. (2009) “Music(ian) of the Spheres” Lab-lit online (November 2009)
Griffiths M. Not so Mad, Bad and Dangerous (2009) Lab-Lit online June 2009
Oliveira C & Griffiths M. (2009) On God and Aliens Lab-Lit Online April 2009
Griffiths M. (2009) Dress Rehearsal for the Future Lab-Lit online February 2009
Griffiths M. (2008) “In a Man’s World – The Feminism, Fiction and Philosophy of Margaret Cavendish Lab-Lit Online (August 2008)
Griffiths M (2008) “The Uncompromising Lens: On Fiction, Science and Social Criticism”
Lab-lit Online (June 2008)
Griffiths M (2008) “Under a Celtic Sky” Lab-lit online (January 2008)
Griffiths M (2007) Flights of Fancy: Science Fiction and Spaceflight. Lab-lit online (September 2007)

Popular Science Publications

Griffiths M. (2010) The Multiverse – Is It Real? “The Speculum” Journal of the William Herschel Society Spring 2010
Griffiths M. (2010) Getting off the Beaten Track – NGC Galaxies in the Hunting Dogs. The Deep Sky Observer Issue 152. March 2010
Griffiths M. (2010) Is Anyone Out There? Journal of Popular Astronomy January 2010
Griffiths M. (2009) Orion’s Other Splendours The Deep Sky Observer Issue 150. December 2009
Griffiths M (2009) Galileo the Abrasive Genius Journal of Popular Astronomy January 2009
Griffiths M (2008) The Romance of the Heavens Journal of Popular Astronomy July 2008
Griffiths M. (2006) In Search of Arthur University of the Third Age National Newsletter April 2006
Griffiths M. (2006) Review of the book A Teaspoon and an Open Mind – the science of Dr Who by Michael White Printed in the Western Press, April 15th 2006
Griffiths M. (2005) Science and the Role of the Imagination. In Proceedings of the Bath Royal Literary & Scientific Institution Vol 8, 2005
Griffiths M. (2004) The Star of Bethlehem. The Western Mail, Monday 29th November 2004
Griffiths M. (2004) Celestial Delights and Digital Cameras. In Astronomy Now (Polestar Publications) January 2004
Griffiths, M. (2003) RoCCoTo Telescope and life-long learning in astronomy Journal of the British Astronomical Association, vol.113, no.1, p.46 January 2003
Griffiths M. (2001) “How Science Fiction Influences the Public’s Understanding of Science and Technology” Online Interview with Matt Brockway (August 2001) www.mattbrockway.com/scicom/
Griffiths, M. (1999) Commissioned Photographs and Technical Aspects of Astrophotography. In The Universe Revealed (Mitchell Beazley)
Griffiths, M. (1998) A Winter Tour of Dying Suns. In The Deep Sky Observer, (Webb Society Publications) October 1998
Griffiths, M. (1998) Planetary Nebulae: Observing the Death of Stars. In Webb Society Quarterly Journal (Webb Society publications) April 1998
Griffiths, M. (1997) Deep Sky Doubles. In Astronomy Now (Polestar Publications) December 1997
Griffiths, M. (1996) Objective: The Joys of Observing. In Astronomy Now (Polestar Publications) November 1996
Griffiths, M. (1996) A Supernova Search for Small Telescopes. In The Deep Sky Observer (Webb Society publications) April 1996
Griffiths, M. (1996) A Fistful of Galaxies: Observing the Virgo Cluster. In Astronomy Now (Polestar Publications) March 1996

Published Photographs

Griffiths M (2009) Photograph of the Sun and prominences in H-alpha. September 2009 on British Astronomical Association website: http://britastro.org/
Griffiths M. (2008) Photograph of the Occultation of Venus, December 2008 On BBC Wales News http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/7760802.stm
Griffiths M. (2008) Photograph of the 2008 Partial Solar Eclipse August 2008 http://britastro.org/
Griffiths M. (2008) Photograph of star cluster M35 on British Astronomical Association website (June 2008) British Astronomical Association website
Griffiths M. (2007) Photograph of comet P/Holmes in the Western Mail, and online at IC Wales 14th November 2007
Griffiths M. (2007) Photograph of star cluster M11 on British Astronomical Association website (Aug 2007) http://britastro.org/baa/
Griffiths M. (2005) Photograph of the 2004 Transit of Venus – The Usual Suspects (feature article) in the Astronomy Now 2006 Yearbook”, Pole Star publications 2006.
Griffiths M, Trow A. (2003) Photograph of Partial Solar Eclipse Journal of Popular Astronomy June 2003 and online at: www.popastro.com/sections/solar/annular/annular.htm
Griffiths, M. (1999) A complete lunar month by phase in: Commissioned Photographs and Technical Aspects of Astrophotography. In The Universe Revealed (Mitchell Beazley London 1999)