I have a long track record of making complex scientific ideas accessible, both between disciplines within academia and to the public. I have delivered many talks internationally both in person and virtually on the themes of fundamental physics, engaging science communication, and the effective use of artificial intelligence.  I enjoy overcoming the challenges of making complex scientific ideas accessible and assisting fellow researchers to do the same.  

A curated selection of talks:

   Anatomy of a Particle Detector

The Royal Institute, November 2024

Particle detectors are to particle physicists as telescopes are to astronomers. They allow us to open a window into the inner workings of the Universe at the smallest length scales to understand it in terms of its fundamental constituents. But how exactly do they reveal to us the properties of the subatomic world in such extraordinary detail and with such remarkable agreement with theoretical predictions?

Claire MaIone will explore these incredible feats of engineering, with a particular focus on the ATLAS experiment at CERN. To digest the enormous flow of data produced by the collisions, ATLAS uses an advanced “trigger” system to tell the detector which particle interactions to record and which to ignore. Complex data acquisition and computing systems are then used to analyse the collision events recorded. Claire will conclude by looking to the future at what new technologies particle detectors are employing so that we can continue exploring the subject of the building blocks of our universe in ever greater detail.

The missing 96 percent of the universe

RSA Conference, San Francisco, USA, April 2023

Indira Gandhi wrote, “The power to question is the basis of all human progress.” Particle physicist Claire Malone will illuminate how—despite scientists hitting some "major snags"—questioning our fundamental understanding of nature invites a different, more meaningful perspective universally, proving that enlightenment comes from asking questions, pushing boundaries, and thinking differently.

   How is Generative AI Prompting Changes in Educational Strategy?

 Ethical AI in Spaces of Learning [keynote], City of London, October 2024

In this talk, I explore the transformative potential of generative AI in education, examining both its benefits and challenges. Just as imperfect models in physics have led to significant technological advancements, generative AI models, though far from flawless, hold tremendous promise for enhancing education. These tools offer opportunities to revolutionize teaching and learning by supporting students and reducing teacher workloads, but they also raise important ethical concerns, such as bias, data protection, and academic integrity.

We no longer have the option to keep AI separate from education. Generative AI is already being widely used by students, and educators are increasingly incorporating it into lesson planning, assessments, and teaching resources. However, we must carefully consider how AI is integrated to ensure it benefits all students fairly, supports teachers effectively, and maintains high standards of education.

I discuss how AI can be used to develop new, creative approaches to assessments, prepare students for AI-driven futures, and ensure the ethical use of these tools in classrooms and curricula. As we navigate this evolving landscape, it is essential to create policies and frameworks that balance AI's potential with the need to protect students' rights and educational integrity. By doing so, we can ensure that AI becomes a valuable asset in preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

The AI Scientist?

This talk examines the transformative role of generative AI in scientific research. As artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT and other large language models gain popularity, they are increasingly integrated into research processes. This trend brings both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, AI is revolutionising methods of data analysis and scientific workflows across fields like particle physics, enabling new approaches to solving complex scientific problems. On the other hand, the use of generative AI frequently raises concerns around reproducibility and the transparency of AI models - often referred to as the "black box" issue. This has serious implications for academic integrity and public trust in science. These challenges highlight the importance of explainable AI and responsible AI integration into research. The talk also discusses the growing need for AI literacy among researchers, addressing both technical skills and ethical considerations, to ensure AI is used effectively and responsibly in scientific inquiry. By viewing AI as a powerful tool, rather than an infallible solution, this talk encourages researchers to critically engage with AI while maintaining rigor and trust in the scientific process.

Confessions of a Science Communicator

In this talk, I discuss the many benefits to researchers of being active science communicators - for themselves, for the wider scientific community and for society as a whole. I share my own journey as a science communicator, initially speaking at conferences aimed at raising the profile of underrepresented groups in science, e.g. the disabled communities, through to delivering my TED talk at Abbey Road Studios. I now focus on overcoming the challenges that often prevent effective science communication and assisting fellow scientists to do the same, taking the field of psychedelic medicine as a case study, where researchers can need to counteract entrenched biases in order to share their findings.

From Missing Particles to Missing Physicists

This talk discusses how in our roles as science communicators, we have a vital part to play in elevating the visibility of underrepresented communities in STEM, and bridging the gaps between them. I draw comparisons between the support I have drawn from being part of a community of LGBTQ scientists and the difficulties I have faced in negotiating my research with a physical disability. I illustrate this by taking an example from my field, of a group of particles, who are apparently not very good at letting their presence be known!

The missing 96 percent of the universe 

TED Talk, May 2021

We've misplaced the building blocks of the cosmos -- and particle physicists like Claire Malone are on a mission to find them. Despite scientists hitting a "major snag" in uncovering what exactly makes up dark matter and dark energy, she explains how questioning our fundamental understanding of nature itself invites a different, more meaningful perspective universally.

Making science engaging to people with learning and physical disabilities [workshop]

People with disabilities are severely underrepresented in STEM fields in the UK due to the barriers they face often from an early age. This is detrimental both to the advancement of STEM and society as a whole as a plethora of evidence shows a workforce that isn’t diverse tends to narrow focused solutions. The unique ways in which disabled people interpret and interact with the world, typically perceived as an obstacle to their inclusion, are arguably among humanity’s best chances at solving some of our planet’s biggest problems.

The workshop spotlights techniques and best practice used in making science engaging to an audience with learning or physical disabilities. I draw upon my own experience negotiating a scientific career with a significant physical disability as well as my role as the STEM Lead of the Lightyear Foundation, specifically the lessons learned from designing our Virtual Physics Labs. I identify specific strategies that form an essential toolkit when catering for this audience, designed to support outreach professionals in making their activities more inclusive. Evidence has shown that our students found experiments with a tactile element more engaging e.g. including something to feel, smell or taste. Discussion on how techniques could be applied to other outreach activities is encouraged.

A full listing of my public engagements broken down into the key topics of 

• Inspirational Keynotes,

• Physics Talks,

• AI Discussions, 

• Effective Science Communication,

• Diversity and Inclusion

can be found here.